Deep South Ride - Important Info

ACCOMMODATION: The Deep South Ride is a fully-supported road cycling tour of the South Island. You'll be staying in various places, all clean and comfortable, from lodges and B&Bs to small hotels. This trip is designed for adventurous souls who like their creature comforts (like us!), but it’s certainly not a tour of luxury hotels in the South Island. Rooming is twin-share, although single rooms are available upon request when you book for an additional charge. There's a variety of wonderful accommodation used on this tour, and most places have ensuite bathrooms, but one or two places have bathrooms that are shared.

RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS: We recommend arriving in Christchurch by 10am on the Monday, and departing from Christchurch after 4pm on the final Sunday. If you're considering alternative flight times, please call us so we can make the arrangements and make sure your trip runs as smoothly as possible.

TRIP START: Monday - on the first day of the tour, we can either pick you up from the Heartland Hotel in Christchurch at 10.30am or at the Christchurch airport Travel and Info desk at 11am.

TRIP END: Sunday - on the last day of the tour, we can drop you off at the Christchurch airport in time for flights after 4pm or anywhere in central Christchurch in mid-late afternoon.

FITNESS: You must have a good level of cycling fitness to enjoy yourself on the Deep South Ride. You don’t have to be young and extremely fit (although if you are, you won’t be bored) but you should be in the habit of cycling regularly. Age and experience are not as important as attitude. If you're concerned about your fitness level, have a chat with us so we can help make sure you’ve chosen the most suitable trip.

EXPERIENCE: You don’t need any cycle touring experience to enjoy the Deep South Ride, but if you're a seasoned cyclist you'll find plenty of challenges and be in very good company. All we ask is that you be energetic and in good shape, and ready for a challenge. We manage the challenge level to suit your ability and experience and we have an impeccable safety record. We hold all relevant government licenses and our staff are highly trained and experienced.

FLEXIBILITY: The off-the-beaten path and non-commercial nature of some of the accommodation on this tour means we occasionally need to make changes to where we stay. We try to make as few changes as possible, but retain the flexibility to make sure your trip is as good as it can be. We are also very flexible on the road, which means no two trips are the same. We pride ourselves on having the skill and experience to take new routes, suggest additional rides to those that are keen and keep the adventurous spirit of the trip alive.

INCLUDED: The trip fare is US$3999 + 15% NZ government taxes. We quote all prices in US dollars, so our guests from all over the world can more easily relate prices to their own currencies. You can also join us for shorter periods of time, at a pro-rated fare. The trip fare includes just about everything, specifically:

• Good quality road bikes for your entire tour. There is no extra charge for bike rental, but there is the option to upgrade to a high performance bike should you prefer.
• All guiding services. We have two guides per trip. You'll have a lead guide who drives the support vehicle and is responsible for leading the trip and maintaining the bikes. You'll also have a co-guide that will cycle with you and is responsible for your meals and accommodation. Having two guides means we have the flexibility to make sure you always have a great time! We operate with small groups and don’t hesitate to offer a second departure when our trips start getting full.
• Accommodation for the entire period you are with us. We can also organise accommodation for you if you want to arrive earlier or leave later.
• All breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D), except during free time in places like Queenstown where we’ve found people prefer to check out the wide range of restaurants on offer. We recommend lining up for a popular Fergburger if you want a treat, casual dining somewhere like The Ballarat Trading Co. or one of the many ethnic restaurants in town, or fine dining at Wai on the wharf or Botswana Butchery. Alcohol is not generally included, although we do spring for a few drinks here and there after a good day!
• All cycling described in the itinerary, except optional extra activities. There are many activities available at extra cost, particularly in Queenstown. None of these activities are compulsory and nor will your trip seem less awesome if you don’t do any additional options. Although some people enjoy sampling hang gliding, bungy jumping, jet boating, skydiving, and so on, others prefer to focus on more cycling. It’s up to you!

NOT INCLUDED: This is your holiday, and we are serious about not nickel-and-diming you! You'll have a few meals and drinks to cover, extra activities if you choose them, and you'll probably feel like tipping your guides at the end of a fabulous time, but you won’t be pulling out your wallet every few minutes on your Deep South Ride.

DON’T BE A STRANGER! When you get back home, please let us know how you got on! We have an official ‘post-trip survey’ that we always look forward to receiving as it helps us fine tune our trips, but we like to just stay in touch too. We have other adventures, trips to other destinations and lots going on that we’d like to include you in. Also if you’d tell your friends about this little quirky New Zealand company you’ve discovered, we’d really appreciate it!