Drive from Picton towards Nelson on the Scenic Route to Havelock.
This is a winding coastal road, with great views out to the sounds and lots of lookout spots to take it in. Ngakuta Bay is on this road.
On this road keep an eye out for small bays you can only walk to, The Grove – a community that must have the most fun letter boxes, Department of Conservation Campsites, and when you get to Havelock – try a meal of Green Lipped Mussels
We wanted to spend a few days in the Marlborough Sounds, and so onto AirBnB I went. And there I found it – Ngakuta Bay – Bach by the Sea
What is a Bach?
A Bach is a simple NZ holiday home near the sea or in the mountains.
Read more about what is unique and special about a New Zealand Bach HERE
This was definitely a Bach – How could I tell?
- It was cheap $85 a night despite being across the road from the sea
- Shower and toilet are not in the cabin
- There are toys – kayaks to borrow and no TV
- It is called a Bach!
- Despite the simplicity, everyone who stays loves it!
Our host Pam welcomed us warmly into her beautifully overgrown permaculture garden. Our small cabin has a double bed and doors that open to the view of the bay, a fridge and freezer for our food and everything we need to cook.
Pam says to keep an eye out for the big rays that come into the mudflats to feed – entirely harmless and majestic to watch. On her suggestion an evening walk along the Jetty and we say the Phosphorescence in the water, sparkling like stars in the sky. In the winter she says there are occasional visits by dolphins and seals.
Our pergola outside the cottage is dripping with grapes – not quite ready to eat unfortunately, but they frame our view of the bay perfectly.
Red shaver hens peck their way around the garden.
At high tide we can swim in front of the Bach, at other tides a jetty provides a deep-water swim.
A walkway/cycleway runs in front of us and in one direction goes all the way to Picton and will eventually go all the way to Havelock so there are lots of walking options.
The kayaks take us easily around the edges of the bay, and could have taken us further!
I head off one day to cycle to Anakiwa – 6 kms on road, then great little off road track beside the road. At Anakiwa the Queen Charlotte walkway starts, so you can even add a walk there to the stay.
No shortage of things to do here in Ngakuta Bay in Queen Charlotte Sound.
However there are no shops for 30 mins drive, o come with all you need.
On one day we headed off on the half an hour drive to Havelock where we are booked onto a full day eco cruise of Pelorus Sound with Pelorus Tours. Read about that trip here.
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