HOLLYFORD CONSERVATION TRUST
Protecting the Heart of Fiordland for Future Generations
The Hollyford Valley is a place of rare and rugged beauty – home to ancient rainforest, taonga species, and deep cultural history. The Hollyford Conservation Trust exists to protect this unique environment, a biodiversity hotspot, supporting native wildlife to thrive and ensuring the mauri (life force) of the valley endures for generations to come.
Formed in 2008, the Trust is a community-led initiative focused on large-scale predator control and ecological restoration throughout the lower Hollyford Valley and Martins Bay. Their work helps protect vulnerable native species including tawaki (Fiordland crested penguins), whio (blue duck), kākā, and ruru.
Since its formation, the Hollyford Conservation Trust – Te Roopu Manaaki o Whakatipu Waitai – has worked to establish sustained predator control across 12,000 hectares, aiming to restore and protect the ecology of this remarkable corner of the world.
Our Role in the Journey
At Hollyford, we are proud supporters of the Hollyford Conservation Trust and their mission of kaitiakitanga – guardianship of the natural world. Our guides, team and guests experience firsthand the results of their work each season: more birdsong in the forest, healthier ecosystems, and a sense of place that feels alive and thriving.
We contribute directly to the Trust through:
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Annual financial support and fundraising initiatives
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Logistical assistance for remote conservation operations
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Education and storytelling – sharing the Trust’s work with every guest who joins our journey
The Hollyford Conversation Trust has worked tirelessly on sustained predator control across the lower Hollyford Valley since 2014, and achieved significant increases in populations of:
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kakaruai/South Island robin (re-introduced 2019) – now multiplying throughout the area
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kākā – now numerous in large flocks
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mātātā/fernbird – once very rare but now a common sight, almost everywhere
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matuku-hūrepo/bittern – a growing population (IUCN classified as nationally critical)
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an abundance of forest birds – tūī, korimako/bellbird, miromiro/tomtit, riroriro/grey warbler, kākāriki, tītitipounamu/rifleman, kēreru, kārearea/NZ falcon and many others – come and hear the deafening dawn chorus for yourselves.
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restoration of the forest canopy, including red-flowering rātā, native orchids and rare native mistletoe.
How You Can Support
As a guest of Hollyford, your journey already contributes to conservation – thank you. If you’d like to do more, here are ways to support the Hollyford Conservation Trust:
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Learn more about the Hollyford Conservation Trust and how you can get involved or make a donation directly via hollyfordconservationtrust.org.nz
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Adopt a trap and help extend predator control across the valley
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Spread the word – share your experience and the Trust’s mahi with whānau and friends
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Join a future fundraising trip or conservation support event. To stay in touch and receive early access sign up to our newsletter.
Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri, ā muri ake nei - For us and our children after us
Our Conservation Initiatives
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We have a very strong relationship with DOC (Department of Conservation). We provide support wherever possible for their track maintenance, predator & weed control and various monitoring projects.
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We have independently laid down stoat trapping lines in the Long Reef, Hollyford Valley area for the protection of the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin.
- Our jet boats now have 43% more fuel efficient diesel engines.
- We have solar panels and battery systems installed at both Ka Tuku and Waitai Lodges, along with energy efficient appliances, allowing us to reduce reliance on generators.
- Wood fired hot tubs provide manuhiri (guests) a low impact way to enjoy Fiordland's starry night skies.
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We run a composting and recycling programme, including flying all recycling out of the valley.
Conservation Management Statement
“The operators of the Hollyford Wilderness Experience are committed to the prudent management and sustained preservation of the conservation estate in which it exists. The company appreciates and honours the opportunity it has to operate within Fiordland National Park and Te Wāhi pounamu, a unique environment that deserves respect and care. Despite this protected area being increasingly sought for its wilderness quality, the Hollyford Track management demands of itself and all its guests the preservation of its beauty for all future generations.”