Frequently Asked Questions
It’s all about the Details
We understand that when planning your adventure, you might have a range of queries buzzing in your mind. That’s why we’ve put together a range of frequently asked questions to address common concerns and provide you with the information you need to embark on your journey with confidence.
Whether you’re curious about trip details, accommodations, or any other aspects of your upcoming adventure, you’re likely to find the answers here. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, our team is always ready to assist.
Feel free to reach out to us via email or phone, and you’ll connect with a knowledgeable member of our team who can provide the information you need. Your adventure awaits, and we’re here to make sure you’re well-prepared for the experience of a lifetime.”
General Questions
WHAT KIND OF ACCOMMODATION WILL I BE STAYING IN?
Across our various trips, we stay in places ranging from mountains inns, serviced campsites and hotels/lodges run by local familes – often having been passed down through the generations. We focus on having a relaxing and comfortable place to kick back at the end of a days hiking (rather than glamming it at the Ritz – that’s not our style) so you’ll always find yourself in a carefully chosen, awesome place of accommodation. When it comes to rooming all our accommodation is based on twin share. Get in touch with us about single supplements if you wish to have your own room.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
A deposit of US$800 is required to book your spot on the trip.
o Cancellation made at least 90-days prior to the scheduled departure date – we do not refund deposit.
o Cancellation made between 90 and 60-days prior to the scheduled departure date – we refund 50% of the balance payment. We do not refund the deposit payment
o Cancellation made less than 60-days prior to scheduled departure date – we do not refund.
For more information about our cancellation policy, please see our booking conditions page.
WHAT KIND OF OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE DO I NEED?
You don’t need to have any outdoor experience to join a Conqueror Adventures trip. Depending on the trip, you’ll need to be in reasonable shape and make sure you’ve done some hiking before you join us (eg. Everest Base Camp requires a good level of fitness!). Most of all, bring a go-getter attitude and a sense of adventure!
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Our trips include pretty much everything once you get off the plane and join us.
- Guiding services
- Accommodation in cool places
- Meals. There are occassionally a day or two in an itinerary where we leave it to you to sample local eateries on your own.
- All the transport on your trip.
- Park entrances and fees.
WHAT IF I HAVE A SPECIFIC DIETARY NEED?
No worries! We can cater for any dietary requirement on all our trips, so just let us know and we’ll ensure you eat well throughout the whole trip.
HOW DO I BOOK MY SPOT ON A TRIP?
It’s easy to book a spot on a Conqueror Adventures trip. Once you’ve made the decision to go on the trip of a lifetime with us, you just have to follow these steps.
- Let us know the trip and departure date you would like to join, by email, call or by request directly on our website (you’ll find this below each trip).
- We’ll confirm your space on the trip with you immediately and send you a confirmation by email with links to our sign up forms where you’ll fill in your details securely online and pay a deposit of US$500.
- Book your flights. We can point you in the right direction and advise you on the best options for your flights.
- Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll hear from our Client Services team who will send you all the information you’ll need (gear lists, best flights etc) to be prepared for your trip!
WHO WILL BE JOINING ME ON THE TRIP?
Our trips are for anyone who has taken a Conqueror Virtual Challenge (or is yet to do one) and is wanting to share the real life experience with fellow Conquerors. Our trips are about fulfilling, shared experiences in spectacular places we know and love. As long as you’re keen to hike, explore and experience incredible places with like-minded people.
WHO WILL BE GUIDING ME ?
As we have decades of experience and deep connections in the areas we run our trips, we’ve created the coolest and safest trip leading model that makes sure you not only come away form your trip feeling pleased that you experienced a new part of the world, but more importantly – you REALLY got to know a place and it was made 1000% better because of how it was lead.
We have two leaders on our trips – one being a local guide – born and bred in the area with intricate local knowledge and connections. The other being a trip leader with broad experience and knowledge organising adventures in different parts of the globe and managing group dynamics. Most of all, our trip leader teams are passionate about curating incredible experiences!
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Travel insurance is compulsary on a Conqueror Adventures trip. We recommend World Nomads for our trips, as their cover includes medical cover, repatriations in emergencies and tour cancellation.
