5 Easy Ways to Get to the Hollyford Track

The Hollyford Track is among the Great Walks of New Zealand that new and experienced hikers love to go back to again and again. It's an incredible hiking trail showcasing spectacular sights and exciting activities, giving every visitor a unique experience they will remember forever.

To start your thrilling outdoor journey and discover what the Hollyford trail offers, you should know some information about the track and its convenient access points.

The Hollyford Track

Located in the southwestern part of South Island and the northern corner of Fiordland, the Hollyford Track is one of the popular destinations for hikers all year round.

Its unique off-the-beaten hiking path with a well-formed valley makes it suitable for children and adults.

However, the trail needs multiple days to enjoy and finish, where some days require more strength and endurance as you have to complete a 7-hour 19.5-kilometre hike.

While it is a long track, nothing can compare to the hidden paradise of the Hollyford trail.

It will bring hikers through unique mountain slopes, glacier-carved land formations, and lush forests, showing a panoramic ocean view and rich terrestrial and marine life.

5 Easy Ways to Access the Hollyford Track

While this Great Walk is a popular destination mainly for hikers, there are many ways to access the trail quickly for beginners.

Driving a Private Car

Driving a car is among the most practical ways to get to the track. Before you set off to the famous trail, you should research the traffic alerts on the area to be safe from fallen trees and other hazards and use your GPS to prevent getting lost.

You have to drive for two hours from Te Anau to reach the end of Lower Hollyford Road, where the starting point of the hike is located.

To get there, you must briefly turn off SH94 Milford Road after The Divide. The turn-off point is the Marian Corner, almost 87 kilometres from Te Anau along Milford Road.

Using Public Transportation

The hike will take you eight days to finish. Finding a secure spot to park your car while you start your outdoor adventure can be daunting. If you want a more convenient option, you can choose to commute.

While taking public transportation can directly and safely bring you to your destination, the only challenge is that there are limited public vehicles that reach the beginning of the track.

Before you begin commuting, you should research the transportation schedules or contact the visitor centre of Fiordland National Park to ensure that vehicles are available on your hiking date.

Boarding on a Jet Boat

If your hiking trip is in summer, you can skip the long car rides and start the fun journey by riding on jet boats. This exciting ride is available on particular days on Hollyford Trail's Lake McKerrow.

You can schedule this water transportation beforehand since summer is considered the peak season for hiking. Hence, reserving a spot is essential, especially if you want to experience a unique ride to access the trail.

Apart from exploring Lake McKerrow during your ride, you can also discover the fantastic sights and feel the cool breeze of the water as the jet boats travel from Martins Bay to the Pyke River confluence.

Walking with a Private Guide

A practical and fun way of getting to the Hollyford Track is booking a multi-day guided walk package and hiking with a private guide.

You will be picked up and briefed about the trail before hiking. Hiking with an experienced private guide gives you an incomparable outdoor experience.

This professional will give you insights into the track's terrain and wildlife. Your Hollyford track guide will also ensure a safe and fun adventure by assessing your hiking skill level and guiding you from the beginning to the end of the trail.

Riding the Helicopter

Taking a helicopter flight is an exciting and unconventional method of witnessing the incredible beauty and getting to the portion of the trail. These scenic helicopter rides often fly around Milford Sound, where you can appreciate the inlet's breathtaking views and serene waters.

If you anticipate trying this thrilling ride, you should find a reliable service provider offering guided hiking packages with Heli-ride inclusion.

Things to Consider When Hiking on the Hollyford Track

Before you start wandering and hiking on the famous track in Hollyford, you should consider some factors to help you create a reliable plan, plot your itinerary, set expectations, and make good decisions.

Here are some aspects to consider when hiking one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.

Track

Every hiking trail has different landscapes, difficulty levels, distances, challenges, weather patterns, and ecosystems. These differences can influence your decision whether to continue hiking in this particular location or look for other trails in a more convenient and safer area.

Budget

While hiking doesn't require a huge budget, some tracks still demand environmental fees and guided walk services due to the trail's environmental and geographical conditions. Check your hiking budget and your preferred type of walk to see if it is enough to cover the cost of the fees, food, transportation, and other essentials.

Transportation

The Hollyford trail is easily accessible, but you should also consider the modes of transportation when heading to the beginning of the track. Will you drive your car, use private pickup transport, or ride a jet boat? Choose your desired transportation beforehand so you won’t get behind your schedule.

Accommodation

A multi-day walk is required when hiking the Hollyford trail; hence, look for the best accommodation on the track to be safe and comfortable while you let the night pass by.

Start Your Adventure with New Zealand Walks

Hiking is a rewarding activity, especially if you take a guided walk through the beautiful Hollyford Track in New Zealand. Begin your adrenaline-rushing adventure by booking a multi-day guided hike package with New Zealand Walks today. For enquiries, please get in touch with +64 3 5736655 today.

Posted by on November 16, 2023