Tennyson Inlet/Nydia Bay hunting

General information

This land rises from sea level to 1032 metres on Editor Hill in the west and 971 metres on Mt Stanley in the east. Vegetation ranges from coastal broadleaf/podocarp forests at lower altitudes to mature beech forest that stretches to the summits of the hills.

In Nydia Bay there are large areas of regenerating forest following clearance for timber production and then farming in the late 19th century.

Occasional red deer can be found throughout the area at any time of the year. Feral pigs are common throughout. Goats are in low numbers around Tennyson Inlet.

Access

There is good access to public conservation land from the Tennyson Inlet Road (particularly at Opouri Saddle) with access also off the French Pass Road.

Three tracks are within this area. The Nydia Track is reached in the north from Duncan Bay, and in the south the track joins the Kaiuma Bay Road, in Kaiuma Bay.

The Opouri Bridal Track is a short track that runs from the Opouri Saddle on the Tennyson Inlet Road to the base of the hill in Harvey Bay.

Archers Track also exists at Penzance Bay travelling close to the coast to Elaine Bay.

• Nydia Track
• Opouri Bridal Track
• Archers Track

Some of the best access is via boat which can be launched on all tide ramps at either Duncan or Penzance Bays in Tennyson Inlet or Havelock. Pelorus Sound is very tidal and it is easy for boats to strand that are anchored in shallow bays.

Privately owned land is common around much of the periphery of this area. Familiarise yourself with public conservation land boundaries prior to any hunting trip, native forest alone does not identify public conservation land.

Landholders

No information is currently available.

Map information

NZTopo50 BP27, BP28, BQ27 and BQ28

Dogs

Hunting dogs are allowed with a permit from the local DOC office. Dogs are not allowed at the camp sites or at Nydia Bay Lodge.

Hut information

• Matai Bay Hut (boat access only) in Tennyson Inlet is managed by the Tennyson Inlet Boat Club Incorporated on behalf of DOC and bookings are essential. Contact DOC Sounds Area Office to make a booking.
• Nydia Lodge (foot, mountain bike, or boat access only) can cater for up to 50 people. It is located near the Nydia Track in Nydia Bay. Bookings are essential. Contact the local DOC office to enquire about bookings. Hunting in the vicinity of Nydia Lodge is not permitted when it is occupied.

Basic campsites are available:

• Harvey Bay (vehicle access)
• Tawa Bay (boat access only)
• Nydia Bay (boat, mountain bike and foot access).

There are also a number of private accommodation options within Penzance and Duncan Bays (Tennyson Inlet) and within Nydia Bay.

Additional information

DOC reserve land in the Marlborough Sounds is closed to hunting annually from sunset on 22 December to sunrise on 9 February.

Note: the public conservation land to the south and west of Editor Hill, Lookout Peak, Gibraltar Hill and Opouri Peak is managed as part of the Mt Richmond Forest Park and is not subject to the summer hunting closures.

Rivers and streams

Stay safe when crossing rivers

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

How to cross rivers safely