Things to do, Somerset House Backpackers, Golden Bay

Heaphy Track

Somerset House is the nearest and most convenient hostel from which to relax while you plan for this Great Walk. We have massive wall maps, can organise hut passes and Golden Bay Coachlines tickets. The bus calls daily in season. Arrange a group and ask Chris to take you up as early as you like for $60 / journey, not pp, compared with the bus price of $27 pp. Trek Express will transport larger groups to and from both ends of the track as well as to the start of the Wangapeka. Rory Moore as will Peter from Nelson Lakes Shuttles Peter We can arrange baggage transfer to Westport, or you can leave luggage or your vehicle here, maybe fly back over the Track to Golden Bay with Jim Larsen of Remote Adventures. 0800 150 338. Remote Adventures

Have you considered using Heaphy Track Help to relocate your vehicle to Kohaihai, ready for you to continue your circuit of the South Island without having to backtrack? Contact Derry or Helen having visited their website Heaphy Track Help

We also work closely with Paul at Rongo backpackers in Karamea, Rongo
who can transport you from Kohaihai to Karamea, accommodate you, show you the delights of Karamea, its environs and beyond, to the Wangapecka Track, or to Westport.

A wonderful place to stay on the West Coast is The Old Slaughterhouse at Hector, consistently one of the highest rated hostels in all of NZ in the BBH book. 97% 2008-09. Try it there.

Trekking

Collingwood is at the north-eastern end of the Heaphy Track, the 3/4 day GREAT WALK through the Kahurangi National Park to Karamea. Somerset House offers a peaceful atmosphere for relaxation before or after the trek, and the chance to hire a car or borrow bikes to explore the north end of Golden Bay.

There are several day walks in the area,round the Puponga Farm Park at Wharariki, Cape Farewell, Pillar Point light and the Old Man Range.

A good day's tramp is The Kaituna Track, via Knuckle Hill at Westhaven through to the Naked Possum near Rockville. A good place to eat !

Mount Stevens.

Aorere Goldfields (mountain biking allowed), or a day trip to Perry Saddle Hut westwards on the Heaphy Track itself.

Tours

We offer a self drive tour, which includes an unlimited mileage car to explore Golden Bay, pick up and drop off, a map and a daily

updated suggestion and information sheet.

Cost from $40 for the package, so if 4 share, the day cost is from only $10 pp. The only extra is for fuel.

Call Chris and ask about availability. 03 524 8624.

Bare-foot guided tours

Farewell Spit is a very popular attraction year round, by bus along 34 km sandspit to view the birds which migrate annually from Siberia and Alaska. You may like to browse ...

The Original Farewell Spit Safari
Farewell Spit Eco Tours
Farewell Spit Nature Experience

Chess on the deck

Mussel Inn

Windsurfer and Kayaks

There are kayaks for exploring the estuary or streamer-fishing for Kawahai.

Available on request from the hostel.

Yoga

"BJ"'s Yoga classes ($1 donation ) are held locally on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings at Collingwood Area School.

Table tennis

Equipment is provided. Come and try, join the fun. All welcome! $2 for club funds.

Fishing

From boat and beach for snapper and kahwhai, flyfishing and spinning for trout and salmon in the rivers.

Horseriding

Day trips and overnight horseriding is available nearby.

Contact us for details

Sea Kayaking

Great locations nearby, also in Takaka and in the Abel Tasman National Park

Cycling

I have 2 newish bikes. Collingwood is ideal cycling country, especially on the uncrowded roads and the route to Farewell Spit is flat! For $15 pp (max 2) for fuel and handling charge we will take you close to Pillar Point, you can explore Wharariki Beach and cycle back at the end of the day. (24 kms on flat roads)

The Te Anaroa caves may be visited to view the glowworms, or borrow my gold pans and find yourself some specks, or maybe a nugget!

Westhaven Inlet, near Collingwood

A view of Port Puponga