What gear do I need to bring along?

Under the section 'What To Take' we have listed the minimum gear requirements. We provide sleeping pads, tents, cooking equipment, plates and cutlery and maps. Because we visit mountainous remote areas we can experience extremes of weather at any time of year. Be prepared! However, we do not want you to take too much gear - remember that you have to carry it.

What if I haven't got the right gear?

We hire out backpacks, sleeping bags, Therm-a-Rests, hiking clothing and waterproof raincoats. See our Equipment Hire page for our rates. We also have special NZ Nature Safari fleeces, hats and thermal tops/pants for sale. Just let us know what you need when you book.

Can I do more than one safari?

Yes. More and more people are doing connecting safaris covering the whole of New Zealand. We really are the hassle-free way to experience New Zealand's best adventures.

I am travelling and have a lot of stuff that I will not need on the safari - what should I do with it?

You can store it at your accommodation if you plan on returning to the area. Or, you can travel with it on safari. We allow a maximum space of 120 litres per person (1 large pack plus a daypack). Depending how full the safari is, we may require you to forward excess luggage if you exceed this. During overnight hikes every thing is locked securely in the vehicle.

What do I do with my valuables (passport, airline tickets, money, etc) while we are hiking?

Keep them with you in your hiking pack. We pack all those things in plastic bags to keep them dry and keep them with us while we are hiking.

Can I be picked up at my hostel or accommodation?

No. On safari we try to leave the city early so we can spend more time in the wilderness. If we had to drive around the city picking everyone up it would delay our departure. It is much easier for everyone to meet at a central location - usually the local Visitors Information Centre - and it doesn't cost much to get there on a taxi, shuttle or bus (or walking!).

I'm a vegetarian - is that a problem?

Not at all. We usually have vegetarians in the group. All the guides are familiar with vegetarian cooking. We also have lots of excellent vegetarian recipes. Sometimes the whole group will cook vegetarian or we may cook a separate vegetarian meal. The hangi is always a mixture of vegetarian and meat foods.

What is the weather going to be like?

New Zealand experiences very changeable weather - especially in the remote mountainous regions where we spend most of our time. Some days we can be broiling in 30 degrees and then the next day we could be freezing in a cool southerly from the sub-Antarctic. It is best to be prepared for the worst conditions we are likely to expect - see the 'What To Take' section. We may get some rain on the trip so a good waterproof raincoat is important.

Which is the best trip to go on?

It depends on what you want, how much time you have and where you want to go. You can do anything from a short wilderness hike for 4 days to a combination of safaris for 30 or more days! The North Island has amazing volcanic scenery, the West Coast Wilderness has grand mountains and rain forests and the Secret South has a lot of tops travel and wildlife - dolphins, penguins, sea lions and seals. Wilderness hikes go to seldom visited corners of National Parks.

Will I be fit enough?

Our safaris are graded medium or fit. Read the section 'Hiking and Fitness' and choose a trip to suit you. If you are concerned about your fitness get out there and do day hikes in the weeks prior to your safari departure.

Who is the guide for my trip?

All the guides are carefully selected and trained. They are fun people with at least a decade of outdoor experience each and a natural history qualification. Even though we plan the guide roster well in advance, there are often last minute changes as to who is guiding which particular departure.

Who is in my group?

A small group (maximum 12 people), with a range of ages, nationalities and work backgrounds. Seventy percent of people are between 20 and 40, though we have had people from 17 to 72. On average, half are women and half are men. Everyone shares an enthusiasm for outdoor adventure and an appreciation of nature.

How far in advance do I need to book?

The sooner the better for safaris departing in the peak season (November to April). We are getting record advance bookings for the 2001/2002 so it is important to book early to avoid disappointment. If your preferred safari is full we will advise you of other trips with space still available.

Do I really need boots and will they get wet?

Yes and yes! Good hiking boots are essential to protect your feet and provide support. We hike through rough terrain, sometimes off-track. We frequently have to cross rivers with our boots on - again this protects our feet from getting cut on sharp rocks. If we had to take our boots off every time we crossed a river we'd take forever. A person who recently completed a safari had this to say:- 'My most favourite part of the safari was the discovery that walking in soggy boots and socks after crossing rivers is quite comfortable'.

What type of gear should I buy?

If you intend to do a lot of hiking then it is worth buying quality equipment - good leather hiking boots and hiking clothing. If you think you might not do any more hiking after safari then you could buy cheaper alternatives - just remember that it won't last as long or do the job as well.

What if I have to cancel?

We highly recommend that you have travel insurance to cover this. If you cancel 20 days prior to departure -80% refund, 20 - 10 days prior - 50 % refund and less than 10 days - no refund.

What if I can't keep up with the rest of the group?

We hike together as a group, stopping often for snacks and a good lunch. Some activities are optional if you feel like having some time out.

Are we going to encounter dangerous animals?

New Zealand does not have any snakes, bears, lions or alligators. We have a small poisonous spider called the katipo that is so rare that it was recently made a protected species. At certain times of the summer and autumn, wasps can be a problem in some of our beech forests. If you are allergic to their sting, then make sure you carry medication, and tell your guide about it at the beginning of the safari. Otherwise, it is great to climb through the bush and lie in the grass without a thing to worry about.