PAK-A-ROO Fitted Rain JACKET
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* Reflective piping
* Double duty collar/roll-up hood combination
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love the native ferns and bush, relishing views over Nydia Bay from the top of both saddles.
Helen likes to veer off the track at the top of Kaiuma Saddle, scrambling over rocks for two to three minutes to get a view of the Kaikoura Ranges (sometimes sharing the view point with wild goats).
Both agree some of their happiest times are spent walking the track with friends and family and watching how the greens of the bush change with the seasons.
Art enjoys the challenge of the track - “it’s not a walk in the park but still feels safe” and the fact he can leave the hustle and bustle of civilization behind when he heads out on the track. ‘I love entering the bush after walking through open fields...the sun when coming out of the trees and the fresh bush smell, especially after the rain”.
For a different perspective Art recommends venturing out on the track at night to watch the glow worms.
Maegen is a runner and also loves the view from the peaks of the two saddles and her advice for visitors to take their time and really look at the bush surroundings. She has great memories of seeing a stag on the track and dolphins coming right into Nydia Bay to visit.
Another draw card is the history of the region - local Maori lived there for centuries with Europeans moving into the area for timber milling in the nineteenth century.
Everyone in the family agrees that the track is best enjoyed between October and April and walkers should have a reasonable level of fitness and wear good boots as the track is uneven.
Oldest son Nick suggests this makes the track a lot more fun
and his advice is practical - take your shoes off when crossing the streams (there are a couple which are easy to cross) and stay dry for the rest of the journey.
Being just a two day journey means most walkers carry only a light day pack - those staying at On the Track Lodge are provided with all home comforts - meals, comfortable beds, hot showers and communal spaces including a library.
Having the mail boat passing several times a week in summer means it’s possible to opt out of half of the walk if feet hurt or the weather is inclement - alternatively walkers can choose to stay an extra night at the lodge to rest and relax (and explore the Nydia Bay area - (more on that in the next Walking New Zealand edition).
Art jnr is the speed demon of the family and loves the challenge of the five to eight hour Nydia Track mountain bike track.
“I like it because it’s not a whole day hike or bike ride; you can take your time and still have space to enjoy the rest of the day doing something else”.
It’s a Level 4 mountain bike track and bikers need to be prepared, have good gear and be ready for a challenge as in wet weather it can be very slippery. However, it’s also a good track to practice your technical skills - riders can take their time and On the Track Lodge offers an outdoor hot tub for guests to soothe any sore muscles.
For those who like to share their holidays with the family dog - Nydia Track does allow dogs to visit provided they are on a leash and owners apply for the easily sourced Department of Conservation approval in advance.
On the Track Lodge welcomes well behaved dogs by arrangement and can provide suitable shelter although please note dogs are not allowed indoors.
For more information on the Blom Family or Nydia Track please visit: www.stayonthetracklodge.nz https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=lackrL2jNfk (2019 Country Calendar story)
https://www.doc.govt.nz/ parks-and-recreation/places-togo/marlborough/places/pelorus-and-kenepuru-sounds-area/ things-to-do/tracks/nydia-track/