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- Australia: 1 800 044 633
- World: +64 3 962 3280
* Due to fluctuating exchange rates, prices may vary at the time of booking if a tour is based on a different currency from its home country currency.
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For dates, availability & customisations Enquire or Book
Overview
Tours run: Saturday departures November - April (on demand)
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4 Days / 3 Nights
- START - Picton
- END - Picton
- Walking
- Cycling
Activity Level Guide
EasyAn average level of fitness. Walk 7km, Bike 15km
Well formed tracks and roads with very little incline MildAn average level of fitness . Walk 12km, Bike, 25km
Well formed tracks and roads with average incline ModerateAbove average level of fitness. Walk 20km, Bike 45km
Formed tracks and roads with average to steep inclines at times ChallengingAbove average level of fitness Walk 20+km, Bike 50+km
Partially formed tracks and roads with some steep inclines and possibly some easy river crossingsMix Up The Walking And The Cycling!
What's included
- All accommodation
- All meals
- Fully guided
- Free Tuatara Tours kit bag
- Luggage transport each day
- Walking poles
- Hi viz vest
- Bike helmet
- Comprehensive safety systems
Kenepuru is one of the least discovered, and perhaps most exciting areas in Marlborough, New Zealand (at the top of the South Island). The Keneperu Trail is a four-day, fully guided Marlborough tour where walking and cycling allows you to fully absorb the spectacular scenery of the area.
It is a part of the Marlborough Sounds, which has been described as “a visual feast of the interplay between the land, sea, nature and light”….and is well known for its Marlborough wines and cuisine, and specialises in produce from the sea. The Sounds have stunning views, dramatic wooded hilltops, a wide range of native birds, and gorgeous water vistas looking into the many sandy bays that dot the landscape
Itinerary & MapDates and Availability?
Tours run: Saturday departures November - April (on demand)
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- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
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- S
- O
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- D
Customisations?
We can customise tours to suit.
Fitness levels?
We can help you prepare and evaluate your fitness.
Nicky
Hamish
Itinerary & Map
The Kenepuru Trail is a wonderful adventure for those who want to try another part of the Marlborough Sounds that is slightly less accessible than usual. The walk/cycle nature of the trip offers an interesting mix of exercise that enhances the tour.
Our guides are locals ……..and they love guiding this fascinating journey.
Larger Map
Day 1: Anakiwa to the Portage Resort
We start by taking you on a short, but scenic, (12km) boat ride from Picton to Anakiwa. This is the site of the famous Outward Bound School, which challenges young New Zealanders on a variety of outdoor adventures, in a very picturesque area.
From here you cycle along a secluded tarsealed road to the edge of Kenepuru Sound, then around past Mahau Sound and Te Mahia, to the Portage Resort.
On this stage you will view many bays along the way and be captivated by the small settlements, natural bush and varied birdlife. Seabirds such as shags and gannets fish the deep waters of the bays, and white faced herons stalk the shores.
On the first night you will stay at the Portage Resort which is a modern establishment with a diverse range of attractions. You might like to try kayaking later that afternoon, or wait until the sun goes down to watch the water birds hunting for dinner. The Resort has a quality restaurant and bar facility, as well as a swimming pool and indoor spa.
It will be an evening to enjoy…….and to adjust to the scenery of the region.
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Resort
Resort
A host of extra features in a comfortable, relaxed environment.- Usually large properties with many rooms.
- Rooms are private, comfortable and spacious, many with scenic views.
- All linen and amenities provided.
- Full in house bar and restaurant facilities.
Special features may include swimming pool, sauna, spa, bike hire, kayak hire, tennis courts ( varies depending on property)
- Cycling
Day 2: Portage to Raetihi Lodge
Day 2 is a 42 kilometre cycle around the coast of Kenepuru, to the head of the Sound, and then on past Waitaria Bay, Goulter Bay and Mills Bay….and through to the well known Raetihi Lodge. Established in the 1930s, the Lodge has built a reputation as one of the most popular destinations in the Marlborough Sounds. Most of this stage is on the opposite side of Kenepuru Sound to the first day’s journey, and allows you to view the native forest and turquoise sea from an entirely different perspective.
