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3 day hollyford wilderness journey

The Hollyford Track, in The World Heritage Hollyford Valley, is recognised as 'the greatest mountains to sea guided walk in the world'. It is considered a very rewarding, medium-level tramp. It's not all footslog - jetboats cover some of the distance and at the track end, Martins Bay, there's the opportunity to get up close with seals, penguins and dolphins.

highlights
Fiordland, a World Heritage Area
Hollyford Valley & River
Stunning lakes and waterfalls
Fur seals & Crested Penguins
Jet Boat ride

itinerary
Day 1: Waterfalls, Pyke River Lodge, Glow Worms
Depart Queenstown at 7am, travel along side the beautiful Lake Wakatipu and on to Te Anau. After a brief stop, depart for the Hollyford Valley and travel through the majestic Eglington Valley to the start of the Track in the Hollyford Valley visiting Gunn's 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 bird life. In the evening you can visit our nearby glow-worm colony.
Walking Distance: Approx 17kms (12miles)

Day 2: Lakes, Jet Boating, 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 (7miles)

Day 3: Wildlife Experience, Martins Bay Beach and Coastline
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.
Walking Distance: Approx 8kms (5miles)

inclusions
Pre-Departure briefing Specialist, experienced guide for the complete itinerary Return transport from Queenstown to the track Meals Snacks Lodge accommodation on the Track, in well-appointed twin share rooms with shared bathroom facilities tivating jet boat journey across Lake McKerrow Use of backpacks and rain jackets

times
Departs: from Queenstown at 07.00 & Te Anau 09.00
Returns: 3 days later to Queenstown no later than 19.30
Operates:
Mar`06: 03, 09, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 30, 31
Apr`06: 02, 08, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28
Oct`06: 25, 29
Nov`06: 01, 05, 09, 13, 19, 23, 27, 29
Dec`06: 03, 07, 09, 13, 17, 21, 29, 31
Jan`07: 02, 04, 06, 08, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 31
Feb`07: 02, 04, 06, 08, 09, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 26, 28
Mar`07: 02, 04, 06, 08, 09, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, 30
Apr`07: 03, 07, 11, 15, 19, 24, 28

Pre-departure briefing: 18.00 the day prior to the track departure.
Queenstown – R&R Sports, Shotover Street
Te Anau – Luxmore Hote, Main Street

additional information
Children: 8 to 14 years are charged the child rate, children 7 years and under are not accepted on the walk.
Fitness requirements: The days are long but not difficult. They have guests from the ages of 10 to 84 doing the walk and as long as you are an actively fit person you will manage the walk. Remember you only carry your pack on the first day's walk in, the rest of the time it is taken by boat/coach.
Pre-departure Briefing: Your pre-departure briefing begins at 18.00 the day before track departure. Your guide will explain the details of the Track; arrange storage for your surplus luggage and hand out rain jackets and backpacks to those requiring them.
What to Bring: Sturdy footwear - tramping boots (worn in), two or more pairs woollen socks, highly protective rain wear (hooded anorak), polar fleece jersey, spare jersey, polypropylene long johns (1 or 2 pairs), polypropylene long sleeved tops (1 or 2), shorts (1 or 2 pairs), shirts, peaked cap, woollen hat or beanie (not a necessity), nightwear, light shoes for the evenings at the lodge, trousers or track pants for the evenings at the lodge & drinking water bottle

instant quote

* Please note that due to the short operation period, availability can be limited. Bookings are on a request basis.