Can I book if I am traveling on my own?

On our group walks we have a minimum number of two guests to go ahead, however once we have a  booking confirmed we are then able to add individuals. Please contact us by email with the date and time you require and we will do our best to accommodate you on a walk. If you would like to guarantee your walk, you can book for two people, and we will refund you for the second person if we get another booking It is recommended you book in advance to get the dates you require, especially between September and April.

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How fit do I need to be?

A basic level of fitness is required, you will be walking approximately 8-12 km per day, and this will involve some climbing. We cater for different levels of fitness, be sure to let us know if you have any concerns when you make your booking so we can best meet your needs.

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How long and how far are the walks?

Total duration of the full day walk is approximately 6 hours, and within this expect to be walking approximately 3-4 hours, covering 8-12 km on average. The half-day walk duration is 4 hours, with 2-2.5 hours walking time.

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What sort of footwear and clothing do I need?

Good walking shoes, warm clothing, a jacket and sun hat are essentials.  New Zealand is very seasonal, so in the summer you will be more comfortable in shorts and a t-shirt, and in the winter you might prefer long pants.  Either way, we recommend bringing layers as the weather can be changeable, and you can always leave unwanted items in the locked vehicle.

 

What if there is a group of us?

We cater for groups between 2 - 10 people. If your group is larger than this please get in touch to arrange a quote. We can cater for up to 40 guests with multiple guides.

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Are your walks suitable for children?

For families with children under 12, it is best to arrange a private guide rather than join a group walk so you can take the day at your own pace.  We have some very special excursions popular with families including swimming beaches, ferry rides, hunting for crabs, picnics, and generally exploring off the beaten track with a shortened walk. Tried and tested with our own families, we will make this a trip highlight for your whole family.  Book here.

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Do you do guided walks for Corporate Functions?

Absolutely, we can arrange anything from just a guide to the entire package including transport and catering.  Please get in touch with your details so we can tailor the perfect day to suit.

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Do you offer walks for cruise ship passengers?

For guests arriving into Lyttelton Port, we offer a Shore Excursion for small groups of 2-10.  As Lyttelton is a nonpedestrian port, your guide will meet you at the Lyttelton information Centre (20 Oxford Street, Lyttelton). There are free shuttles from the port to this location, which takes approximately 5 minutes. We are in communication with the Lyttleton Information Centre staff, and monitor cruise ship arrival and departure times, so can ensure we have you back in plenty of time.

 

For guests arriving into Akaroa Port, there is a 9:30am shuttle you can get into Christchurch arriving outside the Canterbury Museum at 11am. You can book a Luxury Half Day Crater Rim Walk departing at 11am and we will have you back by 3pm in time to get  back to Akaroa by 4:30pm.  Please get in touch for more details as these times can be adjusted to meet your personal requirements or ship departure times.  Contact Us.

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How far in advance do I need to book?

Advanced bookings are recommended to ensure we can arrange a guide for the date you require.  A minimum of 24 hours notice is needed in most circumstances, but we will endeavor to include you whenever possible on the day of choice or the next available day.

 

What if I do one day's walk and want to do more the following days?

Speak to your guide on the day, and if space allows we can book you in for any additional days on our other walks on the day of choice or the nearest available day.

 

Is the walk available all year round and what will the weather be like?

We walk 12 months of the year, there are very few days in Christchurch that the weather prevents us from enjoying a fabulous walk. During the colder months of July and August, some of the walks may be unavailable due to the tracks becoming wet.  Our guides will identify the best walk for the conditions of the day.  If the weather conditions prevent us from walking, we will reschedule for another day to suit, or you will receive a refund.

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What is your cancellation policy?

This walk is scheduled 12-months of the year.  On days when the weather or track conditions prevent us from walking, we will try to reschedule, offer a wet weather alternative, or a refund less a 25% administration fee. We require 48 hours notice for cancellation for bookings of 1 - 4 guests.  For group bookings of 5 or more, we require 7-days notice. If cancellation is made within this time frame you will receive a full refund less any expenses incurred.

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What food and drink will you supply?

On our full day walk, we provide a hot drink to order on the day, morning tea (fruit, and trail mix or a muesli bar), lunch (roast vegetable frittata and a colslaw with some chocolate), and a stainless steel water bottle which you can refill along the way.  This is all included in the price you paid for the trip.  On a half-day walk, we provide either morning or afternoon tea along with water, however lunch in not included. We can cater for special dietary needs, please let us know when you make your booking.

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What if I have special dietary needs?

No problem. Please let us know when you book if you have any allergies or intolerance.  We have excellent vegetarian, gluten and dairy-free food options available.

 

Why do I need walking poles?

We include walking poles in the price and recommend them for everyone.  Our tracks occasionally become wet, and poles will lessen any chance of injury.  Using walking poles reduces accumulated stress on the feet, legs, knees and back by sharing the load more evenly across the whole body.

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• Protect knees, especially when walking down steep hills

• Improve your power and endurance when walking uphill

• Aid balance on uneven trails

• Improve posture, making walkers more upright as they walk and in turn this can help breathing

• Increase speed, especially going downhill

• Provide extra stability

• Reduce fatigue and improve endurance

• Burn more calories by providing an upper body workout as well as a legs workout

• Strengthen muscles that support the spine

• Build muscles in arms, shoulders and neck

   

How do I pay for the walk?

Payment needs to be made via our website at the time of booking.  We require 24 hours notice to ensure we can provide a guide and meal to suit your needs, but please get in touch in any situation and we will include you wherever possible.