Marlborough trail notes
Section
Intro
Te Araroa's start point in the South Island is Ship Cove - note no camping allowed at Ship Cove. This is where the Queen Charlotte Track's northern terminus is. Te Araroa follows this track for 3-5 days and ends near the Outward Bound School at Anakiwa.
Most people get to Ship Cove by boat. A number of companies operate regular shuttle runs between Picton and various points along the track, including both trailheads. Some operators will transport packs forward each morning to the days-end destination so trampers can walk unencumbered.
It is also possible to fly from Wellington to Picton or Port Gore, with a shuttle to Ship Cove. See 'Getting there' for details
Description
The entire track is a medium tramping standard. It contains long forested sections with a mix of coastal and ridgeline walking and affords good views of both Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds.
There has been a lot of tourism oriented development along the Queen Charlotte Track and trampers can tailor their tramping to suit. The accommodation available ranges from up-market lodges to campsites, 6 of these managed by DOC and one, at Mistletoe Bay, by a private trust. If you want to spend the money, there's restaurant food available en route.
The Department of Conservation brochure available through the link on this page contains more information about walking the track, including details about transport, food and accommodation options, flora, fauna, and a historical account. Alternatively, if you're in Picton then visit the Picton and Queen Charlotte Track Information and Booking Centre, on the foreshore in the centre of town.
A four day tramp on the Queen Charlotte Track might follow this timetable but there's plenty of scope for variation:
- Ship Cove to the head of Endeavour Inlet - 13km / 5hr
- Head of Endeavour Inlet to Bay of Many Coves Campsite - 19km / 6hr
- Bay of Many Coves Campsite to Torea Saddle - 15km / 6hr
- Torea Saddle to Anakiwa - 20km / 8hr
The walking time estimates are Department Of Conservation. Some will find them generous but they're consistent so if a tramper is able to walk one section in 4/5th of DOC’s walking time estimate then they're likely to be able to do the same in other sections.
Ship Cove
View the historic site and interpretation panels. The walking begins with a 240m climb to a saddle and lookout before descending to Resolution Bay and Schoolhouse Bay campsite
Resolution Bay
The Resolution Bay Cabins are further along (03 579 9411). The well-graded trail undulates as it leads from Resolution Bay around into Endeavour Inlet passing numerous accommodation businesses along the way.
Beyond the Camp Bay junction the track climbs towards Kenepuru Saddle.
Kenepuru Saddle
The track from the Saddle has some steeper and ridgeline sections. Trampers need their Queen Charlotte Track Land Cooperative (Q.C.T.L.C) pass from here to cross private property track sections.
The Queen Charlotte Track ends here in Anakiwa.
Description
Captain James Cook, the first European to set foot on New Zealand soil, named Queen Charlotte Sound and Ship Cove, where in January 1770, he and his crew on the Endeavour, spent weeks taking on water and provisions. Cook used the cove again on the two subsequent voyages of 1773 and 1777, as captain of the Resolution. This is where he stayed for about 6 months. A memorial to him now stands at the cove.
Conditions
Jetties
Many jetties in the Sounds, such as the Outward Bound New Zealand one at Anakiwa, are privately owned. Boat owners can use them for picking up and dropping off passengers and luggage only. Do not tie up or leave your boat unattended at any jetty in the Sounds.
Private land
Sections of the track cross private land. As of 1 July 2010, the private landowners require walkers to have a Queen Charlotte Track Land Cooperative (Q.C.T.L.C.) Pass for all Q.C.T.L.C. private land between Kenepuru Saddle, Torea Saddle, Te Mahia Saddle and Anakiwa. See the map (link below) for where these sections are. The Pass fee contributes to track maintenance, enhancement and access.
Please respect the owners’ property and do not take vehicles, firearms or dogs on the track. The sections of track on these properties only exist through the goodwill and cooperation of the landowners.
Accommodation/camping
You can choose to walk or bike the track independently, carrying all of your own clothing and equipment, or you can simply carry a day pack and have your main gear (less than 15kg) transported by one of the water taxi companies.
