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Hollyford Track

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Tour Details

Start

Queenstown at 2.30pm or Te Anau at 6.30pm

Finish

Te Anau 4:00pm (approx.) Queenstown 7:00pm (approx.)

DEPARTURE DATES

25, 27, 29, 31 October, 2025
2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 November, 2025
2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 December, 2025
1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31 January, 2026
3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27 February, 2026
1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31 March, 2026
2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 April, 2026

Prices

Period 1 Jul 2025 - 31 Jan 2026
Adult / Child NZD $4,195.00
Adult (compulsory single supplement - solo hiker) NZD $6,445.00

Period 1 Feb 2026 - 31 Mar 2026
Adult / Child NZD $4,995.00
Adult (compulsory single supplement - solo hiker) NZD $7,245.00

Period 1 Apr 2026 - 30 Jun 2026
Adult / Child NZD $4,195.00
Adult (compulsory single supplement - solo hiker) NZD $6,445.00

Pre-track Briefing

6.30pm on Day 1
Te Anau: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas, 64 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau

Days

4 days

Fitness grade

Grade: B
(Average of 4-5 hours a day, but up to 8 hours on longer days)
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Maximum 16 people.

This trip offers complimentary transfers from either central Queenstown or Te Anau. Excess luggage is safely stored in Te Anau during your tour (storage is not available in Queenstown).

Minimum age 10 years.

 

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Transport

This hike involves a combination of coach travel from Queenstown/Te Anau to the start of the track, jetboat travel on the Hollyford River, a scenic flight to Milford Sound, and finally a coach trip back to Te Anau/Queenstown. You do hike as well!

Transport from Queenstown:

2.30pm onwards at most central hotels, or, 3.00 pm at The Station Building, Duke Street, or, 3.30 pm at Queenstown Airport.

After your tour:

Arrive at Te Anau at approximately 4:00 pm, or carry on to Queenstown on the private coach, arriving at approximately 6.30-7.00 pm. 

Additional Costs

There are no additional costs.
Price Includes:

  • Pre Departure briefing
  • Specialist, experienced guide for the complete itinerary.
  • Coach transport from Queenstown or Te Anau to the start of the Track.
  • Private lodge accommodation on the Track, in well-appointed twin share rooms with shared bathroom facilities.
  • All meals on the track
  • Bedding, towels, shampoo, soap, hairdryers & hot water bottles.
  • Captivating jet boat journey across Lake McKerrow.
  • Scenic helicopter flight to Milford Sound.
  • Return coach transport from Milford Sound or Hollyford Track end to Queenstown or Te Anau.
  • Use of backpacks and rain jackets if required

  • Grading & Fitness

    Grade: B
    Average of 4-5 hrs physical activity per day, but takes up to 7 hours on longer days.
    At times carrying small backpack of 5-7kgs.
    Tracks generally in good condition.
    Altitude gains of up to 100m.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It would be good to have some hiking experience, as you will walk through water, mud etc. on some occasions.                                                                          Reasonable standard of fitness required.

    The days are long but not difficult. There are often guests from the ages of 10 to 84 doing the walk and as long as you are an actively fit person you will manage the walk. You only carry your pack on the first day's walk in (the contents of what you need to bring will fit in a medium sized backpack, weighing approximately 5-7kg), the rest of the time it is taken by boat/plane. 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.

      

    Accommodation

    At the end of an invigorating day exploring the beautiful Hollyford valley, you’ll arrive at your exclusive lodge to a warm welcome and fine cuisine prepared by our friendly professional hosts. The lodges have been purpose designed and built to provide you with a level of comfort and indulgence in a place you would least expect it.

    The private lodges are very well appointed with dining and lounge areas, open fires, drying rooms, separate flush toilet and shower facilities with unlimited hot water, soap, shampoo, towels and hair dryers provided. The lodges run on battery bank powered electricity, and we do conserve energy by turning off some electrical facilities overnight. However, lighting is available throughout the night, and we still have 24 hour power available in the lounge area.

    Lodge bedrooms are all ensuite with linen, duvets and hot water bottles also provided. We have a lot of guests that travel alone, and many find it a great opportunity to walk and interact with other guests. If you are booking on your own, a single supplement charge will apply at the time of booking.

     

    What to Take

    SUPPLIED IF REQUIRED (at no extra cost):   Backpacks, day packs, pack liners, rain jackets, walking poles

    Essential Items:

    • Waterproof rain jacket with hood
    • Sturdy footwear – hiking/tramping boots (preferably with ankle support and ‘worn in’)
    • Two or more pairs woollen or thermal blend socks
    • Polar fleece – (preferably windproof)
    • Wool or micro fleece mid layer
    • Polypropylene or wool thermal long sleeve tops (1 or 2 pairs)
    • Polypropylene or wool long leg bottoms (1 or 2)
    • Shorts (1 or 2 pairs) or quick dry walking trousers
    • Shirts or t-shirts if warm
    • Swimwear (for the hot tubs at Waitai Lodge)
    • Peaked cap
    • Wool or fleece hat
    • Gloves
    • Water bottle
    • Insect repellent 


    Evening Wear:

    • Nightwear
    • Light shoes for the evenings at the lodge
    • Light comfy socks and underwear
    • Shirt or T-shirt
    • Warm outer layer like fleece or jumper.
    • Trousers or track pants for the evenings at the lodge


    Should you get wet during the day, there are drying rooms at both lodges so if you keep your gear lightweight and fast drying, it should dry overnight. Cotton garments, jeans or silk thermals are not recommended. Perspiration means you are likely to feel damp and cold inside the best raincoat.

