Hollyford Track

The Hollyford Track is a hiking trail in the Fiordlands that stretches 56 kilometers through ancient rainforests, following the Hollyford River from the Darran Mountains to Martins Bay on the West Coast. The path maintains a low altitude throughout, keeping it accessible year-round.

The route passes by Jamestown, an abandoned settlement from the 1870s that shows early European colonization attempts in this remote region. These ruins tell of the challenges pioneers faced in this harsh landscape.

The trail winds through habitats where native birds such as tomtits, robins, and Fiordland crested penguins make their homes. These encounters with local wildlife shape the experience along the way.

The full route takes 4 to 5 days to walk and offers good navigation with clear paths throughout. Bring rain gear and expect changeable weather, as the region experiences wet conditions year-round.

What sets this route apart is that it combines multiple ways of traveling, including jet boat rides on the Hollyford River and helicopter flights over Milford Sound. This mix of different transportation methods makes the journey unusually diverse.