Portage Resort Hotel

10/10

Exceptional

12 Apr 2026

Edgar

A most magical place. Food was delicious, bar was well stocked, staff are very friendly and the vistas are spectacular, even during a cyclone!!!

10/10

Exceptional

16 Mar 2026

Sandra

Beautiful views, friendly staff, roomy accommodation. Great amenities.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Mar 2026

Stephen Joseph

This place was great and the staff were really good…. What a location!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Mar 2026

Heath

Wonderful place

8/10

Excellent

03 Mar 2026

Debra

I think it needs a bit of TLC, but the staff were lovely and very helpful. Also I think the dinner menu needs improving, as there wasn’t a lot of choice. But overall it is in a beautiful location and would definitely return

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

02 Mar 2026

Peter

The soundproofing between rooms is terrible. The guest/s staying above us made a terrible racket and was disturbing.
Shower curtains just don’t cut it anymore. The shower as a result was horrible.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Feb 2026

ivanka

Excellent location, staff and cuisine!

10/10

Exceptional

20 Feb 2026

Douglas

Clean, spacious, great views. The staff was fantastic and very helpful in making boat and hiking arrangements. Food was also quite good. Nice lounge area overlooking the bay.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Feb 2026

Kathleen

Clean and quiet. The staff was awesome!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

11 Feb 2026

AM

Staff were cheerful and wanting to make our stay enjoyable.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Feb 2026

Judith

Lovely view, great food , warm and professional staff always ready to help

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jan 2026

martine

Great staff across the board.
Got a room upgrade

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jan 2026

Gerald

Beautiful location, with great views, a lovely restaurant and good facilities.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

30 Dec 2025

Penny

Stunning scenery, beautiful restaurant and bar, fabulous friendly staff. Rooms needs a upgrade but adequate. The rooms did not take advantage of the views.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 Dec 2025

Mireille

Great food
Have enjoy Ana liove the staff
Own thing , building starting becoming older but still clean and fonctionnal :)
Nice stay

Self

10/10

Exceptional

25 Dec 2025

Gunter

Nice view… didn’t have breakfast

10/10

Exceptional

21 Dec 2025

Michael

Stunning views and a great spot to unwind. But what truly sets this place apart is the incredible staff - friendly, professional, and always willing to go the extra mile to make your stay special. Highly recommended!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

19 Dec 2025

Emma

We stayed here 8 years ago and the rooms were pretty run down . What a pleasant surprise to see they had been given a makeover !
Lamb to die for and the smoked salmon eggs Benedict was top class. Excellent friendly service and they even provided a complimentary shuttle up the hill to the start of the QC track . Wonderful!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Dec 2025

Nick

All the staff were amazing and so so friendly and professional. Fantastic service at an amazing resort in the jewel of the Marlborough Sounds.

10/10

Exceptional

14 Dec 2025

PANTIPA

Great view and a lot of nature all around. We love our stay. We saw millions of stars at night all over the sky. It was so amazing. It is the best place for star glazing.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Dec 2025

Lachlan

Comfortable rooms
Great food
Friendly staff

10/10

Exceptional

09 Dec 2025

Philippa

Gorgeous location, wonderful staff and great value for money. We’ll be back.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

29 Nov 2025

Shona

After our longest walk on the 4 day Queen Charlotte Track, this resort was a delight to end with. The room was comfortable and the shower hot. They had a lovely bar area for a pre-dinner drink and dinner was delicious. We found the water conservation and rainwater use fascinating and applaud their efforts. We were a little concerned about the long downhill on the road to get to the lodge from the track knowing we had to go up the next day. Imagine the wonderful surprise when the front desk told us they shuttle trekkers to the track in their van. A super nice way to start as the track started with a long, steep uphill. Highly recommended

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

18 Nov 2025

Wayne

As above staff amenities, restaurant,value

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

22 Oct 2025

Jeske

Super friendly staff and great dinner

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

05 May 2025

Shahnaz

Lovely property in the Marlborough Sounds, the views were exceptional with friendly and helpful staff.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Apr 2025

Matt

Grear

8/10

Excellent

27 Apr 2025

David

I rode the QCT in 3 days, and Portage was my second night in the track. The staff and food were excellent. They offer a morning shuttle for hikers to eliminate the 750m climb back to the track but DO NOT off er the same for cyclists. It’s a heck of a way to start the most difficult day of the track.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

