For those who seek the quietest corners of the world, New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park offers a landscape that feels almost prehistoric. In my latest video, I leave the relative comfort of Lake Alabaster Hut behind to venture onto one of the Hollyford Track’s most notorious sections: The Demon Trail.
Beyond the Swinging Bridge
The journey begins with a crossing of the Pike River via a classic New Zealand swinging bridge. In Fiordland, these bridges aren’t just practical; they are the gateway to the deep wilderness. Once you step off the wire and wood onto the far bank, the character of the Hollyford Track shifts dramatically.
The path becomes more rugged, more intimate, and significantly more demanding.
What is the Demon Trail?
The section between Lake Alabaster and McKerrow Island Hut is affectionately (and sometimes frustratingly) known as the Demon Trail. Unlike the lower valley’s gentle forest paths, this stretch is a constant dance with the elements.
- The Terrain: Expect rocky outcrops, tangled tree roots, and detours around recent storm damage.
- The Crossings: From sturdy swinging bridges to the adrenaline-inducing traditional three-wire bridge, your balance will be tested.
- The Atmosphere: This is a temperate rainforest in its purest form. Towering ferns, moss-draped beech trees, and the constant sound of flowing water create a sensory experience that no narration could ever truly capture.
Finding the Rhythm of the Rainforest
In the video, I’ve chosen to let the environment speak for itself. There is no talking—only the crunch of boots on wet earth, the rush of hidden waterfalls, and the subtle, minimalist music that mirrors the serenity of the valley.
As the canopy opens, you’ll catch glimpses of steep, jagged mountain peaks rising above the mist—a reminder of the scale of the glacial valley we are traversing.
Why Hike the Hollyford?
Unlike many of New Zealand’s “Great Walks,” the Hollyford Track follows a low-elevation glacial valley. This means it avoids the alpine extremes of the nearby Milford or Routeburn tracks, allowing for a lush, green experience year-round. However, the “low elevation” doesn’t mean “easy.” The frequent rain and shifting landscape make it a dynamic, ever-changing environment that rewards those who appreciate the raw, unpolished side of hiking.
Watch the Journey
If you’re looking for a moment of peace or a realistic look at New Zealand’s backcountry, you can watch the full immersive experience below:
Hiking the Demon Trail | Hollyford Track Day 2
If you haven’t seen the first day of my Hollyford Track hike before the Damon trail, you may want to check out
Solo Backpacking New Zealand’s Hollyford Track Day 1
Have you braved the Demon Trail or crossed a three-wire bridge in the New Zealand wilderness? Share your stories in the video comments.