The six DOC-managed, ‘self-registration’ campsites on the track each have toilets and water supply. Some also have cooking shelters and picnic tables. You will need to carry your own cooker and food with you. The campsites at Bay of Many Coves and Black Rock are not at sea level so you will need to carry everything you need to these sites. Remember there are no rubbish facilities. Please take your rubbish with you when you leave.
You will need to deposit the camp fees for the DOC campsites in the self-registration box at each site or prepay at the Picton i-SITE or the DOC Office in Picton. These fees go toward the upkeep of the camp facilities.
A number of private accommodation providers offer hostel, cabin, motel and hotel lodgings, and tent sites alongside or close to the track. The private tracks that leave the main track to private accommodation are not constructed to the same standard as the Queen Charlotte Track and may be narrow, steep, and slippery when wet. Some private accommodation sites may not be signposted, so make sure you get clear directions when you book.
At the halfway point on the Queen Charlotte Track at Kenepuru Head, Kate and Ian at Ngahere Hou invite you to rest, relax and restore “Glam-Camping” in the luxury and comfort of a 6 metre yurt (sleeps 4) or yurt-style Summerhouse cabin (sleeps 2)….and with an organic breakfast included! Self catering and BBQ options or try our famous pizzas, then enjoy a wood fired hot tub under the stars to soothe weary muscles. Set in a 40 acre private bush reserve with stunning views down the Kenepuru Sound this is an off-the-grid eco experience to treasure. www.ngaherehou.com 021 0224 1915
Access
You can walk or ride the track in either direction, but it's best to set from Ship Cove.
If starting from Ship Cove, boat operators are available to carry your pack between accommodation places.
Private transport
Anakiwa, Mistletoe Saddle, Torea Saddle and Kenepuru Saddle are all accessible by road. Anakiwa, Mistletoe Bay, Torea Bay, Camp Bay, Endeavour Inlet, Resolution Bay and Meretoto/Ship Cove can be accessed by sea. Many of the short walks can be enjoyed from these places.
Transport operators
A number of companies offer boat transport to and from points along the track, including Meretoto/Ship Cove. Regular and on-demand bus services link Anakiwa with Picton.
Further information is available from Picton Information Centre, travel companies and accommodation houses.
Transport
Getting to/from the start - Picton
Te Araroa’s northern terminus in the South Island is at Ship Cove, which is accessible only by boat or by air. Picton is the gateway to Ship Cove and is a full service town with a population of around 3000.
Getting there/away - Picton
- Ferry to/from Wellington, multiple departures daily, Interislander, Bluebridge
- Pelorus Air (http://www.pelorusair.com) Fly direct from Wellington to Port Gore, landing on a private airstrip over the hill from Ship Cove. A 20min flight with great views along the way. Contact us for more details - info@pelorusair.com Tel: 027 757 7247
- Sounds Air (https://www.soundsair.com) - regular flights between Wellington and Picton (Koromiko airport) with shuttle service to/from Picton. Great scenic flight and only 20 mins! NZ only: 0800 505 005. Tel: +64 (0)3 520 3080. info@soundsair.com
- Air New Zealand
- InterCity - P: 03 365 1113
- Rental Cars - multiple options available
- Private Driver Hire - P: 03 3910500 (Paul) - can transport to/from all locations Picton-Anakiwa-Pelorus Bridge-Nelson-St Arnaud, priced on enquiry.
To trailheads
- Cougar Line Water Taxis - The Waterfront London Quay and Wellington St, Picton (by the town wharves) - P: 03 573 7925
- Beachcomber Cruises - The Waterfront Cnr London Quay and Wellington St, Picton P: 03 573 6175 or Freephone 0800 62 45 26 - E: office@mailboat.co.nz
- Daily departures from Picton at 8:00am, 9:00am and 1:30pm – the usual cost is $71.00 per adult one way but we do continue to offer discounts to TA hikers. Ask upon booking what the TA special is.
