You will travel in a 10 or 12 seat minibus towing a trailer with camp equipment and your luggage. All vehicles have a public address system, and a stereo with a variety of music. It is also equipped with a range of natural history reference books. The average driving time per day is around 2-3 hours and there will be a range of roads - sealed and unsealed. The guide will often stop the vehicle for you to take photos. On some of the nights you will be camping by the vehicle.
Optional activities: Sea Kayaking NZ$115* or half day NZ$90* (minimum of 2 people)
Optional activities are paid for during the trip.
*Prices correct at time of publishing.
Grade: B
Average of 4-5 hrs physical activity per day; up to 6 hours.
At times carrying small backpack of 4-5kgs.
Tracks generally in good condition.
Altitude gains of up to 600m on harder days.
No hiking experience necessary.
Reasonable standard of fitness required
Some energetic sections and climbs, but includes lots of time for relaxation and other activities.
Camping - You will camp in a range of campsites; on the Far North you will camp near the vehicle in Department of Conservation campsites or private campsites (single tent available on request). If the weather is not great for camping, eg very wet, stormy or cold conditions, your guide will seek out alternative accommodation, eg lodge, cabin or crib.
New Zealand's weather is very changeable so you need to be prepared for any eventuality. Thankfully, it's warmer up north so thermal underwear and warm hats become an option rather than a necessity. However, you still need to take the essential items listed below.
Watch the video of our Kiwi-Style Hiking packing list.
Essential Items:
Optional items (but highly recommended):
Walking poles, camera, rain trousers, flashlight/headlamp
We supply:
First aid kit, drinking water, safety equipment and maps.
Luggage:
There is an allowance of one large pack, bag or suitcase plus one day pack.
Equipment Hire:
We have high quality hiking equipment which you can hire for our Hiking Tours. Please arrange hire gear when you book. Requests for a hire equipment must be made at least 5 days before the departure date.
Prices and itineraries are subject to change.
Hiking New Zealand reserves the right to alter or amend any tour should the weather or any other situation require this. Hiking New Zealand finalises all tour logistics upon the express condition that they will not be liable for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be brought about either by reason of weather, or defect in vehicle, vessel or aircraft or through the acts or lack of action of any company or persons engaged in transporting or guiding passengers, or arranging the tour.
Hiking New Zealand Ltd is not liable for any cost or loss, directly or indirectly, from any personal disruption due to COVID-19. Such costs or losses include, but are not limited to: requirements to follow COVID-19 mandates, flights, accommodation, transfers, and other expenses incurred over and above the tour price. Once your tour has commenced there is no refund available for any portion due to any circumstances. Any decision regarding exceptions to this policy are at the discretion of Hiking New Zealand Ltd or the Operator of the trip if it is not Hiking New Zealand Ltd.
Payment:
For bookings made four or more months prior to the departure date, a 25% deposit is required, with the remainder due 95 days before your trip. For bookings made within four months of the departure date, full payment is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations:
The tour price is all-inclusive. There will be no partial refunds or credits for unused services within a tour. Any unpaid, forfeited amount may be pursued as a debt.
We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance. You will be asked to fill out a disclaimer before you begin a Hiking Safari. You must follow the instructions of your guide at all times. World Nomads Travel Insurance provides online quotes.
