Adventure FAQs

Are flights included?

Flights to and from your destination aren’t included in the trip price — you’ll need to book these independently. Any flights needed during the tour itself are included and taken care of by us. You’ll find recommended arrival and departure airports, along with suggested arrival and departure times, in the FAQs below.

Please note that your included internal flight has a luggage allowance of one checked bag up to 23kg (50lbs) and one piece of hand luggage up to 7kg (15lbs). Please pack within these limits, as additional or overweight luggage may not be accepted.

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into Auckland Airport (AKL) and out of Christchurch Airport (CHC). 

What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?

Before 3pm ideally. The welcome meeting and dinner will be from 5pm onwards starting at the hotel.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

There are no activities planned for Day 13, so you can leave any time that suits you, although we recommend booking flights that depart from 10am onwards. Your Pack Leader can help you book transfers the night before if needed.

Are airport transfers included?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you’ve booked yourself a pre-night at the same hotel the adventure starts from, your airport arrival transfer will be included. Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and in groups depending on flight times, so you may have to wait in the airport for a short while.

However, if you’ve booked alternative pre-trip accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport, you’ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer. 

Please also note: in order to secure your place on the private transfer, you’ll need to provide your flight details to our Customer Experience team no later than 30 days prior to your adventure’s departure date. You’ll get automated email reminders about this, but the team won’t be chasing you. That’s why it’s key to get this information over in good time. If the details are provided later than 30 days pre-departure, you’ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer.

Departure transfers are typically not included due to travellers leaving at varying times. That said, your Pack Leader will happily help arrange departure transfers for you if required.

Are tips included?

Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:

• Pack Leader: 17-20 NZD per day
• Drivers: 17-20 NZD per day
• Local tips: your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip local guides, restaurants, etc. Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips.

However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.

Do I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

• UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
• Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
• Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

• UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
• US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.
• Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.

3. Government travel advice

• UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
• Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.

What are the drive times like?

New Zealand is a big country and this is a trip for travelers who enjoy a road trip. We don’t advise joining if you suffer badly from motion sickness or any other ailment that extensive travel can make worse.

We travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, but there are a couple of longer days on the road. On Day 7, the journey from Christchurch to Twizel takes around 3.5 hours, while Day 11 is our longest travel day, with around 6.5 hours of driving as part of our journey to and from remote Doubtful Sound.

Where possible, we break up longer journeys with stops, incredible scenery and local experiences along the way. It’s all part of exploring New Zealand’s vast landscapes – and a great opportunity to sit back, watch the scenery unfold and get to know your fellow Flashpackers.

What fitness levels do I need for this trip?

It’s an adventure packed with experiences to make the most of your time on this side of the world, and it does have moments of more strenuous activity like the Routeburn Flats hike. If you’re looking for something slower paced and mindful, this might not be the right trip for you.

We recommend having a read through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.

Is there a weight limit for any of the activities?

Please note there is a weight limit of 105kg (231lbs) for the ziplining activity.

If the dolphin swim is canceled and we operate our backup seal kayaking experience instead, there is a weight limit of 115kg (254lbs) for kayaking.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our Travel Experts for more details.

Why aren't we visiting Hobbiton? Is it something can be organised?

We know Hobbiton is an iconic New Zealand attraction, but as it may not appeal to every traveler, we’ve chosen to prioritize other experiences that showcase the country’s landscapes, culture and local character.

That said, you’re more than welcome to book yourself a pre- in Auckland if it’s something you’d like to experience. You would need to book independently and can book tickets via this link.

Is it guaranteed that we will see dolphins in Kaikoura?

Dolphins are wild creatures so you can never be absolutely sure of their presence. However, Kaikoura is renowned for its dependable and plentiful wildlife and once you’re out on the water, the likelihood of spotting them is high. The ideal time for swimming with dolphins in Kaikoura is during the summer months (November to March). During this period, dolphins gather in substantial ‘super-pods,’ resulting in a 90% success rate for dolphin encounters. In the winter months, there is still a very favorable chance of encountering dolphins but they tend to be more dispersed and do not travel in large groups.

Will this itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes are rare but can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting which we will always try to communicate to you.