There’s nothing quite like the excitement of exploring a new holiday destination. Unfortunately for many people living with a disability, the thought of traveling overseas can feel daunting.
At Ability Adventures, we believe everyone should be able to experience the magic of New Zealand, regardless of their abilities. That’s why we’ve built our company around the needs of travelers with disabilities. From the moment you touch down in New Zealand to the day you depart, we work tirelessly to ensure your holiday is worry-free and fun.
We have years of experience helping people travelling with disabilities discover New Zealand. Here’s our 6 key tips for choosing the right accessible holiday company.
1. Support When Airlines Fall Short
One of the biggest worries for travellers who rely on wheelchairs or mobility aids is the possibility of damage or loss during flights. Sadly, this can happen, as ground handling and baggage transfer processes aren’t always gentle on specialized equipment. For some travellers, arriving without essential mobility support can feel overwhelming.
Thanks to our longstanding relationships with New Zealand wheelchair suppliers and repair specialists, we can act quickly to organize replacement chairs, parts, or temporary solutions that keep your holiday on track. Our contacts and expertise mean you won’t spend days making stressful arrangements—you can leave it to us.
2. Accessible Transport You Can Rely On
Getting around in a new country can be tricky enough, but when accessibility needs are added to the mix, it takes real expertise to plan transport solutions that are comfortable, reliable and suited to your specific needs. At Ability Adventures, we’ve spent years curating a range of accessible vehicles and transportation service partners so that our travellers can move with ease from one destination to the next.
Whether it’s wheelchair-accessible vans, convenient airport transfers, or comfortable vehicles designed for scenic touring, we ensure that transport isn’t just adequate, but enjoyable. Our team understands the importance of factors such as ramp widths, wheelchair tie-downs, ease of transfers, and space for mobility equipment. That expert knowledge means we don’t make assumptions about your needs—we meet them.
3. Trusted Accommodation to Suit All Needs
Finding the right hotel or lodge can be another major hurdle for travellers with disabilities. Websites may claim a property is “accessible,” but in reality, this might just mean there’s a ramp at the front door. True accessibility goes far deeper, from bathroom layouts to doorframe measurements, from bed heights to ease of movement within a room.
At Ability Adventures, we remove the guesswork. We have personally inspected, reviewed, and built relationships with accommodation providers across New Zealand to ensure that when we book a room for you, it genuinely meets your needs. We know which hotels you can comfortably navigate, which lodges have roll-in showers, and which hosts provide that extra level of care and hospitality. That means less uncertainty for you, more peace of mind, and ultimately, a better holiday experience.
4. Experiences for Every Ability
Travel isn’t just about where you stay—it’s about what you do. New Zealand is world-renowned for its incredible natural beauty, rich Māori culture, and wide range of outdoor activities. But too often, travelers with mobility challenges are told that certain experiences are “off-limits.”
Our mission is to change that. Over the years, we’ve developed first-hand expertise in accessible excursions and experiences that highlight the very best of New Zealand. From safe nature walks on beautifully maintained trails, to scenic cruises that allow wheelchair access, to cultural performances and wellness tours that welcome all participants, we know what works for every guest, regardless of their mobility.
Our itineraries are designed to be inclusive and adaptable. Just because one guest uses a wheelchair and another walks independently doesn’t mean they can’t share the same enriching experience side by side. We pride ourselves on removing barriers to exploration and making sure that nobody has to sit on the sidelines.
5. A Team That Truly Understands
What sets Ability Adventures apart is not just logistics or planning—it’s empathy. Our team has years of experience working with people living with disabilities, and this understanding is at the heart of how we operate. We know the challenges our guests may face, from the physical, the logistical to the emotional. This means our support goes beyond simply arranging bookings—it’s about anticipating your needs, offering reassurance, and providing solutions before problems arise.
Our guests frequently tell us that what they value most is the friendliness and warmth of our staff. That comes from truly caring about the people we travel with, recognizing the uniqueness of each person, and treating everyone with dignity and respect.
6. Fully Guided, Fully Relaxing
For many of our clients, the most liberating part of choosing Ability Adventures is being able to completely relax. If you want a holiday where every detail is handled, every activity has been thought through, and every movement from place to place is stress-free, we have you covered.
Our fully guided holidays allow you to simply immerse yourself in the beauty of New Zealand while our team manages the logistics. Our guides are not only knowledgeable about New Zealand’s culture, history, and landscapes, but also deeply experienced in supporting guests with mobility challenges. Whether you’re seeing the glowworm caves, exploring geothermal wonders, or sampling local wines, you’ll do so with the comfort of knowing that everything has been arranged with your needs in mind.
The Ability Adventures Difference
Travel should be about discovery, joy, and connection—not worrying about accessibility barriers. At Ability Adventures, we combine expert knowledge, trusted partnerships, and compassionate care to give you the confidence to explore New Zealand fully.
So if New Zealand is calling and you want to experience it without limits, let us be your guide - your doorway to adventure.