Get in touch with them directly!
You may also have a travel insurer who you have worked with in the past but please remember to make sure they will cover you for our destinations.
WHAT'S THE FOOD LIKE ON A TRIP?
You’ll eat like a champion on a Conqueror Adventures trip. Hearty, healthy food is important at the end of a days hiking, but more to the point, life is too short to not eat well, so we make sure you’ll eat great food and have plenty of it.
South Island New Zealand
DO I NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL TO NEW ZEALAND?
Visas are currently not required for Australian, US, Canadian or UK/EU passport holders wishing to visit New Zealand. If you are outside these regions, please check with your embassy. You can also check the Visa HQ website for up todate information.
New Zealand’s border opens to international travelers from May 2022.
WHAT ABOUT DRINKING WATER?
Water from the tap is safe to drink in New Zealand. Because of the nature of our day hikes on this trip, you’ll be able to fill your water bottle(s) for the day from the tap at our accommodation, as well as other places in the area where tap water is available. The other good thing is – New Zealand’s tap water tastes great!
WHAT WILL THE WEATHER/TEMPERATURE BE LIKE?
New Zealand has a largely temperate climate. While North has subtropical weather during summer, and inland alpine areas of the South Island can be as cold as -10 C in winter, most of the country lies close to the coast, which means mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and abundant sunshine. But it’s always very changeable! You never quite know what the weather will throw at you in New Zealand.
When it comes to temperatures, the South Island can reach 23 °C (73F) from late November and December, 30 °C (86F) through January and February and 20 °C (68) from mid March to mid April.
IS LAUNDRY AVAILABLE?
Yes. Laundry is available in Wanaka, towards the end of the trip. Most people find that they don’t really have a need to do any laundry until this location. We will send you a detailed packing list, which will detail what clothes you’ll expect to need throughout the trip.
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE?
Our maximum group size for this trip is 11 people.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE?
Altitude isn’t really a factor on our South Island adventure. Even though we do plenty of hikes where we gain significant elevation, we don’t venture into altitudes that have an effect on us.
HOW STRENUOUS IS THIS TRIP?
This is an moderate hiking trip which is suitable for those who have some experience with hiking and a good general physical condition. Most of the hikes are on established trails, but there is also some steep terrain through rooted forest trails and high alpine areas that have scree and small boulders. Average walking times: approx. 5 hours each day.
IMPORTANT! There are some long inclines so if you are at all unsteady on your feet we highly recommend you also bring a retractable walking pole(s). Comfortable walking/hiking shoes are essential, along with a small day-pack and water bottle.
IS WIFI AVAILABLE?
Wifi is available in our Methven and Wanaka lodges. Wifi is also available in Mt Cook and in Lake Ohau lodges, but it can be very slow! 5G reception is generally available in built up areas and in some of the areas where we explore, but equally, there are significant portions of some of the regions we visit that have no coverage!
WILL I HAVE TO CARRY ALL MY BELONGINGS ON THE HIKES?
No. Because all our hikes on this trip are day hikes, you’ll only be carrying the stuff you’ll be needing for that day – in a day pack. Talk to us if you need recommendations on day packs.
WHAT IS THE ROOMING SITUATION?
The rooming on the trip is based on twin and double share. Because of limited space in lodges along the way, there are no options for single supplements.
IS THERE A SINGLE SUPPLEMENT FEE IF I'M COMING ON MY OWN?
No! Many other travel companies put this on single travelers, but we think this is unfair.
WHERE DO I FLY TO?
When you book your flights, you should fly into either Auckland International or Christchurch International Airports. If you’re flying into Auckland, you’ll need to attach a short domestic flight down to Christchurch, and ensure that you arrive into Christchurch by 9.30am at the latest on Day 1 of the trip. Your departing flight needs to leave from Queenstown, to Auckland.
If you are joing the South Island adventure straight after our North Island trip, you’ll need to get a flight from Rotorua to Christchurch. Talk with us for more information about arrival and departure details for this trip!
North Island New Zealand
DO I NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL TO NEW ZEALAND?
