What is Social Nature Movement all about?
At Social Nature Movement, we go beyond learning by doing and just running guided outdoor activities. We facilitate immersive natural experiences - connecting you with nature in a more conscious and meaningful way.
What sort of activities do you offer
We offer a huge range of land, snow and water-based activities and tours, our adventures include everything you ever thought possible in more places you had ever imagined. If you are an individual, corporate group or school, we have an adventure tailor-made for you - so you can discover more in the ultimate playground – Mother Nature.
What is the accommodation like on SNM trips?
Our accommodation varies from trip to trip and day-to-day.
You'll stay in an amazing glamping tent if you choose to!
We offer this as a side service somewhere in the middle of luxury lodging and rough camping, the pricing matches too.
Another focus of ours is having a good place to rest and rejuvenate at the end of a busy day, and to make sure we are fully charged for the next day’s activities, so you’ll always find yourself in a clean, comfortable room, quite often with a spectacular view.
Check it out here: https://socialnaturemovement.nz/itinerary/boutique-luxury-accommodation-retreats/
How do I make a booking?
Whenever you’re ready, it’s easy to book. When you’ve done your research, looked at choices and made your final decision, follow these steps:
1. Book your spot
The fastest way to reserve your trip is to check out our booking tab, click the book now button or fill an enquiry here. Alternatively, ring us on 0800 76 62 662. You're all set
You can now start packing your bags and crossing the dates off your calendar. We look forward to seeing you soon!What if I don’t have time to do a whole trip?
We appreciate that not everyone is able to take a lot of vacation or holiday time, so our trips are all really flexible. If you’re tight on time then we can talk through some shorter trip options that mean you can still have an amazing experience, and we can shorten it to suit your time frame. Call or email us and we’ll work it out for you.
What is your cancellation, change and withdrawal policy?
Cancellations, changes and withdrawals must be verified, recorded and acknowledged to and by Social Nature Movement. Staff will not accept non-recorded non-verified notifications. Once Social Nature Movement receives your notice, it will take effect subject to the following:
Cancelation and withdrawal of services and/or change of dates by [recipient] after confirmation:
Service cancellation of jobs before job start:
- more than 1 months’ notice; 25% charge of contract,
- between 7-30 days’ notice; 50% charge of contract,
- less than 7 days’ notice; 75% charge of contract,
- less than 24 hours’ notice; 100% charge of contract.
Date change of jobs before job start:
- more than 1 months notice; 12.5% charge of contract
- 1-4 weeks notice; 25% charge of contract
- less than 1 weeks notice; 37.5% charge of contract
- less than 24hours notice; 50% charge of contract
You will not be entitled to claim any additional amounts or seek any compensation for any injury, loss, expenses, damage (either direct or consequential) or for any loss of time or inconvenience which may result from such cancellation or withdrawal. No partial refunds or credit will be given for services not used. Any amount forfeited, which has not then been paid to Social Nature Movement by you, may be recovered from you by Social Nature Movement as a debt due and payable.
Who partakes in SNM trips?
Everyone and anyone with a love for people, places and being active. We have taken people from 3yrs old to 81yrs young.
We always design our trips with ultimate flexibility in the forefront of our minds. All we ask is that you have a genuine desire to take an active vacation. And in return we’ll totally exceed your expectations and share with you our favourite places in a wonderfully personalised way.
How far in advance should I make a booking?
We recommend booking as soon as you know you can travel, and have decided on which tour you would like to go on. Some of our tours can be quite popular so it’s best to secure your spot as soon as possible.
Do I need any outdoor experience to go on an SNM Adventure?
It depends on the type of activity and adventure but we will always ensure you are ready and able to do it. That might mean multiple successive engagements building up to a more technical or enduring event. It may also involve the learning of a specific skill-set.
Regardless, we don't climb Mount Everest, kayak Huka Falls or free-solo El Capitan, our adventures cater to most people with most abilities.
Can I join a tour once it has started?
If your travel dates don’t fit with the start date of the tour we may still be able to work out a way for you to meet with the tour. Just let us know your travel dates and if we can make it happen, we will.
Do I need to be good at speaking English?
Your guides will be English speaking, though some of them know other languages and customs too!
Some basic English helps so you can understand the guide’s commentary and instructions, but mostly you will be fine.
Do I need travel insurance and what if I get injured?
It can be wise but not essential.
If you're injured while visiting New Zealand, the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) may be able to help you. It doesn’t matter if you’re not a resident.
However, you will still need travel insurance for what they do not cover (click here)
Their no-fault scheme covers everyone, including visitors, who are injured in an accident in New Zealand.
You’ll receive the same cover as everyone else if you have an injury while visiting New Zealand.
Do you cater for different dietary requirements?
Yes, we find this out on your enrolment form and if the trip is catered then you don't need to do anything more.
Do people tip in New Zealand?
Tipping is not compulsory in New Zealand, however is much appreciated. If you feel you have received excellent service and would like to show your gratitude, a tip will be accepted by your guide who will be very grateful.
There are no set amounts or guidelines on tipping in New Zealand so what you feel comfortable with will be just fine.
What happens if the weather affects our trip?
