Hollyford Track
Hollyford Track, Fiordland National Park: Address, Hollyford Track Reviews: 5/5
Hollyford Track
Hollyford Track
5
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5.0
253 reviews
Excellent
232
Very good
20
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Katherine d
2 contributions
Such a remarkable place
Mar 2021
My daughter and I walked the track in mid-March. During the trip our guides Suzanne and Robyn wove together geology, botany, Maori and Pakeha history and a sense of wonder and appreciation of this remarkable area. The lodge hosts provided wonderful food, and were good to talk to, and the jet boat driver was a pleasure to travel with. Hot showers and twin rooms an added bonus. The weather was fine until the last day when we had a taste of Fiordland's driving rain and wind. Helicopter flight back to Milford Sound beautiful.
Walking was easy with well-made track, no hill work, and interspersed with pauses to look at something, jet-boat ride, a snack etc . No pressure to rush - there was a place for both "botanists" and "bolters". The pre-departure briefing, round-up of each day after dinner, and gathering back at Te Anau enjoyable.
Our trip in 2020 was cancelled due to floods - communication from the Hollyford Wilderness Experience was excellent, as was advice about pre-trip training, clothing required etc.
Walking was easy with well-made track, no hill work, and interspersed with pauses to look at something, jet-boat ride, a snack etc . No pressure to rush - there was a place for both "botanists" and "bolters". The pre-departure briefing, round-up of each day after dinner, and gathering back at Te Anau enjoyable.
Our trip in 2020 was cancelled due to floods - communication from the Hollyford Wilderness Experience was excellent, as was advice about pre-trip training, clothing required etc.
Written 30 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TRO
1 contribution
Magical
Mar 2021
This was a magical few days, easily one of the best experiences I've had in New Zealand over 30 years. The scenery is stunning and so varied, and the trip is very well run. I admit to having some hesitation about going on a "guided" walk but there's no way we would have enjoyed it as much without our splendid guides -- Suzanne and Pam. They were so knowledgeable about the history, flora and birdlife and so personable, enthusiastic and attentive to the needs of everyone in our group, ensuring we all had the best experience possible while maintaining a relaxed and casual atmosphere along with all the other staff on the ground -- from the helicopter pilot and jet boat driver to the great hosts at both lodges.
Written 28 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
IP Travels
Wellington, New Zealand3 contributions
Amazing adventure
Mar 2021
This is a great experience in a stunning part of New Zealand. Our guides (Becs and Ellie) were awesome, giving lots of insight into both the history and the environment. All the staff at the lodges were great and the food of a very high quality. There is still plenty of walking to do (in between jet boat and helicopter rides) although the terrain is largely flat. The bird life in the forest near Martins Bay was a particular highlight - hard to hear others speak at times. We would highly recommend this trip - three days of warm sunny weather helps. Remember your swimming togs - a swim at Martins Bay is very special.
Written 13 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kiwiana7902014
Auckland, New Zealand58 contributions
Fantastic
Feb 2021
This is a walk through valley terrain rather than over ridges and passes which was a big plus for me. The jet boat and helicopter rides enhanced the views and experiences. The variety of scenery was wonderful; beech forest, podocarp forest, river, lake, mountain, sand dune and beach landscapes. Another big plus was the fascinating social history of the area; Maori legends and the trials, tribulations and personalities of Maori and European settlers. These histories were brought to life by Suzanne’s delightful story telling voice, tone and pace. Everyone we dealt with from Hollyford Walks; the people answering the phone and emails, the bus driver, the jet boat driver, the lodge hosts, the guides Suzanne and Pam; were a credit to the company. Previous comments about the wonderful gourmet food are correct! This was a fantastic experience.
Written 10 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ken W
6 contributions
Enjoy nature in style
Feb 2021 • Friends
Set in an amazing backdrop ... the guides and lodge hosts managed to improve on what nature had already made outstanding. An absolute privilege to visit this part of NZ, treated like family by the hosts. Our guides Jase and Eileen were unbelievably caring, funny and knowledgeable. To say “thank you” seems inadequate.
Written 17 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lyndell
31 contributions
Just Awesome!!
Feb 2021 • Friends
This adventure is 3 totally amazing days... we were totally spoilt with 2 cool guides, Jase and Eileen. Amazing food, Cozy accommodation. 2 helicopter rides and 3 jet boats. And yes we did do a bit of walking more like 35-40kms through an interesting variety of Bush and sea scapes which have most interesting NZ history attached.
Written 17 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Miriam C
9 contributions
Awesome experience in Fiordland
Feb 2021 • Friends
Our Hollyford experience went beyond our expectations. Our guides Jase and Eileen (EI) were outstanding and had a real passion for the ecology, history and were also very thoughtful for all the walkers wellbeing. The lodge hosts were so welcoming and hospitable, yet quietly in the background providing for us - food was amazing - highly recommended.
Written 13 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stephanie P
25 contributions
Hollyford guided walk 3 days
Feb 2021 • Couples
The Hollyford guided walk was one of my favourite walks so far. We had fantastic service from the company from luxurious lodges to freshly cooked meals. Our guide, Bard, made the trip. He is a wealth of knowledge about the forest, Maori history and how the geographical landscape has formed over time. I would recommend this walk to anyone who wants to learn about the forest and wildlife, while staying in comfortable lodges. Awesome helicopter ride and jet boating experience too.
