Hiking in the Hollyford Valley, Fiordland, NZ

I last walked the Hollyford Track with Dick and Laurel about 11 years ago.

We freedom walked which means that we carried all our gear and supplies and that we stayed at department of Conservation (DOC) huts.  We took 5 days to tramp from the road end to Martins Bay - along the Hollyford Valley into the Pyke Valley and along the Demon Trail(the most difficult tamping I had ever done) to Martins Bay DOC hut.

This time I am on a guided walk.

I looked at the weather forecast last week and I seized the opportunity to book a hike with the Ngai Tahu Hollyford Track guided walk.

Come, walk along the Hollyford Valley with me...

... and with our group of 15 walkers and two guides.

Something to smile about.

 Mt Madeline.

 Lunch stop beside the Hollyford River.

 Justin, one of our superb guides.
One of the aspects that set this hike apart for me was the occasional explanations along the way. Justin as a walking encyclopedia on on the botany, geology, human history of this region.
So interesting... nice for a breather, too.

Mt Tutoko in the Darran Range, the highest mountain in Fiordland.  2723m

Unexpected delicious hors d'oeuvres. 

A drinks list.

A Tuatara pale ale for me. 

Venison, Kumara and Potato mash, and vegetables  were followed by Lemon Pie.

A wonderful meal prepared by Anna and Sam at Pyke Lodge.

Delicious end to a 19.5km walk.

Definitely a well-earned meal.

Definitely something to smile about.

Definitely a wonderful end to a spectacular walk in the rain forest.

Come walk Queenstown Hill.

After seven months of motorcycle adventures I have decided to go for a walk.
I am about  I head off to hike the Hollyford Track which is described as 'not the usual walk in the park'.

In preparation I have been walking up Queenstown Hill several times a week.
The 'summit' of the Queenstown Hill walk is 900m above sea level.

This is a wonderful hill walk to get fit for hiking in new Zealand.
There is plenty to delight the eye.
I am posting a selection of images from different days.

The sculpted gate and the Basket of Dreams were installed for the millennium.

Come for a walk with me.

White gentians.

Walking in paradise...

Anne and I retrace our route for our last walk that I posted in March 2014.

We head off for a morning walk around Kelvin Heights.

Let's go for a walk.

Spot the new sculptures.

Wandering on Kelvin Peninsula

We are back in our southern paradise. 

Autumn is just beginning.

The days are clear and calm. 

It is a perfect day for a walk with Anne.

Come, walk with us.