New Zealand Multisport - 22 Days

Frequently asked questions

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

• Does the tour operator have an email newsletter I can subscribe to?

  Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from the tour operator, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra's monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.

• How large will the group be?

  Max 16, avg 12

• How much emergency money should I bring on this trip?

  Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

• How old must I be to join this trip?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a the tour operator tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

• Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

  We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

• Is travel insurance required for my trip?

  Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

• Should I be tipping on my trip?

  It is not customary in New Zealand to tip service providers, but if you do experience outstanding service it is good to do so. Such service would only usually be in places like quality restaurants and it would be very rare that you would tip more than 10%. Unless specifically asked to do so at the time (by your CEO) - do not tip your local guides. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your the tour operator Chief Experience Officer did an outstanding job, you may consider a small tip - 5-10 NZD per person, per day - but it certainly isn't expected.

• What activities are optional on this trip?

  Waiheke Island- Waiheke Island Excursion (62-369NZD per person)Auckland- Auckland Sailing: America's Cup Experience (Pre Tour) (210NZD per person)Rotorua- Hot Springs (50-360NZD per person)- Zorbing (49-169NZD per person)- Whitewater Rafting (135NZD per person)- Rotorua Canopy Tours (199-269NZD per person)Waitomo Caves- Waitomo Lost World Cave Abseil (465NZD per person)Waitomo- Waitomo Haggas Honking Holes (220NZD per person)- Waitomo Experience (230NZD per person)- Waitomo Valley Walk (Free)Kaikoura- Hiking (Free)- Dolphin Tour (135NZD per person)- Scenic Flight (250NZD per person)Franz Josef- Hiking (Free)- Heli Scenic Flight with Snow Landing (385-655NZD per person)- Franz Josef Kayaking (149-169NZD per person)- Guided Heli Hike (Heli Transfer) (595-795NZD per person)Wanaka- Puzzling World Visit (22-32NZD per person)- Hiking (Free)Queenstown- Skydiving (449-549NZD per person)- Queenstown Jet Boating (179NZD per person)- Bungee Jumping (320-805NZD per person)

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  Cycle through the stunning Karangahake Gorge, Learn about traditional Maori artistry, Hike the Tongariro Crossing — one of the world's greatest one-day hikes, Jetboat along the Whanganui River, Cruise through Milford Sound, Hike on the Routeburn Track

• What are the modes of transportation on my trip?

  Private vehicle, jet boat, kayak, bicycle, boat, walking.

• What do I need to know to about safety and security on my trip?

  Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it deemed necessary, due to safety concerns. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards), have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. Read more about travel safety for ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into the tour operator’ itineraries globally. the tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.the tour operator Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with Planeterra Foundation.Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment.Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.

• What kind of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  You will be spending your nights in twin-share accommodation. We have specifically chosen unique accommodations to give local flavour to your trip.Accommodation will be varied throughout your adventure. Towels and soap are not always provided at overnight stops, so it's best to bring your own for bathing. Bathroom and showering facilities are shared and are very rarely en-suite.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  18 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners

• What rules should I know before joining this trip?

  Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

  The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD).Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in New Zealand and can be used to purchase small and large items. When purchasing products or services with a foreign credit card you may be charged additional fees by your credit card company for foreign purchases. Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs). Both Cirrus and Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. Both Visa and Master Cards are the most widely accepted credit cards. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work check with your bank before you travel. A visit to an ATM can be arranged on Day 1 and other days of the trip.Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of local currency (preferably smaller bills, 5's, 10's and 20's), traveller’s cheques and credit cards is best. Currency exchange is best obtained prior to travel or at the airport, currency exchange is easy to find in New Zealand in the gateway cities and most banks do accommodate.Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds. As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

• What should LGBTQ+ travellers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all of our travelers is a priority at the tour operator and that includes our travelers who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. We recognize that there are specific concerns and questions you may have about your adventure in terms of safety and security. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout the duration of your trip. The Equaldex tool linked on this page can be of particular help when deciding where you may want to visit next.

• What transportation will we take on this trip?

  Our vans are mini-coaches. Occasionally with smaller group sizes we will use smaller, equally comfortable 13-seater vehicles. All mini-coaches tow a trailer for luggage and camping equipment (when needed). All groups have one CEO/Driver.The vehicles are factory built with comfortable seats and air-conditioning. It is mandatory to wear a seatbelt while riding in our vehicles.

• What's Included

  Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Discover Moment: Franz Josef. Cycle through Karangahake Gorge. Traditional hangi lunch. Tongariro Alpine Crossing hiking excursion (weather dependent). Jet boat along Whanganui River. Free time in Rotorua. Abel Tasman National Park hike. Sea kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park. Punakaiki pancake rocks visit. Seal colony stop. Okarito Lagoon walk. Full-day Routeburn Track hiking excursion. Fiordland National Park visit. Cruise through Milford Sound. Hike the Mt Cook area. Bike through Wanaka. Orientation walk in Christchurch. Free time in Franz Josef and Queenstown. Internal flight. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

• Where will we stay during the trip?

  Hotels/hostels (19 nts), lodges (2 nts)

• Who should I contact in case of an emergency?

  Should you need to contact the tour operator during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local office in Melbourne. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so we may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERSthe tour operator Local Office and after office hours emergency numberFrom outside New Zealand +64 211935846From within New Zealand: 0211935846If you are unable for any reason to contact our local operations manager, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here.Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307 Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

• Who will be leading the group?

  CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.