Canterbury Trails - Frequently Asked Questions

We are a tour company offering fully guided small group tours in South Island. However, we do design tour itineraries in liaison with guests and agents and can book accommodation, activities etc .

Canterbury Trails is a privately owned NZ company based in Christchurch. Sally Lilley who does the administration and John Holton who is the Head Guide are the owners. We have a fleet of 6 customised 4WD tour vehicles. We offer a professional service and we are quality accredited company, holding the Qualmark endorsement of quality as well as an extensive Department of Conservation (DOC) concession.

Guests from all ages and professions travel with us. They tend to not want to be part of a large anonymous group. Mature children (ie well behaved and interested) are welcome and we also specialise in private tours for family groups. See Tailor Made Tours.

Our tours are personally guided small group tours for the discerning traveller. They are genuine "small group tours" with a maximum group size of just 6 to 8 guests depending on the type of tour. They are designed for travellers who want interactive experiences and want more than just to see New Zealand. Our guides are extremely knowledgeable and enjoy commentating on and interpreting on route

Canterbury Trails does not operate on the North Island. However, we refer guests to Kiwi Dundee Adventures who provide a similar style of tour experience with a high level of service.

The diversity of the landscapes in New Zealand and on the South Island is a real feature and truly amazing. Whichever tour you take you WILL see incredible scenery and depending on the tour you may experience...art & craft stores and galleries, beautiful lakes, clear rivers, creeks and streams, country towns and villages, majestic mountains, primeval rainforests, remote beaches and rocky headlands, rugged alpine vistas or rural countryside.

As most of our small group tours are 2 to 8 guests, we use our 9 seater 4WD Toyota Hiace mini coaches. For the exclusive private tours, we would use our deluxe Mitsubishi 4WD mini coach or our Toyota 4WD Grand Cabin mini coach, depending on the party size. Our dedicated tour vehicles are extremely well appointed, being fitted with individual high back seats (with seat belts), stereo p/a systems and are air-conditioned. For added comfort and uniqueness, all vehicles are fitted with refrigerators and fully equipped for picnics. with hampers etc The Toyota mini coaches are also fitted with high panorama windows for additional viewing capability. On board, we carry maps, binoculars, NZ natural heritage reference books, water, refreshments, tissues and mints.

On our trips, the segments of "driving" time is normally restricted to no more than 45 minutes or so. Regular stops are made to take photographs or take a short walk. The idea is not to travel all day but to allow time to explore locations along the way. In total, generally, there is usually only about 4 hours driving on the "travelling" days and very little driving when we are based at the lodges (mainly walking to explore the surrounding landscapes, activities or relaxing). An exception to this is if the tour itinerary includes a 'Queenstown -Milford Sound out and back Tour'

The amount of walking or physical activity depends on the general fitness and keenness of the guests. All stops have been chosen as there are short and longer walk options available. As a general rule, the tours have been designed so that: " 'travelling' days (including day tours) include a range of short walks of 15-40 minutes and " 'location' days where we are based at a particular accommodation (eg Wilderness Lodges etc.) allow for more and/or longer walks and hikes totalling around 4 hours. Therefore, for guests who are unable to wander far from the vehicle the stops and activities are organised accordingly. With our private tailor made tours, the length and difficulty of the walks and activities included can be organised to suit the guest's wishes.

For accommodation on our tours, we choose the best in lodges, small hotels, home and farm-stays in accordance with the guest's style and budget. We believe the hospitality of the hosts, clean rooms, a relaxed, cosy and friendly feel and good food are all important. Providers are carefully chosen and we feel that the accommodation adds to the tour experience and is more than "just a place to stay!". We classify quality as Standard (3-4+*), Superior (4-5*), Luxury (5*+). Please note that Luxury (5*+) accommodation is not available in many locations on the South Island

Workers in hospitality do not depend on tips or gratuities for their income and it is not expected for normal service. However, they are gratefully received if you consider the service has been special, kind or above and beyond.

This depends on the tour that you take. On 'Day Tours' lunch and picnic refreshments are included. On the 'Multi Day Tours' such as 'The Wilderness South Expedition' all breakfasts, all morning and afternoon teas and some lunches and dinners are included. Staying at the more exclusive lodges also includes most meals. The tour itineraries show what meals and snacks are included in your tour package.

