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

South Island, New Zealand
From $2,501 pp The amount shown is based on today's live exchange rate, which may change by the time that you complete your purchase. Your payment will be processed in the default currency.
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 a small group hike (maximum 16 guests) led by professional local guides bringing to life the diversity of this World Heritage wilderness area's landscapes, wildlife and Maori culture. In addition to hiking, the Hollyford experience includes wilderness jet boating 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 lot of fun. This is the perfect way to explore the Hollyford Track without sacrificing your luxury comforts.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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6Season & Departure Dates
Season & Departure Dates

Three departures per week between November and April

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