Fiordland escape combines luxury, landscapes and indigenous storytelling

Culture leads the way in this premium three-day travel experience.

Fiordland is known throughout New Zealand and beyond for its spectacular landscapes and world-class hiking, but this only scratches the surface of what this iconic destination has to offer.

Hidden deep within Fiordland National Park, you’ll discover the region’s best-kept
secret – the remote Hollyford Valley. Here, snow-capped mountains and dramatic rock formations rise above pristine lakes, while ancient forests meet rugged shorelines. This is an untouched wilderness that has been shaped over thousands of years – offering a sense of history unlike anywhere else in New Zealand.

Mt Madeline Reflected On Lake Alabaster

Owned and operated by Ngāi Tahu Tourism, the fully guided Hollyford Wilderness Experience is the most authentic way to experience this part of the motu. The all-inclusive, three-night adventure allows visitors to explore Hollyford Valley and its surrounds by foot, jet boat and helicopter, without sacrificing creature comforts. Well-appointed luxury lodges, delicious meals and private transfers are provided, while the Hollyford Track itself is low-altitude and achievable with a reasonable level of fitness.

But what truly sets this package apart is its immersion in local history. The experience has been carefully curated in partnership with the land’s original inhabitants, Ngāti Māhaki – a West Coast hapū of the Ngāi Tahu iwi – to ensure visitors learn about the rich heritage of the land they walk upon.

The Hollyford area, traditionally known by Māori as Whakatipu Waitai, is a place of immense significance to Ngāti Māhaki and Ngāi Tahu more broadly. As an important settlement area between 1650 and the 1800s, the diverse environment provided their ancestors with easy access to food, resources and pounamu (greenstone).

As the Hollyford Wilderness Experience has been shaped by mana whenua, visitors can expect a genuine reflection of Ngāi Tahu culture and values as they traverse the terrain, says Hollyford Conservation trustee and Ngāti Māhaki representative, Kara Edwards.

Homer Falls on day one of the Hollyford Track, Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

“For thousands of years, the footsteps of our people have trodden the very same path,” Edwards says. “Manuhiri (visitors) will hear about our history, heritage and values as it relates specifically to Whakatipu Waitai.”

The walk itself is led by expert local guides, all of whom have been trained and mentored by Ngāti Māhaki to tell the narratives of their people. This authentic storytelling is intrinsic to the Hollyford Wilderness Experience.

“Guests can expect to hear about the stories of our ancestors, their deeds, where they lived, how they lived, what was important to them, what led to them being there. This includes the history of Ngāi Tahu and the battles that ensued to win control of the West Coast,” Edwards adds.

“They will also learn about customary and traditional techniques, food preparation, how they survived, and how they utilised the natural environment to live – because our ancestors lived right there.”

By partnering with Ngāi Tahu Tourism, Ngāti Māhaki are actively guiding how the experience is designed and delivered. Their involvement is deep, and has developed over time.

“We are really involved, which is great; it’s a special [partnership] we’ve developed over many years of engagement. It didn’t just happen overnight. I think it comes from mutual respect and understanding,” Edwards says.

“It’s a business that operates in the heart of our creation stories, right where our ancestors lived, walking on the trail they forged. It’s really important the business reflects those values, and respects and pays homage to our people.”

Hollyford Walk to Ka Tuku

Integrity is meticulously maintained, with former Hollyford Valley guide, Kahurangi Mahuika, mentoring staff throughout the season to ensure standards are kept high. Guides are encouraged to consult the cultural input manual, so they are imparting the correct knowledge.

This close and collaborative relationship between the business and Ngāti Māhaki benefits everyone, Edwards says – but particularly visitors. While many guests may not come to the Hollyford expecting an enlightening cultural experience, the feedback speaks volumes.

“At a heart level, as well as an intellectual level, it really is quite impactful for people, particularly for New Zealanders. It can really change how people look at the world,” she says.

“It ticks boxes for everyone. Our kaimahi (staff) are happier. We’re happier. It helps us keep our culture alive, through sharing and handing down our stories. We have more of our young people coming through as guides, or being involved in the business as interns, so our people have enhanced employment opportunities. Manuhiri are also getting a much more enriching experience, so it’s a no-brainer.”

Whether you’re an international traveller or exploring your own backyard, the Hollyford Wilderness Experience is more than an immersion in one of New Zealand’s best patches of untouched wilderness – it’s an invitation to learn about the enduring connection between people and place.

“I’m not sure where else you can hear those stories in a more authentic way than out on the whenua,” says Edwards.

The Hollyford Wilderness Experience starts at $4395 per person in the off-peak period. Operating from November 2026 to April 2027, bookings are open now.

For more information, visit hollyfordtrack.com

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