@IMLUKEMACKENZIE
@BYMAGICMINDS
20 0 2 2 1
setthe REAL FREE you
theYou’ve got your home life, and home friends… and home routine. But you have a chance to leave it behind , maybe just for a week, maybe for longer?
Where do you go? What do you do? Who do you do it with?
And more importantly… Why…?
To do what everyone else has done?
The same thing, just in a different place?
Do you want to lose yourself in the everyday?
Or do you want to set the real you free?
Free to discover the unknown. Free to meet new people. Free to change your view and challenge your expectations.
TO FIND NEW, TO EXPERIENCE MORE, TO FEEL REAL.
SEE THE WORLD WITHOUT THE FILTER
.
Go deeper. Try the food. Meet the locals. Swim, fly, explore, embrace it all. Say yes to culture. Say yes to history. Say yes to the new and the exotic. Don’t just skim the surface, experience every moment to the fullest.
THAT’S WHAT MAKES THE MEMORIES.
ON THE ROAD OR AT HOME, WE LOVE WHAT WE
DO.
No lie – we put our first, our last, OUR EVERYTHING into creating trips that’ll set your soul on fire. And that’s not all. Each and every one is supercharged by Trip Leaders who don’t just lead; who inspire. Who make your world come alive, and were born to do it.
Forget forking out for the logistics, we’ll sort it for you. Accommodation, experiences, transport... you get a sh*tload of inclusions rolled in. Meaning ? No hassle, no number crunching, no going hungry. You’re safe with us.
One thing we do know: IF YOU GO IT ALONE, IT SURE AS HELL WON’T BE THE SAME.
COOL, SO YOUR ITINERARY’S COVERED. BUT WHAT ABOUT FREE TIME?
Relax – you’ve got heaps of it. And if you need some local tips, we’ve got your back. So get out there. GO! Do your own, spontaneous, this-iswhat-you-came-for thing.
This, it’s an alternate reality. A realer real, away from home, work, the daily grind. SO WHO DO YOU WANT TO BE? BECAUSE THIS IS YOUR CHANCE.
Your chance to be the best version of yourself. To be an insider, not a bystander To strip it all back and find the real you. Trust us, you’re out there somewhere
CURIOUS? OPEN-MINDED? SAME.
We might be a mixed bunch, but that’s what makes us special. No judgement here So get ready to grow, to connect, to find your place and your people.
People who are 100% different, but 100% the same. We’re all in it together. Like it was meant to be.
Uluru. Top of the bucket list for locals and international travellers alike. And for most it might be the main draw for trekking it out into the middle of the Australian desert – but there’s so much more out here than just one big rock (as incredible as it is).
We asked our resident NT expert, Liam (aka ‘Shorty’) to narrow down his other top experiences out amongst the red dirt.
UNCOVER
30,000 YEARS OF CULTURE
An education you won’t forget in a hurry, visiting here is a chance to learn about the deep spiritual significance of this place to the local Anangu people. And with 30% of the territory’s population being indigenous, the NT is truly a unique place to learn about sacred sites, traditional ways, the complicated history of the original custodians of the land and the local Tjukurpa stories.
LOSE YOURSELF AMONGST THE DOMES OF
KATA TJU T A
Point yourself in the direction of Kata Tjuta and we guarantee you won’t be disappointed. The blazing red formations of Uluru’s baby sister are nothing less than awesome – and you can experience it all on the Valley of the Winds walk. The journey is just as good as the destination here, with jaw-dropping views over the Mars-like landscape surrounding these random AF structures.
NORTHERN TERRITORY: EXPLORING THE TRIP LEADER
SLEEP UNDER THE STARS AT
KINGS CREEK STATION
Truth bomb: you’ll be in the Outback. Embrace the chance to sack off your usual creature comforts, throw your inhibitions out the window and embrace the simple life. While you’re here, it’s all about the cold bevvies around an open fire, sharing stories with your new-found mates and rolling out your swag underneath a sky filled with stars. It doesn’t get any more real than this.
...AND GET THE TRUE-BLUE AUSSIE EXPERIENCE IN
We’re calling it – nothing beats a BBQ after a loooongg day exploring. Well, almost nothing. Cool off with a late afternoon swim, tuck into a (emu) sausage-in-a-bun that would put Bunnings to shame and head on down to the Pioneer Lodge’s bar for some live entertainment. The perfect evening? We’ll let you decide.
YULARA KINGS CANYON
TACKLE THE INFAMOUS RIM WALK AROUND
Fact: this baby is deeper than the Grand Canyon. And it’s pretty bloody spectacular. Strap on your Nikes, slap on your SPF and psych yourself up as you take on ‘Heart Attack Hill’. DW once the initial slog is over, the rest is easy – and the views are f*cking impressive. Bonus: the ‘Lost City’ and Garden of Eden are kinda surreal.
Ready to get down and (red) dirty?
