World heritage area
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.

Itinerary

Pre Departure Briefing

Your pre departure briefing begins at 6 pm on the night before your walk begins. This is a chance for you to meet your guide and fellow walkers. Your guide will "walk" you through the next three unforgettable days, on the Hollyford Track. Backpacks will be provided at this briefing to those who require them. The pre departure briefing takes place at R & R Sports Queenstown (corner of Camp & Shotover streets) or at The Luxmore Hotel if staying in Te Anau.

Day One: Waterfalls, Pyke River Lodge, Glow Worms

Depart Queenstown by 7am, travel along side the beautiful Lake Wakatipu and on to Te Anau. Those starting in Te Anau join the trip at 9 am. After a brief stop, depart for the Hollyford Valley and travel through the majestic Eglington Valley to the start of the Track in the Hollyford Valley visiting Gunn's Camp museum on the way. Then re-trace the footsteps of early explorers along the Hollyford River to Pyke River Lodge. As the Track undulates gently through native beech forest and beside tumbling waterfalls enjoy interesting historical tales and interpretation of the forest and bird life. In the evening you can visit our nearby glow-worm colony.

Walking Distance: Approx 17kms (12miles).

Day Two: Lakes, Jet Boating, 1000 Year Old Trees and Wildlife Experience

Begin your day with a short walk to Lake Alabaster and learn of the history and geology of the area whilst in the midst of stunning surroundings. Cross Fiordland's longest swing bridge and then enjoy a captivating jet boat journey down the Hollyford River and across Lake McKerrow to the historic site of Jamestown, the intended capital of the South Island in the late 19th century. Walk through the ancient Podocarp forest (New Zealand native pines) with huge Rimu, Totara and Kahikatea trees wrapped in massive Rata vines. Then visit the fur seal colony at Long Reef on the wild West Coast. You may see the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin. Spend the night at Martins Bay Lodge.

Walking Distance: Approx 12kms (7miles).

Day Three: Martins Bay Beach and Coastline /Scenic Flight to Milford Sound

Travel by jet boat to the beach and explore the seven kilometre Martins Bay Beach, sand dunes and lagoon. Learn about its history and its plant, sea and bird life. Return to Martins Bay Lodge and then enjoy a scenic flight to Milford Sound, with views of the Track route, Hollyford Valley and Mt Tutoko, Fiordland's highest peak. Board your coach for your return journey to Queenstown or Te Anau with stops of interest along the way. Arrive back in Te Anau by 5 pm and Queenstown by approximately 7.30 pm.

There is an option at additional cost to cruise Milford Sound if you wish.

Walking Distance: Approx 8 kms (5 miles).

2007/08 Prices and departure dates

Adult: NZ $1655

Child: NZ $1235

Includes:

• Pre Departure briefing
• Specialist, experienced guide for the complete itinerary
• Coach transport from Queenstown or Te Anau to the start of the Track
• Lodge accommodation on the Track, in well-appointed twin share rooms with shared bathroom facilities
• All meals on the track
• Duvets, towels, shampoo, soap, hairdryers & hot water bottles
• Captivating jet boat journey across Lake McKerrow
• Scenic flight to Milford Sound (Fly-Out Itineraries)
• Return coach transport from Milford Sound or Hollyford Track end to Queenstown or Te Anau (Excludes Milford Cruise option and Te Anau to Queenstown leg for those staying in Te Anau)
• Use of backpacks and rain jackets if required.
  
  

Oct 2007: 23, 26, 29
Nov 2007: 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 18, 21, 23, 26, 28
Dec 2007: 1, 3, 6, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, 29, 31
Jan 2008: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30
Feb 2008: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29
Mar 2008: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30
Apr 2008: 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17

2008/09 Prices and departure dates

Adult: NZ $1655

Child: NZ $1235

Includes:

• Pre Departure briefing
• Specialist, experienced guide for the complete itinerary
• Coach transport from Queenstown or Te Anau to the start of the Track
• Lodge accommodation on the Track, in well-appointed twin share rooms with shared bathroom facilities
• All meals on the track
• Duvets, towels, shampoo, soap, hairdryers & hot water bottles
• Captivating jet boat journey across Lake McKerrow
• Scenic flight to Milford Sound (Fly-Out Itineraries)
• Return coach transport from Milford Sound or Hollyford Track end to Queenstown or Te Anau (Excludes Milford Cruise option and Te Anau to Queenstown leg for those staying in Te Anau)
• Use of backpacks and rain jackets if required.
  

Oct 2008: 22, 25, 28, 31
Nov 2008: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 20, 23, 25, 28, 30
Dec 2008: 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31
Jan 2009: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30
Feb 2009: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27
Mar 2009: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31
Apr 2009: 2, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15

If you would like more information on the Hollyford Track just fill out our enquiry form or send us an email. Full itineraries and scheduled departure dates are available on request.