Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

So many good moments that it's difficult to discriminate - but I particularly enjoyed our day jet-boating; our climb up to Mt Cook; the day coastal walking and sailing near Motueka (all in S Island) - and got immense satisfaction from my completion of the 20k Tontoriro Crossing trek in N Island!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ian, as our principal leader, was great...we were expertly guided and cajoled by him! He had a light touch (with our mainly 'early-retired' large party of 16) and inspired confidence... Pete - although new to Exodus - was also a very good support leader, most kind and caring.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for all and any weather conditions! Also, to get the best out of this trip, it is probably wise to arrive in a good state of fitness in order to be able to enjoy the many walks and trails on offer.

Suggestions

I am happy to say that this is probably the best Exodus trip that I've travelled on - and I have been on sufficient now to qualify for my 10% discount!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Some of the more challenging walks rewarded you with great views and a real feeling of having achieved something. Jet boating and catamaran tip were both great experiences.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both guides were knowledgeable and prepared you well for the next days activities.

Most Inspirational Moment

There really was not only one inspirational moment. The entire holiday was inspirational for different reasons - spectacular scenery; friendly / clean country which appeared to be devoid of litter; interesting culture / history which has been impacted so much by the european settlers; the several planned walks / treks that had been arranged as part of the holiday together with the evening spent on the boat at Milford Sound.

Thoughts on Group Leader

There were two guides on the Trip - Ian Douglas and Helen Tait. They complemented each other very well with both adding detailed commentary / background of the country that equated to their area of expertise. They were both very patient, encouraging and helpful especially with suggestions for possible activities at approaching destinations.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There were some inaccuracies in the Trip Notes that came to light during the trip. 1. Some of the hotels were marked as BH (Basic Hotels) when in fact the 'hotels' (motels) were some of the best hotels at which we stayed during the Trip because of their location and facilities e.g. Queenstown, Wanaka and Mount Cook for example. This incorrect or misunderstood classification may have had the effect of dissuading people interested in the Trip from booking. 2. The details of the holiday on the Web include a picture of one of the activities where travellers could walk on the Fox Glacier. This is in fact not correct as the only way to do this is by paying for a helicopter to land on the Glacier - there was insufficient time available within the day's schedule to take up this opportunity . The day's activity is to walk from the car park to the face of the glacier where conditions allow. Unfortunately with our Trip, as it had been raining heavily, the Park Rangers had cordoned off the path because of the danger of rock falls.

Suggestions

We hope that the above advice is taken into consideration so as not to deter future travellers from booking this trip. The grade assigned to the trip was accurate.

Most Inspirational Moment

Lots of highlights including jet boat on matukituki, Maori evening with hungi, Mount Cook on a clear crisp day, breakfast at Cherry May's in Wanaka, kayaking at Milford Sound under rain laden clouds and amazing waterfalls, thermal pools at Rotorua in technicolour and of course seeing kiwi's even if in a wildlife sanctuary..... to name a few!!!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Helen and Ian complemented one another . Both so enthusiatic and delighted to share their experiances and knowledge of their home country with us all. Nothing too much trouble from cooking us breakfast to sorting out requests for things to do on our free days ..and supporting me at Christchurch Park Run on last day!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Expect to be jetlagged if coming from UK . Accomodation was exellent with laundry facilities so I took far too much! The accomodation was far from basic and in most cases execelent with cooking facilities ( including fridge) in all the Motels which means you can go to supermarket and eat in if you want for a change with nice bottle of New Zealand wine. Price in supermarkets on a par with UK in most cases.

Suggestions

Exceeded our expectations . Walking was not particulary hard to be honest except the Tongariro Crossing and I wore good walking sandles on most walks. Poles not really needed except perhaps for the Tongariro Crossing but not essential. We had good dry weather for all our walks . Watch out for the sandflies on the west coast area...lethal and I was bitten ++++ but a badge of honour I told my husband as I scratched them. Nothing will deter them getting you !!! great holiday ...you will love it!

