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 A$3,745 pp

4 Day Small Group Walk

Hollyford Track

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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 (Ka Tuku Lodge) and Martin's Bay Lodge (Waitai 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.

4Luxury Accommodation

Where You'll Sleep

South Island, New Zealand

Pyke River Lodge, Hollyford Track

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South Island, New Zealand

Martins Bay Lodge, Hollyford Track

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South Island, New Zealand

Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas, Te Anau

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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

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 (known as Ka Tuku Lodge in Maori), 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

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 Martin's Bay Lodge (Waitai 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

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

6Season & Departure Dates

Season & Departure Dates

Three departures per week between November and April

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.

What to pack for a supported multi-lodge walk in New Zealand

You will carry all your belongings, including clothing and personal items, plus lunch and water supplies on the first full day of walking in a pack weighing no more than seven kilograms. You'll be given a smaller day pack to carry your essentials for the remaining two days of hiking, while your main pack will be transported via jet boat between the lodges. Pack for four seasons to ensure you are prepared for all types of weather. Track lodges have drying rooms – lightweight Merino wool or polypropylene clothing has a better chance of drying overnight if it gets wet. Cotton, silk, or denim garments are not suitable.

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4 Day Hollyford Track Walk, Fiordland National Park