We have flexibility with the tours. Our guides will make the best and safest decisions, so you will still see some awesome places in the rain, wind or cold! Ultimately, we will take care of you, reschedule or refund you.
What do your staff actually do and what are we paying for?
SNM staff have gone the extra mile. They are out in the wild checking out new trips, secret locations, hidden gems or just getting to know the places even better!
They would have done office and paper work, ensuring all the information is absorbed, getting to know you before meeting you.
Staff will also be researching history, stories, keeping their skills up to date, cleaning and maintaining equipment and more.
They spend a lot of time and money in attaining competencies and industry standard qualifications.
Basically they do so much from organising you all, treating you as individuals, probably setting up equipment and activities for you, setting up your accommodation, all while looking after themselves too!
So they do a lot and you pay for what you get.
Are your staff qualified? In first aid too?
Absolutely! Nobody works on an SNM job that isn't first aid qualified, that is a minimum. Every other competency or qualification is based on the places, people or practices in which we work with.
Do you offer private tours?
Yes! We have an experienced and dedicated team who can help bring your dream holiday to life. Whether you're a family, group of mates, corporate team or a school we can help. Do a private tour by clicking here.
What are Social Nature Movement's Terms and Conditions (T's & C's)?
3, Terms of Business
These Terms and Conditions of Business are presented on behalf of SOCIAL NATURE MOVEMENT ltd. for the supply of staff and service.
4, Commencement date
[Date]
5, General Principles
SOCIAL NATURE MOVEMENT will:
- Supply staff and services to [recipient] on the terms set out below.
- Direct and control the manner and conditions under which the staff are required to carry out their duties.
- Have in place and maintain effective hazard identification and management processes prior to and throughout the period of service engagement.
- Offer relevant health and safety training to staff and service providers.
- Fully commit to the design and delivery of services agreed upon.
- Consult, co-operate and coordinate activities with [recipient] to perform a service and ensure health and safety of all persons involved.
- At least two recent referees
- Qualifications
- Diverse and recorded knowledge, skills and experience(s)
- Two other colleagues working with them at all times, one of which is of the opposite gender
- Police checks (vetted)
- An induction, training and employment portfolio
- Certification and currency in first aid
- Behaviour management, duty-of-care, health and safety,
- out of or occur during your travel in connection with the service or any practices conducted in conjunction with the service unless caused by the reckless conduct of Social Nature Movement representatives, or
- in connection with any optional practices which you may undertake during the course of your tour but which do not comprise part of your tour itinerary and you accept that any assistance given to you by Social Nature Movement representatives in arranging such optional activities will not render the Social Nature Movement representatives liable to you in any way.
- By mutual agreement between the parties with effect from an agreed date.
- By SOCIAL NATURE MOVEMENT with immediate effect in the event serious misconduct, compromised health and safety, of non-payment of invoices or repeated dissatisfaction by staff with their clients.
What is Social Nature Movements' Privacy Policy?
You can view our Privacy Policy here.
What are your staff like?
Our staff have a great combination of skill, experience and ability with people.
Our instructors have a rigorous training and induction programme, on top of their existing experience. Many of our services are assigned at least two staff.
You can read a bit about our team here.
How do I join the SNM team?
Working with Social Nature Movement you'd be expected to have - as the name suggests - good people skills, breadth and depth in knowledge of the natural world and indeed be physically confident and competent.
We recruit whenever the need arises and welcome unsolicited applications if you believe we and others would benefit from working with you, even if that means you are not totally ready now, but, together we can train you up and achieve great things!
Discover more and apply here.
How do I stay fit?
Keep training! It's easier to keep up your fitness rather than having to rebuild it. Try to work some exercise into your daily routine and keep doing it.
Can you help me build a training case for my employer?
Yes! We can help you build a training case to present to your manager to show them the value of a Social Nature Movement experience.
Get in touch with our friendly team and they'll provide you with the relevant tools to help build your case.
How do I keep in touch with my family, friends or colleagues?
With regards to health and safety; no news is good news.
We carry personal locator beacons (PLB's) and other emergency communication devices, so if there is news, its often serious.
However, we live in a modern and hyper-connected world, so we also carry satellite communicators when out of reception, sending essential messages only to our service manager and the client representative contact (who might then disperse that on to other stakeholders).
Please, bring any devices you have, but please respect your own and others' experiences and not get distracted. You can use our phone to make essential communications only.
How is a custom programme designed?
We'll undertake a learning needs analysis to understand your needs. We'll look at your overall goals, values and your learning and development priorities.
From there, we'll formulate your learning outcomes and devise a draft programme for your review.
How do I take the time out of work?
Be nice to the boss, work hard and simply ask.
We understand it can be difficult to balance your commitments with a course. Try involving and engaging your employer in your Social Nature Movement experience. Explain what you'll get out of it and how your effectiveness at work should also improve.
Is it worth the time away from work?
Like you, we want to ensure participants make the most of this opportunity. Spending time away from the office or work space, and its daily demands, ensures participants can be completely immersed in this life-changing experience.
Social Nature Movement is a long-term investment that delivers both immediate and long-term benefits. Our clients confirm that time out of work is worth it all and when the employer gives out their hands they get it all back in spades.