Make your own way to Havelock, the mussel capital of Marlborough Sounds located roughly halfway between Nelson and Picton. Check-in to your trip accommodation any time after 2:00pm. Take some time to explore this quiet little village at the head of Pelorus Sound. Visit the local museum, wander along the marina with its flotilla of boats or sample some local produce. Freshly prepared green-lipped mussels are the signature dish and are not to be missed! NOTE: It is possible to overnight in Picton instead of Havelock this evening. A transfer from Picton to Havelock tomorrow morning can be arranged if you do not have your own vehicle (additional cost applies for the transfer). Please advise at time of booking if this is your preference.

Meals:  Nil

Enjoy a leisurely morning before meeting the boat and crew at the Havelock Marina at 11:30am. Board the boat for a 12:00pm departure and enjoy lunch on board while cruising along Pelorus Sound. Pass mussel farms thriving on the fine sediment that empties into the bay from the Te Hoiere Pelorus River. Marvel at the intricate network of secluded coves and inlets forming the Sounds before arriving at Jacobs Bay. A gently undulating walk on the picturesque Jacobs Bay Track allows opportunity to stretch your legs as it follows the coast around Dillon Bell Point to Fairy Bay. In the right conditions, the native bush reflects emerald green in the sea. Back on board the boat, relax with some pre-dinner snacks while the captain finds a sheltered bay in which to anchor for the night.

Meals:  L,D

After breakfast, cruise this morning to Elaine Bay in the Tennyson Inlet, passing some small islands on the way. The Archer Walk commences from Elaine Bay and follows an old stock route around the coastline to Penzance Bay, passing through pine and native beech forests with stunning views of the inlet and its islands along the way. The Archer family, after whom the track is named, continue to have a significant presence in the area and have done so since they first settled in the area in the 1880's. On completion of the walk, board the boat once again and anchor in a nearby bay for the night. NOTE: the track today is 9km but it can be broken into two halves if you don't feel like walking the full distance. The boat can collect you at Deep Bay after approximately 4.5km/1.5 hrs if you prefer.

Meals:  B,L,D

The Nydia Track is a series of old bridle paths linked together, passing through farmland, a variety of forests and scrub and tracing the shoreline of Nydia Bay where logging activities occurred from 1876 until 1919. There is little evidence of this today with much of the native forest visible from the track now regenerated. Walk the first part of the track today, going ashore at Duncan Bay and commencing with some of the most beautiful forest on the track including giant rimu, nikau, beech and tree ferns. Cross Nydia Saddle (347m) with lovely views of Tennyson Inlet before dropping down to sea level again at Nydia Bay, where the boat and crew will be waiting. Enjoy another relaxing evening on board the vessel while anchored nearby.

Meals:  B,L,D

Take some extra snacks today as it is the longest day on the trail. Beginning where you left off yesterday, the boat will drop you at Nydia Bay. The first part of the walk is gentle, crossing farmland and a stream before gradually ascending to Kaiuma Saddle (387m), the highest point on the trail. The view is rewarding and on a clear day it is possible to see as far as the Kaikoura Ranges which meet the east coast of the South Island and include a 2885m peak. From here it is mostly downhill through regenerating forest to the Kaiuma Bay trailhead. Take a break here before continuing a final 4 km to Shag Point where the boat can find deep enough water to meet you. Once back on board the boat, cruise to a sheltered cove for the final night on the water. Enjoy something special for dinner while reflecting on your journey over the last four days.

Meals:  B,L,D

After a final breakfast onboard the boat, cruise the short distance back to Havelock, savouring the final moments of life in the Marlborough Sounds. Arriving at the wharf around 9:00am, trip arrangements end with farewells to the crew and your fellow travellers.

Meals:  B