Departing from and returning to Havelock, this adventure offers stunning walks through the beautiful landscapes of Marlborough Sounds, including the serene Jacobs Bay Track, the historic Archer Track, and the lush Nydia Track. Enjoy the emerald waters reflecting native bush, walk through dense forests, and take in breathtaking views from elevated saddles. Affinity will meet you at the end of each section, ensuring no backtracking and providing the comfort of hot showers, prepared meals, and the same cozy cabin each night. Relax in safe anchorages every evening, and enjoy optional walks to suit your pace.
- Walk the beautiful Jacobs Bay Track, an easy track that takes you around the peninsular from Jacobs Bay to Fairy Bay. Marvel at the emerald colours of the sea as it reflects the native bush right down to the waterline. This walk takes 1.5 hours.
- Walk the Archer Track There are two options here…walk Elaine Bay to Deep Bay which is 1.5 hours, approximately 4.5 kms and the crew can pick you up at this point or continue on to Penzance Bay which is another 1.5 hours and 4.5 kms to complete the full 9 km track.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Departs from and returns to Havelock
Walk the beautiful Jacobs Bay Track, an easy track that takes you around the peninsular from Jacobs Bay to Fairy Bay. Marvel at the emerald colours of the sea as it reflects the native bush right down to the waterline. This walk takes 1.5 hours.
Walk the Archer Track There are two options here…walk Elaine Bay to Deep Bay which is 1.5 hours, approximately 4.5 kms and the crew can pick you up at this point or continue on to Penzance Bay which is another 1.5 hours and 4.5 kms to complete the full 9 km track.
The Archer track is an easy walking track between Elaine Bay in Tennyson Inlet and Penzance Bay. The track follows an old stock route that was used prior to Tennyson Inlet gaining road access in the 1960s. The track is named after the Archer family who has maintained a permanent presence in the area since the 1880s. Along most of its length, the track passes through dense native forest with a mix of beech and podocarp species.
Nydia Track 27 km – Duncan Bay to Nydia Bay then Nydia Bay to Shag Point
Duncan Bay to Nydia Bay (4 hr)
The first hour follows the shoreline with glimpses of the sea through the lush coastal forest – giant rimu, nīkau, beech trees and tree ferns.
At Ngawhakawhiti Bay the track climbs to Nydia Saddle (347 m) – here you can take in the great views of Tennyson Inlet. The track then continues down into Nydia Bay where the crew and vessel will be waiting for you.
For those of you that wish to walk a little bit more may like to carry on and walk around to have a look at Nydia Lodge. The lodge is run by D.O.C and can accommodate up to 50 people and has no mains power, it is a great place for school and group camps.
Nydia Bay to Shag Point (5 hr)
This part of the track leads across open farmland beside the stream, crossing it twice. Then climbs up to the Kaiuma Saddle (387 m) through beech forest and regenerating scrub with superb views, and on a clear day you can even see Marlborough’s highest mountain, Tapuae-o-Uenuku (2885 m), in the distant Inland Kaikoura mountains. From the saddle, the track drops quickly to cross a stream. The track then climbs a little into the forest and sidles around to a point above Kaiuma Bay.
Jacobs, Archer and Nydia Tracks are approximately 41 kilometres in total.
**Affinity will meet you at the end of each walking section – No back tracking*
Itineraries are subject to change.
Affinity
The vessel Affinity was purpose-built in Picton by Carey’s Boatyard for the type of cruising that she does. Affinity has 8 guest cabins, a comfortable lounge for dining and relaxing, and a spacious deck.
Affinity Features
- Accommodation is onboard the vessel in 8 cabins (twin share — bed and bunk or double bed).
- If you are a sole passenger and require a cabin to yourself, our single supplement is available.
- All cruises are fully catered and all linen is supplied.
- 3 bathrooms facilities on the main deck — separate ladie's and men’s — with a good supply of hot water.
- Air conditioning for summer and central heating for winter.
- Spacious vessel both inside and out, including a comfortable lounge area.
- Lots of interesting books to read, as well as a few board games.
- Easy access both on and off the vessel, with platform steps at the stern of the vessel.
- 4-metre inflatable tender for shore excursions and for use when divers are in the water.
- Use of gumboots for on deck and going ashore.
- First aid certificates held by crew members, plus an oxygen cylinder onboard.
- Vessel complies with all safety regulations and holds all appropriate licences.