Is there a recommended travel company with expertise in handling handicapped passengers and wheelchair accessibility?

Try looking at http://newzealandatoz.com/index.php?pageid=350 for assistance, though it doesn't mention a specific travel company.

Lee Ann

Thank You Lee Ann. Have you traveled extensivly in New Zealand? I am in Auckland for a convention and have somehow become the appointed travel guide for sevral groups of people incluing six from my own party. The young lady in a wheelchair is with a group of 4 20 somethings. I am traveling with 6 active 60 ish people. we want to do the south island pre convention and we are also taking in a Blue Lagoon cruise. the wheelchair person will be with friends in Fiji for 2 days and I need to book a wheelchair friendly hotel. I have been to New Zealand and visited Auckland,Christchurch and Milford Sound. I would like to take the trans aline train, Mt Hood and other attractions recommended.

You're welcome, Wassy!

I've only been to the North Island once, but I plan to go back some time in the next few years.

Lee Ann

Great question! I don't know of a specific company but hope the following might be helpful.

If you go the Department of Conservation website - http://www.doc.govt.nz/ and type in "wheelchair" in the search box it will come up with a list of wheelchair accessible walks.

When we recently campervanned our way around the SI recently we met a man in a wheelchair and his girlfriend who were also camping - they had rented their van through http://www.escaperentals.co.nz/.

Also, HAPNZ lists in their directory if a holiday park has accessible facilities and/or accommodation. You can request their directory here: http://www.holidayparks.co.nz/

Have a great trip!

Thank you for these very helpful sites, I will look into them all. Happy New year!!!

All hotels/motels etc built in recent years must by law provide access rooms (accessable by wheelchair). THese will also have grab rails, wider doors etc. As a rule 10% of the rooms must be wheelchair friendly