Hollyford Track

he first Europeans to reach the bay via an inland route was Patrick Caples from Hollyford County Tipperary Ireland in 1863, although early runholders David McKellar and George Gunn had mapped some of the valley two years previously.

In the early days of European settlement, there was much enthusiasm for a commercial port at Martins Bay, led by the Otago Provincial Council.

After World War II the idea of a road linking Haast to Hollyford was reignited to allow access and used prison and unemployed labor to progress the work.

In 1960, the valley became part of Fiordland National Park and Davy Gunn's original tracks have since been upgraded and tramping huts established.

The guided option combines hiking, jetboating and helicopter flights in a three-day journey from the mountains to the sea.

Walkers are advised to be aware that the 2–3 day section from the Pyke River to Martins Bay alongside Lake McKerrow is well known as the 'Demon Trail'.

[3] Forest and Bird, New Zealand's largest conservation organisation, called it the "biological equivalent of smashing the Mona Lisa".