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Hollyford Track Extension
From Mountains to Sea in Fiordland National Park
Trip Details at-a-Glance
| Cost From: | $1750 |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4 days |
| Arrive: | Queenstown, New Zealand |
| Depart: | Queenstown, New Zealand |
| Activity: | Hiking / Trekking |
| Trip Level: |
explain
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Our Trips using this Extension
New Zealand: South Island Adventure
Day 1
Hollyford Track to Pyke River Lodge
A drive through the Eglinton Valley brings you to the trailhead for the Hollyford Track. Stepping into the dramatic Hollyford Valley is like entering a world that’s remained largely unchanged for thousands of years. This remote valley, part of Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage Site, begins among the sheer rock walls of the Darran Mountains and runs from the base of the Southern Alps all the way to the Tasman Sea. Retracing the footsteps of early explorers along the Hollyford River, follow a trail through native beech forest and alongside tumbling waterfalls, all the while enjoying interesting historical tales and interpretation of the forest and bird life from your expert guides. At the end of the day, arrive at Pyke River Lodge, located at the confluence of the Hollyford and Pyke Rivers.
Day 2
Jet Boat Journey / Martins Bay Lodge
Begin the day with a short walk to Lake Alabaster, whose glassy waters reflect images of the surrounding snowy peaks, then enjoy a thrilling jet boat journey down the Hollyford River and across Lake McKerrow to the historic ghost town of Jamestown. From here, walk through an ancient podocarpus forest to the coast and explore the fur seal colony at Long Reef, with a chance to see the rare Fiordland crested penguin, a seasonal visitor. Overnight at Martins Bay Lodge, set near the mouth of the Hollyford River.
Days 3-4
Martins Bay Beach / Scenic Flight / Queenstown
Explore the sand dunes and lagoons of four-mile-long Martins Bay Beach, beach-combing and learning about its intriguing history, plant life, and resident birds. Return to Martins Bay Lodge for lunch, then take a scenic flight along the rugged coast and over spectacular Milford Sound. From Milford, transfer to Queenstown and overnight at hotel. Depart Queenstown on Day 4.
Extension Costs
Prices valid through Spring 2013
$1750 per person, double occupancy
Single supplement: $675 (2 nights on the Hollyford Track and 1 night at Queenstown hotel)
Single supplement: $130 (Queenstown hotel only)
All costs subject to change
Pyke River Lodge
Day 1 (1 night), Hollyford Track, New Zealand
Set at the confluence of the Hollyford and Pyke Rivers, Pyke River Lodge is nestled amid native forest beneath converging mountain ranges. It’s a great place to unwind at the end of the day, and from here we are often treated to spectacular sunrise and sunset views of majestic Mt. Madeline and the Darren Range. After dinner, visit a nearby glow-worm colony and offer some of your dinner leftovers to the eels that stop in the Pyke River before migrating on to Tonga. Both lodges on the Hollyford Track accommodate just 16 hikers in two-person rooms, with separate shared bath facilities (and hot showers!). All linens and towels are provided, as well as soap, shampoo, and hair dryers. Meals are delicious and plentiful and provide you with just the right fuel for the day ahead.
Martins Bay Lodge
Day 2 (1 night), Hollyford Track, New Zealand
Martins Bay Lodge is a wonderful home away from home, located on the lowland flats near the mouth of the Hollyford River and close to the coast. Its beautiful huge windows showcase the remarkable scenery of the remote surroundings. In the evening, share stories with new friends, relax and read a book, or simply watch the beauty of the night descending and reflect upon your day. At dusk, cheeky kaka, a large forest parrot, often play in the trees outside the lodge, and the sound of the surf on nearby Martins Bay Spit is a soothing evening soundtrack.
Novotel Queenstown Lakeside Hotel
Day 3 (1 night), Queenstown, New Zealand
The Novotel has a perfect location directly on Queenstown’s picturesque lakefront. In the heart of town but on a quiet side street, it has ...
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Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.