Hollyford Track
Hollyford Track
5
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Top ways to experience Hollyford Track and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles35 reviews
Excellent
28
Very good
7
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0

crusty582016
Buckinghamshire, UK29 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023 • Solo
I wanted to get under the skin of New Zealand away from the tourist spots. This experience delivered in spade fulls. The 2 guides were brilliant, both good talkers and story tellers and knew their subject inside out. They kept the group together and nothing was too much to ask. The 2 overnight stays at the lodges were excellent with excellent food and a chance to unwind with a beer and chat to new friends. The group members also made it it special, a really good bunch. If you want a good walk (or 3 ) in good company then this is it. A thoroughly enjoyable time in beautiful settings, good company and great staff. Thank you!
Written 23 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lois E
Gisborne, New Zealand22 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023 • Friends
Great guiding from Jack and Robyn on this beautiful walk.fabulous food from the wonderful hosts at the lodges. The jetboat and helicopter rides were also great. Just a wonderful experience.
Written 7 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Graham Ardern
11 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022 • Couples
We went into this trip blind not knowing what to expect and the unexpected was fantastic. The guides were so passionate about the area and all that live or traveled around the Hollyford. The stories , history and landscape were something to die for everywhere you looked was an inspiration for more. The water falls , swing bridges, forestry, wide life and more . The lodges where you stooped for the night where magic with two hosts that looked after your every need, the food they served up was all top class and the beds were very comfortable. The jet boat is designed for this journey with a drive with a passion the same as others that work in the Hollyford Area. The chopper ride out is very special this is a trip of a life time and I guarantee you will come away from Hollyford with a new appreciation and understanding of what take place to make this one of the most fantastic places to travel through.
If you want to know more you just have to contact
Hollyford Wilderness Experience they are so helpful and very professional in the way they run their service.
Best of luck with your next adventure.
Written 17 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

imogen2017
Adelaide, Australia10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
Stunning walk, incredible views second to none. The secluded beaches to swim at and the conclusion of every day walking was a highlight. However the DOC needs to improve with track maintaining as many fallen trees (non-guided walk area) which are difficult to clamber over. Also DOC needs to distinguish between the intermediate track of the guided walk and the rest of the track. Let me make it clear the non-guided walk section was for advanced trampers only, which is not outlined in the DOC pamphlet. I would go as far as to say extreme terrain in some section, requiring removal of pack to climb up sheer walls/ banks of river. The demon trail was also very hard keep in mind this IS NOT an intermediate walk. Type B fun but amazing experience.
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora Imogen B Thanks for taking the time to place a review on your recent Hollyford experience. It sounds like you walked the track independently rather than on one of our guided walks, but we would have to agree that this is a stunning walk with incredible views. Some good insight regarding the more challenging parts of the trail in the non-guided section - that's why we steer clear of those sections! Thanks and safe travels. Ngā mihi Lucy
Written 23 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Hayley
Christchurch, New Zealand28 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2019
The Hollyford is significantly cheaper, gentler and less busy than nearby Milford, Kepler and Routeburn.

With less elevation change, it lacks some of the awe-inspiring mountain passes, and doesn't have the same amazing lakes and rivers as Routeburn, but still a spectacular walk.

If you're wanting a cheap place to stay overnight near Milford Sounds, the first hut is your best bet. We left Queenstown 6am, chilled at the sounds till midday then drove to Hollyford Valley and walked in (under 3 hours to first hut). We had the place to ourselves - a bit cold, but nothing a warm sleeping bag can't handle. The stars were spectacular!

