Exactly what I was looking for but couldn't find on my own. Jan, UK

It was a fantastic trip and I learnt a lot - tramping, river crossing, Maori history, kiwi chocolate. Bruno, Italy

Outdoor tip

Are you a hot head? A great way to cool down if you are honking up a steep mountain side in warm weather is to plunge your head in to a cold mountain stream, shake like a dog and then continue on your way. As so much heat leaves your body via your head, you will cool off really quickly (this is why when its wet and cold you should wear a warm hat).No worries now mate.

I had a great time, fantastic trip, well organised.
Moira, UK

outdoor tip

Use an old film container to store your tooth brush in by cutting a wee hole in the lid, poking the brush through, and then slide it down for brushing and back up when you want to pop the lid back on. Use a black Kodak one as they keep the light out so the brush won't go mouldy. No worries now mate.

Outdoor tip

If you are going on an overnight hike or exploring a remote area you should always take spare food with you. These spare rations can be as simple as some rice (enough for the group you are hiking with for one night) and some flavouring such as soup satchets. You never know what might happen - accidents occur at any time and rivers can rise without warning. But with a little planning you will be prepared, if you do need to spend another night in the bush.

The chicken hangi was heavenly! Stephan, Germany

Better than a holiday: more fun, more challenging, more informative, and more kinship. Martin, Germany

I had a great time, fantastic trip, well organised. Moira, UK

outdoor tip

If you want to keep your closed cell-foam sleeping mat clean and dry(ish) try folding it in half before you roll it up. When you unroll it make sure you sleep on the side that has been folded together. Obviously if you just roll it up without folding it the wet or dirty side comes in contact with the clean side and the whole thing gets manky. So remember to fold before you roll.

outdoor tip

Want to check your plastic bags or dry bag is water proof so your gear stays dry in your pack when you cross a river or it rains? Can't tell? Simply turn the bag indide out, fill with water and look for leaks. Turn it back the right way and you can use it straight away if you need (we never remember to do this before we actually need to pack our pack which is why this last trick is good).

I am sure I was able to see much more of the real New Zealand in these 10 days than I could have independently. Dave, UK

"All who wander are not lost" J.R.R. Tolkien

Very good value, fantastic guide, would recommend to anyone. Will never forget the things I've seen and done. Clare, UK

Outdoor tip

Can't sleep without a pillow? Pack your sleeping bag stuff sack with soft items (clothes are ideal) to make a comfortable pillow. Try folding the clothes rather than just stuffing them in to avoid annoying ridges. If you don't like the feel of the stuff sack against your face then try wrapping it in a clean fleece.

Links

 

We have included links to general New Zealand sites, other outdoor adventure operators and other world wide sites we like. Some of these links are repeated in other places on our website, but this is the comprehensive list of them all.

Webmasters please use our link resource page for reciprocal link information.

Please support our link partners by visiting their sites...

Information / Guides
Other New Zealand Sites
NZ Adventure companies
Overseas sites we like
Useful search engines / travel directories

 

Information / Guides

100% Pure NZ

Official website of the NZ Tourism Board – anyone who is anyone is posted on this as its(currently) free.
http://www.newzealand.com/travel/International/

Baches and Holiday Homes to rent, New Zealand

A great non-commercial site covering general NZ info, a directory of tourism sites, and general information on New Zealand's great outdoors
http://www.backpack-newzealand.com/

Department of Conservation

New Zealand's Department of Conservation website - Conservation, National Parks, Walking Tracks and Volunteers.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/

Experience New Zealand Travel

New Zealand vacation services and recommended accommodation guide - when it comes to travel, your experience counts.
http://www.experiencenz.com/

frogs-in-nz.com

A guide book in French for the 11000 French visitors we get each year.
http://www.frogs-in-nz.com/

GINZ.com

New Zealand based travel specialist for rental cars, campervans, accommodation, transport & tours...
http://www.ginz.com/

Gym in a Suitcase

A travellers guide to keeping fit and healthy eating in Christchurch, New Zealand. Including information on accommodation and hotels.
http://www.gyminasuitcase.com/

Lonely Planet

The guidebook everyone knows about, has a great traveller's bulletin board called the thorn tree - go to homepage/thorntree/australia+new zealand.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/

MetService Forecasts

Latest Forecasts of the weather in New Zealand.
http://www.metservice.co.nz/default/index.php

New Zealand Accommodation

Useful New Zealand accommodation directory.
http://www.newzealandstays.co.nz/

New Zealand Hikes

This site captures the true spirit of trekking in New Zealand with collections of photos and brief comments covering tramps/treks enjoyed in the back country.
http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/daveblis/