THE RED CENTRE
FOR UNIQUE LANDSCAPES, THE NORTH ISLAND HAS THE GAME SET AND MATCHED .
To give you an idea, 22 volcanoes surround the Auckland area alone, not to mention the I-N-C-R-E-D-I-B-L-E
SCENERY awaiting you at Tongariro National Park. And ever heard of the Waitomo? A glowworm-studded labyrinth of underground caves and rivers – this place is like something out of a sci-fi movie Then: there’s the intense geothermal activity of Rotorua, hot springs and mud pools galore.
Scenery aside, THE FOODIE SCENE HERE IS RIDIC . Fact: Wellington has more places to eat per capita than NYC. And if you’re ready to immerse yourself in Maoritanga (the Maori way of life), it’s all around you the moment you arrive at our marae stay. Get an education at Wellington’s Te Papa – one of the best museums in the southern hemisphere. Oh, and the geyser-rich lands of Te Puia is something to behold, especially when there’s a delicious lunch included.
Don’t waste time choosing. Take the advice of Old El Paso and have both...
VS
SOUTH VS
THE SELF-CONFESSED ADVENTURE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD , THINGS DOWN HERE ARE ON A WHOLE OTHER LEVEL.
From jaw-dropping hikes to skiing slopes that compete with the global big guns, Queenstown lives up to the rep. And don’t even get us started on the list of ADRENALINE-PUMPING ACTIVITIES on offer here, because it’s never-ending.
Mt Cook. Abel Tasman. Milford Sound. Yep, the scenery is on steroids – 100% bigger and better than you could ever have imagined Then to top it all off, you’ve got all the wildlife. SWIMMING WITH WILD DOLPHINS , anyone? And ever strolled down the wine aisle and wondered where TF Malborough was? You got it. But it’s not all Sauv Blancs and Pinot Noir, the gastronomy culture is THRIVING in post-earthquake Christchurch – and you can’t go past Kaikoura’s seafood. Even Lonely Planet thought it was the sh*t.
YOUR BEST 24 HOURS ON FRASER ISLAND WILD PLAYGROUND
EARLY MORNING
Wake up to the call of native birds, surrounded by gum trees in a rustic timber lodge. Down breakfast with the gang, pack your SPF 30+, bathers/boardies and jump aboard our customised 4WD coach.
MORNING
Check out the gobsmacking beauty of Lake McKenzie – with plenty of time to frolic in the INSANELY COLOURED WATER . Take a deep breath... Pile Valley’s rainforests are fresh AF (and the only ones in the world to grow out of sand). We’ll squeeze in quick walk and explore around the fresh waters of Wanggoolba Creek.
AFTERNOON
Head to the east side of the island – there’s a coma-worthy lunch spread waiting. Then: the fascinating Maheno shipwreck, clear waters of Eli Creek and the coloured sands of The Pinnacles await. Stick your head out the window as we cruise 75 Mile Beach’s famous highway. Want an aerial view? Jump aboard an optional SCENIC FLIGHT TO ROUND UP THE DAY
EVENING
Head out for a feed with the gang before settling in for a cocktail (or two) at the Sunset Jetty Bar. As the unoriginal name suggests, watch the sunset over the water as dolphins hassle the local fishermen and wild dingoes wander along the beach. This can’t be found anywhere else – WELCOME TO PARADISE.
PLAYGROUND
FEELING INSPIRED?
Explore Queensland’s hidden gem on these adventures...
14 DAY | EAST COAST BEACHIN’ (P.18)
SYDNEY – CAIRNS
11 DAY | EAST COAST CRUISIN’
SYDNEY – AIRLIE BEACH
10 DAY | TROPICAL ADVENTURE
BRISBANE – CAIRNS
BORNINSPIRE TO
WE’VE SAID IT BEFORE AND WE’LL SAY IT AGAIN. OUR TRIP LEADERS DON’T JUST LEAD
– THEY
MAKE YOUR WORLD COME ALIVE.
YOU KNOW YOU’RE IN FOR A MORE AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE BECAUSE
WE ARE THE LOCALS.
IN NZ IT’S ABOUT THE JOURNEY – not just getting from point A to B. Driving along through the Southern Alps, crossing the Cook Strait and getting all those off-the-beaten-track stops along the way is what sets us apart.
I teach my passengers the word WHANAU – it means FAMILY in Te Reo Maori. After sharing a room, hearing the local Maori stories and bonding over the unique experiences, you’ll come away feeling like a family.
SHORTY AUSTRALIA
One trip to Uluru we were lucky enough to have an Indigenous friend of mine join us to explain the cave artwork in the local language. Every time I meet an Indigenous guide, I learn more about our country and the people
it for 60,000 years.
The first man to bring camels into Australia was accidentally shot by his own camel! who have looked after
FUN FACT?