- All guests are required to be fully vaccinated and able to show their passes upon check in
Anakiwa
- Cougar Line Water Taxis - The Waterfront London Quay and Wellington St, Picton (by the town wharves) - P: 03 573 7925 - W:
- Beachcomber Cruises - The Waterfront Cnr London Quay and Wellington St, Picton P: 03 573 6175 or Freephone 0800 62 45 26 - E: office@mailboat.co.nz
- Private Driver Hire - P: 03 3910500 (Paul) - can transport to/from all locations Picton-Anakiwa-Pelorus Bridge-Nelson-St Arnaud, priced on enquiry.
Accomodation
The Department of Conservation Backcountry Hut Pass is not valid at Department of Conservation campsites. You must pay for camping at the Queen Charlotte Track. Fees are payable to the Queen Charlotte Track Land Cooperative to use track sections that cross private land. A pass lasting up to 4 days costs $25.00. School children are free. Passes are for sale at numerous outlets, including the Picton i-SITE and Furneaux Lodge. This is for access only and does not include camping.
Department of Conservation’s Bay of Many Coves Campsite
The track climbs from this campsite to a high point then undulates gently and stays mainly on the ridge.
Department of Conservation’s Black Rock Campsite
Beyond this campsite the track remains mainly on the ridge before it descends to Torea Saddle
Torea Saddle. Right for 1km down Torea Road to Portage Bay, from here the track climbs away from the saddle. Further on it descends towards Te Mahia Saddle or a side track to Cowshed Bay campsite
Te Mahia Saddle. Left down to Mistletoe Bay Eco Village where there is accommodation, as listed in extra information. The track continues through the junction as sign-posted.
DOC’s Davies Bay Campsite
It is easy walking from the campsite through to the trailhead at Anakiwa.
Picton
Full range of hostel, motel and other accommodation providers including
- YHA Picton - 34 Auckland Street, Picton P: 03 573 6598 E: picton@yha.co.nz
- Gateway Motel Picton - 32 High St, Picton - P: 0800 104 104 or 03 573 6398 - E: info@picton-accommodation.co.nz
- Broadway Motel - 113 High St, Picton - P: 0800 101 919 - E: stay@broadwaymotel.co.nz
- Atlantis Backpackers - 42 London Quay, Picton - P: 03 5737390 - E: utopia@atlantishostel.co.nz (ask for the Te Araroa discount!)
En route
- DOC's Schoolhouse Bay campsite in Resolution Bay
- Furneaux Lodge - Endeavour Inlet, Queen Charlotte Sound - Marlborough Sounds - P: 03 579 8259 - E: info@furneaux.co.nz - This historic lodge has hostel and more exclusive accommodation, a restaurant, bar, and a booking office.
- Small cabin available located at the head of Endeavour Inlet (near Miner’s wharf), at the end of the first day's walk on the Queen Charlotte Track
The accommodation is a one-room cabin, with a comfortable queen-sized bed with continental breakfast and linen provided. Booking essential. Contact us on 027 231 6487
- Camp Bay Junction - P: 03 579 8561 - Left on a side trail leads to DOC’s Camp Bay Campsite and to Punga Cove Resort, DOC’s Bay of Many Coves Campsite - The track climbs from this campsite to a high point then undulates gently and stays mainly on the ridge.
- Madsens Camp is now closed
- Punga Cove Resort - Endeavour Inlet, Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough Sounds - P: 03 579 8561 - E: enquiries@pungacove.co.nz - Includes: hostel and more exclusive accommodation options, a restaurant, cafe and bar.
- DOC’s Black Rock Campsite - Beyond this campsite the track remains mainly on the ridge before it descends to Tōrea Saddle
- DOC’s Cowshed Bay Campsite - On a side track from Tōrea SaddlePortage Resort Hotel - 2923 Kenepuru Rd, Marlborough Sounds - P: 0800 762 442 or 03 573 4309 - E: reservations@portage.co.nz - Includes: hostel and more exclusive accommodation, a restaurant, cafe, and bar.
