Hike the Hollyford Track on this four day guided walk with comfortable lodge accommodation, and enjoy the best of Fiordland on foot, by jet-boat and helicopter

last minute luxury
Book now for Spring 2024
South Island, New Zealand
From A$3,350 pp
4 Day Small Group Walk
Hollyford Track
Enquire about this walk
1 Overview
2 Rates & Inclusions
3 Location & Access
4 Luxury Accommodation
5 Itinerary
6 Season & Departure Dates
1Overview
Overview

The Hollyford Track showcases the ancient rainforest, mountain backdrops, lakes and rivers of the remote West Coast of Fiordland National Park. The 4 day Hollyford Walk is guided by professional local guides and brings to life the diversity of landscapes, wildlife and Maori culture of this World Heritage wilderness area. In addition to hiking, the Hollyford experience includes wilderness jetboating, and a scenic helicopter flight to Milford Sound. Your experience includes private lodge accommodation, all dining with gourmet three-course dinners, transfers, guides and a whole lot of fun. This is the perfect way to explore the Hollyford Track without sacrificing your luxury comforts.

Hollyford_Walk_Martin's_Bay_Lodge_Helicopter
Hollyford_Track_Experience_Luxury_Guided_Walk
View Gallery
2Rates & Inclusions
Inclusions
  • Three nights accommodation in an ensuite** room; one night each at Distinction Te Anau Hotel, Pyke River Lodge and Martin's Bay Lodge
  • All meals and snacks on the track and at your accommodation, with three-course gourmet lodge dinners
  • Walk the Hollyford Trail with experienced local guides
  • Wilderness jet boat journey down the Hollyford River and on Lake McKerrow
  • Scenic helicopter flight to Milford Sound on day four
  • Return ground transfers from Queenstown or Te Anau
  • Walk pack-free on day three and day four; you'll need to carry your hiking pack on day two due to the remote location of Pyke River Lodge
  • Use of backpacks, rain jackets and walking poles
  • All bedding, towels and select toiletries for your convenience and comfort

Limited ensuite rooms are available per departure. We recommend booking the ensuite room option to ensure your comfort. We will advise the best departures with ensuite rooms; single-room available upon enquiry (single-share options may be available with fellow solo walkers to avoid a single-room supplement)

3Location & Access
Location & Access

Starts and ends in Te Anau, with complimentary transfers available from/to Queenstown. Te Anau is a two hour drive from Queenstown. This detailed Hollyford Track map explains the location and access points.

South Island Map 1
5Itinerary
Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Your Hollyford Walk experience begins in Te Anau, which overlooks Fiordland National Park and is widely considered the walkers' capital of New Zealand. For convenience, you may like to take the complimentary transfer from Queenstown to Te Anau, or you may self-drive and meet the group there. Your accommodation is at Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas, a comfortable four-star hotel overlooking Lake Te Anau. Today is all about relaxing, meeting your guide and new friends, and enjoying dinner in preparation for the walk to begin tomorrow. A pre-walk briefing is included today, which will have you itching to discover the Hollyford Valley.

Included: D

Hollyford_Track_Experience_Luxury_Guided_Walk

Day 2

So it begins. You’ll head into Hollyford Valley after breakfast at the hotel, and set off on a guided walk along the Hollyford River. Today’s 19.5 km journey follows the swift, clear waters of the River, with the mighty Southern Alps casting shadows from above. Retrace the footsteps of original Māori and early pioneer explorers as the track undulates gently through native beech forest and past impressive, tumbling waterfalls. You’ll arrive on foot at the day’s end at Pyke River Lodge, where you’ll be welcomes by the friendly lodge hosts. Enjoy a hot shower and three course dinner with new friends, before settling in with a drink by the fire before bed.

Included: B - L - D

Hollyford-Trail_Guided_Walk

Day 3

As the sun rises over the mountains, enjoy breakfast before a short walk to glistening Lake Alabaster and the optional crossing of one of Fiordland’s longest swing bridges. Today you will cover 15 km on foot, broken up with an exciting scenic jet boat ride along the Hollyford River and down to Lake McKerrow, where the glassy waters whisk past and the mountains rise dramatically above. A visit to the ill-fated Jamestown this afternoon follows, plus a walk among the podacarp forest’s ancient giants including native Rimu, Totara and Kahikatea. You’ll end the day’s walk with the sound of the thunderous surf of the West Coast getting louder as you approach Martin’s Bay. Spot New Zealand fur seals and Fiordland Crested Penguins before arriving at the lodge. Take off your boots and relax with a glass of wine before dinner is served. Watch the sun set over the Hollyford River and toast the memories of a wonderful day on your Hollyford guided walk.

