- How long do the trips last?
We have scheduled trekking trips lasting from 3 to 8 days, but we are able to tailor shorter or longer trips according to your requirements. See each trip description for particular trip information.
- How big are the groups?
Our maximum group size is 5 clients plus guide. Our average group size is 3 people. The minimum group size is 2 clients. Our usual trips are two couples or a couple and a single. If you have a larger private group, contact us to see what an appropriate trip would be.
- What if I want to book as a single?
Try to choose a scheduled date, and if that doesn't fit, let us know. We can book you as a single and we will try to match others to your dates. If we can not find at least one other person for the dates you want, one month before the start date we will give you a full refund.
- How hard are the trips? Am I fit enough?
Each trip has a difficulty rating which can be found on that trips web page. For a definition of what we call hard moderate or easy, click here. Our small group size means that you can go at your own pace.
- How heavy does my pack need to be?
You will only need to carry your own personal clothing and gear: no tents, food or cooking supplies. See each trip description for particular trips.
- What do I need to bring for clothing and equipment?
On most trips all you need is your personal clothing and a good pair of hiking boots. On each trip page you find information on what is needed for that trip. We can usually supply everything you need in the way of sleeping bags and back packs if you are trying to keep the weight down for your international flights.
- What do we eat? I have a special diet, is this OK?
One thing we hear every trip is “the food was great! I never knew it was possible to eat so well on a wilderness trip.” We put a lot of work into supplying you with a variety of healthy and tasty meals and snacks. From the fresh vegetables to the real coffee, you will be impressed. Vegetarian or other preferred diets are not a problem. You can inform us of your diet preferences when you book.
- Where do we meet?
Usually we get together with you the evening before your trip starts to answer any last minute questions, check your clothing and gear, and fill you in on the plans for the next day. We usually meet at our office in Wanaka at about 4.30pm the day before the trip starts (if convenient) so you still have time to purchase any items highlighted at the gear check.
- Where do we stay when we are on the trip?
Depending on the trip we use a mixture of camping and Department of Conservation huts. See the individual trip pages for more information. On the Rabbit Pass and Mt Aspiring Discovery trips we use camps which are flown by helicopter into the mountains in the spring and removed in the winter. Camps have a large cook tent and smaller private tents for sleeping. Department of Conservation huts are open to the public.
- What are the huts like?
Huts are operated by the Department of Conservation and usually have communal bunk rooms, no electricity and long drop toilets. These are remote huts and provide excellent shelter when the weather is rough. Huts are equipped with wood stoves and are warm and cosy.
BOOKING
- What time of year do the trips run?
Most of our trips run from November to May. Check the trip page for the trip you are interested in for scheduled dates. We can run a private trek anytime for your party. For a better idea of what the New Zealand seasons are like, check out our detailed information page on NZ weather.
- When do trips run?
Since the minimum group size is two people, if you are a group of two or more, you can book for whatever dates you like. If a particular date is taken we will see if we can combine you with a trip already running or give you the closest available date. You can either just book for your preferred start date (if the date requested is taken, we will let you know the next available dates) or just email us and see what is available.
- How much do trips cost?
See each individual trip descriptions.
- What is included in the price?
Generally the price includes all meals and snacks, your qualified and friendly guide, park fees, hut/tent accommodation and camping equipment (including sleeping bags and sleeping mats), and Goods and Services Tax, and radio communications with base. Air/water access is included where specified. See each individual trip description for what is included or not included in the price.
- How do I book a trip? How do I know if the dates I want are available?
You can book directly through our website page and specify the dates that you prefer. Alternatively you can complete a registration form and fax it to us. Feel free to email us if you have questions. If the dates you prefer are not available we will immediately notify you of the nearest available dates.
- How do I pay?
The easiest way to pay is on our secure server. If you prefer you may also pay by credit card over the phone or by fax. If you have a NZ bank account you can pay by direct debit. Email us for our bank account details. We required a deposit of $500 to secure your booking.
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What happens after I pay my deposit?
Your deposit confirms your trip. We email you a booking confirmation. Your trip balance is due 60 days before your trip commences. We then email information on when and where to meet approximately 4 weeks before we are due to meet you. This email will prompt you for any outstanding paperwork and ask you for a copy of your equipment list, your travel information, and accommodation booking here in Wanaka, etc.