Toilets, however rustic are reasonably plentiful when driving even in some of the more remote regions. The guides know where they all are although they are not always obvious to the passenger! We always promote the "environmental care" guidelines, and promote the use of toilets, as against using the "green door", no matter how basic some of the more remote facilities may be!

The 'Day Tours out of Christchurch' have a maximum number of eight and the "Multi Day Tours" (Wilderness South Expedition and the Natural North'South New Zealand) are designed for small groups of up to six guests, so yes, there may be others on these tours. However, it is rare for the tours to be fully booked even in the high season. Note that we can also guide groups larger than eight, particularly if it a large family or friends group or a special interest group. If you do not wish to travel with other people 'Private Tailor Made Tours' are offered on an "exclusive basis". These can be one day or multi-day tours.

Yes. Whichever tour you take with Canterbury Trails you will be picked up and dropped off from your accommodation. All hotels, motels, home stays and B&B's in Christchurch and the environs are covered. If you are staying in a residential accommodation, then it is also possible to pick you up. With our 'Private Tailor Made Tours' pick up and drop off can be anywhere on the South Island.

Standard of Dress - New Zealand is a very relaxed and generally informal destination. Neat and casual clothes that are comfortable are suitable for dining out in most restaurants. Unless, you are attending a function more than one very smart/formal outfit would probably be too many! Expect a wide range of temperatures 45-85 degrees F (spring, summer,autumn) and weather (sun, wind and rain, "4 seasons in one day", all year round) if you are travelling around the South Island. New Zealand weather is extremely changeable on a day to day and on some days an hour to hour basis! As we include walks on our tours, it is advisable, you bring along a wind proof jacket, clothes suitable for cooler weather (which retain warmth when damp from sweat or drizzle) and footwear suitable for walking. Essential (whatever time of year)

1) Footwear/socks for walking/activities -

• light weight hiking boots, sturdy trainers/sneakers or walking shoes with a good grippy sole are good. Solid hiking boots are generally excessive.
• socks (wool based) comfortable and warm if/when wet are recommended.

2) Warm and waterproof clothing to include:

• water/wind proof top
• thermal first/under layer made out of polypro, silk or wool (not cotton)
• insulating layer of fleece or wool
• beannie hat/cap and gloves if hands susceptible to getting cold
• lightweight trousers (note: Jeans are not suitable for longer walks)
• [In winter (May-Sept) or on longer tours in spring (Sept-Dec) and autumn/fall (March-May) warm jacket made out of thick fleece or duvet is advisable as is a rainstorm proof jacket and if you are keen to hike/tramp a lot waterproof trousers - if possible breathable e.g. Gortex.]

3) Lightweight and cool clothing to include:

• long sleeved shirt/blouse with collar
• trousers and/or shorts or 'all in ones'
• hat - wide brim if possible as the sun can be intense
• swimwear -

Laundry Facilities
Almost all accommodation providers in New Zealand provide laundry facilities where you can do your own washing or as in the case of the better hotels a laundry service.

Personal items and toiletries

• Passport (USA and UK citizens do not require a visa, however, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months from your return date of travel.
• Day Pack
• Sunscreen (high factor),
• Sunglasses,
• Lip balm
• Electrical appliance adaptor -(the current in New Zealand is 230/240 volts and you will require a two pin adaptor}
• Camera, extra card, charger and batteries.( If you were thinking of buying a new camera DO IT before this trip!)
• Binoculars although our vehicles generally carry them
• Notebook or diary

Warning!
Do not buy duty free liquids in quantities over 100 ml (inc cosmetics and alcohol) in your departure airport if you are in transit/changing planes at another international airport. You will be subject to baggage checks and restrictions and even sealed goods will be conviscated Note: there are duty free shops in New Zealand airports as you enter the country. New Zealand is extremely strict with regards to importation of food stuffs and contaminates to the environment. A fine of $400 WILL be imposed if you are caught with anything of this nature on your person as you enter the country. NZ immigration accepts no excuses.