Punga Cove Resort

We spent three nights here and would definitely come back. The boat ride through the Marlborough Sound, stopping at different points, was perfect. Punga Cove is also right by the Charlotte Trail, so you can walk part of it during your stay. The views, food, and atmosphere were fantastic. There’s plenty to do, from kayaking, table tennis, swimming in the pool, or relaxing in the hot tub, to simply doing nothing. It’s a great place for a laid-back holiday.

The Punga Fern Restaurant has lovely views, and everything we ordered was well prepared and served. The smart-casual à la carte menu has fresh, well-cooked dishes, plus a great range of local and international wines. The resort itself is a beautiful, nature-filled spot in the Marlborough Sounds, with memorable water and bush views. You can relax, hike the Queen Charlotte Track, or kayak from the property. It’s built on a hillside, so expect some walking between your accommodation and the facilities. Wifi and cellphone reception are limited, which suited us for disconnecting. Staff were friendly, although they seemed short-staffed at times and service could be slower when busy. A memorable getaway with great scenery, outdoor activities, and a relaxed feel.

The food and drinks were great, just what we needed to recharge before the next part of our hike. The resort was a pleasant stop on the QC Trail, though our room was at the very top of the hill above reception. After hiking 5-6 miles, it would’ve been nice to get offered a cart ride up. We also had a frustrating issue with our bags. We’d asked staff if they could arrange to have them transferred to the next lodge or resort, and were first told it was fine. When we checked again the morning before hiking out, they said they couldn’t meet our request. If I hike the QC Trail again, I’d be fine staying here.

We only came for lunch, so I can’t say anything about the rooms. The mussels were delicious, and my partner’s pizza looked really good. Staff gave me a ride on their quad bike after I twisted my ankle, which was great service. The place has tropical island resort vibes, with an epic view over Punga Cove. It was raining when we arrived, and the mist made it feel magical.