journey into the most beautiful valley in new zealand
fiordland national park
a beautiful valley~
a special journey. ~ 
ourney into the dramatic Hollyford Valley and enter a world that has remained largely unchanged for thousands of years. It is New Zealand wilderness at its most primal and inspiring. Your Hollyford Track experience begins among ancient Beech forest, beneath the soaring, snowcapped Darran Mountains. Along this easy-paced 3 day valley walk you’ll encounter crystal clear rivers, mirror-like lakes, waterfalls, reefs, sand-dunes and surf. The sheer diversity of vegetation and wildlife in this one valley is something very special. Marvel at the huge variety of trees, vines, flowers and ferns. The bird life is abundant: Wood Pigeons, Kea, Kaka, Bellbirds, Warblers, Robins, Chaffinches, Cuckoo, Tui and White Heron as well as many species of sea birds are common. You’ll visit a colony of seals and, during certain months, may catch a glimpse of the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin. Your Hollyford memories will last forever. The breathtaking vistas, hiking through World Heritage wilderness, the captivating jet boat ride down the Hollyford River and across Lake McKerrow, exploring the historical sights, capped with a stunning scenic flight out to Milford Sound. Come and join us for a journey into the most beautiful valley in New Zealand.
An Area Steeped in History The first human arrives, Maori, and a coastal village evolves. The tribe gathers
abundant seafood and builds canoes from the giant trees of the forests. Explorer James Cook visits and is overawed by this land of mountains and wild coastline. Then come the sealers, the whalers and the gold hunters. The settlers arrive who start to build a small town and attempt to clear the lowland forests for farming. Sounds like a very concise history of New Zealand? It is, and it all occurred in one Fiordland valley, the Hollyford.
An Easy Pace 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. You are only required to carry your back-pack on day one.
Small Groups ~ Expert Guides Friendly guides educate and enlighten you with historical tales and interpretation of the environment surrounding you. Our ratio of one guide per 10 walkers ensures you have a very personal experience of New Zealand’s finest wilderness. The maximum group size is 16.
Dinner is a mouth-watering delight. Our lodge hosts take great pleasure 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.
An Experience to Remember The Hollyford Track is the only guided walk that combines walking, jet boating and a stunning scenic flight. The blend of these
Martins Bay
Martins Bay Lodge
Lower Hollyford May Hills River
swing bridge and jet boat across Lake McKerrow to Jamestown. Walk through Podocarp forest to Martins Bay Lodge.
Pyke River
Pyke River Lodge
Mt Tutoko x
Mt Madeline
e
ang
rs R
pe Skip
Lak eA l ab ast er
DAY THREE: Explore Martins Bay, visit the Fur Seal colony at Long Reef. Scenic flight out to Milford Sound with magnificent views of the Hollyford Valley and Fiordland peaks. Return to Queenstown. (Fly-Out itinerary only.)
Walk Jet boat
Little Homer Falls
x
activities combined with the rich history, wildlife interaction, beautiful scenery, extremes in vegetation, small, personal groups, and comfortable accommodation, ensure that your Hollyford experience is more than just a guided walk, it is a journey that satisfies your soul. Your guides are experts on the flora, fauna, history and geology of the area, so you take away so much more than just photographs of beautiful scenery. You’ll be enriched with an understanding of this valley, instilled by the staff who share their passion for this special part of the world with you. You’ll leave the Hollyford Valley with new friendships, a rejuvenated soul, a sense of achievement, lifetime memories and the pleasure of having experienced the most beautiful valley in New Zealand.
Hidden Falls Upper Hollyford River
nge
DAY TWO: Visit Lake Alabaster. Cross
Jamestown
a Ra
N
neir
Our 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. A delicious packed lunch replenishes your body and soul and always seems to taste better when you feel like you have earned it.
via Eglington Valley and Gunn’s Camp Museum. Walk to Pyke River Lodge via waterfalls and native Beech forest.
Big Bay
Bry
Fine Cuisine
DAY ONE: Queenstown to track start,
Fly to Milford Sound
Lake McKerro w
At the end of an invigorating day of exploration, you’ll arrive to a warm and dry lodge, a hearty welcome from the lodge host and the enticing prospect of fine cuisine. The evening of Day One is spent at Pyke River Lodge, located at the confluence of Hollyford and Pyke Rivers. Your second night is spent at Martins Bay Lodge, close to the mouth of the Hollyford River. Our lodges are equipped with the comforts of home – hair dryers, towels, warm duvets and linen are all provided, as is a drying room for clothing. Lodge rooms are twin-share with shared bathroom facilities, which boast unlimited hot water.
Your Hollyford Valley Journey in Brief
MouDarran ntai ns
Warm, Welcoming Lodges
Sunshine Hut
0 1 2 3 45 Road ends
kms
Day Zero: Pre~ departure Briefing Your pre-departure briefing begins at 7pm. This is a chance for you to meet your guide and fellow walkers. Your guide will ‘walk’ you through the next three unforgettable days, on the Hollyford Track. Backpacks and rain jackets will be provided at this briefing to those who require them.
