How to prepare for a group cycle tour

Cambrian School | Lachlan Gardiner
Cambrian School | Lachlan Gardiner

Great! All your friends have agreed to go on a cycling trip to New Zealand with you. But now someone needs to organise the itinerary - and costs.

There is a bit of organisation involved in co-ordinating the logitics of bikes, baggage and people over a few days but that's what we're here to help you with. If you want to plan a private group just give these following considerations some thought then get in touch to let us help you with the rest

Bigger Group? Book early

Recent years have seen a significant rise in cycle trail and hiking trail users, and often groups will find the accommodation is booked up well in advance. So, start planning, and talk to us early (7-12 months in advance is ideal). The bigger your group, the more important this becomes to guarantee enough space for the whole group. The alternative is booking on to one of our scheduled departures, however these fill up fast as well.

Nominate one group leader for communication

Group tours involve precise planning and organisation. There’s nothing worse than having too many chef’s. Choosing a detail oriented leader who and doesn’t mind spending a bit of time collecting information and being the middleman is a great way to get the ball rolling and avoid any disagreements or confusion.

Hold a group meeting

Gather together, perhaps over a New Zealand wine or two, and make sure everyone is on board with the itinerary and travel plan. 

Once you have decided on a destination or certain trail, it's good to narrow down your travel dates, what are likely numbers, accommodation preferences, and extra excursions you might want to do? Would you like to join an existing departure or have a custom tour made for you? Set a maximum budget for your cycle tour and trip necessities, so there’s no surprises when it comes to paying bills.

Now is also a good time to discuss fitness levels. Is everyone capable of the itinerary you have in mind? Are e-bikes a good way to include Barbara and Steve?

Matakanui General Store |  <i>Lachlan Gardiner</i>
 

Pass the planning to us

If you’ve done all of the above, then you’ve already made a great start to the organisation of a brilliant active adventure! Now’s the time for your group leader to pass all of the information you’ve gathered on to us. Let us know what you have in mind, and we can start to put together and confirm your trip. 

Confirm your booking

Once you're happy with the itinerary and pricing, we’ll send through an online booking form or a PDF version. The group leader can disperse these throughout the group. Have your heights for bike hire, and any medical and dietary requirements at the ready. We also require a non-refundable deposit to secure your spot.

Train together

Hooraay! Now that everything is in place, it's time for the fun part! Group training gives you the extra encouragement boost you need to stay motivated. Riding or hiking in a group makes you accountable as you have to turn up. Make the most of the structure it provides, support each other, and of course have fun.

Consider a few practice outings on the type of terrain you’ll be doing. Are there hills or compacted gravel which will be more challenging? We are braver and safer in numbers, and training is simply a whole lot more enjoyable with friends.


Now you have the tools to nail the best private group tour ever, and can look forward to laughing together, recounting stories, sharing adventures, making your journey memorable and fulfilling.

The team at Trail Journeys will work with you to create an unforgettable trip for your group. Together with our wonderful guides we’ll ensure your private group tour is everything you hoped and wished for.

Contact us today about your active group holiday.


 
Private Groups

Comment (0)



Comments are closed.
Join Newsletter
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ADS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Adventures South"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Adventure South</div>
Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/AWH.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Walking Holidays"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Walking Holidays</div>
Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GCT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Canadian Trails"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Canadian Trails</div>
Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/HUM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Humac Challenge"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Huma Charity Challenge</div>
Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TAS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Tasmania Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Tasmanian Expeditions</div>
Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/UTX-new.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Utracks"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>UTracks</div>
UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WYA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions Schools"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions Schools</div>
World Expeditions Schools is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/YOM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Yomads"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Yomads</div>
Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ACT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Cycle Tours"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Cycle Tours</div>
Australian Cycle Tours specialises in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WEX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions</div>
The pioneers of original, worldwide adventure travel holidays since 1975
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TJX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Trail Journeys"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Trail Journeys</div>
Self-guided cycling experts on New Zealand's Otago Rail Trail and more
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/BMAC.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Blue Mountains Adventure Company"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Blue Mountains Adventure Company</div>
The original Blue Mountains canyoning, hiking, climbing and abseiling experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GWNZ.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Walks of New Zealand"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Walks of New Zealand</div>
Explore New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions with the self-guided hiking experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/NAA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="North America Active"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>North America Active</div>
USA Canada hiking & cycling tour specialists, choose from self-guided or guided trips