What type of trips do Serious Fun offer?
We offer a number of trips to suit depending on budget, activities & duration. The Best of the South Island (summer & winter - 14 days) is our most upmarket tour, with a very high standard of accommodations and focus predominantly on hiking. Our 21-day Top-2-Bottom trip is for the more adventurous, with greater variety of activities and flexibility, and stays in locations chosen for their accessibility to the great outdoors! The Family Adventure in Middle Earth is a 13 day tour with a great variety of activities for the whole family with a high standard of comfort! Alternatively, if you have a group of people and are looking for something special, get in contact and we’ll design a custom tour especially for you.
How strenuous are the trips?
All of our tours allow you to choose your own level of exertion, although an average level of fitness is about right. It helps to do a bit of walking prior to joining the tour, as we walk most days. If you choose to hike the Routeburn Track, it does help to have a good level of fitness - often the walking on the days prior to the Routeburn will get you in shape!
Where will I meet my group?
You’ll meet the group at a specified time on the first day. We introduce you to each other, tell you about the trip, and then let you get to know your fellow adventure seekers.
What do I bring with me?
We suggest each person bring no more than two bags. The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to bring clothes to layer. NZ is a first world country, and most products can be bought here. After booking, a comprehensive Pre-Departure pack will be provided which will explain everything you need to know about traveling to NZ, including a detailed list of what you should bring.
How hot or cold does it get? What’s the weather like?
New Zealand may look small, but the variations in climate are considerable. Rain can occur any time of the year – bring a rain jacket and a sun hat. For more detailed information on New Zealand weather and temperature chart, click here.
What kind of accommodation can I expect?
Expect to be surprised by the level of accommodation we provide. Our lodges and boutique hotels have all been especially chosen for their character and comfortable environment. You’re guaranteed a good night’s sleep. On the Top-2-Bottom tour, we also stay in luxurious holiday homes chosen for their idyllic location.
Must I participate in all the activities?
We like to promote our tours as trips for the more actively inclined. Saying that, if you are having a lazy day, we won’t force you to participate! It’s up to you.
Who leads the trips?
All trips are Guide-led by experienced Outdoor Adventure Guides. We constantly get rave reviews back about Mark, Rich, Rodney, Tony, Craig and Jon – all of them have been guiding for a number of years and have a passion for New Zealand. For more information on the guides, click here.
What kind of cuisine can I expect?
New Zealand has some of the best fresh food in the world. On most tours, we eat at a variety of cafes, restaurants, vineyards and have a few meals prepared by the guide, either BBQ's or picnic lunches. We even bring you to the Serious Fun HQ for lunch or dinner on the Imhoof's property situated in the Gibbston Valley wine growing region - it’ll definitely be a memorable meal! On the Top-2-Bottom tour, most meals are prepared by the guide & group.
What happens if I get sick?
New Zealand has first class medical facilities so you’ll be in good hands. If necessary we’ll take you to see a doctor, or take any other precautionary measures to ensure your comfort and safety. Serious Fun New Zealand advises all clients to make their own health insurance arrangements prior to joining the tour. For information on Comprehensive Travel Insurance, click here.
What kind of transport do you use?
We generally travel in coasters, vans or mini-buses, depending on the size of the group. There will always be extra seats, great music & books, and of course some interesting commentary from your guide! To see pictures of the vehicles we use, go to the "vehicles" page of the trip you are considering.
Can I custom design my itinerary?
Sure. If there’s a group of you and you’ve got some ideas we’re more than happy to put a trip together. For the Custom Itinerary Request Form, click here.
What ages are the group members?
Our previous clients have ranged in age from 19 to 70 years old. The most important thing is attitude and a willingness to get out there and have a go! Generally, the ages on the Best of the South Island range from 30-55, and on the Top-2-Bottom from 25-40.
I’ve never traveled with a group before – what’s it like?
Our trips have resulted in life long friendships and even marriages! We aim to have fun on our tours and we find everyone seems to get along just fine. Traveling in such a small group makes things like logistics pretty easy. Often our clients comment that they had a perfect balance of group time, and private time away from the group during the tour.
How safe is New Zealand?
This is a country where the police are unarmed. Take the usual precautions and you’ll be okay.
How tough is the Routeburn Track?
The Routeburn Track is classified moderate. This means they’ll be some flat parts, steep parts, and everything in-between. Don’t worry, you’ll be so busy looking at the scenery you won't notice the uphill bits! All of our clients love hiking the Routeburn, and many of them have been aged in their 60's. For more information on the Routeburn Track, click here.
Do I have to bungy jump?
Not if you don’t want to! AJ Hackett’s bungy is on the road to Serious Fun (located 25km outside Queenstown). Think about it over lunch (that’s if you’re not too nervous) in the Gibbston Valley before deciding whether to take the plunge or not – it’s up to you!
Does it matter if I’ve never kayaked before?
No, our guides will point you in the right direction. As long as you have two hands and a small sense of balance, you’ll be fine. The Abel Tasman National Park is known for calm water & excellent paddling conditions.
How big are the groups?
We travel with a maximum of 12 travelers on most tours, however the Top-2-Bottom has a maximum on 9 people.
I’m a vegetarian – does that matter?
Not at all. We cater for all types of dietary requirements. Please tell us if you have any allergies or problems with particular foods. We’ll be happy to accommodate any request – no matter how crazy it sounds!
Are children welcomed on the tour?
Over Christmas we run our Family Trip to Middle Earth – especially designed with children in mind. They’ll be kept active 24/7, allowing you parents to have a holiday too. If you would like to bring a child on another tour, please contact us to discuss it.
If I want to arrive in NZ a few days earlier, can you organize travel plans?
Yes, we often arrange pre or post tour travel for our clients and would be happy to do so.
Will there be other single people on the tour?
Most of our tours have a great cross-section of singles and couples. Our tours are a great way to meet like-minded people, of all ages and interests.
If I am single, must I pay the Single Supplement?
As a single traveler, you have the option of paying the single supplement to have your own room. Alternatively, if you would prefer to avoid the extra expense, we can attempt to find another suitable traveler to share a room with you. In the unlikely event we are unable to match you with another traveler, you will have to pay the single supplement.
What kind of deposit is due and is it refundable?
A US$350 deposit is required upon initial application. The balance of the tour cost is required no later than 90 days prior to tour departure. If you cancel prior to 90 days before the tour departure, you will get a full refund, less US$150 per person. Cancellation outside 45 days, but within 90 days of the tour departure results in a cancellation fee equal to 25% of the tour price. If you cancel with 45 days or less to departure, the cancellation fee is 100% of the tour price. This is why it is best to have travel insurance, as it will cover you in the event you need to cancel your trip.
How do I reserve a place on a Serious Fun tour?
Call us, email us or book online - whatever is easier for you! We do ask for your deposit to confirm your booking.