News from the road – Pelorus Sound & Golden Bay – January 2021

Andrew Matheson recently returned from our Walking Pelorus Sound and Golden Bay tour. This is the second time we had run this tour over the summer.

Lush native bush and sea views are each a treat on their own, but combining them is something special. Our tour of started with some bush tracks that you can reach only by boat.

Then over two days we had the satisfaction of tackling the Nydia Track. Whether walking alongside the beautiful blue water of Pelorus Sound, or looking down from a hilltop, the views were magic. No campsites or DoC huts for us when walking around Pelorus Sound. At the end of each walk we returned to our boat, which was both a floating home and transport to the next track.

While cruising the sound by day we enjoyed some of the special scenery on offer. We stopped to learn about mussel farming, which is a major industry in the area. Each evening we moored in bush-clad inlets for a quiet and calm night.

Tucked away over the ‘Marble Mountain’, Golden Bay is remote enough to protect its many charms. Our walking tour explored some of its byways, continuing the magic combination of bush and sea, coupled with the characteristic golden sand.

Farewell spit was a destination in itself as the group enjoyed a full day tour out this special part of New Zealand.

The area of Nelson, Marlborough Sounds and Golden Bay invites further exploration so stay turned for more tours in this area next summer.