star 4.4 (5) · Difficult

Hollyford Track

Name: Hollyford Track
Brand: Hiiker
Rating: 4.4 (5 reviews)

Southland, New Zealand

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Trail length

58.6 km

Time

~4 days

Elevation Gain

1024 m

Hike Type

Multi-Day

“Embark on the Hollyford Track, a journey through Fiordland's raw beauty, bridging mountains, forests, and history.”

The Hollyford Track unfolds through the unspoiled wilderness of Fiordland National Park, located in the southwest corner of New Zealand's South Island. This approximately 59 km (36.7 miles) point-to-point trail invites hikers into a world of towering mountains, dense rainforests, and cascading waterfalls, with an elevation gain of around 1000 meters (3280 feet).

Getting to the Trailhead

To embark on your journey along the Hollyford Track, you'll start near the locality of Southland. The trailhead is accessible by car from Te Anau, which is the nearest town with a range of services and accommodations. From Te Anau, take the Milford Road (State Highway 94) to the Lower Hollyford Road turnoff, which leads to the trailhead. This journey can take up to two hours by car. For those relying on public transport, options are limited, but during the hiking season, there are bus services that can take you from Te Anau to the trailhead.

Navigating the Trail

As you set out on the trail, the path meanders alongside the Hollyford River, offering hikers the chance to witness the dynamic interplay of water and land. The route is well-marked, but carrying a reliable navigation tool like HiiKER is advisable to keep track of your progress and ensure you're on the right path.

Landmarks and Natural Features

One of the first significant landmarks you'll encounter is the Darran Mountains, which provide a dramatic backdrop to the trail. As you progress, the trail leads to the serene Lake Alabaster, approximately 17 km (10.6 miles) from the start. This is a perfect spot to rest and enjoy the reflections of the surrounding peaks in the lake's mirror-like surface.

Further along, hikers will cross the Fiordland's longest swing bridge, which spans the mighty Hollyford River. This is a thrilling experience with stunning views of the rushing water below.

Wildlife and Flora

The Hollyford Track is a haven for native wildlife. Keep an eye out for the cheeky kea, New Zealand's alpine parrot, and listen for the calls of the rare Fiordland crested penguin. The dense forests are home to a variety of bird species, including the melodious tui and the elusive kiwi.

The trail is also rich in diverse flora. You'll wander through ancient beech forests, past groves of rimu and kahikatea, and under a canopy of ferns and mosses that create a green oasis.

Historical Significance

The area is steeped in Maori history, with the track following ancient greenstone (pounamu) trails used by Maori for trading. European settlers later used these paths for exploration and to access the now-abandoned Jamestown, which you'll pass by on the trail.

Preparation and Planning

Before setting out, ensure you have all the necessary gear for a multi-day hike, including food, water, and appropriate clothing for changeable weather conditions. There are huts and campsites along the trail where you can stay overnight, but these need to be booked in advance, especially during the peak season.

The Hollyford Track is a medium-difficulty hike, so a good level of fitness is required. The trail can be completed in 4 to 8 days, depending on your pace and how much time you want to spend exploring the various sights along the way.

Remember, the weather in Fiordland can be unpredictable, so it's essential to check the forecast and be prepared for rain or shine. The best time to hike the Hollyford Track is during the summer months, from October to April, when the days are longer and the weather is milder.

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Frequently asked questions

How difficult is the Hollyford Track in Fiordland National Park?

The Hollyford Track is generally rated difficult, even though it stays at relatively low altitude and has no alpine section. The full route is about 58.55 km with roughly 1,024 m of elevation gain, and Fiordland conditions add challenge through long days, remote terrain, and river or stream crossings that can become impassable after heavy rain.

How do I get to the start of the Hollyford Track from Te Anau?

The Hollyford Track starts at the end of Lower Hollyford Road, reached from State Highway 94 on the Milford Road. From Te Anau, the drive is about 2 hours, and public transport is limited, with seasonal shuttle or coach access sometimes available from Te Anau during the walking season.

Can the Hollyford Track be hiked unguided?

Yes. The Hollyford Track can be completed as an unguided tramp using Department of Conservation huts and campsites along the valley. It is still a backcountry route rather than a short tourist walk, so independent hikers need to be prepared for a multi-day point-to-point trip in remote Fiordland conditions.

How much does the Hollyford Track cost for independent hikers?

The Hollyford Track is not one of New Zealand’s official Great Walks, so standard backcountry hut pricing applies on the DOC section rather than Great Walk pricing. For example, Hidden Falls Hut is listed at NZ$25 per adult per night and NZ$12.50 per child or youth, with camping at NZ$10 per adult per night, while guided trips use separate commercial pricing.

What is the difference between the Hollyford Track and the Milford Track?

The Hollyford Track is a lower-altitude, point-to-point backcountry route that follows the Hollyford Valley toward the coast, while the Milford Track is an official Great Walk with a more regulated booking system and a major alpine crossing at Mackinnon Pass. Hollyford is often chosen for its mountains-to-sea journey and its ability to be walked in more seasons, although heavy rain can still disrupt sections.

Is the Hollyford Track a Great Walk in New Zealand?

The Hollyford Track is often described as one of New Zealand’s classic multi-day hikes, but it is not part of the official Great Walks network. It sits in Fiordland National Park and offers a similar big-landscape experience over about 59 km, with huts, rainforest, river flats, and a route that reaches the coast at Martins Bay and Long Reef.

What is the weather like on the Hollyford Track and when is the best time to go?

The Hollyford Track can be walked in any season because it has no alpine section and is rarely cut off by snow. Weather is still a major factor in Fiordland, and heavy rain can make unbridged streams, the Demon Trail area, and the Jerusalem River crossing near Hokuri and Martin’s Bay huts unsafe or impassable, so stable forecasts matter more than the calendar.