Most Inspirational Moment
for me the most inspirational moments of my trip were very personal. i have a fear of being trapped underground and also having had a one and only disastorous experience at kayaking i wasnt looking forward to either of these parts of the trip. however i was everyone was very supportive and the activites were carried out with complete safety. i really enjoyed both going through the caves and kayaking through the sound.
Thoughts on Group Leader
I didnt feel the group leaders were as involved in with the group as other group leaders have been on previous holidays. on this holiday the group leaders tended to take you somewhere and then wait til you had done the activity. I didnt feel that they joined in and they seemed a bit distant from the group. apart from the first night they didnt join the group for evening meals even in places where there was only one or two resturants.
Advice for Potential Travellers
be prepared for all types of weather and dont forgot insect repellant. you will hike to and see some amazing places.
Reply from Exodus
I thank Ms Beard for her review and am glad she had such an inspirational trip. In regards to the involvement of the leaders on the trip I would like to confirm that out of the 19 activities included on this itinerary the leaders took part in 17; only 2 were missed for different logistical reasons. When it came to meals the leaders did eat most of these with sub sections of the group; this was a full trip of 16 passengers and therefore the group would usually split for meals and go to various restaurants.
We are sorry if Ms Beard felt she was forced to leave the trip or that not enough support was provided. After the earthquake in Christchurch the itinerary for this trip had to be modified as staying in central Christchurch was no longer an option. We have carried out a full review of how this trip was managed and are confident, that under very difficult circumstances, our local operator and leader did all that they could to assist passengers in their onward travel arrangements. After discussing their options with the leader, five (land only) passengers missed the last few days of the trip in order that they could continue with their individual travel arrangements. We are very sorry if any passenger felt abandoned, this would certainly never be our intention.
Katherine Tory – Product Manager for New Zealand