- Mistletoe Bay Eco Village - Onahau Bat Queen Charlotte Sound - P: 03 573 4080 or M: 021 131 8283 - E: stay@mistletoebay.co.nz - Includes: camping, hostel, more exclusive accommodation, and a small store.
- DOC’s Davies Bay Campsite
Anakiwa
- Anakiwa Lodge - 9 Lady Cobham Grove, Anakiwa P: 03 574 2115 E: info@anakiwa.co.nz
- Anakiwa 401 - 401 Anakiwa Rd, Marlborough Sounds - P: 03 574 1388 - E: anakiwa401@gmail.com
- Smiths Farm Holiday Park - 1419 Queen Charlotte Drive, Linkwater - P: 03 5742806 or 0800 727578 - E: cbfaulls@xtra.co.nz (Pickup from Anakiwa available by request)
- "Your Home By The Sea" - Tirimoana Terrace, Anakiwa - P: 03 5742238 - E: yourhomebythesea@gmail.com - Room 1 Queen Bed - Room 2 Double bed bunk (2+1) - Both Rooms
- Queen Charlotte Tavern - 1162 Queen Charlotte Drive, Linkwater - Accommodation, WIFI, Shower and a place to do your washing! contact Mary Ann on 027 648 6708 or email on maryannsurridge@icloud.com
Food and Supply
Picton
- Fresh Choice Supermarket - Mariners Mall, 100 High St, Picton - P: 03 573 6463
- Picton 4 Four Square - 49 High St, Picton - P: 03 573 6443
Anakiwa
The Green Caravan Café @ Anakiwa 401 has heat'n'eat meals, snacks, hot & cold drinks and ice-creams.
Intro
Te Araroa section: The Link Pathway, a 42km walking and cycling trail, connects Havelock, Picton, Anakiwa and the end of the Queen Charlotte Track in Marlborough. Take in the impressive views of the Marlborough Sounds and native bush as you follow this community-built path.
Description
This section Te Araroa is maintained by a local group whose project, the Link Pathway, is a walk/cycleway linking Picton to Havelock with a side trail to Anakiwa. Te Araroa signage will come in due course, but for now, walkers can use these track notes. There are Link Pathway signs at the beginning and end of completed sections.
Update September 2022. Storms badly damaged the Link Pathway in August 2022. The section from Linkwater Straight (km 1793) to Cullen Point (km 1801) was closed. The repair timetable is unknown at this stage. Check local signage or use the road alternative.
The track starts in Anakiwa at the southern end of the Queen Charlotte Track. From Anakiwa, make use of the Link Pathway, which will eventually link Picton, Anakiwa and Havelock. The Link Pathway heads out to the junction with Queen Charlotte Drive, then turns right and continues to Linkwater School some 1.25km distant.
From the school, continue on Queen Charlotte Drive past the Linkwater Service Station. At the end of the Linkwater straight, follow the road around the Mahakipawa Arm to the next Link Pathway section – a 1km stretch of bush track leading off from the right-hand side of the road.
Beyond this bush track, walkers have another 1km stretch along Queen Charlotte Drive then the Link Pathway will take you all the way around the point and into Havelock — a triumph of community vision and energy.
Follow the Link Pathway to SH6, then go right onto the footpath beside SH6 and into Havelock.
From the shopping area on Main Street (SH6), walk west on the footpath and then the road shoulder. 2.5km from the northern edge of Havelock, turn right/west into Boultons Road. Cross the bridge and continue 1km on Te Hoiere Road, crossing another bridge and reaching Kaiuma Bay Road. Turn left into Kaiuma Bay Road and walk some 9.5km to Daltons Bridge.
When you reach Daltons Bridge, the stile onto Daltons Track will be immediately in front of you at the intersection of Kaiuma Bay and Daltons Road - cross the stile and enter Daltons Track.
- Note: Under no circumstances should you continue ahead (south) on Daltons Road — this becomes a farm track. It is used extensively by stock and farm vehicles and is not to be entered.
