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 | [email protected]

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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