Nydia Track Walk: A Treasure in the Sounds
- Luísa Gaspar
- Sep 14
- 5 min read
New Zealand is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. It’s no secret. But what’s truly magical about this place is how it never stops surprising you. No matter how often you explore, there’s always a new view, a new moment that leaves you recharged and inspired.
And the best part? Living here means it’s nearly impossible to resist nature’s call. You’ll find yourself heading off on a mission into the wilderness almost every weekend. It becomes a way of life.
This time, our adventure led us to one of the South Island’s rare diamonds - Marlborough Sounds. A place that feels like it was designed for everyone, hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, adventure, wine tasting… you name it. If paradise exists, it might just look like this.
The Local Secret: Nydia Track
One of the greatest joys of exploring New Zealand is tapping into local knowledge. That’s how we uncovered the Nydia Track a stunning two-day hike with an overnight stop at Nydia Bay. A true hidden gem.
Thanks to our incredible support crew , Team D (Denise and Dino), this adventure was set in motion. Denise drove us all the way to Duncan Bay - our starting point. The journey there was a treat in itself, filled with stories of Denise’s wild adventures around New Zealand and her daughter’s expat life in Japan. That’s the kind of local connection you treasure.
Into the Wild: From Duncan Bay to Nydia Bay
Standing at Duncan Bay (and trust me, don’t mix up the bays. Remember where you started at!), you step into a world that feels straight out of Narnia. The track pulls you deep into lush, green bush where the occasional glimpse of the Sounds reminds you of the beauty waiting ahead.
The hike is a steady climb up to Nydia Saddle (347m elevation), enough to get your legs burning but gentle enough to keep the spirits high. From the saddle, it’s all downhill to the magical Nydia Bay.
It’s All in the Details
Along the way, the scenery might feel familiar if you’ve been around the Sounds before. But here’s the thing—slow down, look closer. That’s where the real beauty lies. The small treasures, the textures of the forest, the sound of the breeze, the play of light on the water.
It’s a reminder for life too, true joy often lives in the details we tend to overlook.
Pro tip: Pack some coconut granola and dried mango. Trust me, it makes the hike sweet as.
Your Reward: On The Track Lodge
After about five hours of hiking, spotting the ‘On The Track Lodge’ sign feels like crossing a finish line. Relief, joy, and a cold drink - exactly what you need.
And just when you think it can’t get better, Carleen greets you with cold water and a sweet treat. But the real reward? A perfect recovery package, cozy cottages, homemade meals (diet-friendly!), cold wine and cider, board games, a rich library, and yes… a massage.
That’s right, Donna, another angel from Team D, is there to work her magic. A proper massage after a long hike? Pure bliss.
An Evening Under the Stars
As the sun sets, the lodge turns into a haven of good food, laughter, and shared stories. Whether you’re enjoying a campfire, soaking in the hot tub, or gazing up at the clear, star-filled sky, this is the stuff memories are made of. Sleep comes easy here. You’ll feel like a kid again, safe, warm, and ready to dream.
Day Two: Sunrise & Serendipity
Day two starts with a sunrise worth waking up for. Wander along the beach, soak in the peace. Fuel up on a hearty breakfast and choose your adventure, kayaking, fishing, or continuing the hike. The world is yours from here. If you decide to keep trekking, a word of advice, pay attention to the signs! Duncan Bay, Kaiuma Bay… easy to mix up. And sometimes, one wrong turn leads you somewhere magical. That’s exactly what happened to us.
A Detour to Donna, the Treasure
That little detour led us to one of the trip’s most surprising highlights—a lone tree, full of personality, standing proud on its own tiny island. From afar, it seemed small, almost insignificant. Up close? Majestic.
It sparked a lively debate, this tree deserved a name. In the end, we baptized it Dona, inspired by the powerful energy of Donna, the incredible massage therapist who’d worked her magic the night before.
Strong, grounded, and unforgettable, just like its namesake. A perfect reminder that sometimes the best treasures are found when you least expect them. Sometimes, the best moments come from getting lost. Don’t ever get scared of the unknown or regret the mistakes. Everything happens for a reason. Sooner or later, you’ll get it.
The Last Climb and the Best Welcome
After another steady climb back up to Nydia Saddle (347m), it’s all downhill from there. Plug in your favourite playlist, chat with fellow hikers, and enjoy the final stretch. Always funny to have quick chats with the ones starting the track and seeing their fully charged batteries and innocence expecting to be so close when in fact there are couple of kms ahead.
And as you finally make your way into the car park, there’s only one thing that feels better than the smell of that homemade focaccia or the magic of a powerful massage, seeing Dino there, waiting to welcome you back. Before we knew it, we were back in Havelock - a quiet fishing town… or so it seems. Listen carefully to Dino’s stories, and you’ll uncover its wild, cowboy side. Another story for another day...
Final Thoughts
Some say there’s a limit to how much you can explore or discover. But is there? The only way to find out is to keep going. Keep wandering. Keep collecting these priceless experiences.
New Zealand is full of hidden treasures - Nydia Track is just one of them. So, pack your bag, grab someone remarkable, and go find your next adventure. You never know what magic is waiting for you out there.
If Marlborough Sounds captured your imagination, you’ll enjoy our story on the Godley Head coastal walk, another track where history, nature, and perspective meet.
Need support planning your next travel adventure? Contact Luísa Gaspar at World Treasures for your next handcrafted travel experience.
Practical Guide: Walking the Nydia Track
Duration: 2 days (17 km each way)
Start/Finish: Duncan Bay or Kaiuma Bay (car shuffle required)
Difficulty: Moderate – steady climbs, but manageable for most hikers
Accommodation: On The Track Lodge (Nydia Bay) or DOC huts (Nydia Bay and Nydia Saddle)
Best Season: Spring to autumn for settled weather and longer daylight hours
What to Bring: Layers, insect repellent, snacks (coconut granola + dried mango = gold), and a camera
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