Daltons Track opened in March 2011 following a collaborative process involving the Trust, private landowners, DOC, Marlborough District Council, and Herenga ā Nuku. The track is to tramping track standard. It has a natural grassed surface, stiles over fence lines, and several unbridged creek crossings, which are straightforward in normal flows. The track is accessed by a stile immediately to the west of Daltons Bridge — and immediately adjacent to the intersection of Kaiuma Bay and Daltons Roads.
- Note: Daltons Road becomes a farm track and is used by stock and farm vehicles - please do not walk down Daltons Road from the bridge.
Daltons Track follows the true left bank of the Pelorus River up and along the grazed pasture margin to the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve. It then emerges through the forest at Pelorus Bridge, a short distance from the Campground/Shop/Cafe, where there is parking and public toilets.
The track passes through 2 working farms and includes lengthy sections where access has been provided courtesy of private landowners. The route follows the fenceline adjacent to the Pelorus River, and at no time does it follow the farm laneway, so please do not use that under any circumstances.
The route crosses a stile to leave the farm and enters the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve to join the loop track. You can take either direction, and both will take to around to the swingbridge — cross this, and you’ll be at Pelorus Bridge on SH6. Turn left/east to cross to the Pelorus Bridge shop and/or campground, and the green pools may tempt you for a dip on a hot day. Otherwise, Maungatapu Road lies in front of you, and Te Araroa continues south on that to the Pelorus River track trailhead.
- Note: It is 14km along Maungatapu Road to the next trailhead (and 8.5km further to Captain Creek Hut) — there are no budget accommodation options along Maungatapu Road — the Pelorus Bridge campground should be used unless you intend to use Maungatapu Road B&B accommodation.
Conditions
- Track use is restricted to trampers during daylight hours only
- Stiles are to be used where provided;
- Farm operations and stock have the right of way
- No dogs, camping, fires, cycles or firearms.
Please note: Out of respect for the landowners and to help ensure Te Araroa can continue to use this critical link please comply with all conditions outlined.
Access
Northern Start: Northern end of Anakiwa Road, Anakiwa
Southern End: Junction of SH6 and Maungatapu Road, Pelorus Bridge
Transport
Havelock - Getting there/away
- InterCity - P: 03 365 1113 - Daily buses to Blenheim, Picton and Nelson.
- Private Driver Hire - P: 0272 565 643 (Paul) - can transport to/from all locations Picton-Anakiwa-Pelorus Bridge-Nelson-St Arnaud, priced on enquiry. We can take you from Anakiwa to the start of the trail head for the Pelorus track at the end of Maungatapu road, including stopping to re-supply in Havelock en-route. Travel time just under 2 hours including time to re-supply. This saves almost 3 days of road walking.
Multiple hostel and motel options in Havelock:
- Rutherford Backpackers - 46 Main Rd - 03 5742104 - E: info@rutherfordbackpackers.com
- Blue Moon Backpackers (BBH) - 48 Main Rd - 03 574 2212 - E: bookings@bluemoonhavelock.co.nz
- Havelock Garden Motel - 71 Main Rd, Havelock - P: 0800 082 222 or 03 574 2387 - E: havelockhideaway@xtra.co.nz
- Havelock Motel - 50 Main Rd, Havelock - P: 0800 111 171? or 03 574 2961 - E: motelbookings@slingshot.co.nz
- Havelock Holiday Park - 24 Inglis St, Havelock - P: 03 574 2339 - E: info@havelockholidaypark.kiwi - Camping, cabins, kitchen, bathroom, laundry - happy to accept bounce boxes though please call ahead to arrange and clearly mark your name and ETA.
Pelorus Bridge
- InterCity - P: 03 365 1113 to Blenheim, Picton and Nelson.
- Private Driver Hire - P: 03 3910500 (Paul) - can transport to/from all locations Picton-Anakiwa-Pelorus Bridge-Nelson-St Arnaud, priced on enquiry.
