Torea Saddle/Portage Bay to Mistletoe Bay/Te Mahia Saddle

Track Operators

Once again, the walk follows the ridge. Kamahi, manuka and kanuka are prolific here, protecting shrubs and trees that will soon grow to shelter the way.

The two highest points on the way to Mistletoe Bay/Te Mahia are over 400m. From their summits you get a strong feeling that Kenepuru, Mahau and Queen Charlotte Sounds are indeed the sunken valleys between the peaks and ridges you are walking on. Before dropping into Mistletoe Bay/Te Mahia, take a short side trip to a lookout over lovely views of the waterways below and see the ridge you have travelled along stretching back to the east.

Many families come to Mistletoe Bay, a picturesque picnic spot including a barbecue area, campsite and toilets. The remains of a canoe site found in the area suggest a small pa (Maori village) was once here.

There are two short walks here, one around the peninsula and the other called the Vogel track.

Accommodation providers in this area include the Mistletoe Bay Eco Village on Queen Charlotte Sound and nearby Te Mahia Bay Resort located on Kenepuru Sound. A side track, approximately one hour 30 minutes after Torea Saddle provides access to Lochmara Lodge Wildlife Recovery & Arts Centre (see Side Tracks). See the individual operator listings below for further information.