DAVE THE BEST PART IS THAT IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU ; TOPDECK HQ
YOUR HOLIDAY, TAILORED TO YOUR INTERESTS, BUT WITHOUT HAVING TO SPEND YOUR TIME PLANNING!
Get to our departure location and leave the rest to us. Not all moments can be planned. Getting to experience the pristine Whitehaven Beach with no one around is one of mine. Staying overnight on our own private vessel means we’re so close that we are often the very first to arrive in the morning. Bliss.
explorer
@IMLUKEMACKENZIE
explorer
ACCOMMODATION:
HOTELS, HOSTELS, CABINS, SWAGS, LODGES, MARAE, SAILING YACHT
SINGLE / TWIN / DOUBLE
This is your chance to dive deeper, to explore more.
Who do you want to share it with? A SMALL GROUP OF LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE who just get it? Of course! With a max of 30 passengers (but averaging closer to 20), our Explorer trips are made for travellers chasing a more intimate experience.
Maybe you’ve done the Europe-thing and want to delve deeper into your own backyard. Or you’re obsessed with somewhere new and want to experience it wholly. Or you’ve seen our Rock N Canyon trip and went ‘sh*t, that looks good’. The point is, these trips give you MORE TIME TO DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO
More opportunities to head off the tourist trail. More free time to immerse yourself in the culture. More getting lost in the moment. Just, more
If Dora taught us anything, it was how to count in Spanish and that a successful explorer needs a good base to set off from. From CONVENIENTLY-LOCATED HOTELS to share with your bestie, lover, new Topdecker roomie or enjoy solo; to a traditional Maori marae or a rustic swag under the stars – all our Explorer trips stay in some pretty sick accommodation.
Wedged between Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay, our surf camp sits right on the beach for MAXIMUM SURF-TAINMENT.
By day, hit the waves. By night, cosy up ‘round the campfire. What. A. Life.
SPOT X SURF CAMP, ARRAWARRA BEACH
Stunning landscapes, tons of wildlife, plenty of country hospitality...
STAYING AT
A REAL WORKING CATTLE FARM
is a literal BREATH OF FRESH AIR. Saddle up a horse, milk a cow or lay by the pool. Getting back to basics > being basic (obviously).
MYELLA FARM STAY, OUTBACK QUEENSLAND
AUSTRALIA
Our Airlie Beach accommodation –Yes, it’s close to the action. Yes, it’s comfy and modern. Yes,
IT’S TROPICAL AF.
And have you actually SEEN the beach? We rest our case. This place is awesome.
MANTRA CLUB CROC, AIRLIE BEACH
Fact: you haven’t seen a starry sky until you’ve SLEPT AL FRESCO in the middle of the Australian desert.
Tune into the crackle of the fire, count shooting stars and cosy up in your Aussie swag (an oversized, waterproof sleeping bag with built-in mattress). This is as real as it gets.
KINGS CREEK STATION, NORTHERN TERRITORY
THIS IS LIVIN’
How about just doing a section of the route?
11 DAY | EAST COAST CRUISIN’ SYDNEY–AIRLIE BEACH
10 DAY | TROPICAL ADVENTURE BRISBANE–CAIRNS
6 DAY | TROPICAL SUNTANNER AIRLIE BEACH–CAIRNS
4 DAY | ULTIMATE SURFARI SYDNEY–BRISBANE
FYI: all these trips also go in reverse. I DON’T HAVE 14 DAYS...
EAST COAST BEACHIN’
TAKE TWO WEEKS OF PURE UNADULTERATED AUSSIE ADVENTURES AND TURN THEM INTO
A TRIP OF A LIFETIME.
From the iconic harbour of Sydney to the tropical rainforests of Cairns, this is your chance to see all this great southern land has to offer – with a bunch of mates just as stoked to be here as you are. Get off your ass, it’s time to see
Is this trip for you?
@MAKETIMEFORTRAVEL
CAIRNS
MAGNETIC ISLAND HOT TIP: Do the Forts Loop Walk for WWII forts, 360-degree views and look up for KOALAS!
SUBMITTED by
Tuck into a spread of fresh fish and chips at sunset Party with the gang at Woolshed and Gilligans AM PM
Take a tour to Babinda Boulders or Josephine Falls
Check out Australia’s largest tropical rainforest – the Daintree Experience some of the best white water rafting in Australia
Grab some souvenirs at the night markets
Heads up: this trip goes both ways
INCLUDED:
Surf Lesson at Arrawarra Beach
Shift your weight, shaka and smile!
JOIN
SUBMITTED BY BLAKE
Play surrogate parent to orphaned joeys
Head out for a spotlight night tour.
Think: possums & bandicoots
Try your hand at whip cracking, lassoing and boomerang throwing
Explore the outback on horseback (optional activity)
Learn to milk the resident cows like a pro Cool off after a hard day’s work by the pool
FREETIME
Head to Southbank for allllllll the lunch options!
