What To Take
Less Clothes more Attitude
The old saw is take half the clothes and twice the money. That is only half true on our trips as there is little to spend money on and most of our trips include transport, accommodation and most of your activities and meals.
The half the clothes part is true. It’s a lovely warm climate, something almost impossible to fully imagine when you are packing in winter is that you will not wear a jersey at all. The casual style of the resorts also reduces suitcase size, but do be aware that conservative dress outside the resorts is important. A crop top and short shorts in the village may see the resort owner fined. So bring modest clothing (T shirt and longer shorts is fine) for exploring the villages.
Do bring a sense of adventure and a willingness to try new things. Samoa is not particularly sophisticated and not everything works quite as well as it might in an expensive resort would. However being a caring host is a core part of the Samoan way, so with a little tolerance for a different set of priorities, you will have a great experience.
Cycle clothing
Cycling is best in light, modest clothes. If you wear cycle pants either wear baggies over them or use mountain bike shorts. Light nylon shorts make it easier to take a dip whenever you want.
The Samoa Cycle Guide (provided with all trip bookings and also available for purchase separately) contains a fuller list and recommendations on preparation and what to bring.
Kayak Gear
A sunhat and long -sleeve light shirt should be considered compulsory. Bringing your own drink bottles is showing environmental concern – we provide drinking water. Regular kayakers coming for multi-day tours may wish to bring their own paddle and/or PFD, but we supply good quality Day-Two PFDs that suit most people.
Reef shoes are nice to have, but jandals are just fine.
It is too hot for a regular kayak jacket, but a very light windproof top will very occasionally be useful.
Full gear lists are included on most trip descriptions/itineraries.
Special Items
Ask our friendly staff to email through our suggested Tropical Island First Aid kit. It’s a bit more comprehensive than the kit you take on your NZ cycle trips.
Several little things are worth preparing for and in most cases we have ways of helping with hire gear.
Remember that the international airport is near our base and the ferry terminal, but an hour from Apia.
If you are touring Savaii you will only get and opportunity to get to Apia at the end of the trip (if you book the Apia Add-on package).
Most shops are shut from midday Saturday till Monday morning. Salelologa is only one town on Savaii and it will be closed by the time you arrive on a Saturday.
Bike bits
We supply tool kit, pump, spare tube and handlebar bag. You are welcome to bring your own pedals and saddle, but most people find our comfortable saddles most appropriate.
Snorkel Gear
There is none for sale on Savaii and very little available in Apia. Bring your own or hire from us.
Mobile phones and Internet
Roaming charges from NZ and Australia in Samoa were prohibitive but check with your provider as some now offer $5 a day deals. The best value for most people will be to get a local SIM in their phone.
There are two local GSM providers; Digicel and Vodafone. Both have counters at the airport and are open for most flights. They sell Sim cards and economic prepay deals. If you miss out at the airport the only other options are Salelololga and Apia (with their limited hours). Make sure your phone is not locked and you know how to configure new sims for data.
Wifi access is limited and expensive (around 12 Tala per hour). There is almost no free wifi in Samoa. With the new cable to Samoa now operating the prices for Internet are coming down, but as almost all Internet is distributed via 4G, the cheapest option by far is to buy a local sim card.
Lockable luggage
If you are staying in fales there is no lock on your room. It is always a good idea to bring a lockable suitcase.
Some people also like to bring a Pacsafe their wallet and phone.
Drinking Water
Tap water is generally not drinkable.
Bottled water is available in all resorts and shops.
Your driver will have filtered available for you to fill your drink bottles.
Gear for Hire
Fins, mask and snorkel are available to hire for NZD$50.00 per person for the duration of your cycle trip
Hire gear invoiced before travel will be charged in NZ$. Please request equipment hire when confirming trip itinerary.
Cycle Samoa Booklet
We wrote a small book on Cycling Samoa. It covers more on where to go and what to bring. You can order it here.