Exploring Lower Hollyford Road
Lower Hollyford Road, a 16-kilometre metalled route in the Hollyford Valley in Fiordland, begins at Marian Corner. This is where the Milford Sound Highway (State Highway 94) intersects with the Hollyford River / Whakatipu Kā Tuka. The road is not only a scenic drive but also a gateway to the Hollyford Track, offering access to a range of outdoor adventures and historical sites.
Historical Significance
The Hollyford Valley was historically part of a Māori trail network, crucial for accessing West Coast pounamu and other resources. In the 1870s, plans emerged to construct a road linking Hollyford with Haast and Te Anau. Although the road from Te Anau to Milford Sound was completed in the 1930s, extending the Hollyford Road further was halted due to financial and environmental concerns within the remote terrain of Fiordland.
Activities Along the Road
Despite its modest length, Lower Hollyford Road is rich with exploration opportunities. Starting at Marian Corner, once home to the 1930s Marian Camp for road builders, you can quickly reach the Lake Marian Track parking area. This track offers a rewarding hike, taking up to four hours to reach Lake Marian and return, or a brief 20-minute walk to view the impressive Marian Creek Waterfalls.
As you continue, you'll encounter the site of Gunns Camp, a historic road camp that functioned as a Holiday Park, shop, and museum until a storm-induced slip in 2020 led to its closure. While the camp is no longer operational, you can still explore the area, noting the historic explosives safe and photo wall, with the slip debris serving as a reminder of the storm's impact.
The road is mostly surrounded by dense forest, but there are clearings where you can admire the Hollyford River's rapids. Near the swingbridge at the start of the Moraine Creek Track, the river cascades over large boulders, offering a picturesque view.
Further along, you'll find the car park for a short walk to the 275-metre-high Humboldt Falls. This spot also marks the beginning of the multi-day Hollyford Track to Martins Bay on the West Coast. For a shorter adventure, consider the two-hour walk to Hidden Falls. Additionally, two tracks lead up to the Routeburn: Pass Creek, which climbs over 500 metres to connect near Key Summit, and the steep Deadmans Route, a 900-metre ascent towards Harris Saddle.
How to get to Lower Hollyford Road
To access Lower Hollyford Road, drive along the Milford Sound Highway (State Highway 94) from Te Anau until you reach Marian Corner, where the road begins.
Nearby, from the Divide, you can embark on a half-day walk on the Routeburn to Key Summit, visit Pops View and Christie Falls, and continue on to the Homer Tunnel and Milford Sound.
