This tour requires that you have medical travel insurance. On Day 1, your tour leader will ask you for proof of coverage. Cancellation insurance is recommended but not mandatory.

You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible.

The Operator recommends using a backpack for your convenience or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. Heavy luggage is not recommended for the health of the guide, who will take the lead in loading the storage trailer. Due to space in the trailer, The Operator will not be able to accommodate more than one piece of main luggage per person. A good size daypack (20-35L) is also essential to carry your personal gear for the day, as access to luggage between destinations will be limited. This daypack will be used to carry your personal gear for the day, your lunch and a water bottle.

Packing List

Documents:

• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)

Essentials:

• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch an alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:

• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitiser (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Quick Covid Test/Antigen Test

Light Hiking:

• Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
• Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended)

Cold Weather:

• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers

Warm Weather:

• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Note: The weather in New Zealand varies depending on the season. Make sure to check the forecast for the time you will be visiting and pack weather-appropriate clothing for your trip.

Allow USD335-435 for meals not included.

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%. You would also typically tip a taxi driver or in a coffee shop, for example.

Unless specifically asked to do so at the time (by your guide) - do not tip your local guides.

At the end of each trip, if you felt your Chief Experience Officer did an outstanding job, you may consider a tip. A basic guideline would be USD 20-25 per person per week.

1. This tour combines with other tours from the Operator. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been travelling together prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another tour after your trip concludes.

2. Please be aware that wifi and internet access is not as readily available in New Zealand as in other parts of the world. There are often additional charges to connect to the internet, and speeds may be slower than what you are used to.

3. Over public holidays in New Zealand (such as Christmas, New Year's Day, Easter, and Anzac Day), there may be some limitations of services and disruptions to schedules. In general, the tours still operate effectively over public holidays, but there may be closures of optional activities and restaurants and slight itinerary adjustments in order to provide all tour inclusions.