The 25 Best New Trips for 2010: Points South

The 25 Best New Trips for 2010: Points South

National Geographic Adventure online



New Zealand: All Access Kiwiland. The North Island has the Bay of Islands and the best surfing; the South Island trumpets Queenstown and world-class hiking. For decades, New Zealand's two halves have been vying for the country's title of premier travel destination. But Active Adventurees New Zealand just gave the South Island a major one-up: the first guided hiking and bicycle crossing from coast to coast.

For this 13-day trip, the high-octane outfitter has chosen the wildest route possible, using little-known tracks (Kiwi for trails) and New Zealand's excellent hut system, which offers everything from bare-bones shelters to cushy crash pads with private bunks and kitchens.

Starting in the temperate rain forests of West Fiordland National Park and the Milford Sound, you'll follow the Greenstone Track through the Southern Alps, then continue along Lake Wakatipu and across Central Otago to the brisk waters of the east coast. Highlights include beach-hut overnights on the Tasman Sea, where penguins and seals are a common sight; hiking to 200-foot Homer Falls; and biking to 3,000-foot Key Summit for views of three glacier-carved valleys, including the one you just hiked through, seven-mile Hollyford.

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

What people say about our trips

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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 | January 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 (336 reviews)

R | January 7200

Great Walks of New Zealand

Margaret M

"Liana & Kelly were fabulous guides & I loved every minute of my trip. The accommodation, food & walks were all great.

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Liana & Kelly were fabulous guides & I loved every minute of my trip. The…

"Liana & Kelly were fabulous guides & I loved every minute of my trip. The accommodation, food & walks were all great. read less

4.7 Stars (128 reviews)

M | January 1970

New Zealand Walking Adventure

Don K

"This trip provided a variety of hikes through beautiful rain forests, beaches and mountains. We were always given a choice between an easier hike and a more strenuous hike. I would highly recommend the Heli-Hike on Franz Josef glacier. It was a unique and very memorable experience. Mel and Kayla were excellent guides for this trip. Most of the meals were prepared and cooked by Mel and Kayla and they provided a variety of delicious meals. They also made accommodations for those with dietary restrictions. Mel provided a sarcastic wit and was very knowledgeable with answering questions. She was also an amazing driver through some very windy roads with a bus and attached trailer to navigate. Mel and Kayla provided a fun, safe, delicious and adventurous trip. I highly recommend this trip for anyone looking to hike, kayak and wine taste in an absolutely beautiful country.

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This trip provided a variety of hikes through beautiful rain forests, beaches and mountains. We…

"This trip provided a variety of hikes through beautiful rain forests, beaches and mountains. We were always given a choice between an easier hike and a more strenuous hike. I would highly recommend the Heli-Hike on Franz Josef glacier. It was a unique and very memorable experience. Mel and Kayla were excellent guides for this trip. Most of the meals were prepared and cooked by Mel and Kayla and they provided a variety of delicious meals. They also made accommodations for those with dietary restrictions. Mel provided a sarcastic wit and was very knowledgeable with answering questions. She was also an amazing driver through some very windy roads with a bus and attached trailer to navigate. Mel and Kayla provided a fun, safe, delicious and adventurous trip. I highly recommend this trip for anyone looking to hike, kayak and wine taste in an absolutely beautiful country. read less

4.8 Stars (387 reviews)

D | January 1970

Ultimate North Island Adventure

Keith S

"My ultimate north island trip was outstanding. The trip was extensive, well thought through and as promised 'Active'. A good trip was made exceptional by the contribution of our guides Luke and Noah. Thier knowledge, insight, attention to detail and helpfulness could not have been better.

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My ultimate north island trip was outstanding. The trip was extensive, well thought through and…

"My ultimate north island trip was outstanding. The trip was extensive, well thought through and as promised 'Active'. A good trip was made exceptional by the contribution of our guides Luke and Noah. Thier knowledge, insight, attention to detail and helpfulness could not have been better. read less

4.7 Stars (336 reviews)

K | January 1970

Ultimate North Island Adventure

Jennie C

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

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Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime! read less

4.7 Stars (336 reviews)

J | January 1970

Classic South Island Adventure

Jennifer K

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

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Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime! read less

4.7 Stars (1725 reviews)

J | January 1970

Classic South Island Adventure

Andrea L

"This trip was outstanding! I cannot think of a single thing that could have been better. I loved our guides. They were delightful and showed personal care for each one of us. They made every single moment of the trip fun.
Unfortunately I injured my ankle early on and the guides were able to accommodate me and help me continue safely with the activities.

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This trip was outstanding! I cannot think of a single thing that could have been…

"This trip was outstanding! I cannot think of a single thing that could have been better. I loved our guides. They were delightful and showed personal care for each one of us. They made every single moment of the trip fun.
Unfortunately I injured my ankle early on and the guides were able to accommodate me and help me continue safely with the activities. read less

4.7 Stars (1725 reviews)

A | January 1970