Getting to the Lodge by Water
On The Track Lodge is situated in Nydia Bay, Pelorus Sound, Marlborough Sounds, South Island. This beautiful stretch of water extends out from the small town of Havelock. We are accessible via walking / mountain biking the Nydia Track or by boat. There is no road access.
The advantages of water transfers include speed and time savings, a comfortable way to travel for all ages and fitness levels, and the option to bring more luggage/catering supplies. Havelock Marina offers pay and display car parking.
Here are some great options for getting to On the Track Lodge by water. It pays to contact more than one business when planning your trip and to familiarize yourself with details. Most boats can arrange to transfer your gear including bikes and kayaks but you will need to discuss that in advance. For most water taxis, the bigger the group, the lower the price per individual.
Also please be aware, the jetty is an easy 15 minute (quite lovely) walk to/from the Lodge front door, guests need to carry their own luggage and make their way there by foot. The path is unsealed with some tree roots and can be damp if there’s been rain. When you get off the boat, take a left turn along the Nydia Track and follow the track to the Lodge.
1) Mail Boat
The historic mail boat run has been operating for over 100 years. It leaves from a berth and office on Pier B of the Havelock Marina at 10 am (days vary). The ‘sea postie’ delivers and collects mail, parcels, supplies in and around the Pelorus Sound.
The current Pelorus Mail Boat is a large, modern catamaran launch (capacity 99 people). There are tea making facilities and onboard toilets. Remember to bring your own lunch (unless you have made prior arrangements for lunch with us at On the Track Lodge).
The outward bound leg of the trip from Havelock to On the Track Lodge Nydia Bay costs $65 per per person. The return trip from On the Track Lodge to Havelock takes the scenic route around the sounds and costs $65 per person and returns to Havelock late afternoon.
Details available at https://www.themailboat.co.nz/
2) Pelorus Sound Water Taxi
Recommended for private groups of six to twenty people – Dean and Denise operate a water taxi service to get you and your group to wherever you want to go in the Sounds. They have a large water taxi and it can carry up to 20 passengers. They have a custom-made bike rack. Pricing all depends on the numbers in your group and whether the boat is heading in your direction around the same time for other reasons.
https://www.pelorussoundwatertaxis.co.nz/
3) Havelock and Sounds Water Taxis
Recommended for groups between six and fifteen people – Brownie operates this service using their 40 foot boat ‘Jena’ which can transfer up to 15 people at one time with gear.
http://www.havelockwatertaxis.co.nz/
4) Kenepuru Water Taxi
Based in Havelock we offer water transport in the Pelorus & Kenepuru Sounds, all year round.
Contact Adrian on 027 472 7200 or kenepuruwatertaxi@gmail.com
5) Te Hoire Water Taxis
Recommended for water transfers from Duncan Bay – Run by Jesse Clements, the boat can take 11 people and Jesse will drive you wherever you need to go. Dogs are welcome aboard.
Contact Jesse on 03 576 5691, 021 209 6554 or jesserebel3@gmail.com
6) Your Own Boat
If you are lucky enough to have your own boat, On the Track Lodge can offer a complimentary mooring in Nydia Bay for your use (contact us in advance to discuss arrangements). At high tide, luggage and guests can climb to shore right outside the lodge – and there is always the Nydia Bay jetty (a 15 minute walk from the lodge) where boats can tie up for short periods of time.
Please call or email On the Track Lodge for any further information or help.
