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Insider Journeys: 4 Day Hollyford Track Walk
Read about our Journey Designer's recent Hollyford Wilderness Experience in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, exploring remote landscapes, rich Māori history, and the beauty of one of the country’s most untouched regions
By Walk into Luxury
Walk Overview
Tucked away in one of the most remote corners of New Zealand’s Fiordland, the Hollyford Wilderness Experience offers a journey that blends adventure, culture, and comfort in equal measure. It’s not designed just for the seasoned hiker – it’s a genuine all-round walk that allows guests to immerse themselves in the region’s beauty without needing to be an endurance athlete.
Over four days, you’ll explore the ancient rainforest, alpine valleys, lakes and rivers of the Hollyford Track, a World Heritage wilderness area rich in both natural beauty and cultural history. Led by expert local guides, this small-group experience (maximum 16 guests) brings the region’s Māori heritage, diverse landscapes, and unique wildlife to life.
Along the way, enjoy a mix of hiking, wilderness jet boating, and a scenic helicopter flight to Milford Sound, with nights spent in comfortable private lodges and gourmet three-course dinners rounding out each day.
What we loved
From the moment we set off, the professionalism of the guides and staff shone through. Every detail was looked after, creating a seamless and welcoming experience where guests could simply relax into the wilderness. The balance of walking, storytelling, and cultural interpretation made it easy to see why this journey resonates with so many.
What stood out was the terrain and remoteness of the track. Unlike the busy Milford Track, the Hollyford feels quiet and untouched. Sometimes we walked for hours without seeing another person. The scenery kept changing too — from mountains, rivers, open flats, rainforest, even sand dunes. It always felt fresh and surprising.
The first day was a big highlight. It’s a solid 20km walk, but arriving at the lodge to be welcomed with a smile, a glass of wine, and a generous cheese platter was the perfect way to finish. The staff live fly-in fly-out and were genuinely warm and happy to have us there. It felt more like being welcomed into someone’s home than just arriving at a lodge.
The accommodation and food during the trip were definitely a highlight! Every little detail was thought of, from eco-friendly bug spray to drying rooms and hot water bottles. Meals were restaurant quality, and sharing them in such a remote location made them even more special.
What surprised us
What struck us most was how much this is a wilderness experience rather than a multi-day hike. If someone is looking to push themselves physically and tick off a bucket list hike this might not be the one for them.
The first day is the toughest, but the following days are shorter and more relaxed, with time for jet boat rides, cultural stories, and plenty of scenic stops. It felt less like “ticking off a trail” and more like really experiencing the wilderness. Everything exceeded our expectations….in comparison to some other walks, this one was truly spectacular!
Recommended experiences
Everything is included, so guests can simply relax and enjoy. We did miss the final day of hiking because of the weather, but there was still so much to see and do that it hardly felt like we missed out.
You just needed to be ready for the first day — 20km with a pack can feel long if you’re not used to it. The good news is that the rest of the journey is much easier, and you’ll be so glad you pushed through.
If you can, add a night in Te Anau after finishing. It breaks up the long drive back and makes for a gentler ending. For those looking to do more, Trips and Tramps has some great options nearby. We’d recommend saving the tougher Kepler Track until after the Hollyford though, as doing both back-to-back can be a bit much for some guests.
What’s Nearby?
Many guests choose to extend their Hollyford Wilderness Experience with a relaxing stay nearby. In Te Anau, you’ll find lovely options like Fiordland Lodge, set on the edge of the lake with sweeping views, or cosy boutique stays in town. It’s the perfect place to unwind after the final day’s hike and long drive.
For those heading on to Queenstown, there are plenty of luxury lodges to enjoy, from the serene Azur Lodge with its incredible lake views (pictured below), to the stylish Eichardt’s Private Hotel in the heart of town (pictured at bottom).