All in all, a very easy walk - the first day has no river crossings, few hills and a well-graded track. It can be walked year round (unlike the Great Walks in the area, it doesn't cross any avalanche paths) but beware they remove the bridges on the upper parts of the walk in winter, so you'll need to be comfortable crossing wires.
Written 17 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora Halien13 It sounds like you walked the Hollyford Track independently rather than on one of our guided experiences but we're pleased to hear you enjoyed the track! We would have to agree with you that the Hollyford is a spectacular walk even though it's less well-known than the likes of the Milford and Routeburn, and infinitely less crowded. Our guided trips also include a jet boat and scenic heli flight into Milford Sound if you ever feel like coming back for an extra-comfy option :) Ngā mihi Lucy
Written 18 November 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Chrispy5311
Auckland, New Zealand143 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2019 • Family
Once in every lifetime you just have to take a helicopter ride down the southern coast, looking back up the valleys and forests you tramped, the ones you might do next time, swooping past Lion Rock, and up Piopiotahi - going low, straight at the rock wall, then swinging left as the Sound opens up before you, up and over the bush bluffs, past the water falls, see those boats, watch that plane, swing round onto finals to land at one of the world's truly breathtaking airports. And yes, that is Mitre Peak, rising in its primordial prominence, 1600m. straight out of the sea directly at the end of the runway.
But this was just the final treat in a walk that is a succession of carefully orchestrated treats.
It starts slowly with a bus trip to the end of the road, a photo op. and then the the longish walk down the Hollyford River to the Pike River Lodge. But they're clever. There are little snippets all the way, the proffered toffee as you leave Te Anau, bits of info. stories and jokes. It is a tramp (=Kiwi for a walk in the wilderness) but pretty flat and well formed.
And the lodges are GREAT. Lovely architecture, screened verandahs, clean white sheets, lots of hot water; Friand and lemon barley to welcome you, drying room, good wines and craft beers and the food...well you won't lose weight on this 43km. 3 day walk.
My favourite bit was the mature maritime Rimu trees - standing there in their delicate dominance for thousands of years, clad in their epiphytes and missing their now gone, ground living birds.
There's always something special about a walk from the mountains to the sea.
Huge slick machine behind this operation. All appears seamless and effortless; low key, friendly. Very attentive guides and drivers- loved G. and Pam, and Guy with his jet boat: "This is a working boat, twin Steyr diesels, solid as. No good for spins but great in the sea or a storm, good in the river and safe in the rapids or a chop"
Pristine country. It is a rainforest. We're just the visitors. You can drink the water. Make sure you tip your town water out first. And the eels: pink, black or brown. Fat as your thigh. Don't they know they're aquatic? Can see where the legend of the taniwha came from!
This is five star tramping. Just such admiration for the original Maori and European explorers who first came through this area. Trust me, do it! You'll love it. All credit to Ngai Tahu.
Written 9 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora Chrispy5311 Thank you so much for taking the time to craft such an inspired review! You paint a truly beautiful picture of our 3 Day Wilderness Experience and the Hollyford Valley in which it takes place. We Kiwis are sometimes at risk of overlooking our own back door in favour of intrepid travels off shore, but as you've highlighted, the Hollyford is a great reminder of just what we have here in our little corner of the world. We're thrilled that you had a great time and would love to discuss your feedback a little further - if you're keen to get in contact please drop us a quick email at MarketingTeam@nttourism.co.nz. Thanks so much and we hope to see you again one day in the Hollyford. Ngā mihi Lucy
Written 20 February 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

SurgeonUFO
Albany, New York6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2019 • Couples
Five stars doesn't seem enough. This was one of the most well planned, professional, valuable, thought provoking experiences I've ever participated in.

Steffan was an unforgettable lead guide, his font of knowledge about the area and its history was thorough and masterful. The track itself is stunningly beautiful. A rainforest flanked by mountains along a river so clean you can literally drink from it (and it tastes great!)

The whole production screams quality from the get-go. The company is flexible, and they really take seriously their goal of providing you the best experience. Twenty km is a long walk for the first day, and you go at a pretty good clip, but there's nothing like finding a comfortable home at the end with a private room, hot shower, and oh my god the food is straight up phenomenal. This is five-star cuisine from start to finish.

