3 Day Marlborough Hiking Retreat
The Nydia Track is a hidden gem that captivates all who venture along its winding path. Panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and shimmering waters unfold, offering breathtaking photo opportunities and moments of tranquility.
from $1699PP
Our all-inclusive trip includes
Transport to & from Nelson
2 nights in an off-grid eco lodge with hot showers and private ensuites.
Summit Ōpōuri Peak / Rest Day.
Access to kayaks, paddleboards and a hot tub.
All meals throughout the duration of the trip, made from fresh, local ingredients.
Complimentary use of lightweight, 40L backpack, and carbon fiber hiking poles.
The company of a local, knowledgeable and qualified guide.
Day 1 - Nelson to Nydia Bay
Level of difficulty - Easy
11km, (6.8 miles), 4-5hr
We’ll begin this adventure by meeting your guide at the Tides Hotel, Nelson, at 9:00AM Day 1. This pre departure briefing will outline the itinerary for the following days, issue any rental gear and to meet your guide. From Nelson there is a 1h drive east to the trailhead at Kaiuma Bay.
Day 1 crosses the Kaiuma and Nydia saddles and follows the shoreline of Nydia Bay. You’ll hike through varied landscapes of Mānuka, podocarp forest, pine forests, and old growth Ponga/Silver Fern forests. Just over 12km in, we’ll find ourselves at our incredible lodge that will be ours for the next 2 nights. A three course dinner will be prepared by the lodge with some of the ingredients sourced directly from the surrounding gardens. Perhaps you will choose to enjoy the evening relaxing your muscles in the outdoor hot tub with a cold beer or glass of wine from the lodges bar.
Day 2 - Ōpōuri Peak Summit | Rest Day
Level of difficulty - Challenging
7.2km (4.4 miles), 4-5hr
We’ll enjoy today as a choose-your-own-adventure day. You may spend with your guide showing you how to responsibly and respectfully harvest Harakeke/New Zealand flax used for weaving and instruct you how to weave a small mat, flower or kete (basket). Or maybe you’ll be catching up on a good book and relaxing and/or choosing to kayak, paddle board, swim or enjoy the private hot tub nestled into the native bush.
The optional hike you’ll have on Day 2 will be the Ōpōuri Peak Summit. The Ōpōuri Peak route begins on the gradual Nydia Tramway Route before climbing steeply up the Ōpōuri ridgeline. The route in challenging, requiring some use of hands to pull yourself up certain sections. Views from the top (920m) is truly spectacular, East towards Te Tai-o-Aorere / Tasman Bay and West to Te Tauihu-o-te-Waka / Marlborough Sounds.
Day 3 - Nydia Bay to Nelson
Level of difficulty - Moderate
13.8km (8.5 miles), 5-6h
We’ll depart from our lodge after breakfast towards Duncan Bay. Today we’ll get to hike through ancient miro, red beech, and fern forests, first by walking along the side of Tennyson Inlet and then we’ll climb the Nydia saddle and be surrounded by mosses, lichens, and podocarp forest. With spectacular views of the Tennyson Inlet, we’ll then descend and walk along the Ngawhakawhiti Bay. Before lunch, you may enjoy a swim in the warm blue waters. The hike concludes with views of the sound through the lush coastal forest full of giant rimu, nikau, beech, and fern trees. At the end of the trail, our private vehicle awaits to return the you back to your accommodation or the airport in Nelson and to say your final goodbyes.
Accommodation
Nestled on the serene shores of Nydia Bay, the off-grid eco lodge offers a tranquil retreat surrounded by lush native bush. Built with sustainability in mind, the lodge features natural materials and solar power, seamlessly blending into its stunning environment.
Nydia Lodge
The lodge offers cozy and inviting accommodations designed for comfort and relaxation. The lodge features a variety of rooms thoughtfully furnished with natural materials that reflect the surrounding environment. Large windows provide stunning views of the bay and native bush, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.
Rooms are equipped with comfortable beds and essential amenities, ensuring a restful stay after a day of outdoor adventures. Shared spaces, such as a communal lounge and dining area, encourage socializing and connection among guests. The lodge also emphasizes sustainability, utilizing eco-friendly practices and locally sourced materials. With its warm atmosphere and beautiful setting it is the perfect base for exploring the wonders of Nydia Bay.
Geography
Consisting of a network of deep, narrow sea inlets and sheltered bays, created by a combination of tectonic activity and rising sea levels characterize Marlborough Sounds stunning and unique geography.
