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Key facts
- Distance
- 9 km one way
- Walking time
- 3 hr 30 min
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Pelorus Sound/Te Hoiere and Kenepuru Sound area
- Dog access
- Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
This walking and mountain biking track passes through native and pine forest from Penzance Bay to Elaine Bay.
This DOC directory entry covers Archer Track in Marlborough, within Pelorus Sound/Te Hoiere and Kenepuru Sound area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 9 km one way
- Walking time: 3 hr 30 min
- DOC grade: Easy
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Allow 1 hour 30 minutes to Deep Bay which is half way, or 3 hours to walk the whole track. Enjoy stunning views of Tennyson Inlet and islands from this track. The bush goes right to the coast along part of the track and then opens out into pine forest closer to Elaine Bay.
Mountain biking
You can mountain bike on Archer Track.
The Kennett Brothers book "Classic New Zealand Mountain Bike Rides" has the track classified easy to advanced.
Getting there
You can get to this track by turning off SH6 near Rai Valley onto Ronga Road then right into Opouri Road. Follow the road over Opouri Saddle then turn left onto Archer Road and drive to Penzance where the track starts.
You can also start the track from Elaine Bay which is accessed from the road to French Pass.
Water taxi services are available from Havelock. You can also hire yachts, launches, motor boats, and sea kayaks.
Know before you go
The weather in the Sounds is generally mild, but conditions can change quickly, especially on the water. Ensure that you have adequate equipment and experience, and if you are going out on the water, check the marine weather forecast.
Light fires only in designated areas.
Boil, filter, or treat water for drinking. On some tracks you must carry water.
In late summer and autumn, carry antihistamine if allergic to wasp stings.
Private land
This track passes through private land in places. Ensure you respect the private land by staying on the track and keeping your dogs on leads.
Water safety
If you plan to enjoy the water, learn how to stay safe when swimming, boating and fishing.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
