3157 Hollyford to Barn Bay

Week of 10th - 19th December 2024

The Hollyford track is in the Darren Mountains and follows the Hollyford River. We would start at the beginning of the Hollyford track then stay at Lake Alabaster Hut. This will take 7 hours so we will need to start early. The plan would to meet up the day before, where it will depend on who is flying in and who has travelled down by car as to where we stay and if we need a shuttle. The next day after staying at Lake Alabaster Hut, depending on the time the boat leaves, we would either stay at McKerrow Island Hut which is at the shoreline or walk from Lake Alabaster hut to catch the boat, (We will not be walking the demon trail) and possibly go to Martins Bay in the same day. From here either you can continue with us for the second leg of the trip to Barn bay or you have the option of flying out. Worthy of note is McKerrow Island Hut at the shoreline is the site of the abandoned Jamestown.

Then we will continue to Big Bay and on to Gorge river. There is a hut at Gorge river but we will take 2 days to get there so you will need your tents. The same on the way to Barn bay when there will be another overnight in a tent. At Gorge River lives the famous artist (Robert Long) who has bought his family up there. We should be able to meet him and his wife. We will have to cross over the river in a boat that is left at the banks. The track from Big bay to Barn bay is along the coast which is 63km. Note from Gorge river to Barn Bay it is quite rocky so slower going. At the end we need to cross Hope river so will need to keep an eye on the tides and rainfall. But Barn Bay Hut is just on the other side.

I have allowed 10 days for this trip from 10 to 19 December 2024, to make allowances for weather but also if you wish you can stay at Barn Bay longer and have a bit of a holiday. It is right next to an estuary, the ocean and there are lakes further up the beach. We will be helicoptering out from here to Haast. Costing is dependent on numbers, but the flight is well worth it. Below is a picture of Barn Bay Hut and Barn Bay.

You can either stay with us in Haast where we will be continuing on Les’s trip or catch the bus back to Queenstown to fly out.

Leader:	Judith Bogle	Phone:	027 3810283
Grade:	Fit	Email:	This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Transport:	Senior member	tba	Senior non-member
Accommodation:		tba

Click here for online map