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AnneM31
Seven members of our whanau (family) walked this track from 6 to 8 March guided and well looked after by Ngai Tahu Tourism. The beauty of the Hollyford is stunning. The experience was enhanced by the knowledge and passion for this area of our guides Kahu and Crystal. They made sure that we had time to be fully immersed in the ecology of the area. The sun light on the vegetation, the sound and sight of water, the dramatic mountains and reflective lakes will stay in my memory for a long time.We certainly gained knowledge of Maori life in the past and the hardships experienced by European settlers. The jet boat and helicopter rides were exciting.Mention should also be made of the warm hospitality and delicious food at both lodges.I would highly recommend this walk to any one who wants to experience the beauty of the South Island.
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MarkWik
We did this last weekend, I have been meaning to do it for years so my wife brought me it for my B day :) Well I would have to say it is one of the best things I have done ever and I have done some pretty cool stuff!! The guides, accommodation, Jet Boat, helicopter, meals etc etc were 10 out of 10. I learnt things I didn't know about the bush, and plants I walk past every day and I live 20 miles away in Queenstown. Awesome stories about the past and good humour. I would highly recommend this to everyone!
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ClaudiaWiesbaden
I did this guided walk travelling solo in February 2015. Words can't describe the incredible feeling of hiking through one of the world's most pristine rainforests following the Hollyford River, crossing swing bridges, lakes, snow capped mountain views, waterfalls, brooks, beaches and finally an extraordinary helicopter ride through and into Milford Sound. The hike is not difficult and you can pace yourself as you wish. Graham, our guide, shared his in depth knowledge of the area with passion, which made the walk even more meaningful. We had sunny, calm weather every day which I wasn't expecting. The lodges and food are great. I didn't want it to end. In fact I would go again in a heart beat. Don't miss this incredible experience.
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Hockeydad900
This is an interesting trip and a great way for people to see the New Zealand fiords up close. Hollyford is the northern most of the fiords, just north of Milford. It has been filled in for some time and now has a river and lake combination with a sand dune bar on the Tasman Sea, so it is not as wild as Milford. The trip is three days and two nights. Participants are picked up in Queenstown and Te Anau and bused to the trailhead of the Hollyford Trail. The first day you hike 19.5k/12miles to the Pyke Lodge. All three days, the group is led by two local guides who provide regular commentary on local flora and history. The trails are very well maintained. This first day only, you carry your own pack containing your clothes, toiletries, camera, etc. The materials suggest this is 4, 5 or 7 kg but our impression was that most participants were carrying about 9kg/20 lbs. The second day starts with a short hike up the Pyke River to Lake Alabaster, then a lengthy trip down the Hollyford River and Lake McKerrow by jet boat. Participants carry only a small day pack the second and third days. The boat visits Jamestown, the site of an abandoned town, and hikes down to the Tasman Sea to see the fur seal colony. We were also treated to a show by a local porpoise following and playing with our boat as we headed back upriver. The second night is spent at the Martin's Bay Lodge, close to the Sea. Both lodges are fairly rustic. Sleeping arrangements are in bunks (2 to a room) and there are large common rooms and communal dining tables. Food and other necessities are prepared and served by lodge hosts. The lodge hosts were all friendly and helpful. The third day is a walk along the dunes and the beach bordering the Tasman, with a visit to an abandoned homestead. The weather can be rainy and rain can be heavy. Our first two days we had beautiful sunny weather and the hiking was very pleasant. The third day of our trip, the skies opened and we were met with torrential rains and wind on our short walk on the beach. After lunch the third day, all participants are flown out by helicopter through the Milford Sound to Milford and then taken by bus back to Te Anau and Queenstown. The hike in heavy rain and winds was more than compensated for by the hundreds of waterfalls in Milford Sound as we flew out. Groups are limited to 16 people which helps make the whole experience more intimate and the group friendly. This is obviously a much less strenuous hike than Milford Sound, and much less crowded. Finally, individuals can hike the Hollyford on their own and stay at the series of Huts that run through the Valley, but without the extensive support provided by Hollyford Track personnel; these hikers are likely to take much longer to complete this course since they will not have the jet boat to take them past several lengthy stretches of difficult trail.
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ngairew2013
The Hollyford Track Guided Walk is a 'must do' if you can. The landscape is spectacular, the track itself is easy walking. We were lucky with three days of perfect weather - apparently quite rare - and no doubt that was a bonus. The lodges are warm and comfortable, hosted by friendly couples who provide good food, hot showers and soft beds away from the sandflies. During the walk there is plenty to learn from the well-informed guides who make sure your every need is taken care during the entire trip. The small group size makes for congenial company along the track as everyone finds their own pace, and stimulating conversation in the evening for those that can stay awake. The history of the area is fascinating for both NZ'ers and visitors alike; a nice balance between fact and folk tales of early pioneering days. The jet boat trip across the lake gives another perspective to the scenery, and the helicopter ride back to Milford Sound is an exciting finish to three excellent days. The team top it off with drinks back at Te Anau which was a thoughtful way to say goodbye. Yesterday we got a postcard from them thanking us for joining the trip. Service above and beyond the call provided by Ngai Tahu Tourism. World Class. Do it if you can.