INCLUDED EXPERIENCES
▪ Wine tasting and grape stomping in the Hunter Valley
▪ Surf lesson at Spot X Surf Camp
▪ Visit Byron Bay
▪ Party on the Gold Coast
▪ Fraser Island day tour
▪ Outback Queensland farmstay experience
▪ Overnight sailing experience in the Whitsundays
▪ Visit Whitehaven Beach
▪ Koala Park wildlife tour on Magnetic Island
14 DAYS FROM
WALK FROM THE ROCKS TO THE OPERA HOUSE for awesome views of the Harbour Bridge – go at night
STUNNING
MUSIC: street buskers! Think: Tones & I and Ziggy Alberts
For up-to-date details and pricing, SEARCH: “East Coast Beachin” on www.topdeck.travel
ROCK N CANYON 4 DAY
WORDS CAN’T DESCRIBE HOW THIS PLACE IS,
so why would we try? Spend four days uncovering the magic of the Red Centre for yourself and learn why people have been drawn to this place for thousands of years. Time to discover what the Outback really means.
Submitted by Dave
Impromptu campfire sing-a-longs and story telling
Spot-the-constellation with a star-filled sky
Crack open a cold one with the gang around the fire
Swag-down for the night like the jackaroo you were born to be WHAT TO EXPECT
Head up Anzac Hill for the views
SHADES
OF ULU R U
Early wake-up call to watch the rising dawn paint the sky in pastels
Take it all in (from the ground or the air) as the daylight ignites the rockface
Raise a glass with the gang as the dying sun sets the desert on fire
Watch Uluru come to life with an award-winning art installation: Field of Light
INCLUDED EXPERIENCES
• Experience the sunset and sunrise over Uluru
• Walk the Valley of the Winds at Kata Tjuta
• Sleep under the stars at Kings Creek Station
• Hike the Kings Canyon Rim Walk 5 MEALS
4 DAYS FROM
$872
that’s just
NZD PER PERSON NZD PER DAY $218
MULTIPLE DEPARTURES
MAY - MAR
For up-to-date details and pricing, SEARCH: “Rock N Canyon” on www.topdeck.travel TRIP
Smack bang in the middle of all Queenstown’s adrenaline-fuelled activities and mind-blowing alpine scenery. Bungy jumping. Jet boating. Canyon swinging. Skydiving. Ziplining. Whitewater rafting. Funyaking. You name it, this place has got it – and
IT’S ALL ON YOUR DOORSTEP.
LAKEVIEW HOLIDAY PARK, QUEENSTOWN
BUNK DOWN AT THE
GATEWAY TO TONGARIRO NP.
It’s the ULTIMATE base for taking on the famous Alpine Crossing, dabbling in a bit of quad biking or craning your neck at the three volcanic peaks on the horizon (including Mt Doom for the LOTR fans in the room).
THE PARK HOTEL, RUAPEHU
AWESOME IS AN
NEW ZEALA N D
SPARKLING WATERS
TOWERING MOUNTAINS
RUGGED NATURAL BEAUTY
With vistas stretching as far as Mt Cook and across the Ohau Snow Fields, the great outdoors WILL BE YOURS.
MARAE: A TRADITIONAL MĀORI MEETING HOUSE.
HEAR the Elders pass on their ancient mythologies. SEE a hypnotising Poi dance. TASTE a delicious Māori dinner. And to cap it off? Get down with the tonguethrusting moves of the Haka.
MARAE STAY, ROTORUA
UNDERSTATEMENT
LAKE OHAU LODGE, LAKE OHAU
17 DAY
DON’T HAVE 17 DAYS?
HOME OF LORD OF THE RINGS, CROWDED HOUSE AND THE WORLD’S SEXIEST ACCENT –
there’s no doubt this little country has a BIG reputation for being jam-packed with pure awesomeness. Don’t waste time choosing between North and South, adventure or chill, culture or landscapes – bungy out of boring and dive headfirst into the best 17 days of your life. We’re waiting.
5
How about just doing a section of the route?
11 DAY | PURE ADRENALIN WELLINGTON – CHRISTCHURCH
10 DAY | CITY TO CITY AUCKLAND – CHRISTCHURCH
24 HRS IN
NELSON
+ Explore the incredible Abel Tasman NP
+ Hit new heights with a skydive!
+ Take a walk along Tahuna Beach
+ Sample your way around Pic’s Peanut Butter World
+ Pick up your replica of The One Ring at Jens Hansens Jeweller
+ Get the gang together for a mean chicken parmi at Smugglers
EXPLORE THE WAITOMO CAVES. On foot? By boat? Or blackwater rafting? Your choice.
FAN OF LORD OF THE RINGS?
Mt Ngauruhoe was used as Mt Doom. Better find your Samwise.
ADVENTUROUS // NATURAL // SPECTACULAR
@EZZIBUNN
Heads up: this trip goes both ways
MARAE STAY??
