North America Hiking & Adventure Tours

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Explore world-renowned national parks on our North America hiking and adventure tours.

We've partnered with Austin Adventures, a world-class company located in Montana, to bring you these incredible North America adventure tours. Add in our signature New Zealand touch of inspired, thoughtful service, and you'll discover parts of the USA you've never even heard of. You'll be blown away by the array of unique landscapes and natural wonders we'll explore. From hiking along the intimate waterfalls of The Narrows in Zion National Park, biking under towering red sandstone cliffs in Bryce Canyon, taking a dip in hidden swimming holes and witnessing the fascinating geothermal features of Yellowstone National Park, you'll be left in awe at the natural splendours of these breathtaking regions. We don't stop there, though. We'll also explore the San Juan Islands, Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska and the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina. These USA hiking tours will get you well off the beaten path via hiking, biking and kayaking. You'll feel like a first explorer as you discover some of the best hiking trails in the United States.

Hear from our Happy Guests
4.85/5 Rating | 6,500+ Reviews

What Our Guests Say

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Patagonia Hiking Adventure

Susan

"Patagonia has been on my wish list for a number of years. Active Adventures transformed my wish to reality in the best way possible. The hikes to Torres del Paine and Mt Fitz Roy were challenging, indeed. I was so grateful for the guidance and encouragement from Active's exceptional guides. The word we hikers agreed for this trip is "ineffable." That is, words cannot fully describe it!

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Patagonia has been on my wish list for a number of years. Active Adventures transformed…

"Patagonia has been on my wish list for a number of years. Active Adventures transformed my wish to reality in the best way possible. The hikes to Torres del Paine and Mt Fitz Roy were challenging, indeed. I was so grateful for the guidance and encouragement from Active's exceptional guides. The word we hikers agreed for this trip is "ineffable." That is, words cannot fully describe it! read less

4.7 Stars (1140 reviews)

S | January 1970

Classic South Island Adventure

Jeffrey

"Had an amazing trip through the South Island with Active Adventures. Everything was well thought out and smoothly executed. The guides were great. Brogan drove very safely, provided great information on New Zealand culture and biodiversity. Alex was an amazing chef and fun guide with great insights on the plants, birds and geologic history of NZ. Special activities were a blast - plane rides, jet boats, kayaks, e-bikes. They partnered with great local guides. Accommodations were clean and in good order, and located in beautiful spots. But for me, the hiking through this beautiful country with a nice small group and great guides was just the best.

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Had an amazing trip through the South Island with Active Adventures. Everything was well thought…

"Had an amazing trip through the South Island with Active Adventures. Everything was well thought out and smoothly executed. The guides were great. Brogan drove very safely, provided great information on New Zealand culture and biodiversity. Alex was an amazing chef and fun guide with great insights on the plants, birds and geologic history of NZ. Special activities were a blast - plane rides, jet boats, kayaks, e-bikes. They partnered with great local guides. Accommodations were clean and in good order, and located in beautiful spots. But for me, the hiking through this beautiful country with a nice small group and great guides was just the best. read less

4.7 Stars (1727 reviews)

J | January 1970

Ultimate North Island Adventure

Nancy

"We had a fantastic time during the ultimate north island tour. There was a really good variety of activities that we enjoyed. Our guides,Katie and Braden took great care of us. Katie accommodated multiple dietary restrictions in our group. Braden was an extremely careful and courteous driver. They were also a lot of fun. Highly recommend this tour and active adventures

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We had a fantastic time during the ultimate north island tour. There was a really…

"We had a fantastic time during the ultimate north island tour. There was a really good variety of activities that we enjoyed. Our guides,Katie and Braden took great care of us. Katie accommodated multiple dietary restrictions in our group. Braden was an extremely careful and courteous driver. They were also a lot of fun. Highly recommend this tour and active adventures read less

4.7 Stars (337 reviews)

N | January 1970

Ultimate South Island Adventure

Kevin

"Very good trip. Comprehensive coverage of South Island with some challenging hikes. The guides were excellent.

