Nau mai, haere mai
We’re delighted to welcome you to the brand-new Hollyford Valley blog, a space where we’ll share stories from the valley, updates from our team, and insights into what makes Fiordland National Park one of the most extraordinary places in Aotearoa New Zealand. Whether you’re planning your first journey into the Hollyford Valley or returning to reconnect with this remarkable landscape, we’re excited to have you here.
Discover Fiordland National Park
Fiordland is a place that stays with you. Carved by ice over thousands of years, it’s home to sheer-sided mountains, deep glacial lakes, cascading waterfalls and ancient podocarp forests alive with returning birdlife. As part of the Te Wāipounamu World Heritage Area, the region is celebrated for its untouched character, rich Māori history and rare wildlife.
For many of our manuhiri, Fiordland offers something rare: a genuine sense of remoteness. There are few places left in the world where you can walk for hours surrounded only by towering trees, sculpted cliffs, weaving rivers and the gentle call of native birds. That feeling is at the heart of what we do on the Hollyford experiences.
Hollyford Wilderness Experience
Our signature three-day, all-inclusive guided journey has become a favourite for travellers seeking a deeper experience of Fiordland. Hollyford Wilderness Experience blends walking, storytelling, jet-boating and a spectacular helicopter flight into Milford Sound. It’s a chance to explore the valley from its alpine reaches to the wild West Coast, with the comfort of private lodges, exceptional kai and knowledgeable guides who bring the area’s natural and cultural history to life.
Unlike more crowded tracks, the Hollyford offers a sense of tranquillity that many visitors find transformative. With no heavy packs, no bunkrooms, and no worrying about logistics, you’re free to fully immerse yourself in the landscapes, stories and moments that make the valley unforgettable.
Waitai Lodge Fiordland Escape
For those looking for something truly indulgent, our newest experience, Waitai Lodge Fiordland Escape offers an exclusive overnight retreat deep in the valley. This premium experience is designed for guests who want the serenity of the Hollyford with elevated comfort, privacy and exceptional hospitality. Think peaceful forest surrounds, beautifully prepared meals, and the rare luxury of being able to slow down in one of the most pristine environments in Aotearoa.
Whether you’re marking a milestone, seeking time away from the everyday, or simply craving the stillness of the ngahere (forest), Waitai Lodge offers a Fiordland escape like no other.
Join Us on the Journey
Here on the blog, we’ll be sharing trip stories, conservation updates, behind-the-scenes moments from our kaimahi, photography from the valley, and insights to help you plan your next Fiordland adventure.
We can’t wait to bring you closer to this extraordinary place, and to welcome you into the Hollyford whānau.
Kia haere pai - happy travelling, and thanks for joining us.