...the actual NZ experience of the characters in my movie "The Piano"...

While I was walking the Hollyford Track, it occurred to me that this would be the actual NZ experience of the characters in my movie "The Piano". It was thrilling and moving to me that it was still possible to feel like the first arrivals in my country, or any country anywhere.

I don't know why nature is so moving to me and the kind of encounter that is possible on the Hollyford Guided Track is New Zealand's wilderness at its most undisturbed, personalised and impressive. The tracks are easy to follow, but no highways, the accommodation comfortable, welcoming and good spirited. And depending on the weather you may be treated to deep and mysteriously moody theatrics of mist, river, roaring surf, light and mountains that are heart fearingly beautiful.

Jane Campion, "The Piano".

...the experience I had with your team was first rate ...

I rarely write letters of congratulations, but this time it's different. The experience I had with your team was first rate. I completed the feedback questionnaire before I left NZ and gave the experience 10 out of 10.

M. Bauer
Hawaii

...the guides knowledgeable, clever and personable ...

The lodges, hosts and food were excellent. Jet boat driver, pilots and the bus driver all had wonderful skills and the passion for the work they do was evident. The guides knowledgeable, clever and personable - as different as they were, always attentive and aware of all around them - each specialists in their passions and conversant with all the history and mystery of this special place.

I hesitate to shout from the rooftops, for fear that too many will want to see, settle and change the beauty beheld in the Hollyford Valley. I am humbled by how little I knew before I ventured with the guides into this Southern region.

D. Phillips
New Zealand

...one of the best holidays I have ever had ...

I would like extend my appreciation to everyone concerned for making this one of the best holidays I have ever had. I was impressed by the professionalism and friendliness of all involved. Phil was a wonderfully informative and engaging guide, the hospitality, food and amenities at all the lodges were first class and the scenery exceeded my wildest expectations. I will be back in 2007 to do the hike again, hopefully accompanied by my young niece.

L. Wright
Australia

...I would like to tell you how much we enjoyed our Hollyford Track tramp! ...

Also on behalf of Maarten and myself, I would like to tell you how much we enjoyed our Hollyford Track tramp! We were very impressed with the organisation of the trip, with the splendid facilities and the pleasant and efficient staff.

We were fortunate with having Bard as our guide. He was brilliant, clearly in love with the area and very knowledgeable. He told us so many interesting things about the geology, geography, history (tell him we will never forget his greatest hero: David Gunn) and particularly about the botany of the area. He was also very considerate and good fun!

I am sure that friends of us will be in contact with you in order to join future tramps.

H. van Raaij
England

...the scenery was incredible ...

Having traveled to many places in the world, New Zealand is now top on our list as the most beautiful place we have been. We were awestruck at the magnificent beauty of the country, friendliness of the people, and cleanliness of the towns and accommodations.

There were a few highlights we'd like to mention:

The Hollyford Track was probably our favorite on the trip. The scenery was incredible. Over the course of the three days, we went from one jaw dropping view to the next. The guides were so knowledgeable about flora, fauna, Maori history, and the glaciers. The accommodations were great and better than we expected given they are out in the middle of no where. The food was delicious. We saw the Fiordland penguins and New Zealand fur seals. Mary was apprehensive about the short flight in a small plane but enjoyed the spectacular views from the aircraft and was glad she went along. To us, this tour captures the "heart" of what the South Island is all about.

P. & M. Spiewak
USA

...such good fun and excellent guides ...

It was one of the best experiences of my life :-) We thought that yourself (Phil) and Bard were such good fun and excellent guides and we enjoyed your company so much. Thank you again.

J. Helm & G. Walters
Australia

Back in OZ and the real world of work etc.. it is now we can really appreciate how wonderful the Hollyford Track and its environs actually are. In fact on our last evening together as a group in NZ and after travelling the whole of the South Island our Hollyford Track experience was voted the most interesting and enjoyable component of our stay! Congratulations to you all on the track for making it a memorable time.

J Halton
Australia

...the best thing that happened to us in New Zealand! ...

Wanted to thank you for the great trip and the special treatment for Annemarija. She wanted to go back to Hollyford Track as soon as she closed the car door behind her and she considers it the best thing that happened to us in New Zealand! And I have to agree with her, so really thanks a lot.

A. Asars
Latvia

...it is by far our trip highlight ...

We had a terrific time on the hike - it is by far our trip highlight.

L. & D. Wiseman
USA

...totally unbelievable journey! ...

Thank you for a soul replenishing, totally unbelievable journey!

V. Halligan
New Zealand

...it was a fantastic experience for us both ...

Dear Hollyford team, we travelled and experienced the walk in early April. We want to say it was a fantastic experience for us both and we would like to thank Bard and Phil our guides who really made the trip memorable. They clearly have a passion for your country and wanted to share it with us. We felt privileged to spend time with them in such awe-inspiring surroundings.

C. & K. Davies
UK

...what a fantastic experience! ...

I want to say a HUGE thank you for allowing me to experience the Hollyford Guided Walk - what a fantastic experience! Phil, Mandy & Rob do a fantastic job. Learning about the Early Settler history in the region from Phil has inspired me to learn more about the history of New Zealand - there is just so much to our country that I (and I guess a lot of people) don't know. Mandy was a lovely lady and very calm, she made looking after us all look so easy. Rob was our hero, turning up with the Jet Boat at just the right time and saving us from our packs. You could easily see that all involved genuinely enjoyed their jobs and had a real passion for the region and the walk itself.

G. Buckley
New Zealand

...thanks for a great walk on the Hollyford Track ...

Sincere thanks for a great walk on the Hollyford Track. Can't speak too highly of your staff, who all went out of their way to make our walk special!

G Mitchell
Australia

...the experience is well worth repeating ...

I have just returned to the UK after my extended trip to New Zealand. I experienced many different activities whilst there, but of all the places that I saw, Fiordland and its scenery was probably the most breathtaking. The experience I had on your Hollyford Track tour is something that I will remember for many years to come. It wasn't simply the scenery and the exercise in such a remote region that was enjoyable, but I was inspired by the many stories that Bard and Deano told of the harsh challenges faced by the early pioneers of the area. Bard's tales of Davey Gunn and his activities created an atmosphere of adventure throughout the 3 days. The meals provided for me at Pyke and Martins Bay Lodges were excellent, in fact, the meal at Pyke Lodge was better than many I have had in restaurants here in the UK.

I will be returning to New Zealand next year and will be booking a place on another one of your Hollyford Track Tours. The experience is well worth repeating.

Many thanks for a most enjoyable trip.

P Stunt
UK