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Very good trip. Comprehensive coverage of South Island with some challenging hikes. The guides were…

"Very good trip. Comprehensive coverage of South Island with some challenging hikes. The guides were excellent. read less

4.7 Stars (4483 reviews)

K | May 0419

Yellowstone in Winter

Kamy

"Fantastic park - incredible nature - great team - good food

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Fantastic park - incredible nature - great team - good food

"Fantastic park - incredible nature - great team - good food read less

5 Stars (26 reviews)

K | January 1970

Classic South Island Adventure

Kathleen

"The level and breadth of activities was as promised and super fun. Active Adventures Guides were spectacular, very knowledgeable and friendly. Enjoyed immensely, GREAT value!

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The level and breadth of activities was as promised and super fun. Active Adventures…

"The level and breadth of activities was as promised and super fun. Active Adventures Guides were spectacular, very knowledgeable and friendly. Enjoyed immensely, GREAT value! read less

4.7 Stars (1727 reviews)

K | January 1970

Milford Track Adventure

Bill

"Tour was great, guides were greater than great!

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Tour was great, guides were greater than great!

"Tour was great, guides were greater than great! read less

4.6 Stars (826 reviews)

B | January 1970

Swiss Alps Adventure

Lesley

"Great activities and fantastic tour guides!

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Great activities and fantastic tour guides!

"Great activities and fantastic tour guides! read less

4.8 Stars (10 reviews)

L | January 1970

Tour Du Mont Blanc

Karen Thies-Houghton

"It was fantastic

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It was fantastic

"It was fantastic read less

4.7 Stars (219 reviews)

K | May 3518

Yellowstone Adventure

Maria Olsen

"Excellent, fun, knowledgeable guides! Booked, in part, because Austin Adventures guaranteed a night at Old Faithful Inn (booked out far in advance). Food was great and saw the best parts of Yellowstone while avoiding the crowds. Highly recommend Austin Adventures, as well as this itinerary.

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Excellent, fun, knowledgeable guides! Booked, in part, because Austin Adventures guaranteed a night at Old…

"Excellent, fun, knowledgeable guides! Booked, in part, because Austin Adventures guaranteed a night at Old Faithful Inn (booked out far in advance). Food was great and saw the best parts of Yellowstone while avoiding the crowds. Highly recommend Austin Adventures, as well as this itinerary. read less

4.9 Stars (147 reviews)

M | January 1970

Yosemite Adventure

Stephen Hamelburg

"Amazing trip with knowledgeable guides. The hikes were challenging but appropriate for our level of experience and conditioning. The views were unmatched. This is the best way to experience a National Park.

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Amazing trip with knowledgeable guides. The hikes were challenging but appropriate for our level of…

"Amazing trip with knowledgeable guides. The hikes were challenging but appropriate for our level of experience and conditioning. The views were unmatched. This is the best way to experience a National Park. read less

4.8 Stars (11 reviews)

S | January 1970

Kenai Fjords & Denali Adventure

Sandra Davis, Ms.

"This is a wonderful trip for active travelers who like a variety of activities and great food. If you get good weather the scenery is epic. Don't miss the flight to Denali if it is a sunny day! Even if you don't have perfect weather, the activities are great -- especially the water based ones. If this part of Alaska interests you this is the way to go.

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This is a wonderful trip for active travelers who like a variety of activities and…

"This is a wonderful trip for active travelers who like a variety of activities and great food. If you get good weather the scenery is epic. Don't miss the flight to Denali if it is a sunny day! Even if you don't have perfect weather, the activities are great -- especially the water based ones. If this part of Alaska interests you this is the way to go. read less

4.9 Stars (30 reviews)

S | January 1970

Tour Du Mont Blanc

Dianna Waller

"This was probably one of the most amazing experiences of my life. It was totally worth the money and would definitely do it again. The guides were awesome, very knowledgeable and helpful. The people in France, Switzerland and Italy were all so nice and hospitable. And the hikes were the perfect amount of hard but exhilarating at the same time and the scenery just could not be described appropriately. You have to see it yourself. And what better way can you knock 3 different countries off your bucket list. Great, great trip. Oh and don't get me started on the amazing food. So good!

