Southern Treasures - Travel Details

Activities

Hiking

Hiking brings us closer to nature and is therefore an integral part of our tours. We are not interested in speed hiking nor long distance hiking, however, and we don’t expect anyone to break records.

In order to enjoy our hikes you should be in reasonable health, flexible and resilient. You should reckon with the odd rainy day and occasional wet feet.

You will need weather-proof ankle-high hiking boots. If you are used to hiking with trekking poles you should bring some. We have put together an equipment list, tried and tested on many tours. Many of the items you can also hire from us (see rental equipment).

Walks on the Southern Treasure Tour range from easy to demanding.  We go on easy short walks of 2-3h duration, but also on longer hikes of 3-5h. On these longer hikes we often walk over uneven terrain (gravel, rock, roots) and sometimes cross-country. Two hikes on this tour usually take about 5-7h and include long, steep climbs and descents of up to 1.000m altitude difference.

Hiking distances can often be adjusted depending on your personal fitness level. On some hiking days there is also the option of alternative activities. Feel free to discuss any concerns with us before you book or talk to your guide during the tour.

2-Day Wilderness Hike

All Day Cycle Tour

We cycle along old railway lines and over romantic railway bridges through the western-like landscape of Central Otago. The route is suitable for beginners as well as for experienced riders. Sometimes it takes participants a bit of time to become used to the unfamiliar bike and terrain, but after some getting used to, everyone usually thoroughly enjoys this way of immersing oneself in the amazing landscape.

The overall cycling distance is 54km, of which about 70% is on flat terrain, 20% slightly downhill and 10% slightly uphill. The ground is not sealed and resembles a gravel road. We ride on good quality mountain bikes with hand brakes (no back pedal brakes).

There are several ways of adjusting this tour to your personal preferences. You can choose to stop after about one third of the distance, or after about three quarters. Experienced riders can opt for a 13km extension at the end of the ride. This ‘Funbike Option’ takes you along a riverbed and requires more advanced riding skills.

2-Day Cruise

On a small boat we cruise through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds with their many bays and islands.  Our local guide and skipper offers plenty of information about the nature and history of the Sounds and tells us many myths and legends of our unique surroundings. In the evening we anchor in a sheltered bay and stay the night on the boat or we sleep in a homestay (depending on travel date).

Kayaking

We go kayaking in a sheltered lagoon where no prior kayaking experience is required.  No special skills or fitness is necessary and after a short introduction the handling of kayak and paddle is usually picked up easily. Paddle time is about 4 hours.

Cave Tour

We walk for about 3 hours through roomy and dry subterranean passageways. All participants wear helmets. No other requirements.

Jet Boat Safari

We go on an adventurous Jet Boat Tour that takes us from sea level right into the remote alpine world of the West Coast. You will see a remote and awe-inspiring valley and get a glimpse into both the natural history of the area and its people from our driver guide. The innovative design of the Safari Jet Boats allow excellent visibility of the surrounding World Heritage area and offer a great mix of excitement and speed combined with tranquility and breathtaking nature.

Train Trip Tranz Alpine Express

We board the Tranz Alpine Express in Christchurch and enjoy one of the world’s great scenic railway journeys 
(only possible on tour direction Christchurch – Auckland). An open air viewing carriage allows you to get even closer to the stunning scenery and provides many opportunities to photograph your favourite spots. From your carriage you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. The train then climbs into the Southern Alps and you will disembark after about two hours at Arthur’s Pass station in the middle of a fantastic alpine world. Here we go for a short walk and might encounter Keas, the world’s only mountain parrot. In our van we then continue through dense forest to the West Coast.

Optional Activities

The itinerary allows time for optional activities. Here is an overview of some of the available options. Prices as of February 2010 and subject to change.

Free Time

On this tour you will experience many fun-filled adventures, but will also have time to enjoy those special little things along the way. We can’t and don’t want to show you all of New Zealand in four weeks. No matter which of our tours you choose, we always endeavour to take in many well-known sights and true New Zealand highlights but also lesser-known treasures off the beaten track. 

You always have the option to decide whether you want to join the group in an activity or if you prefer having some time to yourself. Please talk to your guide if you would like alternative arrangements. 

We would like to point out, though, that you can not claim for refund of included activities. If you can not take up some of the included services for good reasons (f.ex. unforeseen early departure) we will endeavour to claim for a refund of saved expenses of the service or activity providers. This obligation does not need to be performed for expenses of less than NZ$ 50, or if the refund is against regulations.

