We employ a small team of local wilderness guides who are dedicated to New Zealand's environment, culture, history and heritage. Your expert guides are passionate about the Fiordland area and in particular the Hollyford Valley, they are extremely knowledgeable about the flora, fauna, geology and geography as well as the rich Maori and pioneering history of this spectacular part of New Zealand.

Your guides are natural leaders and story tellers, and with 2 guides to a maximum group size of 16, often less, they are able to deliver an unrivalled level of individualised interpretation and guiding. Hollyford Track is a personalised experience and with your guide sharing their intimate knowledge of the area with you, it's a wonderful way to explore the very essence of New Zealand's wilderness.

Meet your team of friendly professional Wilderness Guides

Mike Talbot - Senior Wilderness Guide

Mike grew up in Nelson spending as much time as possible either at the sports fields or exploring some of New Zealand's incredible outdoor activities.

He took his passion for the outdoors to the next level when he decided to make a career out of it. The first step on this journey was studying a Bachelor of Outdoor Education and Adventure Recreation at CPIT.

After graduating, Mike travelled through Asia until he was drawn back to the South Island. The South Island's rugged beauty with its steep snow-capped peaks, raging rivers, tranquil lakes, pristine forests and exposed coastlines is the combination that attracted him here, keeping him in awe.

In his spare time, Mike enjoys a relaxed sporting fixture of any description, adventuring through New Zealand trying a variety of outdoor pursuits such as white water kayaking, snowboarding and hunting/gathering. And finally, Mike's other love is food - and claims there is no food that he doesn't like the taste of!

Dino Thomas – Wilderness Guide

Dino was born in Wellington (some time ago!) and eventually moved to the South Island in 1994. Like all of the Hollyford staff, Dino has a love for the outdoors – in particular as well as tramping, he is a keen snowboarder! Dino first walked the Hollyford Valley 10 years ago and was amazed by the diversity of the environment. Then, when the opportunity arose to guide on the Hollyford Track he jumped at the chance. Dino has since developed a keen interest in the human history and ecology of the area.

Graham Scott – Senior Wilderness Guide

Graham grew up in the Central Southland farming community of Springhills and spent a good deal of time bounding around the hills, seeking adventure and manoeuvring himself into places his parents often cringed at – but they never stopped him from exploring. Graham’s teachers were pleased to see him leave school and take up a position on the family farm, as he wasn’t the most attentive of students, although he did excel at sport! Graham has experimented with a few occupations, mainly based around the outdoors, before deciding to put his experience to use, and becoming a qualified Bush Instructor with the NZ Mountain Safety Council.

Years of hunting and bush-bashing through many parts of the South Island eventually led Graham to seek out the formed trails of the guiding arena, mainly escorting people around Stewart Island and Southern Fiordland. The passion for showing people New Zealand’s remote wilderness has bloomed, and Graham still gets as much enjoyment out of it as he did that first day seven years ago. Graham is excited to have joined the Hollyford team and looks forward to further adventures, showing others this spectacular, picturesque and remote valley. In his spare time, Graham enjoys studying and conversing with nature through trekking and sporting pursuits. He also captures images through photography; and plays a little guitar for relaxation!

Bard Crawford – Casual Wilderness Guide

After completing ten seasons with the Hollyford Track, and now continuing to work as a casual guide, you could say that Bard is addicted to the Hollyford Valley. His enthusiasm for the area and its history, both human and natural, is infectious. After three days in his company you will find yourself totally immersed in the fascinating flora and fauna on display, not to mention an expert on Bard’s favourite subject the legendary Davy Gunn. Forever the storyteller Bard enjoys sharing and embellishing the many tales of endeavours, discoveries, hopes and hardships of the early pioneers in the Hollyford Valley.

Bard is a keen gardener, keeping the lodges supplied with a stash of fresh herbs (in return for making his favourite desserts!) As your average Kiwi bloke his spare time is spent with his beloved family and the family’s ferocious dwarf rabbit, Stuart, as well as exploring, hunting and adding to his already extensive knowledge of the flora and fauna. A trip down the Hollyford with Bard will be a journey you’ll never forget.

Tom Ives – Casual Wilderness Guide

Tom grew up in the Nelson area, but has since spent time in Central Otago and Dunedin. He has always had a keen interest in the outdoors and thinks nothing is better than being out roaming in the bush.

