Hollyford Walk

Day 1. WATERFALLS, PYKE RIVER LODGE, GLOW WORMS. Approx. 17km/12 miles walking.
Depart Queenstown and travel alongside the beautiful Lake Wakatipu and on to Te Anau. After a brief stop here, travel on through the majestic Eglington Valley to the start of the track in the Hollyford Valley visiting Gunn's Camp museum on the way. 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.

Day 2. LAKES, JETBOATING AND 1000 YEAR OLD TREES. Approx. 12km/7 miles walking.
Begin your day with a short walk to Lake Alabaster and learn the history and geology of the area amidst 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 that was intended to be the capital of the South Island in the late 1900's. Walk through the ancient Podocarp forest (New Zealand native pines) with huge Rimu, Totara and Kahikatea trees wrapped in massive Rata vines. Arrive at Martin's Bay Lodge by 5pm.

Day 3. WILDLIFE, MARTINS BAY BEACH, SCENIC FLIGHT TO MILFORD SOUND. Approx. 8km/5 miles walking.
Walk through the young rejuvenating forest of Jerusalem Creek and visit the fur seal colony at Long Reef on the wild West Coast. You may see the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin. Travel by jet boat to the beach and explore the seven-kilometre Martins Bay Beach sand-dunes and lagoon. Learn about its history and the plant, sea and bird life. Return to Martins Bay Lodge and enjoy a scenic flight to Milford Sound, with views of the track, Hollyford Valley and Mt Tutoko, Fiordland's highest peak. Board your coach for your return journey to Queenstown with stops of interest along the way. Arrive back no later than 7:30pm.

The Briefing Your pre-departure briefing begins at 5:30 on the evening prior to your departure date. The guide will explain the details of the track; arrange storage for your surplus luggage and hand out rain jackets and backpacks to those requiring them. Please check in at your briefing at 5:15pm.

Grade: B
Average of 4-5 hrs physical activity per day.
At times carrying small backpack of 4-5kgs.
Tracks generally in good condition.
Altitude gains of up to 600m on harder days.
No hiking experience necessary.
Reasonable standard of fitness required

The days are long but not difficult. There are often guests from the ages of 10 to 84 doing the walk and as long as you are an actively fit person you will manage the walk. Remember you only carry your pack on the first day's walk in, the rest of the time it is taken by boat/plane. As all linen, duvets, towels and food are provided, you need only bring your personal gear keeping your packs light for a more enjoyable adventure.

Friendly guides educate and enlighten you with historical tales and interpretation of the environment around you.

Equipment Provided and Required
WE CAN SUPPLY IF REQUIRED (at no extra cost)
Packs, rain jackets, gaiters.

Essential Items

Sturdy footwear - tramping boots (worn in)

Two or more pairs woolen socks

Highly protective rain wear (hooded anorak)

Polar fleece - jersey

Spare jersey

Polypropylene longjohns (1 or 2 pairs)

Polypropylene long-sleeved tops (1 or 2)

Shorts (1 or 2 pairs)

Shirts

Peaked cap

Nightwear

Light shoes for the evenings at the lodge

Trousers or track pants for the evenings at the lodge

Drinking water bottle

Should you get wet during the day, there are drying rooms at both lodges so if you keep your gear lightweight and fast drying, it should dry overnight.

Cotton garments, jeans or silk thermals are not recommended. Perspiration means you are likely to feel damp and cold inside the best raincoat.

Optional items: You may like to include the following:

Insect repellent and sunblock

Woolen hat or beanie

Torch - not a necessity

"Second skin" if you are prone to blisters

Your camera (extra film is a good idea)

The book you've been trying to read

Notepaper, pen, wallet, travel documents

We supply: All meals, towels, linen, duvets, soap, shampoo, and hair-dryers.

This hike involves a combination of coach travel from Queenstown/Te Anau to the start of the track, jet boat travel on the Hollyford river, a scenic flight to Milford Sound, and finally a coach trip back to Te Anau/Queenstown. You do hike as well!

Lodge chefs prepare hearty breakfasts, picnic lunches and superb evening dining including complimentary wine.

At the end of an invigorating day of exploration, you'll arrive at a warm and dry lodge, a hearty welcome and fine cuisine. The evening of Day 1 is spent at Pyke River Lodge, at the confluence of the Hollyford and Pyke Rivers. Night 2 is spent at Martins Bay Lodge, close to mouth of the Hollyford River.

