Getting There
The track starts at the Hollyford Road End. A 2-hour drive
from Te Anau, turn right into the Lower Hollyford Road soon after
the Divide and Hollyford Valley look out. There is parking at the
road end and at the Hollyford Air Strip.
Track Guide
Road End to Hidden Falls - 9km, 2-3hrs, Easy Walking
On the true right of the Hollyford River Whakatipu Ka Tuka the track
follows alongside bluffs, swampland, sections of raised boardwalk
and out alongside the Hollyford river bank with occasional views of
the Darren Mountains. The stunning Hidden Falls can be viewed 2
minutes from the bridge, also first glimpses of Mt Madeline. 5
minutes after the bridge is Hidden Falls DoC (Department of
Conservation) Hut (12 bunks).
Hidden Falls to Lake Alabaster - 10.5km, 3-4hrs, Easy
Walking
The track passes through a section of lowland ribbon wood and
Podocarp forest draped with colourful mosses and ferns, then enters
tall beech forest before the climb to Little Homer Saddle with views
of Mt Madeline and Fiordland's highest: Mt Tutoko. Beyond Little
Homer Falls and HVWL (Hollyford Valley Walks Ltd) Pyke Lodge is Lake
Alabaster DoC Hut.
Lake Alabaster to Demon Trail - 14.7km, 4-5hrs
This part of the track is not well maintained. There may be tree
falls and obstructions. Orange markers on the trees mark the track.
Back track for 15 minutes to cross the Pyke swing bridge. After
approx 2hr on relatively flat walking the track rejoins the
Hollyford River, and another hour will reveal McKerrow Island. For
access to McKerrow Island DoC Hut (12 bunks) - cross the channel
above where it enters the lake. Beware of flooding; walkers can
be stranded when the river is high. Otherwise continue for
another 1-½ hours to Demon Trail Hut (12 bunks).
Demon Trail to Hokuri - 9.6km, 5-6hrs
The Demon Trail is well named. The section is rocky and
undulating. Creek crossings can be dangerous - take extreme
care. Use the 3-wire bridges where provided. Hokuri DoC Hut (12
bunks) is near the lakeshore at Gravel Cove.
Hokuri to Martins Bay - 13.5km, 4-5hrs
In low river conditions cross the Hokuri Creek near the mouth,
otherwise use the 3-wire crossing 20 minutes upstream. The track
follows the shore, past the bay where Jamestown once stood, and then
away from the lake through magnificent Podocarp forest.
A large clearing and two airstrips lead the way to HVWL Martins Bay
Lodge (and the Martins Bay Jet Boat Landing).
Martins Bay DoC Hut (12 bunks) is about 1 ½ hrs walk beyond the
lodge at the mouth of the Hollyford River.
The track continues to Long Reef through windstorm forest with views
of the sand spit adjacent to the penguin and seal colonies.
Beyond Long Reef the track becomes a route and undefined - suited
for well-equipped and experienced parties. The route is subject to
flooding and can leave walkers stranded for several days -
preparation is essential.