Included: B - L - D

HOLLYFORD WALK B 4

Day 4

A final 5km walk this morning explores Martins Bay Spit, a famous landmark separating the powerful Tasman Sea from the Hollyford Valley. View historical sites, where chief Tutoko and his people guarded entry into the Hollyford Valley, controlling access in and out of highly valued pounamu (greenstone / jade) gathering areas. Explore the sand dunes, and wander along the isolated beach at your own pace, with the Tasman Sea as your companion. Lunch is taken back at Martins Bay Lodge before boarding the helicopter for a scenic flight along the rugged coastline and above dramatic Milford Sound. Marvel at the grandeur of vertical granite walls rising from the sea before arrival at Milford. Your driver will then transport you to Queenstown or Te Anau, through the famous Homer Tunnel. Optional extensions available to enjoy a Milford Sound cruise today; please enquire for a custom itinerary.

Included: B - L

Hollyford_Walk_Martin's_Bay_Lodge_Helicopter
6Season & Departure Dates
Season & Departure Dates

Three departures per week between November and April

Combine with

4 Day Private Walk

Blanket Bay Walk - Milford & Routeburn Track

This private journey features walks on the Milford & Routeburn Tracks and a Mount Earnslaw Glacier heli-hike with accommodation at world-renowned Blanket Bay Lodge

Explore Now

4 Day Private Journey

4 Day Kepler, Milford & Routeburn Track Walk

Heli-hike the Kepler Track and enjoy guided walks on the Milford and Routeburn Tracks, returning each day to luxury lodge accommodation

Explore Now

Accommodation

Milford Sound Lodge, Fiordland National Park

Milford Sound Lodge is the best accommodation at Milford Sound, with mountain and river view chalets overlooking Fiordland National Park

Explore Now

Accommodation

Mahu Whenua, Wanaka

Mahu Whenua Homestead near Wanaka is an all-inclusive high country lodge offering alpine and valley views with 55,000 hectares of private trails to explore

Explore Now

1 Night Luxury Cruise

Milford Sound Luxury Cruise

The ultimate Milford Sound luxury cruise, spend the night onboard purpose-built expedition ship Fiordland Jewel for sunset and sunrise views over Milford Sound

Explore Now

Accommodation

Rosewood Matakauri, Queenstown

Rosewood Matakauri is an all-inclusive boutique retreat overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables, seven minutes from Queenstown's vibrant centre

Explore Now

Experiences

Milford Track Guided Walk to Giants Gate Waterfall

One of New Zealand's Great Walks, hike the Milford Track to Giants Gate Waterfall taking in river and rainforest views on this special day hike

Explore Now

Accommodation

The Rees Hotel, Queenstown

The Rees Hotel is set on the lakefront with easy access to Queenstown's vibrant town centre and offers private luxury villas and residences for families and couples

Explore Now

5 Day Private Walk

5 Day Mt Aspiring, Mt Cook & Ahuriri Valley

This private New Zealand walking journey takes in the best of Mt Aspiring, Aoraki-Mt Cook and the Ahuriri Valley with an exclusive heli experience and accommodation at two of the South Island's best luxury lodges included

Explore Now

Accommodation

Azur Lodge, Queenstown

Just minutes from Queenstown, Azur Lodge offers captivating lake and mountain views from its nine private luxury villas

Explore Now

Accommodation

Fiordland Jewel, Fiordland National Park

The Fiordland Jewel is a 24m, three-deck catamaran offering a luxury Milford Sound cruise experience to a few lucky guests

Explore Now

Accommodation

Eichardt's Private Hotel, Queenstown

Eichardt's is a landmark Queenstown hotel with its distinctive architecture and premium lakefront position offering a convenient and luxurious base for discerning travellers

Explore Now

Experiences

Private Milford Sound helicopter experience, Fiordland National Park

Your private Milford Sound helicopter experience provides spectacular views of the mountains and valleys of Milford and Fiordland National Park and includes an alpine glacier landing

Explore Now

4 Day Private Walk

4 Day Queen Charlotte Luxury Walk, Marlborough

Enjoy three days walking the best sections of the Queen Charlotte Track combined with luxury lodge accommodation overlooking the Marlborough Sounds and an indulgent Cloudy Bay Wines experience

Explore Now

Accommodation

The Lindis, Ahuriri Valley

The Lindis is a luxury lodge and modern architectural gem nestled in the Ahuriri Valley, two hours from Queenstown on New Zealand's South Island

Explore Now

Frequently asked questions

Ultimate walking season guide for Australia and New Zealand

Plan your next hike with our guide to the Australian and New Zealand walk seasons. Here we answer the common questions: "When is the best time to walk in Australia?", "When is the Great Walk season in New Zealand?", and more.

Continue reading
Get in touch

Start planning your Hollyford Track Walk with Walk Into Luxury

To find out more about this journey or discuss
a personalised trip, please get in touch

Enquire Today