Walk Details

NZ Walking Routes > Great Walks > Te Anau, Hollyford Track

Te Anau, Hollyford Track

Location
Fiordland is in the far southwestern corner of the South Island and much of the region is inaccessible by road. The township of Te Anau is considered the gateway to the park. SH94 to Te Anau branches off the main Invercargill to Queenstown Road. There are regular bus services to Te Anau and Milford Sound.
Description

The variety of habitats in Fiordland allow a diverse flora and fauna to thrive and its isolation has encouraged endemism with over 700 plants found only in Fiordland and it is, or was, home to some of the strangest of New Zealand's birds. The takahē, for example, is a large flightless rail related to the more populous pūkeko, more commonly known throughout Australasia as the purple moorhen. The takahē was thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 1948. Fiordland was also the final refuge of the world's only flightless parrot, the nocturnal kākāpo. A recovery project for these unique birds is now under way on a number of pest free offshore islands. The rare mohua or yellowhead is also resident in some Fiordland valleys. Insect life abounds but is secretive in general. The exception of course is the notorious namu or sandfly and insect repellent is essential for visitor comfort.

Road end to Hidden Falls Hut: 2-3 hr, 9km
Hidden Falls Hut to Lake Alabaster Hut: 3-4 hr, 10.5km Lake Alabaster Hut to Demon Trail Hut: 4-5 hr, 14.7km Demon Trail Hut to Hokuri Hut: 5-6 hr, 9.6km
Hokuri Hut to Martins Bay Hut: 4-5 hr, 13.5km

DOC provides and maintains six huts on the Hollyford Track. Everyone who uses the huts must pay hut fees. All huts, except McKerrow Island, are 'serviced' huts, requiring two hut tickets per night or an Annual Back Country Hut Pass. McKerrow Island hut is a 'standard' hut, requiring one hut ticket per night or an Annual Back Country Hut Pass. Big Bay hut is also a standard hut. Tickets should be purchased in advance from the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre in Te Anau or any DOC office or approved outlet. Users are expected to leave the huts clean and tidy and replenish firewood supplies. A number of commercial operators offer helicopter, fixed wing and float plane flights out of Te Anau and Milford Sound.

Distance
56.0 km
Amenities
  • Birds
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Historical
  • Plant Life
  • Toilets
  • Tramping
Source
www.doc.govt.nz
Discussion
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