Last updated November 2026
The Nydia Track is a 27 km coastal tramping and mountain biking track in the Pelorus Sound area, about 41 km from Blenheim, running between Duncan Bay in Tennyson Inlet and Kaiuma Bay near Havelock.
DOC grades it as an advanced tramping track and times it at 9.5 hours one way, usually walked over two days with a night at Nydia Bay.
Along the way it passes through coastal and regenerating forest, crosses two saddles with wide views and runs across farmland. There are many unbridged stream crossings and one unbridged river crossing, which DOC says should be assessed carefully, especially during or after heavy rain. Check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Nydia Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Duncan Bay road end and car park, Tennyson Inlet (end of Opouri Road), or the Kaiuma Bay end on Kaiuma Bay Road near Havelock
- Distance from the city
- About 41 km from Blenheim
- Walking time
- 9.5 hr one way (DOC suggests two days); 5–8 hr by mountain bike
- Track length
- 27 km one way
- Grade
- Advanced tramping track (DOC grade); mountain biking grade 4
- Dogs
- Dogs with a DOC permit only; no dogs at Nydia Lodge, and dogs on a lead on private land
- Camping
- Nydia Bay campsite (DOC backcountry campsite, 8 tent sites)
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Nydia Track
The track runs between two road ends, with Nydia Bay sitting between its two saddles. DOC describes it as mainly unformed: rocky, rough and uneven, with large tree roots and sections that are slippery and muddy. Sturdy tramping boots are a must.
Duncan Bay to Nydia Bay campsite (4 hr)
The first hour follows the shoreline through coastal forest of giant rimu, nīkau, beech and tree ferns, with glimpses of the sea. Pipi Beach, 15 minutes from the start, makes a good picnic stop.
At Ngawhakawhiti Bay the track climbs to Nydia Saddle (347 m), with views over Tennyson Inlet, then drops steeply to the campsite. This shady southern side of the saddle is damp, with deep gullies.
Nydia Bay to the Nydia Lodge turn-off (1 hr 30 min)
From the campsite the track undulates through regenerating forest, partly on private land, and fords a wide stream just before the lodge turn-off. Nydia Lodge is 30 minutes around the shore from the turn-off.
Nydia Lodge turn-off to Kaiuma Bay (4 hr)
The track crosses open farmland beside a stream, fording it twice, then climbs through beech forest and regenerating scrub to Kaiuma Saddle (387 m).
DOC says the views include Tapuae-o-Uenuku (2885 m), Marlborough’s highest mountain, in the distant Inland Kaikōura mountains. This section is narrow with many steep drop-offs. From the saddle the track drops to a stream, sidles through forest to a point above Kaiuma Bay and descends to the car park.
Nydia Bay: Camping, Lodge and History
The Nydia Bay campsite is a DOC backcountry campsite with 8 tent sites, a non-flush toilet and untreated tap water, so boil, filter or treat it before drinking.
Fires are not permitted on the track, at campsites or at Nydia Lodge, and there are no rubbish facilities. Nydia Lodge sleeps up to 50; DOC notes bookings are required and minimum charges may apply.
The forest around Nydia Bay is regenerating, dominated by tall mānuka and kānuka, with native orchids on the banks in summer. Listen for bellbirds, tūī and kererū, and watch for fantails, robins and tomtits, with weka along the forest edge and shags, gannets and herons around the bays.
There was a pā at Nydia Bay called Opouri, the Place of Sadness. Native timber milling began in the bay in the 1870s and ran until around 1920, with a 300 m wharf and a settlement, though little of the logging era remains today.
Getting There and Mountain Biking
Tennyson Inlet end
Turn off State Highway 6 just north of Rai Valley, then right onto Opouri Road and follow it to the end. DOC says it is 27 km to Tennyson Inlet, with a winding final section over Opouri Saddle. The track starts at the road end and car park at Duncan Bay.
Kaiuma Bay end
Turn off at Te Hoiere Road, 2 km north of Havelock, then right onto Kaiuma Bay Road and travel 21 km to the signposted track start. DOC says the road is narrow in places, winding and unsealed.
DOC notes charter launches and the mail boat can take passengers from Havelock to Shag Point (4 km from the Kaiuma end), Nydia Bay or Duncan Bay.
Riding the track
DOC calls this a ride for those who like a challenge: technical and rough, with plenty of rocks and roots, and very slippery in the wet. It is best ridden from the Tennyson Inlet end in dry weather; allow 5–8 hours, or longer without transport at both ends. Horses are not allowed. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
Track Conditions and Safety
The Sounds weather is generally mild but changes quickly, so carry warm and waterproof clothing, and check the marine forecast if you are heading out on the water. DOC warns the unbridged streams and river can’t always be crossed, especially during or after heavy rain: if in doubt, don’t cross, and wait for the water to drop.
Carry antihistamine in late summer and autumn if you are allergic to wasp stings. The track crosses private land between Kaiuma and Nydia bays, so respect the owners’ property. Use Plan My Walk to prepare and take a distress beacon.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Nydia Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Pelorus and Kenepuru Sounds area: other DOC tracks, campsites and alerts around the Pelorus and Kenepuru sounds.
Plan My Walk: a free planning tool for weather, gear lists and sharing your intentions before a tramp.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Nydia Track?
27 km one way. DOC times it at 9.5 hours walking, usually over two days, or 5–8 hours by mountain bike.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an advanced tramping track. It is mainly unformed, rough, rocky and muddy in places, and climbs over two saddles.
Where can I stay overnight?
At the DOC backcountry campsite at Nydia Bay (8 tent sites), or at Nydia Lodge, which sleeps up to 50 and needs to be booked.
Are there river crossings?
Yes, many unbridged streams and one unbridged river. Assess each one carefully, and don’t cross during or after heavy rain if in doubt.
Can I mountain bike the Nydia Track?
Yes. It is a grade 4 shared-use track, best ridden from the Tennyson Inlet end in dry weather.
Are dogs allowed?
Only with a DOC permit. No dogs at Nydia Lodge, and dogs must be on a lead on private land.
Can I get to the track by boat?
Yes. DOC says charter launches and the mail boat run passengers from Havelock to Shag Point, Nydia Bay or Duncan Bay.
Which end should I start from?
DOC describes the walk from Duncan Bay to Kaiuma Bay, and recommends riders start from the Tennyson Inlet end at Duncan Bay.
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Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.