Visas are currently not required for Australian, US, Canadian or UK/EU passport holders wishing to visit New Zealand. If you are outside these regions, please check with your embassy. You can also check the Visa HQ website for up todate information.
New Zealand’s border opens to international travelers from May 2022.
WHAT ABOUT DRINKING WATER?
Water from the tap is safe to drink in New Zealand. Because of the nature of our day hikes on this trip, you’ll be able to fill your water bottle(s) for the day from the tap at our accommodation, as well as other places in the area where tap water is available. The other good thing is – New Zealand’s tap water tastes great!
WHAT WILL THE WEATHER/TEMPERATURE BE LIKE?
New Zealand has a largely temperate climate. While North has subtropical weather during summer, and inland alpine areas of the South Island can be as cold as -10 C in winter, most of the country lies close to the coast, which means mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and abundant sunshine.
When it comes to temperatures, the North Island can reach 25 °C (77F) from late November and December, 30 °C (86F) through January and February and 20 °C (68) from mid March to mid April.
IS LAUNDRY AVAILABLE?
Yes. Laundry is available in Rotorua, as well as National Park, where we base ourselves for the middle section of our trip.
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE?
Our maximum group size for this trip is 11 people.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE?
Altitude isn’t really a factor on our North Island adventure. Even though we do plenty of hikes where we gain significant elevation, we don’t venture into altitudes that have an effect on us.
HOW STRENUOUS IS THIS TRIP?
This is an moderate hiking trip which is suitable for those who have some experience with hiking and a good general physical condition. Most of the hikes are on established trails, but there is also some steep terrain through rooted forest trails and high alpine areas that have scree and small boulders. Average walking times: approx. 5 hours each day.
IMPORTANT! There are some long inclines so if you are at all unsteady on your feet we highly recommend you also bring a retractable walking pole(s). Comfortable walking/hiking shoes are essential, along with a small day-pack and water bottle.
IS WIFI AVAILABLE?
Wifi is available in our Rotorua and National Park hotels. 5G reception is generally available in built up areas and in some of the areas where we explore, but equally, there are significant portions of some of the regions we visit that have no coverage!
WILL I HAVE TO CARRY ALL MY BELONGINGS ON THE HIKES?
No. Because all our hikes on this trip are day hikes, you’ll only be carrying the stuff you’ll be needing for that day – in a day pack. Talk to us if you need recommendations on day packs.
WHAT IS THE ROOMING SITUATION?
The rooming on the trip is based on twin and double share. Because of limited space in lodges along the way, there are no options for single supplements.
IS THERE A SINGLE SUPPLEMENT FEE IF I'M COMING ON MY OWN?
No! Many other travel companies put this on single travelers, but we think this is unfair.
WHERE DO I FLY TO?
When you book your flights, you should fly into Auckland International Airport, and then it’s a very short (30 minutes) domestic flight to Rotorua. If you need assitance with flights, let us know – we can help!
Amalfi Coast Italy
DO I NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL TO ITALY?
Visas are currently not required for Australian, New Zealand, US, Canadian or UK/EU passport holders wishing to visit Italy. If you are outside these regions, please check with your embassy. You can also check the Visa HQ website for up todate information.
Some EU nationals may travel in Europe using only an identity card, however please check with the relevant authorities if this applies to you.
WHAT ABOUT DRINKING WATER?
Water is safe to drink out of the tap in throughout the Amalfi Coast. This means you can fill up your water bottle atyour accommodation and won’t need to purchase water.
WHAT WILL THE WEATHER/TEMPERATURE BE LIKE?
In May and June, you can expect high temperatures to be from 22 degrees celcius through to 27 degrees celcius. In September and October you can expect them to range from 22 to 26.
In May and June, you can expect between 4 and 8 days of rain per month and this is the same for September (4 days per month) and October (8 days per month).
Please note – we avoid running trips from July throught to August as this an extremely busy time and tempaeratures are very hot!!
IS LAUNDRY AVAILABLE?
Yes. laundry is available on select days of the trip (where we stay for more than one night) for a small fee at local laundymats we know and trust.
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE?
