The guides were outstanding, so much knowledge of the area. The hosts at the lodges were very welcoming, the drivers of boats, buses and helicopters great. We saw more and learnt more than if we had done a freedom walk- seals sand dunes and extra out of way scenery. if you haven’t done much multi day hiking this is a great walk with minimal challenges. Would recommend Hollyford Wilderness Experience without hesitation.
Trip Advisor Travellers' Choice Award Winner 2024
NZ Tourism Visitor Experience Award Winner 2022
Book your place on our four day, three night all-inclusive guided walk through the spectacular Hollyford Valley.
Located in Fiordland National Park, the remote and spectacular Hollyford Valley is home to breathtaking beech forest and a rich New Zealand history.
Traverse the valley by foot, jetboat and helicopter. Along the way your experienced local guide will bring to life the diversity of the landscape, vegetation and wildlife. Enjoy first rate cuisine and personal service in our comfortable private lodges.
The Hollyford Wilderness Experience is a low-altitude walk along the valley floor, achievable for those with a reasonable level of fitness. A huge benefit is that you only need carry your pack on the first day, after which we supply a small day pack which is more than enough for your daily needs.
Why Hollyford Wilderness Experience?
An all-inclusive experience with a balance of adventure and comfort, combining awe-inspiring landscapes with well appointed private lodges and delicious food and beverages. Here’s what’s in store for you:
- Fully inclusive pricing with all transport, meals and drinks included.
- Small group experience – limited to no more than 16 guests per departure, meaning you'll get a personal experience.
- From mountains to the sea – explore from ancient rainforests alongside glacial rivers, while discovering the rich history of Māori culture and early European pioneers.
- Scenic helicopter flight through Milford Sound—a bucket-list experience soaring over breathtaking mountains and waterfalls.
- Enjoy an invigorating jet boat ride down the serene Lake McKerrow, offering a unique perspective of Fiordland’s beauty.
- Relax each evening in our private lodges, where gourmet meals, cold drinks and warm hospitality await.
- Take a soak and enjoy the view from the wood-fired hot tubs at Waitai Lodge (Martin's Bay).
- Accessible valley walk – no mountain passes providing the perfect introduction to a wilderness experience.
Follow in the footsteps of legends...
Earlier this year, former All Black Ian Jones embarked on a journey with us at Hollyford Wilderness Experience into the heart of Fiordland National Park to reconnect with the whenua (land) of his tīpuna (ancestors).
Follow Ian as he takes on one of New Zealand's greatest walks. Check out what he thought of Hollyford Wilderness Experience as the team from Seven Sharp joined him on his adventure.
An Unforgettable 4 Days
On your journey you will explore the remote and spectacular Hollyford Valley, which has remained largely untouched for thousands of years. Following your experienced guide, you will traverse this historic valley by foot, jet boat, and finally, helicopter as your guide brings to life the diversity of the landscape, vegetation, wildlife, and history.
Cosy Accommodation
At the end of each day you arrive to a warm spacious lodge, a hearty welcome from your lodge hosts and the enticing aroma of delicious cuisine and fine wines. Our lodges have all your bedding, linen and toiletries in ensuite rooms.
Our LodgesRates & Dates
Whether you're planning ahead or looking for last-minute availability, find out everything you need to know for your next adventure. Explore current pricing and upcoming departures and secure your spot on this unforgettable journey. Your adventure begins now.
Rates & DatesThe Hollyford track is fantastic. Wonderful flora and fauna, beautiful old forests, bird life. The icing on the cake were the guides, Elly & Izzy, who made it come to life with the stories they shared of the Hollyford track and it’s people ; so creating the memories that will last.
After many years of lugging packs in small groups of friends, we found we adored this trip - the jet boat, the helicopter ride, making it possible to do the track in 3 days and enhancing the experience, the comfy lodges and beds, and amazing meals excellent indeed.
This was our first time in the Fiordland National Park and the Hollyford Vally and to be there with your guides, benefiting from their knowledge and experience, was so appreciated.
We loved the elegant simplicity and comfort of the two lodges and the welcomes made us feel special and pampered. The evening meals were delicious, and all the other treats were delightful and surprising. This is a time we will remember always. Thank you.
A scenic wonderland with much variety. Stupendous bush. Good trail. Excellent guides who are solicitous and aware of your needs. Accommodation is superb and all the staff at the lodges welcoming and prepare stunning meals.
If you are remotely considering the Hollyford Wilderness Experience, I couldn't be more enthusiastic in recommending you do it! This was a spectacular walk through incredibly beautiful and diverse scenery.
The trip was amazing from start to finish. We had fabulous guides (Ellie and Claudia) who explained the Māori and European history in the area in a relaxed, easy to understand way.
The accommodation and meals were amazing and very welcoming after the first long day of walking. Loved the lunch venue on Day 2.
Wonderful, wonderful experience. Not a traditional track in which you just hike every day to get from point A to point B. Day one was a long, wonderful hike through a gorgeous valley. Day 2 was a short hike to a lake, then a fun and scenic jet boat ride. Day 3 was a hike on the beach, and then a spectacular helicopter ride to Milford Sound. The two lodges were amazing and the food excellent. The whole experience was first class.
Couldn’t imagine this experience being any better. Andy - an excellent driver. Jack and Isabella, our guides were very enthusiastic, informative, funny and masterful storytellers. Some of the ancient trees in the bush (and the bellbirds) were breathtaking. The lodges were extremely comfortable and the hosts welcoming and those platters superb (as were all the meals). Jetboat driver, Bill provided a great ride.
The product is so well thought through and fine-tuned. It is apparent that lot of time and effort has gone in to ensure an amazing guest experience. The lodges are definitely next level. All the staff carried themselves with dignity and professionalism - whilst still having a laugh and telling great stories. They made everyone feel welcome. Thanks to all - especially those of you behind the scenes keeping the wheels spinning.
First-rate accommodation, sustenance and hospitality at the lodges, fun jet boat and helicopter rides, and most, truly excellent guides. I will have no hesitation in recommending this walk and your company to my travelling friends - in fact, already have!
I was especially impressed by and enjoyed Bard’s excellent knowledge of the bush, native trees and plants, geology and history - and he shared it in such a nice way. I’ve traveled with hundreds of guides all over the world and he is the best. Talia, similarly, did a great job - with insight, thoughtfulness and just the right touch.