30 Mar 2025

Ange

A gorgeous place to stay after a big hike. Amazing restaurant. Highly recommend.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Mar 2025

Tina

We loved our stay at The Portage - the staff was super friendly, the food delicious.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

07 Mar 2025

Jonathan

Prefer more rustic, but this was a nice splurge

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Feb 2025

Douglas

Great staff!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Feb 2025

Angela

Very comfortable stay in a stunning spot

Wonderful stay at this hotel in a very beautiful location. The views from our balcony and the restaurant were just stunning! Excellent food for dinner and breakfast and friendly service throughout. We walked in from Punga Cove so really appreciated cooling off in the lovely clean pool. The room was spacious and comfortable with a decent coffee machine and fridge. The weather was very hot so the fan in the room was much appreciated. The team dealt efficiently with the water taxi bag transfer service.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jan 2025

Angela

Sensational location and laidback resort

Sensational location and laidback resort. Perfect for long walk stopovers with comfy lounge and informal dining room overlooking the Sounds. Excellent food and attentive staff. Long drive in along a sealed but storm damaged road.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Dec 2024

Henrik

Excellent resort

Excellent restaurant, the room slightly basic but with superb views of the sea from the balconies. Beautiful location, nice beach and free kayaks. Friendly staff.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Dec 2024

Alicia

Great stay!

Great location, good service, excellent food, and beautiful views.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Dec 2024

Jodie

Very beautiful area in a cove with startlingly views from the deck.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

25 May 2024

Chris

Older property but safe, secluded with a beautiful view of Portage Bay and mountains. Rooms have a patio, but no televisions or clocks. Shower floor was slippery. One dining room and separate lounge area with fireplace. Because of major storm damage a few years ago, we were not able to drive to property, instead we needed to take a water taxi from Picton.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

31 Mar 2024

Katie

Amazing views, reception staff were very friendly and helpful, we enjoyed lovely fish & chips but were asked to leave due to number of guests wasn’t an issue for us, our luggage was left down at jetty but was quickly resolved, beds were so comfy with mattress topper after two days of biking

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

11 Mar 2024

Caroline

I had such a lovely stay here. The staff were so friendly and helpful. The place was ideally placed in Marlborough sound. Easyish to get to with a pick-up service from the hotel to the quay. Great kayaking and hiking from the hotel doorstep.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

10 Mar 2024

Angelique

If you're hiking the Queen Charlotte track, the only other option after a very long Day 3 is a backpacker hostel. The Portage has its issues but it's the better option and is fine for one night.

The setting is gorgeous, like pretty much everything on the QC. The restaurant and bar, both in the main building, overlook a beautiful bay and the views are stunning. There's a terrace off the bar which is a great place to have a cold beer or glass of wine. The restaurant's pretty good and even has some decent vegetarian options. The staff were all very friendly.

A big plus was the guest laundry. We were able to wash our stinky trail clothes for $4 NZD.

Our room, however, was pretty disappointing. We stayed in one of the \"budget friendly\" Weka rooms. It was pretty bare bones, like a Motel 6 with much nicer towels and a comfy bed but without AC or a TV. There was a really grotty, stained old arm chair in one corner and the bathroom was functional but weird. There were lots of dead bugs around.

Overall, it's overpriced for what it is but for one night on the trail with cold beer, a shower and a comfy bed, it delivers.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Feb 2024

Sharyn

Beautiful views, super comfortable rooms & very friendly, helpful staff!! Highly recommend!

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

24 Jan 2024

Simon

Beautiful location, just found it a bit run down

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jan 2024

Roweida

Our stay was so peaceful. Being in the sounds was so relaxing. The staff were amazing. We are definitely going back

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

05 Jan 2024

Susan

The staff at the Portage was very pleasant to interact both at the front desk as well as in the restaurant. I stayed in two different type rooms. The Korimako Sunroom (#20) had a beuatiful view of the bay. As stated on the site, this type of room does not have a deck but the view was beautiful. I appreciated that the room had two twin beds and a full bed for our group of 3 adults. The other room type we stayed in was the Kormiako Room (#41 & #42). These rooms have a nice deck to sit out on and enjoy a beautiful day but unfortunately the trees & greenery have grown up and block and view you might have while sitting on the deck. One of our two rooms also did not have a refrigerator in the room. We enjoyed our fish & chips at the restaurant on site.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Oct 2023

