Trekking In New Zealand

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

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  Peter Knott

  Non-stop adventure

  

  Written April 2008

  This trip was packed with new experiences and spectacular and diverse scenery. If you've remembered to bring an open mind, you'll have it filled with great memories. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  This was my first experience of camping, and so for me the most inspirational part of the trip was the realisation that I really enjoy it. 

  The Tongariro hike on the North Island was the hiking highlight. The volcanic landscape is awesome, alien, challenging and beautiful. The majestic Siberia valley on the South Island, accessed by helicopter and jetboat, was another experience I hope I never forget.

   

   

  What did you think of your group leader?

  We had two leaders, Kath on the North Island and Dan on the South Island. Both were great. 

  Kath is an inspirational bundle of energy and enthusiasm. She quickly made a 'family' out of our diverse group, and made sure we were always ready for our next experience. She has extensive knowledge of NZ culture, history and wildlife, which she shared with us at every opportunity.

  Dan is resourceful, patient, knowledgeable and a good laugh. Kath was a hard act to follow, but we soon grew fond of "Desperate" too. Where weather conditions etc made it necessary, he adapted the trip 'on the fly' , and we were never disappointed with the result. On the hikes he dealt very well with the different levels of ability within the group. He cooks a mean rice pudding too!

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Be prepared to muck in, and to go with the flow.

  If you've not had any recent hillwalking experience, get some practice in first. It'll be worth the effort! 

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I loved it.

   
• 

  John Gilman

  TREKKING IN NEW ZEALAND

  

  Written February 2008

  Spectacular scenary with walks in some out of the way places we wouldn't have found independantly. A comprehensive trip including some of the best sights on both North and South Island. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Walk up to the Crucible Lake along Siberia Valley was both tough and awe inspiring but the views were spectacular. Milford Sound was beautiful, even in the torrential rain, with literally hundreds of waterfalls. We were lucky on this trip however that we only had two days of rain and the rest were very sunny days, hence the sunburn! Must slake on more cream next time.

  The short flight (in a fourteen seater) from Wellington to Picton over the Marlborough Sounds, Sea Kayaking at Abel Tasman, jet boat ride and the helicopter trip were excellent.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Kath, our leader in North Island, went out of her way to ensure the "team" bonded together. She ensured we made the maximum of our time which resulted in some long (but very enjoyable) days.

  Mark, our leader in South island, was a great guy and very efficient in piloting us around for two weeks. His geological knowledge was really useful when explaining the structure of the Mountains, teutonic plate action etc.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Don't stay at the Aspen Lodge in Auckland!! This is without doubt the worst accommodation I have been offered in twenty + years of tours. Hopefully alternative accommodation will now be scheduled due to the previous adverse comments posted on the site.

  There are ample opportunities for washing clothes (YHA hostels etc.) on this trip so don't overpack!! As previously mentioned however we were lucky in that the weather was very kind.

  Numerous river crossings on the way to the Ballroom Overhang so remember to pack gear in waterproof stuff sacs!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  A great trip with some real nutters (you know who you are!!). Obviously, this is a long way to travel but the people, scenary and sights more than make up for this. The price is pitched a little high for the standard of accommodation received (only occasional en-suite facilities) but long distances covered at the right pace. We had a good mixture of driving, rest days and walking so that the trip flowed smoothly. Look forward to going back to see areas we missed i.e. Bay of Islands, Coromandel, Mt Taranaki, Stewart Island etc., etc. 

  Trip date: 7th Jan to 19th Jan.

   
• 

  Helen Yarnold

  TREKKING IN NEW ZEALAND

  

  Written January 2008

  I felt this holiday was not good value for money and lacked the wow factor I was looking for 

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  What did you think of your group leader?

  we had two group leaders - Kath and Jaron.  They were both good fun but I think 2 weeks with one guide may be a bit too much

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  make sure you don't let them book you into Aspen House in Aukland - it's disgusting

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  some of the walks were always in trees and so it wasn't possible to see where we were - shame really because there were times when we could have been in the Forest of Dene!

  Exodus Response

  Following the feedback from Helen and other members of this group we are looking at changing the Aspen House Hotel in Auckland for all departures from March onwards. Secondly, although in our opinion all of the walks are superb treks in their own right, we will be discussing ways to improve the itinerary and content for future clients.

  Feedback has also been passed on about the content of the trip notes for this itinerary - perhaps not providing sufficient detail on the content of the walks, grade of the trip and food arrangements. These trips notes are currently being reviewed by our guides in New Zealand and will be updated shortly.

  If necessary, any changes implemented on this itinerary following feedback from clinets will be highlighted in the Trip Notes and all current future bookings written to detailing the actions taken.

  Jim from Exodus.

   

  
  

  - Exodus Staff

   

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