Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some of the more common questions that we have experienced since 1992 - but we couldn't resist including some of the sillier questions about tourism in New Zealand in general! For those questions please scroll down the page.
'I have always wanted to try an adventure holiday but...'
But nothing! Set against some of the best scenery New Zealand has to offer these trips are designed for people with little cycling or hiking experience, as well as for those people who have been doing it for years.
'Just what does my price cover?'
On our Cycling and Hiking trips - all your breakfasts, most lunches and approximately half of the evening meals are included. On some days on the Great West Coaster & Southern Cross cycling tours, lunches are at your own care so as to give you a chance to complete the days ride at your own pace.
Also included is the accommodation, activities as indicated, guides and travel - even your bike and helmet (except on the Otago Rail Trail where bike rental is extra). There are some optional activity opportunities on some itineraries such as scenic flights or whale watching that you are responsible for if you so wish.
Our Remarkable Adventures trips are all inclusive except for the evening meals and lunch on the rest days. Evening meals have been excluded to allow you time to explore some of the vast array of offerings Inclusions can vary depending on the tour. For more details, talk with us or review the trip notes.
We EVEN include all local taxes including Goods & Service Tax (GST) in our price!
Your price does not include gratuities. Tipping is not expected in New Zealand but is gratefully received. It is at your discretion whether or not to reward for excellent service.
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'What about food...?'
Don't come if you want to lose weight! Our guides love to show off the variety of New Zealand foods and in the course of your trip you will get plenty of it, our picnics are legendary! We dine at friendly restaurants on many evenings enjoying New Zealand's Pacific Rim cuisine, which combines culinary influences from around the world. On booking we do ask about dietary needs so this is your chance to tell us about your food intake, vegetarians and lactose intolerant diets are easily accommodated. Probably our biggest complaint has been that despite the exercise our clients have still put on weight.
'But I'm fit and want to extend myself?'
Good! Because you will have many opportunities to do just that. Some clients have cycled or hiked for more than six hours a day and loved it! Many of our trips have two guides 'on board', so that cycle sections and hikes can be split between groups of differing levels of experience.
'I'd like to try but what if I can't keep up?'
No problem! On all of our tours the bike sections are carefully selected on good roads, including some great downhills. If you need assistance our accompanying support vehicle takes much of the effort out of your trip - but not all of it. On some cycling tours it is possible to bike from lodging to lodging, this involves more challenging distances and terrain but again the support vehicle is never far away.
Our walking trips undertake either full day hikes or in some instances two half-day walks, which involves you carrying only your personal gear. Our guides are quickly able to monitor the strengths of the party and adjust the hikes accordingly, including providing longer options for fitter clients.
Remember, you only have to cycle or hike as much as you want to. You can always choose to take the bus at any time for an easier day.
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'What Accommodation will we use?'
Our trips stay at character Farmstays, Guesthouses, 3-4 star Motels, Boutique hotels (many of them in unique locations) including a couple of purpose built boats on Milford Sound. Our accommodations are equipped with private facilities, except for the rare occasion where their location and charm outweigh the privacy factor. Full details of the lodges are provided in the trip notes, which accompany each itinerary. Our evening meals are taken at the lodge or a local restaurant. A chance to relax and reflect. Our small numbers allow us great flexibility.
A single supplement is available if you would like to have your own room. By paying the extra single supplement price we will guarantee you your own room where available. Trips are organised and priced on a twin/double share basis - single supplement accommodation is available (except in alpine huts on Southern Alps Treks) at an extra price. The advertisied single supplement prices do not inlcude the Milford Mariner and Doubtful Sound Navigator boats, if available single rooms on these boats are an extra NZD $250.
If you book as a single and request a room mate we will arrange for you to share with a person of the same sex. If we cannot match you up with another person on the tour, a 50% payment of the advertised single supplement price is required and you will get a room to yourself.
'Who are the Guides?'
Our Guides are one of our biggest assets. We pride ourselves on the standard and quality of these great people who you will be spending your holiday with. They come from all walks of life but they all have a common desire to give you the best possible experience, heaps of fun and lots of fond memories to take home with you. We provide you with the services of two guides for many of our trips, (this may depend on the size of the group.) On most cycling trips we have two guides on board, one will be driving the support vehicle which gives you some flexibility for you to have a rest as you desire, while the other will be riding with the group on the road.
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'What transport will we use?'
No matter how much exercise we have planned or how good our itinerary is, we can't escape the need for some distance each day to be traveled by vehicle (except for Great West Coaster & Southern Cross Cycle tours where it is possible for strong cyclists to ride it all). Adventure South owns its own vehicles - 8 small buses and 6 vans to be exact. This has proved to be the only way we can ensure we retain the level of quality expected. Our vehicles are, comfortable, air-conditioned and 'intercommed' to enable us to provide a quality interpretation for you. The seating has been designed so that you have heaps of legroom and lots of personal space. Where we have a small group of 6-8 we will use whatever vehicle is appropriate from our fleet. We accept the responsibility that comes with such a fleet of vehicles and invite you to visit our Environmental Page for details on the carboNZero programme. We are the first activity-based operator to achieve carbon neutral certification in New Zealand and hope others join us in our efforts to protect the environment in which we work and play.
'What size are the groups?'
Our maximum group size is up to 16 clients with two guides. Some tours depart with smaller numbers and may be lead by one Guide. Our Guide to client ratios allow us to provide the high degree of personal care you can expect and allow for differing levels of fitness and interest to be catered for. Group sizes may be larger on special departures.
'Special Group Departures'
Customise your own group itinerary and departure dates! If you have a special trip or departure in mind for your favourite group of friends, discuss your needs with us. Many groups have had their trips customised, often to include some special components such as sea kayaking on the West Coast lakes or in the Abel Tasman National Park. Our speciality is knowing how to create great itineraries and providing the toys to make them great fun. If you have an idea, contact us to discuss it.
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