Our maximum group size for this trip is 14 people.
HOW STRENUOUS IS THIS TRIP?
This is an easy-moderate hiking trip which is suitable for those who have some experience with walking and a good general physical condition. Most of the walks are on good paths, some of them just recently restored by the local authorities. Average walking times: approx. 5 hours each day.
IMPORTANT! There are some long staircases so if you are at all unsteady on your feet we highly recommend you also bring a retractable walking pole(s). Comfortable walking/hiking shoes are essential, along with a small day-pack and water bottle.
IS WIFI AVAILABLE?
Yes. Wifi is available and free of charge at all our accommodations. Note – sometimes wifi speed in some locations isn’t as lightening fast as you might expect it to be at home, but it’s always available!
WILL I HAVE TO CARRY ALL MY BELONGINGS ON HIKES?
No. We make sure all your belongings are transported between accommodations on the days we are starting in one location and ending up in another. Some days we return to the same accommodation location.
WHAT IS THE ROOMING SITUATION?
The rooming on the trip is based on twin and double share. If you would like a single room to yourself, there is a single room supplement of US$700
IS THERE A SINGLE SUPPLEMENT FEE IF I'M COMING ON MY OWN?
No! Many other travel companies put this on single travelers, but we think this is unfair. If you specifically request your own room , then there is a single supplemnent. Otherwise we’ll allocate you with a fellow traveller of the same gender to share a room.
Inca Trail Peru
DO I NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL TO PERU?
Visas are currently not required for Australian, New Zealand, US, Canadian or UK/EU passport holders wishing to visit Peru. If you are outside these regions, please check with your embassy. You can also check the Visa HQ website for up todate information.
WHAT ABOUT DRINKING WATER?
Water from the tap is not safe to drink in Peru. Our hotel(s) provide a couple of bottles of water each day, and bottled water is available to purchase at an inexpensive price.
On the Inca Trail, we provide safe drinking water by boiling and purifying our water and we will provide you with enough drinking water throughout the day and for the evenings.
WHAT WILL THE WEATHER/TEMPERATURE BE LIKE?
In March/April and May, you can expect high temperatures to be from 19 degrees celcius through to 22 degrees celcius. In September and October you can expect them to range from 20 to 23.
In March/April you can expect 7 days of rain per month and in May, around 1 day per month. In September and October you can expect around 3 and 7 respectively.
Please note – we avoid running trips from late June to July as this an extremely busy time and we prefer to avoid the crowds! Also – March, April, May and June is spring time with greenery everywhere and September/October is very calm with little wind.
IS LAUNDRY AVAILABLE?
Yes. Laundry is available in Cusco. There isn’t a chance to do laundry on the Inca trail itself.
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE?
Our maximum group size for this trip is 14 people.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE?
Cusco is situated at 3399 metres above sea level, and the highest point of the Inca Trail is at 4215 metres. That’s pretty high! But as long as you are in reasonable shape and take it easy, then we have found that people do just fine. We make sure we ease into things the first couple of days so that by the time you’ll start the trail, you are prepared!
HOW STRENUOUS IS THIS TRIP?
This is a moderate hiking trip which is suitable for those who have some experience with hiking and a good general physical condition. The Inca trail is a well maintained trail which isn’t technical but there are some big ascents and descents! Average walking times: approx. 6 hours each day.
IMPORTANT! There are some long inclines so if you are at all unsteady on your feet we highly recommend you also bring a retractable walking pole(s). Comfortable walking/hiking shoes are essential, along with a small day-pack and water bottle.
IS WIFI AVAILABLE?
Wifi is available and free of charge at all our accommodations. While on the Inca Trail, there is no access to wifi until you arrive in Machu Picchu.
WILL I HAVE TO CARRY ALL MY BELONGINGS ON THE INCA TRAIL?
No. We have a team of porters who will carry the things you need for the duration of the Inca Trail. When you arrive into a campsite, you’ll find your belongings in one of our duffel bags in your tent! All your other belongings are kept safe and secure in our hotel in Cusco.
WHAT IS THE ROOMING AND CAMPSITE SITUATION?