Te Tauihu-o-te-Waka / Marlborough Sounds
The Marlborough Sounds, located at the northeastern tip of New Zealand's South Island, are a fascinating example of coastal geomorphology shaped by a combination of geological and climatic processes. This intricate network of waterways, islands, and peninsulas is primarily the result of tectonic activity, erosion, and rising sea levels. Te Tauihu-o-te-Waka / Marlborough Sounds are characterized by a stunning and intricate geography of deep, drowned river valleys, islands, and peninsulas.
Tectonic Movement - The region lies along the boundary of the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates. Over millions of years, tectonic uplift and movement have created the hilly landscapes and deep valleys that characterize the Sounds. The interaction of these plates has led to significant geological formations, including the uplift of the surrounding hills.
Erosion - As the land was uplifted, erosion from rivers and weathering processes began to carve out valleys. The relentless action of water, wind, and ice shaped the landscape, creating deep, narrow valleys that would later be flooded by rising sea levels.
Rising Sea Levels - During the last Ice Age, sea levels were as low as 120m below current day levels. As the climate warmed, melting glaciers caused sea levels to rise, flooding the valleys carved by erosion. This process transformed the previously terrestrial landscape into the intricate network of bays and inlets we see today.
Flora & Fauna
Regenerating kahikatea, miro and vibrant silver ferns which are thriving in the lush coastal forests and contribute to the area's biodiversity and ecological significance.
Flora & Fauna
The flora and fauna of the Marlborough Sounds are unique due to the region's diverse ecosystems, varied topography, and relatively isolated environment. This combination has fostered a rich tapestry of plant and animal life, some of which are endemic or have significant cultural importance.
The Sounds are predominantly covered by native forests, including species such as kahikatea, rimu, and totara. These forests provide critical habitat for many species and play a vital role in the region's ecology.
The area is home to several endemic plant species, such as the Marlborough rock daisy and other unique shrubs and herbs adapted to the local conditions. The diverse microclimates within the Sounds contribute to this plant diversity.
The Marlborough Sounds are a haven for birdwatchers, hosting a variety of native bird species. The lush forests and coastal areas provide essential breeding and feeding grounds.
The waters of the Sounds are rich in marine biodiversity, supporting species such as dolphins, seals, stingrays and various fish, including snapper and blue cod. The region is critical for several threatened species, including the Hector's dolphin and various seabirds. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect these species and their habitats.
The unique geography of the Marlborough Sounds creates a variety of habitats that support complex interactions between flora and fauna. The transitional zones between land and sea foster a rich biodiversity, making the region ecologically significant.
History
The the land is imbued with spiritual significance with dramatic landscapes, its rolling mountains and intertidal zones, both holding deep cultural meaning.
The history of the Marlborough Sounds is marked by a rich array of Māori heritage, European exploration, and development.
Māori settlement in the Marlborough Sounds dates back over 800 years, primarily involving iwi such as Ngāti Kuia and Ngāti Toa. The Sounds were significant for fishing, gardening, and gathering resources, with the intricate waterways providing rich marine life. The area holds cultural importance, with many sites associated with traditional stories, navigation, and resource management.
In the late 18th century, European explorers, including Captain James Cook, arrived in the region. Cook's voyages in 1769 and subsequent explorations brought European attention to the Sounds, leading to increased contact between Māori and settlers. The early encounters were often marked by trade but also set the stage for later conflicts over land and resources.
The 19th century saw an influx of European settlers, driven by the promise of land and economic opportunity. This led to significant changes, including land confiscations, the introduction of new agricultural practices, and the establishment of towns. The region's natural resources, including timber and fisheries, became economically important, leading to both exploitation and environmental degradation.
The arrival of Europeans had profound impacts on Māori communities, including loss of land, cultural disruption, and the introduction of diseases. Despite these challenges, Māori resilience has ensured the continuation of cultural practices and community life in the region.
In contemporary times, the Marlborough Sounds are recognized for their natural beauty and biodiversity. Conservation efforts have become increasingly important to protect the unique ecosystems and cultural heritage of the area. The Sounds now attract tourists for recreational activities like hiking, hunting, boating, and wildlife viewing, balancing environmental preservation with economic development.
Overall, the history of the Marlborough Sounds reflects a complex interplay between Indigenous cultures, European exploration, and modern conservation efforts, shaping the region into what it is today.