Hollyford Track

Deep in Fiordland's wild southwest, the Hollyford Track offers a less-crowded Great Walk experience without the alpine passes. This 56-km tramp follows ancient Māori trading routes through podocarp rainforest, past thunderous waterfalls and alongside the hauntingly beautiful Lake McKerrow. Unlike its more famous neighbours, the Hollyford stays low-altitude, making it accessible year-round and rewarding hikers with a genuine wilderness encounter that feels both primal and peaceful.

Highlights & What to See

• Martins Bay – the track's dramatic finale where the Hollyford River meets the Tasman Sea; spot seals, penguins and the rare Fiordland crested penguin on the wild beach.
• Lake McKerrow – a moody, glacier-carved lake ringed by sheer mountains; paddle across its waters in a jetboat transfer that's part of the adventure.
• Hidden Falls – a powerful 50-metre cascade plunging through mossy cliffs, reached via a short side track.
• Boil Bight – a serene, reflective spot where the river pools into deep green calm before plunging again.
• Historic huts – from the rustic Hokuri Hut to the newer Alabaster Hut, each offers bunks and basic cooking; book ahead in summer.
• Wildlife encounters – keep an eye out for weka, kākā, and the elusive kiwi; at night, the forest is alive with the call of morepork.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most walkers allow 3 days for the full one-way journey from the Hollyford Road end to Martins Bay, with a jetboat ride across Lake McKerrow on day 2. A 4-day itinerary gives you time to linger at the coast and explore side tracks. Fit trampers can complete it in 2 long days, but the pace misses the forest's subtle moods. The track is possible year-round, though winter days are short and river crossings can be high. Book huts and the jetboat transfer well in advance for summer.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Milford Sound – just an hour's drive north, this iconic fiord offers cruises, kayaking and the stunning Milford Road.
• Te Anau – the gateway to Fiordland, with glowworm caves, Lake Te Anau, and the start of the Kepler and Routeburn Tracks.
• Gunns Camp – a historic bush camp on the Hollyford Road, perfect for a pre- or post-track stay with hot showers and a cozy lodge.
• Queenstown – 2.5 hours east, for bungee jumping, wine tours, and lakefront dining after your wilderness immersion.
• Lake Wakatipu – combine a drive along its shores with stops at Glenorchy and the Paradise Valley.

Please check official sources for current details.