    Optional items: You may like to include the following:

    • Sunscreen
    • Money or credit card for beer, wine and souvenirs
    • “Second skin” if you are prone to blisters
    • Your camera (with extra film or large memory card)
    • The book you’ve been trying to read
    • Notepaper, pen, wallet, travel documents


    Supplied: All meals, towels, linen, duvets, hot water bottles, soap, shampoo, headlamp and hair-dryers.

    Food

    Lodge chefs prepare hearty breakfasts, picnic lunches and superb evening dining. 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 packed picnic lunch. Dinner is a mouth-watering delight –- the lodge chefs take great delight in preparing superb evening dining. The menu may include such delights as antipasto misto, seared whole roasted sirloin, Hollyford Valley styled roast vegetables and lemon tart. Individual dietary requirements can also be catered for. A premium selection of beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages included in tour price. Top shelf items available for purchase.

    Guides & Safety

    The 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 the understanding of the valley, instilled by the staff who share their passion for this special part of the world with you. They will educate and enlighten you with historical tales and interpretation of the environment around you.

    Frequently Asked Question

    When is the best time of year to walk The Hollyford Track?
    This depends on your interests. October to December - penguins are at Long Reef. January - seals have their pups. February/March - traditionally the warmest months with the summer flowering plants in bloom. April - rata vines still in flower, weather usually cooler - crisp and fine.
    Is there a briefing for this hike?
    Yes there is. The briefing is on the evening of Day 1.
    Te Anau: 6.30pm at the Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas, 64 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau.
    Please check-in 5 minutes prior.
    At the briefing the guide will explain the details of the track, and hand out rain jackets and backpacks to those requiring them. Arrangements will be made for pick-up from your hotel the following morning.
    What is the average temperature I can expect?
    Summer months average around 20 degrees Celsius. Evenings can be a little cooler but the lodges are warm. Winter average is around 10 degrees out on the coast with the evenings colder. Weather can change very rapidly so expect to experience both summer and winter temperatures in one day.
    What do I need to bring? How important are boots?
    A comprehensive list is listed above. It is recommended you have sturdy, well worn in walking boots with good ankle support. Being a rainforest the area experiences a lot of rain and the track can get muddy in places.

    If I don't have a backpack, can I borrow one?
    Backpacks are available to borrow and can be collected at the pre-trip briefing. As you won't need to carry this backpack on days 3 and 4, you will be provided with a smaller daypack on the morning of day 3 for your lunch and personal items for that day and day 4, and your larger backpack will be transported for you.

    About the lodges; is there electricity, can I have my own room, what about the bathrooms?
    The lodges run on battery bank-powered electricity, and we do conserve energy by turning off some electrical facilities overnight. However, lighting is available throughout the night, and we still have 24-hour power available in the lounge area. We have a lot of guests that travel alone If you are booking on your own, a single supplement charge will apply at the time of booking. Lodge bedrooms are all ensuite with linen, duvets and hot water bottles also provided.
    How difficult is the walk, how fit do I have to be?
    The Hollyford Track is well formed and, being a valley walk, is suitable for most ages (10+) and abilities. That said, the days are long, and Day One in particular can be quite tiring as you walk 19.5km in approximately 7 hours. Day One is the only day where you are required to carry your pack (generally around 6kg), but don't worry, as ample food and comfortable bedding are all provided at the private lodges, you are relieved of the burden of carrying a weighty pack. The rest of the time your pack is taken by boat/plane. There are often guests from the ages of 10 to 84 doing the walk and as long as you are an actively fit person you will manage the walk.
    Are the seals and penguins always seen at Long Reef, Martins Bay?
    The colony of New Zealand fur seals are always visible at Long Reef. The penguins however, only come to land to nest in the flax bushes at Long Reef between the months of July to December. They are visible in pairs and entertaining to observe. They do come back to land one other time in the year, Feb/Mar to moult, however, they are rarely seen as they are not in pairs and they tend to hide.
    Are there toilets on the track?
    Both lodges have flush toilets and there are clean long drop style toilets at our lunch stops. Gunn’s Camp museum has the last flushing toilet stop before reaching Pyke Lodge.

    Booking Conditions

    All itinerary details and prices are subject to change at any time without prior notice. The Operator reserves the right to alter, amend or cancel any tour should weather conditions or any other situation demand this. The operator will finalise all tour arrangements upon the express condition that they will not be liable for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of weather or any defect in any 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 the tours.

    Payment:

    For bookings four or more months before the departure, a 25% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 95 days before your trip. For bookings within four months of the departure, full payment is required.

    Cancellations:

    30 - 89 days or more: 50% of the tour price is forfeited
    Within 30 days of departure: 100% of tour price forfeited.
    Once your walk has commenced, there is no refund available for any portion due to any circumstances.

    Travel Insurance

    We strongly recommend that you have comprehensive travel insurance.

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