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Set deep within the breathtaking Fiordland National Park, the Hollyford Wilderness Track is one of New Zealand’s most remarkable and immersive guided walks. This wilderness walk offers a rare opportunity to explore an untouched and awe-inspiring landscape that has remained unchanged for thousands of years. This small group experience takes you through a diverse range of stunning environments, from the snowcapped peaks of the Southern Alps and lush ancient rainforests to pristine rivers, crystal-clear lakes, and the remote, windswept dunes of the wild West Coast. Led by expert guides, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the valley’s rich history, learning about its unique flora and fauna as well as the captivating stories of the early Maori and pioneering settlers who once walked these same paths. The journey offers an incredible variety of experiences, including hiking through World Heritage wilderness, spotting native wildlife, jetboating along remote rivers, exploring historic sites, and taking in the breathtaking scenery from the air with a spectacular helicopter flight to Milford Sound. Each evening, you’ll be welcomed into our well-appointed private lodges, where friendly hosts will ensure your comfort with warm hospitality, first-rate cuisine, and a relaxing atmosphere to unwind after a day of exploration. The Hollyford Track Guided Walk is more than just a walk—it’s an extraordinary adventure into the heart of New Zealand’s natural beauty, offering an unforgettable way to connect with the wilderness and discover the true essence of Fiordland.
60kg of CO2-e PP per day
(242kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
Day 1
Arrive Queenstown, transfer to Te Anau
Make your own way to Queenstown, New Zealand's Adventure Capital, where you will be collected from a central city location at 2.30pm to be transferred to Te Anau. This 2-hour scenic drive south along the stunning shores of Lake Wakitipu and the countryside of Southland will bring you to Te Anau, the gateway of Fiordland National Park. Take some time to stroll along the waterfront of the South Island's largest lake, Lake Te Anau. There are many cafes, restaurants and shops all within a short walking distance from your accommodation. A pre-trip briefing will be held in the evening and dinner at the hotel is included once the briefing is complete.
Meals: D
Day 2
Depart for the Hollyford Valley (19.5kms/11.8mi, 3-4hrs)
The day will start at 7.00am this morning with a hearty breakfast, before a 7.30am departure from Te Anau towards the majestic Hollyford Valley. Upon reaching the start of the track, we pop our packs onto our backs, and start our 19.5km walk through the stunning valley and famous Hollyford Track. Following the swift, crystal-clear waters of the Hollyford River, you'll walk beneath the towering peaks of the Southern Alps, including Fiordland National Park’s highest summits—Mt Tutoko (2,746m) and Mt Madeline (2,537m). We trace the footsteps of early Maori and pioneer explorers along the winding track through lush native beech forest and past cascading waterfalls. Along the way, we’ll pause for breaks as our guides share the rich history of the valley, introduce its unique flora and fauna, and transport you back to a time when this land was first traversed. Midway through the day, we’ll stop for lunch—a chance to rest, refuel, and take in the stunning surroundings before continuing our walk. The end of our long first day sees us arrive at our lodge accommodation where our friendly hosts welcome us with hot showers, 3 course cuisine and the opportunity to relax with a post dinner drink.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Lake Alabastar, Lake McKerrow and Martins Bay (12km, 2-3hrs)
Enjoy a delicious breakfast and hot cup of tea or coffee to ease you into the day ahead. We start the day with a short 4kms walk through to Lake Alabastar and have the option of crossing one of Fiordland's longest swing bridges. On return back to the lodge, we enjoy a quick morning tea, before setting off to the jetty. Here we board a jet boat for a thrilling scenic ride along the Hollyford River and down to Lake McKerrow. We make a short stop at the ill-fated Jamestown to hear the tales and tragedies of this early New Zealand settlement and learn more about the history and it's settlers. Following a delicious lunch, we explore the Martins Bay sand dunes. These sand dunes separate the powerful Tasman Sea and the pristine Hollyford Valley. Here we visit historical sites where Chief Tutoko (Ngai Tahu) and his people guarded entry to the Hollyford Valley. Our guides will also explain the unique environmental diversity of this remote region. On arrival at our lodge, take off your boots, relax with a glass of wine perhaps, and enjoy the sun setting over the Hollyford River.
Day 4
Martins Bay to Milford Sound, return to Queenstown (3.5kms/2.17mi, 1 hour)
Our final day on the Hollyford Track, begins with a walk through the amazing podocarp forest. The walk is a short one at 3.5kms, but awe-inspiring as you gaze up and marvel at the ancient forest that surrounds us with thousand-year-old giants of nature such as native Rimu and Kahikatea. We return to the lodge for our final group lunch, before boarding our helicopter for a scenic flight along the rugged coastline into the stunning and world famous, Milford Sound. Once in Milford Sound, board the transfer for the return through to Queenstown (via a quick stop in Te Anau). You will arrive back into Queenstown in the evening, allowing you to enjoy some of the many restaurant options for dinner and a reflection on the past few days.
Meals: B,L
Day 5
Depart Queenstown
Trip arrangements end on check out of your hotel in Queenstown. Please ask us if you are wanting to extend your stay with extra nights in Queenstown.
Meals: Nil
What's included
What's not included
Accommodation in Te Anau and Queenstown is based on twin/double share rooms with ensuite bathroom. All linen is supplied. Free Wifi is provided for guests. Rooms have coffee and tea making facilities, hair dryer, TV and are modern and comfortable. Location is just on the edge of the CBD, making it easy walking distance to the restaurants, cafes and shops.
The lodges have been thoughtfully designed and built to offer exceptional comfort and luxury in an unexpected setting. Each private lodge is fully equipped with spacious dining and lounge areas, cozy open fires, and dedicated drying rooms. Powered by a battery bank system, energy conservation is prioritised by limiting certain electrical facilities overnight. However, lighting remains available throughout the night, and the lounge area offers 24-hour power access. Every bedroom features a fully equipped ensuite, complete with bedding, towels, soap, shampoo, conditioner, and a hairdryer. For added warmth and comfort, hot water bottles are also provided—perfect for unwinding after a long day.
INTRODUCTORY TO MODERATE - GRADE 4 These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity with several moderate stages. These adventures involve walking for up to 7 hours a day at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and must be in good health. You will need to be prepared to carry your full pack on part of the walk. Other days only a day pack will be required. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions. Walking each day is over varied terrain which can at times be slippery when wet. Care needs to be taken as there are sections of the train that are uneven. A very good level of fitness is required and your preparation should include climbing and descending stairs, hills on uneven terrain. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise - swimming, cycling, jogging, stair or hill walking - three to four times a week for three months prior to your journey. During the walking stages you will need to carry your daily requirements such as water, lunch, spare clothing and personal items.
Per Person, Twin Share
Both lodges have flush toilets and there are clean long drop style toilets at our lunch stops.
Fiordland has one of the highest levels of rainfall in the world! Whilst this can make it spectacular and contributes to the beautiful flora, it also means that the track can be very wet, muddy and slippery. Likewise, the creeks can rise rapidly, and therefore our groups often have to walk through water and mud – hence good quality, hiking boots are essential.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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Our itineraries have been carefully designed and researched with you in mind. The logistics are handled for you allowing you the freedom to walk New Zealand at a level of your choosing and in your own stride.
A core Maori value exercising guardianship in relation to nature, flora and fauna and its people, ensuring that sustainability and environment are valued, respected and protected for future generations to enjoy.
As a small business ourselves, we love supporting and sharing New Zealand with other small and likeminded businesses and communities to showcase for you, what our land and people have to offer.
5Days
Introductory to Moderate
4Days
Moderate
Introductory
6Days
Moderate to Challenging