Hollyford

Hollyford Track

Book between 4th Dec and 16th Dec and receive a Santa Sack. Contact George

Introduction –

The Hollyford Track is a 3-day, 2-night, all-inclusive experience, in spectacular Fiordland National Park. The maximum group number for the walk is 16 people. You will stay in comfortable lodges and enjoy excellent cuisine, prepared and served by your friendly hosts. What better way to enjoy your New Zealand hiking experience!

The park is an internationally recognised World Heritage Area. Your professional guide has a wealth of knowledge about the landscape, the native rainforest, rivers and wildlife on your trek. Your guide will also share captivating stories about the Maori and early European history of the area. Part of your experience includes a jetboat ride, and a spectacular flight along the Fiordland coast, climaxing in magic views of Milford Sound.

DAY 1 -

On the first day you have the option of starting your trek at Queenstown at 6.30 a.m. or the recommended time and place, of Te Anau at 9.a.m. The latter time allows for a more relaxing beginning.

Following morning tea, you travel up the scenic Egglington Valley to the start of the track. This track retraces the steps of the original Maori and early European explorers, through native beech forests and beside impressive waterfalls. While walking near the clear waterways of the Hollyford River, you will gaze at Fiordland National Park’s 2 highest peaks, Mts. Tutuko (2746 metres) and Madeline (2537 metres). Along the way you will hear historic tales and information about the forest and bird life from your professional guide.

Your first night accommodation will be at the Pyke Lodge, where you will be welcomed by your friendly hosts. After a relaxing shower, you will settle down to a well-earned 3-course meal with new-found friends, as you toast to your first day.

DAY 2 -

Enjoy a short walk this morning across Fiordland’s longest swing bridge, before you board a jetboat for the next part of your adventure. (The jetboat was invented in the South Island of New Zealand for travel on shallow rivers.) Sit back, relax and marvel at the scenery as you travel along the Hollyford River and across Lake McKerrow. Regular visitors, bottleneck dolphins may be spotted here.

Your next call is Jamestown, where your guide will explain the history and tragedies of this abandoned settlement. Continue your walk through an ancient podocarp forest (New Zealand native pines, such as rimu, totara and kahakitea). Some of these trees are believed to be up to 1000 years old. On approaching the coast you may spot seasonal visitors, the Fiordland crested penguin, or a colony of native New Zealand fur seals.

Tonight your accommodation is at Martin’s Bay. As you sit down to write up your diary, you will marvel at today’s experiences.

DAY 3 -

Following breakfast you will explore Martin’s Bay Spit, which is a famous landmark separating the Tasman Sea from the Hollyford Valley. As you view historic Maori sites, your guide will explain their significance to the times when the valley was guarded by chief Tutuko in order to protect the precious pounamu (greenstone, or jade) gathering areas.

The landscape of this area is very different from previous days, and your guide will highlight its uniqueness. You will have time to explore this isolated beach before returning to Martin’s Bay Lodge.

After lunch you will enjoy a scenic helicopter flight along the spectacular and rugged coastline, before entering Milford Sound. Flying down the length of the Sound is an awe-inspiring end to your adventure. At Milford, you will be met by your coach which will take you back to Queenstown or Te Anau.

Environmental Issues on the Hollyford Track -

Many of New Zealand's native bird species are threatened by predators. Clients who walk the Hollyford Track are contributing in a small but significant way to eradicating stoats which prey on the rare Fiordland crested peguin.