FAQs
Travelling or living within another country is full of fantastic learning opportunities. To make the most of your time away its good to know what to expect and to be prepared.
To assist you we have listed below answers to some of the frequently asked questions we have about our programs.
You can also find more general information about what to expect in New Zealand by visiting newzealand.com. We look forward to welcoming you to Aotearoa New Zealand!
Q - What is the accommodation like? Where will I stay?
All accommodation is included within our programs. Where groups stay will depend on their specific itinerary.
Typically whilst in the outdoors you will be camping in tents or staying in a hut (basic accommodation with dorm beds).
Programs may include an overnight stay in a Marae (traditional Māori meeting house). When staying at a Marae, you will be sleeping on mattresses in an open shared hall-like space. This is an important part of the cultural process. It is also important to note that photos must not be taken inside the Marae main building (the wharenui).
Get in touch with our team if you have any questions: info@expednz.com
Q - What is the food like? Can you cater to dietary requirements?
Food is provided on our programs, but groups will need to prepare and cook food as a team. We believe this is an important part of the group experience.
We can cater for most dietary requirements. Please ensure you let us know what your requirements are in the application form you complete prior to the program. Please note, for those with severe nut allergies, we cannot 100% guarantee that food prepared has not come into contact with nuts.
Get in touch with our team if you have any questions: info@expednz.com
Q - What is included in the cost of the program?
The cost of your program includes all planned learning activities, field trips, accommodation, food (which you cook for yourself), specialist outdoor equipment and transport within the program (from when you arrive in Nelson to when you leave).
Students may want to bring some extra spending money if, for example, they wanted to: buy personal snacks, have dinner out, take part in activities outside of the itinerary, or buy gifts / items to take home.
Get in touch with our team if you have any further questions: info@expednz.com
Q - Where is ExpedNZ based and how do I get there?
ExpedNZ programs are delivered predominately in the South Island of New Zealand. The ExpedNZ base is situated in Nelson, a small coastal city at the top of the South Island.
Most visitors arrive in New Zealand at either Auckland or Christchurch and then take a short (1-1.5 hours) connection flight to Nelson.
Our team will collect and drop you off at the Nelson airport.
Get in touch with our team if you have any more questions: info@expednz.com
Q - What is available at your base?
The ExpedNZ base is equipped with a full kitchen, hall, bathrooms (including hot shower facilities), washing machine, an extensive gear shed, high and low ropes course, trapeze course, climbing and abseiling tower, obstacle course and a beautiful nature trail.
When staying at our base, you will either be camping in tents or sleeping undercover in a shared space on mattresses.
Get in touch with our team if you have any more questions: info@expednz.com
Q - What equipment / clothing is required for the program?
We will send out a personal gear list that aligns with your program itinerary.
As a general guide participants are expected to bring the basics such as a good sleeping bag, raincoat, walking shoes and ‘active’ clothing.
There is no need to bring any specialist equipment (we provide all of that).
Get in touch with our team if you have any more questions: info@expednz.com
Q - What activities are included in programs?
ExpedNZ is the international division of our parent organisation - Whenua Iti Outdoors (WIO). WIO is an approved provider of adventure activities with regular external audits and industry qualified educators.
We hold safety certification to deliver a wide range of adventure-based activities. These include but are not limited to: kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, caving, abseiling.
On most programs, participants will also experience cultural and environmentally focused activities which could include mau rākau (traditional Māori martial art), marae (meeting house) visits, waka ama (traditional style canoe) journeys, story-telling sessions, tree-planting, trapping, rongoa Māori or harakeke (flax) weaving as examples.
Get in touch with our team if you have any more questions: info@expednz.com
Q - What size are the groups?
ExpedNZ works with small groups - typically between 12 and 20 people. Larger groups are possible and it's simply a case of determining staff capacity at the requested time of booking.
Get in touch with our team if you have any more questions: info@expednz.com
Q - How can I keep in touch with home?
New Zealand has excellent, modern communication systems. The timings and expectations of keeping in touch with those at home is managed by the trip leaders.
When you are out in the field / NZ wilderness there will be limited access to mobile reception & internet coverage. Your ExpedNZ educators have a range of communication methods which they will use to contact our base or that can be used in emergency situations.
