Fair Bay Track

After the skipper expertly dropped anchor in Fair Bay, our eager group made its way to the shore aboard a small rubber dinghy. We had received ample warnings about the Jacobs Bay/Fair Bay track, obstructed by a mudslide triggered by recent floods in the region. Undeterred by the impediment, and fueled by the desire to stretch our legs after a combination of flying and bus travel, we resolved to explore the trail and retrace our steps back to the waiting boat.
With a total length of 4.67 km, the Jacobs Track promised a 3-hour adventure through picturesque landscapes. Aware that the ongoing obstruction limited our exploration, we set out to cover as much ground as possible. Our stroll extended to approximately 1.5 km before we gracefully turned back, ensuring we wouldn't keep the boat waiting for too long. Although our expedition was curtailed, the limited stretch we traversed offered splendid panoramas of Fair Bay. The vast expanse of water, framed by rolling hills, created a visual spectacle that lingered in our memories. Eager photographers among us seized the opportunity to capture the beauty of the surroundings, freezing moments that would later serve as mementos of our brief trek along the Jacobs Track.
As daylight dwindled, we reconvened aboard the boat and concluded our day with traditional pre-dinner snacks and drinks. The convivial atmosphere, coupled with the promise of a delectable meal prepared by our gracious host, provided a fitting end to our truncated yet rewarding exploration. Despite the limitations imposed by nature, the Jacobs Track had bestowed upon us a taste of its charm, leaving us with a yearning for future adventures in this scenic coastal enclave.

Archer Track

The Archer Track, a 9 km trail weaving through native and pine forests, unfolds a picturesque journey from Penzance Bay to Elaine Bay. Named after the Archer family, stewards of the region since the 1880s, the track offers a unique blend of walking and mountain biking experiences.
Our adventure began with a morning sail to Elaine Bay. The initial leg of the trek, spanning from Elaine Bay to Deep Bay, treated us to a two-hour stroll along a well-maintained path. The captivating views of Tennyson Inlet and its scattered islands became a constant companion, complementing the soothing exercise. Arriving at Deep Bay, a rendezvous with the crew awaited us, culminating in a satisfying cooked lunch. Energized, we resumed our journey, completing the remaining stretch to Penzance Bay. Dense native forests, adorned with a mix of beech and podocarp species, enveloped us as we covered approximately 5 kilometers over the next two hours.
Returning to the vessel, we embarked on a captivating sightseeing cruise guided by the captain, exploring the hidden gems of Tennyson Inlet through a tiki tour of multiple little bays. As the day waned, our floating haven dropped anchor for the night at Duncan Bay, adding a touch of tranquility to the adventure. The Archer Track not only showcased the natural beauty of the Pelorus Sounds but also seamlessly integrated walking with a boat cruise, providing a seamless and enriching experience. The synergy between land and sea, coupled with the historical resonance of the Archer family, made this trek a memorable exploration of nature and heritage.

Nydia Track

Day One

Embarking on the Nydia Track adventure, we set foot on the 27-kilometer trail nestled in the scenic Pelorus Sound/Te Hoiere and Kenepuru Sound area. This track promised a journey through lush coastal landscapes, regenerating forests, and farmlands. The anticipation was palpable as our group gathered on Duncan Bay beach, where the skipper dropped us off for the start of our first day, Nydia Track exploration.
The initial hour immersed us in a captivating shoreline walk, winding through a dense coastal forest adorned with towering rimu, nīkau, beech trees, and majestic tree ferns. From Ngawhakawhiti Bay, our path gradually ascended, leading us through a climb towards Nydia Saddle. The ascent was not overly steep, but fallen trees occasionally obstructed our way, posing a challenge for some of the shorter members in our group. Nevertheless, the effort was rewarded as we reached Nydia Saddle at 347 meters, revealing breathtaking panoramic views of Tennyson Inlet.
Amidst the grandeur of Nydia Saddle, we paused for lunch, sharing our experiences with fellow walkers heading in the opposite direction. Friendly exchanges included warnings about obstacles on the trail, creating a sense of camaraderie among Nydia Track explorers. The descent from the saddle led us into the southern, shaded side, where careful navigation on slippery terrain became imperative. Passing Nydia Bay Camp Site, we trekked on for another hour until we reached a wooden pier, where our awaiting boat promised a well-deserved respite. As the day concluded, a refreshing shower, cold drinks, and a satisfying dinner awaited us, bringing a perfect close to the first leg of our Nydia Track adventure. The varied landscapes, challenging conditions, and shared moments with fellow adventurers made the journey unforgettable, setting the stage for the next chapter in this outdoor escapade.

Nydia Track

Day Two

After a hearty breakfast, we prepared for the second leg of the Nydia Track adventure. With packed lunches in tow, we made arrangements with the boat crew to rendezvous at Hoods Bay, setting the stage for a day of exploration. Our journey began by tracing the picturesque Nydia Bay, passing the On The Track Lodge along the way. Exiting the bay, we traversed open farmland, encountering a moment of unease as we navigated through a herd of cows and their playful young ones.
Crossing a stream twice brought unexpected laughter as some of us attempted to keep our boots dry, only to end up with wet feet. Beyond the farmland, an ascent through a beech forest awaited us, leading us to the Kaiuma Saddle at 387 meters. The climb was rewarded with breathtaking views, including the sight of Marlborough's highest peak, Tapuae-o-Uenuku, standing majestically at 2885 meters in the distant Inland Kaikoura mountains. At the summit, we encountered a fit couple completing their first day of the trek.
A well-deserved lunch break awaited us at the top of the saddle. The descent was swift, with the trail dropping to cross a stream and unexpectedly climbing a bit through the forest, offering panoramic views above Kaiuma Bay. The final stretch, albeit less exciting, led us through an hour-long road section before reaching the meeting point with the boat crew.
Our last night aboard the boat was bittersweet as we prepared to sail for Havelock Marina the next morning. Fond farewells were exchanged with the crew before we disembarked, spending some leisure time in the marina. A slight hiccup occurred when our driver, en route to pick us up from Havelock, mistakenly headed to Picton before realizing the error. Fortunately, with time to spare, we made it to the ferry terminal just in time for our sailing to Wellington.