DAY ONE

On arrival in Queenstown, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your luxury boutique hotel, enjoying an adventure tour of Queenstown en route. Queenstown, famous for its spectacular Alpine scenery, offers a wealth of opportunities for outdoor adventures, and a gorgeous haven to relax at the end of the day.

Visit the Shotover Jet, the World’s most exciting Jet Boat ride. This is a thrilling thirty-minute jet boat ride you will never forget! The Shotover Canyon wall towers overhead as your driver skillfully whips the boat past rocky outcrops, and skims over crags and boulders.

Next stop is the Kawarau Bridge Bungy. Take a leap off the bridge where it all began. A.J. Hackett, a New Zealander who became a worldwide cult hero after jumping off the Eiffel Tower on a bungy rope, was the first person to develop bungy jumping commercially. You will have the option to discover for yourself why this site is the most popular bungy spot in the world. The most daring jumpers have the opportunity to touch the crystal waters below.

Take the Skyline Gondola cable car ride to Bob’s Peak where you will have spectacular views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. Here you may choose an optional paraglide. Your paraglide flight takes you over a pine forest, practically skimming the top of the tall pine trees, the ground then drops dramatically away exposing you to 2500 feet of breathtaking views beneath you. A great welcome to the adventure capital!

At the conclusion of your exciting afternoon, you will be transferred to your hotel for check in. This boutique property is centrally located, yet surrounded by parklands with magnificent views of the city's mountain backdrop.

This afternoon at 5:30pm, attend your pre-departure briefing for the Hollyford Track. This is a chance for you to meet your guide and fellow walkers (maximum of 16 people). Your guide will explain the detailed Hollyford Track itinerary for the next three unforgettable days.

For dinner this evening, we recommend a fantastic waterfront restaurant and wine bar, located on the lakefront, which specializes in seafood and central Otago wines.

Overnight Queenstown Park Hotel

DAY TWO

This morning (approximately 6:30am), you will be collected from the hotel and transferred to the start of the Hollyford Track by coach (Private transfer available at an additional cost.). Here you will meet the group and start the hike. Retrace the footsteps of early explorers along the Hollyford River to Pyke Lodge. The drive to the start of the track from Queenstown is approximately 4 hours, with a morning tea stop in Te Anau.

As the Track undulates gently through native beech forest and beside tumbling waterfalls, enjoy interesting historical tales and interpretations of the forest and bird life. The highlights include native forest, Alpine views, crystalline rivers and waterfalls.

In the evening you have the chance to visit the nearby glow-worm colony.

Walking Distance: Approximately 17 kms (11 miles).

Overnight Pyke Lodge

DAY THREE

Begin your day with a short walk to Lake Alabaster, where you will learn about the history and geology of the area in the midst of stunning surroundings.

Cross Fiordland's longest swing bridge and then enjoy a captivating jet boat journey down the Hollyford River and across Lake McKerrow to the historic site of Jamestown, the intended capital of the South Island in the late 19th century. Walk through the ancient Podocarp forest (New Zealand native pines) with huge Rimu, Totara and Kahikatea trees wrapped in massive Rata vines.

Your final visit today is to the fur seal colony at Long Reef, on the wild West Coast. You may see the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin.

The highlights for today include pristine lakes, wilderness jet boat, pioneer historic sites, 1000- year old native forest and a New Zealand fur seal colony!

Spend the night at Martin’s Bay Lodge.

Walking Distance: Approximately 12 kms (7 miles).

Overnight Martin’s Bay Lodge

DAY FOUR

After another hearty breakfast, explore Martin’s Bay Spit, a famous landmark separating the powerful Tasman Sea from the Hollyford Valley, and a coastal landscape that is a world away from the previous days.

View historical sites of Maori occupation of the area where chief Tutoko and his people guarded entry into the Hollyford Valley, controlling access into and out of a highly valued pounamu (greenstone/jade) gathering area. Learn about the plant, sea and wildlife of this unique environment which is surprisingly diverse and truly remote.

Return to Martin’s Bay Lodge for lunch to prepare for your scenic flight to Milford Sound, offering views of the Track route, Hollyford Valley and Mt Tutoko, Fiordland's highest peak.

At the conclusion of the flight you will be transferred along the impressive Milford Road up through the famous Homer Tunnel cutting through a divide of sheer granite rock, and stopping at the source of the Hollyford Valley and River before embarking on your journey back to Queenstown. The return drive is also by coach and takes approximately 4 hours (arriving approximately 7:00pm).

Walking Distance: Approximately 8 km (5 miles).

For dinner this evening we recommend you dine at Botswana Butchery. Botswana has al fresco dining overlooking the lake, and a private upstairs bar, with warming open fires throughout. The atmosphere and their large climate controlled wine cellar will make it a great evening out.

Overnight Queenstown Park Hotel 

DAY FIVE

This morning you will be transferred to Queenstown Airport by private vehicle in time for your departure flight, or continue on to your next Willing Foot destination.

DETAIL PAGE

*Price is subject to change due to date and time of year of booking as well as to currency fluctuation. The price is only an estimate at this time and an accurate costing will be provided when itineraries are chosen and submitted. Prices are based on double/twin occupancy.

Inclusions:

• All Accommodation
• Airport Transfers: to/from Queenstown Airport
• Queenstown sightseeing (half day) including Shotover Jet Boat ride and Skyline Gondola ride
• Transfers to/from Hollyford Track by 16 passenger coach
• Guided Hollyford Track Hike: 3 Days including Milford Sound Scenic Flight
• Days 2 – 5: Breakfast
• Days 2 – 4: Lunch
• Days 2 & 3: Dinner
• Days 1 & 4: Evening Drinks

Exclusions:

• International and Domestic Airfare
• Passport, visa, immigration fees
• Personal items, such as alcoholic beverages and laundry
• Baggage/accident/travel insurance
• Gratuities
• Optional Activities (Includes bungy jump and para-glide)
• All recommended optional activities

Hollyford Track Accommodation

At the end of an invigorating day on the track, you will arrive at a warm and dry lodge to a hearty welcome and fine cuisine. The evening of day one is spent at Pyke Lodge, at the confluence of Hollyford and Pyke Rivers. Night two is spent at Martin’s Bay Lodge, close to the mouth of the Hollyford River. The lodges are a great place to unwind, watch the beauty of the evening night descending and reflect on your day. These well-appointed lodges have unlimited hot water, separate toilet and shower facilities. Towels, duvets and linen are all provided.

Please Note:

• We recommend that our clients consult their General Practitioner or Travel Clinic for advice on necessary vaccinations or medicines depending on the region to which they are traveling.
• All guests are strongly advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance covering them for all personal effects, personal accident, medical and emergency travel expenses, cancellation, and curtailment.
• Self-drive passengers renting a car are required to carry a valid international driver's license.