2, 30 October, 2023
13, 27 November, 2023
4, 18, 25 December, 2023
1, 8, 15, 22, 29 January, 2024
5, 12, 19, 26 February, 2024
4, 11, 18 March, 2024
1, 15, 29 April, 2024
6, 20 May, 2024
29 July, 2024
9, 30 September, 2024
14, 28 October, 2024
11, 25 November, 2024
2, 9, 16, 23, 30 December, 2024
6, 13, 20, 27 January, 2025
3, 10, 17, 24 February, 2025
3, 10, 17, 31 March, 2025
14, 28 April, 2025
5, 19 May, 2025
Period 1 Jul 2023
- 30 Jun 2024
Adult NZD $7,473.85
Single supplement NZD $1,838.85
New Zealand is a small country - about 1000 miles from top to bottom, and only about 150 miles wide. This trip focuses on spending as little time as possible sitting in vehicles so that you can spend your time on outdoors-oriented adventure. The average driving time over the period of this trip is just over two hours a day, and as much time as possible is spent in the outdoors. Modern, comfortable minibuses are used. Make no mistake - this trip is not a typical bus tour! Vehicles are fitted with good stereo systems, and you will hear plenty of New Zealand music.
Grade: B
Average of 4-5 hrs physical activity per day.
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.
You don't have to have any outdoor experience to take this trip and you don't need to be a serious cyclist to enjoy the rides available. There are plenty of active options, but if you'd rather fish or just laze around one day, your guide can make this happen for you. You don't need to be young or really fit - but this trip has a lot of action at a reasonable pace, and is not designed for couch potatoes. Every one of the days on the trip will be unforgettable. Some physical preparation is recommended: brisk walking, jogging or cycling a couple of times a week during the month or so before you arrive to enable you to make the most of your trip.
Both of the places you'll be staying on the North Island Adventure are comfortable waterside lodges with modern facilities. Rooming is based on twin-share, although single rooms are available upon request. For the standard price of this tour you will get a shared room which means that if you don't have a travel partner you will be matched up with another person of the same gender to share a room. If there is no roommate for you, you will not be charged a single supplement.
If you are travelling on your own, and you would prefer not to twin-share, you can request your own private room, dependent on space availability. For this you will need to pay a single room supplement. Many of the rooms have ensuite facilities however there is also a good chance you will be asked to share a bathroom with others. At times, alternative accommodation to the itinerary may be used.
Essential Items:
This clothing will keep you warm and comfortable during outdoor activities - cotton clothing is not suitable. You will also need other clothing and shoes for between activities, i.e. evenings, travel.
Recommended items:
Meals are provided as indicated in italics at the bottom of each day's itinerary above. On days where you start early, breakfast consists of cereal, yoghurt, fruit, toast, coffee and juice. When there is more time, your guide will make pancakes and full cooked breakfasts. Lunches are usually picnic style - sandwiches, salad and fruit, or maybe a barbecue - in some beautiful spot. Dinners are usually two- or three-course meals, covering a range of styles. Vegetarians and people with particular dietary needs or preferences are easily catered for.
Experienced Kiwi guides are used who are well-versed in the local culture, flora and fauna, and history. They are trained in Outdoor First Aid. You will have two guides on this trip to take good care of you - a Lead Guide who is in charge of your trip and does the driving and a Second Guide to assist the Lead Guide and make sure you're well fed.
Payment:
You can pay in NZ dollars by credit card, or by direct transfer into our NZ dollar account.
Deposits:
For bookings, 4 or more months in advance of the departure a 25% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 95 days prior to your trip. For bookings within 4 months of the departure, full payment is required.
NZ$500 of the deposit is non-refundable, but it can be transferred to any other departure date or trip in the future provided you request a transfer at least 90 days before your trip departure. Within 90 days of departure, this $500 portion of the deposit will be forfeited.
Cancellations:
In the event that it becomes necessary for you to cancel the trip, the following cancellation charges will apply:
More than 90 days prior to departure: full refund less the $500 transferable deposit
Cancellations within 90 days of departure: cancellation fee is 100% of full ticket price (no refund)
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.