Home Search Destinations Attractions
Hollyford Track
Park

Hollyford Track

Queenstown
4.8
(500 reviews)
6
Tours Available
$0 (track fee), hut fees apply
Adult Entry
5-6 days
Recommended Duration
November to April
Best Time

Overview

The Hollyford Track is a renowned trek in Fiordland National Park, offering stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. It's a multi-day hike that takes you through valleys, forests, and eventually to the coast.

The track is part of New Zealand's Great Walks and is known for its natural beauty and the opportunity to see native wildlife.

Hiking Nature

Location

Address

Fiordland National Park, Southland

Neighborhood: Fiordland

Coordinates

-45.416700, 167.150000

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday Open 24 hours
tuesday Open 24 hours
wednesday Open 24 hours
thursday Open 24 hours
friday Open 24 hours
saturday Open 24 hours
sunday Open 24 hours

Admission

Adults
$0 (track fee), hut fees apply
Children
$0 (track fee), hut fees apply

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

November to April

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Cool temperatures, fewer crowds, and better wildlife sightings.

Duration Recommendations

Minimum
4 days
Recommended
5-6 days
Full Experience
6-7 days

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild, cool nights

  • • Wildflowers
  • • Waterfalls

summer

Warm, longer days

  • • Long daylight hours
  • • Warm weather

autumn

Cool, crisp air

  • • Fall colors
  • • Clear skies

winter

Cold, short days

  • • Snow-capped mountains
  • • Cozy huts

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

  • Book ahead for huts and transport
  • Bring appropriate gear
  • Check weather conditions

What to Bring

essential

Hiking boots Waterproof jacket Warm clothing

recommended

Hiking poles Camera Binoculars

seasonal

Sun hat and sunscreen in summer Thermal layers in winter

not allowed

Drones without permission Open fires

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate to high

  • • Altitude sickness (at higher points)
  • • River crossings can be challenging

Medical facilities: Limited, nearest hospital is in Te Anau

Payment Information

Accepted

Credit card, Debit card, Cash (limited)

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Typical Costs

hut fees $25-$50 per night
transport $150-$200 for shuttles
food $100-$150 for the trip
gear rental $50-$100 for the trip

Dress Code

Hiking gear, Layered clothing, comfortable and sturdy hiking boots, Waterproof hiking boots, Inappropriate footwear (e.g., sandals), Cotton clothing (can retain moisture)

Booking Tips

  • • 6 months in advance for peak season
  • • Department of Conservation (DOC) website
  • • Varies, check with booking platform
  • • Book huts and transport in advance

Amenities

Restrooms
Gift shop
Atm
Wifi
Lockers
Wheelchair rental
Stroller rental
On site restaurant
Cafe
Picnic areas
Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

DOC Hz App

Size: 50 MB

Features: Track maps, Hut bookings, Weather updates

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Some huts have limited WiFi

Charging Stations: Limited at huts, bring a portable charger

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Queenstown Airport (ZQN)

Distance: 180 km

Travel Time: 2.5 hours

Car rental
Varies 2.5 hours
Shuttle service
$150-$200 3 hours

From City Center

Distance: 0 km (starting point is Te Anau)

Shuttle service
$50-$100 1 hour
Self-drive
Varies 1 hour

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Stunning natural beauty and a sense of adventure

Historical Significance: The track has a rich history of Maori and European exploration

Insider Tips

  • Early birds get the best spots for photography
  • The huts have limited space, so book early

Local Recommendations

  • • Try local kiwi dishes at the huts
  • • Ask rangers for the best spots and tips

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Kia ora
thank_you Kia ora
where_is Kei hea...
how_much He aha te utu?
beautiful Mauri ora
ticket Tiketi

Guide Languages: English, Maori, Other languages may be available

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Hollyford Road

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Capture the reflection of mountains in the Hollyford River

Result: Stunning landscape shots

#hollyfordtrack #fiordlandnationalpark #newzealand

Gunnar's Beach

Best Time: Sunrise

Tips: Focus on the sand dunes and the ocean

Result: Breathtaking beach scenery

#gunnarsbeach #hollyfordtrack #nzbeaches

Photography Rules

allowed areas All tracks and public areas
prohibited areas Inside huts and private properties
flash photography Allowed in most areas, but avoid disturbing wildlife
commercial photography Permit required for commercial use
drone policy Permit required for drone use
tripod policy Allowed with caution, be mindful of other hikers
selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre

Distance: 0 km (in Te Anau)

Walking: 5 min

Type: Visitor Centre

Kepler Track

Distance: 30 km

Walking: N/A

Type: Hiking Track

Te Anau Glowworm Caves

Distance: 10 km

Walking: N/A

Type: Caves

Reviews

4.8

Based on 500 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

  • "Book huts early"
  • "Bring warm layers"
  • "Enjoy the solitude"

Contact Information

Related Tours & Activities (5)

Search Tours

Quick Info

Available Tours

6

Rating

4.8 / 5.0

Reviews

500

Adult Entry

$0 (track fee), hut fees apply

Search Attractions