We typically ask that students hand in their mobile phone device on Day 1, unless prior arrangements have been made. We believe that this is the best way to fully engage in the learning experience. We encourage students to bring a camera along to take photos instead. Some groups elect to have one person per day who has a device to take photos and video on behalf of the group. If you need to contact someone whilst on program, you can talk to your ExpedNZ educator to make arrangements.
Get in touch with our team if you have any more questions: info@expednz.com
Q - What are the risks of travelling to NZ?
By international standards New Zealand is considered a safe and low risk country to visit. One risk to be aware of, is the sun! The sun in NZ can be intense and it is important to be sun smart. We also find international guests do not appreciate our "sandflies", these insects are relatively harmless, but can leave an "itchy bite" which can be avoided by applying insect repellent.
ExpedNZ has 35 years of experience behind us for running outdoor and education focused programs under our parent company - Whenua Iti Outdoors.
Our safety systems are robust and systematic. We are a registered provider of adventure activities and hold NZ Outdoors Mark audit accreditation. We are subject to regular external audits and safety of participants is always front of mind. To find out more go to our Programme Design page.
Get in touch with our team if you have any more questions: info@expednz.com
Q - Can you drink the water in NZ?
Yes! Tap water is safe to drink in NZ and there is always water available. In some wilderness areas, the water may need to be boiled first or purified. Your ExpedNZ educator will let you know when this is the case. Participants are also welcome to bring their own water purification methods such as life straws or water filter bottles, however this is not a requirement.
Get in touch with our team if you have any more questions: info@expednz.com
Q - If I have prescription medications, what do I need to be aware of when travelling to NZ?
Please see below excerpt from www.customs.govt.nz/personal/travel-to-and-from-nz/medicines
If you are arriving into New Zealand with prescription medicines (other than medicines containing controlled drugs), on you or in your luggage you must:
- have a copy of the prescription from your doctor, or a letter from your doctor stating that you are being treated with the medicine(s), and
- carry the medicines(s) in their original containers, and
- have a quantity not exceeding three months' supply for prescription medicines (with the exception of oral contraceptives which can be supplied in six-month quantities).
If you are carrying more than three months' supply of prescription medicines or medicine that is not prescribed to you or a family member, this must be declared on your arrival declaration.
Get in touch with our team if you have any more questions: info@expednz.com
Q - What happens if I get sick or injured on program?
Should you feel unwell or sustain an injury during the program, your ExpedNZ educator will arrange for appropriate care. This will depend on the level of sickness or injury. We have local clinics 5-10 mins drive from our base and rescue helicopters are available within 10-20 mins in wilderness locations.
We always have someone on call and there are always two ExpedNZ educators with the group with emergency communication. When you arrive in NZ, you are covered by the government health care system.
Get in touch with our team if you have any more questions: info@expednz.com
Q - Is there anything I can do to prepare for cultural experiences on program?
Yes. Your ExpedNZ Program Coordinator will send out support resources prior to your program so you can come prepared.
Get in touch with our team if you have any more questions: info@expednz.com
Q - Do you help with airline bookings? Is there anything to be aware of when booking flights to Nelson?
We recommend booking flights with Air NZ all the way through to Nelson in case there is a delay or cancellation.
We would suggest allowing at least 3 hours to connect from the international to domestic terminal once in NZ.
Air NZ has a strict baggage allowance of 23kg(50lb) for checked baggage and 7kg (15lb) for carry-on baggage.
New Zealand has strict bio security laws, so it is important to have a read through on what you can and can't bring into the country before you depart. Information can be found here: https://www.customs.govt.nz/
Get in touch with our team if you have any more questions: info@expednz.com
Q - What are the Covid-19 requirements for entering NZ?
With students' safety always front of mind we have Covid-19 policy and procedures in place. We are happy to share these and work with our partners to provide assurance and support in their travel arrangements.
For up to date information for travelers who are due to arrive in NZ and who are already in NZ see the Immigration NZ website - https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/covid-19
Get in touch with our team if you have any more questions: info@expednz.com
What are the programs like?
At ExpedNZ we weave elements of cultural and environmental learning through engaging and adventurous experiences in the outdoors. Visit our Program Design page to find out more.
"I have been impressed with the quality and character of (ExpedNZ) instructors, attention to risk management, and infusion of cultural components into their programs. Our students and leaders have consistently described the (program) as a major highlight on their gap year journey...Highly recommended!"
James Simmons, Executive Director, Carpe Diem Education