Elaine Bay is a sheltered embayment with 25 houses, a D.O.C. camp ground and no shop, located in the middle of Pelorus Sound. It is a major 'Greenshell' mussel - farm service area, and on the road to French Pass.
A variety of local accommodation is available including a D.O.C. camping ground, simple bach for 6, private holiday cottages and holiday flats.
WALKS
Elaine Bay has two coastal walks and mountain biking tracks. A short walk is the Piwakawaka (Fantail) Track; an easy, short walk through coastal vegetation. 2 hours return. The second is the Archer Track, a scenic coastal walk 2 to 3 hours one-way to Penzance in the beautiful Tennyson Inlet. Return to Elaine Bay from Penzance is possible via the hilltop power supply line. Elaine Bay also connects with the Nydia Track.
Short walks are available at French Pass. One leads to a small sandy beach. It is ideal for swimming and sheltered when the wind is from an easterly direction. It runs through a lovely patch of native bush. The water is clear and the beach gets the afternoon sun. Another walk takes you to a lookout from which you can view the tidal race of the awesome French Pass Passage. At times you can see seals and dolphins using this piece of water along with terns, gannets, petrels and penguins. There is an account of d’Urvilles historic passage through French Pass at the lookout.
D'Urville Island is blessed with areas of reserve and a diverse range of native fauna. For the more adventuresome loop walks are available. These give way to outstanding views of the outer Marlborough Sounds, French Pass and surrounding area. Short walks on d’Urville lead to waterfalls and glow worm grottos.
NYDIA TRACK
This Inner Sounds walking track can be accessed from Havelock, Duncan Bay or from Elaine Bay via sea kayak. The track normally takes 2 days and it is possible to book accommodation in Nydia Bay. Escape to paradise.
TUI NATURE RESERVE
Conservation Park Tui Nature Reserve is part of a 160 hectare isolated peninsula in the Outer Pelorus Sound, close to the entrance to Cook Strait. Eco boat tours from Elaine Bay www.tuinaturereserve.co.nz
VISIT FRENCH PASS
A 35-minute drive will take you to French Pass; a small timeless seaside port village, gateway to a world of adventure and wildlife. Scattered islands and inlets make a stunning backdrop to the quaint village. Rich in wildlife and steeped in history French Pass inspires all who visit.
FISHING is good in the Outer Pelorus with snapper, kingfish, blue cod, groper, tarakihi and other species being caught regularly. There is enough room for your car and boat trailer at the holiday cottage. Elaine Bay has a boating ramp. Try kayak fishing, camp overnight on the beach and fish the dawn.
DIVING
French Pass is only 1.5 hours from the wreck of the Mikhail Lermontov and a host of good diving sites. Visibility is usually good and there is always a piece of calm water to be found around d’Urville Island.
SAILING
Enjoy traditional sailing at its best on board Steadfast, a big, beautiful, gaff cutter based in French Pass.
www.steadfastsail.co.nz
OKIWI BAY
The friendly team at Okiwi Bay Holiday Park can take you diving, for scallops, crays, and scenery, or spearfishing, on our 6m Stabicraft. We can also supply hire scuba tanks, weight belts, dive fills, and lots of advice! Plus they can arrange charter trips, and kayak hire. www.okiwi.co.nz
For more information about the Pelorus Sounds:
www.pelorusnz.co.nz
ACCOMMODATION
Stay in Elaine Bay - an ideal sheltered spot for relaxing holidays, fishing, kayaking, walking and boating. Accommodation Marlborough Sounds; beach front holiday cottage with beautiful views in the Pelorus Sound.