Personal Journal: Day One.
Pyke River
We woke early, with the excitement of our adventure uppermost in mind. Punctually, at Hollyford River view to Darren Mountains 7 o’clock our coach called, a most splendid motorbus, Little Homer Falls which put us further in high spirits & soon we were View of Mt Madeline & glaciers travelling alongside the picturesque Lake Wakatipu Hidden Falls toward the pretty settlement of Te Anau, which Sunshine Hut proved most agreeable as a comfort stop. Walk alongside crystal But this was only the beginning, my dear clear Hollyford River Lucy! Once on foot, and dwarfed by the impossibly Walk 0 1 2 3 4 5 sheer Darran Mountains, we followed the footsteps kms Road end of the early explorers through magnificent forests of Beech. Our perambulation was made all the more entertaining though the enthusiasm of our guide, a funny and quick-witted fellow who regaled us with story after story of the people of this place and who was a positive encyclopaedia of knowledge on fauna and flora. The abundance of bird life here truly is a thing to behold. Our lodgings for the evening were most acceptable. Warm and comfortable, and in the early evening, before dinner, (which was delicious), we visited our nearby glow-worm colony, it was beautiful. Pyke River Lodge
x
MouDarran ntai ns
Mt Tutoko
Mt Madeline
Bry
neir
a Ra
nge
x
Upper Hollyford River
N
Greenstone Hut,
Martins Bay
d a y o n e : w a t e r f a l l s, p y k e r i v e r l o d g e , g l o w w o r m s Depart Queenstown at 7am, travel alongside beautiful Lake Wakatipu and on to Te Anau. Then 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, visit our nearby glow-worm colony and resident eels before they depart on their Pacific Ocean journey. Walking Distance: Approx 17kms (12miles).
The Hollyford Valley bush is ancient and primal: (Above) It’s easy to imagine dinosaurs roamed here! (Inset) The majestic hidden falls.
d a y t w o : l a k e s, r i v e r s, j e t b o a t i n g & 1 0 0 0 y r o l d t r e e s Begin your day with a short walk to Lake Alabaster and learn the history and geology of the area in the midst of stunning surroundings. 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 19th century. Walk through the ancient Podocarp forest (New Zealand native pines) and see huge Rimu, Totara and Kahikatea trees wrapped in massive Rata vines. Walking Distance: Approx 12kms (7 miles).
Time for reflection: (Above) The surface of Lake Alabaster is a large and very beautiful mirror. (Inset) Jet boating down Lake McKerrow to Jamestown.
Personal Journal: Day Two. Martins Bay
Martins Bay Lodge
Lower Hollyford River
N
Lak e
Ala
bas ter
Keep an eye out for dolphins
Lake McKerro w
May Hills
This morning we had the inestimable pleasure of Lake Alabaster. It is, as others have Podocarp forest said, “beautiful beyond compare” with the greenest of bush and the rose-tinted image of Walk Jamestown the snowy peaks reflecting perfectly from its Jet boat 0 1 2 3 45 still water. Then high adventure, for a little kms e g later we crossed a swing bridge – I felt like a Ran pers p i k S true adventurer! View of Mt Tutoko We were then taken by boat down the river and across Lake McKerrow, carved out Fiordland’s longest swing by glaciers during the ice age. Halfway down bridge Pyke River the lake, the high sided embankment gives way Pyke River Lodge to a forest of magnificent trees, the likes of which I have never seen, lush, ancient Rimu and Totara swathed in vines, it’s like a fairy tale. There was a settlement here once, Jamestown, whose occupants intended it to be the capital of the South Island, but nothing remains of it now but ruins. I shall never forget this “bush” as they call it. Our lodge at Martins Bay was again very accommodating, and I am at peace in this beautiful place.
Mt Tutoko x
Sawmill, Martins Ba
y
Big Bay
N
Personal Journal: Day Three.
Lucy, we saw Fur Seals today! A colony has formed at Long Reef on the West Coast, Wild, isolated West Coast beach what social creatures they are! s Hill a r A crested penguin was also sighted, Sa apparently these are rare. Our boat deposited Martins Bay Lodge us upon dramatic Martins Bay Beach, a magnificent point which marks the mouth of Lower the Hollyford Valley. The sea surf was thunderous Hollyford Walk River Jet boat and most invigorating and we explored the plants and bird life along the beach for a fascinating couple of hours. May Hills We repaired to the comfort of Martins Bay Lodge for a time, and then onto an experience I shall never forget, an aeroplane flight to the Sound at Milford which commanded breathtaking views of the Hollyford Valley Track and Mt Tutoko, Fiordland’s highest peak. It was simply stunning. At Milford, our motorbus awaited us, and we journeyed back to Queenstown, where it all began. What a wonderful experience! Fur Seal colony & penguins
Martins Bay
Fly to Milford Sound Sand dunes & Maori midden
McK
estead, enzie Hom
Martins Ba
y
row cKer
eM
Lak
d a y t h r e e : wildlife experience, martins bay beach and coastline / scenic flight to milford sound Depart Martins Bay Lodge 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. (Fly-Out itinerary only.) Board your coach for your return journey to Queenstown with stops of interest along the way. Arrive back no later than 7.30pm. There is an option at additional cost to cruise Milford Sound if you wish. Walking Distance: Approx 8 k ms (5 m iles).