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This was probably one of the most amazing experiences of my life. It was…

"This was probably one of the most amazing experiences of my life. It was totally worth the money and would definitely do it again. The guides were awesome, very knowledgeable and helpful. The people in France, Switzerland and Italy were all so nice and hospitable. And the hikes were the perfect amount of hard but exhilarating at the same time and the scenery just could not be described appropriately. You have to see it yourself. And what better way can you knock 3 different countries off your bucket list. Great, great trip. Oh and don't get me started on the amazing food. So good! read less

4.7 Stars (219 reviews)

D | January 1970

Yellowstone & Grand Teton Family Vacation

Margo Ross

"Our family had a wonderful week of good food , nice accommodations and perfect activities for ages 10 - 74. Our guides were caring and fun. No complaints at all. Highly recommend this trip.

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Our family had a wonderful week of good food , nice accommodations and perfect activities…

"Our family had a wonderful week of good food , nice accommodations and perfect activities for ages 10 - 74. Our guides were caring and fun. No complaints at all. Highly recommend this trip. read less

4.9 Stars (166 reviews)

M | January 1970

Ultimate North Island Adventure

Ronald H

"We booked this excursion wanting to see and hike this extraordinary country which it did. However the range of activities we engaged in, snorkelling, mountain biking, Sandboarding, tube rafting added an exciting dimension and perspective by actually experiencing what NZ has to offer. Accommodations were excellent and above expectation; snacks, and sunscreen always available. Definitely recommend!

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We booked this excursion wanting to see and hike this extraordinary country which it did.…

"We booked this excursion wanting to see and hike this extraordinary country which it did. However the range of activities we engaged in, snorkelling, mountain biking, Sandboarding, tube rafting added an exciting dimension and perspective by actually experiencing what NZ has to offer. Accommodations were excellent and above expectation; snacks, and sunscreen always available. Definitely recommend! read less

4.7 Stars (337 reviews)

R | May 7200

Pay-in-Full-PIF-generic-tile

Save 10% on the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full

By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.

We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance — you can find details here

*Terms and conditions apply - read more here

Safe-travel-v3

Keeping you Safe: COVID-19 Safety Measures

We believe our small group, off-the-beaten-track adventures are the safest way to travel. To keep you, your fellow travellers, our guides and the communities we travel in safe, all adults over the age of 12 (i.e. 13 years and above) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

To keep you healthy during your trip, we follow all ATTA, WTTC, Qualmark and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) health and safety guidelines, as acknowledged by their stamps.

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Frequently asked questions

What's included on your North America trips?

Accommodation

We've spent years finding places to stay that are quaint, perfectly-located, and comfortable when we take you to the most amazing parts of North America. We offer a wide variety of accommodations on our trips ranging from locally run inns and first-class hotels to resorts, dude ranches and historic national park cabins. Accommodations are selected for their location, unique charm and history, and offer a true feel for the region. We strongly believe in the value of a good night's sleep and our accommodation reflects this. We also like to have somewhere comfortable to relax after the day's activities.

Transport

We're really focused on ensuring that we spend as little time as possible sitting in vehicles, and that we optimize your vacation for adventuring in the great outdoors. Our average driving time is just over two hours a day, and we make plenty of stops for bathroom breaks and sightseeing along the way. We use modern, comfortable 15-passenger vans for all of our transfers and a second van is added to most departures to provide more flexibility and more room to spread out while seeing the sights! Make no mistake - our trips are not typical bus tour vacation packages! Picture more of a road trip with family complete with good music, tasty snacks, and plenty of guide-supplied fun facts along the way to keep you entertained!

Meals

Just about all your meals are included when you travel with Austin Adventures in North America. We provide a wide variety of cuisine - breakfasts are typically eaten at your hotel on your own time in the morning before meeting up with the group. Lunches feature everything from elaborate picnics to roadside cafes to sandwiches trailside. Dinners are usually eaten at our hotel's dining room or a local restaurant with plenty of options to choose from. We easily cater to vegetarians, picky kids, and people with particular dietary needs. All our guides have food safety certificates and are well-practiced in the art of food prep and serving while on-the-move. You'll find the meals are a real highlight of your trip!

Guides

Our trips are all led by experienced guides who are very proud to work with us and often lead our trips for many years, for which we are very lucky and very grateful as it means we're able to consistently offer a fantastic level of service. Our guests are often drawn to North America by the beautiful scenic landscapes, promise of wilderness and clean air - and there's no doubt you'll find all that, though what you may not be expecting is to forge real, genuine friendships with your fellow tripmates, including our wonderful guides. They're hands-down the BEST guides you'll ever come across.