The lodges are a great place to unwind, watch the beauty of the evening night descending and reflect on your day. The well-appointed lodges have unlimited hot water, separate toilet and shower facilities as well as a drying room. Towels, duvets and linen are all provided.

The lodge bedrooms are twin share rooms, and should you be travelling alone, every effort will be made to accommodate you privately. However, when the group is at maximum capacity (16) this may not be possible.

The lodges run on generator power, and usage is conserved by turning out lights at 11pm. If you wish to read later, please pack a torch.

When is the best time of year to walk The Hollyford Track?
This depends on your interests. July to December - penguins are at Long Reef. January - Seals have their pups. February/March - traditionally the warmest months with the summer flowering plants in bloom. April/May - Rata vines still in flower, weather usually cooler - crisp and fine.

What is the average temperature I can expect?
Summer months average around 20 degrees Celsius. Evenings can be a little cooler but the lodges are warm. Winter average is around 10 degrees out on the coast with the evenings colder. Weather can change very rapidly so expect to experience both summer and winter temperature in one day.

What do I need to bring? How important are boots?
A comprehensive list is provided upon booking and is listed above. We recommend you have sturdy, well worn in walking boots with good ankle support. Being a rainforest the area experiences a lot of rain and the track can get muddy in places.

About the lodges; is there electricity, can I have my own room, what about the bathrooms?
The lodges are run on generator power which is turned off around 11pm, so if you wish to read late into the night please bring your own torch. The shared bathroom facilities have unlimited hot water and each toilet and shower is in its own room. The bedrooms are twin share, bunk style and if you are traveling alone it may be possible to have your own room, but not guaranteed. The lodges accommodate sixteen guests which is the maximum group size for any one tour.

How difficult is the walk, how fit do I have to be?
The days are long but not difficult. There are often guests from the ages of 10 to 84 doing the walk and as long as you are an actively fit person you will manage the walk. Remember you only carry your pack on the first day's walk in, the rest of the time it is taken by boat/plane.

Are the seals and penguins always seen at Long Reef, Martins Bay?
The colony of New Zealand Fur Seals are always visible at Long Reef. The penguins however, only come to land to nest in the flax bushes at Long Reef between the months of July to December. They are visible in pairs and entertaining to observe. They do come back to land one other time in the year, Feb/Mar to moult, however, they are rarely seen as they are not in pairs and they tend to hide.

What if the weather is such that an aeroplane cannot fly us from Martins Bay to Milford Sound on our last day?
When the weather is not good enough to use a fixed wing aircraft, a helicopter will be used instead to fly you out.

There are no additional costs.
Price Includes:

Pre Departure briefing

Specialist, experienced guide for the complete itinerary.

Coach transport from Queenstown or 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 from Milford Sound or Hollyford Track end to Queenstown or Te Anau.

Use of backpacks and rain jackets if required

1. All itinerary details and prices are subject to change at any time without prior notice.
2. The operators reserve the right to alter, amend or cancel any tour should weather conditions or any other situation demand this.
3. The operator will finalise all tour arrangements upon the express condition that they will not be liable for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of weather or any defect in any vehicle, vessel or aircraft or through the acts or defaults of any company or persons engaged in conveying passengers, or in carrying out the arrangements of the tours.
4. If over 70 years of age a doctor's certificate of physical fitness is required.
5. It is recommended all clients have travel insurance to protect against possible cancellation.


Payment:
For bookings 4 or more months in advance of the departure a 20% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 65 days prior to your trip. For bookings within 4 months of the departure, full payment is required.

Cancellations:
More than 6 weeks prior to departure: 80% refund
3 - 6 weeks prior to departure: 50% refund
Within 18 days: No refund.

Travel Insurance:
We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance.

Notes:
This trip is run in conjunction with another operator.

The operators of The Hollyford Track are committed to the prudent management and sustained preservation of the conservation estate in which it exists. The company appreciates and honours the opportunity it has to operate within Fiordland National Park and Te Wahipounamu, a unique environment which deserves respect and care. Despite this protected area being increasingly sought for its wilderness quality, The Hollyford Track management demands of itself and all its guests the preservation of its beauty for all future generations.