Enter a Punga Paradise

The Tramway Walk at Nydia Bay is an extra treat for trampers on the traditional Nydia Track route or an easy introduction to bush walking for guests who come to Nydia Bay by boat.

The Tramway Walk starts just outside On the Track Lodge at beach level,  and leads to 45 minutes walk up into pristine punga forest (a 1.5 hour return trip).  The path traverses farmland (approximately 5  minutes walk), planted pine plantation (10 mins) and then crosses a stream onto Department of Conservation scenic reserve.  A small track runs alongside a clear brown creek up into punga forest.

There are small easily fordable streams to cross along the way (if the weather has been rainy, check with staff at the lodge before attempting the walk).  The best idea in summer is to wear crocs or sandals which can get wet. Take a special moment to pause half way across the biggest stream, enjoying the cool water at your feet and listening to the sounds of the bush and breathing in fresh air. On the other side of the creek you can see signs of the timber milling from the nineteenth century, old timber sleeper and tracks are partly submerged in native bush.  In time you will come to a natural clearing with rimu, beech and pohutawa trees.

The track is easy to follow with clear orange markers pointing the way.  At the end of the walk is an information display created and maintained by the Department of Conservation.  It is possible to scramble up the steeper terrain beyond the signage – but it isn’t easy and better suited to those with mountain goat climbing tendencies.