Hollyford Valley Trek

The Hollyford Valley in New Zealand's Fiordland National Park is a place of breathtaking natural beauty. Unique in world terms, it is recognised as one of the planet's protected places and is part of New Zealand's first World Heritage area. This gave international recognition to the outstanding natural values of the area (known to Maori as Te Wahipounamu, the place of the greenstone). The Hollyford Valley Walk has been called one of the greatest outdoor experiences of a lifetime. A guided walk through the Hollyford begins deep in the beech forests of the South Island Alpine Divide and follows the valley's path north-westward to the sea. It is a place of difference, diversity and contrast. This is a guided walk that is utterly different because you will travel certain sections by boat. Many have called jet-boating on the Hollyford an experience of a lifetime. Up to 90km of boating water is accessible on the Hollyford, its lakes and tributaries. Features of your guided walk are the mixed lowland rainforests, their unique flora and fauna, Lakes McKerrow and Alabaster, coastal wildlife, seals, dolphins, penguins and estuarine birds. The scenery of the Hollyford Valley is, from start to finish, spectacular. It is a place of towering snowclad peaks, morning mist, cascading waterfalls, wild flowers, freestone streams and abundant birdlife.

Pre-departure day. .... the day before below departure dates meet at the Queenstown Information Centre, corner of Camp and Shotover St. for a briefing

FIRST DAY: WATERFALLS, PYKE RIVER LODGE, GLOW WORMS - Depart early from Te Anau, through the majestic Eglington Valley to the start of the Track in the Hollyford Valley visiting Gunns 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 birdlife. In the evening you can visit our nearby glow worm colony. Walking Distance: Approx 17kms.

SECOND DAY: LAKES, JETBOATING, WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE - 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.

Third Day 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. 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 8kms.

Walk Out Option (Day 3): Martins Bay Lodge to Queenstown This option replaces Day 3 of the Fly Out Option - An early morning boat journey takes you up Lake McKerrow to the confluence of the Hollyford and Pyke Rivers. Return with your guide to the start of the Track. Observe the flora's 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.

START DATES: Pre Departure Briefing - the day before below departure dates (the Queenstown Information Centre, corner of Camp and Shotover St.)
Departs
Oct 2009: 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31
Nov 2009: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30
Dec 2009: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, 29, 31
Jan 2010: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30
Feb 2010: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27
Mar 2010: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31
Apr 2010: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18

Prices Period 1 May 09 - 30 Apr 10 - Child NZ$1235 , Adult NZ$1655

A child is any person under and including the age of 14.

Includes 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.