The
following 'Frequently Asked Questions' are the ones our guests ask
often. We hope the answers help you in making your decision to come
and walk the track with us.
Q: When is the best time of year to walk The Hollyford
Track?
A:
Depends on your interests. October to December - penguins are at Long
Reef. January - Seals have their pups. February / March -
traditionally the warmest months with the summer flowering plants in
bloom. April - Rata vines still in flower, weather usually
cooler - crisp and fine.
Q: What is the average temperature I can expect?
A: Summer months
average around 20 degrees Celsius. Evenings can be a little cooler
but the lodges are warm. Weather can change very
rapidly so expect to experience both summer and winter temperature
in one day.
Q: What do I need to bring? How important are boots? And long johns /
polypropylenes? Can we buy these upon arrival?
A: A comprehensive
list is provided upon booking. Although the track is in good
condition we recommend you have sturdy, well worn in walking boots
with good ankle support. Being a rainforest we experience a lot of
rain and the track can get a little muddy in places. Lightweight
polypropylene long sleeved tops and long johns are available for
purchase at the pre-tour briefing should you require them.
View full
information on what to bring.
Q: About the lodges; is there electricity, can I have my own room,
what about the bathrooms?
A:
The lodges are run on generator power
which is turned off around 11pm, so if you wish to read late into
the night please bring your own torch. The shared bathroom
facilities have unlimited hot water and each toilet and shower is in
its own room. The bedrooms are twin share and if you are travelling alone we do try to give you your own room, but cannot
guarantee it as our lodges accommodate sixteen guests which is the
maximum group size for any one trip.
Q: How difficult is the walk, how fit do I have to be?
A: The days
are long but not difficult. We 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 and the last day's walk out if your are doing the walk
out tour,
the rest of the time it is taken by boat / plane.
Q: Are the seals and penguins always seen at Long Reef, Martins Bay?
A: The colony of New Zealand Fur Seals are always visible at Long
Reef. The penguins however, only come to land to nest in the flax
bushes at Long Reef between the months of July to December, they are
visible in pairs and entertaining to observe. They do come back to
land one other time in the year, Feb / Mar to moult, however, they
are rarely seen as they are not in pairs and they tend to hide.
Q: How far and for how long do we walk each day - time and distance?
A:
Day One: Track beginning to Pyke River Lodge. Distance Walked -
17kms (12miles), 5 - 7 hours.
Day Two:
Pyke River Lodge to Martins Bay Lodge
including nature experience. Distance boated - approx
25kms, 45 mins. Distance walked -
12kms (7miles), 4 - 5 hours.
Day Three:
Beach walk. Distance walked - about 8
km (5 miles), depends on the individual's choice, 3 -
5 hours.
View full information
about the track route on the track map.