View from the air: (Above) Hollyford Valley and the surrounding bays are spectacular from an aerial viewpoint. (Inset) Spectacular Milford Sound.
photograph: national geographic, annie griffiths-belt Grand vistas: (Left) The mouth of the Hollyford Valley at Martins Bay, where placid river meets thundering surf. (Inset) Exploring the dunes.
A World Heritage Area The Hollyford Valley, internationally recognised as a place of outstanding natural values, is situated within Fiordland National Park which has been accorded World Heritage status.
The company appreciates and honours the opportunity it has to operate within Fiordland National Park and Te Wahipounamu, a unique environment that deserves respect and care.
Conservation Management Statement:
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�.
“ The operators of The Hollyford Track are committed to the prudent management and sustained preservation of the conservation estate in which it exists.
hollyford track, po box 360, queenstown, new zealand ph +64-3-442 7789 fax +64-3-442 7781 www.hollyfordtrack.com info@hollyfordtrack.co.nz discovering the hollyford valley Coach Track and boat Scenic flight
Auckland x
Martins Bay
Milford sound
Road End x Queenstown
x Te Anau
Special Options walk out option ~ martins bay lodge to road end & on to queenstown: This option replaces Day 3 of the Fly-Out itinerary and does not include a visit to the Fur Seal colony or the beach exploration An early morning boat journey takes you up Lake McKerrow to the confluence of the Hollyford and Pyke Rivers for a return walk with your guide to the start of the track. Observe the transformation from the windswept, salt stunted bushes at the sea to the dense Beech forest of the inland mountain valley. Return to Queenstown by coach. Arrive back no later than 7.30pm. milford sound cruise options: This option is additional to Day 3 of the Fly-Out option and is at an additional cost Option one: 3pm cruise on Milford Sound/
how to book & pay: 1| Contact your travel agent or Hollyford Track direct by phone, fax or email. 2| A deposit of NZ$250 per person is payable to confirm each place on a track departure. Your letter of confirmation is your only booking verification. 3| Balance of the price is payable no later than 6 weeks prior to travel and tickets will be forwarded to you after full payment is received. cancellation policy: 1| Deposits are non-refundable within three months of track departure. 2| Once your walk has commenced, there is no refund available for any portion. 3| If you advise cancellation prior to track departure, the following refund, less deposit, is available: 30-40 days prior = 80% refund / 20-29 days prior = 70% refund / Within 19 days of departure, no refund is available.
Wellington x Christchurch x Queenstown x Dunedin x
coach back to Te Anau/overnight Te Anau and return to Queenstown the next day. Option two: Overnight on the Milford Mariner, a traditional style vessel with private ensuite cabins. Includes full length cruise, delicious meals, kayaking and exploring by tender craft. Return to Queenstown the following day. Please contact our staff or your travel agent for details and prices on these options. pick up / drop off in te anau: If you would like to stay in Te Anau before your trip begins, or after you have completed the walk in order to have more time to enjoy the beautiful Te Anau and Fiordland region you can choose to be picked up or dropped off in Te Anau. Please note that transport from/to Queenstown and from/to Te Anau on other than our scheduled coach will be at your own cost.
travel insurance: We recommend clients arrange travel insurance, in particular to guard against loss of fares paid caused by any eventuality necessitating cancellation of a trip. Your travel agent has full details. conditions: 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 trip should weather conditions or any other situation demand. 3| Hollyford Valley Walk Ltd finalise all trip arrangements with the express condition that they will not be liable for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of weather or any defect in 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 trips.
What ’s Included?
• 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 (Fly-Out itineraries) Return coach transport from Milford Sound or Hollyford Track end to Queenstown or Te Anau (excludes Milford Cruise option and Te Anau to Queenstown leg for those staying in Te Anau) Use of backpacks and rain jackets if required
What You Need for a Comfortable Walk You don’t need any special equipment. You will need personal items and suitable clothing including a good waterproof hooded jacket. Sleeping bags are not required as all linen, duvets and towels are supplied. This ensures you can travel light and enjoy the experience. A pair of good hiking boots (worn-in for comfort) is essential. You may bring your own pack or we can provide one for you if required. A comprehensive gear list will be provided to you upon confirmation of your booking. To get the most enjoyment from your Hollyford Track experience we recommend you do a few extended walks prior to departure. photographs of martins bay greenstone hut ( p.4 ) , martins bay sawmill ( p.5 ) , mckenzie homestead ( p.6 ) are reproduced with permission of the alexander turnbull library. historical maps and drawings © david rumsey historical map collection. design and layout by admission ltd.