Accomodation
Havelock
- YHA Nelson - 59 Rutherford Street, Nelson P: 03 545 9988 E: nelson@yha.co.nz
- Anakiwa Lodge - 9 Lady Cobham Grove, Anakiwa P: 03 574 2115 E: info@anakiwa.co.nz
- Smiths Farm Holiday Park - 1419 Queen Charlotte Drive, Linkwater - P: 03 5742806 or 0800 727578 - E: cbfaulls@xtra.co.nz (Pickup from Anakiwa available by request)
Pelorus Bridge
- DOC Pelorus Bridge Campground - 5949 State Highway 6, Main Rd, RD2 - P: 03 571 6019 - E: pelorus@doc.govt.nz - Serviced campground.
- Bounce boxes can be sent here - address to <your name>, Te Araroa walker due <expected date>, DOC Pelorus Bridge campground, 5949 State Highway 6, Main Rd, RD2, Rai Valley. This service is $10.
- Pelorus Bridge Cafe will be closing on April 20th 2023. Until then it is offering full meals but is not suitable as a resupply station
Food and Supply
Havelock
- Four Square Supermarket - 79 State Highway, Havelock - P: 03 574 2166
- Inlet Bakery and Café - 65 Main Rd, Havelock - P: 03 574 2860
- Bow to Stern - 75 Main Rd, Havelock - P: 03 5742941 - E: ask@bowtostern.co.nz - full range of goods including footwear, poles, sleeping bags/mats, gas canisters, vinyl/nylon/tent repair kits, rain gear and other incidentals (sunscreen/bug repellant etc). They have an information board displayed - check in for info and/or add any feedback from where you've been.
Intro
Te Araroa trail section: After a long road walk, follow the emerald green waters of the Pelorus River, then head up, along and over the scenic Bryant Range.
Description
From Pelorus Bridge, there is a 14km road walk along Maungatapu Road and then Mt Richmond Road to the Pelorus River Track trailhead. Initially the road is sealed and passes through farm land. Later it is unsealed and has exotic and indigenous forest sections.
Note: There are no budget accommodation options along this road - the Pelorus Bridge campground should be used unless you intend using Maungatapu Road B&B accommodation.
Pelorus River Track
Starting from the end of Maungatapu Road, the Pelorus River Track is a long-established DOC tramping track with a good hut system. The track joins directly with Te Araroa’s next section, the Richmond Range Alpine Track, at Hacket Junction. Both these tracks are within the 165,946 hectare Mt Richmond Forest Park and for logistical reasons many trampers will prefer to walk them consecutively as a single 9 (or more) day tramp. This is a major undertaking for which fit trampers should come well prepared. The larger rivers are bridged but the tramp involves many stream crossings that may be impassable after rain. Mt Richmond Forest Park contains a mixed variety of beech and podocarp forest, including the finest rimu along Te Araroa.
Road End to Captain Creek Hut - 8.5km / 4 hour
The track follows the Pelorus River for about a 1 hour to the Emerald Pool picnic area. From here the track climbs upwards. It leaves the river, sidles, and then returns to the river. The 6 bunk Captain Creek Hut is still about 30 minutes further upstream from here.
Captain Creek Hut to Middy Hut - 5km / 2 hour
This undulating section crosses Captain Creek by swingbridge after leaving the hut near its confluence with the Pelorus River. Beyond Captain Creek, swingbridges take trampers across the Pelorus River, and later Fishtail Stream.
Beyond Fishtail Stream the track leaves the Pelorus River then returns to it for the final stretch to Middy Hut (6 bunks).
Middy Hut to Rocks Hut - 5km / 3 hour
From Middy Creek Hut (6 bunks) cross a swingbridge and then climb for 20 minutes to a junction where the Pelorus Track branches to the left. The Rocks Track (to the right) climbs steadily from the junction for about 600m up a broad ridge. It then enters an area with many hummocks and rock outcrops, turning northwards and meeting the Bryant Range near the 16-bunk Rocks Hut.
Note for NZTopo map users. The NZTopo50-BQ26 Nelson map for this region correctly shows Te Araroa leaving the Pelorus Track after Middy Hut and climbing to Rocks Hut. If you are using a phone Topo app or DOC web page to follow Te Araroa and you zoom out far enough the base map will switch to NZTopo250-13 Nelson which incorrectly show the older route, continuing along Pelorus Track via Roebuck Hut to rejoin Te Araroa at Totara Saddle. This route is viable but less frequently used.
