Nydia Track, Marlborough Sounds
See also:
Nydia Track brochure (PDF, 751K)
In summer contact
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Picton Visitor Centre i-SITE Information Centre
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Phone:
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+64 3 520 3113
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Fax:
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+64 3 573 5021
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Email:
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picton@i-SITE.org
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Address:
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The Foreshore
Picton
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Postal Address:
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The Foreshore,
PICTON, 7212
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In winter contact
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Sounds Area Office
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Phone:
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+64 3 520 3002
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Fax:
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+64 3 520 3003
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Email:
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soundsao@doc.govt.nz
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Address:
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Port Marlborough Building
14 Auckland Street
Picton 7220
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Postal Address:
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P O Box 161
Picton 7250
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Track category
Tramping track
Mountain bike - Advanced
Time:
2 days one way
Distance:
27 km
Description
The Nydia Track is open for walking and mountain biking. In places, it passes through lush coastal forest, with rimu, nikau, and beech trees, and it climbs to two saddles with superb views. It also crosses farmland and passes through regenerating forest.
Natural features
The Marlborough Sounds are drowned river valleys.
In the mature forests, hear the songs of the korimako/bellbird and tui and the 'swoosh' of the flying kereru/wood pigeon. Piwakawaka/fantails, robins, and miromiro/tomtits flit among the manuka and kanuka trees, and weka roam the forest edges. Shags and gannets fish in deep water, and birds like herons stalk the shores for food.
Cultural/historical features
According to Maori tradition, the South Island is the canoe of Aoraki. Its sunken prow forms Queen Charlotte Sound/Totaranui and Pelorus Sound/Te Hoiere. The sounds provided good shelter and food for Maori. There was a pa/fort at Nydia Bay called Opouri/Place of Sadness.
European milling of native timber began at Nydia in the 1870s and continued until around 1920. A wharf was built, and a settlement sprung up. Little remains of the logging era today.
Tennyson Inlet and Picnic Bay
Getting there
For the Tennyson Inlet end, turn off State Highway 6 just north of Rai Valley and travel 27 km to Duncan Bay.
For the Kaiuma Bay end, turn off at Daltons Road, 12 km north of Havelock, and travel 21 km to the track start, on the side of the road marked with a large sign.
Public transport
From Havelock, mini buses run to and from Duncan Bay. Charter launches and the mail boat run to Nydia Bay.
Activities
Dog walking
Fishing
Mountain biking and cycling
Dog walking
A permit is required - contact Sounds Area Office. Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
Dog access in the Sounds
Mountain biking
This is a bike ride for those who like a challenge. The track is quite technical and rough, with many rocks and roots to negotiate. In wet weather it is very slippery and best not attempted. The track is best ridden north to south. Allow 5-8 hours; longer if you don't have transport to both roadends.
Hunting
Hunting is allowed, except from sunset 22 December to sunrise 9 February.
Hunters must have a permit. You can get permits from the Department of Conservation
Hunting dogs are allowed with a DOC permit that must be obtained from the DOC Sounds Area office in Picton. Dogs must be restrained on private land.
Hunting in the vicinity of Nydia Lodge is not permitted when it is occupied.
Find out about:
For further hunting information in this area contact DOC Sounds Area Office.
Boating and sea kayaking
This is a popular area for boating and sea kayaking.
Fishing
Fishing is also a popular activity.
Places to stay
Nydia Lodge sleeps up to 50 people (minimum four). For information on how to make a booking to stay at the lodge contact the DOC Sounds Area office in Picton.
DOC manages a self-registration campsite in Nydia Bay. There is also a self-registration campsite at Harvey Bay in Tennyson Inlet.
Plan and prepare
- Carry warm, waterproof clothing and take care when the track is wet.
- Only light fires in the fireplaces provided at campsites.
- Boil, filter, or treat water for drinking.
- Treat cattle with caution.
- In late summer and autumn, carry antihistamine if allergic to wasp stings.
Guides and commercial tourism providers