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Northern Portion

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Tour Details

Start

7:00 am, Heritage Hotel foyer, 35 Hobson Street, Central Auckland

Finish

Wellington, 5:00pm (approx.)

DEPARTURE DATES

3 January, 2023
16 March, 2023
9 November, 2023
7 December, 2023
2, 18 January, 2024
1, 15 February, 2024
14 March, 2024

Prices

Period 1 May 2022 - 30 Apr 2023
Adult NZD $3,850.00
Single Supplement NZD $500.00

Period 1 May 2023 - 30 Apr 2024
Adult NZD $3,990.00
Single Supplement NZD $650.00

Days

5 days

Fitness grade

Grade: B
(no outdoor experience required just reasonable fitness)
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Transport

The average driving time per day varies; we have some days where we hardly drive at all. On a typical day we might be in the vehicle for 2-3 hours. But some days we will drive for longer. The driving time is a chance to rest and enjoy the fantastic scenery that is forever changing. We travel in a luxury minibus towing a custom-built trailer with food, equipment and your luggage.  We carry a library box with some natural history reference books for you to peruse too. There will be a range of roads - sealed and unsealed. The guides are easily convinced to stop the vehicle if there is a great photo opportunity, vineyard or notable ice cream shop!

Additional Costs

All activities outlined in the itinerary are included in the trip price. One lunch is not included (Day 5).

Grading & Fitness

Grade: B*
Up to 4-5 hours of physical activity per day
At times carrying a backpack of 4-5kgs (8-10 lbs)*
Tracks generally in good condition
Altitude gains of up to 600m (2000ft) on harder days
No hiking experience necessary

*The full (optional) Tongariro Alpine Crossing on day 4 takes 6-8 hours and has an altitude gain of 750m.

Accommodation

The Northern Portion uses a range of well-appointed hotels and quality lodges chosen for their wonderful locations. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms. Some lodges have units with two bedrooms per unit. Rooms are twin share or doubles. If you are travelling on your own you will be given a twin share room with a fellow traveller of the same gender. Single supplements are available on this tour.
The Northern Portion has been created for those that appreciate a high standard of accommodation after a good day of hiking. Accommodation is subject to availability, and an equivalent style of the property could be used if the advertised property is no longer available.

What to Take

New Zealand’s weather is very changeable and cold weather can be experienced at any time of year, especially in the mountains. We recommend wearing lightweight and breathable fabrics while hiking. Merino or polypropylene underwear is great in cold weather and will still keep you warm when it gets wet, unlike cotton. Jeans are not suitable for hiking.

Essential Items:

  • hiking boots or shoes
  • day pack
  • waterproof raincoat (gore-tex or similar)
  • warm fleece/wool jersey (not cotton)
  • shorts or lightweight hiking trousers (preferably quick-dry)
  • polypro/thermals – top & bottom
  • long sleeve shirt (for sun protection)
  • 4 pairs of socks 
  • warm hat
  • sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
  • drink bottle (1 litre)
  • spare shoes or sandals
  • insect repellent
  • short-sleeved short (quick-dry, polypropylene or wool)
  • casual clothing for travel and evenings
  • gloves/mittens
  • togs (swimming costume)


Recommended items:
walking poles, camera, rain trousers.

We supply:
first aid kit, drinking water, safety equipment, walking poles and maps.

Luggage:
For the flight between Wellington and Nelson (New Zealand Uncut only), the checked luggage allowance is 23kgs per person, with a carry-on luggage allowance of 7kg.


Food

Almost all of the meals are included on this tour, but when staying in the cities we let you do your own thing and try some of the excellent local restaurants (see “Additional Costs” section). Breakfast is usually (but not always) continental-style in the lodges and hotels. There are plenty of opportunities to graze the local cafes if you would prefer to explore in the morning. The lunches we prepare ourselves are often ‘on the run’ in picnic areas or on trails. Our guides usually set out lunch food for you and you simply help yourself. We provide healthy and wholesome food and include a lot of fresh produce. It is part of our philosophy to get everyone involved so there is a pretty good chance you may find yourself wielding a sharp knife or pushing the tea trolley around at lunchtime. Our customised trailers have a fold down table and cooking area that is perfect for preparing picnics at all those secret places we will take you. Included dinners are frequently in lodge restaurants (either set menu or a la carte), or in a restaurant in the town but occasionally somewhere out of the ordinary!

