Tucked away within Fiordland National Park in southern Queensland, the scenic and inherently diverse Hollyford Track just maybe the most sought after natural encounter in all of New Zealand. Popular among nature lovers as the finest natural environments in the nation, this picturesque, dramatic and engaging encounter with nature takes visitors through eco systems that have been untouched for literally hundreds of decades. Lined with crystalline rivers, lakes and native rainforests as old as time itself the diverse landscapes of the trail also include the snow crusted hills of the towering Southern Alps and the sand dunes, surf and reefs of the rustic West Coast.
The 3 day/ 2 night nature walk through what has been called the most beautiful valley in New Zealand begins with walks tracing the Hollyford River with Fiordland National Parks’ tallest mountains Mt. Madeline and Mt. Tūtoko towering in the distance as visitors enter native beech forests lined with waterfalls. Guests and guides will spend the first night in Pyke Lodge in the shadow of Mt.Madeline. After breakfast visitors can traverse across Fiordland’s lengthiest swing bridge before boarding a jet boat for a picturesque journey along Hollyford River onwards to Lake McKerrow. Bottlenose Dolphins have been frequently spotted along this scenic route whipping past foamy waterways which takes visitors to the next attraction on the trail: the infamous site of Jamestown. This historic point of interest is followed by a walk through scenic forests that are lined with native Kahikatea Rimu and Totara trees. The forest then gives way to a coastal paradise of sorts which belongs to the West Coast landscapes. Highlights here include the native Fur Seal colonies inhabiting Long Reef while guests can also relax on the coast to the sound of crashing waves as the second day ends with the stop-over at Martins Bay Lodge. The morning hours hark in the time to explore the famed Martin’s Bay Spit and Maori historic sites that are unique to this area. Local plant and wildlife are also a highlight here in addition to the sand dunes and desolate beaches that dot the environs.
After lunch, guests board the return flight which affords them stunning views of the rugged coastlines and the monumental Milford Sound which is a vertical granite marvel rising from the ocean bed.
Travellers in search of a luxury Queenstown resort on the banks of the Wakatipu Lake should look no further than the Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront. Just a stone’s throw away from prime entertainment and retail venues, this charming rest is undoubtedly one of the most conveniently located Queenstown ski resorts in the city.