A complex of carved buildings and grounds belonging to a tribe or family used for celebrations, funerals and other important events. Māori people see their marae as tūrangawaewae - their place to stand and belong.
NELSON: More than just (hilariously named) burgers, Burger Culture has awesome milkshakes, freshly made donuts and free arcade games to verse the gang on.
Submitted by Trip Leader Taimi
CHRISTCHURCH: Little High Eatery is a hip marketplace full of locally run food trucks with DE-licious food. After, head to Rockpool for pool tables and a chance to hit the d-floor.
Submitted by Trip Leader Mitch
WELLINGTON: 1.Choose your fresh AF fish. 2. Pick your batter. 3. Order your chips and you’ve got a CLASSIC, done right. Take it to the top of Mt Vic or the waterfront for dinner with a view.
Submitted by Topdeck HQ Nellie
KAIKOURA: #7 in Lonely Planet’s Top 500 Food Experiences, you’d better get your ass down to Cods & Crayfish or one of seafood caravans on the foreshore to see what the fuss is about.
Submitted by Topdeck HQ Dave
80% of the CBD was demolished by a catastrophic earthquake in 2011. The city has rebuilt itself into a VIBING hub of quirky bars, restaurants & cafes. Top Tip: head to Fat Eddies for live music.
INCLUDED EXPERIENCES
▪ Visit Waitomo Caves
▪ Take part in a Haka and Poi class
▪ Wine tasting in Marlborough
▪ See Huka Falls
▪ Cruise Milford Sound
▪ Mountain bike in Arrowtown
▪ Visit Lake Matheson
SPECTACULAR
MULTIPLE DEPARTURES
17 DAYS FROM APR - MAR
For up-to-date details and pricing, SEARCH: “Kiwi Encounter” on www.topdeck.travel
ski
new zealand 7 DAY
HOLDING ITS OWN AMONGST THE BIG GUNS OF SKI HOLIDAYS,
the locals aren’t lying when they yell about being the adventure capital of the world. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, it’s time to throw your inhibitions out of the window (or out of a plane) and join us for a week of snow-capped awesomeness.
Wanna keep exploring?
Heaps of our trips start in Christchurch or Auckland. check ‘em out at www.topdeck.travel
NEED A SLEEP IN?
Squeeze in a full day’s riding with an evening ski. Complete with a pumping bar, incredible DJ’s, outdoor fires and spectacular views.
QUEENSTOWN
HIT-LIST HIT-LIST HIT-LIST
(after a mammoth day on the slopes)
WINNIES: tuck into pizzas with toppings you can’t prepare for – they’re that good. Oh, and there’s an opening roof so you can scoff your face under the stars (or snow).
WORLD BAR: for world famous teapot cocktails, espresso martinis and award-winning burgers that give Fergburger a run for their money.
TRIP LEADER
DEVIL BURGER: when you’re hanging for a feed and the line for Ferg is too long to wait. Go for the Devil’s Staircase with a side of poutine chips. Carb-loading, right?
COOKIE BAR: sugar addicts dream. Fresh, hot cookies. Freakshakes. S’mores. Ice-cream...
BESPOKE KITCHEN: for the health-conscious: yummy gluten/lactose/ refined-sugar free menu options and A-mazing coffee.
FERBURGER: No surprise here. But it lives up to the hype. Take your Ferg and head to Perky’s Floating Bar for those sunset views!
@EZZIBUNN
+ Skydiving
+ Bungy jumping
+ Jet boating
+ White water rafting
+ Canyon swinging
+ Ziplining
+ Heli skiing + Skyline Luge + and more...(seriously)
CONDITIONS // TERMS & CONDITIONS // TERMS &
Topdeck's
Your contract will be with us as tour operator, unless you have booked a Locally Operated Trip, in which case your contract for tour services will be with the relevant Local Operator specified in the reference table above and will be subject to that Local Operator’s terms and conditions, in addition to the booking conditions set out below. For any Locally Operated Trip, the Local Operator will also be identified on your itinerary or travel documents and their respective terms and conditions will be available directly on their websites or by contacting them. Should we book a flight on your behalf it will be subject to the conditions of the respective airline, including but not limited to deposit/full payment and cancellation terms.
Please read all booking conditions carefully. You must not make any booking unless you understand and agree with these booking conditions and any additional terms and conditions as indicated above and/or at the time of booking.
Our trips are designed strictly for young people between the ages of 18 to 39 years (with the exception of Gap Year trips, which are restricted to people between the ages of 17 to 20 years).
Bookings can be made through your local travel agent or directly with us and must be secured with a deposit of the amount shown above. A contract between you and us (or between you and the relevant Local Operator) will exist as soon as: (i) we issue an invoice in response to your request for a booking; and (ii) your deposit is paid to us or your travel agent. If your booking is made through a travel agent, we will address all correspondence to that agent.
