Ngāi Tahu Tourism’s three-day wilderness experience on the Hollyford Track in Fiordland is on track to be reopened in January.

The guided experience, run by Guided Walks New Zealand, was closed early in February due to unprecedented heavy rain and flooding that damaged the two private lodges on the track. It was then one of Ngāi Tahu Tourism businesses that were paused due to the significant impacts of COVID-19.

Ngāi Tahu Holdings chief executive Mike Pohio said he was delighted that extensive lodge repair work, which was delayed by the lockdown, and domestic travel demand meant that manuhiri could soon enjoy the spectacular Hollyford Valley once again.

“Pyke and Martins Bay Lodges are both undergoing a full refurbishment and will be ready to host manuhiri again from 2 January to 28 March," he said.

“We are delighted that there is also growing demand from New Zealanders being able to and wanting to explore Aotearoa.”

Mr Pohio said restarting the experience would mean up to 10 additional kaimahi could be employed until the end of the season.

Hollyford Track spokesperson Adam Dooney said spaces were already filling up due to the previous season – which was the business’ 50th season – being cut short by the flooding.

“The Hollyford Track experience has always been popular with Kiwis who are keen to get out into our stunning, rugged wilderness, but still have the comforts of hot showers and three course dinners at the end of the day," he said.

“We are seeing Kiwis maximising the opportunity to tick off some adventures in their own backyard – and we’re thrilled we can now add the Hollyford Track to this list.”

The three-day guided walk includes a jet boat ride along the Ōkare/Whakatipu-ka-tuku (Hollyford River) and a scenic helicopter flight into Piopiotahi (Milford Sound).

Four other Ngāi Tahu Tourism businesses have been realigned to cater for the domestic market while the country’s borders remain shut – Hukafalls Jet in Taupō reopened in late May, while Queenstown’s Shotover Jet reopens on 3 July, and Franz Josef Glacier heli hikes resume on 4 July. Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters in Queenstown has remained open.

Ngāi Tahu Holdings continues to assess conditions for its remaining Tourism businesses that are temporarily closed.