On The Track Lodge — Hotel in South Island

Two of us booked the 2 night Nydia Track 'Explorer Package' via the On The Track Lodge website, and had a great time. Warren and Carleen are wonderful hosts. They arranged minibus transfers from Havelock Marina to the start of the Nydia Track at Kaiuma Bay, and again at the end from Duncan Bay back to Havelock. Safe paid parking at Havelock Marina is easy and reasonably priced. ||It's a steep 12km walk over a couple of hills to get to the On the Track Lodge, and the cup of tea and cake on arrival was a nice way to start our stay. Some only stay for one night but it's really worth staying for two to enjoy the calm surroundings at Nydia Bay. ||The walk to Duncan Bay over the Nydia Saddke on the way out is 15kms. Although a little further, it's an easier walk - not quite as steep, lots of scenic water views, and prettier bush than day one. Lots of tree roots though, so watch your step!||Our chalet accommodation was comfortable, the shared bathroom facilities clean and spacious. A great Dry room to get any wet clothing dry. A hot tub to soothe any aches and pains, |and lovely meals provided by Carleen and Warren. The fridge is well stocked with a selection of cold drinks and wines - write down what you take and pay at the end. ||Swimming isn't the best right outside the Lodge, so I walked around to the DOC hut, about 30 minutes walk away, where there is a jetty with good swimming. ||There are a couple of other walks close by the Lodge, or grab a book from the well stocked library...

This is one of the most relaxing places I've ever been to. After a stunningly beautiful walk, you're treated to a sublime valley surrounded by native bush and bird song. The accommodation is comfortable with gorgeous little touches like the small wood burner in my seaside cabin (didn't need to use - it was easily warm enough even at the tail end of the season). The hosts Carleen and Warren are incredible - they not only keep the place impeccable, beautiful, clean and welcoming, they themselves are consummate professionals, engaging, interesting, and oh my god the food. Being the only two guests at the time, we certainly felt we were lucky enough to receive some special attention (they even upgraded my 74 year old mum to the train carriage where she had her own bathroom), but I just need to mention the food again. A perfect lasagna on the first night - portions to suit the largest appetites - and roast lamb the second, with fresh, perfectly prepared salads, sides and desserts. All eaten as the sun set over the hills with birdsong ringing out all around. A place where you can breathe in the beauty of the natural world around you, and you are taken care of perfectly while you do so. Thanks again and again to Carleen and Warren. If you two are back next year, I...

We had spent a magical four days and three nights at On The Track Lodge. The lodge organised a shuttle from Havelock Marina to the start of the Nydia Track so we walked into the lodge (about 4 hours) and to leave you can either walk the other half of the track and a shuttle will meet you to take you back to Havelock. Or, you can take the Pelorous Mail Boat which makes various stops and deliveries on its five hour cruise around the Sound and back to Havelock. Warren and Carleen who manage the lodge are incredible hosts. So hard working running the lodge and preparing delicious evening meals and packed (cut) lunches for all their guests. Breakfast is more of a self service affair with cereals and eggs and toast and fruit. There is an honesty bar and in the evenings there is a lovely atmosphere as guests eat dinner together and chat away - although equallly you can sit at a table for just your group or partner if you wish. The evening meals were exceptionally good. We were lucky to have a day’s fishing in the Cook Strair and caught enough fish for dinner that evening. our stay here was one of our favourite experiences in our time in...