PRICE & PAYMENT
The deposit is non-refundable unless we cancel your trip. The balance of your trip must be paid no later than 60 days prior to your trip departure date. If you do not pay within this period we may cancel your booking and your deposit will be forfeited. Full payment is required if you make a booking within 60 days of the departure date. If your booking is a special offer we may require full payment (including any pre and post accommodation and sundry service charges) by such earlier time as specified in the offer
Offered discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. All discounts apply to the trip price only and do not apply to any flights, visitor taxes, adventure passes, short breaks, stopovers, day trips, ski trips, gap year trips, pre & post accommodation or transfers. Only two applicable and valid discounts can be combined to a maximum discount of 15% off the trip price (note: for Asia trips, only two applicable and valid discounts can be combined to a maximum discount of 10% off the trip price). After you have booked, changes to (i) the price of fuel; (ii) the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports; and (iii) exchange rates, mean that the price of your trip may change. There will be no change within 20 days of your departure. We will absorb any increase equivalent to 2% of the price of your trip. However, we may charge you for the amount over and above that. If this results in an increase equivalent to more than 8% of the price of your trip, you will have the option of accepting a change to another trip (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value), or cancelling and receiving a full refund of all monies paid. Should the price of your trip go down due to the cost changes mentioned above, then any refund due will be paid to you. We will deduct from this refund our administrative expenses incurred. Please note that trips arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your trip due to contractual and other protection in place. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Please ensure you carefully read your invoice, tickets and all other eDocs and documents we send to you as soon as you receive them and contact us or your travel agent immediately if any information appears to be incorrect. We will not accept any liability if you fail to notify us of any inaccuracy in any document within 14 days of us sending them to you or the travel agent. You are responsible for ensuring that you have the correct and valid travel documents including passports, visas and vaccination certificates. We strongly recommend that you verify current documentation requirements with your travel agent or us. Please note requirements change and you must check with your consulate for the most up to date information, including but not limited to visa requirements for the countries visited on your trip. Passports must have an expiry date of at least six months after completion of the trip.
IF YOU CHANGE OR CANCEL YOUR BOOKING
If you want to change or cancel any aspect of your booking including but not limited to a change to a trip of shorter duration or different departure date you must notify us in writing. We will do our best to accommodate your requested change, but it may not always be possible. We will not charge a fee for changes requested more than 60 days before departure except where we incur a cost from a supplier, in which case we will advise you of the relevant fee. All change/cancellation fees must be paid within seven days of the invoice date or on the date of departure, whichever is the sooner. You may make a request to transfer your booking to another person who satisfies all the conditions applicable to the trip. A transfer request must be made in writing not less than 7 days prior to departure and must include proof of acceptance of the transfer by the new traveller. Both you and the new traveller will remain jointly liable and responsible for any applicable travel service provider’s charges (such as booked airfares, train tickets, specifically allocated accommodation and non-refundable Local Operator charges). Please note that some third party travel service providers may refuse such requests and treat the transfer as a cancellation and rebooking.
CANCELLATION OR MODIFICATION BY US
Every effort will be made to operate all trips as advertised but it must be remembered that our trips are planned up to eighteen months in advance. In the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances we may be required to cancel or materially modify your trip. In these booking conditions “unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances” means a situation beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken (including, but not limited to, war, threat of war, riot, civil disturbances, industrial dispute, terrorist activity and its consequences, natural or other disaster (such as volcanic ash or hurricanes), nuclear incident, fire, adverse weather conditions (actual or threatened, including snow and fog), closed or congested airports or ports, unavoidable technical problems with transport, unforeseen alterations to public transport schedules, changes to immigration, labour and free-movement laws resulting from BREXIT, rescheduling of aircraft or boats and similar events). If this happens we will offer you a refund of all money paid or, if available, alternative travel arrangements of comparable standard (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). A material modification is one that has a serious impact on your trip and includes a change
of departure date, departure point or airport, or change of departure time of more than twelve hours, which would cause substantial inconvenience to you. A change of accommodation, or transport method/style is not a material modification. We may alter or substitute the type or size of vehicle, or method/style of transport mentioned in the brochure, depending on the number of passengers carried, which can vary from trip to trip. In certain countries there are strict laws governing drivers’ hours and this may necessitate utilising public transport in some cities.
We may display on our website the minimum number of participants required for each trip. If insufficient bookings have been made as at 42 days prior to departure, we may cancel the scheduled trip, whereupon all money paid by you for your trip will be refunded and no further compensation will be paid.
OUR LIABILITY TO YOU FOR TOPDECK OPERATED TRIPS
If the trip does not materially comply with the description in the brochure, we may compensate you to a maximum value equal to the price of the trip. We will only be liable to pay the maximum amount of compensation where there has been a total failure of consideration for your payment.
