Hollyford Freedom Walk

Accommodation | Departure Dates | Getting There | Fitness Level | Prices

Freedom Walk Itinerary

DAY 1: Road end to Hidden Falls Hut
Walk 2 - 3 hours / 9 km ( 5.5 m )

Follow the Hollyford River with occasional views of the Darran Mountains. Hidden Falls can be viewed ten minutes from the Hut.

DAY 2: Hidden Falls to Lake Alabaster Hut
Walk 3 - 4 hours / 10.5 km ( 6.3 m)

Lowland ribbon wood and podocarp forest draped with colourful mosses and ferns. Enter tall beech forest before the climb to Little Homer Saddle with views of Mt. Madeline and Fiordland’s highest mountain Mt. Tutoko (2723m). The track descends to Little Homer Falls the Hut is at the confluence of the Hollyford and Pyke rivers.

DAY 3: Lake Alabaster to Demon Trail Hut
Walk 4 - 5 hours / 14.7 km ( 8.8 m)

Cross the Pyke swingbridge, along the Hollyford then enter the mighty Demon Trail :) This section of the track is maintained to a lower standard. There can be treefalls which may obscure the track. Watch for orange trail markers.

DAY 4: Demon Trail to Hokuri Hut
Walk 5 - 6 hours / 9.6 km ( 5.8 m)

Rocky and undulating and you better believe it. Even more difficult in wet conditions. Creeks crossings can be dangerous - take extreme care. Use the walk wire crossings where provided. Hokuri Hut is at Gravel Cove. Getting the picture?

Lush bush Hollyford Track DAY 5: Hokuri Hut to Martins Bay Hut
Walk 4 - 5 hours / 13.5 km ( 8.1 m)

Along the shore of Lake McKerrow past the bay where Jamestown once stood to the mouth of the Hollyford River and the Tasman Sea. You made it!

DAY 6: Martins Bay to Hokuri Hut
Walk 4 - 5 hours / 13.5 km ( 8.1 m)

Yes we are going back! Or maybe you want to jetboat that demony bit and save a day?

DAY 7: Hokuri to Demon Trail Hut
Walk 5 - 6 hours / 9.6 km ( 5.8 m)

DAY 8: Demon Trail Hut to Lake Alabaster
Walk 4 - 5 hours / 14.7 km ( 8.8 m)

DAY 9: Lake Alabaster Hut to Road End
Walk 5-7 hrs / 19.5km (11.8m)

Please note that on the brochure we have allowed 7 nights ( 8 days) , which can be done but is only recommended for the very fit. We will honour the price for this itinerary of 8 nights which means that you get one night free!

Accommodation
Accommodation in Te Anau ranges from camping grounds to backpackers to Hotels. You can also camp at Gunns Camp near the end of the road.

Accommodation on the trail is in public DOC huts. Bunk beds are generally available in the hut (first in first served so you may need a tent in busy times) no power, toilets are outside and no cooking facilities. The huts are typically 12 bunks.

Departure Dates
The track is open all year. Care must be taken at all times.

Getting There
The track starts at the end of the Lower Hollyford Road on the road from Te Anau to Milford Sound. Public transport options are available.

Fitness Level
A high level of fitness is required. To enjoy your walk you need to be able to walk for 4– 8 hours over 10– 15 km ( 7 - 11 miles ) each day. The track is a mixture of natural bush and valley walking with the odd rough, slippery, rocky sections and if it has been raining a couple of good creeks to cross. You do need carry your own pack from hut to hut which is likely to be 8 to 14 kg.

Prices
Your Freedom Walk package includes 8 nights accommodation at Public DoC Huts.

The price per person is NZ$95 including GST. We do not recommend the track for children under 10. Prices are valid to 1 November 2009.

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