New Zealand tours in December 2024

Tom · Traveled December 2023

I loved the Otago Trail I just wish I hadn't done it with Intrepid! The scenery is mid West US prairie meets English countryside and a lot more picturesque than I expected. I found it almost calming cycling through it. The cycling felt longer and tougher than I expected (although the bikes and head winds had a lot to do with that) but still perfectly manageable for anyone who's active in day to day life. The trip notes and guidance I received from the Intrepid support team ahead of the trip were inaccurate on multiple fronts. You don't need to bring a helmet, single supplement WILL get you your own room each night, the bike company did eventually fit my saddle and pedals but only after a big scene and lots of grumbling. Customer centric they are not. The bikes are far more rugged than needed for the trail which is 95% gravel. A standard hard tail mountain bike would have been more than enough. We had a hard tail with the fattest tires I've ever ridden so the rolling resistance was really high. The bike computer they gave me packed in after the 3rd day of riding. My friend's never worked. 2 of the 3 hotels were poor in my view. In the first hotel our twin room was tiny for 1 person let alone two. We could barely get our stuff in there! It had a weird folding door which left massive gaps and provided no privacy and no shampoo or shower gel. We were subjected to a laughably overpriced 'buffet' with virtually no choice and a mandatory 2 courses for $50. Along with the surly, grumpy service it was a pretty unpleasant experience. The cabins on the 2nd night were lovely - beautiful views, comfortable spacious rooms and drinks and snacks available via an honesty box complete with credit card machine. The rooms on the final night was horrible soft saggy mattress and toilets/showers shared between people. Oh and not forgetting the driest pie I've ever eaten. I've witnessed more moisture in the desert in Morocco than in that pie which had been cremated. On the plus side we had an excellent guide in summer who was full of energy, bubbly and very easy to talk too. She let the faster riders scoot on ahead which I really appreciated. I also really enjoyed the company of everyone on the trip.

Ruby · Traveled December 2023

Really enjoyed my Intrepid trip to NZ North Island. Our tour guide Lou was SO good and we had a lot of fun! Great hotels and travelling was made easy with Frodo the bus! Will book again!

HEATHER CHU RUI · Traveled December 2023

Amazing trip with Tim. The trip can be more flexible when the weather gets unpredictable and it would be perfect!

Brenda · Traveled December 2023

Spend time before the trip and book your 'Add on activities' as some get booked up fast. Also recommend for Milford Sound the best option is Coach - Cruise - Fly day trip.

Lillian · Traveled December 2023

The trip was very well organised ! The group leader was very well knowledgeable about the areas, very precise with timing and very caring! He tried to be helpful all the time!