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New Zealand is an island nation blessed with a rare diversity of landforms. Pacific island beaches, rolling farmlands and volcanic plateau characterise the North Island while rugged wind-lashed coastlines, soaring snow peaked mountains, vineyards and tranquil fiords are synonymous with the South Island.

For over twenty years, our unrivalled range of walking & cycling holidays across the North and South Islands has helped active travellers to journey to the very heart of New Zealand's wild and mysterious landscapes.

Our unique range of guided small group active holiday’s travel well beyond the standard popular trails to help you discover the true essence of New Zealand’s famous wilderness.

Come explore New Zealand’s landscapes with us on foot or by bike.

 
 

Find your New Zealand trip


 

More guided Cycle Trails than anyone else

Adventure South NZ offer more supported trips along more of the Nga Haerenga Cycle Trails than anyone else. Travelling along a dedicated Cycle Trail is a great introduction to cycle touring with shorter, less demanding and very affordable options.

Unrivalled experience

We offered our first cycling trips in 1992. As a result, our knowledge of the routes and secret NZ wilderness spots are second to none.

Exceptional local knowledge

Our experienced team in Christchurch takes care of all of the logistics, ensuring you enjoy a seamless adventure in New Zealand.

Walks you won't find in any guidebook

While some of our hiking itineraries include the best sections of the more famous walking tracks, we thrive on creating engaging hikes in spectacular surroundings that provide travellers with the excitement that only real off the beaten track opportunities provide.

An activity for everyone

Our tours range from introductory walks and cycles to multi-activity trips and even the toughest guided walk in New Zealand.

Road cycling specialists

Keen cyclists need look no further; our road touring trips are ideal for those who relish greater distances and don't mind occasionally sharing the road with traffic and tackling a hill or two.

Widest range of active NZ holidays

No one offers a more comprehensive range of quintessential Kiwi destinations than we do. From the magic of the mountains and vineyards of the South to the volcanoes, geothermal regions and Maori culture of the North; we explore both islands and everything in between.


 

Minimal environmental impact

We reduce the environmental impact of our travel by restricting group size, using fuel efficient vehicles, minimising the use of aircraft, recycling, composting, avoiding consumerism, using minimal impact huts and bulk buying food supplies.

Support of local economies

We employ local New Zealand guides and crew who provide authentic and expert support and leadership.

Local charity donations

Our annual donations made to the Otago Central Rail Trail Trust is used to fund the continual upgrade of the Rail Trail.


Hotels/motels

Hotels offer twin share accommodation with either en-suite or shared facilities. They are well located and have been chosen for their reflection of local character.

Farm stays

Stay with a Kiwi families in idyllic remote farm locations and learn more about the local lifestyles and landscapes while being spoiled by sumptuous homemade meals.

Eco-lodges

Some trips stay in environmentally sensitive lodges or semi-permanent structures that extend sustainable creature comforts thanks to the sun and the rain. Meals are prepared from quality local produce and enjoyed with excellent local wines.

Huts

The style of private hut accommodation varies by destination, offering twin or multi-share rooms with shared ablutions.

Boats

Spend your nights at sea in well-equipped, twin share cabins. Depending on the vessel, ablutions are either shared or en-suite.



A custom made itinerary is the ultimate way to see the world how YOU want. They are created especially for you, giving you complete freedom to choose what you want to see, where you want to go and when you want to do it. If you love our current itineraries but want to customise it privately as a couple, a group of friends, family, club, business or school, you have the freedom to add or remove as many elements as you like to suit the interests of your group. Alternatively, you can start with a blank canvas and create a new and exciting itinerary from scratch! Our well-travelled consultants can give you firsthand suggestions and eliminate any uncertainty with trip planning to ensure you maximise the quality of your experience and get truly off the beaten track. Simply email, phone or visit us to start planning your dream adventure.


Trip reviews


Currency

New Zealand Dollar

There are opportunities to change money at banks during the tour or you may wish to change it when arriving at the airport.

In some of the rural areas that we visit there aren’t any banks and sometimes when there is a bank it could be shut when we arrive.

ATM machines are widespread throughout New Zealand, except when travelling through rural areas such as the West Coast.

Visa and Master card are the most widely accepted credit cards and we would recommend them for most expenses. American Express has limited use in NZ and it is only accepted in some centres.

A currency converter you may find helpful is www.xe.com.

International Dialing Code

+64

Electricity
Type I plug

Electricity in New Zealand is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is I. (Aust - 3 flat prong).

Visas

The New Zealand Government has introduced a new travel requirement for some visitors and transit passengers. From 1 October 2019 many travellers to New Zealand (including Americans, Canadians, European and British) entering the country require a prearranged, approved New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). This is obtained electronically for passport holders from countries eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. Travellers must apply at least 72 hours before departure, however it can take as little as 10 minutes. It can be obtained online at https:\\nzeta.immigration.govt.nz or by downloading the NZeTA app.

An NZeTA request costs NZ$17 on the free app, or NZ$23 if completed online.

You will also need to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) at the same time as the NZeTA. This costs NZ$35.

Visa Waiver travellers who have not obtained an NZeTA should expect to be denied boarding on any air carrier bound for New Zealand.

You do not need to apply for an NZeTA if you are:

An NZ citizen with an NZ passport

Travelling on a foreign passport with an NZ citizen endorsement

An Australian citizen travelling on an Australian Passport

Have a valid visa for NZ including a permanent resident visa

You can check whether you need one at this link: https://tinyurl.com/y565l4jt

Safety

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.

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