Last updated October 2026
The Archer Track is a walking and mountain biking track in the Pelorus Sound/Te Hoiere area that links Penzance Bay and Elaine Bay, passing through native and pine forest above Tennyson Inlet. The Department of Conservation (DOC) grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track, 9 km one way and about 3 hr 30 min.
You can start from either end: Penzance Bay via Ōpōuri Saddle, or Elaine Bay on the road to French Pass. It is about 47 km from Nelson. Mountain biking is allowed, graded 2 to 4.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Archer Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOCTrack facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.
Practical Information
- Start
- Penzance Bay (via Ronga Road, Ōpōuri Road and Archer Road) or Elaine Bay (off the road to French Pass)
- Distance from the city
- About 47 km from Nelson
- Walking time
- 3 hr 30 min one way; about 1 hr 30 min to Deep Bay (halfway)
- Track length
- 9 km one way
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate walking track
- Mountain biking
- Allowed, Grades 2, 3 and 4
- Dogs
- Dogs with a DOC permit only
- Track type
- Walking track
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Archer Track
The Archer Track links Penzance Bay and Elaine Bay. DOC highlights the views of Tennyson Inlet and its islands as the main draw.
For part of the way the native bush runs right down to the coast, giving you water views framed by forest. Closer to Elaine Bay the track opens out into pine forest.
Deep Bay sits roughly halfway, about 1 hr 30 min from the start, which makes a natural turnaround point if you would rather do a shorter there-and-back walk than arrange transport between the two ends.
Riders can bike the track too. DOC grades it 2 to 4 for mountain biking, and notes that the Kennett Brothers’ book Classic New Zealand Mountain Bike Rides lists it as easy to advanced.
Getting There
To start at Penzance Bay, DOC says to turn off State Highway 6 near Rai Valley onto Ronga Road, then right into Ōpōuri Road. Follow the road over Ōpōuri Saddle, turn left onto Archer Road and drive to Penzance, where the track starts.
To start at Elaine Bay, take the road to French Pass. DOC also notes that water taxis run from Havelock, and that yachts, launches, motor boats and sea kayaks can be hired.
Severe weather has damaged many roads in Marlborough, so check Marlborough District Council road updates before you travel.
Track Conditions and Safety
The track passes through private land in places, so stay on the track and keep dogs on leads there. Weather in the Sounds is generally mild but can change quickly.
Boil, filter or treat water, carry water, and light fires only in designated areas. In late summer and autumn, carry antihistamine if you are allergic to wasp stings. Check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Archer Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Marlborough District Council: road updates for the Marlborough Sounds before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Archer Track?
DOC gives 9 km one way, about 3 hr 30 min. Deep Bay is about halfway, 1 hr 30 min from the start.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track.
Can I mountain bike the Archer Track?
Yes. DOC grades it 2 to 4 for mountain biking.
Where does it start?
At Penzance Bay, reached over Ōpōuri Saddle via Ronga, Ōpōuri and Archer roads, or at Elaine Bay off the road to French Pass.
Can I take my dog?
Only with a DOC permit. Keep dogs on leads where the track crosses private land.
What will I see?
Views of Tennyson Inlet and its islands, native bush running to the coast, and pine forest near Elaine Bay.
Can I get there by boat?
DOC says water taxi services are available from Havelock.
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