After a quiet New Year’s Eve and a good night’s sleep we were off to a lazy and leisurely start to the New Year. Leaving Furneaux around 1130 we quickly made it to the head of the Inlet. The walk to Mahana was a smidge over 12km according to our Garmin app, so no race. The track effectively traces around the Western side of Endeavour Inlet, around a peninsula, then around another inlet called ‘Big Bay’ ( best as we could make out). We the.n skirt Punga Cove and over a small headland to Mahana Lodge.
The track on the western side of Endeavour Inlet passes through some private land – farms, bachs and the odd camp ground. The second half of the tramp is through forest. The whole route is undulating.
The weather was overcast but pleasant. We continued the pattern of our tardy start, dawdling along and stopping frequently to check out a view.
A highlight was ‘Laughing Cow’ cheese and crackers for lunch in the forest.
A few pleasant hours later and Punga Cove came into view.
Mahana Lodge sits in its own private little bay. It’s reached via a bit of a goat track ( or via boat) as a large slip in July 2021 wiped out the original approach track. The lodge is small ( maximum 10 guests) and has a stunning outlook. As a bonus, the resident manager / chef, David, hosts a ‘Table d’Hote’ menu each evening he prepares from local produce. David, it turns out, is an excellent cook and the meals were great- supported by a range of OK local Marlborough Region wines.
The plan, executed exceedingly well, was to spend two nights at Mahana with the day off as a ‘rest’ day. Because, you know, holidays.
Ness’ and Mark’s Wandering 