TRANSPORT AND TRAVEL INFORMATION
- Where is Aspiring Guides located?
We operate out of the small, beautiful town of Wanaka. Situated on the shores of Lake Wanaka, on the South Island of New Zealand, Wanaka is the gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park - a World Heritage Area. Wanaka is 1 hour drive from Queenstown (which has an airport), 5 hours from Christchurch (with an international airport) and 3 hours from Dunedin. Wanaka has ample accommodation to suit all budget types and as well as all the facilities necessary to equip you for a hiking and mountaineering holiday, for a map click here.
- How do I get to Wanaka?
The closest airport to us is in Queenstown. Some flights from Australia come direct into Queenstown but for everyone else you will be arriving either through Auckland, Christchurch or Dunedin. From Auckland or Christchurch you can make a flight connection to Queenstown and transfer to Wanaka (one hour) by shuttle bus. There are regular shuttles between Wanaka and Queenstown airport. For shuttle information:
Wanaka Connexions (Queenstown -Wanaka):
http://www.alpinecoachlines.co.nz/WanakaConnexions.html
http://connectabus.com/services/Connect-Wanaka
Christchurch - Wanaka:
http://www.intercity.co.nz/default.php
http://www.atomictravel.co.nz/
http://southernlinkbus.co.nz
Wanaka does have a small airport with flights that connect from Christchurch. Unfortunately these flights are limited (2 per day and small number of seats). Often this does not work with connections from overseas and it is usually easier to fly to Queenstown unless you prefer to overnight in Christchurch. Check with Air New Zealand or your travel agent.
- Do I need a car?
No. Most people use shuttle bus transport from Queenstown Airport and accommodation in central Wanaka and find that they do not need to rent a car. Most cafes, restaurants and activities are within easy walking distance.
- Can I rent a car in Wanaka?
You can rent a car in Wanaka but there is no facility for dropping it off in another town or city. To do this the vehicle must be rented in either Queenstown or a larger city such as Christchurch.
- Can I leave my extra bags and valuables with you while we are in the hills?
Yes, no problem.
- Where can I leave my car?
We have a location to store your vehicle while you are on an adventure with us.
ACCOMMODATION
- Where is a good place stay before and after the trip?
Even though Wanaka is small it has excellent accommodation options for all tastes. We recommend Te Wanaka but there are many other places that may suit your tastes and budget. Click here for a list of accommodation, and click here for map of Wanaka.
WHAT IF's
- What if the weather is bad?
New Zealand is known for its changeable weather. The mountains here are characterized by long sunny fine periods mixed with sudden and sometimes heavy rain or snow. Our experienced guides are well equipped to provide the best possible trip and have many years experience in judging the conditions. Travel in bad weather is an art in itself. By using Aspiring Guides you give yourself the best chance of success dealing with whatever the weather may throw at you. See our booking terms and conditions. Once a trip begins there are no refunds. Check out our website for current mountain and weather conditions.
- What if someone is injured?
Obviously every situation is different; in case of a serious accident the guide will notify our base by radio and a rescue will be started usually by helicopter. Injuries are covered by the New Zealand Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). ACC pays for the majority of costs incurred in evacuation and treatment of injured people. They do not cover you in case of illness. For more information concerning what ACC covers click here. We recommend that you have travel insurance that will cover you in being repatriated to your home country.
- What about insurance? Good travel insurance is essential. In addition to medical/accident cover we highly recommend purchasing travel cancellation insurance. In some instances, our clients have injured themselves in totally unrelated accidents or had a family emergency which has meant that they have had to cancel their trips at short notice. Unfortunately we were unable to resell their places and had to insist on our cancellation policy. A bad situation for everyone! But it’s also one that can be avoided with relatively cheap travel insurance. You may have your own preferred travel insurer. If not, here are some suggestions for you. We do not recommend any company over any other.
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- IHI – a Danish web-based provider for overseas clients. http://www.ihi.com/english.asp (not suitable for Franztastic trip or Aspiring Glacier Expedition)
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- What if we do not fit in with the group ability wise?
This tends to be one of the major concerns of guests going on trips. However, in our experience, it is very rarely a problem. Due to our small group size we largely avoid compatibility issues. We are careful we build trips and with over 20 year’s experience, we are proud of our record of providing quality trips. If you are really concerned about your compatibility with others we offer private trips on request.
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