Hollyford Wilderness Experience
Hollyford Wilderness Experience
Hollyford Wilderness Experience
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
Full view
About
A journey of discovery from the mountains to the sea as you explore the stunning Hollyford Valley by foot, jetbaot and helicopter. Book your place on our four day, three night all-inclusive guided walk through the spectacular Hollyford Valley. Located in Fiordland National Park, the remote and spectacular Hollyford Valley is home to breathtaking beech forest and a rich New Zealand history. Along the way your experienced local guide will bring to life the diversity of the landscape, vegetation and wildlife. Enjoy first rate cuisine and personal service in our comfortable private lodges, where you'll enjoy fully appointed rooms and ensuites, fully stocked bar and even be able to soak in hot tubs! The Hollyford Wilderness Experience is a low-altitude walk along the valley floor, very achievable for those with a reasonable level of fitness. We look forward to meeting you soon!
Te Anau, New Zealand
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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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
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4.9
343 reviews
Excellent
327
Very good
13
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Maureen S
Detroit, MI42 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
This tramping trip, guided by Jack and Ella, was a great experience. Day one was long, yes, but fabulous walking through rainforest. Day two and three had 'day hikes' from a lodge base. Both lodges out in the wilderness were luxurious and welcoming - you really earn the hot showers and comfy beds. Every staff member we met was kind and generous. Our fellow hikers - we were a couple and the other groups were three charming family groups - one family from Scotland, one from Auckland, and one from the States. We were honored to be in their company for wine and song and stories. We'd recommend this trip in a heartbeat - from the bus ride over to the trailhead, to the jet boat travels downriver and across the lake, to the helicopter transport down to Milford. It was an adventure that tested our physical strength and treated us well.
Written 13 January 2025
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.
Thank you!
We really love what we do in the Hollyford Valley and are always pleased to hear that it shows in the experience each and every guest has with us.
Jack and Ella are charming young people and would have taken very good care of you I am sure.
Thank you for your glowing recommendation and we wish you safe travels home with many happy memories!
Written 22 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
UKLion
Tauranga, New Zealand52 contributions
Dec 2024 • Friends
What a wonderful experience so well led by guides Shonagh and Talia over the New Year of 2025. Our experience was complimented by 4 days of clear blue sky and warm sunny weather (lucky us). The lodges were exceptional and the lodge hosts excellent along with the jet boat driver who focused on safety first. A walk where reasonable fitness certainly helps, not really suitable for non regular walkers or those with a major health issue given the remoteness in my view. The past history of the Valley, Maori and European so sensitively shared by Shonagh along with interesting aspects of flora and fauna. We enjoyed meeting the other members of our walk which added to the overall experience. Thank you Ngai Tahu for enabling us to share this wonderful experience and thank you Shonagh and Talia for bringing it all to life.
Written 8 January 2025
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!
This is a fantastic synopsis of what sounds like a brilliant trip - to get 4 days of beautiful weather is a bonus also!
Shonagh & Talia are absolute treasures and are very enthusiastic guides. They, and the rest of our team, love bringing the Hollyford Valley to life with stories from the past and information about the unique flora and fauna there.
The lodges are such a bonus after a long day out in the elements!
Thank you for taking the time to review.
Written 22 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Olaf L
1 contribution
Jan 2025 • Couples
An absolut awesome once in a lifetime experience. This was the best we ever had seen. Starting with an interesting briefing, Andy's bustour and then going into the wilderness of Fiordland with two professional and charming guides Sonagh and Rosi.
It is unbelievable the combination of knowledge, storytelling and guiding. I have to point out Sonagh because she is in actress by the way of storytelling and she is really deep connected to the environment, the story, the wilderness including Maori speaking.
The lodges are luxury accommodations, with a very warm welcome of the hosts and an outstanding service including fine dining.
It is unbelievable the combination of knowledge, storytelling and guiding. I have to point out Sonagh because she is in actress by the way of storytelling and she is really deep connected to the environment, the story, the wilderness including Maori speaking.
The lodges are luxury accommodations, with a very warm welcome of the hosts and an outstanding service including fine dining.
Written 15 January 2025
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 so very much for your glowing review!
Your "once in a lifetime" is our daily work and we love it too! We are very lucky to share the Valley with our guests and our team does an exceptional job of taking care of all the details at every stage of your journey.
We appreciate your kind words and wish you all the best for 2025.
Written 22 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Janice
Otorohanga, New Zealand7 contributions
Oct 2024 • Solo
This was on my bucket list, Was all it said it was, Our guides Bartie an Rose were our guides an Bartie was passionate about the Hoolyford from his knowledge of the environment, history, an the conservation of the area. The lodges are well looked after 10star. Our host at the lodges looked after us well, meals were excellent light but filling! The boat trip @ helicopter ride were great 👍 even if it was slightly wet flying out. Everyone made you feel like you were one big family.
The weather was awesome, only had rain as we said goodbye 👋🏻 😢 Thankyou for a awesome 3days!
Janice
The weather was awesome, only had rain as we said goodbye 👋🏻 😢 Thankyou for a awesome 3days!
Janice
Written 4 November 2024
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 Janice,
Thank you for taking the time to review.
It sounds like the trip was a great one and our guides Bard & Rosie are excellent hosts, along with our lodge staff who do a great job of making all guests feel at home.
We are so very pleased that your bucket list experience was all that you expected (and more!)
Happy to have you part of the Hollyford Family and we wish you all the best for the rest of 2024.
