|
|
What
sort of accommodation are we staying in?
Accommodation
is wherever possible in women's only guesthouses. Accommodation
style is a mixture of motel, holiday villas, B&B, guesthouses
with 3 - 4 star rating which means good to very good.
We choose accommodation by location and quality. We aim to show
the best within reason - the most beautiful places and the most
extraordinary accommodation. Standard is twin share, single rooms
are available at surcharge.
On New Zealand Tours, one night accommodation is at a farmstay
and one night we will be invited at a Marae, the meeting house
of the Maori Community (the Maori were NZ's first settlers). Tours
through USA include a few night's camping in the most beautiful
National Parks. Everything you will need for this (tent, bed role,
cooking gear and dishes) will be provided. You just need to bring
your sleeping bag.
^Top
|
Motorcycles
and Motorcycle Insurance
Please see under separate page
"motorbikes". Click here.
^Top
|
Do I need
a visa and International Drivers Licence?
Visa requirements are due to constant
changes, please always check requirements with your local travel
agent or with TOWANDA Women.
New Zealand: Visa is not required for visit up to 3 month for
most European, Australian visitors and tourists from USA.
Australia: Visa is required for
most European & American
visitors.
USA: Visa is not required for
most European, Australian & New
Zealand visitors for visits up to 90 days.
^Top
|
I have a learner's
licence - is that okay?
Absolutely. You just have to stick to the regulations
in the country of touring. In New Zealand and Australia for instance,
you are limited to a 250cc motorbike.
^Top
|
What insurance
do you recommend?
We strongly recommend that you
purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy covering trip
cancellation for medical reasons; trip delay; medical expenses;
accidental death; lost baggage; and medical evacuation.
^Top
|
Is a credit card sufficient
or shall I bring cheques and cash as well?
Credit cards (Visa &
Master) are widely accepted, but we strongly recommend to bring
traveller cheques (in the currency of the country of touring)
and a little bit of cash.
^Top
|
What is provided
with the tour package?
The
tour package includes the motorcycle plus insurance and 24-hour-support,
all accommodations, airport or hotel pick-up and - on some tours
- a back-up vehicle for luggage (for more than 5 participants).
Also included are many extras such as 2 x kayaking in Milford
Sound and the Marlborough Sounds, a cruise in Milford Sound and
the ferry crossing for yourself and the bike from the South Island
to the North Island (all on New Zealand tours). On tours in USA
all National Park entry fees are inclusive. Also inclusive are
maps and plenty of information material as well as one or two
skilled guides.
^Top
|
What other costs do
I have to expect?
You
will need to pay for your meals, petrol and activities like bungy
jumping, rafting, etc.
New Zealand & Australia:
Petrol in New Zealand costs currently around NZ$1.65 per litre.
Meals are usually $10 for breakfast or lunch and $15-25 for dinner.
For a tour of 18 days you need about NZ$800 (= 440 €) for
petrol and food. This might sound unrealistic, but cost of living
and petrol is much lower in New Zealand
1
NZ$ = 0.55 €
USA:
Petrol is ca. $5 per gallon
(=3,8 ltr), breakfast is $6-10 and dinner ca. $10-20.
^Top
|
How are meal times
arranged?
We cater for breakfast unless it is inclusive
of the accommodation. Lunch is usually at a café somewhere
at the roadside. We have dinner together in a restaurant or some
evenings we might torture you with our cooking or have a barbeque.
New Zealand: At
the farmstay we will be invited to a real Kiwi BBQ and at the
Marae we will experience a traditional cooked meal
called "hangi".
^Top
|
What
you need to bring / Gear list
New Zealand:
Click here for a sample gear list (might assist you on other trips
as well). You will need to bring your winter riding gear (if you
do not wish to hire the gear, but bring your own one). Temperatures
in New Zealand can change rapidly and dramatically. Please bring
thermal underwear and warm woolen jerseys. You will also need
very good wet weather gear.
Australia:
Temperatures in & around Sydney are generally warmer and dryer
than the climate in New Zealand. Summer riding gear will be sufficient.
USA:
Weather in June / July can be extremely hot, you might want to
bring an open-face helmet. You still need a warm jersey for cooler
climates.
^Top
|
How do I book for one
of the tours?
You
can book online or send
us a filled in booking form (we can also email you a booking form
on request). Once we have received your booking we will confirm
availability by email. As soon as availability is confirmed we
need a deposit of $500 ($300 for 6 day tours) to secure your booking.
The rest amount is due not later than 60 days before departure.
^Top
|
