Nydia Walk. Organiser: Marianne Hermsen
After dark, grim looking skies and lots of rain on Friday night we were greeted by a lovely calm and pleasant Saturday morning as the group gathered at the Miyazu Gardens at 7.30am to leave for the Sounds. Two carloads left for Duncan Bay and the other two cars headed to Havelock to pick up the key to the lodge (and have some delicious latte's and goodies from the local bakery).
Northbound group: From Kaiuma Bay carpark, we set off on our first part of the walk which took us gently up hill to the Kaiuma Saddle. And what a lovely spot for lunch it was. From there it was all downhill through bush and farmland to the stunning Nydia Bay. We noticed lots of pig rooting along the track and sure enough a good-sized black pig greeted us on our descent to the bay. After we arrived at the lodge, managed to unlock the doors and made ourselves at home, we all went off to the jetty for swims and sunbathing.
As we left the next morning for the second day of our walk, we met Grahame and Susan who had stayed overnight at the DOC camping ground on the other side of the bay. When our party got to the lovely camping ground most of us couldn't resist the temptation of the water and had a swim. Then back into dry clothes and off to the Nydia Saddle where we had lunch overlooking Nydia Bay for the last time before our view changed to that of Duncan Bay. What beautiful bush it was and as we reached Pipi beach, yes you guessed it, another stop for a swim, before we reached Duncan Bay and headed back home.
The trip was enjoyed by all of us and comes highly recommended for this time of the year.
Southbound group: We had a steady but sometimes hot climb up to the Nydia Saddle. From here three members tried a side trip up the unmaintained track to the right, but soon found it badly overgrown and turned back. Then on down to the Nydia Bay campsite where some members had a swim on the full tide, then two set up camp while the other four continued on to share the night with the Northbound party at the Lodge, 2 hours further on. It was arranged that the campers would meet them at the Lodge by 10 the next morning to continue the shorter tramp to the Kaiuma end. The campers explored the coast before dinner and gathered an entree of cockles. Next morning the campers arrived at the Lodge to find the rest of the party sitting outside, having been evicted by the Northbound party when they left at 9 am. The prospective new members were puzzled at being put out before they needed to leave, and then left with the key. Teamed up again, we made our way up to the Kaiuma Saddle and waved to Tapuaeouenuku knowing that Tony's party was not there to wave back. Some members explored the open ridge up to the left to obtain broader views, before lunching and then descending to the bottom of the valley. But then - horror of horrors - another climb nearly as high as the Saddle that was not evident on the contourless Park Map. Finally down to the farm, feet cooled at the ford, and then into cars for icecreams at Pelorus Bridge before continuing home.
Northbound group: Rosemary Weir, Karen Wardell, Marianne Hermsen, and guests Val Latimer, Helen Inkster, and Marianne Buschmann.
Southbound group: Grahame Harris, Ross Price and guests Sally Kidson, Susan Bolger, Juli Eaddy, and Sheree Milten.