Adventure Magazine

SURVIVAL
All-inclusive
package from
$440 per person
(twin share)
Package includes:
• Track transfers
• Coffee and cake on arrival at
On the Track Lodge
• 2 nights in comfortable chalet
accommodation*
• All meals (Day 1 dinner & dessert,
Day 2 breakfast, packed lunch & dinner
& dessert, Day 3 breakfast & packed
lunch). Vegetarian/vegan/gluten free
meals available)
• Use of On the Track Lodge kayaks
and all other amenities, including a
hot-tub.
*Upgrade to stay in the newly
renovated vintage train carriages
(with private bathroom).
Discover the hidden wonders of the Nydia Track, it is not as well known or
busy as the Queen Charlotte Track but just as beautiful.
The track takes you through coastal forest (rimu, nikau and beech) with
superb views and is suitable for people with a reasonable level of fitness,
boots are recommended and some of the streams are not bridged.
• Start from Havelock and take a shuttle to historic Kaiuma Bay, (4-5 hours).
• Dine then stay at On the Track Lodge in a comfortable chalet
or train carriage accommodation.
• Spend the next day relaxing at the lodge, kayaking or taking some shorter walks.
• The next day complete the rest of the tramp (carrying your freshly
prepared packed lunch) to Duncan Bay in time for another shuttle ride back to Havelock.
On The Track Lodge
Nydia Track, Marlborough Sounds
+643 579 8411 | stay@onthetracklodge.nz
www.onthetracklodge.nz
multi day hiking
suRvival guide
Once again the silence was disturbed by the
rustling of plastic and the shuffling of feet. I
rolled over and tried to shut out the noise.
I’d been in bed for a few hours but everytime
someone entered the hut the same thing
happened; they would first try to find their
torch, then rummage through their packs
looking for their sleeping bags and toiletries
and finally they would settle, only for this
process to be repeated by the next ten people
as they slowly trickled off to bed.
Yep, we were staying in a hut, and I had
prepared myself for a disturbed night sleep,
however, I foolishly believed that people would
show some degree of hut etiquette. How
wrong I was…
We learnt a few things on our recent trip to
the Routeburn that we thought we’d share so
you too can survive (and enjoy) your overnight
hiking experience.
The hike:
Take poles: They protect your knees,
especially on the downhills, improve your
power and endurance on the uphills and
provide balance on uneven trails.
Hikers Wool: Great for those niggling sore
spots in your feet.
Preventative medicine: Be prepared with
voltaren, etc and use early if you suffer from
any ailments such as sore knees.
Pack Cover: Don't forget a cover for your
pack incase of rain.
Pack Liner: Also remember to line your pack
with a waterproof liner.
Wet weather gear: Doesn't work unless you
put it on!
tips and
etiquette
Food:
Salami not Tuna: If you are taking a filling
for a wrap, consider the smell and mess.
Remember you have to carry it out after
you've eaten it.
Seal: Make sure all your food and tea bags
etc are in sealed containers or bags.
Treats: Cheese and crackers and a glass of
wine at the end of the day is worth the extra
weight. Take the bladder out of a casked wine
and carry that!
Sleeping:
Pillow: If you have room to carry a pillow,
great, otherwise take a pillowcase to stuff your
clothes into.
Packing cells: If you pack your gear into
separate packing cells it makes it easy to sort
at the end of the day.
Prepare for bed: Do this before the end of
the day by laying out your sleeping bag and
gear before you go to bed and have your head
torch handy.
Leaving early? Pack your gear outside, not in
the sleeping hut.
Hut Life:
Cooking areas: Keep clean and clear so
others can use.
Carry a cooker: Although the Great Walks
have cookers it's always good to carry your
own so you can enjoy the great outdoors.
Take a newspaper for the DOC ranger, they
will be eternally grateful.
Walking poles help
alleviate any extra
stress on your body
At the start of the Routeburn
Having our own cookers meant
we could make the most of the
beautiful day outside
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