Kings Birthday Weekend (Fri 30 May - Mon 2 June 2025) NOTE: We need to cross to the island on FRIDAY afternoon as the ferry doe s not operate on Saturdays! Plan to return to Nelson late Mon day afternoon.
D'Urville Island is just a short distance from French Pass but few have been there. It is the largest island in the Sounds. A ver y recent visitor was ex DOC CEO- Lou Sanson. here is his report:-
https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360625677 /wild-windswept-and-wonderful-visiting-durville-island
Gerard Hin dmarsh has written a fascinating book based on the island called "Angel ina; From Stromboli to D'Urville" about his grandmother. Gerard also w rote another interesting article about the island's history in July 2018&nb sp;
https://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/ 105460526/durville-island-delivers-a-rich-heritage
Our sister clu b Waimea has been there and the trip is always a sell out. It will involve a barge trip to and from the island plus accommdation at the Community Hall which will be comfortable and cosy if the weather is 'cooler'!.
For more background to the island follow this link to an interesting article in NZ Geographic magazine: https://www.nzgeo.com/stories/durvilles-forgot ten-island/
Getting The re: There is a barge that can carry two vehicles at a time across Fr ench Pass. Cost per person $50 return [5 people/car] Mount ain bikes and Passengers only $80 return. The island is some 60 km lo ng, so a bit too far to walk everywhere!
Accommodation: The Community Hall whi ch is close to the middle of the island has full kitchen and bathroom facil ities plus bunkroom and 'spare' mattresses for perhpas 20 people.
Cos t- $15.night/person.
Camping: There is a DOC camp at Greville Harbour for those who wish to 'rough it'. Other Options:< /strong> The Wilderness Resort is fully booked on Sat 31st!
G lamping: There is private accomodation (Sea Spray Cottage) at Wait ai Station at the northern end of the island for up to 6 people. Waitai Sta tion is where Angelina once lived.
Contact John and Tracey Gibbs, Wai tai Station