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Key facts
- Distance
- 3 km one way
- Walking time
- 1 hr
- 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
Walk or mountain bike through native forest and farmland from Opouri Saddle down to Harvey Bay (Duncan Bay).
This DOC directory entry covers Opouri Bridle 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: 3 km one way
- Walking time: 1 hr
- 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
This is a 3 km track through native forest and farmland from Opouri Saddle down to Harvey Bay (Duncan Bay). It is very steep and rocky in places and the streams are not bridged.
Mountain biking
You can mountain bike on Opouri Bridle Track - a fun downhill alternative to the road, however, most riders will find parts of the track unrideable.
Horse riding
This track is not suitable for horses. This track follows the path of a former bridle track however it is a lot steeper than usual bridle tracks and is no longer suitable for horses due to it being so steep, narrow and rocky.
Getting there
You can get to this track from the Tennyson Inlet Road off State Highway 6 just past Rai Valley.
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.
Carry water.
In late summer and autumn, carry antihistamine if allergic to wasp stings.
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.
