29 April, 2024
13, 27 May, 2024
10, 24 June, 2024
8, 22 July, 2024
5, 29 August, 2024
2 September, 2024
28 April, 2025
12, 26 May, 2025
9, 23 June, 2025
7, 21 July, 2025
4, 18 August, 2025
1 September, 2025
Period 1 Jul 2023
- 30 Jun 2024
Adult NZD $10,233.85
Single Supplement NZD $2,586.35
Modern, comfortable minibuses are used for smaller groups and purpose built coaches for larger groups. Vehicles are fitted with good stereo systems, and you will hear plenty of New Zealand music. 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. Make no mistake - this trip is not a typical bus tour!
Grade: C
Hiking on tracks. Some uneven terrain.
Carrying backpack of up to 10kg on some hikes.
You must have a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy yourself. You don't have to be young and extremely fit (although if you are, you won't be bored) but you should be in the habit of doing at least some exercise. Age and experience is not important. You don't have to carry a heavy pack. You don't need to have sea kayaking experience. You don't need to be a serious skiier to enjoy the slopes. There are many options available so you don't need to ski at all, if you'd rather hike, fish, or just laze around! It will help if you're energetic and in reasonable shape. The challenges are there though, if you're looking for them.
Interesting and comfortable accommodations have been chosen. Some places are quite luxurious, but many of the other places you will stay are off-the-beaten-track and don't have many accommodation options, but they are really, really spectacular. Rooming is based on twin-share, although single rooms are available upon request. As there's such a variety of accommodations on this trip, some places will have ensuite bathrooms and some will have shared bathrooms, so we may ask you to share a bathroom with other group members on occasion. Because of the nature of some of the accommodations on this trip, changes may be made to a night stop. 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 or optional items:
Almost all meals are included on the Winter 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!
Your experienced guides are highly trained, and will look after you! Guides will manage the level of commitment to suit your experience. The operator holds all relevant government licenses and permits required to operate commercially.
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 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)
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.
We suggest clients take out a comprehensive travel insurance. World Nomads Travel Insurance provides online quotes.