That night you will stay in a superb, inspiring, natural location on the water’s edge in the lovely 4 star plus, Qualmark accredited, lodge.
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Lodge
Lodge
Relax and enjoy the surroundings.- Lodges are usually run by managers who live on site and will also prepare meals for you.
- Most are in scenic locations.
- Known for individuality in design or landscaping.
- Comfortable beds, all linen and amenities provided.
Known for special extra touches such as complimentary beverages, designer linen, hand crafted accessories, boutique wines (may vary at each property)
- Cycling
Day 3: Nydia Track to On The Track Lodge
Day 3 starts with a water taxi ride from Raetihi Lodge to Shag Point, which is the start of the Nydia Track. This is an outstanding (2 day) walk, which was formed by linking up old bridle path tracks, and is maintained to a high standard by the Department of Conservation.
The track crosses the Kaiuma and Nydia saddles, and offers superb views of the surrounding area. It meanders through a variety of regenerating native bush and beautiful untouched forest and follows the sheltered shoreline of historic Nydia Bay.
At the end of this day you reach the On The Track Lodge, which is a wonderfully secluded shelter. There is no road access to this haven, as you can only arrive by boat or walk in via the Nydia Track.
You may wish to swim before dinner, or take in a sunset kayak trip.
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Lodge
Lodge
Relax and enjoy the surroundings.- Lodges are usually run by managers who live on site and will also prepare meals for you.
- Most are in scenic locations.
- Known for individuality in design or landscaping.
- Comfortable beds, all linen and amenities provided.
Known for special extra touches such as complimentary beverages, designer linen, hand crafted accessories, boutique wines (may vary at each property)
- Walking
Day 4: On The Track Lodge to Duncan Bay
The Keneperu Trail today starts at On The Track Lodge and you will soon be walking through native forest that is dominated by tall manuka and kanuka, as well as giant rimu, nikau, beech and tree ferns. Native orchids decorate banks beside the track.
You should be able to hear the song of the bellbird and the sudden “swoosh-swoosh” of flying native pigeons in the dense mature forests, and see small birds such as fantails, robins and tomtits.
You finish this day’s journey at Duncan Bay where you are collected and taken to nearby Havelock – known as “the mussel capital of the world”.
We can then deliver you to the airport, to Blenheim or to Picton.
- Walking
What's included?
Accommodation
Resort
A host of extra features in a comfortable, relaxed environment.- Usually large properties with many rooms.
- Rooms are private, comfortable and spacious, many with scenic views.
- All linen and amenities provided.
- Full in house bar and restaurant facilities.
Special features may include swimming pool, sauna, spa, bike hire, kayak hire, tennis courts ( varies depending on property)
Lodge
Relax and enjoy the surroundings.- Lodges are usually run by managers who live on site and will also prepare meals for you.
- Most are in scenic locations.
- Known for individuality in design or landscaping.
- Comfortable beds, all linen and amenities provided.
Known for special extra touches such as complimentary beverages, designer linen, hand crafted accessories, boutique wines (may vary at each property)
*Please note accommodation is double or twin share. If single room accommodation is requested, an additional fee of NZ$281 per person is payable to cover this requirement for the duration of your tour.
Cycle Hire
We have cycles for hire and recommend you use them as they are tried and true in the areas we operate. All of our cycles are fully maintained and serviced before they leave. Included in the cost of your cycle hire is a cycle helmet and safety vest.
Sample cycle - actual may vary slightly from photograph above.
You may use your own cycle, but please ensure it is well maintained and fully serviced before your tour starts.
*Cost of bike hire for the Keneperu Trail is NZ$84
Food
You will enjoy great local cuisine; continental breakfasts and hearty packed lunches during the day, and either restaurant meals or wholesome home-cooked fare prepared by your host/hostess in the evenings.
