Queen Charlotte & Marlborough - Hiking and Tramping in New Zealand - page 299

8 Planning
WHEN TO TRAMP
The Nydia Track can be enjoyed all year round. The warmest weather coincides with the NZ
school holidays in January, which means the best times to tramp are November, December
and February through April.
MAPS & BROCHURES
The entire track is covered by NZTopo50 BQ28 (Havelock). NewTopo Marlborough Sounds
1:130,000 provides a large-scale overview of the entire area. The Nydia Track brochure can
be downloaded from DOC's website.
LODGES & CAMPING
On Nydia Bay, Nydia Lodge ( 03-520 3002; dm $15, minimum charge $60) is a 50-bed com-
plex of DOC huts, 30 minutes' walk from the main track. Often used by schools and organ-
ised groups, individual trampers are welcome to bunk there and make use of the facilities,
which include a dining room and kitchen. Bookings must be made online or through the
DOC Sounds Area Office ( Click here ) .
There is also accommodation at On the Track Lodge ( 03-579 8411;
www.nydiatrack.org.nz; dm $40) , a tranquil, ecofriendly place offering everything from packed
lunches to evening meals and a hot tub.
Designated Standard campsites ( www.doc.govt.nz; $6) are located in Nydia Bay and near
Harvey Bay.
INFORMATION SOURCES
The Havelock Information Centre ( Click here ) can assist you with transport and accommod-
ation bookings.
8 Getting to/from the Tramp
The official start of the track is from the side of Kaiuma Bay Rd, 32km north of Havelock
by road, and the end is at Duncan Bay, 27km northeast of Rai Valley. Both points can be
reached by road, but you can also arrange to be dropped off and picked up by boat operators
in Havelock. Most trampers arrange a water taxi to Shag Point, and then walk the 3km to the
southern end of the track. Van transport can be booked at Duncan Bay back to either Have-
lock or Picton.