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention, but I particularly enjoyed the Maouri cultural evening at Rotorua, North Island, watching the cloud lift from the summit of spectacular Mount Cook, South Island and the evening/ night we spent on the boat in Milford Sound admiring the wonderful scenery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nicole was a very good leader who worked very hard looking after the needs of all the group. She displayed a maturity far beyond her years and made a fantastic Christmas dinner for us! She has a great bubbly personality and her obvious love for her native country is infectious.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go and see for yourself!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many great times it was difficult to pick out one.  Walking the Tongariro Crossing to the Crater Lakes and climbing Mount Tongariro through amazing volcanic scenery Taking a helicopter ride to the saddle below Ben Lomand above Queenstown and after tea brewed by our guides climbing to the summit on a beautiful day with fantastic views and then a leisurely hike down to the gondolaA Maoiri evening cultural performance and feast followed by sunset walk by hot springs  and a wallow  in thermal pools, Walking in a landscape of bubbling mud pools, yellow sulphur lakes Seeing glow worms in a cave and native birds on Tiritiri Matangi Nature reserve  and on a night nature hike at Zealandia and shooting stars in the Southern night sky Loads of water based activities: jet boating , kayaking, wild water rafting, wild swimming  and boat trips in superb and varied scenery   

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were blessed with two group leaders from Adventure South: Stephan and Clark. They really communicates their knowledge of the county, their enthusiasm for their country and their job to our group . They had a lovely rapport between them and they on so many occasions went the extra mile to make our holiday enjoyable for example  sourcing food for my daughter's special gluten free diet, to finding excellent cafes and restaurants  lunches, bathing spots, hikes with freshly brewed tea stops and it was done with humour and professionalism.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you have the time take a few days at either end of the trip to see more of the Auckland area,and North Island and Christchurch.The temperature can be quite varied so take a variety of clothing.Overtrousers would be useful. Several  of the hotels/motels we stayed in had laundry facilities for a small fee.Most of the hotel/motel rooms had a fridge and some had limited cooking facilities so you don't have to eat out every night. There are long drives on some days but with breaks but there are activities every day.  

Suggestions

I would definately want to go back to New Zealand and see more of this amazing counrty. I hope Exodus will consider introducing some other NZ trips with a different intinery and to add some Australian trips  with a similar variety of activities combining  trecking with other activities. I was glad that so many activities were included such as caving, jet boating that I would not have got round to trying on an independent holiday. I think the trip represents good value as all the activities except on our free day and most of the meals were included. It would be good to have a holiday  including the trecks around Milford  Sound and to include north of Auckland  such as the Bay of Islands

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard call this one! We loved the Tongariro crossing - even though it was hard work we had a great sense of achievement at the end! The scenery of NZ is some of the best we have experienced anywhere - stunning mountain ranges, steaming  live volcanos, turquoise glacial lakes, getting up close and personal with icebergs at Atorea Mount Cook....Watching a kiwi feeding from a couple of metres away ........The sadness and optimism of Christchurch - we have our 'silence' as a group on the slpoes of Ben Lomond....Kayaking up a lagoon in a scene which could have come from Jurassic Park.  

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had 2 group leaders Geoff (Jif) and Clark - which was probably a good thing since 15 of us had to be kept under control! From their point of view it must have been better as they could share the driving.We cannot fault these 2 people. Both are Kiwis and clearly love their country They are extremely knowledgeable about their country at a national and local level and always had a good story to tell. They worked very hard to make the trip run smoothly and  make sure that everyone in the party got the maximum from the experience. They got the balance of organising and entertaining just right - booking meals ahead if need be and taking us to the best places for coffee etc. They entered 100% into the activities giving help and encouragement where needed but also recognising limitations. 'Jif's expression - 'it's all good' summed them up nicely.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip did exactly what it says on the tin. Any travellers wishing to do a lot of walking would be better off on 'Trekking in New Zealand'. Those on our trip who would have liked a faster pace had to acknowledge that this was not the aim of this visit.Bring plenty of sunscreen and insect repellant - the sun is stronger here than at home and we both got burned.My partner was badly bitten by sandflies!

Suggestions

Visiting NZ was a wonderful experience. Long - very long - flights are worth it! The excellent organisation of Adventure South - the 2 guides from this AS were a highlight of this trip. They even managed to lay on terrific weather!The choice of accommodation -  although limited by budget , this was always of a very good standard.I have already recommended Exodus and this partcular trip to others. In short, IT WAS FAB!

