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