The Hollyford: Out and Back to AlabasterBeginner - Intermediate
Submitted by Sierra Alef-Defoe
Back country - remote
Out and Back
Undulating, small hills only
Native bushRiversideLakeside
Beginner - Intermediate
6:30 (Slow)
4:00 (Moderate)
3:30 (Fast)
-3.0%
+3.0%
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Description
A trail made for running! This undultating forest track is so well-maintained, it could be a Great Walk. In good weather you won't even get your feet wet.
The trail is mostly forest-covered, roughly following the Hollyford River, passing waterfalls (make a tiny detour to find the Hidden Falls) and views of Mt Madeine & Mt Tutoko.
It's a relatively flat track with a high point of 168m at the cute "Little Homer Saddle." The track passes Hidden Falls Hut, which is a 5-min detour if you need a bathroom break, and terminates at Alabaster Hut, the turn-around point.
Bring sandfly repellant if you want to stop and enjoy Lake Alabaster. The Hollyford track goes on past Alabaster Hut all the way to the coast, but the aptly named "Demon Trail" and Pyke-Big Bay Route are not recommended for running!
Trail Community
Features of interest
Multiple waterfalls including Hidden Falls, views of Mt Madeline & Mt Tutoko, Lake Alabaster, Hollyford River
Make Up of Run
Moderate Single Track: 10%
Easy Single Track: 90%
Route Data
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Access
Hollyford Track trailhead -- end of the Hollyford Road, off Milfod Road.
Plenty of parking available at the trailhead.
103 km
120 minutes
No
No
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Staying Safe
Easy.
The trail is well-maintained and well sign-posted by DOC.
Non-existent.
Windproof jacket, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone.
Lots of streams, plus water tanks at both Hidden Falls and Alabaster huts.
The Hollyford is a gem in that it's possible to do all year. However wouldn't go out in rainy/stormy condition, the streams can flood and the track would become muddy.
There may be a bit of treefall. And if you stop for a while, sandflies!
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Whisky Trail and Routeburn
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South Mavora Lake Trail
Waiau River Loop
Deepest Darkest George
Gobsmacking Gertrude
Henry the Hooligan!
Tour de Milford Haven
Te Anau Foreshore Trail
Hollyford Road - Routeburn Loop via Deadmans and Pass Creek
Luxmore Hut Return
Routeburn: Divide to Conical Hill
Kiwi Burn Circuit
Boyd Creek Tops & Nature Walk