Most Inspirational Moment

Undoubtedly walking the Tongariro Crossing. I challenged myself further by doing the extra add on of Mount Ngauruhoe, aka 'The Doom' from Lord of the Rings. (Previous walking experience and high level of fitness essential. Don't contemplate it otherwise.) I was apparently the first Exodus client to have done so. The Siberian Experience; a flight in a light plane into the wilderness followed by a 3 hour walk and jet boat back out. White-water rafting on Buller River, kayaking Queen Charlotte Sound and cruising Milford Sound all followed very closely behind in a trip packed with so many inspirational moments.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Clark and 'Jif' (Geoff) were two great, competent, humerous guys. They oozed enthusiasm and knowledge of their homeland which they constantly shared with us. In addition they kept the group spot on with what was a very tight itinerary. I was full of admiration for their excellent driving skills which they carried out whilst participating fully in all the activiteis undertaken. Clark was clearly a man of good taste and always selected the most excellent coffee shops, bakeries and restaurants for refreshment breaks and the purchase of packed lunches. Thanks for the extra inches on the waistline Clark!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travel light taking easily laundered tech clothing. There are sufficient opportunities at hotels with laundry facilities to refresh your wardrobe/bag.Budget well to make full use of your free time in Queenstown. There are so many extra activities to do there; cycling, the luge, paragliding etc. Don't miss out!Several hotels have spa pools free to use by guests. Make the most of them to help those worn out muscles.

Suggestions

This holiday does exactly what is says on the packet! It is a tremendously varied and active holiday taking in all the natural splendors this awesome country has to  offer. I would have liked to undertake more strenuous walks, however, I knew from the itinerary not to expect that. To miss out on all the other things on offer would have been a sin. So get booked up and go and have the time of your life. You won't be disapointed.

Most Inspirational Moment

There wasn't a bad day on this holiday, but if pushed I think that there are two things that stand out as highlights for me.The first is the morning in Siberia Valley.  The day started with an early breakfast, then a short walk across the road to the airstrip where the cessna took us in two groups for a fantastic flight with wonderful views of Lake Wanaka and the mountains.  We were dropped in Siberia Valley.  Then a paddle through an icey stream (that woke the feet up) followed by a beautiful walk through meadows and forest, with Awful views (Mnt Awful).  We arrived at our destination to be met by a jet boat which whisked us off down the river back to our starting location - what can I say - jet boats are REALLY good fun!.....that was the morning and then for the afternoon.........The second moment was our overnight trip on the Milford Sound.  You have to see this, as photos just do not do it justice.  The boat was a lovely size with just 36 passengers.  After a trip around the sound we moored up in a cove and went kayaking, then had a wonderful dinner watching the sunset.  In the morning the early morning cup of coffee on deck with the peace and the scenery was inspiring.  A final trip around the sound and out into the Tasman sea, and we saw two different sorts of dolphins.  It was just magical. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Stefan was everything that you would want from a tour leader and more.  He had a great sense of humour (and suffered Terrys bad jokes well) and went out of his way to make the trip a trip of a lifetime for all of us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

GO! It is really worth it.  We've been on quite a few Exodus holidays and this one is by far and away the best.  Everything about it is wonderful

Suggestions

This holiday was just magical.  Now I am looking for Exodus to exceed this experience....so the challenge is on.

Most Inspirational Moment

for me the most inspirational moments of my trip were very personal. i have a fear of being trapped underground and also having had a one and only disastorous experience at kayaking i wasnt looking forward to either of these parts of the trip.  however i was everyone was very supportive and the activites were carried out with complete safety.  i really enjoyed both going through the caves and kayaking through the sound.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I didnt feel the group leaders were as involved in with the group as other group leaders have been on previous holidays. on this holiday the group leaders tended to take you somewhere and then wait til you had done the activity. I didnt feel that they joined in and they seemed a bit distant from the group. apart from the first night they didnt join the group for evening meals even in places where there was only one or two resturants.

Advice for Potential Travellers

be prepared for all types of weather and dont forgot insect repellant. you will hike to and see some amazing places.

Suggestions

having been forced by the group leaders to finish my holiday with the group earlier than planned because the earthquake in christchurch meant the group leaders couldnt get me to the airport in time for my flight i didnt feel there was any support for me. I was left in queenstown on my own where i had to sort out my own accommodation and transport to christchurch.  i missed out on two days with the group - two days of activities and two days of companionship - the whole reason why i book on these holidays - so that im travelling with others and not on my own. very disappointing end to an otherwise amazing holiday.