ACCOMMODATION, FOOD & BEVERAGE
Refined hospitality, deep in the wilderness
After a day exploring the wild landscapes of the Hollyford Valley, retreat to our private lodges and enjoy the warm hospitality that defines the Hollyford Wilderness Experience.
Unwind in inviting lounge and dining spaces, share stories from the day's adventures, and settle into your ensuite room, thoughtfully appointed with quality linen, cosy duvets and hot water bottles. A hot shower and modern comforts feel all the more rewarding in such a remote setting, while each evening brings exceptional cuisine and a selection of fine New Zealand beverages to savour alongside fellow guests.
Ka Tuku Lodge
Spend your first evening on the track at Ka Tuku Lodge, nestled beneath the converging mountain ranges and amongst native forest at the confluence of the Hollyford and Pyke Rivers.
Awaiting your arrival will be our friendly lodge hosts, ready to help you get settled into your accommodation for the evening. Take off the tramping boots and freshen up with a hot shower before joining your fellow guests in the lounge for a well deserved drink and gourmet antipasto platter, ahead of dinner and dessert.
From years of hosting experience, we appreciate you will be hungry from your day on the Hollyford Track so ensure we provide delicious and filling meals which will keep you fueled up. There are also continuous hot drinks and snacks available to you for duration of your stay.
Waitai Lodge
Your second night on the Hollyford Track is spent at Waitai Lodge, on the lowland flats near the mouth of the Hollyford River. Our lodge hosts will once again be awaiting your arrival with warm friendly smiles and incredible 3 course meals prepared especially for your group.
Located near Martins Bay, you can enjoy the evening relaxing with fellow guests and new found friends as you hear the distant surf crashing on the beach. Take a spot in front of the fire or enjoy a soak in our new wood-fired hot tubs, refilled each day and the perfect way to take in the atmosphere.
The cheeky kea, a large alpine parrot, often provide evening entertainment as they play in the cabbage trees outside the lodge at dusk. On a clear night, you will be blown away by the incredible array of stars which shine brighter due to the remote nature of Martins Bay & the lack of light pollution.
Waitai Lodge is an unforgettable place to spend your final night on the Hollyford Wilderness Experience.
Dining in the wilderness
All meals and a selection of premium beverages are included in your package, from three course evening cuisine, cooked or continental breakfasts, to wilderness lunches and a seemingly endless supply of treats from your guides along the way. Our lodges have full commercial kitchens, and your experienced lodge hosts are there to ensure your time in the lodge is as memorable as your time on the track.
From years of hosting experience, we know you will have worked up an appetite after an invigorating day’s walk and therefore plentiful refreshments and food are provided throughout your Hollyford journey.
Our lodges are fully licensed so you can choose from a selection of New Zealand beverages, be it a refreshing beer, a fine Central Otago Pinot Noir or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. A premium selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages is included in your experience, top-shelf items are available for purchase.
An experience to savour
Upon arrival at the lodges you’ll enjoy your preference of hot or cold drinks. An impressive antipasto platter is a prelude to the mouth-watering mains. Dinner consists of quintessential cuisine such as venison and blue cod accompanied by seasonal fresh produce. And of course, no Kiwi meal would be complete without dessert!
Breakfasts are tasty, hearty and well balanced to give you just the right fuel for the day ahead. A hot cuppa or strong coffee will kick start your day with a continental breakfast selection of cereal, fruit and toast and a full cooked breakfast preparing you for time in Fiordland National Park.
Lunches include rolls, wraps, biscuits, cake and fruit, and are often enjoyed outdoors amidst a spectacular wilderness setting. Throughout each day, your ever attentive guides are never far off with a high energy snack to keep you going.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
All meals are included throughout your journey, including cooked and continental breakfasts, wilderness lunches, afternoon refreshments and multi-course evening dining prepared by our lodge hosts.
Our menus showcase quality New Zealand cuisine, featuring seasonal ingredients and local produce where possible. Evening meals are complemented by appetisers, desserts and a selection of premium beverages.
A great selection of New Zealand fine wines, craft beer and non-alcoholic drinks are available at each of our lodges and are included in your trip package.
There is a selection of 'top shelf' items available for purchase should you wish to upgrade your beverage selection. If you'd like more details on what's available, or make a specific request, please contact the team
Given our remote location it is difficult to cater specifically to all dietary requests. However, we can cater for the following if we know well in advance of your arrival:
- Vegetarian will / will not eat fish
- Vegan
- Gluten Free
- Coeliac
- Dairy Free / Lactose Intolerant
At the time of booking you will be asked to confirm any such dietary requirements. If you have any food allergies, please let us know.
Given the location of the Hollyford Valley in Fiordland National Park, it is important to note that we don’t have cell phone reception but there is limited access to internet at the lodges.
While these amenities are now a standard part of our busy modern lives, we encourage guests to take a break from outside communications for a few days, as it gives you a 100% revitalising break from your ‘other’ lives. It doesn’t take long to adjust and enjoy not having them.
Do take comfort in knowing that we do have satellite phones and radio contact for daily operational running of your experience and for use in the very unlikely case of an emergency.
The lodges run on battery bank powered electricity from our solar panels. We do conserve energy by investing in low energy appliances, and turning off some electrical facilities overnight.
However, lighting is available throughout the night and we have 24hr power in the lounge areas for charging cameras and other devices.
No. Each booking receives a private ensuite room, while lounge and dining areas are shared with fellow guests, creating a welcoming and social atmosphere.
Upon booking, we will ask you how you would like your room made up, using either a twin bed or king bed configuration.
If travelling by yourself, a single supplement charge will apply at the time of booking. We have many guests that travel on their own, finding it a great opportunity to walk and interact with other guests.