Tom's love of the environment took him to the University of Otago to undertake a degree in Botany and Ecology. After finishing, he spent a summer working in Fiordland before coming on board with Hollyford Track as one of the Wilderness guides. He has experienced a lot of what this area has to offer and has developed a real passion for this part of New Zealand.

Tom enjoys a good read, a 'cuppa', and hanging out with family and friends. He also dabbles in the guitar, crochet and photography.

Your friendly team of experienced lodge hosts are there to ensure your time in the lodges is as memorable as your time on the track. Your lodge hosts all have extensive backgrounds in the hospitality industry and are experienced chefs and entertainers, they will welcome you into your comfortable lodges as if they were welcoming you into their own homes

With your well appointed lodges, fine cuisine and sociable attentive hosts you'll be more than comfortable in your 'home away from home' – Pyke River and Martins Bay Lodges.

Meet your team of friendly professional Lodge Hosts

Ian & Liz Page – Lodge Hosts (Pyke Lodge and Martins Bay Lodge)

Ian & Liz feel very privileged to be able to work and share with you some of the most extraordinary scenes you will ever witness in this beautiful country, New Zealand. They have experienced the move from corporate life, to building and running their own lodge on the edge of Lake Tarawera, in the North Island. Now in search of more adventures they have been living on the road for some years now and have visited most parts of New Zealand. Ian & Liz really do wonder how everyday new places just keep popping up and getting better and more awe-inspiring than ever.

This Hollyford adventure is so special to them, they consider the Hollyford Valley to be one of their true wonders of the world. They have also travelled extensively overseas, met many wonderful people and witnessed many wonderful scenes but always seem to return to “Gods Own” with a wow “what can we find next here at home?”

Blake and Theresa – Lodge Hosts (Martins Bay Lodge)

Theresa (Tee) and Blake are joining us with 3 and 4 years of experience as hiking guides on various tracks around Fiordland. They are both passionate about the outdoors and enjoy entertaining like-minded people. During the winter months Tee and Blake work at Coronet Peak Ski Field. Tee in the Rentals Department and Blake as part of the Patrol Department. They enjoy travelling and have had many adventures around New Zealand and overseas. During the winter of 2010 they spent 4 months backpacking around South East Asia.

Tee and Blake are both very excited about the 2011/2012 hiking season running the lodge at Martin’s Bay. They will be joining us in the Hollyford valley to continue their summers in Fiordland. Blake has spent four summers as a hiking guide on the Milford track.

Corin and Brydie Walker Bain – Lodge Hosts (Pyke Lodge)

Corin and Brydie are originally from the Waikato, but they have been drawn to wilderness all their lives. For the last six years they have been working as adventure cave guides for The Legendary Black Water Rafting Company in Waitomo. They are looking forward to swapping glow-worms for the spectacular vista of the Fiordland Mountains.

Corin was trained in outdoor leadership at the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre, and is NZIOA (New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association) qualified. He loves geology and geography, and has a passion for the unique flora and fauna of New Zealand. A born ‘foodie’, Corin has worked as a chef in both the North and South Islands. He is a keen photographer and loves music. He’s even thinking about bringing his guitar into the bush.

Brydie studied history and theatre at Victoria University of Wellington and then at the University of California, Santa Barbara, United States. She travelled widely, teaching English in South Korea and Italy, before returning home. A novelist and a playwright, Brydie is a natural story-teller. She loves meeting new people and she and her husband Corin can’t wait to welcome you to the lovely Pyke Lodge.

Matthew McKinnon – Assistant Lodge Host (Martins Bay Lodge)

Matthew grew up in the Waikato in a small town called Morrinsville. In his early 20's, Matthew left the North Island for the South, in his old faithful green van. After spending 3 months travelling around, the van broke down in Queenstown, and so he decided to stay put! While in Queenstown, Matthew discovered a passion for the mountains.

Matthew is a very keen traveller spending over two years cycling 25,000km throughout Asia. In December 2007 he flew to Singapore to begin a cycling tour during which he planned to travel 4-5 months across Nepal. 13 months later he had cycled through Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, China, Pakistan and India! Matthew then returned home but had been well and truly bitten by the travel bug! So he returned to India as quickly as he could save enough money to leave, again on his trusty bicycle, spending the next 8 months traversing the Himalaya's through India and Nepal. Trekking, hiking, tramping, walking…. whatever you call it, these are another great passion of Matthew's. He has done countless missions throughout New Zealand on foot, as well as in Pakistan, India and Nepal. This is Matthews first season on the Hollyford Track, and he is very excited to have the opportunity to be working in such an amazing area of New Zealand.

