Accommodations

The Rimu is an activity-oriented trip around the South Island. We've chosen interesting and comfortable accommodations throughout. In some places it's 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. You'll love the places we stay!

If you are staying a few extra days in Christchurch before or after your trip, click here to take a look at our Christchurch information page which has a list of a few selected hotels and B&B's in and around Christchurch.

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 approximately 9, 10 am on Monday, and departing from Christchurch after 3, 4 pm on Sunday. Other flight times may also be possible if you are considering other flight times please let us know.

Pickup Information

On the first day of the trip we can either pick you up from the Holiday Inn City Centre in Christchurch at 10.30 am or at the Christchurch airport in front of the information desk at 11 am.

Drop Off Information

On the last day of the trip we can drop you off at the Christchurch airport in time for the flights above, or anywhere in central Christchurch in mid-late afternoon.

Fitness

You must have a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy yourself on the Rimu . You don't have to be young and extremely fit (although if you are, you won't be bored) but you should be in the habit of doing at least some exercise. Age and experience are not important. For example, a person in their 50s who hikes every couple of weeks will be happier than a 22-year-old couch potato. If you're concerned about your fitness level, have a chat with us so we can help you choose between the Rimu and our other trips.

Experience

You don't need any outdoor experience at all to enjoy our trips. All our trips allow you to make the most of New Zealand's incredible environment. Our experienced guides are highly trained, and will look after you! You don't have to carry a heavy pack. You don't need to have been in a sea kayak to enjoy kayaking Okarito Lagoon or Milford Sound. You don't need to be a serious cyclist to enjoy some of the rides we have available. 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 we guarantee you'll have an incredible time. The challenges are there, though, if you're looking for them. For instance, on the second day of the backpacking trip we spend the day climbing to Lake Angelus on the Robert Ridge. The views are incredible and they get better the higher you go, so the fitter members of the party often push on to the top of the ridge for some unforgettable views of both sides of the South Island, while others enjoy just staying at the hut and admiring the view. We manage the level of commitment to suit your experience, and we have an impeccable safety record. We hold all relevant government licenses and our staff are highly trained and experienced.

Rimu Start & End Point, and Direction of Travel

To keep our group sizes down, we run the Rimu in two different directions around the South Island Northbound (refers to initial direction of travel from Christchurch) and Southbound. This itinerary happens to be written up in the Northbound format. We also run a Rimu starting and ending in Queenstown. Whichever trip you take, you'll do all the activities we've mentioned, just in a different order. The Rimu is a product of many years of evolution and fine-tuning it works well whichever way you do it!

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 shearers' quarters at Braemar Station are required by the shearers. 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$2499 + 12.5% 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 always have at least two guides per trip, and we usually take up to 14 clients per trip. This means we can really make sure you have a great time! (Click here to read what our previous clients have said about their guides)
• 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.
• 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, such as the heli-hike at Franz Josef. 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!

We'll see you soon!