NYDIA BAY TRACK

 

A two day tramp covering approximately 27km.

Nydia Track crosses the Kaiuma and Nydia saddles and follows the sheltered shoreline of historic Nydia Bay.

Originally formed by linking old bridle paths, the Nydia track travels through farmland, forests and scrubland.

In Nydia Bay, the forest is regenerating and is dominated by Kanuka and Manuka trees, whilst on the track, the ridges and higher hills are covered in mainly beech forest with a mixture of ferns and climbing plants.

 

The Nydia track is a sheltered haven for the birdlife it supports; Bellbirds, Tui, fantail, robin, tomtit and Weka can be found.

The shoreline hosts a wide array of seabird life such as gannets and Shags that fish the deep waters and white faced heron and waders can also be seen feeding in the shallows.

 

The track is classified as a tramping and mountain biking track and is in two sections, one on either side of Nydia Bay.

 

The first part runs to Nydia Bay from the roads end at Kaiuma Bay near Havelock.

The second leg runs from the North Western end of the bay through to Ngawhakawhiti Bay in Tennyson Inlet.

 

Some of the streams are not bridged and may require care after rain.

The track conditions vary between 25% 4WD track and 75% single track.

In dry weather the track is 90% ride able, for mountain bikers from the North end to the South end and less if done from South to North (It’s best ridden North to South)

In wet weather it is however, mostly unrideable.

Suitable for those who are reasonably fit; boots are recommended.

 

  

Track Advice for Mountain bikers

 

For mountain bikers, the track is fairly technical, due to the many rocks and roots that are exposed, which make it rough to negotiate.

From Opouri Saddle, experienced single track riders can head down the bridle track to the right, intermediate riders should descend via the Tennyson Inlet Road, turn right at the bottom and ride for 3 km to Tennyson Inlet Township.

Keep going around the bay to the start of the Nydia Bay track, this will lead you over the Nydia Saddle, around Nydia Bay and over the Kaiuma Saddle.

The track end is at the Nydia Bay car park.

Please take note; bikers must give way to walkers and stay in control of their bikes a at all times.

 

*Allow 5-6 hours for this part of the track*

 

 

Duncan Bay to Nydia track campsite 

 

The first hour follows shoreline with glimpses of the sea through the forest. After about an hour you will come to Ngawhakawhiti Bay, the track starts climbing here to Nydia Saddle.

 

*For walkers, this part of the track takes approx 4 hours* 

 

Nydia Campsite to Nydia Lodge turn off

 

From the campsite the track wanders through regenerating native forest, in places crossing private land.

Nearing the Lodge turn off there is a stream to be forded.

From the turn off a 30 minute gentle walk will take you to Nydia Lodge.

 

*For walkers, this part of the track takes approx 1hr 30 mins* 

 

Nydia Lodge turn off to Kaiuma Bay

 

 

At the turn off the track travels across open farmland beside a stream, eventually crossing it and climbing to Kaiuma Saddle through beech forest and regenerating scrub.

From the saddle there are some amazing views and the track then drops to a stream crossing.

The track then climbs into the forest and cuts around to a point above Kaiuma before dropping to the car park.

 

*For walkers, this part of the track takes approx 4 hrs*

 

Accommodation

 

Camping is allowed at Nydia Bay, this can be arranged by self registration.

The Lodge at Nydia is also available for a minimum of 4 people and can sleep up to 50.

 

Please note; all drinking water should be boiled, treated or filtered.

 

 

Nydia Lodge cost=$15-00 pp

Campsite-$5-00 pp