Technical information
Specialist activities on tour
We know where to go and who to see. We have a full range of great operators around the country who will take you on your activities such as rafting, biking etc. We choose the best and deliver you to the hands of the specialized experts so that your experience is had in a safe and fun manner.
Accommodated lodging tours
Our tours are not camping tours. New Zealand has a great range of backpacker hostels which have a friendly festive atmosphere as well as have good beds and facilities. A sleeping bag is not needed on our tours and is not allowed in most hostels. Most hostels have sheets provided but in some of them you can get sheets for around 2 dollars.
Food Kitty
We run a kitty system where everyone on tour puts $10 per day in to cover meals on tour. From this fund we buy fresh food daily to economically produce a range of meals as varied as the nationalities on tour. All trekkers participate in a roster for cook duty.
Language
All our tours are conducted in English. We usually have a full range of nationalities on tour and English becomes the group communication language and cements the group sprit.
Ages
Our tours are for people 18 years old upwards so we cover the young to adventurous young at heart. We really see some characters on tour which adds greatly to the experience.
Insurance
All passengers must have travel insurance and must be able to provide evidence of it. A small illness or accident could ruin your trip and much more if you do not have insurance. There are lots of options out there so grab one.
Luggage
We have a limit of 20kg per person on tour. This will be carried in the rear compartment of the vehicle.
Medical
Play it safe. Have a medical and dental checkup before leaving and please advise us of any medical conditions at the time of booking. Please also advise your leader if there is a condition he or she should be aware of.
Changes of Itinetary
We have very carefully selected our itineraries to be able to make the best of your trip. From time to time a change may be needed in the itinerary usually due to climatic conditions with winter snow but it is not common.
NZ Climate. What to bring
New Zealand has a very varied climate and even in summer you will need to pack suitable warm clothing for mountain activities. A good raincoat is always good to pack as well as layers you can put on beneath it. Summer can be hot too so have those shorts and t shirts ready. Good sneakers are the best footwear in general but a pair of hiking boots will most likely be used on tour.
Hotels and transfers
We have great pre and post tour hotels that are well located in the gateway cities. Rooms are based on twin share as most passengers prefer to stay with other group members and economize by teaming up. Single rooms for pre and post tour accommodation are available upon request. Please indicate on the booking form the number of nights you would like before and after the tour. (Up to two nights pre or post tour). Our clients make their own way to and from the hotels and details of this are outlined in our Track Info.
Tour departure and finish
Our tours start at 7.30am in the hotel lobby and generally finish around 5pm on the last day but it can vary due to traffic or other circumstances. We do not recommend arriving on the departure day as there is a high chance you will not make it in time. Also flying out on the day you finish is usually not practical unless you have a very late flight.
Passport and visa
You will need a valid passport to enter New Zealand and many nationalities need a visa which is your responsibility to have. Check out requirements for New Zealand at www.immigration.govt.nz.
