Hollyford Track Announces Scenic Helicopter Flight Addition For 2012/2013

Hollyford Track Guided Walks, one of New Zealand’s premier guided walks, is adding the ‘wow’ factor to its walks with the inclusion of a new scenic helicopter flight from the start of the 2012 summer season.

The tourism leader, owned and operated by Ngâi Tahu Tourism, will include the flight with each three-day guided walk.

The scenic flight from remote Martin’s Bay will come at the end of each guided walk, flying over pristine rivers, dramatic alpine vistas and glacial formations, thundering waterfalls, wild coastline and down the length of majestic Milford Sound, landing at Milford Airport. 

The new service will be offered through Fiordland scenic flight specialists Milford Helicopters, whose experienced and knowledgeable pilots have been flying in the area all their lives, and know everything there is to know about prevailing weather conditions and the region’s rugged terrain.

“A three-day walk on the Hollyford Track prides itself on delivering a personalised experience with the highest level of interpretation, using guides who are natural leaders and story tellers,” said Hollyford Track General Manager Mick Holzmann.

“We also offer outstanding food and extremely comfortable accommodation, so the helicopter flight will be a special end to a very special trip.

A maximum of four to six passengers will be carried on each helicopter, each of which is modern and comfortable, with larger windows for maximum scenic viewing.

“On a clear day, passengers will enjoy simply stunning views of the rugged Fiordland landscape and get a birds-eye view of Milford Sound from a very unique perspective,” said Mr Holzmann.

“It only adds to the overall diversity of the trip which already features a wilderness jet boat ride, soaring mountains, dense Fiordland forest, thunderous surf, wildlife, flora and fauna and an insight into the history and Maori traditions of the area.”

He said the new helicopter service was the latest improvement to the Hollyford Track Guided Walk experience, which constantly strove to improve its product and meet the needs of discerning travellers.

Last year the company also launched the Hollyford Track / Milford Sound Premier One Day Guided Heli-Hike Adventure, delivering the very best Fiordland has to offer in just one day.

Mr Holzmann said the trip had proved to be a “huge success” with visitors who were short on time but keen to experience it all.

“It includes a fantastic scenic flight over the Southern Alps, Hollyford Valley and Milford Sound, the opportunity to walk a section of the famous Hollyford Track, jet boating on the Hollyford River, plus a glacier landing, morning tea and gourmet lunch,” he said.

Further information on the walk is available at www.hollyfordtrack.co.nz