Discover Pelorus Sound and historic Nydia Track
with its pretty lilac flower, and tiny purple orchids that thrive in the mossy banks.
At the top of the saddle at 387m, there are stunning views of islands and waterways worthy of a picnic before descending the other side.
At the bottom, the bush gives way to farmland where cows graze. There are shallow stream crossings in the paddocks before reaching the inlet of Nydia Bay.
From there it’s just a 20-minute stroll interrupted by a knee deep river crossing, to a comfy lodge where you can relax, enjoy a cuppa or a wine and look forward to a nice dinner with fellow trampers.
Once at the comfy lodge you won’t want to leave. It’s peaceful and relaxing. There are kayaks to explore the bay and a great loop walk (around two hours) to the historic Nydia Bay Logging Tramway where you can take your packed lunch (supplied) and paddle in a pretty steam by some waterfalls.
The last day of the trail follows the shoreline passing odd rusty remnants of saw milling from when logging was carried out from 1876 to 1919. Splendid views of the bay bless an easy grassy track above the shoreline.
As you turn inland to begin the ascent of the Nydia Saddle, there’s something rare and unusual to see.
Under a bridge over a clear pool is a rare longfin eel (kirirua). This is the largest kind of freshwater eel in the world and the female can grow up to 2m long. These freshwater eels breed only once at the end of their lives and are known to undergo mass spawning migrations, leaving rivers and lakes to swim up to the subtropical Pacific. This eel is particularly friendly and will come to the surface to check out what you’ve got for him.
The Nydia Saddle may be slightly less high than the Kaiuma Saddle but it is rougher with stone slabs, rocks and tree roots. There are lovely views of Tennyson Inlet from the top.
Cross the saddle then tackle stream crossings, tree roots and stone cairns descending through beautiful native bush of giant rimu, nikau, beech and tree ferns which is home to an array of native birds: tuis, bellbirds, wood
pigeons and more. By the time you reach the end of it you never want to see another tree root again!
The approach to Duncan Bay on the Tennyson Inlet becomes more structured and easier. A great way to finish is with a swim at Pipi Beach. The translucent water holding you up off your hard worked feet as you float in the grandeur of the bay.
On the drive back to Havelock there’s a gorgeous view from the road of where you have been which makes it all worthwhile.
Havelock, despite its’ size, punches above its’ weight for restaurants and cafés and at the end of your stay you can’t leave Pelorus without trying fresh green-lipped mussels straight out of the Sounds.