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: Travel in comfort from Queenstown and Te Anau through some of New Zealand's most divine scenery of beautiful lakes and glacial valleys dwarfed by majestic mountains to the start of the track in the Hollyford Valley. Shadowing the swift clear waters of the Hollyford River and beneath the gaze of the mighty Southern Alps, including Fiordland National Parks two highest peaks of Mt Tūtoko (2746m) and Mt Madeline (2537m), you'll re-trace footsteps of original Maori and early pioneer explorers, as the track undulates gently through native beech forest and beside impressive tumbling waterfalls.

At the end of your first day's adventure you'll be welcomed at Pyke Lodge by your friendly lodge hosts. Here you'll enjoy hot showers, impressive 3 course cuisine and the opportunity to relax with a post dinner drink and savour the majesty of Mt Madeline while reflecting on a great first day.

Day 2: As the morning light drapes the background mountains, a tasty cooked or continental breakfast puts everyone on track before being rewarded with a mystical forest, reflections like a mirror on Lake Alabaster and the satisfaction of an optional crossing of Fiordland's longest swing bridge.

After a short walk you'll board the jet boat for the next part of your adventure. Jet boats were invented in New Zealand for the shallow rivers of the South Island and these powerful and safe boats provide for a captivating scenic ride along the Hollyford River and down Lake McKerrow with glassy water whisking past and mountains rising dramatically above. You may even encounter a family of Bottlenose Dolphins who are regular visitors to the lower river and lake.

Human history in the Hollyford Valley is as incredible as the scenery and you'll stop to discover the tragedies and triumphs of ill-fated Jamestown before walking through ancient forest giants such as native Rimu, Totara and Kahikatea, some believed to be up to 1500 years old. Soon the towering lowland podocarp forest transforms into a tenacious coastal garden. Thunderous surf on the rugged West Coast is a prelude to a bay of boulders where the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin is a seasonal visitor. A little farther on, Long Reef plays host to a colony of native New Zealand Fur Seals where you'll marvel at their nimble skills in the crashing surf and relax as they laze on the rocks.

Day 3: After another hearty breakfast you'll explore Martin's Bay Spit, a famous landmark separating the powerful Tasman Sea from the Hollyford Valley, and a coastal landscape that is a world away from the previous days.

Here you will view an historical site of a once significant Maori settlement where a great chief and his people guarded entry into the Hollyford Valley from the coast, controlling access into and out of highly valued pounamu (greenstone / jade) gathering areas. Your guide will also highlight the plant and wildlife of this unique environment helping you to discover the diversity of this truly remote area. You will also have the opportunity to explore in your own time the isolated beach and sand dunes or to just wander at your own pace with the Tasman Sea as your companion and reflect upon this intrepid journey.

Returning to Martins Bay Lodge for lunch, your lodge hosts bid you farewell as you board your aircraft for a scenic flight along the rugged coast and into the truly spectacular and dramatic Milford Sound where you'll fly the length of Milford Sound and marvel at the grandeur of vertical granite walls rising from the sea.

Once in Milford you'll be met by your return shuttle host and travel the impressive Milford Road up through the famous Homer Tunnel cutting through a divide of sheer granite rock, and stopping at the source of the Hollyford Valley and River before embarking on your journey back to Te Anau and Queenstown.

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.

April 2010:
02, 04, 06, 08, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18

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