Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Difficulty
Easy to moderate
Start
Lower Hollyford Rd
End
Martins Bay
Nearest Town
Te Anau (
Click here
)
Transport
Shuttle bus, jetboat, plane
Summary
A forest tramp to isolated and historic Martins Bay, with no alpine crossings but
some excellent mountain scenery, plus opportunities for trout and coastal fishing, and a seal
colony.
The Hollyford is the longest valley in Fiordland National Park, stretching 80km from the
Darran Mountains to remote Martins Bay. The upper portions of the valley are accessible by
Lower Hollyford Rd, which extends 18km from Marian Corner (on Milford Rd) to the start
of the track. The track is generally recognised as extending from the road end to Martins
Bay.
In recent years portions of the route have been upgraded, new transport services have
emerged and more trampers have discovered the lush rainforest, extensive bird life and
unique marine fauna (seals and penguins) at Martins Bay. The track now averages about
4000 trampers a year - both guided parties and independent trampers - which is still far less
than the numbers using the Routeburn or Milford Tracks.
One reason the Hollyford will always lag behind its two famous counterparts is its length.
The track is basically a one-way tramp, unless the Pyke
-
Big Bay Route is taken. Combined
with the Hollyford, this challenging and strenuous route loops from Martins Bay along the
coast to Big Bay, heads inland to Pyke River, and then goes down the shore of Lake Ala-
baster to return to the Hollyford at Lake Alabaster Hut. A strong, experienced tramper could
cover the walk from Martins Bay to Lake Alabaster along this route in three days, with
nights spent at Big Bay and Olivine Huts. The second day, however, would be a nine- to
12-hour tramp. As we say, it is strenuous and challenging. Contact the local DOC office if
you want to investigate this possibility.
The majority of trampers turn tail at Martins Bay and retrace their steps to the road end,
or arrange to be flown out. If possible, spend an extra day by the bay. It offers superb coastal
scenery and saltwater fishing, as well as good views of a seal colony and penguins. But be
prepared for the attentions of swarms of sandflies and mosquitoes, who will quickly intro-
duce themselves.
