Tui: Important Info

ACCOMMODATION:
The Tui is an activity-oriented trip around the South Island. We’ve chosen interesting and comfortable accommodations throughout. Some places are quite luxurious, but many of the other places we stay are off-the-beaten-track – and don’t have many accommodation options – but they are really, really spectacular. Our clients often say a real highlight of the trip is meeting their New Zealand hosts. We think you’ll love the places we stay! We prefer to stay in comfortable bed and breakfasts, lodges and apartments. Rooming is based on twin-share, although single rooms are available upon request. As there's such a variety of accommodations on this trip, some places will have ensuite bathrooms and some will have shared bathrooms, so we may ask you to share a bathroom with other group members on occasion.

RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS:
If you’re flying in on the first day of the trip, or out on the last day, we recommend arriving in Christchurch by about 8 - 9am on the first Sunday, and departing from Queenstown any time after 12 noon on the last Sunday. Other flight times may also be possible including flying straight to Hokitika on the first day – if you are considering alternative flight times please let us know.

PICK UP INFORMATION:
On the first day of the trip we can either pick you up from the Heartland Hotel Cotswold in Christchurch at 9.30am, or at the Christchurch airport in front of the information desk at 10am. Another option is to meet us at the Hokitika airport that afternoon.

DROP OFF INFORMATION:
On the last day of the trip we can drop you off anywhere in central Queenstown in the late morning, or at the Queenstown airport in time for the flights above.

FITNESS:
We incorporate plenty of adventure activities and our focus is on getting you out of the vehicle, out of stress-mode, and into the scenery! Like all our trips, you don’t need to be young or really fit – but this trip is all about action and pace, and it’s definitely not designed for couch potatoes. Every one of the days on the trip will be unforgettable. We manage the level of commitment to suit your experience and we have an impeccable safety record. We hold all relevant government transport and outdoor guiding licenses and our staff are highly trained and experienced.

EXPERIENCE:
You don’t have to have any outdoor experience at all to enjoy the Tui. We offer trips that allow you to make the most of New Zealand’s incredible outdoor environment. Our highly trained experienced guides will look after you! You won’t be carrying a heavy pack and you don’t need to have ever been in a sea kayak to enjoy kayaking Milford Sound. You don’t need to be a serious cyclist to enjoy some of the rides we have available either. In fact, we have so many options available that you don’t need to ride at all if you’d rather hike, fish, or just laze around! All we ask is that you be energetic and in reasonable shape and you’ll have an incredible time on the Tui.

FLEXIBILITY:
Because of the off-the-beaten-path and non-commercial nature of some of our accommodations on this trip, we sometimes need to change a night stop. For instance, every now and then the Okarito Beach House is booked out. We try to make as few changes as possible, but we ask that you know we retain the flexibility to make sure your trip is as good as it can be.

INCLUDED:
The trip fare is US$2799 + 15% NZ government taxes. We quote all prices in US dollars, so our guests from all over the world can more easily relate prices to their own currencies. You can also join for shorter periods of time, at a pro-rated fare. The trip fare includes just about everything, specifically:
• All guiding services. We have two guides per trip, a lead guide/driver and a co-guide who is responsible for meals and accommodations. This means we can really make sure you have a great time! We operate with small groups and we don’t hesitate to offer a second departure when our trips start getting full.
• Comfortable accommodation for the entire period you are with us. We can also organize accommodation for you if you want to arrive earlier or leave later.
• Transport as required, in comfortable vehicles, aircraft, jet boats, and whatever else is required.
• All your meals, except in Queenstown where we’ve found people prefer to check out the wide range of restaurants. Alcohol is not generally included, although we do spring for a few drinks here and there!
• All hiking, cycling, and kayaking described in the itinerary, except optional extra activities. We have estimated the rates for optional extra activities operated by local activity operators in US dollars, including all required equipment, but these rates may vary according to the USD/NZD exchange rate of the day. There are many optional activities available at extra cost, particularly in Queenstown. None of these activities are compulsory, and nor will your trip seem less awesome if you do the cheap or free options. Although some people enjoy sampling hang gliding, bungy jumping, jet boating, skydiving, and so on, others prefer to focus more on the hiking, paddling and cycling, which is of course the reason you’re coming to New Zealand in the first place!

NOT INCLUDED:
This is your holiday, and we are serious about not nickel-and-diming you! You’ll have a few meals and drinks to cover, extra activities if you choose them, and you’ll probably feel like tipping your guides at the end of a fabulous time, but you won’t be pulling out your wallet every few minutes on your ACTIVE NEW ZEALAND trip!

GEAR LIST:
Click here to see a copy of the Tui Gear List