Hollyford Track, Guided Walk

Day One (L, D)

Lower Hollyford Road to Hidden Falls Hut, 2-3 hr, 9 km

After arriving from either Queenstown or Te Anau we start our adventure. We cross the swing bridge over Humboldt Creek and follow the old road to the start of the track. The track follows the river bank, with occasional views of the Darran Mountains.

We cross a typical Fiordland swing bridge before arriving at Hidden Falls – a stunning waterfall with ample photo opportunities. Depending on weather conditions, we can chose to stay here or head on to the larger Alabaster Hut for our first night

Hidden Falls Hut to Lake Alabaster Hut, 3-4 hr, 10.5 km 

From here we head out through a section of lowland ribbonwood/ podocarp forest draped with colourful mosses and ferns that New Zealand is famous for

The track then enters tall beech forest before the climb to Little Homer Saddle, with views of Mt Madeline and Fiordland’s highest mountain, Mt Tutoko (2723 m).

We descend to Little Homer Falls (60 m) and continue to the Hollyford/Pyke Rivers confluence. Beyond this is is Lake Alabaster Hut our accommodation for our first night.

Lake Alabaster Hut to McKerrow Island Hut, 3-4 hr, 10.5 km

From here the track is less frequented and more remote, so your guide will be able to point out the route. Good boots are recommended as this part of the track can be rocky and sometime wet under foot
The track meets the Hollyford River again and we continue through the New Zealand bush with regular stops for points of interest or comfort breaks. During wet weather – there may be some mud to traverse – all part of the Fiordland adventure and hence the reason gaiters are recommended.

McKerrow Island to Demon Trail Hut, 1.5 hr, 4.2 km

Once we reach Lake McKerrow we are on the famous Demon Trail a historic part of the track which has flat parts between undulation sections. We cross a number of streams before arriving at the Demon Trail Hut for the night

Demon Trail Hut to Hokuri Hut, 5-6 hr, 9.6 km

We continue along the demon trail, following the shores of Lake McKerrow before arriving at Hokuri Hut for our accommodation for the night

Hokuri Hut to Martins Bay Hut, 4-5 hr, 13 km

Shortly after leaving Hokuri Hut is Hokuri Creek. Here we can experience a typical New Zealand 3 wire bridge. We follow the lake shore past the bay where the settlement of Jamestown once stood and your guide will be able to tell you about the history of the area.
After a lunch stop, the track leaves the lake and continues for another hour to the Hollyford Airstrip and Martins Bay. Our final nights accommodation is Martins Bay Hut, situated at the mouth of the Hollyford River. From July to November, seals and Fiordland crested penguins can be seen around the coast close by.

Another opportunity to visit the seals and penguins and if time permits we explore Big Bay before our flight back to Milford Sound. Depending on weather conditions and flights available there is an option to cruise Milford Sound (extra cost) before saying farewell to your guide and heading off back to Te Anau or Queenstown