I've never experienced anything like this before, and I imagine I'll struggle to find anything similar going forward. The three days varied from meditative, to joyful, to serene, to exhilarating. I want to stress again the sheer value of the production. These guys have everything planned out, and there is a HUGE team that takes part in this. From the guides to the lodge hosts, to the jet boat captain and helicopter pilots along with maintenance staff this is a professional, experienced company pulling out all the stops and striving to give their guests an unforgettably beautiful three days.
Written 14 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora SurgeonUFO Wow! What a fabulous review! Thank you so much for taking the time to provide such a thorough and glowing review, we are of course thrilled to hear you enjoyed your experience with us so very much. We consider ourselves privileged to be able to provide a guided experience in this very special part of the world, and are just as lucky to have a great bunch of passionate and knowledgeable team members - it's always wonderful to hear this has been recognised and appreciated by one of our lovely guests. Thanks again for your kind words, we wish you all the very best and would love to welcome you back to the Hollyford one day in future. Safe travels. Ngā mihi Lucy
Written 20 February 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

nigedale
Wagga Wagga, Australia14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2016 • Solo
its a place of quite and serene beauty its a must for people who love nature and want to get fit its a pretty good track mostly level the color of the rivers you cross are sensational we had a lot of rain 200mm in fact but the canopy of the forest handled it well and as you look up you see snow on the mountains my wife and i would love to do it again
Written 29 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora, Thank you for your review. We are so happy you enjoyed the breathtaking scenery through the Hollyford Valley. The rainforest is spectacular so hopefully you managed to get some photos even with all the rain. Hopefully we see you and and your wife again. Safe travels. Kind Regards, Kate
Written 13 November 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Tal S
Tel Aviv District, Israel177 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2016 • Solo
The track is easy and reapting itself.
I hiked the first 20km and came back running. A nice day walk-run.
If you do the whole track, take a boat back, beacuse it is the same view at the same altitude...
Written 29 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora Tal, I believe you did this track as a freedom walker, is this correct? As a guest doing the Hollyford Track Guided Walk, which is a 3 day and 2 night trip, you would have stayed at Pyke Lodge after your first day before enjoying a jet boat ride and a scenic walk through to Martins Bay Lodge on the West Coast. If you would like some information regarding this trip please feel free to email me kate.baxter@nttourism.co.nz Kind Regards, Kate
Written 30 March 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Vols84
Atlanta, GA119 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2015 • Family
We enjoyed three aggressive days along the Hollyford Track with two other families from the US and Singapore. Altogether we had six parents and ten teens and early adults and everyone made every step while the kids quickly made new friends over dinner and evening activities. The landscape is a walk back in time with our guides providing more botany and history than a semester in college.

I am 54 and fit but that first day ended in near exhaustion. However, it was the kind that floods the endorphins and raises the spirits. We crossed rivers on suspension "cords", swam and dove in waterfalls and sunned on pebble beaches along the river. Carhoe (car who) and Josh provided a constant stream of fun stories, jokes, botany lessons and history. Just mention the name Davey Gunn and step back for a 20 minute yarn on how he performed yet another Kiwi miracle. The "down under" Paul Bunyon.

Each lodge was well appointed with "camp" level furnishings, a complete kitchen staffed by two energetic chef/hosts who deliver both terrific food and the well timed adult beverage. Who knows if the beds were comfortable since we never lasted more than a few seconds before diving straight into near coma.

Fortunately our trip did not include any rain and temperatures hovered in the low 70's to high 50's. However, the scenery would be spectacular in any weather and three days seemed to be enough to feel immersed in your new world but not to the point that the joints got too sore.

One caution, sandflies had to have been one of the pharaohs plagues. It seemed like 1 out of 3 of us was allergic in a way that led to chronic itching and swelling. Take spray and apply liberally and often.
Written 20 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Showing results 1-10 of 29
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

HOLLYFORD TRACK: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)