The Hollyford Wilderness Experience

Begin your adventure by travelling from Queenstown to the lakeside town of Te Anau on a private coach to attend a comprehensive pre-departure briefing. Your knowledgeable guides will talk you through all you need to know before setting off, what to include in your tramping pack, and the chance to answer any questions you may have. Mix and mingle over dinner with your fellow walkers before settling into your hotel room for the evening.

The Hollyford Wilderness Experience is a 4-day and 3-night all-inclusive adventure exploring 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. You will enjoy cuisine prepared and served by friendly lodge hosts while relaxing in well-appointed private lodges. Throughout your adventure you’ll discover the triumphs and tragedies of ill-fated Jamestown, you’ll pass ancient forests with thousand-year-old giants such as native Rimu, Totara, and Kahikatea, and soon, the towering lowland podocarp forest transforms into a tenacious coastal garden. It is a wonderful way to explore the very essence of New Zealand’s wilderness.

Passing through the bustling suburb of Frankton, follow the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The Remarkables mountain range towers over you on the stretch of road known as "The Devil’s Staircase" leading you to the township of Kingston. You’ll venture into Southland before crossing the rolling tussock lands of Mossburn (deer capital of New Zealand) and shortly arriving at Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before taking a private coach into the remote Hollyford Valley to begin your Wilderness Experience. On this first day within the valley, you will walk 19.5km exploring hidden waterfalls, wandering through ancient native bush in awe of the plethora of green shades around you. Learn about the unique flora and fauna and hear tales of those who roamed the paths of the Hollyford before you. Finish the day at Ka Tuku Lodge, set beneath Mt. Madeline, where our welcoming lodge hosts and an impressive three-course meal await. Celebrate the achievements of the day over a glass of Central Otago wine or a refreshing craft beer.

Start your day with a plentiful breakfast at Ka Tuku Lodge before heading out on a short walk to Wāwāhi Waka (Lake Alabaster), on your way back stop at the infamous Pyke Bridge, the longest swing bridge in Fiordland National Park. Embark by jet boat down the Hollyford River and across Lake McKerrow out to Martins Bay. After an impressive lunch, you will explore the Martins Bay sand dunes. Wander along the isolated beach, taking in the rugged beauty of the wild West Coast. Arrive at your home for the night at Waitai Lodge where your three-course meal and toast in celebration of the vast array of vistas encountered today awaits.

Enjoy the wonderful drive along the Milford Road as you head back towards Te Anau. Crossing the rolling tussock lands you pass through Mossburn, the deer capital of New Zealand. Following the lake north the Remarkable mountain range towers over you as you approach the adventure capital of Queenstown. Note: Please make sure to allow 5.5hrs to Queenstown, this takes into account the current road works on the Milford Road.

After another hearty-cooked breakfast, you will be ready to embark on your final walking leg of the Hollyford journey, the awe-inspiring podocarp forest. Marvel at the ancient forests with thousand-year-old giants such as the native Rimu and Kahikatea. Return to Waitai Lodge to embark on your scenic helicopter flight back through the iconic and dramatic Milford Sound. Marvel at the grandeur of vertical granite cliff faces and breathtaking waterfalls hidden away in the lush native forest. Upon arrival into Milford Sound, your friendly coach driver will be waiting to drive you back to Queenstown (or Te Anau if desired) via the impressive Milford Road.

Well-known as New Zealand’s ‘adventure capital’, Queenstown is home to a range of adventures, from the world’s first and most famous bungy jumps to jet boat thrills, white-water rafting, and skydiving. However, Queenstown offers far more than a fast-paced, action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by many historic, gastronomic, and scenic wonders. Take a stroll through the beautiful lakefront parks and gardens, browse through market stalls on weekends, dine in wonderful al-fresco restaurants, or ride on the 100-year-old historic Steamship - TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station. Take the Queenstown Gondola up to Bob’s Peak and soak up the panoramic views of the magnificent lake and mountain ranges. And after all of that, if you do want the adrenaline rush, Queenstown is known for taking your pick from the Shotover Jet, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge, or Heli-hike.

Onsen Hot Pools is located high on a cliffside overlooking the magnificent Shotover River canyon, providing views over the breathtaking alpine scenery and the perfect vantage point to watch the Shotover Jet boats on the river below. The experience is all about unwinding and soaking-up Queenstown’s spectacular scenery, enjoying the pure waters and the fresh mountain air as your mind and body surrender to the deep penetrating warmth and gentle massage of the private pools. At the touch of a button, you can have complete privacy. Water temperature is set according to the day - generally between 37.8C on a hot day, to 39.8C during a snow-storm and in the summer one of the pools is kept cold for those who relish the thought of a cold plunge!