Active New Zealand adventure tours - 14-day Rimu Adventure Trip - Important Information
I would say it was a once in a lifetime trip,
but it was so good a person should not only experience it once.- Mike G., (USA) Aug 2009 Winter Rimu
PHOTO OF THE MONTH:
Rimu Jan 2010
We love being based in Queenstown! It's the best playground in the world and there's always something new to try...
MEET OUR GUIDES:
Gemma van Beek
"Gemma is a brilliant cook, the best meals we had were the ones cooked by her. "
Catherine Upton (Singapore) November 2009 Rimu
"The most active journey I ever did. Loved every minute of it!"
Hendrik Haddorp (Holzgerlingen, Germany) February 2005 Rimu
Hendrik Haddorp (Holzgerlingen, Germany) February 2005 Rimu
Rimu - Important Info
ACCOMMODATION:
The Rimu is an activity-oriented trip around the South Island. We’ve chosen interesting and comfortable accommodations throughout. Some places are 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 and we think you’ll love the places we stay! We prefer to stay in comfortable bed and breakfasts, lodges and apartments. Rooming is based on twin-share, although single rooms are available upon request. As there is such a variety of accommodations, some places have ensuite bathrooms and some have shared bathrooms, so we may ask you to share a bathroom with other group members on occasion.
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 about 9 - 10.30am on Monday, and departing from Christchurch after 2.30 - 4pm on Sunday. Other flight times may also be possible. If you are considering alternative flight times please let us know.
PICK UP INFORMATION:
On the first day of the trip we can either pick you up from the Holiday Inn City Centre in Christchurch at 10.30am, or at the Christchurch domestic airport in front of the information desk at 11am.
DROP OFF INFORMATION:
On the last day of the trip we can drop you off at Christchurch airport in time for the flights above, or anywhere in central Christchurch in mid-late afternoon.
TRIP DIRECTION:
To keep our group sizes down, we run the Rimu in two different directions around the South Island – northbound (refers to the initial direction of travel from Christchurch) and southbound. This itinerary happens to be written up in the northbound format. We also run the Rimu starting and ending in Queenstown. Whichever direction you take, you'll do all the activities we've mentioned, just in a different order. This trip is a product of many years of evolution and fine-tuning – it works well whichever way you do it!
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 before to enjoy kayaking Okarito Lagoon or Milford Sound. You don’t need to be a serious cyclist to enjoy 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 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. 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.
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$3399 + 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 have two guides per trip, a lead guide/driver and a co-guide who is responsible for meals and accommodations. This means we can really make sure you have a great time! We operate with small groups and we don’t hesitate to offer a second departure when our trips start getting full.
• 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 the optional extra activities. There are many optional activities available at extra cost, particularly in Franz Josef and Queenstown. None of these activities are compulsory, 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!
NOT INCLUDED:
This is your holiday, and we are serious about not nickel-and-diming you! You’ll have a few meals and drinks to cover, extra activities if you choose them, and you’ll probably feel like tipping your guides at the end of a fabulous time, but you won’t be pulling out your wallet every few minutes on your ACTIVE NEW ZEALAND trip!
GEAR LIST:
Click here to see a copy of the Rimu Gear List
The Rimu is an activity-oriented trip around the South Island. We’ve chosen interesting and comfortable accommodations throughout. Some places are 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 and we think you’ll love the places we stay! We prefer to stay in comfortable bed and breakfasts, lodges and apartments. Rooming is based on twin-share, although single rooms are available upon request. As there is such a variety of accommodations, some places have ensuite bathrooms and some have shared bathrooms, so we may ask you to share a bathroom with other group members on occasion.
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 about 9 - 10.30am on Monday, and departing from Christchurch after 2.30 - 4pm on Sunday. Other flight times may also be possible. If you are considering alternative flight times please let us know.
PICK UP INFORMATION:
On the first day of the trip we can either pick you up from the Holiday Inn City Centre in Christchurch at 10.30am, or at the Christchurch domestic airport in front of the information desk at 11am.
DROP OFF INFORMATION:
On the last day of the trip we can drop you off at Christchurch airport in time for the flights above, or anywhere in central Christchurch in mid-late afternoon.
TRIP DIRECTION:
To keep our group sizes down, we run the Rimu in two different directions around the South Island – northbound (refers to the initial direction of travel from Christchurch) and southbound. This itinerary happens to be written up in the northbound format. We also run the Rimu starting and ending in Queenstown. Whichever direction you take, you'll do all the activities we've mentioned, just in a different order. This trip is a product of many years of evolution and fine-tuning – it works well whichever way you do it!
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 before to enjoy kayaking Okarito Lagoon or Milford Sound. You don’t need to be a serious cyclist to enjoy 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 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. 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.
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$3399 + 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 have two guides per trip, a lead guide/driver and a co-guide who is responsible for meals and accommodations. This means we can really make sure you have a great time! We operate with small groups and we don’t hesitate to offer a second departure when our trips start getting full.
• 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 the optional extra activities. There are many optional activities available at extra cost, particularly in Franz Josef and Queenstown. None of these activities are compulsory, 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!
NOT INCLUDED:
This is your holiday, and we are serious about not nickel-and-diming you! You’ll have a few meals and drinks to cover, extra activities if you choose them, and you’ll probably feel like tipping your guides at the end of a fabulous time, but you won’t be pulling out your wallet every few minutes on your ACTIVE NEW ZEALAND trip!
GEAR LIST:
Click here to see a copy of the Rimu Gear List
