Pack Like a Pro: Your Hollyford Wilderness Experience Checklist
Embarking on the three day Hollyford Wilderness Experience is a journey into the heart of Fiordland National Park, one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most spectacular wilderness regions. From ancient rainforest and glacial rivers to rugged alpine scenery and the wild West Coast, this fully guided experience combines immersion in nature with the comfort of premium lodges.
Packing correctly is essential to ensure you are comfortable, safe and able to fully enjoy every part of the journey, particularly on the first day when you carry your own pack. This guide outlines exactly what to pack for your Hollyford Wilderness Experience so you can arrive confident and well prepared.
The terrain along the Hollyford Track varies from flat valley floors to uneven sections with roots and rocky ground. On Day One you will walk approximately 19.5 kilometres with your pack, so keeping it light is key. A target pack weight of no more than seven kilograms will make the walk far more enjoyable. After the first day, your main pack is transported for you and you will carry only a small day pack provided by the guides.
Fiordland weather is famously changeable and you should be prepared for rain, wind, cool temperatures and sunshine all in one day. Layering is essential and clothing should be quick drying and designed for outdoor conditions. Cotton, denim and silk are not recommended as they absorb moisture and dry slowly.
Your core walking gear should include thermal base layers made from wool or polypropylene, warm mid layers such as fleece or wool tops, a fully waterproof rain jacket with a hood, quick drying walking trousers, sturdy and well worn in hiking boots with good ankle support, and wool or thermal socks. A warm hat, sun hat and gloves are important, along with optional waterproof overtrousers and gaiters if conditions are wet. Walking poles can be helpful for balance and are available to borrow if required.
After a day on the track, relaxing at the lodges is a highlight of the experience, so pack comfortable clothing for evenings including casual trousers or track pants, a warm layer, sleepwear, underwear and fresh socks. Lightweight footwear such as sandals or slip on shoes is ideal for wearing around the lodge once your boots come off.
Both Ka Tuku Lodge and Waitai Lodge have drying rooms, making quick drying fabrics particularly useful.
A few well-chosen accessories will also enhance your experience.
Bring a refillable water bottle of around 750 millilitres, insect repellent for sandflies, sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, blister protection such as Second Skin or tape, personal toiletries and medications, a camera with spare batteries or charging equipment, and a phone charger. Swimwear is recommended if you would like to enjoy the hot tubs at Waitai Lodge, and you may wish to bring a debit or credit card for lodge extras such as drinks or souvenirs. Travel insurance is strongly recommended for peace of mind.
To get the most out of your Hollyford Wilderness Experience, pack light, use layers to adapt to changing weather, and ensure your footwear is well broken in before you arrive. If you are missing any essential gear, items such as backpacks, rain jackets and walking poles can be borrowed with prior arrangement. Packing thoughtfully allows you to focus on the experience itself, from walking beneath towering native forest to travelling from mountains to sea.
With the right preparation, your three day Hollyford Wilderness Experience will be comfortable, memorable and truly unforgettable.
For more information, watch our handy packing video and download the packing guide from the buttons below