Karen

Located in a beautiful paradise. Can’t wait to return. Staff were extremely helpful and friendly. Wonderful stay

Leisure Friends

4/10

Poor

09 Apr 2023

Kelly

Unfortunately not only did we find out there was only boat access less than 24hours of making the booking. The non refundable room couldn't supply a roll away bed for our child. Also the room was dirty. Dusty and mould on the curtains. There wasn't enough towels or toiletries. There wasn't even a bread knife to make a sandwich. The cafe is not a cafe. Coffee and stale muffins. Which we weren't offered a plate, napkin or spoon for coffees. Everything was just underwhelming. If you didn't know the place, which we didn't you had no idea where you could explore or even walk. All in all not what we anticipated for two days.

Leisure Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

09 Apr 2023

Ken

Expedia lists your property as 6.5 km from Picton, which maybe true by helicopter but not by car. Also, I received a message about the road after I got there. Access issues should be listed upfront. Nice place to visit but it was a rough drive.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

21 Feb 2023

Susan

Seclusion was excellent. The road to the property however has been closed and we were not informed about this at the time of booking through Wotif, or at any time afterwards. Cars have to be left at Picton.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

29 Jan 2023

gary

The setting was wonderful with spectacular views from our room. Staff was friendly, efficient and accommodating. Had to use bottled water which was a bit inconvenient but not a usual occurrence. Some games and books were available but could have had a larger collection. Lounge area was comfortable and food quite delicious.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jan 2023

Belinda

Great staff and excellent large rooms

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

05 Jun 2022

Richard

The staff were pleasant. If you are used to sleeping in a tent or hut, the rooms are fine but not ok for 4 star hotel. Room smelt damp, was likely due to the water and mould in the window sills/frames. Room was cold and the bathrooms, blinds etc were dirty. No cups, one odd champagne glass, two dirty miss matched teaspoons and the smallest fridge in the world. Room could be made much more welcoming with a good clean and some homely touches easily.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

18 Apr 2022

Shelley

Really enjoyed our stay here, room was great and had a large covered deck with a fantastic view. Dinner was a set menu, but was awesome and the decent serving sizes were much appreciated after a long day on the QCT. Would definitely stay here again.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

21 Mar 2022

Richard

The breakfast menu was fairly average compared to the dinner menu

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jan 2022

Evelyn

A wonderful resort experience surrounded by stunning nature. Friendly staff no go the extra mile. Delicious food. Outdoor activities - nature trails, kayaks, paddle oars, swimming, badminton and more.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

22 Jan 2022

Teresa

Fabulous place to Stay

The Portage was a great place to stay. The view was awesome and the staff extremely friendly. The only negative was only having 1 restaurant open, so limiting the dining options. The kids loved the paddle boards and kayaks and pool

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

13 Jul 2021

Verified traveler

The open fire in the public sitting area was nice to sit in front of after dinner.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

02 Jul 2021

Verified traveler

Beautiful outlook and lovely sunny facilities.
some parts are looking a little tired but friendly staff made up for this.
Lovely dinner menu, but a bit more variety in breakfast menu would be nice, ie cereal or toast??

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

19 Jun 2021

Verified traveler

Location

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 May 2021

Verified traveler

The view from this hotel is stunning at all times of the day. Lovely friendly staff, excellent meals, and clean, fresh, well-presented, warm rooms. Great amenities.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

07 May 2021

Verified traveler

Location is awesome, views amazing. No TV or radio and internet connection was poor. Which is not necessarily a bad thing, good to disconnect for a few days. Board games available.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Apr 2021

Verified traveler

Fantastic spot worth the effort

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Apr 2021

Verified traveler

Beautiful hotel, with first class restaurant in a stunning setting. It was so nice to arrive to a friendly face on the reception desk after a big day walking the track. Our room was clean and very comfortable with lovely high ceilings and some views of the sea. Nice that the hotel has good facilities such as bar and restaurant and we enjoyed a drink in the bar before our meal and our meal in the restaurant was excellent. Comfortable beds and quiet room. A great stay, thank you so much 😊

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

18 Apr 2021

Verified traveler

Location was great for relaxing.

Leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

15 Apr 2021

Allan

Not Good

The Weka room was hard to reach, on a dangerous path, poorly lit. The room was run down, badly in need of a refit, and worst of all someone had been smoking in it. There were no No Smoking signs. It was horrible to sleep in. The Lounge and Dining room were okay, but dominated by loud drunk track bikers. When the Manager rang us later he seemed to doubt the smoking.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Apr 2021

KATHY

A very welcome stay after a 24km walk through the Queen Charlotte track from Punga Cove. Lovely meal and very friendly staff.

Friends_and_family Friends

2/10

Poor

03 Apr 2021

Verified traveler

Dinner in the restaurant was a big disappointment. I ordered a chicken Ceasar salad which came with a raw egg. The salad was coated in oily parmesan cheese. It was perhaps the worst chicken Ceasar salad I have ever ordered to be perfectly honest. My partner ordered mussels which were not great either, quite a few of the shells were closed and they were quite tasteless.
The only part of the dinner which was good was the dessert, the saving grace.
Unfortunately, the $28 packed lunch we ordered for the next day's hike was also pretty bad - a sandwich with a slice of cheese, lettuce, tomato, and an inedible orange.
We also noticed a lot of flies in the restaurant and bar... really gross when you're trying to have dinner/drinks.

Overall, the staff were really friendly and welcoming so this was nice, but it's a shame that such an amazing location has such low-grade food... it was the last place we stayed at on the queen charlotte track, and it would have been good to finish it with a good impression.

I hope The Portage take this review on board and try to improve - other guests we were walking with were in complete agreement that the food was way below average, and definitely not worth the high prices.

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

02 Apr 2021

Verified traveler

Single-glazed windows with lots of condensation and no ventilation in bathroom and spa bath area. Heating inadequate for room. Bar and restaurant lacked adequate heating. Overall a very disappointing stay, despite the great staff!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

31 Mar 2021

Helen

Awesome view and location

Awesome location, weather not great but views of bay beautiful and moody. Food outstanding, great service by young staff. Grounds could do with some weeding but I’m being picky

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

28 Mar 2021

Verified traveler

Nice swimming pool, free to use kayaks.
Nice food, friendly staff.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

05 Mar 2021

Verified traveler

The lounge and dining area are beautifully located overlooking Keneperu Sound. The surrounding gardens are attractively landscaped.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Feb 2021

JANINE M

Good tranquil stay, hotel showing it’s age

Older hotel, on a hill so most rooms have steps or a steep hill to climb. Our room had a fenced patio (fence in need of repair). Spacious room with comfortable bed, good wifi, reasonable shower and a spa bath. No TV, though that wasn’t a problem for us, no aircon, good views of the water from the patio, but the shrubs in front of the room were too high and dense to see through. No kitchen, just tea/coffee making facilities. Not even a plate, knife, spoon if you wanted to do any meals for yourself. Restaurant is good, staff young, friendly and very professional. The food was reasonably priced, very good chef. Drinks rather expensive. Only the main restaurant was open so no options for eating elsewhere.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

02 Jan 2021

Teresa

Beautiful quiet spot in beautiful Marlborough

My daughter and I stayed a night here in early January. On the whole the service was great, and the evening meal at the hotel restaurant was delicious. Just one tip,I would suggest to the wait staff that a drinks menu should be brought at the same time as the food menu. It took a while to get hold of one.
No TVs in the rooms so load up your ipads etc. if you like to watch a bit of telly before you go to sleep.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jan 2021

Verified traveler

Great hotel on the sound. Very close to the Queen Charlotte track. Can do hikes or biking from there. They also have kayaks. Great views from our private deck. Really enjoyed our stay there over Christmas - It was the perfect holiday. The staff seems to work very hard to ensure everyone is happy. Highly recommended.

A small note about the drive to the hotel: if you get nauseous on winding roads, it’s highly recommended you take a Dramamine pill ahead of time (if you’re the passenger) or be the driver as it helps a bit.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Mar 2020

Verified traveler

QC Track

Biked Queen Charlotte track and had a very enjoyable and relaxing evening at The Portage.
Beautiful setting and very comfortable bed for tired bodies

Partner