Do you recommend buying travel insurance?

As an Austin Adventures traveler, it’s highly recommended you take out travel insurance to cover the likes of travel delays, missed connections, medical expenses or injury, or lost baggage for your travel with us. Please head to our Travel Protection page for more in-depth information and our recommended insurance provider.

How many people are there on each of our North America trips?

We generally take up to 18 people per trip, although this can vary, and all our trips have at least two of our guides to look after you (apart from the occasions we have a small group). We have found that our trips tend to attract a particular kind of person and many people have commented that the social scene was one of the highlights of their trip!

Our adult-only departures require a minimum age of 16 years and our family departures require a minimum age of 6 years to join (7 years on our Alaska Family Adventure) and are a great way to meet other like-minded families who like to get outside.
Please note child rates apply to children 12 years and under.

How much luggage can I bring on the North America trips?

You are allowed one piece of luggage on your trip, plus a daypack. Your main piece of luggage should not exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and can be anything from a duffle bag to a sports bag with wheels or a suitcase. You’ll also want a good quality backpack sized 25-30 liters (2000 cubic inches) to use throughout the days.

What if I need a special diet?

We’re accustomed to catering to the following special diets:

  • vegan (no meat or animal products)
  • vegetarian (no meat products)
  • pescatarian (vegetarian, and eat fish)
  • no red meat (eat chicken & fish)
  • no pork (eat chicken & fish)
  • gluten intolerant (no wheat, rye, barley or oats)
  • lactose intolerant (no dairy products)
  • picky kids (send us a list of what your child will eat and we'll make sure to have it!)

You will get the opportunity to specify your particular requirements when you fill in your travel wallet. If you have any other dietary requirements please let us know well in advance, via email or in your Account.

Will I have contact with my guides before the trip starts?

Your guides will call your cell phone the night before your trip begins to touch base on the first day’s plan. If they don’t get through to you, they will leave a voicemail on your cell phone with all the details you need to plan for your first morning.

What should I bring with me on the first day?

When you speak with your guides the night before your trip, they will give you a detailed description of what to bring with you on Day 1. Typically, this includes a day pack with your rain jacket, sunglasses, hat, camera, etc. Anything you want easy access to during the day should go in your day pack as the rest of your luggage will go in the locked cargo trailer pulled behind the van. Your guides will provide you with a water bottle on the first morning of your trip and will always have water available for refills. There will be snacks available at all times in the van. Your guides will also have bug spray and sunscreen accessible for you to use.

What are your recommended guide gratuity guidelines?

You will have 2-3 guides on your Austin Adventure (depending on group size). We recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, per guide. Typically, gratuities are offered by check or cash in local currency on the final morning of the trip and can either be given to each guide individually or to one guide to be equally distributed. Most of our guides these days also accept gratuities via Paypal. All dining, housekeeping and activity tips are included in your trip price.

How much spending money should I bring and where do I get cash?

You'll be able to find a reliable ATM once you arrive to start your trip, within the township or at the airport you land in, as national park ATM locations are sparse at best. Aside from tips for your guides, you could bring US$200 and go home with change though some people like to bring some cash to cover a round of drinks, a few souvenirs, and dinner on "night on your own", although you could just as easily use a credit card for these purchases too.

Do you charge a forced single supplement if I'm a solo traveller?

We welcome many solo travelers on our trips – in fact, we get so many solo travelers and they always say it’s a great way to travel alone, but not actually by themselves. You’ll have an incredible adventure sharing your experiences with other like-minded travelers, and the best part is we don't charge extra for solo travelers, providing you don’t mind sharing a room. However, for bookings within 90 days of your chosen departure, a forced single supplement will apply if there is no other guest of the same gender already booked to share with.

If you prefer not to share a room at all, you can upgrade to a single room, if one is available.

If I book a trip with my children, will I be sharing a room with them?

Active Adventures & Austin Adventures family vacations are naturally about spending time with family and as such, most families opt to share rooms on our trips. At time of booking, families consisting of four guests with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at the guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

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