We will not be liable where any failure in the performance or provision of your trip is due to: (i) your acts or omissions or the acts or omissions of another member in your group; (ii) any third party not connected with the provision of your travel arrangements; or (iii) unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances. Our liability will in all cases be limited in accordance with and/or in an identical manner to relevant international conventions, including the Carriage by Air Conventions (within the meaning given in section 1(5) of the Carriage by Air Act 1961), the Athens Convention of 1974 on the Carriage of Passengers and their Luggage by Sea and the Convention of 1980 concerning International Carriage by Rail.
We will not be responsible for any loss or damage sustained by you as a result of a contravention of any law or regulation of any of the countries visited while on the trip.
OUR LIABILITY TO YOU FOR LOCALLY OPERATED TRIPS
If your trip is a Locally Operated Trip our obligation to you is to (and you expressly authorise us to) make trip bookings on your behalf with reasonable skill and care and to arrange a contract between you and the relevant Local Operator. We exercise care in the selection of reputable Local Operators but we have no control over, or liability for, the services provided by third parties. All bookings are made on your behalf subject to these and all other terms and conditions, including any conditions of carriage and limitations of liability imposed by the Local Operator. Your legal rights in connection with such trips are solely against the Local Operator and are not against us, except to the extent a problem is caused by fault on our part.
SEATBELTS
You must wear a seatbelt at all times whilst you are in any vehicle. Neither we nor any Local Operator will be liable for any injury, death or claim howsoever arising from any accident if you have failed to comply with this requirement.
FLEXIBILITY DURING TRIP
Your booking is accepted on the condition that you understand, and take responsibility for, the risks inherent in adventure travel. Every effort will be made to operate all trips featured in this brochure but there may be a necessity to vary the itinerary from that stated in the brochure, and delays may occur for a variety of reasons beyond our control. The need for a flexible attitude to this type of travel is important. All decisions relating to a trip itinerary will be taken by the Trip Leader, as appointed by us in the interest of the group as a whole. Please note that due to public holidays some sights or activities may not be available on a particular trip. No refund will be made for services which for whatever reason are not used by you once the trip has departed.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES AND EXCURSIONS
Neither we nor our employees, agents and contractors make any representation or warranty in relation to implied or explicit suggestions or recommendations of services, activities and events not highlighted as included in a trip. You are responsible for all risks associated with the transportation to/from, and your participation in, or visitation to, any place, activity or excursion not listed as an inclusion.
During your trip you may be offered the chance to purchase various optional excursions and activities. We do not own, operate or control any of the companies or individuals which provide the optional activities or excursions. Some of the optional activities and excursions, such as canyoning, are inherently dangerous and risky. If you want to take part in such optional activities or excursions you must be fit enough to do so and must follow all reasonable instructions. The standards of health and safety which will be adopted by the company or the individual providing the optional activity or excursion will be those of the country where the optional activity or excursion takes place. Please note that these standards may not be the same as you would find in your home country. If you wish to book any optional excursion or activity, you may do so subject to the operator’s terms and conditions. Your contract will be with the operator of the activity or excursion and will be governed by local law. We act only as their agent. We accept no liability for any act or omission of any operator or operator’s employees, agents or sub-contractors or any losses (whether direct or indirect and howsoever caused) arising therefrom.
DIETARY, HEALTH AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
You must clearly state all your dietary requirements at the time of booking. We cannot guarantee that special dietary requirements can be met and we cannot take responsibility for any such requirements not being fulfilled. Walking is a fundamental part of our trips. Our trips are not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
If you have a medical condition (including any mental health disorder) that may reasonably affect your trip or you require special arrangements to be put in place, you must inform us in writing at the time of booking. We may ask you to complete a medical assessment form to assist us. If we cannot reasonably accommodate your particular needs, or where your participation will cause unreasonable disruption to the functioning of the trip, we may decline the booking or ask for you to be accompanied by a person who is able to provide full assistance to you throughout your trip.
YOUR LIABILITY TO US
You will not be permitted to embark or continue on the trip if, in the reasonable opinion of our representative, your mental or physical condition renders you incapable of caring for yourself, you become objectionable to other passengers, or you become a hazard to yourself, other passengers,
our personnel or any third party. Immediate termination of your trip may occur if you possess or transport illegal substances (including drugs) or where you have engaged in any illegal activity during a trip.
We will not be responsible for expenses resulting in you being precluded from completing the trip for any reason, nor will we refund you any part of your trip cost. In all cases we will notify you of the reasons why we have taken this action. We will have no obligation to arrange for your return to the point of the trip departure if your condition manifests itself after the trip departure. Further, if the trip involves travel by air, the captain of your aircraft can refuse to allow you to fly on the aircraft if he believes that you could be dangerous or disruptive to other passengers on the flight. You agree to indemnify us in full and on demand against all losses (direct and indirect and howsoever caused) arising from any third-party claims, demands or actions taken against us for injury, loss, damage or destruction caused by you or arising from your participation on the trip. Without limiting the foregoing, you agree to indemnify us for all excess cleaning fees and property damage claims related to your accommodation.
