Planning your New Zealand journey from Canada
​

1. How long should I spend in New Zealand?
If you're travelling this far, it makes sense to allow time beyond your Sidetracks tour. Many of our tours fit naturally into a longer New Zealand holiday. There is no single ideal length of stay; it depends on how much of the country you want to see and how quickly you like to travel.
 

2. Where should I fly to?
Most international visitors arrive in Auckland. Domestic flights connect Auckland with Christchurch, Nelson, Queenstown and other centres around New Zealand. The best connection depends on the tour you choose. Each tour page explains where the tour begins and finishes.

3. Should I arrive before my tour starts?
Yes. We recommend allowing some time between your international arrival and the start of your tour. The journey from Canada is long, and arriving early gives you time to recover from the flight, adjust to the time difference and gives you some protection if your international flight is delayed.
 

4. Will I pick up ideas for the rest of my trip?
Very likely. Your guide knows New Zealand well, and many of the women on our tours are New Zealanders or experienced travellers. Conversations during the day and over dinner often lead naturally to useful suggestions about places to visit and routes that may fit well into the rest of your holiday.
 

5. Can you help me work out how the tour fits into my itinerary?
Yes. We are happy to help you understand the start and finish points of your tour and how it might fit into a wider New Zealand journey. Sometimes a little local knowledge is all you need to understand what combines easily and what doesn't.
 

6. Are tour prices shown in Canadian dollars?
Our tour prices are shown in New Zealand dollars. You can use the currency converter on our website to see an approximate amount in Canadian dollars. Exchange rates change, so the converted amount is always just a guide.

 

Questions about travelling with Sidetracks Women

7. Can I join if I'm travelling by myself?
Yes. Many women join our tours on their own. You meet the rest of the group when the tour starts and travel together from there.
 

8. What age are most women on your tours?
Our guests are adults of different ages, but many are in their 50s, 60s and 70s. What matters much more than age is choosing a tour that matches your fitness, experience and interests.
 

9. How fit do I need to be?
You don't need to be an athlete, but you do need to enjoy being active and feel comfortable walking or cycling for several hours on consecutive days. Our tours have different grades, so choosing the right tour is more important than choosing the hardest one.
 

10. Do I need to be an experienced hiker or cyclist?
That depends on the tour. Some are suitable for women with relatively modest experience, while others require more fitness or confidence. Each tour has a grade and detailed description.

​

11. Do I have to upgrade to an ebike?
No. All our cycling tours are ebike tours, and your ebike is already included in the tour price.

12. Do I need to share a room?
This varies by tour and accommodation. The individual tour page explains the room arrangements and any single-room options.
 

13. Are meals included?
This varies by tour. Many include breakfasts and home-cooked meals, while others include a different mix of meals depending on the accommodation and itinerary. Each tour page lists exactly what is included.

 

Still have a question?

If there’s anything you’re unsure about, just get in touch. We’re happy to help you work out what’s right for you. 
Contact Us