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RESERVATIONS
Southstar Adventures takes reservations on a first in,
first served basis. Reservations can be made on the
reservations page on this website here.
AFTER YOU BOOK
A confirmation package will be sent containing your
receipt, packing list, acknowledgment of risk form and
a detailed tour Itinerary.
LEVEL OF FITNESS & SKILLS
The Singletrack Tours require a moderate level of riding
ability. On a full tour group of 10 riders and 2guides
the group is divided into two guided groups, Each groups
members set the pace of that group. There is plenty
of opportunities to take rests, photographs, eat etc.
Most rides will be about 2-3 hours long, with bigger
full day rides being 4-6 hrs.
PRE& POST TOUR ACCOMMODATION
We recommend you arrive a day or two before the tour
starts allowing time to recover from any jet-lag and
see the city sights. Accommodation can be arranged for
you by us, or you can book at any of the hotels / motels
/ Bed and breakfast / hostels etc in Auckland. We normally
book people at the Park Towers Hotel in 3 Scotia Place,
Ph 64 9 309 2800. This hotel is within easy walking
distance (200m) of the center of the city.
If you're after a hostel, the Auckland YHA Hostel,
5 star, $23-$38 per person, 5 Turner St, Ph 64 9 302
8200 email: yhaakint@yha.org.nz
At the completion of your trip please book accommodation
in Auckland.
Airport: Kiwi International Airport Hotel, 24hr reception
and free airport shuttle, room-rate $89-$150, kiwiairport@xtra.co.nz
Airport Hostel: Skyway Lodge, 30 Kirkbride Rd, $18-$45
per person, Ph 64 9 275 4443, skyway@ihug.co.nz
If flying in from Australia you can fly directly to
Hamilton, this is only 1 hours drive from Rotorua.
ACCOMMODATION DURING THE TOUR
The accommodation we have chosen is high quality and
comfort. All the hotel and hostels are close to the
city centers so you can walk into town for dinner in
the evening. Most of the hotels have spa pools, and
there will be many beautiful clean lakes and streams
to swim in post-ride. A private single room is available
if required and can be confirmed at time of reservation
(Single prices applies), alternatively we can match
you with a roommate.
FOOD
If twisty smooth single-track is one of the finest things
in life then food must be the other. We go the extra
distance in providing the best in fresh New Zealand
produce and specialty food. Before, during and after
the ride you will be fuelled with healthy nutritious
food. We provide breakfast and lunch, and you buy your
own dinner, choosing from any of the many restaurants,
fast food outlets and cafes in each town.
MOUNTAIN BIKES
Generally bikers prefer to bring your own bike because
you know it, you have had the time to tune the fit to
your body. You can get a cardboard box or there are
soft and hard shell cases to package your bike in available
in bike shops. Try www.groundeffect.co.nz for a basic
soft case or http://www.neilpryde.com for a high quality
padded soft case (recommended). During the tour the
guides will tune and tweak your bikes ensuring a hassle
free riding experience for you
BIKE HIRE There are a
number of high quality hire bikes available. These cost
NZ$200/week. You can bring your own seat and pedals
if you desire. We recommend you bring your own bike
because you know it and you have had the time to tune
the fit to your body. (Note there are no bikes avaialble
for hire ex-Brisbane - BYO)
PACKAGING YOUR MOUNTAIN BIKE
You can pick up a cardboard bike box from most bike
shops, get the biggest one you can. Take off your front
wheel, seatpost and pedals (left hand pedal has a left
hand thread). Take off stem. Put the front wheel beside
the frame with the left crank between the spokes. Put
your bike in the box with the stem, bars and seat tucked
away where they will fit. You can generally slot in
your helmet and riding kit too. Package the box up with
packing tape, put your name on it and you're ready to
check in. If you're not happy with a cardboard box protecting
your bike there are soft and hard cases from various
manufacturers. Try www.tricosports.com/ironcase.html
(hard case) or www.groundeffect.co.nz (soft case).
TRANSPORT
For a full capacity tour (10 people) we will a 12 seater
van and a large secure box trailer for bikes and gear.
We understand how precious you equipment is and will
endeavor to keep your gear well looked after.
WEATHER
All New Zealand Singletrack Tours are programmed during
the typically warmer dryer summer months of December
- April. Daytime temperatures are around 25C (77F),
Night temperatures: 12C (54F). New Zealand has a maritime
climate and the weather can often disrupt the best-laid
tour plans. Every effort is made to reschedule or find
alternative activities if they are postponed or cancelled
due to weather. Clients can expect variations from the
standard itinerary as weather dictates.
CUSTOM / CLUB TOURS
These are a specialty of Southstar Adventures. Mountain
Bike Clubs, Families, Social groups, Companies and Organizations
can all book a custom tour. There are options on the
level of accommodation (from camp grounds & hostels
to 5 star hotels), the food we supply and the number
of guides on each trip. If you want we can have a massuer
with us each day too.
FLIGHTS
Any travel agent will tell you the airlines that fly
to NZ or Australia, many of these have direct booking
services on the web. Qantas is the Australian national
carrier and is part of the One World air-points group.
Air New Zealand is the NZ national carrier and is part
of the Star Alliance air-points group. Make sure you
find out the deal with carrying your bike on the airline
before you book. If you fly via the US you typically
get a 2x 32kg luggage allowance, whereas it's 20kg total
from most other places.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Southstar recommends that you get travel insurance to
cover trip cancellation, and any other emergencies that
may arise during your trip. The majority of the medical
costs for sporting accidents in New Zealand are covered
by the ACC, a tax payer funded organisation. So you
shouldn't expect huge medical bills if you have a mishap.
INTERNET ACCESS
If you need to stay in touch with the folk back home,
or the office, there are Internet cafes in all of the
towns we visit.
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Frequently
Asked Questions