[Edited to mention Anvil]
This is my report on the Dec. 25, 2022 New Zealand trip. This was an "all ages" trip and was a little different than the adults only trip that @Grifdog22 and @Mathmagicland are describing in their excellent report. This is a new ABD trip and it is long and expensive, so my hope is this report will aid those who are considering this trip and those who have already signed up. Overall this was a spectacular trip and I'm very glad I went, but I will note a few things about the activities to help you decide if you should do or skip some activities. Since @Grifdog22 and @Mathmagicland have already covered many logistical details, I have only a few additional general comments:
To start with, here are the pins for this trip:
This is my report on the Dec. 25, 2022 New Zealand trip. This was an "all ages" trip and was a little different than the adults only trip that @Grifdog22 and @Mathmagicland are describing in their excellent report. This is a new ABD trip and it is long and expensive, so my hope is this report will aid those who are considering this trip and those who have already signed up. Overall this was a spectacular trip and I'm very glad I went, but I will note a few things about the activities to help you decide if you should do or skip some activities. Since @Grifdog22 and @Mathmagicland have already covered many logistical details, I have only a few additional general comments:
- We had 35 guests on this trip.
- Each family had at least one teen, near-teen or young adult in their group.
- I was impressed that almost all the families were experienced veterans. Most had done 6 or more previous ABD trips, and I think two had completed 10+ ABD trips. Another family did many Disney cruises, and another had gone on several A&K trips.
- While I'm not going to mention every little detail, this report will be comprehensive and may be considered to have spoilers. If you want to be surprised, then skip this report.
- This trip is heavy on scenery and a wide range of activities, some of which are unique. If you want more hands-on activities where you create things, look for another ABD trip.
- There are 3 full days worth of travel, but 2.5 of those days are filled with stunning scenery. I think some kids were bored during these stretches, though.
- I think the adults-only version of this trip provides more alcohol, so if that is important to you then choose an adults-only trip
- Food was usually provided via buffets or family style. It felt like I was on a cruise ship. But there were two places where the portions were too small, which I will mention.
- If you go during the Christmas and New Year time period, be aware that some activities and restaurants are closed. It didn't affect our trip much but others have reported issues with their trips (on different dates). Also there are 10-20% surcharges on public holidays.
- Start times were usually reasonable, around 8-9am. There were 1-2 earlier starts.
- Schedule extra time for your return flight connection in Auckland. We had a 2.5 hour layover which I thought would have been plenty. The check in, passport check and security at the international terminal took 2 hours. It was very slow. Combined with having to walk from the domestic to the international terminal, we barely made it to the gate at the scheduled departure time. Fortunately they delayed departure by 30 minutes so we made our connection.
- The weather was excellent during our trip, with one notable exception.
- If you have hay fever or allergies, bring your medication. The different vegetation really triggered our allergies.
- If you are into skydiving or bungy jumping, schedule those activities for Franz Josef or Queenstown
- Anvil sends you the link to provide COVID vaccination documentation only 5 days before the start of the trip. You can and should contact ABD to get the link to provide that information much earlier.
To start with, here are the pins for this trip:
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