New Zealand Ultimate Hiking Adventure test

Things to know

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • 24 days of hiking and other activities outlined in the itinerary
    • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
    • Accommodation in huts, lodges, cabins, hotels, and camps (depending on the night)
    • Daily transportation during the adventure
    • Plane ticket from Wellington to Nelson
    • Therm-a-rest sleeping mat
    • Tents
    • Cooking equipment, plates/cutlery
    • First aid kit, safety equipment and maps

  Meals: The entire group prepares the meals with food provided by the guide. The guides will be in charge of coordinating the different group tasks among all the travelers. In case of special dietary needs, please contact us and we can make arrangements.

  What’s not included:

  • • Transportation to and from New Zealand
    • Restaurant meals (the plan is to eat out during some evenings and during the stay in Wellington)
• How fit do I need to be?

  For this adventure, you need to be reasonably fit and have basic mountain biking skills. Prior hiking experience is generally required for this tour, but multi-day hiking experience is not necessary. Your average day will involve 4-5 hours of physical activity, with the number of hours decreasing on more laid-back days and increasing to up to 8-9 hours on more challenging days. Altitude gain won’t be greater than 800 meters (2600 ft) while the maximum distance covered on any day is 15 kilometers (9 miles). Hikes will involve managing uneven terrain and crossing rivers while carrying a pack weighing up to 12 kilograms (26 pounds) on some days. The group will take breaks on a regular basis to get some rest and eat lunch and snacks.

• What do I need to bring?

  Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

  • • Hiking boots or good hiking shoes
    • Backpack (at least 60 liters capacity)
    • Backpack liner (plastic bag)
    • 3-Seasons sleeping bag
    • Waterproof raincoat (Gore-Tex or similar)
    • Warm fleece/wool jersey x2 (not cotton)
    • Shorts for hiking (preferably quick-dry)
    • Short-sleeved shirt x2 (quick-dry, polypropylene)
    • Polypro/thermal underwear (top & bottom)
    • Socks
    • Warm hat
    • Sunscreen and sunglasses
    • Water bottle (1L)
    • Spare lightweight shoes or sandals
    • Flashlight/head lamp
    • Insect repellent (sandflies like foreign blood)
    • Casual clothing for travel and evening
    • Gloves/mittens
    • Small daypack
    • Swimsuit
    • Towel (lightweight towels are great)
    • Personal toiletries, medication and first aid
    • Camera—optional (but recommended)

  Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

  For the flight between Wellington and Nelson, the checked luggage allowance is 23 kg (50 lbs) per person, with a carry-on luggage allowance of 7 kg (15 lbs).

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • For this adventure, the usual client to guide ratio is 11:1.
    • The cost per person doesn’t decrease as the group grows.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

  If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Cancellation policy

  Day Trips Cancellations
  Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
  Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
  Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.