Hollyford Valley Guided Walks has a long and
interesting history.
In June 2003 The Shotover Jet
Group of companies recognised the potential of the Hollyford Track and
introduced the walk into its stable of high quality, iconic tourism companies.
Within the Shotover Group umbrella are Shotover Jet, Dart River Safaris, Fun Yak
Kayaks, Rainbow Springs, Huka Jet, Shotover Jet Fiji, Franz Joseph Glacier
Guides and Aqua Taxi in the Abel Tasman National Park.
Hollyford Track Guided Walks started life back in the 1940's when Davey Gunn
opened up the track for guided walks. The walk was further developed by one of
Davey Gunn's assistants, Ed Cotter.
In 1959 the Hollyford Valley was incorporated into
the Fiordland National Park and in the mid sixties Ed Cotter
introduced boating to the walk itinerary.
In 1968 Jules Tapper, a young pilot, and Viv Allot
took up the ailing business, and registered the Hollyford Tourism
Company. Its first year of operation was the summer of 1969/1970. Jules Tapper purchased the 21 foot diesel powered launch “Davey Gunn” from Auckland & put her on Lake McKerrow in 1969 followed by two 18 foot alloy jet boats shortly thereafter. These were the first alloy V nosed, fine stemmed commercial jet boats in NZ – prior to that they all had blunt noses like landing craft. Jules and Viv also made extensive additions and improvements to buildings that were originally in the area. Prior to their purchase there was no electricity, running water, bathrooms or toilets in either lodge site. In addition they needed to develop their own airstrips to make the operation viable and self sufficient.
In the late nineties, the company was sold to Peter
Archibald, Stephen Fisher, Matthew Rose and Mo and Louise Gardiner who set about making
extensive improvements, including refurbishment and extension to
Martins Bay Lodge Accommodation block and the bathroom unit, the
building of a new Pyke River Lodge and the purchase of a new twin
engine jetboat, and 20-seater coach. A strong customer focus was
also introduced with time and effort being placed on getting the
product right for the customer. The result has been a 100% recommend
rate of the Hollyford Track to friends and family from 1500 of the
past customers that have been surveyed.
Today the
Hollyford Track Guided Walk is renowned as one of New Zealand's greatest walks
with a diverse range of scenery, plant and wildlife and distinctly different
experiences that are unequalled by any other walk in the country.
Shotover Jet
Limited will continue to build on the existing strengths of the company while developing
and implementing a strategy that will continually improve upon the outstanding
wilderness experience that is currently delivered to those who are fortunate
enough to visit the Hollyford Valley.
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