The rooming on the trip is based on twin and double share. This also applies to tent sharing on the Inca Trail. If you would like a single room or tent to yourself, there is a single supplement of US$600
IS THERE A SINGLE SUPPLEMENT FEE IF I'M COMING ON MY OWN?
No! Many other travel companies put this on single travelers, but we think this is unfair. If you specifically request your own room and tent, then there is a single supplemnent. Otherwise we’ll allocate you with a fellow traveller of the same gender to share a room.
WHERE DO I FLY TO?
When you book your flights, you should fly into Lima and then on to Cusco, and then depart from Cusco to Lima and onwards to your home desintation. If you need assitance with flights, let us know!
Everest Base Camp Nepal
DO I NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL TO NEPAL?
Visas are currently required for Australian, New Zealand, US, Canadian or UK/EU passport holders wishing to visit Nepal. If you are outside these regions, please check with your embassy. You can also check the Visa HQ website for up todate information.
To obtain a Nepal visa, you can simply purchase this on arrival in Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu at a cost of US$50 (It’s essentially an arrival tax). Or you can get this in advance by contacting the nearest Nepal Embassy near you. most people simply aquire the visa upon arrival.
WHAT ABOUT DRINKING WATER?
Water from the tap is not safe to drink in Nepal. Our hotel in Kathmandu provides a couple of bottles of water each day, and bottled water is available to purchase at an inexpensive price.
On the Everest Base Camp trek, safe drinking water is provided.
WHAT WILL THE WEATHER/TEMPERATURE BE LIKE?
There are two distinct seasons for trekking in Nepal – Spring (March, April, May) and Autumn (September, October, very early November). These seasons have very little to zero rainfall, with generally clear weather – perfect for trekking!
When it comes to temperatures, it varies depending how high up you are on the trek. For example, in Namche Bazaar (half way point along the trek to EBC), daily temperatures in March, April, May, and October range from 1°C to 12°C . Higher up at Everest Basecamp, things get very cold, with high temperatures averaging -6°C. Don’t worry – we’ll provide you with a comprehensive gearlist to make sure you bring the correct warm gear!
IS LAUNDRY AVAILABLE?
Yes. Laundry is available in Kathmandu and in Namche Bazaar on the EBC trek.
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE?
Our maximum group size for this trip is 14 people.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE?
Kathmandu is is situated at 1400 metres above sea level. The highest point on the trek is Everest Base Camp at 5,634 metres. That’s very high! As we are progressively making our way into this high altitude environment, we are very careful to ensure that we take it easy and make acclimatisation stops (and hikes) on rest days. It’s important that you prepare for this trek with regular exercise and practice hikes.
HOW STRENUOUS IS THIS TRIP?
This is a difficult hiking trip which is suitable for those who have some experience with hiking and a good general physical condition. This trip does require physical preparation!
IMPORTANT! There are some long inclines so if you are at all unsteady on your feet we highly recommend you also bring a retractable walking pole(s). Comfortable hiking shoes are essential, along with a small day-pack and water bottle.
IS WIFI AVAILABLE?
Wifi is available in our Kathmandu hotel. While on the Everest trek, wifi is available with the purchase of of the “Everest Link” card, which provides 1GB of data. This costs US$5. There are other options that provide more data at a higher price. just be aware that in some parts of the Everest Base Camp trek, the internet won;t be super speedy!
WILL I HAVE TO CARRY ALL MY BELONGINGS ON THE TREK?
No. We have a team of porters who will carry the things you need for the duration of the Everest Base Camp trek. When you arrive into a lodge along the way, you’ll find your belongings in one of our duffel bags in your room! All your other belongings are kept safe and secure in our hotel in Kathmandu.
WHAT IS THE ROOMING SITUATION?
The rooming on the trip is based on twin and double share. Because of limited space in lodges along the way, there are no options for single supplements.
IS THERE A SINGLE SUPPLEMENT FEE IF I'M COMING ON MY OWN?
No! Many other travel companies put this on single travelers, but we think this is unfair.
WHERE DO I FLY TO?
When you book your flights, you should fly into Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. If you need assitance with flights, let us know!