The Kenepuru Trail

Kenepuru is one of the least discovered, and perhaps most exciting, sounds in Marlborough, New Zealand (at the top of the South island). This four-day, fully guided, walking and cycling journey 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.

This is an area that is steeped in Maori and European history, with folklore recording that Maori canoes rode the clear blue waters nearly 1,000 years ago. The Sounds are made up of an extensive network of “sunken valleys” that resemble fiords, and were created by a combination of land subsidence and rising sea levels. According to Maori mythology, the Sounds represent the prows of the sunken wakas (or canoes) of Aoraki.

The Kenepuru Sound is not as well known as the adjacent Queen Charlotte Sound, as it is not so readily accessible. In the absence of a continuous walking track Tuatara has designed this exciting mix of walking and cycling (or a “trail”), which enables adventurers to travel further, with a combination of two exercises… which is a great way to take in this spectacular region.

The Tuatara Kenepuru Trail includes:

Your tour commences with a short boat ride from Picton to Anakiwa, and ends in Duncan Bay near Havelock, where we return you by bus to the airport, Blenheim or Picton.

The cycling part of the trip is for recreational cyclists. However, at times it is more challenging than other Tuatara Cycling tours, as it involves pedalling over rolling terrain around the Sounds.

 

Trip Itinerary

Day One - Anakiwa to the Portage Resort (42 kms cycling)

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.

 

Day Two – Portage to Raetihi Lodge (42 kms cycling)

Day two 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.

 

Day Three – the Nydia Track to Te Mahoerangi Eco Lodge (13.7 kms)

Day three starts with a water taxi ride from Raetihi 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 Te Mahoerangi Eco 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 will be intrigued by the stories from the owners – who have been involved in the environmental movement for many years, and spent 10 years sailing for Greenpeace on their flagship 'Rainbow Warrior'.

You may wish to swim before dinner, or take in a sunset kayak trip.

 

Day Four- the Nydia Track (13.9 km walk)

Day Four starts at the Te Mahoerangi Eco 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.

The Tuatara 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 doing this fascinating journey.

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