Guides & Safety

An excellent guide can make the difference between a trip of a lifetime and just an ordinary trip. That is why we work hard to make sure we hire the best guides. Our handpicked professionals come from a range of backgrounds. Each has extensive outdoor and hiking experience and a passion for New Zealand’s wild and beautiful backcountry. Our guides will ensure that your time with us is truly inspiring, a huge amount of fun and safe. All guides are trained in Mountain Safety First Aid.

Please be gentle with your guide - good guides are hard to find! 

Malcolm ONeill

Malcolm ONeill

Inky Fitting

Inky Fitting

Marios Gavalas

Marios Gavalas

Kath Watzig

Kath Watzig

Justin Cowen

Justin Cowen

Linda Pugh

Linda Pugh

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it matter if I am travelling alone?
Most of the people on our tours are travelling alone. The tours are strong on group activities and participation which effortlessly results in everyone getting to each other pretty well and pretty quickly - some becoming lifelong friends after travelling on our trips.
What can I do with my extra gear during my trip?
You can store it at your accommodation if you plan on returning to the area. Or, you can travel with it on tour. We allow a maximum space of 120 litres per person (1 large suit case plus a daypack).
I have dietary requirements, is that a problem?
Not at all. We often have a variety of dietary requirements and as long as you let us know at the time of booking we should be able to cater for this.
What is the weather going to be like?
New Zealand experiences very changeable weather - especially in the remote mountainous regions where we spend most of our time. Some days we can be broiling in 30 degrees and then the next day we could be freezing in a cool southerly from the sub Antarctic. It is best to be prepared for the worst conditions we are likely to expect - see the 'What To Take' section. We may get some rain on the trip so a good waterproof raincoat is important.
Will I be fit enough?
We generally walk between 2 and 4 hours a day, except for the Tongariro crossing hike (North Island) which is 6-8 hours and 23kms. However, there are some great shorter walk alternatives on this day if you feel this is too much for you.
Who is in my group?
A small group (maximum 12 people), with a range of ages, nationalities and work backgrounds. We have hosted guests from 17 to 72. On average, half are women and half are men. Everyone shares an enthusiasm for outdoor adventure and an appreciation of nature.
How far in advance do I need to book?
The sooner the better for tours departing in the peak season (November to April). We get many advance bookings so it is important to book early to avoid disappointment.
What if I can't keep up with the rest of the group?
We hike together as a group, stopping often for snacks and a good lunch. Some activities are optional if you feel like having some time out.
Can I charge my electronics while on tour?
Can I charge my camera/phone/laptop, etc. while on tour?
Yes. Most places we stay have electricity so you will be able to recharge batteries. If you have a vehicle adapter, bring it along as there may be an opportunity to charge items while we are driving.
Can I do laundry on tour?
Yes, most places we stay have laundry facilities. We recommend bringing items that are quick drying and plenty of spare pairs of socks and underwear.

Booking Conditions

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, four 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 four months of the departure, full payment is required.

Cancellations:

95 days or more prior to departure – 80% refund of the deposit paid OR your full deposit is transferable to a future trip booked directly with Hiking New Zealand
94 to 21 days prior to departure – 80% refund of the full ticket price 
20 to 11 days prior to departure – 50% refund of the full ticket price 
10 days or less prior to departure – NO REFUND.

 

 

Covid-19 Booking Assurance 

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that you have comprehensive travel insurance. We ask you to fill out a disclaimer before you begin a Hiking Tour. You must follow the instructions of your guide at all times.

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