New Zealand Tourism Online

New Zealand's comprehensive online directory of tourism and travel companies.
http://www.tourism.net.nz/

Outdoor New Zealand Information

The definitive New Zealand outdoor information site. If you enjoy any aspect of the outdoors they try to cover it here for all enthusiasts.
http://www.outdoornewzealand.com/

Rough Guides

Excellent guide book out of the UK.
http://travel.roughguides.com/

Women Travel New Zealand

Essential information for the woman traveller in New Zealand.
http://www.womentravel.co.nz/

 

Other New Zealand Sites

Aroha New Zealand Tours

Luxury tour company providing personalised and chauffeured travel tours throughout New Zealand.
http://www.arohatours.com/

Auckland Car Rentals

Auckland Car Rentals operates a fleet of over 1,000 rental vehicles in New Zealand. They offer a range of late model quality rental cars, minibus and 4x4 hire vehicles. Free airport pickup and drop off, free insurance, free AA 24hr roadside breakdown service and free maps.
http://www.auckland-car-rental.co.nz/

bachcare - rental accommodation in New Zealand

bachcare provides a comprehensive range of holiday home rental accommodation and management services to holiday home owners and users in New Zealand.
http://www.bachcare.co.nz/

Emacadamia.co.nz

Macadamia nut orchard and factory tours. Our macadamia nut products will be available for purchase after the guided tour.
http://www.emacadamia.co.nz/

Motorcycles New Zealand

Motorcycles New Zealand is a private motorbike rental company based in Christchurch that specialises in providing 'all inclusive' motorcycle rentals for visitors to New Zealand.
http://www.motorcyclesnewzealand.co.nz/

Rental Cars New Zealand

Directory of Car Rental companies in New Zealand. Match companies with your requirements and make a ‘one-stop’ enquiry to all companies that meet your needs.
http://rental-cars.co.nz/

The Info&Track Centre

Queenstown's leading information and adventure centre for independent travellers.
http://www.infotrack.co.nz/

 

New Zealand adventure companies (from north to south)

Dive HQ

Dive HQ - The Underwater Experts. Dive trips, dive adventures, career programmes and full retail. 14 locations around the country.
http://www.divehq.co.nz/

Northland Sea Kayaking

The pick if you want to learn new skills as well as have a holiday – one day to one week.
http://www.northlandseakayaking.co.nz/

Pacific Hideaway

Pacific Hideaway - scheduled dive trips or charters for up to 16 overnight out of Tutukaka.
http://www.charterguide.co.nz/hts/806.htm

Pakiri Beach Horse Rides

Beach, bush and farmland from 1 hour to a 7 day Coast to Coast ride.
http://www.horseride-nz.co.nz/

Tutukaka Charters

Diving the Poor Knights Marine Reserve -Northland. Dive the Tui wreck.
http://www.sportfishing.co.nz/

CANYONZ

Canyoning trips out of Auckland.
http://www.canyonz.co.nz/

Kayaking with Ross Adventures

Sea kayaking Waiheke Island just 35 minutes from Auckland.
http://www.kayakwaiheke.co.nz/

New Zealand Surf Tours

New Zealand Surf Tours takes you to pristine surf beaches around Auckland. Equipment, BBQ and Surf Lessons included.
http://www.newzealandsurftours.com/

Pride of Auckland

Sail either hands on or totally relax and take in the sights & commentary. Glide over the sparkling waters of Auckland's sheltered harbour.
http://www.prideofauckland.com/

Waiheke Island Tours and Kayak Adventures

Exactly what their name sugests - Waiheke Island tours and kayak adventures.
http://www.gotowaiheke.co.nz/waiheketours.htm

Black Water Rafting

NZ's original cave tubing company- Waitomo Caves region.
http://www.waitomo.com/black-water-rafting.aspx

Kaituna Cascades

The original company running a glorious roller coaster raft trip in Rotorua.
http://www.kaitunacascades.co.nz/

Planet Bike

Rotorua Mountain Bike Adventures - from first timers to hardcore.
http://www.planetbike.co.nz/

Walking Legends

Small group guided walks on the Lake Waikaremoana Track.
http://www.walkinglegends.com/

White Island tours with PEE JAY

Explore White Island - Tours depart daily, weather dependent. Lunch and refreshments provided.
http://www.whiteisland.co.nz/

Zorb Rotorua

Invented in New Zealand! It's big, it's round, it's bouncy.
http://www.zorb.com/

Rock 'n' River Rafting & Kayaking

Kayaking and rafting Tongariro : introductory whitewater to adventure seekers
http://www.raftingnewzealand.com/

