Hollyford Track Wilderness Journey

Hollyford 3 Day Wilderness Journey
The Hollyford 3 Day Wilderness Journey is an all inclusive spectacular walk from the mountains to the sea that is suitable for a wide range of fitness levels. The scenery is geologically spectacular and ever changing - snow capped mountains, glaciers, rainforests, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, reefs, sand dunes and surf. The experiences are diverse- hiking, wildlife interaction, historical tales, jet boating, and a magnificent scenic flight to Milford Sound.

Included in the package is return transport from Queenstown to the track, meals, snacks, accommodation, and use of backpacks and rain jackets. Accommodation is in sophisticated lodges with twin share rooms. Expert guides will ensure your group (maximum 16 people) experience New Zealand's wilderness at its best.

The season operates from November through to April. To maximise your enjoyment from the Hollyford Track, and to be able to appreciate the stunning natural beauty that surrounds you, it's best that you are comfortable, warm, and have a sense of where you've been and where you are headed!

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

Should you get wet during the day, we have drying rooms at both our lodges so if you keep your gear lightweight and fast drying, it should dry overnight.

EQUIPMENT AND EXTRAS You do not need any specialist equipment, however, you may like to include the following:

• Insect repellent and sun block
• Torch - not a necessity
• Swiss Army Knife - for the boys in the group...
• "Second skin" if you are prone to blisters
• Your camera (extra film is a good idea)
• The book you've been trying to read
• Notepaper, pen, wallet, travel documents

WE SUPPLY All meals, towels, linen, duvets, soap, shampoo, and hair-dryers. Packs, hooded waterproof ponchos, rain jackets, gaiters.

WEATHER The Weather in Fiordland can be very changeable, the close proximity of towering mountains and ocean makes for conditions and temperatures that can vary markedly during the course of a day. Summer months average around 20 degrees Celsius. Evenings can be a little cooler but the lodges are warm. Winter average is around 10 degrees Celsius out on the coast with the evenings colder. Weather can change very rapidly so expect to experience both summer and winter temperatures in one day.

WHAT TO EXPECT An Amazing Variety of Wildlife - The huge variety of trees, vines, flowers and ferns, are home to an amazing range of bird life including wood pigeons, Kea, Kaka and owls, bellbirds, warblers, robins, chaffinches, cuckoo, tui and white heron as well as many species of sea birds. You may also see the huge bottlenose dolphins in the lower Hollyford River or Lake McKerrow, one of the two places in the world where they are found in fresh water. A feature of your itinerary is a visit to a colony of seals and, during certain months, the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin.

Unique New Zealand Adventure Activities The Hollyford Track is the only guided walk that includes walking, boating and flying; a scenic jet boat journey on the Hollyford River, a scenic flight into Milford Sound and an awe inspiring drive out from Milford Sound when returning to Te Anau. Experience the best of New Zealand adventure activities.

An Easy Pace - Following the course of the Hollyford River, The Hollyford Track is a low-altitude walk for anyone of reasonable fitness and of any age although we prefer guests to be over 10 years old. As all linen, duvets, towels and food are provided, you need only bring your personal gear keeping your packs light for a more enjoyable adventure.

Warm, Welcoming Lodges - At the end of an invigorating day of exploration, you'll arrive at a warm and dry lodge, a hearty welcome and fine cuisine. The evening of Day One is spent at Pyke River Lodge, at the confluence of Hollyford and Pyke Rivers. Night two is spent at Martins Bay Lodge, close to mouth of the Hollyford River.

Fine Cuisine - Our Lodge meals are a real treat of the Hollyford experience. Breakfasts are tasty, hearty and well balanced to give you just the right fuel for the day ahead. Then for lunch you'll see we've packed you a delicious picnic lunch. Dinner is a mouth-watering delight, our lodge chefs take great delight in preparing superb evening dining. The menu includes delicious cuisine, such as antipasto misto, seared whole roasted sirloin, Hollyford Valley styled roast vegetables and lemon tart. We can also cater for individual dietary requirements.

Knowledgeable Guides - Your guides are experts on the flora, fauna, history and geology of the area, so you take away so much more than just photographs of beautiful scenery. You'll be enriched with the understanding of this valley, instilled by the staff who share their passion for this special part of the world with you.

Small Group Sizes - To ensure you have a very "personal" Hollyford Track experience, we keep group sizes to a maximum of 16. This ensures our guides have the time to spend with you, answering questions and explaining the fascinating history of the Hollyford Valley from its creation. Because there is so much to share, only in small, intimate group sizes does this work.

Difficulty: Easy

Departs: The Hollyford Track departs two to three times a week between October and the end of April.
Please confirm exact departure dates with Kirra Holidays

Accommodation: Twin share Lodge

Includes: Pre-departure briefing, return transfers, guides, wilderness jet boat journey, Milford Sound scenic flight, accommodation, meals, use of backpacks and rain jackets if required.

Start/Finish: Queenstown

Optional Costs: Contact Kirra Holidays for the Milford Mariner overnight cruise option. Departs from Milford Sound and includes return transfer to Queenstown.

Season: 01 Nov10 - 30 Apr 11

Notes:
Departure Dates:

• Oct 2010 - 23, 25, 27, 29, 31
• Nov 2010 - 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30
• Dec 2010 - 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, 29, 31
• Jan 2011 - 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30
• Feb 2011 - 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27
• Mar 2011 - 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31
• Apr 2011 - 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18

Children
(10-14 years)

Deposit - Payment
Due to limited availability and high demand, your Hollyford Track booking must be protected by payment to Kirra Holidays by a deposit per person within 7 days of confirmation and final balance 65 days prior to departure.

See also:

• North Island Guided Walks
• South Island Guided Walks