The Hollyford Track begins at the end of the Lower Hollyford Road, off SH 94 Milford Road, and ends at Martins Bay on the west coast.

The track is suitable for people with good fitness and takes 4–5 days one way. You can return on the same track or arrange transport from Martins Bay. 

Very skilled and experienced trampers may choose to return via the challenging Pyke – Big Bay Route.

Places to stay

All huts are on a first come basis year round, there are no reservations. There are 6 backcountry huts along the track you can stay at. You can camp beside the huts. There are fees for either option. See the individual hut pages for full information.

You need hut tickets or a backcountry pass to stay at these huts. They're available from any DOC visitor centre. 

Each hut has heating, mattresses and a pit toilet. There are no cooking facilities, carry your own portable stove.

Maps

The following Topo50 series map sheets cover the Hollyford Track:

• Topo50 Map CB09 – Hollyford Track
• Topo50 Map CA09 – Alabaster Pass
• Topo50 Map CA08 – Milford Sound/Piopiotahi.

What to expect on the track

The track is reasonably well marked, but you need to know that:

• some sections of the track are rough and muddy and not well defined - orange markers will guide the way
• expect unbridged stream and river crossings. River crossings may be impassable in or after heavy rain
• there are several three-wire bridges on the Demon Trail section
• some parts of the track are prone to flooding in wet weather – know before you go.

Descriptions

Lower Hollyford Road to Hidden Falls Hut

Time 2–3 hr
Distance: 9 km

Cross the swing bridge over Humboldt Creek and follow the old road to the start of the track, which initially sidles along bluffs, with swampland to the left. Sections of raised boardwalk cross areas prone to flooding.

Swamp Creek has a bridge over the waterway. However, there is a dry flood channel that can be impassable during or after heavy rain. Where Swamp Creek joins the Hollyford River/Whakatipu Kā Tuka, the track follows the riverbank, with occasional views of the Darran Mountains.

At Hidden Falls Creek the track passes Sunshine Hut (private hut) then continues upstream to a swingbridge.

Hidden Falls Hut is about 15 minutes from here.

Hidden Falls Hut to Lake Alabaster Hut

Time: 3–4 hr
Distance:10.5 km

The track passes through a section of lowland ribbonwood/podocarp forest draped with colourful mosses and ferns. It then enters tall beech forest before climbing to Little Homer Saddle, with views of Mount Madeline and Fiordland’s highest mountain, Mount Tūtoko (2723 m).

From here, the track descends to Little Homer Falls (60 m) and continues to the confluence of the Hollyford and Pyke rivers. Beyond this is Pyke River Lodge (managed by Hollyford Track Guided Walks) and 15 min further on is Lake Alabaster Hut.

Lake Alabaster Hut to Demon Trail Hut

Time: 3–4 hr
Distance: 10.5 km

This section of the track is maintained to a much lower standard than the Lower Hollyford Road end to Lake Alabaster section.

Use the orange markers on the trees to guide you. It can be muddy, rocky and wet underfoot. Tree falls may obscure the track. Unbridged streams or rives may become impassable during and after heavy rain. 

Backtrack from the Alabaster Hut for 15 minutes and cross the Pyke River swing bridge.

After two hours of relatively level track, the track meets the Hollyford River/Whakatipu Kā Tuka again. There are some long sections of mud. Follow the eastern side of Lake McKerrow/Whakatipu Waitai for about 1.5 hr to reach Demon Trail Hut.

Side trip: Turn off to McKerrow Island Hut

Time: 30 min
Distance: 1.2 km

Follow the track about 40 m down the true right side of the Hollyford River (facing downstream) and then cross to the true left. The track travels through a small section of bush to the lake edge – the hut is located near the river mouth in the bush.

As there is no bridge over the river, be aware that the river can flood after heavy rain, and you may be stranded in the hut until the river level lowers and it is safe to cross

Demon Trail Hut to Hokuri Hut

Time: 5–6 hr
Distance: 9.6 km

Demon Trail is a historic cattle track. This section is rocky and undulating, but there are long sections of formed, flat track in between Loose rocks can make it difficult underfoot, and the track can become slippery in wet weather.

Some of the creek crossings can be dangerous, so extreme care is required – using the three wire bridges is recommended. Some creeks may become impassable after heavy rain

Hokuri Hut to Martins Bay Hut

Time: 4–5 hr
Distance: 13 km

Walk for 30 min from Hokuri Hut to reach Hokuri Creek. In low river conditions, you can cross near the creek mouth, but otherwise should use the three-wire crossing 20 min upstream. After crossing the creek, follow the lake shore past the bay where the settlement of Jamestown once stood.

After a further 1.5–2 hr walk, the track leaves the lake and continues for another hour to the Hollyford Airstrip and Martins Bay Lodge, managed by Hollyford Track Guided Walks.

Martins Bay Hut, situated at the mouth of the Hollyford River/Whakatipu Kā Tuka, is a further 1.5–2 hr from Martins Bay Lodge turn off. Take care when crossing Jerusalem Creek as it is prone to flooding after rain.

The track continues on to Long Reef through wind-shorn forest and provides views of the river mouth and sand spit. From July to November, seals and tawaki / Fiordland crested penguins can be seen around the coast close by

The track continues on to Long Reef through wind-shorn forest and provides views of the river mouth and sand spit. From July to November, seals and Fiordland crested penguins/tawaki can be seen around the coast close by.

Beyond Long Reef, the track becomes the Pyke - Big Bay Route. This route is not as well defined and suitable only for well-equipped and experienced trampers.