We limit our exclusive Explore Your Backyard tours to a maximum of 10 participants. This small group policy ensures personal service, the ability to use friendly small B&B’s and lodges, more flexibility and a real sense of team spirit and fun within the group. Our clients tell us it’s just like travelling with a group of friends! Our hosted tours are personally escorted by our founder and tour director Karen Platzer and local guides. We also offer private tailor-made tours as well as independent departures which give you the option of joining a small group of travellers on scheduled departures.
Our hosted tours frequently include short walks of up to 1.5 hours. These walks are always at a leisurely pace, with plenty of photo stops and to learn about the history and nature from our local guides.
The majority of our guests are New Zealanders and Australians in the mid 40’s – mid 70’s age group. However, we have also had both younger and older participants. A reasonable level of fitness is necessary to participate in the walks and activities included.
We prefer the personal service of family-run accommodations such as B&B’s and small lodges. These are generally 4-star standard, or sometimes 3-star, depending on location. All have en-suite facilities.
Yes, our groups are a mix of couples and single travellers. One of the great benefits of our trips is that they allow you to be independent and travel the world, but also provide security (particularly for a woman travelling on her own) and the company of a small group of like-minded friends.
We often run tours back-to-back allowing you to make the most of your travel to join the tour, and many of our clients take this option.
Our loyal clients are happy to give references and answer your questions. Please email karen@exploreyourbackyard.co.nz or phone +64 (0)6 976 1118 for contact details.