Andi Vogel and Melanie Burkhard – Lodge Hosts (Pyke Lodge)

Grüezi! (hello in Swiss German). The outdoors, hosting guests and travelling the world are passions in Melanie and Andi's life. Like most Swiss, they grew up spending heaps of time in the mountains, hiking, camping, rock climbing and snowboarding.

After years of working in the service industry in the busy city of Zurich they felt that there must be more in life than sitting in an office. So they quit their jobs, moved out of their apartment, said goodbye to friends and family and headed directly to New Zealand.

The couple fell in love with this unique country while travelling the North and South Islands. They gained hosting experience as managers in a backpackers in Fiordland and then joined the Hollyford Team during the 2010/2011 season. We are delighted to have them back again during February and March of our 2011/2012 season! They enjoy working in a job that is closely connected with nature and with people from different backgrounds. As they have travelled in Asia, United States and many European countries, they know what is most important to fellow travellers: a warm welcome in a home away from home.

Sarah Harrex – Assistant Lodge Host (Martins Bay Lodge)

Sarah is thrilled to be combining her hospitality experience and passion for the New Zealand wilderness assisting Theresa and Blake this Summer at Martins Bay Lodge. The Fiordland rainforest is a welcome contrast to the thyme covered hills of Alexandra where Sarah was raised.

She was lucky enough to spend the majority of her childhood on her parent’s vineyard tucking, plucking and picking with the company of her golden retriever Lady! After finishing High School, Sarah spent three years in between Alexandra and Christchurch, working part time at Central Eco Nurseries and studying Adventure Recreation at Canterbury Polytechnic. She now bases herself in Queenstown where she enjoys rock climbing, tramping, fishing and spending time with her boyfriend, family and friends.

Sarah feels working for The Hollyford Track allows her to play a part in ensuring guests enjoy an unforgettable Hollyford experience and she is very excited to be sharing the beauty of the valley with people from all over the world.

Over your 3 days / 2 nights with us you will get to know your guides and lodge hosts very well but there are other staff you may also meet along the way such as your talented jet boat driver, personable shuttle host, proficient reservations manager or skilled operations manager, who are all just as gracious, dedicated and professional in the roles they play as part of your Hollyford Track experience. Behind the scenes there is also a dedicated team that aren't seen but also play a part in your memorable experience on Hollyford Track.

Meet the rest of your friendly professional team

Rob Johnston – Jet Boat Driver

It was twenty years ago that Rob first discovered the beautiful South whilst riding his bicycle around New Zealand. He decided it was so impressive that he packed up all his belongings and moved to Queenstown where he has lived ever since. An experienced hiker, mountaineer, snowboarder, jet boater, fisherman, hunter and gatherer, Rob is a good person to know when wandering through the bush. His passion for the New Zealand wilderness is infectious and his desire to see it shared and preserved for others is obvious.

Rob is qualified as a mechanic and commercial jet boat driver and has also been known to dabble with the odd hammer and nail. He has spent 9 years driving jet boats on the Dart and Buller Rivers and is thrilled to be exploring the stunning Fiordland wilderness in a jet boat on the Hollyford River. When Rob is not out wandering the hills, he can be found in Queenstown with his wife Steph and best friend Max, the huntaway dog.

Garry Wright – Jet Boat Driver

Garry's love affair with the Hollyford Valley started over 25 years ago when he first visited in 1982, rafting down the upper Pyke River, Hollyford River and Lake McKerrow to Martins Bay. Since then he has been back many times, enjoying the great outdoors – one of his many passions.

Over the years, Garry has been actively involved with Hollyford Track with building, renovating and maintenance projects of Martins Bay Lodge and Pyke Lodge, to make them what they are today.

These days, if Garry is not busy driving the jet boat collecting our guests and telling 'tall tales', he can be found keeping himself entertained with the ongoing maintenance work at the lodges.

Dave Den Hertog – Operations Manager

Dave (otherwise known as Hedgehog), is new to the team this season and brings with him a wealth of knowledge from previous maintenance and engineering roles. Dave started his career as an automotive petrol and diesel engineer, and then managed a European vehicle service centre.

