New Zealand Adventure Tours – New Zealand Bike Tours – Hiking New Zealand Vacations

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.

Accommodation is in sophisticated lodges with twin share rooms. The expert guides will ensure your group (maximum 16 people) experience New Zealand's wilderness at its best.

Pre Departure Briefing

Your pre departure briefing begins at 6pm. Your 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.

Day 1: Waterfalls, Pyke River Lodge, Glow Worms

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.

Walking Distance: Approx 17kms (12miles).

Day 2: Lakes, Jet Boating and 1000 year old trees

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 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.

Walking Distance: Approx 12kms (7miles).

Day 3: Wildlife Experience, Martins Bay Beach and Coastline /Scenic Flight to Milford Sound

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 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.

Walking Distance: Approx 8kms (5miles).

The Hollyford Track Guided Walk History

Hollyford Track Guided Walks started life back in the 1940's when Davey Gunn opened up the track for guided walks. The walk was further developed by one of Davey Gunn's assistants, Ed Cotter.

In 1959 the Hollyford Valley was incorporated into the Fiordland National Park and in the mid sixties, jet-boating was added to the walk itinerary with the launch of the "the Davey Gunn" on Lake McKerrow.

In the early nineties, extensive improvements were made, including refurbishment and extension to Martins Bay Lodge Accommodation block and the bathroom unit, the building of a new Pyke River Lodge and the purchase of a new twin engine jetboat, and 20-seater coach. A strong customer focus was also introduced with time and effort being placed on getting the product right for the customer. The result has been a 100% recommend rate of the Hollyford Track to friends and family from 1500 of the past customers that have been surveyed.

Today the Hollyford Track Guided Walk is renowned as one of New Zealand's greatest walks with a diverse range of scenery, plant and wildlife and distinctly different experiences that are unequalled by any other walk in the country.

Your Fitness. Are You Up to the Challenge?

Following the course of the Hollyford River, the Hollyford Track is a low-altitude walk for anyone of reasonable fitness and of any age although we prefer guests to be over 10 years old. 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.

An Amazing Variety of Wildlife

The huge variety of trees, vines, flowers and ferns, are home to an amazing range of bird life including wood pigeons, Kea, Kaka and owls, bellbirds, warblers, robins, chaffinches, cuckoo, tui and white heron as well as many species of sea birds. You may also see the huge bottlenose dolphins in the lower Hollyford River or Lake McKerrow, one of the two places in the world where they are found in fresh water. A feature of your itinerary is a visit to a colony of seals and, during certain months, the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin.

Unique New Zealand Adventure Activities

Unique New Zealand Adventure Activities The Hollyford Track is the only guided walk that includes walking, boating and flying; a scenic jet boat journey on the Hollyford River, a scenic flight into Milford Sound and an awe inspiring drive out from Milford Sound when returning to Te Anau. Experience the best of New Zealand adventure activities.

Warm, Welcoming Lodges

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 One is spent at Pyke River Lodge, at the confluence of Hollyford and Pyke Rivers. Night two is spent at Martins Bay Lodge, close to mouth of the Hollyford River.

Fine Cuisine

The Lodge meals are a real treat of the Hollyford experience. Breakfasts are tasty, hearty and well balanced to give you just the right fuel for the day ahead.

Then for lunch you'll receive a delicious picnic lunch.

Dinner is a gourmet delight, the lodge chefs take great delight in preparing superb evening dining. The menu includes delicious cuisine, such as antipasto misto, seared whole roasted sirloin, Hollyford Valley styled roast vegetables and lemon tart.

Informed Guides and Small Group Sizes

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

To ensure you have a very "personal" Hollyford Track experience, group sizes are kept to a maximum of 16. This ensures the guides have the time to spend with you, answering questions and explaining the fascinating history of the Hollyford Valley from its creation. Because there is so much to share, only in small, intimate group sizes does this work.

What You Need to Bring for the Hollyford Track Guided Walk

"There is no such thing as bad weather just inappropriate clothing"

The walk is pleasantly challenging and highly rewarding, without being out of the reach of people with an average fitness level.

We suggest you bring the following items:

• 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

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

Equipment and Extras

You do not need any specialist equipment, however, you may like to include the following:

• Insect repellent and sun block
• Torch - not a necessity
• Swiss Army Knife - for the boys in the group...
• "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

Hollyford Track Guided Walk Supply

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

Hollyford Track Guided Walk Can Supply if Required (at no extra cost)

Packs, hooded waterproof ponchos, rain jackets, gaiters.