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South Island Adventure

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Tour Details

Start

Start: Heartland Hotel Cotswold in Christchurch at 10:30am or Christchurch airport 11:00am

Finish

Finish: Christchurch 3:00pm

DEPARTURE DATES

19 September, 2022
3, 10, 17, 24, 31 October, 2022
7, 14, 21, 28 November, 2022
5, 12, 19, 26 December, 2022
2, 9, 16, 23, 30 January, 2023
6, 13, 20, 27 February, 2023
6, 13, 20 March, 2023
3 April, 2023

Prices

Period 1st Jun 20 - 31st May 23
Adult NZD $11,099.00
Single Supplement NZD $3,149.00
Adult, Option 2 - Hiking (Nelson Lakes Experience) additional cost NZD $1,749.00

Days

14 days

Fitness grade

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

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.

Additional Costs

 

  • activities in Queenstown
  • meals in Queenstown
  • heli-hike at Franz Josef glacier (from NZ$604)

 

Price includes: guides (2 per group of 14 clients), transport, accommodation, sea kayaking in Okarito and Milford Sound, all meals except in Queenstown.

Grading & Fitness

Grade: C
Up to 6 hrs of physical activity per day.
At times carrying a backpack of 5-6kgs.
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 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.

Accommodation

The bed & breakfasts, farmstays, lodges, motels, and the occasional mountain hut you will stay at have been carefully chosen because of their location and local flavour. Many clients have said that one of the highlights of their trip was meeting and getting to know the Kiwis who were their hosts around New Zealand. Somewhere comfortable to relax after the day's activities is important. You won't have to camp, although gear can be provided if you'd like to sleep under the stars. At times, alternative accommodation to the itinerary may be used.

What to Take

Essential Items:

  • large backpack (if you are doing the Nelson Lakes hiking option). For hire NZ$80.50
  • sleeping bag (if you are doing the Nelson Lakes hiking option). For hire NZ$80.50
  • day pack used for day trips
  • hiking boots with ankle support (comfortable and worn in)
  • trail runners/running shoes
  • water sandals for river crossings
  • waterproof jacket and trousers
  • wool sweater/fleece: 1-2 medium-weight tops (not cotton)
  • fleece/down jacket
  • shirts/T-shirts 5-7 some cotton some quick dry
  • long-sleeve shirts, 2-3 some cotton some quick dry
  • lightweight trousers: 2-3 pairs
  • shorts, 3-4 pairs, some cotton, some quick dry
  • sun hat and sunglasses
  • 5-7 pairs socks, some walking some casual
  • underwear
  • thermal underwear (polypropylene or similar, not cotton)
  • pajamas/nightwear
  • travel towel
  • swimsuit
  • warm hat and warm gloves
  • water bottle or camel pack
  • torch/flashlight/headlamp
  • camera
  • toiletries
  • personal first aid kit
  • sunblock
  • insect repellent


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:

  • hiking poles. For hire NZ$63.25 for a pair
  • hiking gaiters to fit over your boots
  • cycling gear if you are doing lots of cycling
  • ear plugs
  • alarm clock
  • casual clothes
  • binoculars

Food

Almost all meals are included on the South Island Adventure. A wide variety of cuisine is used - sometimes you will dine out, and sometimes dine in. Breakfasts when there is an early start will generally consist 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.

You will enjoy the skills of your second guides, whose primary responsibility when they are not guiding is cooking up great meals. Their cooking skills will astound you, as you enjoy a traditional kiwi roast dinner at the shearer's quarters, or french toast and sugared bananas at Punakaiki, or one of a score of awesome meals on the road! When the group eats out, there is no budget or restrictions on what to order. You may find the meals are a real highlight of your trip!

Guides and Safety

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.

What will the weather be like?
Generally, you can expect the daytime temperatures to be in the mid-60s Fahrenheit and above in the off season and mid-70s and above in the middle of summer. It can get very hot at times and it can rain at any time of year. So long as you bring the gear recommended, you'll have lots of fun - whatever the weather!
How many people are there on each trip?
A maximum of 14 passengers are on each trip and all trips have at least two staff to look after you. Many people have commented that the social scene was one of the highlights of their trip.
How much luggage can I bring?
There are no particular restrictions on how much luggage you may bring. Space is limited though, so it is requested that you not to bring too much stuff. In general, it is recommended trying to bring one large piece of luggage, and a day pack as a carry on/day bag. There are several places to do laundry while on the road, so you don't need to bring clothes for more than 3 or 4 days.
I need to bring extra luggage with me to New Zealand. Where can I store my extra gear?
It is also possible to bring extra gear along on your trip and leave it in the back of the luggage compartment of your trip's vehicle. If you have excessive luggage, request storage at your pre-tour accommodation.
Will I be able to do laundry during my trip?
You will have access to laundry facilities most days. You will not need to bring laundry soap.
Do I have to carry everything I bring during the backpacking trip in Nelson Lakes National Park?
No, you don't have to carry everything you bring to New Zealand with you while you are backpacking in Nelson Lakes National Park. You will need to carry your sleeping bag, rain gear, clothing for 3 days/2 nights, some water, your toiletries and a portion of the food. The rest of your gear is left behind and stored for you.
How big of a pack do I need for the backpacking trip in Nelson Lakes National Park?
You'll need a pack big enough to carry your sleeping bag, rain gear, clothing for 3 days/2 nights, some water, your toiletries and a portion of the food. A daypack is not big enough but you don't need a full trekking pack either. Many people find a weekend pack works well for them.

Do I really need everything on the gear list?
Yes, you really do need all of the required items on the gear list. You will stay warm and happy, especially if it's cold and rainy. And it can be cold and rainy at any time of year, although you are most likely to have good weather for most of your trip. Your guide will do a gear check before heading into the mountains, and if you don't have any of the required clothing items, the guide will try to lend you it. If there is no extra clothing for you to borrow, you will be asked to buy it.
Do I need hiking boots or are hiking sneakers okay?
You will need proper hiking boots with full ankle support and a stiff sole with high profile tread. You will be taken places where you will be hiking over a variety of terrain, including uneven surfaces, slippery rocks, and tree roots.
I would like to fly out of Christchurch on the last day of the trip? What time will we be back in Christchurch?
The trip arrives back in Christchurch mid-afternoon so we recommend booking flights with a departure time after 4pm. You can be dropped at Christchurch airport for flights after this time, or can be dropped in the central city about 3pm.

Booking Conditions

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. 

$500 of the deposit is non-refundable, applicable to the currency of the country in which you normally reside eg: USD $500, CAD $500, AUD $500, NZD $500, GBP £500, EUR €500, but it can be transferred to any other departure date or trip in the future providing 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) 

Travel Insurance

We suggest clients take out a comprehensive travel insurance.

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