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462KimK
Our 3-day hike with our group of 8 was one of the best experiences in nature we could ever dream about! The beauty of the south island of New Zealand is spectacular and this trek goes through the forest and to the ocean. We had two incredible guides, Graeme and Crystal. Two folks in our group have been on 6 hikes in the south island and say Graeme is the best, most knowledgeable guide ever. Our guides made our experience rich in knowledge and their kindness was touching. We stayed in great places (this is NOT tent camping, thank goodness) and the food is excellent. On the third day (a half-day hike) we ride a helicopter out and see the incredible beauty from the sky. That was jaw-dropping spectacular! Be warned that on the third day, beach hike day, the sand flies are brutal. Get whatever bug spray they suggest and put in everywhere possible! All 8 of us highly recommend this trip to active, healthy nature lovers!
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Bellers59
We are a 30 and 32 year old of average fitness, travelling through NZ in February, prior to this trip we hadn't trekked longer than day trips. On this holiday we also walked the routeburn from which we got the bug and as the other great walks were all booked decided to tackle the lesser known Hollyford Track.The route is a point to point walk (ie not a circuit), generally the options seem to be to drive to the Hollyford road end and start the walk there and then boat or fly back from Martins Bay or vice versa. We decided to fly to Martins Bay with 'Trips and Tramps' and then walk to the road end. Trips and tramps provide a pick up service and will collect / bring you back to Te Anau depending on your chosen route. Our decision was based mainly on the weather, the last day of our trek was due to be wet and we thought it best to be getting picked up by car rather than relying / waiting for a plane to arrive.The flight out to Martins Bay is wonderful, the views are fantastic and just the experience of being in such a light aircraft is exciting in itself!We opted for a 3 night stay choosing not to stay in Martins Bay Hut. Instead we landed on the Bay and walked part of the way to the hut to get the ocean views and then doubled back on ourselves to cross the landing strip towards Hokuri Hut. We left our backpacks by the landing strip rather than carry them on the 2 hour round trip.I will try and summarise our trek below :Day 1 Round trip Landing Strip to Bay (Martins Bay hut is further) - 2 hours mostly a bush walk and stone beach. Landing Strip to Hokuri Hut - 2 hours again mostly bush and stone beach. Hokuri is a great hut, we were the only trampers there (in fact over the course of day 1 and 2 we didn't see anyone in the hut or walking for 24 hours). It was here we noticed the sandflies, bring lots of repellent!Day 2Hokuri Hut to McKerrow Hut - the section called the Demon Trail took us 5 hours, it is incredibly rocky and slippy with a number of streams / rivers to cross although many of the larger crossings have V bridges but not all. It had not rained on our trek so far and hadn't rained for a number of days, this section could be tough if it was wet, we also had poles which helped us massively and saved us a few tumbles here and there. After a break at the Demon Trail Hut for food and a rest we continued to the McKerrow hut, this took us over an hour but was a fine walk. McKerrow is not a serviced hut, it is an older hut but the facilities are fine although a lot more sandflies so I slept with long layers on. The hut itself could be difficult to spot, the track markers seem to come to an end at one side of a river but the next is actually on the other side of the river.Day 3McKerrow Hut to Hidden Falls Hut - although this is a long day (20km) the walk is a lot easier than the Demon Trail section, we managed to cover this section in 6 hours. Alabaster Hut is around half way and is a great stopping point for lunch (although it is 15 mins off track), the lake is beautiful for a swim.Day 4Hidden Falls Hut to Hollyford Road End - a very easy walk out to the road along well maintained tracks used for the guided walks.We opted to stay in the huts each night but there were campers in both the McKerrow and Hidden Falls Huts. The huts have no gas but do have running water and stoves for drying out wet feet! We walked with a 38l and 48l pack and had everything we needed and more, I think our enjoyment of the track was part due to small packs, plenty of food, sandfly repellent and walking poles. Do have good waterproofs with you, it did rain on our last day so as a silver lining we didn't carry them for nothing!This is a fabulously remote track, we hope this review is helpfully and you enjoy the walk as much as we did!
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barbaracU4236AF
This was a wonderful trek through the most spectacular unspoilt scenery you could wish for. Our guides, Kahu and Bard, were extremely knowledgeable about the trees and vegetation as well as the history of both Maori and pioneers of the area. The walk was not too difficult even though it rained throughout first day through the native beech forest. Mountains, rivers, lakes, swing bridges,a jet boat ride, amazing food and hospitality at the lodges and finally a spectacular helicopter ride back down the coast and into Milford Sound are just some of the highlights. Highly recommended!
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JS844
Went on 3 day trek with this company. 2 awesome guides, Kahu and Bard. 15 hikers mostly from New Zealand, and a couple of Aussies and Americans (us). Easy walking, but long distances. Great lodges, great food, boat and helicopter trip. Best of all was the scenery and nature there. Spectacular trip.
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JoanieB704
This is an awesome tramping experience with professional, fun, informative guides (ours were Crystal and Tex) leading you through some of the most remote and beautiful bush along the Hollyford River to the Tasman Sea, ending with a magnificent heli flight over Milford Sound. The lodges are well maintained, clean, comfortable and cosy and hosts (ours were Emily and Heath, Sam and Dave) prepare delicious and abundant meals. Weather is never guaranteed in Fiordlands, but that's part of the fun and there's nothing like a hot shower and a drinks and nibbles by the fireplace at the end of the day! You might even get treated to a beautiful sunset at Martin's Bay!It is no wonder this is one of NZ's top 10 tramping experiences!
