World heritage area
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World Heritage Information
The Hollyford Valley, internationally recognised as a place of outstanding natural values is situated within Fiordland National Park which has been accorded World Heritage status.
This is a special place, a very special adventure. It is a walk from the heart of New Zealand, the Southern Alps, to its western boundary, the Tasman Sea. Unlike any other walk, the scenery is geologically spectacular and ever changing - snow capped mountains, glaciers, rainforests, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, reefs, sand dunes and surf.
Your guided walk begins deep in the primeval beech forests below the near vertical walls of the snow-capped Darran Mountains and undulates gently alongside the swift clear waters of the Hollyford River.
Here you will see Fiordland's two highest peaks, Mt Tutoko(2746m) and Mt Madeline (2537m) and the roaring cascade of Hidden Falls which emerges from a hanging valley forcing its way through a narrow chasm of granite.
As you progress towards Lake McKerrow and onwards to the thundering surf of the Tasman Sea, you will be profoundly moved by the dramatically changing scenery, the abundance of wildlife and the vast variety of forest flowers and foliage.
Significant historical sites of early settlement provide intriguing glimpses into the aspirations of the explorers and settlers of the region, all of whom succumbed to the area's 'splendid isolation'.
The diversity of land forms within this one valley is startling. So to are the experiences - hiking through World Heritage wilderness, a captivating jetboat journey down the river and across Lake McKerrow, exploring historical sites, a scenic flight and a cruise on Milford Sound.
Easy pace
Following the course of the Hollyford River, The Hollyford Track is a low-altitude walk for anyone of reasonable fitness and of any age although we prefer guests to be over 10 years old.
Light packs
As all linen, duvets, towels and food are provided, you need only bring your personal gear keeping your packs light for a more enjoyable adventure.
Informed guides
Friendly guides educate and enlighten you with historical tales and interpretation of the environment around you.
Small group sizes
To ensure a more personal experience, group sizes are kept to a maximum of 16 guests.
Welcoming lodges
In the calming evening light at the end of your day of exploration, arrive to a warm welcome from your lodge hosts with refreshments, hot showers and well appointed twin-share bunk-style rooms.
Fine cuisine
Lodge chefs prepare hearty breakfasts, picnic lunches and superb evening dining including complimentary wine.
Amazing variety of wildlife
The huge variety of trees, vines, flowers and ferns, are home to an amazing range of birdlife including wood pigeons, native parrots and owls, bellbirds, warblers, robins, chaffinches, cuckoo, tui and white heron as well as many species of sea birds. You may also see trout and dolphin. A feature of your itinerary is a visit to a colony of seals and, during certain months, the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin.
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