Rocks Hut to Browning Hut - 11km / 4½ hour
From Rocks Hut, this track wanders through a landscape of rock outcrop and hillocks. It then climbs over several high points before beginning its descent towards Tōtara Saddle.
It emerges onto an open patch of tussock land associated with the mineral belt, which it crosses for 15 minutes or so before re-entering the forest and descending - steeply in places - to Tōtara Saddle. From the saddle, the track descends steeply to Browning Hut (8 bunks).
Browning Hut to Hacket Junction - 3.4km / 1 hour
(Plus another 5.7 km or 2 hours out to the Hacket Picnic Area for those finishing this section there).
This is a straightforward section with all intersections well signposted. There is a high/low water track option at one point but this is a bit meaningless as you'll get wet boots in subsequent stream crossings whichever route you take.
Flooding after heavy rain in September 2022 has deposited silt and rubble into the stream, raising the stream bed. This in turn makes the low water track subject to flooding so the high water track is the better option.
At Hacket Junction trampers have the option of continuing on the next Te Araroa section to Hacket Hut and beyond or finishing their tramp at the Hacket Picnic Area. Private transport arrangements are best made in advance if you wish to end your tramp here. Failing which it is a 12km road walk down Aniseed Valley Road to Hope village where a bus can be caught into Nelson.
Conditions
Potential hazards
- Vehicles on road or track on Maungatapu Road
- River crossings - Never cross flooded rivers
Access
Northern Start: Junction of Maungatapu Road and SH6, Pelorus Bridge
Southern End: Hacket Hut Junction
Transport
Pelorus - Getting there/away
- Private Driver Hire - P: 0272 565 643 (Paul) - can transport to/from all locations Picton-Anakiwa-Pelorus Bridge-Nelson-St Arnaud, priced on enquiry. We can take you from Anakiwa to the start of the trail head for the Pelorus track at the end of Maungatapu road, including stopping to re-supply in Havelock en-route. Travel time just under 2 hours including time to re-supply. This saves almost 3 days of road walking
Hope to Nelson - Getting there/away
- InterCity - P: 03 365 1113
- Private Driver Hire - P: 0272 565 643 (Paul) - can transport to/from all locations Picton-Anakiwa-Pelorus Bridge-Nelson-St Arnaud, priced on enquiry. We can take you from Anakiwa to the start of the trail head for the Pelorus track at the end of Maungatapu road, including stopping to re-supply in Havelock en-route. Travel time just under 2 hours including time to re-supply. This saves almost 3 days of road walking
Accomodation
Pelorus
-
Cottage 4 Rent (2 bedrooms) pre-trail accommodation (with hot showers and food) - at end of Maungatapu Rd (2km from Pelorus Bridge) - E: Clare sc.mead@farmside.co.nz
Hope
From Hope it is 29km to Nelson via Richmond. Nelson is a full-service town.
- The Pear Orchard Lodge - (BBH) self-catering lodge - max. 20 people - 569 Hill Street South, Hope - P: 03 544 5361 - E: stay@thepearorchard.co.nz - Rooms range from dorm to private rooms with ensuite - pickups from Hackett picnic area with prior arrangement
- Aniseed Valley Cottages - Aniseed Valley Rd (near Hackett picnic area) - P: 03 5443144 - pickup available from Hackett Picnic Area and (for a fee) guests can be transported to Richmond/Nelson for resupply
Food and Supply
Nelson
- MD Outdoors - Wakatu Carpark, Unit 4/126 Trafalgar Street, Nelson 7010- P: Emily Russell +64 27 606 7977 - Camping, tramping, climbing, trail running, packs, sleeping bags, tents, shoes, socks (including injinji), poles, cooking... all the gear
Hope
- Hope Store and Takeaways - 205 Main Rd, Hope - P: 03 544 9803 - Takeaway meals and light resupply available.