Written 4 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brad P
4 contributions
What a guide to round out a trip
Feb 2021 • Couples
I would just like to say how amazing Bard is as a guide and how he made our trip the memorable experience that it was! Cheers for the great hike and energy! Brad P
Written 4 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alipa50
Wellington, New Zealand1,522 contributions
Super Trip
Jan 2021 • Couples
This was an organised, professional tramp thru the most beautiful bush. The three days covered a variety of terrain from bush to the coast. Our guide Becs was an asset as her knowledge of plants, birds and history was very good. The track was an easy walk for a fit person. The meals and lodges were high quality. I have hundreds of amazing photos to sort now as there were so many opportunities for stunning photo snaps. Recommended good tramping boots and the best raincoat you can find. There were many highlights but the helicopter flight out was very special.
Written 6 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
chvrche5
Dunedin, New Zealand5 contributions
Is the track non-technical enough to wear trail running shoes as opposed to boots? I'm a trail runner and prefer to wear my running shoes whenever possible because of the greater flexibility and ability to dry out faster. When my boots get soaked, they stay soaked! Both my boots and trail runners have good grip. Situations where I'd prefer boots would be long periods of steep terrain with minimal foot holdings, or boulder hopping.
bbrichau
Lake Hayes, New Zealand166 contributions
Sorry for the late reply. That should be ok yes, if the weather is fine
Paula M
East Lansing, MI4 contributions
Hello,
I am planning for our hike and looking to buy hiking boots. I will select a waterproof boot, but is there any reason, other than ankle support, to get a higher boot, rather than an ankle height boot?
Thank you
Paula Manderfield
Liz W
Beeston, UK211 contributions
As a keen hiker (or tramper as they're called in NZ) a proper hiking boot will not just give ankle support but also prevent toes being bruised if the ankle is well supported & give better grip on slopes. You walk 19km on the first day in about 6-7hrs on uneven paths so good boots are needed. Hollyford track can be muddy so a higher hiking boot keep your feet dry longer, consider wearing gaiters if wet too as otherwise bottoms of trousers get muddy & soggy......
suntrace
Florida4 contributions
what company did the tour...thank you
Nzedfi
Christchurch, New Zealand27 contributions
Hi Guided Walks New Zealand, which is part of Ngai Tahu Tourism, run the Three day guided walk in the Hollyford. You can check their Hollyfordtrack website for more information and to book online.
Sue P
Perth, Australia7 contributions
It all sounds fantastic.
It is a late decision to come to Queenstown so we don't have the lead time for too much training but we are reasonably fit.
the review on footware was helpful. I may bring my heavier workboots as I hadn't considered mud.
Do you recommend any particular insect repellent?
Kate_NTT_Southern
Queenstown, New Zealand1 contribution
Kia ora Sue, It is an amazing experience and you will thoroughly enjoy it. Footwear with good support is recommended but you also don't want something too heavy. Insect repellents are dependent on whether you would like a natural spray or don't mind and just want the protection.Bushman or Off are two I have used in the past and have been useful.
We look forward to having you on the Hollyford Track.
Safe travels.
Kind Regards, Kate
KaBaCanberra
Greater Sydney, Australia48 contributions
what is the name of tour guy ?
Kate_NTT_Southern
Queenstown, New Zealand1 contribution
Kia ora, we have several knowledgeable and experienced guides. Have you done a trip with us? We have three lead guides. Their names are Graeme, Justin or Brendan. Hopefully this helps. Kind Regards, Kate
Rodger P
Brooklana, Australia
With the air fight, how many flights a day are there. We understand the plane only takes 8 passengers, however there will be 9 of us?
ShotoverJet
Queenstown, New Zealand3 contributions
Hi Rodger, although I am ID'd as Shotover Jet I am also the marketing manager for Hollyford Track. To clarify, we have stopped using fixed wing aircraft for transfers in and out of the valley. Helicopters are better in adverse weather conditions, better seating, easier to get in and out of and better views. Generally helicopter loads are either 4 or 6 people and the loads made up by the guides to suit.
Rodger P
Brooklana, Australia
With the air fight, how many flights a day are there. We understand the plane only takes 8 passengers, however there will be 9 of us?
ShotoverJet
Queenstown, New Zealand3 contributions
Hi Rodger, I'm assuming you are asking about the freedom transfers? We only use Helicopters with a maximum capacity of 6 people. However we are often flying in and out up to 16 people so it is a matter of being patient as your group is ferried in. Often there are two helicopters working at a time. The flights are once a day around mid day and only every second day.
Kind regards
Nigel Kerr
If you wish to make a booking please contact
Hollyford Track on +64 3 4423000 with dates and number of people.
chelsea b
Perth, Australia
Hi, I'm doing this walk next month, planning to walk in my good, worn in runners, is it really necessary to have hiking boots?
Kiwionwheels
New Zealand16 contributions
Hi Chelsea,
Boots versus runners the difference is ankle support. Even with your personals thats an extra 5kg you are not used to carrying, and if the track is wet or muddy even the best fitting runners aren't that supportive. And over 20km on the first day the more flexible sole generally gives the feet a pounding. So our standard recommendation is boots, even if they are a light Kathmandu model, it does make a difference.
However it definitely comes down to personal choice. A few people can and do wear runners and on the third day they are better suited than boots (its also the shortest).
See you next month
Nigel