Accommodation

General

Hotel and Guest House

The Hotels and Guest Houses belong to the middle-class category. Some of them are unique historic houses.  The rooms are individually different. Sometimes the standard between rooms may vary slightly. Some may have en-suites while others have separate bathrooms. All rooms usually have tea- and coffee making facilities. Most places also provide washing machines and dryers for guest use. 

Bed & Breakfast Homestay

We usually choose small, family-run Bed & Breakfast Homestays so that you can enjoy personal contact with our hosts. The groups are distributed to the different guest families accordingly.

Holiday Home

Sometimes we choose a Holiday Home, which is a fully furnished house with several rooms and bathrooms. Their standard is comparable to a hotel, but with the added bonus of a fully equipped kitchen and lounge. This gives us the option to prepare our own breakfasts and dinners.  

Cabin

The Cabins we use belong to the middle-class category. Each cabin has one or two bedrooms with double or twin (two single) beds and bathroom facilities. All bedding, pillows and towels are provided.  Almost all cabins also have basic kitchen facilities, and a common room is provided in most cases.

Tramping Hut

On our two-day hike we stay in a tramping hut with fantastic views.  The hut has a common room and shared bedrooms with up to six beds and mattresses. For this night you will need a sleeping bag, but as this is the only night where a sleeping bag is necessary we will provide you with a sleeping bag and liner, so you do not have to bring your own. Our luggage is transported and all you need to carry on the hike is your day pack. 

Overnight Stay on Boat

We sleep in a comfortable boat with shared cabins. There is only one bathroom with toilet and shower facilities on the boat. This is below our usual standard on the rest of the tour, but the special experience of staying overnight on a boat in breathtaking surroundings makes up for it we believe.

Solo Traveler

Participants traveling alone have the option of sharing a twin room (two single beds) or booking a single room. 

If you choose to share a twin room we will endeavour to find a suitable room mate. If we haven’t found one two weeks prior to departure we will only charge you a reduced single supplement of NZ$650 for the entire tour.

If you wish to book a single room for the entire tour, the surcharge is NZ$ 1.225. There is only a limited number of single rooms available in most places, thus a single room booking is always subject to confirmation.
You also have the option of booking a single room only for the first/last night in Auckland and Christchurch. The surcharge in this case is NZ$ 85 per night.

Equipment

For your luggage we recommend that you use a backpack or soft bag/suitcase. We strongly advise against bringing a hard-sided suitcase as they are bulky and difficult to fit into our vehicle. Your travel gear needs to be robust rather than bulky. Two smaller travel bags are often easier to carry and store than one big piece of luggage. That also gives you the option of leaving one of the two in the vehicle with unnecessary clothing etc. The weight limit for luggage on the tour is ca. 20kg per person.  

You will also need a small day pack that can fit snacks/lunch, a water bottle, a rain-proof jacket and your camera gear.

For our walks you will need comfortable weather-proof ankle-high hiking boots. If you are used to hiking with trekking poles you should bring some.

We have put together a detailed equipment list, tried and tested on many tours. Many of the items you can also hire from us (see rental equipment).

Meals

All participants are expected to play a part in the meal preparation.

Breakfast on the entire tour is included in the tour price and ingredients will be bought and prepared by the guide and/or the group.

Lunch is either prepared and packed at breakfast time, or we have a picnic, or we visit one of the many inviting cafes. All depending on preferences and options on the day. 

Dinner is either enjoyed in a local restaurant or cooked by one of our cooking teams. In our experience small teams of 2-3 participants who alternate with the cooking work really well. But don’t worry – we always carry our tried and trusted group cook book with plenty of ideas for yummy, quick and easy meals and our experienced guides are always there to lend a hand.  

Our main aim on our journey is for you to get to know the country and people, to see the fauna and flora and to experience what New Zealand has to offer. Therefore, we will try to keep the time used for meal preparation to a minimum. About 30% of our participants prefer vegetarian meals and depending on each group we will endeavour to cater for special needs/preferences.

Flight to/from New Zealand

Our tour quotes are land prices only and do not include international flights. Thus, the tour dates indicate the departure/arrival date from the start/end point of the tour and the days traveling in the country. This gives you the freedom to individually choose your personal arrival and departure dates and times in/from New Zealand. You can use our tours as building blocks for your holiday and we are very happy to help you plan and book any transport, accommodation or activities before or after the tour.  

If traveling from Europe your flight departure needs to be at least two days before the tour starts and you will arrive back in Europe at the earliest one day after the tour ends. So you will need to add at least three days to your overall travel time.