If you have any dietary issues or food allergies, we are happy to cater for these, please advise the office of details when you make your booking.
Alcohol is not included in the tour cost, but is available for purchase most nights or you are welcome to bring a small amount with you for personal consumption if you prefer.
Fully Guided
Our guides are very experienced, friendly walkers and bikers who love to share their knowledge of New Zealand’s flora and fauna and local history. They all hold current first aid certificates, passenger driving licences and are the very best people to ensure your experience will be one to remember.
Exclusive to Tuatara Tours - Tour Kit Bag
To ensure you get the very best out of your journey with the least of fuss, we provide you with a calico kit bag full of useful goodies.
Your Tour Kit Bag Contains the Following
Contents may vary from time to time!
- Tuatara Tours cap
- Tuatara Tours mug
- Tuatara Tours drink bottle
- Tuatara Tours pen
- Tuatara Tours hand sanitiser
- Tuatara Tours tissues
- Tuatara Tours rain poncho
- Tuatara Tours emergency whistle
- Tuatara Tours postcard
- Tuatara Tours brochures
- Field & History Guide of the area
- Bag of Tuatara scroggin
- Bag of Tuatara energy plus confectionary
Luggage
Tuatara Tours transports all your luggage for the duration of the tour.
All you carry is a small day pack with your personal gear, drink and lunch.
We do the Rest
What Do I Bring
For your own safety there are a few things that you must bring yourself:
- Footwear with good ankle support-we strongly recommend good hiking boots
- Thermal top - wool or polypro
- Thermal bottom - wool or polypro
- Waterproof parka with hood
- Medium size day pack
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Fleece jacket or woollen jersey
- Woollen or fleece hat
- Gloves
Other things we recommend you bring are:
- Cycle shorts
- Cycle gloves
- Comfortable shoes for cycling
- Woollen socks
- Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Drink bottle - at least one litre capacity (we supply you with one bottle, but you may wish to bring another)
- Swimwear
- Camera
- Small personal first aid kit including blister block or similar
- Casual attire for the evenings
- Any other personal items
- Your sense of humour
Safety and Risk Management
To ensure maximum safety for all, our guides are certified first aiders and fully qualified drivers. Tuatara Tours operate under a Safety and Risk Management Plan which is regularly audited and approved by a qualified and independent auditor.
Photos
Keneperu Trail click on the pic you wish to see in more detail
History
Keneperu Trail - Free Field and History Guide
On the Keneperu Trail we provide you a comprehensive field and history summary of the area.
- History
- Aqua blue waters
- Fauna
- Flora
- Geology
- Did You Know?
- And more...
People
Maori first occupied the Sounds 800 years ago, because of the plentiful seafood in the sheltered inlets, as well as abundant numbers of birds. Their permanent villages and fortified pa’s can still be found and seen today. The area was an important trade route long before the inter-island ferries plied its waters.
Whalers were the first Europeans to arrive. Warmonger and maori chief Te Rauparaha (author of the All Blacks’ haka) spent a lot of time in the region, and ongoing disputes over land rights in the region led to a bloody confrontation between him and a party led by members of The New Zealand Company.
Flora and Fauna
Flora: Most of the Marlborough Sounds have been logged in the past, but there are still some excellent stands of native bush and forest to be seen and enjoyed.
Fauna: Many native birds can still be enjoyed on your journey, tuis, bellbirds, saddlebacks, tomtits and bush robins to name a few. If you are lucky you may also see the little blue penguins frolicking in the calm waters of the sound. King shags, the rarest shag in NZ, may also be seen as they go about their business – precision fishing.
Introduced deer and pigs are also prevalent with the latter causing a lot of damage to pasture and also the many tracks in the area.
Industry
Today the main industries in the area are tourism and marine farming in the form of salmon and green lipped mussels.
Farming and forestry are also prominent.
