Day 1: 12 miles (19.5km) of walking (L, D)
Travel by coach from Queenstown or Te Anau to the start of the track in the Hollyford Valley, passing through some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery.
Stepping into the Hollyford Valley is like entering a world that’s remained untouched for thousands of years. Naturally spectacular and ever-changing, the valley has an unparalleled diversity of vegetation and wildlife that makes for an incredible walking experience.
Begin your walk along the Hollyford River, retracing the footsteps of the indigenous Maori people and the island’s early explorers. Enjoy historical tales and interpretation of the forest and birdlife from your guide as you walk through native beech forest and alongside cascading waterfalls.
At the end of the first day’s walk, you’ll be welcomed at Pyke’s Lodge for your overnight stay. Take a hot shower and enjoy a 3-course dinner. Nestled beneath the converging mountain ranges and among native forest at the union of the Hollyford and Pyke rivers, the lodge is a great place to take in the often-spectacular views of the sun setting and rising on Mt Madeline and the Darren Range.
Day 2: 9 miles (15km) of walking (B, L, D)
After breakfast at Pyke’s Lodge, begin your day with a short walk to Lake Alabaster and learn about the history and geology of this stunning section of the Hollyford Valley. Cross Fiordland's longest swing bridge (optional), then enjoy a jet boat journey down the Hollyford River and across Lake McKerrow to the historic site of Jamestown, the intended capital of New Zealand’s South Island in the late 19th century.
Walk through the ancient Podocarp forest with giant Rimu, Totara and Kahikatea trees wrapped in massive Rata vines before visiting the New Zealand fur seal colony at Long Reef on the wild West Coast. Be on the lookout for the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin that nests in the surrounding rocks and scrub.
Arrive at Martin’s Bay Lodge, located near the mouth of the Hollyford River. The sound of the surf on nearby Martins Bay Spit is a soothing evening soundtrack. Enjoy a 3-course dinner and turn in for the night.
Day 5: Miles (8.5km) of walking (B, L)
After a delicious breakfast, take another jet boat ride, this time to Martins Bay Spit, a famous landmark that separates the Tasman Sea from Hollyford Valley. As you visit historical Maori sites, your guide will share Maori stories and highlight the plant and wildlife of this unique, diverse and remote area. You’ll also have time explore the isolated beach and sand dunes at your own pace.
Return to Martins Bay Lodge for lunch, and then take to the skies on a scenic helicopter flight along the rugged West Coast and into the spectacular Milford Sound.
From Milford Sound, return to Queenstown or Te Anau by coach along scenic Milford Road.