Blink and You'll Miss It - Cape Campbell Track

 
It’s amazing the places in New Zealand that you’ve never given a second thought to, possibly never even heard of, and suddenly places like Ward on the North East corner of Marlborough become places you wish you had planned to spend more time exploring.  Ward, a “blink a you miss it” little township mid-way between Picton and Kaikoura is actually the gateway to some real hidden treasures, and for those of us who love walking in the great outdoors, enjoying fresh clean air, spectacular hill-country and sea views, whilst wining, dining and socialising in comfortable accommodation, Cape Campbell Track on Marlborough’s Pacific Coast is an exciting discovery.

The self-contained accommodation along Cape Campbell Track is outstanding.  Thorpelee Homestead stands grand and proud, welcoming walkers to their adventure. Even when the house is full to capacity (maximum of 10 people), there is ample room inside, with two comfortable living areas and spacious, fully appointed kitchen.


 
Expect a knock on the door about 5pm on your arrival day, from a friendly visitor who will brief you on the adventure ahead. The walk doesn’t commence until the next morning, so after the briefing, the local pub is a great option for meals, however it almost seems a shame to leave your very own Thorpelee Homestead with its private garden, badminton net, bbq, outdoor tables, stocked drinks fridge, afternoon sun and fruit trees.

For the next three days and nights you may not see a single person, other than those you are walking with, and you will definitely not see a shop or pub again during that time.  Luggage is transported from house to house for you, so there is no reason to conjure up images of heavy packs and freeze dried food.

Approximately 54km long, the walk is broken over four days of steady undulating country and more significant climbs. Cape Campbell Track presents the ideal excuse to get a group of friends together to challenge themselves and have some fun, without having to forego life’s creature comforts.

Farm homesteads like Thorpelee and Freeth Estate and a range of cosy cottages, including those which once housed our early lighthouse keepers, have been refurbished as self-contained accommodation along the circular route. Walkers stride across working farms and out to the spectacular coastline, traversing what was Flaxbourne Station, the South Island’s first great sheep run. On a clear day parts of the walk unveil views of the North Island.

As packs are transported from house to house, chilly bins containing walkers own food can also be transported from fridge to fridge, meaning groups can plan gourmet meals to reward themselves. If advance meal planning doesn’t appeal, the pantries and fridges also have ingredients for people to purchase to make their own delicious meals.

Cape Campbell Track really is an experience of getting away from it all and getting fit and active, without having to give up hot showers, electricity and great Marlborough wine and food!

With newfound knowledge of what lies towards the coast, Ward will never be a “blink and you miss it” State Highway One township again.

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Visit www.capecampbelltrack.co.nz

For bookings or brochures call 03 575 6876 or email walk@capecampbelltrack.co.nz

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