Adventure FAQs

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

Fly into Auckland Airport (AKL) and out of Queenstown Airport (ZQN). 

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

Before 2pm 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 15, so you can leave any time that suits you. 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 travelers 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 personalized 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 specialized 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 use a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle but there are some long drives.

We do break up the drives with local and authentic experiences. It’s all part of the adventure and a great way to 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 12-mile hike across an active volcano. 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 275lb/125kg for the zip-lining activity on Day 2.

For the Milford Sound flight on Day 13, if you weigh over 255lb/116kg, please let our Customer Experience team know once you’ve booked. The helicopters used for this activity have a total weight limit, so we need to ensure we can safely accommodate everyone. If you weigh over 330lb/150kg, we won’t be able to seat you on the helicopter, but we can arrange an alternative way for you to travel.

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 organized?

We don’t include it as it might not appeal to every traveler, so we decided to prioritise other elements of the trip e.g. the Tongariro Crossing hike.

That said, you’re more than welcome to book yourself a pre- or post-night here if it’s something you’d like to experience. You can do so 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.

Are any of the activities weather dependent?

For safety reasons, the optional scenic helicopter ride over Franz Josef Glacier will not be available in poor weather conditions. Other activities, such as hiking and quad biking, will still be available.

Likewise, the short flight to Milford Sound will not be possible during periods of dense fog or heavy rainfall. If this is the case, you will travel to Milford Sound by coach and continue with the cruise.

How much should I budget for the optional activities in Franz Josef?

On Day 11, you will have the option of doing a helicopter flight over the Franz Josef Glacier. The costs are as follows:

• 35-minute Pilots Choice helicopter flight – 425 NZD
• 45-minute Ultimate Discovery helicopter flight – 575 NZD (recommended)

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.