Nydia Track

The Nydia Track is a 2-day tramping or 5-8 hr mountain biking track. It passes through lush coastal and regenerating forest, climbs two saddles with superb views and crosses farmland. There are many unbridged stream crossings and one unbridged river crossing on the track. They are not always safe to cross, especially during/after heavy rain. Assess them carefully before crossing; if in doubt, do not cross. The track is mainly unformed. It is rocky, rough and uneven with large tree roots. Sections are slippery and muddy. Wear sturdy tramping boots and take care.

Duncan Bay to Nydia Bay campsite (4 hr)

The first hour follows the shoreline with glimpses of the sea through lush coastal forest - giant rimu, nīkau, beech trees and tree ferns. Pipi Beach, 15 min from the track start, is a good picnic spot. At Ngawhakawhiti Bay the track climbs to Nydia Saddle (347 m) - take in the great views of Tennyson Inlet. The track then drops steeply down to the campsite in Nydia Bay. On this shady, southern side of the saddle, the track is damp with numerous deep gulleys making mountain biking a little treacherous.

Nydia campsite to Nydia Lodge turn-off (1 hr 30 min)

From the Nydia Bay campsite the track undulates through regenerating native forest, in places crossing private land. Just before the lodge turn-off you have to ford a wide stream. Nydia Lodge is a 30 min walk around the shore from the turn-off. Nydia Lodge sleeps up to 50 people (bookings required and minimum charges may apply).

Nydia Lodge turn-off to Kaiuma Bay (4 hr)

At the turn-off the track leads across open farmland beside the stream, crossing it twice. The climb to Kaiuma Saddle (387 m) through beech forest and regenerating scrub has superb views, including of Marlborough’s highest mountain, Tapuae-o-Uenuku (2885 m), in the distant Inland Kaikoura mountains. The track in this section is narrow and has many steep drop offs. From the saddle, the track drops quickly to cross a stream. The track then climbs a little into the forest and sidles around to a point above Kaiuma Bay, before dropping to the car park.

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 from the Tennyson Inlet end. Allow 5 to 8 hr; longer if you don't have transport to both road ends. This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code : respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.