16, 30 September, 2024
7, 14, 21 October, 2024
4, 11, 18, 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 March, 2025
14 April, 2025
15, 29 September, 2025
13, 27 October, 2025
10, 17, 24 November, 2025
1, 8, 15, 22, 29 December, 2025
5, 12, 19, 26 January, 2026
2, 9, 16, 23 February, 2026
2, 9, 16, 30 March, 2026
13 April, 2026
Period 1 Jul 2024
- 30 Jun 2025
Adult NZD $13,899.00
Single Supplement NZD $3,500.00
Period 1 Jul 2025
- 30 Jun 2026
Adult NZD $14,599.00
Single Supplement NZD $3,500.00
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, complimentary walking pole hire 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:
Challenging Option Essentials:
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.
Pay in full - non-refundable rates (10% off)
You may choose to pay your full tour price at the time of booking. Non-refundable rate discounts require full payment at the time of booking, and your booking is non-refundable. This discount only applies to bookings that are scheduled to depart no later than 180 days from the date of payment and the 'cancellation and Refund (By You) and Change of Trip or Departure' terms and conditions do not apply, If you change or cancel your trip, no refunds will apply. This discount cannot be combines with any other offers. We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance.
Deposits:
For bookings, 4 or more months in advance of the departure a 25% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 130 days prior to your trip. For bookings within 4 months of the departure, full payment is required.
This deposit is non-transferable and non-refundable. However, provided you cancel your booking 121 days or more prior to your scheduled departure date, your deposit (less any applicable cancellation fee) will be held as a credit for you for up to 24 months.
Cancellations:
121 days or more: 100% of payments already made by you, less your deposit will be refunded. A cancellation fee of 10% of the full booking value will be deducted from your deposit and the balance of your deposit will be held as a credit for you.
120-91 days: 50% of tour price forfeited.
90-0 days: 100% of tour price forfeited.
On booking request, you will be sent the full terms and conditions which you must review and acknowledge that you have reviewed the booking conditions associated with this and understand and accept this agreement.