Written 17 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jjo
Chicago845 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Wonderful, wonderful experience. Not a traditional track in which you just hike everyday to get from point A to point B. Day one was a long, wonderful hike through a gorgeous valley. Day 2 was a short hike to a lake, then a fun and scenic jet boat ride, and then more hiking. Day 3 was a hike along sand dunes on the beach, and then a spectacular helicopter ride to Milford Sound. Lots of scenery, history and variety of experiences. The two lodges were amazing and the food excellent. The whole experience, from the bus ride there and back and everything in between was first class.
Written 20 March 2024
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.
Thank you for your review,
We really do appreciate the time you have taken to let us know that your trip was a good one.
We pride ourselves in the "Hollyford experience" and all of our staff just love taking care of our Manuhiri (guests) as they experience the valley, its striking landscapes and wonderful history.
Wishing you all the best for the coming winter.
Nga mihi
Toni
Written 21 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BJC790
Halifax, UK45 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
A superb experience. Shonagh and Izzy were excellent guides , very knowledgeable and keen to share. Andy the driver got us off to a good start with his infectious good humour. Tom the jet boat driver was calm, safe and had a ready smile. Our accommodation hosts were very welcoming and all the food was excellent. There were so many snacks to keep us going. The walks are varied and the Birdlife entertaining, even saw black fantails. We were fortunate to have sunny weather the whole time but I think even in rain it would have been good
Written 21 March 2024
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!
What a pleasure to hear about your experience and a black fantail is special indeed!
I can tell you that even in the rain the valley is a very special place - you were fortunate to have sunny weather for the whole time as I am sure you are well aware of Fiordland's reputation as a very wet place to walk.
We are so lucky to have a team of skilled and passionate people to work with and it is lovely that the whole team got a mention here, I will be sure to pass this on to them all.
Many thanks for taking the time to post a review.
Nga mihi
Toni
Written 22 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CoronadoMike
Coronado, CA10 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
This was an unforgettable experience. My wife and I were truly amazed by all aspects of the journey. Each of the staff we encountered were kind, attentive, and super friendly. Shonagh and Rosie were incredible guides and really made this even more of a special trip. Not only are the walks jaw droppingly beautiful, but the learning experience about the history of the region was a treat. Not to mention the meals that you receive each evening at the lodges on the walk were crafted beautifully. Absolutely delicious. This was the highlight of our honeymoon!! Thank you all!
Written 14 January 2025
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.
What a fantastic way to celebrate your marriage!
We are so happy to hear that our experience was a highlight of your Honeymoon.
We are very proud of what we do and where we do it. Sharing all of the precious stories about the history in the valley is a real privilege also. Arent the lodges and the delicious meals such a treat after a long day walking ?!
Wishing you all the very best for your new life together and your trip back home.
Written 22 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pining_ex_londoner
Appleton le Moors, UK74 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
The Hollyford Track is not well known, or easy to reach. That's what makes it special. By joining this small group tour (max 16 people) you are getting to see, experience and learn about a terrain that has been relatively untouched for thousands of years. The track itself is not as 'hardcore' as some of the fiordland great walks nearby. (Though I'm sure it has its moments during or after hard rain!). And of course the comfortable lodges, great food, jet boat rides and helicopter flights make the whole experience a pleasure. The team were all exceptionally good. Nothing was too much trouble. They appeared to genuinely love what they did, and their enthusiasm was contagious.
If you can find the budget, I'd thoroughly recommend the trip
If you can find the budget, I'd thoroughly recommend the trip
Written 11 February 2025
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!
What a fabulous synopsis of our trip!
It sounds like you had a lovely time with us in the Hollyford Valley. I can confirm - we do genuinely love what we do and our enthusiasm for the Valley and its fascinating history is boundless!
Thank you very much for taking the time to review - these things really help.
Nga mihi nui from the entire Hollyford "crew"
Written 23 February 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RunningRog
Brooklyn, NY74 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
This trip exceeded expectations across the board. Our guide Bard was like a walking encyclopedia for the history of the area and its natural beauty, all rolled in to a really fun person. The two overnight lodges were top notch - comfortable beds, delicious food, delightful hosts, and beautiful views. It’s a lot of hiking on the first day, but the website FAQ fully prepared us for the pacing and intensity. Would enthusiastically recommend!
Written 23 January 2025
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!
It sounds like you had a lovely time in the Hollyford valley with us - Thank you so much for taking the time to review.
We are a tight-knit team that loves sharing the valley with our guests and it is awesome to get such enthusiastic feedback!
We hope that your return home to New York went smoothly and that you will carry a bunch of happy memories with you into the New Year.
Written 23 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sue H
3 contributions
Jan 2025 • Friends
It is a really great trip with outstanding NZ bush, beaches, helicopter and jet boat rides The first day is long but not too challenging- plenty of time to stop and look around, swim in the river. The other days were broken into short walks in different environments with a swim at the beach and a glass of something to follow. The area is full of NZ Maori and European history and we were fortunate to have guides with a wealth of knowledge to share. Comfortable lodges and good food were a bonus at the end of each day. Would highly recommend.
Written 13 February 2025
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 Sue,
Thank you for your high recommendation!
We do love what we do here and it is lovely to know that it comes through in the experience that our guests have with us.
The European and NZ Maori history in the area is fascinating and our expert guides do a great job in making it come to life through their story-telling.
We do hope your return home went smoothly and that you will carry lots of Hollyford Memories with you for the rest of 2025.
Written 23 February 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.