Where on earth
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- Region
- New Zealand
- Biome
- Fiordland rainforest (0–200 m)
- Best season
- November – April
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Sea Kayaking
- Beachcombing
- Wildlife Viewing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Fiordland rainforest (0–200 m)
- Best season: November – April
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Hollyford Track
Topic summary
A 56-km 4-5 day valley walk from the Divide to Martins Bay on the Tasman Sea.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: November – April
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Fiordland rainforest (0–200 m)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Hollyford Track trip tools
How to get there
The inland walking start is the Hollyford Track road end in the Hollyford Valley area of Fiordland National Park. The track runs to Martins Bay on the West Coast. Confirm road-end access, current track conditions and return arrangements with the Department of Conservation before departure.
- Hollyford Track road end
The inland start for the journey down the Hollyford River/Whakatipu Kā Tuka. Bridge damage affects the section from here toward Lake Alabaster Hut, so check current crossing conditions before setting out.
- Martins Bay
The coastal endpoint of the Hollyford Track. Treat this as the end of the walking route, not an assumed road pickup, and confirm onward or return arrangements before departure.
Sources: doc.govt.nz · Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Hollyford Track
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Sea Kayaking
Coastal crossings, tides, and protected camps.
- Beachcombing
Tide-line walking between camps.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Hollyford TrackAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Hollyford Track
Planning to fish Hollyford Track, New Zealand? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in New Zealand are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing licence at Hollyford Track?
- A New Zealand fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current New Zealand fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
Hunting near Hollyford Track
Thinking about hunting Hollyford Track, New Zealand? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in New Zealand are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Hollyford Track?
- Confirm the land around Hollyford Track is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in New Zealand?
- A New Zealand hunting licence — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
From the Darran Mountains to Martins Bay
The Hollyford Track follows the Hollyford River/Whakatipu Kā Tuka from the sheer rock walls of the Darran Mountains to Martins Bay on the West Coast. Set in Fiordland National Park, the journey passes through lush forest, beside the river and along lakes before reaching the coast. The full track is 56 km one way, with a walking time of 4–5 days; broader trip plans can run 4–8 days. This is an advanced tramping track, suited to fit walkers prepared for a backcountry journey rather than an easy hut walk. Huts provide overnight shelter along the way, but their presence does not remove the need for sound judgment. The defining feature is the transition from mountain valley to coast without an alpine crossing.
Year-round walking, weather-dependent access
With no alpine sections, the Hollyford is rarely cut off by snow and can be walked in any season, depending on weather. Flooding is a more immediate planning concern: check conditions before departure and be prepared to turn back. Storm damage has affected bridges between the road end and Lake Alabaster Hut. Little Rainbow Bridge, upstream of Rainbow Creek, has washed out and is closed; Chair Creek Bridge, approximately 1 km from Alabaster Hut, is also closed. Both locations now require river crossings, which demand river-crossing skills and experience and must not be attempted in high flow or flood. A small bridge near the road end was also temporarily removed for repairs; confirm its status rather than assuming repairs are complete. Pack for wet conditions and allow flexibility for delays.
Demon Trail conditions and the coastal finish
The Demon Trail needs particular attention when planning daily stages. Significant treefall and slips between Demon Trail Hut and Hokuri Hut require some off-track navigation, and this section should only be attempted by experienced trampers. The route past slips has been re-marked, but walking can take longer than posted times. Allow extra time rather than relying on a tight hut-to-hut schedule. At Swamp Creek, remedial work follows a new bridge installation, and contractors may be present. Near Martins Bay, possible wildlife sightings include New Zealand fur seals, penguins, herons and occasionally dolphins; watch without approaching or disturbing animals. A bait-station pest-control operation means toxic bait may be present at Martins Bay from 7 July 2026 to 28 February 2027. Follow posted warnings. Dogs are not allowed on the track.
Route options
- Hollyford Track: road end to Martins Bay56 km one wayAdvanced tramping track
Follow the river from the Darran Mountains through forest and past lakes to the West Coast. Allow 4–5 days for the one-way walk, with additional flexibility for weather, damaged crossings and slow sections.
- Demon Trail Hut to Hokuri HutExperienced trampers only in the reported conditions
A section of the Hollyford Track requiring particular care because of significant treefall and slips. Expect off-track navigation and slower progress than signs may suggest; this is not a standalone road-access walk.
- Pyke – Big Bay Route extensionChallenging; skilled and experienced trampers
A challenging extension for skilled, experienced trampers seeking a longer journey beyond the Hollyford Track. Obtain detailed route and condition information before including it in an itinerary.
Sample itineraries
- Hollyford to Martins Bay: four-day plan · 4 days
Follow the 56 km one-way track from the Hollyford Track road end through the Darran Mountains area to Martins Bay, beside the Hollyford River/Whakatipu Kā Tuka, forest and lakes. This is an advanced tramp. Bridge damage and treefall may make a four-day schedule unsuitable; confirm conditions and onward travel before committing.
