Martins Bay

Overview

Martins Bay is Fiordland at its rawest—where the Hollyford River finally hits the Tasman Sea. You get big surf, sweeping beaches, coastal lagoons, and rainforest right to the waterline. It’s remote and feels it: this is the end of the renowned Hollyford Track, not a drive-up beach.

What makes it special

Few places in the park combine river, forest, and ocean like this. The long spit, the drama of the open coast, and the sense of isolation set it apart from Fiordland’s fiords. Long Reef looms just along the coast, a standout landmark with rock “sentinels” and a seal colony nearby.

Wildlife

New Zealand fur seals commonly haul out on rocks near Long Reef, and Fiordland crested penguins (tawaki) are sometimes seen along the coast—especially during their breeding season. Forest edges add native birdlife like tui, kereru, and fantails. Bring binoculars and keep distance from wildlife.

Getting there & services

Most walkers arrive on foot via the Hollyford Track (4–8 days, depending on route). Guided options may use jet boats or helicopters to link sections. For overnights, there’s the public Martins Bay Hut (ticketed via DOC) and a separate private lodge for guided walkers—comforts there, but no public restaurant or store. There’s no road, no parking, and no casual services.

A note on history

Plans for a coastal township called Jamestown fizzled in the 19th century—the isolation and harsh conditions won. You’ll still hear the story out here, adding a human layer to a very wild coastline.

Best time to visit

• Light: Early and late day bring softer light and moodier seas for photography.
• Tides: Time beach sections and creek crossings for lower tides; high tide can complicate travel.
• Crowds: Even in busier tramping periods, Martins Bay sees far fewer people than marquee tracks—solitude is part of the appeal.

Know before you go

Weather flips fast: rain, wind, even hail are all on the table. Come self-sufficient with full wet-weather gear, warm layers, and enough food. Expect rough, muddy track sections and plan for flooding or unbridged crossings. Sandflies can be persistent along the coast—repellent helps.