Hikoi Treks

Hikoi Treks operates adventure tours guided by Maori guides on 5,000 hectares of Maori owned land.
http://www.hikoitreks.co.nz/

Fly By Wire

Part plane, part rocket, not to be missed!
http://www.flybywire.co.nz/

Greater Wellington Regional Council

From bushwalking to beaches, through farmland or forest, the Greater Wellington parks and forests have it all within an hours drive from Wellington.
http://www.gw.govt.nz/

Ocean River Sea Kayaking

Specialist outfitters for independent freedom rentals in Abel Tasman National Park.
http://www.seakayaking.co.nz/

The Sea Kayak Company

Guided and catered sea kayak tours in the Abel Tasman National Park from 1 to 5 days. Freedom rentals also available.
http://www.seakayaknz.co.nz/

Ultimate Descents

Rafting & kayaking, consistent flows, reliable big volume rafting, thrills for experienced and first timers alike.
http://www.rivers.co.nz/

Alpine Guides Fox Glacier

Enjoy a breathtaking guided walk onto the world famous Fox Glacier with New Zealand's most experienced glacier guiding company. They offer a full range of hiking tours and ice adventures to suit all fitness levels.
http://www.foxguides.co.nz/

Okarito Nature Tours

Kayaking on Okarito Lagoon. Magnificent birdlife and mountain views. Paddle deep into the rainforest. Guided trips or freedom rental.
http://www.okarito.co.nz/

The Guiding Company at Franz Josef Glacier

Full day, half day, ice climbing, heli-hikes tours to suit most abilities and ages.
http://www.nzguides.com/

Hiking New Zealand

Small group hiking tours of the South Island. Tourism award winners 3 years in a row!
http://www.hikingnewzealand.com/

NZhike.com

New Zealand Guided Walking Tour operator visiting National Parks throughout NZ. Suits active people wishing to have a true New Zealand outdoor adventure, backpacking or upmarket style. Walking tours range from 5 to 10 days.
http://www.nzhike.com/

Sail the Fox

Help sail a cutter through Akaroa Harbour, great way to see the wildlife and learn about sailing.
http://www.akaroafoxsail.co.nz/

Frogz White Water Sledging

Experienced guides operate White Water Sledging trips daily from Wanaka and Queenstown.
http://www.frogz.co.nz/

Makarora Wilderness Resort

Makarora Wilderness Resort is nestled amongst native bush right on the edge of the Mount Aspiring National Park and offers accommodation, restaurant and activities in one of New Zealand's most idyllic mountain settings.
http://www.makarora.co.nz/

Wild Walks

From tough to easy treks Wild Walks provide a true wilderness experience in the South Island of New Zealand.
http://www.wildwalks.co.nz/

Ruggedy Range Wilderness Experience

Specialises in guided nature walks/hikes, kiwi spotting, bird watching and guided sea kayak trips in Stewart Island.
http://www.ruggedyrange.com/

Ulva's Guided Walks

Stewart Island specialty nature tour of Ulva Island, a predator-free nature and bird sanctuary with Island Maori Eco-Tourism Guide.
http://www.ulva.co.nz/

 

Overseas sites we like

Alert Bay Lodge

Accommodation on the water. Our log lodge overlooks Johnstone Strait, just off northern Vancouver Island, in Alert Bay, BC, Canada. Grizzly and whale watching available.
http://www.alertbaylodge.com/

A Bed and Breakfast in Niagara, John's Gate B&B

Bed and Breakfast accommodations in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Private entrance, dining room and parlour. Seniors specials, dinner/theatre packages, spa packages and extended-stay discounts.
http://www.johnsgate.com/

adventurecostarica.com

White water rafting, hiking & biking adventure tours throughout Costa Rica.
http://www.adventurecostarica.com/

 

Midnight Sun Adventure Travel

Provide small group adventure tours of the Rockies, Vancouver Island, the Yukon and Alaska. Travel by customized van, rail or kayak!
http://www.midnightsuntravel.com/

ATLANTANZ

New Zealand American Association in Atlanta, USA.
http://www.atlantanz.com/

Beach And Bush

Beach and Bush Adventures provides a combination of high quality South African tours and safaris with exciting adventure options.
http://www.beachandbush.co.za/

Birkenstock sandals for less

Guaranteed lowest regular prices of this funky footwear in the USA.
http://birkenstocks.sandals4less.com/

