Latest news with #HollyfordWildernessExperience
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
A world-class wilderness adventure that's right in the backyard!
The adventure that you've been craving is on your doorstep, with the amazing Hollyford Wilderness Experience in Fiordland. Hollyford Wilderness Experience business manager Adam Dooney was inspired by many things when he first did the guided multi-day walk. Along with the stunning scenery, it was the guides and the hosting staff at the lodges along the way that impressed him most. 'I did not expect the quality of delivery, and how much passion and intimacy they bring to the experience,' he says. A true adventure, the all-inclusive Hollyford Wilderness Experience is extremely accessible to most walkers The unforgettable three night experience was a winner of Trip Advisor's Travellers' Choice Award in 2024, ranking it as one of the world's top attractions. Yet while international travellers visit for such experiences, many locals aren't aware of what's on offer right here. For those mature travellers in the lower South Island looking for an accessible adventure, the Hollyford Wilderness Experience is the perfect choice. The low altitude walk will take you from the mountains to the sea, and includes spectacular transfers by jet boat and helicopter. Small groups of no more than 16 people are led by engaging local guides. The experience is coloured by their rich storytelling that takes in both the natural history, and that of Ngāi Tahu and early European pioneers. And comfort is not compromised on the Hollyford Wilderness Experience. You'll only carry the essentials, while well-appointed private lodges deep in the native forest offer private rooms, hearty cuisine, outdoor hot tubs, and warm hospitality. Adam Dooney says it's the entire experience that separates the Hollyford Wilderness Experience from other options in the area. 'It's not just another walk, it's a full experience,' he emphasises. 'The Hollyford is one of the most beautiful valleys in Fiordland. You see everything from the foothills of some of Fiordland's largest mountains, through the beech forests, and out to the coastal environment of the West Coast.' Walkers will be deeply immersed in the hugely diverse natural environment of this incredible part of Aotearoa. The extremely knowledgeable guides weave stories of the area throughout the walk. This includes the Hollyford's history as a pounamu trail, historical Ngāti Mahaki pā at Martins Bay, and the proposed European settlement of Jamestown from the Goldrush era. 'Our staff absolutely love the place and enjoy sharing it with people,' Adam says. 'Some have been working for us for 25 years, so there's a lot of knowledge and a lot of passion there. What shines through is the connection between our customers and staff, and that's what really brings the whole place to life for everybody.' What is on offer with the Hollyford Wilderness Experience is sure to appeal to an emerging segment of the adventure market who are focused on quality. They're looking for something different, a more fulfilling experience that they emerge from richer than when they went in. As Adam says, it's amazing what we have on our back doorstep in this country - and particularly in this region. 'Fiordland and the Hollyford Valley are right there for the taking,' he marvels. 'These walks are so accessible for many people, and on an international basis they offer great value for money.' Anyone looking for a superb experience should visit for more information, or have a chat with one of the reservation team on 0800 832 226.
NZ Herald
25-05-2025
- NZ Herald
Your Fiordland experience, levelled up
All-inclusive adventure that sets the standard for remote luxury. Hollyford Wilderness Experience is arguably Fiordland's best-kept secret. While the stunning Fiordland region is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, and is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor-adventure enthusiasts, the lesser-known Hollyford Valley remains a hidden gem for many New Zealanders. Nestled in Fiordland National Park, the remote valley boasts lush beech forests, picturesque shorelines, and pristine fiords. Over four days and three nights, the Hollyford Wilderness Experience takes you through this untouched wilderness by foot, jet boat, and helicopter. Expert local guides share their knowledge of the valley's rich history and native flora and fauna, while small groups allow you to connect with fellow travellers. Owned and operated by Ngāi Tahu Tourism, this is said to be the most authentic way to experience this stunning part of Te Waipounamu, the South Island. T he all-inclusive experience is endorsed by thousands of five star reviews and provides well-appointed private lodges, delicious meals, refreshments, and premium New Zealand beer and wine, ensuring guests have many of the home-comforts they could ask for. After a long day of walking, enjoy a hot shower, followed by a three-course dinner and a soak in the outdoor, wood-fired hot tub beneath the stars, before returning to your ensuite or relaxing with fellow guests in the lounge area. 'It's so much more than just a guided walk. I think it's honestly one of the best tourism activities in the country, and I don't say that lightly. I really feel like the bush and its biodiversity is among the best in the country,' says Adam Dooney, general manager for Hollyford Wilderness Experience. 'Having small groups of 16 people with two guides means the experience has a pretty intimate feel about it.' He adds that they pride themselves on manaakitanga (hospitality) and guests really feel that, particularly while staying overnight at the two luxury lodges. After travelling from Queenstown to Te Anau on day one, your first day in the valley will involve a 19.5km walk through the ancient bush, where you will learn about its unique ecosystem and explore stunning waterfalls. On day two, enjoy a short walk to Lake Alabaster and a stop at the infamous Pyke Bridge before jetboating down the Hollyford River, across Lake McKerrow and into the remote Martins Bay. Explore the sand dunes and rugged shoreline, before relaxing in the outdoor hot tubs and unwinding at your second scenic lodge. Your final day will include a walk through the ancient podocarp forest of rimu and kahikatea, before a scenic helicopter flight into the iconic Milford Sound. Guests often describe this as a 'wow moment', before enjoying a private transfer back to Queenstown or Te Anau via the picturesque Milford Rd. 'You really get immersed in Fiordland, from the alpine beech forest to the coastline. You get to experience the diversity of the ecosystem and the environment,' Dooney explains. 'You tick all the boxes: incredible walk, luxury lodges, jetboating, helicoptering, the guides, full-time hosts, and the chef-prepared meals. 'People come thinking they're getting a beautiful walk in a beautiful place – and they totally get that. But what they talk about when they leave is the kaimahi (staff), the connections they make, and the knowledge our kaimahi pass onto them. I think that's what really blows people away.' Unlike many of the Great Walks, the route is low-altitude, suitable for most walkers, and doesn't suffer the crowding of other well-known tracks during peak season. As it's not a loop track, there's no backtracking, and the Hollyford Wilderness Experience's jetboat and helicopter rides make it easy to cover terrain that would otherwise be difficult to explore. 'If you're going to take a three-day guided walk and want to get the most out of it, check out Hollyford. It really does have a lot to offer,' Dooney says. The Hollyford Wilderness Experience includes: The experience starts at $4195 per person in the off-peak period. Operating from October 25, 2025 to April 20, 2026, bookings are open now.
