Hollyford Track - New Zealand Walking & Hiking Tracks

Overview

Located in Fiordland National Park (World Heritage Area), Hollyford Track is a very special place and a very special adventure. It’s a walk from the heart of New Zealand - the Southern Alps, to its western boundary - the Tasman Sea. Imagine walking into a world that has remained largely unchanged since the age of the dinosaur. You’ll travel through scenery that is geologically spectacular and ever changing - snow capped mountains, glaciers, rainforests, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, sand dunes, reefs and surf. The diversity of landforms, vegetation and wildlife within this one valley is unequalled. The experiences are just as diverse, it’s a walk that includes hiking through World Heritage wilderness, wildlife interaction, a captivating Jet Boat ride, exploring historical sights, and culminates in a stunning scenic flight to Milford Sound.

Itinerary

Day 1: Queenstown - Pyke River Lodge

Walking Distance : 17kms – 6 to 6.5 hours

Depart Queenstown at 7am, travel alongside the beautiful Lake Wakatipu and on to Te Anau. Those starting in Te Anau join the trip at 9am. After a brief comfort stop, depart for the Hollyford Valley and travel through the majestic Eglington Valley to the start of the Track in the Hollyford Valley 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 our nearby glow-worm colony.

Day 2: Pyke River Lodge – Martins Bay Lodge

Walking Distance: 12kms - 5 hours

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.

Day 3 : Martins Bay Lodge - Scenic Flight To Milford Sound - Queenstown

Walking Distance: 8kms – 4 hours

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 coastal flight to Milford Sound. Board your coach for your return journey to Queenstown or Te Anau. Arrive back in Te Anau by 5 pm and Queenstown by approximately 7.30 pm.