The 25 Greatest Adventure Trips in the World: 'Rimu' #9

The 25 Greatest Adventure Trips in the World: 'Rimu' #9

National Geographic Adventure magazine - February 2003



Here's why people fly so far to hike in New Zealand: A third of the island nation is parkland, and it has just 3.8 million residents. Consequently, hundreds of miles of lightly used trails weave through rugged ranges and untrammelled rain forests. Active's 14-day loop is billed as multisport, but most clients opt for tramping around the canyons of Punakaiki, Franz Josef Glacier, the Mount Cook Region, and other South Island beauty spots. Nights are spent in lodges, B&Bs, and a sheep shearer's cabin on a 63,000-acre farm.

Why this trip: It dodges the predictable Milford Track in favour of trails loved by locals, and it offers two levels of hiking-moderate and challenging-on every outing.

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

What people say about our trips

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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