Botswana Safaris

Camping and Luxury Lodge Safaris in remote and secluded locations of Botswana.
http://www.ulinda.com/

Budget Travel and Backpacking in Australia

Brisbane travel information on discount car rental hotel booking online and backpacker jobs for backpacking budget travel visitors to Queensland Australia.
http://www.budget-travel.com.au/

Bush Camp Safaris Botswana

Experience the serenity, tranquillity and vastness of the African bush with Bush Camp Safaris. Their mobile safaris provide adventure in relative comfort and safety.
http://www.bushcampsafaris.com/

Discovery Campervans Australia

Campervan rental, motorhome hire, online booking.
http://www.discovery-campervans.com.au/

Highlanders, Adventure in Iceland

Highlanders are ideal for people who like to travel in a different way. They offer full ground arrangement and are committed to helping you plan the perfect vacation to any of Icelands best destinations.
http://www.highlanders.is/

Hiking and Backpacking.com

Hiking and Backpacking is your quick and easy way to find info on hiking and backpacking - mostly in the USA.
http://www.hikingandbackpacking.com/index.html

Hiking Boots and Walking Stick

Discount hiking and camping gear!!
http://www.boots-stick.com/

Hiking Forums

An online forum based on hiking and the outdoors where you can talk about hiking and meet new hiking partners.
http://www.hikingforums.net/

Kalahari Adventure Centre

A young, dynamic adventure company offering river adventures in the remote Lower Orange River valley and Desert experiences in the Green Kalahari Northern Cape, South Africa.
http://www.kalahari-adventures.co.za/

Kayak Africa

Luxury tented accommodation on exclusive tropical island camps in Lake Malawi National Park. Sea kayak expeditions with experienced guides. SCUBA diving and courses.
http://www.kayakafrica.net/

OneDayHikes.com

A directory of some of the best day hikes and hiking trails of the world.
http://www.onedayhikes.com/default.asp

Outdoors-magazine.com

Free outdoors magazine and forums.
http://outdoors-magazine.com/s_summary.php

Peak To Peak

A collection of indexed hiking, trail and wilderness links.
http://www.peaktopeak.net/

PerfectPlaces.com

Vacation rental properties worldwide.
http://www.perfectplaces.com/

Sea Kayaking Tour

Take a virtual tour of sea kayaking and find great deals on vacation packages in Colombia.
http://www.mantarayakayak.com/

The Outdoor Directory

As the name suggests - a comprehensive outdoor directory.
http://www.the-outdoor-directory.co.uk/

The Remote River Expeditions

A small hands-on company with 20 years experience specializing in custom tailored vacations for individuals, families, and small groups in Madagascar and throughout eastern Africa.
http://www.remoterivers.com/en/docs/home.php

tourcostarica.com

Adventure tours and vacations throughout Costa Rica.
http://www.tourcostarica.com/

Trails for Africa

Hiking, kayaking, riding, cycling and hassle free African trail adventures with a dash of luxury.
http://www.trailsforafrica.com/

Travel-Library.com

Travel information and Travelogues.
http://www.travel-library.com/

Travel of Hiking.com

A hiking holidays & travel services portal in which they list all hiking holidays, hiking accommodations, hiking instructors & guides and hiking equipment rentals for the entire world.
http://www.travel-of-hiking.com/

Vancouver Island Kayak

Kayaking Vancouver Island and the Queen Charlotte Islands has never been easier with our wide selection of kayak tours. Lodge, mothership and camping kayak tours.
http://www.vancouverislandkayak.com/

Wilderness Inquiry

If you have a passion for discovering some of the most amazing places on earth, Wilderness Inquiry is for you.
http://www.wildernessinquiry.org/

 

Useful search engines / travel directories

The Hiking Companion

Everything you'll ever need to know about hiking all in one place!
http://www.hikingcompanion.com/

NZS.com

New Zealand Web directory and search engine.
http://www.nzs.com/

Te Puna Web Directory

Access to numerous New Zealand resouces on the internet. This site is maintained by Lincoln University Library.
http://webdirectory.natlib.govt.nz/index.htm

Travel and Tourism Search Engine

The greatest collection of world travel booking engines assembled on the web. Worldwide booking of airlines, hotels, cars, cruises, vacations and safaris.
http://www.tourismwebmasters.com/

Cheap Asian Travel Guide

Places to visit in Asia, how to travel affordably through Asia, find a hotel, safari trips, cruises, sight seeing, resort, nature trips and cheap rate hotels for budget back packers, group travellers and luxurious 5 star hotels for exclusive vacations.
http://www.discoverasia.org/index.html

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