- Hollyford to Martins Bay: five-day plan · 5 days
Allow five days for the same mountain-to-coast journey, using track huts and leaving more time for difficult sections and coastal wildlife watching. Confirm overnight arrangements with DOC. Extra time does not make flooded crossings safe, and damage between Demon Trail Hut and Hokuri Hut requires experienced off-track navigation.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Weather-dependent access
The track has no alpine sections and can be walked year-round, but flooding can affect access. Confirm bridge status before departure; storm damage has created river crossings where bridges are closed.
Summer
Weather-dependent access
Summer remains a backcountry undertaking, not a guarantee of straightforward travel. Check flooding, treefall and slip alerts before setting a schedule. Damaged sections can take longer than posted walking times.
Fall
Weather-dependent access
The valley route remains an option when conditions allow. Prepare for rain and reassess stream crossings after wet weather. No alpine sections does not mean freedom from weather-related disruption.
Winter
Weather-dependent access
Snow rarely cuts off this non-alpine track, but winter travel still depends on weather and track conditions. Carry warm layers and waterproof protection, and be ready to turn back at unsuitable crossings.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Weather-dependent access | The track has no alpine sections and can be walked year-round, but flooding can affect access. Confirm bridge status before departure; storm damage has created river crossings where bridges are closed. |
| Summer | Weather-dependent access | Summer remains a backcountry undertaking, not a guarantee of straightforward travel. Check flooding, treefall and slip alerts before setting a schedule. Damaged sections can take longer than posted walking times. |
| Fall | Weather-dependent access | The valley route remains an option when conditions allow. Prepare for rain and reassess stream crossings after wet weather. No alpine sections does not mean freedom from weather-related disruption. |
| Winter | Weather-dependent access | Snow rarely cuts off this non-alpine track, but winter travel still depends on weather and track conditions. Carry warm layers and waterproof protection, and be ready to turn back at unsuitable crossings. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit requirements and hut arrangements with the Department of Conservation before departure.
Official source: Hollyford Track - Department of Conservation · Verified September 20, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Little Rainbow Bridge and Chair Creek Bridge are closed following storm damage. Their streams require river crossings, with river-safety skills and experience essential. Do not attempt either crossing in high flow or flood.
- A small bridge near the road end was temporarily removed for repair. Confirm its reinstatement rather than relying on the anticipated repair date.
- Significant treefall and slips between Demon Trail Hut and Hokuri Hut require off-track navigation. Only experienced trampers should attempt this section; allow extra time.
- Slips on Demon Trail have re-marked bypasses. Windfall and damaged terrain can make walking times longer than signs indicate.
- Remedial work continues at Swamp Creek following bridge installation. Contractors may be present, and the old steel bridge still requires removal. Pass through cautiously.
- Toxic bait may be present in Martins Bay from 7 July 2026 to 28 February 2027. Follow warning signs throughout the pest-control area.
What to pack for Hollyford Track
- Waterproof jacket and overtrousers
- Warm insulating layers
- Waterproof protection for sleeping gear and spare clothing
- Topographic map and compass, with skills to navigate off-track
- Emergency communication device
- First-aid kit
- Headlamp and spare power
- Sturdy footwear for rough, wet terrain
- Sleeping bag suitable for hut travel
- Food with a contingency supply for delays
- Water containers and treatment equipment
Wildlife you may see
- New Zealand fur seals near the coast
- Penguins near the coast
- Herons near the coast
- Occasional dolphins near the coast
Hollyford Track FAQ
- How long is the Hollyford Track?
- The track is 56 km one way, with DOC listing four to five walking days. It follows the Hollyford River/Whakatipu Kā Tuka from the Darran Mountains area to Martins Bay. Damage can extend walking times.
- Is this a suitable first overnight tramp?
- It is classified as an advanced tramping track. Current damage adds river crossings and off-track navigation between Demon Trail Hut and Hokuri Hut. Fitness alone is not enough; the affected sections require relevant backcountry experience.
- Can it be walked all year?
- Yes, depending on weather and track conditions. There are no alpine sections, and snow rarely cuts off the route. Flooding and storm damage can still prevent safe travel.
- Are there huts?
- Yes. The track has huts, including Lake Alabaster Hut, Demon Trail Hut and Hokuri Hut. Confirm current hut arrangements and track access with DOC before setting overnight stages.
- Are dogs allowed?
- No. Dogs are not allowed on the Hollyford Track.
- Is there a more challenging extension?
- Skilled, experienced trampers can consider the Pyke–Big Bay Route. Treat it as a separate planning task and confirm its current conditions before adding it to a Hollyford trip.