CLAIMS
INSURANCE &
You must take out comprehensive travel insurance before you travel on your trip. Your insurance protection must include cover for cancellation, medical and repatriation expenses, personal injury and accident, death, and loss of personal baggage and money and personal liability insurance. Evidence of such insurances must be produced to us on request and normally on day one of your trip. Insurance cover offered by credit card companies or reciprocal medical cover agreements are often not comprehensive. If you make a claim against us you agree to assign to us or our insurers any rights to take action against any third party supplier/tour operator or any other person or party that may have been wholly or partly responsible for the claim or who we reasonably consider should be a party to the action. You must co-operate fully with us should we or our insurers wish to enforce those rights which have been assigned to us. If you make a claim against us which is covered by your insurance policy, you agree to pursue the claim through your insurer either in addition to, or in substitution for, your claim against us (if any). We agree to indemnify you in respect of reasonable expenses incurred in successfully pursuing such a claim and acknowledge that any settlement made by the insurer shall not prejudice your rights against us.
TRAVEL ADVICE
We recommend that you visit your government’s travel advice website prior to the commencement of travel. In the UK, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office issues travel advice and warnings at fco.gov.uk. The Australian government provides an equivalent service at smartraveller.gov.au.
COMPLAINTS
In the event of any dissatisfaction with the accommodation or any other service provided by us, you must report it immediately to the Trip Leader so that action can be taken to remedy the problem. Failure to immediately notify the Trip Leader of any problem may result in your claim for compensation from us being denied or reduced. Any complaint made to us following the conclusion of the trip should be made in writing within 28 days of completion of the trip. If you do not notify us in writing within 28 days, our ability to investigate the complaint may be prejudiced. In the UK, we can also offer you ABTA’s scheme for the resolution of disputes which is approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. If we can’t resolve your complaint, go to www.abta.com to use ABTA’s simple procedure. Further information on the Code and ABTA’s assistance in resolving disputes can be found on www.abta.com.
DATA PROTECTION
We are committed to protecting your personal information and agree to process your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Notice, which is available online at www.topdeck.travel/privacy. In order to make your booking and ensure that your travel arrangements run smoothly, we need to use the information you provide and pass it on to other relevant suppliers who are responsible for parts of your travel arrangements. In many cases this will include transferring your data to overseas recipients (including to recipients outside of the European Union). Personal information may also be provided to public authorities such as customs or immigration if required by them, or as required by law.
SMOKING
We enforce a non-smoking policy on our coaches (although we make frequent stops for breaks) and in most of our accommodation.
LUGGAGE
There are strict weight limits for coaches when fully loaded. You are only entitled to have one piece of main luggage of standard size (see the pre-departure information or our website for size limits) and not weighing more than 20kg (or 15kg for Outback trips). In addition you may bring a sleeping bag, as required on specific trips, and a daypack.
PUBLISHING CONSENT
You acknowledge and agree that our future advertising and publicity material may include statements made by passengers, or their photographs, and you consent to such use of your comments or photographic/video likeness.
WI-FI
We will endeavor to deliver Wi-Fi connection as stated on relevant trips to the best of our ability. This service is subject to availability and may not be available on some peak season departures or in the event of technical issues.
wtf DOES THAT MEAN?
FREE CHANGES
CHANGE YOUR MIND AS OFTEN AS YOUR UNDERWEAR? Make free changes to your booking right up until your full payment due date.
FLEXIBLE DEPOSIT
WE GET IT, SH*T HAPPENS. Cancel before your full payment’s due and we’ll hold onto your deposit so you can use it for another trip, another time.
BOOK NOW, PAY LATER
SECURE YOUR BOOKING WITH A DEPOSIT OF $200. It’s that easy (and probs the best $200 you’ll ever spend).
PAY IN
INSTALMENTS
DON’T HAVE THE $$$ TO PAY ALL AT ONCE? We’ve been there. Pay your trip off in instalments that suit you.
TECH MATE
“ANYONE IN SYDNEY BEFORE THE TRIP STARTS?” – connect with your fellow Topdeckers before the trip starts to get the low-down on who’ll be joining you and catch up for a few pre/post trip bevvies.
“WHERE ARE WE ON DAY 5 AGAIN?” Know EXACTLY WHERE YOU’LL BE and when thanks to the ITINERARY VIEWER . Cos, we’re not your mum.
“DECLINED – PLEASE CONTACT YOUR BANK”
– avoid those seriously awkward moments with our handy BUDGET TRACKER and keep an eye on where your hard-earned money is going.
“HEARD THIS PLACE IS AMAZING, LEMME FIND IT...”
– navigate your way around the hidden gems, Trip Leader recommended spots for a feed, bucket-list sights and meeting points with our DOWNLOADABLE MAPS
10
6
5
4
7
7
NEW ZEALAND