He then proudly owned and operated a successful mechanical repair centre in Auckland servicing equipment from tractors, trucks, farm utilities to late model vehicles! In a change of direction for his own self development, Dave took on the role as Maintenance Manager at Coronet Peak Ski Field.

Moving away from the snow, we are now delighted to have Dave on board with the Hollyford Track, where he’ll spend the majority of this time in Martins Bay, helping out around the lodge and jet boat driving! Outside of work, Dave spends time at his batch in Colic Bay with his daughter Erica and wife Wendy, who is expecting their second child.

Nicholas Alpe – Operations Assistant

Nick is our Operations Assistant, a jack of all trades master of….. some. Nick’s role finds him spending time among all facets of the business. He can be found driving our coach, liaising with suppliers, running our guest briefing’s or in the valley guiding our guests. Born in Christchurch New Zealand, Nick has been on the move ever since. As a child he spent time in Brunei, before returning to Christchurch for high school.

As soon as he was free from that he was on the move again, spending time instructing scuba diving in Tonga and later Wisconsin USA. He then spent five winters in Colorado USA where he indulged his love of skiing and worked as a chauffeur. During the summer break from skiing he spent his time in the UK running an outdoor catering company.

Having recently returned to New Zealand’s fine shores Nick has decided to settle in Queenstown with all that the region has to offer. Working for the Hollyford Track means he gets to enjoy the outdoors while still holding down that all important “real job”.

Katharine Franey - Reservations & Office Manager

Katharine is our Reservations & Office Manager, the hard worker behind the scenes keeping everything and everyone in check! Most of our guests will either speak to Katharine on the phone (or be in contact with her via email). She is the first point of contact with Hollyford Track, and she is the one that makes sure that all of the details of your booking and trip are taken care of.

Katharine has worked in the tourism industry for just 4.5 years, previously working for Franz Josef Glacier Guides and the Glacier Hot Pools on the West Coast. Prior to that she worked in London, and gave up her career in marketing to go travelling. Katharine loves running, hiking, cycling, everything that Queenstown has to offer, hence she still feels she is on holiday, having not yet returned to England! Working for Hollyford Track means Katharine can combine her career with her outdoors passion.

Teresa Wallace - Reservations Assistant

This is Teresa's second season with the Hollyford Track team, her role is helping Katharine as Reservations Assistant at the Queenstown Office. This role is varied and includes anything from sending out brochures, invoicing and pre departure briefings for the guests.

Teresa loves the fact that "I get to work in a great enviroment with a fantastic product!" - Teresa loves getting out there and doing it!! She has spent a few years overseas experiencing what that brings, such as rafting the steepest river in Nepal, buying a motor bike in India and following the droves of combi vans around Europe. Teresa is now settled in Arrowtown with her husband and 2 children, where the outdoors call is still strong with lots of camping trips and tramping around New Zealand with the family.

Mick Holzmann – General Manager

Mick spent his first 20 years in the 'big city' but, like many kiwis when young, the call of adventure eventually drew him overseas. What was meant to be 6 months extended leave turned into 5 years of extensive travel through Asia, Europe and Africa. These diverse experiences meant Mick's now needed certain criteria to consider any future opportunities and these included the likes of wilderness playgrounds, dramatic mountains, winter snow, the ocean and characters of interest to name a few.

It was this list of tick boxes that eventually brought Mick back to New Zealand and South to the Otago and Southland areas and what he believes is some of the best areas in the world. The next 18 years were spent working in the 'playground' of what the Southern Lakes is all about, raft and canoe guiding, heli-skiing and jet boating.

9 years with Dart River Jet Safaris up the beautiful Dart River Valley in Mt Aspiring National Park had Mick thinking 'it's going to take something pretty special to beat this.' Little did he know that just over the hill in the remote and stunning Hollyford Valley, a manger's position was going to become available on Hollyford Track. When he did find out and subsequently got the role he just couldn't believe his luck - untouched wilderness, dramatic alpine mountains, deserted beaches and ocean – what he had was 'pretty bloody good' but this is 'even bloody better'.

The ability to mix the enjoyment of a spectacular natural environment with the opportunity to host and share it with people from all walks of life and from every corner of the earth it leaves Mick stating 'it simply doesn't get any better than this!'