If you’re trying to work out which kind of trip is right for you - and finding the choice harder than expected - you’re not alone. Most women begin by thinking there are only two options: either travelling independently or joining a guided tour. But in reality, there’s a third option sitting in the middle - and understanding the difference between all three often makes the decision much clearer. Self-guided, supported, and fully guided walking or cycling holidays can all be w

If you’ve ever searched online for a walking or hiking tour in New Zealand, you’ve probably noticed something fairly quickly: Different companies use very different words. Some talk about walking tours. Others describe the same experience as hiking, bushwalking, trekking or even tramping. And to make things even more confusing, the same word can mean very different things depending on whether you’re in New Zealand, Australia, the UK or North America. So if you’ve ever wondere

On 17 January 2001, Angelika founded Sidetracks. At the time, she couldn't have imagined what the next 25 years would bring - the landscapes covered, the people met, the unexpected turns that would shape everything.

Why it makes sense to book flexi airfares for a planned holiday that's still 8-10 months away instead of opting for the cheapest available.

You’ve found a tour you’d love to join… but then you read “shared room” - and suddenly you’re hesitating. Totally normal. We’ve talked to so many women who felt the same at first. That’s exactly why we started our little Room Talk series - to answer the questions you might not want to ask, but still wonder about. Here’s a quick roundup - honest, practical, and with a bit of humour too.

We get asked this more and more: “I’d love to come – but with my food intolerances, will I even be able to eat with the group?” We understand – and you’re not the only one. For many women, food isn’t “just food.” We get it – and we care.

October 2025 marks a very special milestone for me – it’s been 30 years since I first landed in New Zealand to work as a tour guide. Here I share with you not only how my journey unfolded, but also my personal favourite months of travelling in beautiful Aotearoa New Zealand.

If you’ve ever considered joining a women’s group tour as a solo traveller, chances are these questions have popped into your mind. In this honest and friendly guide, we’re answering all those quiet concerns – from snoring to shared bathrooms – and showing what rooming on our tours really looks like. Spoiler: no one shares a bed (unless you ask to 😉). 👉 Curious? Here’s what to expect – and why so many women end up saying, “That wasn’t nearly as scary as I thought!”

Booking early means more than just saving money – it helps us plan better, confirms your spot sooner, and keeps your travel stress-free. In this blog post, we explain how our Early Bird offer works, why it’s worth it, and how it benefits everyone involved.

Ebikes are taking the cycling world by storm, and it’s easy to see why – they make cycling so much more fun and accessible!

Experience the iconic TranzAlpine Express - a dream for many, now in reach for participants on our West Coast Wilderness Cycle Tour.

Learn everything you need to know about these pesky critters and how to outsmart them on your next adventure

Why we love being on the water and what sets our multi activity tour West Coast Special apart from our other tours

A question we often get asked! Here are some tips and links for you to help you get the important details sorted.

My experiences on a Sidetracks tour as a single hiker. Signing up to do a guided small group hike with a bunch of women I didn’t know, was a first for me. I had some spare time and thought I’d do something different and interesting, but what? I came across Sidetracks Women online and thought it was serendipitous a tour was starting in the next couple of weeks. Without thinking too hard about it, I signed up. After getting all my gear sorted, I met part of the group at the des

Who is Sidetracks Women - how it all began

Outdoor enthusiasts love the natural gem that is the volcanic Banks Peninsula, just a stone’s throw from Christchurch. On the last day, of our guided hiking tour on the stunning Banks Peninsula Track we walk through an extra special part of the peninsula, called Hinewai Reserve. This is not only a fabulous tramping experience, it also has a fascinating story behind it which speaks to the awesome regenerative power of nature. A reclamation success story! Established in 1987 b

When planning a trip, most of us think about international travel insurance. But did you know that having insurance for your domestic adventures in New Zealand is just as important? Whether you're exploring the beaches, mountains, or cities, travel insurance gives you peace of mind that you’re covered if something goes wrong. What does it cover? You might be wondering, "Do I really need insurance for a trip within New Zealand?" The short answer is yes! Anything can happen - y