Hollyford Track

The Hollyford 3 Day Wilderness Journey is an all inclusive spectacular walk from the mountains to the sea that is suitable for a wide range of fitness levels.

Unlike any other walk, the scenery is geologically spectacular and ever changing - snow capped mountains, glaciers, rainforests, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, reefs, sand dunes and surf. The experiences are diverse - hiking, wildlife interaction, historical tales, jet boating, and a magnificent scenic flight to Milford Sound.

Included in the package is return transport from Queenstown or Te Anau to the track, meals, snacks, accommodation, and use of backpacks and rain jackets.

Accommodation is in well appointed lodges with twin share rooms. The expert guides will ensure your group (maximum 16 people) experience New Zealand's wilderness at its best. The season operates from late October through to April.

If you're looking for an adventure with some of the most beautiful and unique scenery in the world, then look no further than this 3 day walk into the most beautiful valley in New Zealand.

Itinerary

Day 1 Waterfalls, Pyke River Lodge, Glow Worms: Depart Queenstown by 7.00am, travel alongside the beautiful Lake Wakatipu and on to Te Anau. Those starting in Te Anau join the trip at 9.00am. After a brief stop, depart for the Hollyford Valley and travel through the majestic Eglington Valley to the start of the Track, visiting Gunn's Camp museum on the way. Then re-trace the footsteps of early explorers along the Hollyford River to Pyke River Lodge. As the Track undulates gently through native beech forest and beside tumbling waterfalls, enjoy interesting historical tales and interpretation of the forest and bird life. In the evening you can visit the nearby glow-worm colony.
Walking Distance is approx 17kms (12miles).

Day 2 Lakes, Jet Boating, 1000 Year Old Trees and Wildlife Experience: Begin your day with a short walk to Lake Alabaster and learn of the history and geology of the area whilst in the midst of stunning surroundings. Cross Fiordland's longest swing bridge and then enjoy a captivating jet boat journey down the Hollyford River and across Lake McKerrow to the historic site of Jamestown, the intended capital of the South Island in the late 19th century. Walk through the ancient Podocarp forest (New Zealand native pines) with huge Rimu, Totara and Kahikatea trees wrapped in massive Rata vines. Then visit the fur seal colony at Long Reef on the wild West Coast. You may see the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin. Spend the night at Martins Bay Lodge.
Walking Distance is approx 12kms (7miles).

Day 3 Martins Bay Beach and Coastline /Scenic Flight to Milford Sound: Travel by jet boat to the beach and explore the seven kilometre Martins Bay Beach, sand dunes and lagoon. Learn about its history and its plant, sea and bird life. Return to Martins Bay Lodge and then enjoy a scenic flight to Milford Sound, with views of the Track route, Hollyford Valley and Mt Tutoko, Fiordland's highest peak. Board your coach for your return journey to Queenstown or Te Anau with stops of interest along the way. Arrive back in Te Anau by 5.00pm and Queenstown by approximately 7.30 pm.
Walking Distance is approx 8 kms (5 miles).

Itinerary Options

Day 3: There is an option at an additional cost to cruise Milford Sound if you wish.

Departures

All pre-departure briefings are held at 5.30pm on the day before your departure. Check in at 5.15pm.
Queenstown: Ground Floor "The Station" Building, Duke Street entrance.
Te Anau: Luxmore Hotel, Main Street.

2008:
Oct 22, 25, 28, 31
Nov 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 20, 23, 25, 28, 30
Dec 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31

2009:
Jan 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30
Feb 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27
Mar 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31
Apr 2, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15

Highlights

Gunn's Camp museum Jet boat journey down Hollyford River Visit the fur seal colony at Long Reef Scenic flight to Milford Sound

Inclusions

Pre Departure briefing Specialist, experienced guide for the complete itinerary Coach transport from Queenstown/Te Anau to the start of the Track Lodge accommodation on the Track, in well-appointed twin share rooms with shared bathroom facilities All meals on the track Duvets, towels, shampoo, soap, hairdryers & hot water bottles Captivating jet boat journey across Lake McKerrow Scenic flight to Milford Sound. " Return coach transport to Queenstown (not applicable if guest chooses to overnight in Te Anau or Milford). Use of backpacks and rain jackets if required.

Additional Information

Children: 8 to 14 years are charged the child rate, children 7 years and under are not accepted on the walk
Fitness requirements: The days are long but not difficult. You only carry your pack on the first day's walk in, the rest of the time it is taken by boat/coach.
What to Bring: Sturdy footwear - tramping boots (worn in), two or more pairs woollen socks, highly protective rain wear (hooded anorak), polar fleece jersey, spare jersey, polypropylene long johns (1 or 2 pairs), polypropylene long sleeved tops (1 or 2), shorts (1 or 2 pairs), shirts, peaked cap, woollen hat or beanie (not a necessity), nightwear, light shoes for the evenings at the lodge, trousers or track pants for the evenings at the lodge & drinking water bottle
Operated By: Hollyford Track