Ultimate South Island Adventure
4.7 from 4483 reviews
Kristopher G
A truly remarkable trip! Before I even booked the trip, the staff I talked with were extremely friendly and were able to answer all of my questions. The only concern as the trip date approached was that I was unable to kayak for the multi-day option (lack of interest from the rest of the group), I am extremely happy that I went backpacking instead because of the family-like atmosphere that was quickly created with Jasmine, Button, and everyone in the group. Both Jasmine and Button were knowledgeable and helpful beyond belief. They greeted me with smiles at the airport at the beginning of the tour and those smiles never disappeared. The food everywhere was delicious, nutritious, and necessary for every aspect of the trip. I rarely, if ever, needed supplemental snacks. When I returned home, I felt that I needed to change my dietary habits to try to replicate how I felt all trip. All accommodations were gorgeous in their own unique ways and I could not believe how magnificent the night sky at Braemar Station was (we were lucky to have 2 clear nights there!). The drive into Milford Sound is one experience that was so moving to me that I did not remember to take pictures, but that experience will always be in my memory. Thank you for the best vacation of my life (so far)! I look forward to booking another trip with Active Adventures!
| January 1970
New Zealand Walking Adventure
4.8 from 387 reviews
William P
We spent two weeks with Rachael and Dave, who, by the way, were the best tour guides I have ever had, and enjoyed it all very much. We did some great hiking, sight seeing and kayaking. The highlight, if I were to choose just one, would be the kayaking on Milford Sound on a beautiful sunny morning. I found the travel times reasonable, and I am certain I could now write a book called "Biffies I have known and loved". The fruit basket was a real plus, and Rachael's quick response to the comment that all the non-fruit snacks contained peanuts, was very rapid and appropriate. Also, her handling of all my food issues made the trip even better. Hard to say how things could have been better. I envy you if you are about to take this tour.
| January 1970
New Zealand Walking Adventure
4.8 from 387 reviews
Carol D
The trip was excellent and delivered everything it promised. Our guides were both very knowledgeable, both about the trails and about New Zealand in general. The food was great (good thing we were hiking a lot), and I really liked having the fruit basket on board for snacking as we drove. I highly recommend this trip for active hikers.
| January 1970
Ultimate South Island Adventure
4.7 from 4483 reviews
Karen M
I had to write to let you know how wonderful our Rimu trip was. The Activities consisted of a good mix of challenge and relaxation. Of course, the stunning New Zealand scenery made it well worth the effort. Jasmine and Button were professional and friendly guides who kept us safe, informed and and well fed- Not to mention very encouraging when the hikes got tough. We had a great mix of people - couples and singles ranging in age from late 20's to early 70's - and we were all sad at the end Of two weeks to say goodbye to our New Zealand traveling family!
| January 1970
New Zealand Walking Adventure
4.8 from 387 reviews
Sally A
Our Kiwi trip exceeded our expectations in every way! I enjoyed the small group - 12 of us plus 2 guides. We have been on large bus trips before and will never do that again. Craig, our driver & guide, was so knowledgeable about New Zealand. We learned so much about biology, history, geology and much more. Some of the days had a lot of driving because the South Island is a large land mass, but he kept it interesting with his many stories and facts. Sarah was our other guide and gourmet chef! The food was amazing! The restaurants were fine, but her meals were delicious. We would visit a salmon farm and that night have fresh salmon for dinner! We thought we would lose weight with all the hiking and activities, but with all her good food, that didn't happen!
The itinerary was perfect. We are over 60 and it was not too strenuous. The scenery was breathtaking, and with a small group, we were able to stay in amazing places. We enjoyed a "down day" in Queenstown halfway through the trip, and I went paragliding! What a thrill!
Milford Sound was spectacular! We kayaked, hiked & tried to do a helicopter ride, but the weather wouldn't cooperate. It was still a great experience.
I will be recommending this trip & this company to anyone who will listen. From our first contact with Active Adventures, the office staff was quick to respond and always so cheerful! Their website and OBI were so organized with no detail left out. The entire experience was "Eepic". Amazing!
| January 1970
New Zealand Walking Adventure
4.8 from 387 reviews
Marsha S
Each day was a new adventure and just as we thought it couldn't get better, it always did. Craig and Sarah were not only expert gides, cooks and drivers, but they created a family atmosphere that began in the first five minutes and continued thoughout the trip. Everything was incredibly well organized. We fell in love with New Zealand and our guides. The only bad thing was that the trip ended.
| January 1970
Patagonia Hiking Adventure
4.7 from 1140 reviews
Glenn R
Good, really enjoyed it
| January 1970
New Zealand Walking Adventure
4.8 from 387 reviews
Sandra Y
Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!
| January 1970
Ultimate South Island Adventure
4.7 from 4483 reviews
John C
Our South Island Rimu trek was the trip of a lifetime for me and my son, Jack. Our guides and fellow travellers made the experience uniquely fun. Each day was a new adventure, a breathtaking view, an adrenaline rush, a good conversation, a challenge, and a strong sense of accomplishment. And this doesn't take into account the great food and local wines, hilarious inside jokes, and actually sleeping in a hut with people you've never met before.
| January 1970
Classic South Island Adventure
4.7 from 1727 reviews
Mia G
I'm a well travelled Kiwi, both overseas and in my own country of New Zealand. Having spent alot of time in the South Island, I thought I had already seen the best of New Zealand, but Active took us to the absolute cream of NZ. We visited places that were just awe inspiring and so stunningly beautiful! Our guides DK and Nick were heaps of fun but also very professional. They paid great attention to everyones needs, (they made sure that even a guest who had arrived with a sprained ankle didn't miss out on any of the experiences to be had). They told us lots of fascinating stories and facts about New Zealand and I have to say - know how to produce yummy food, everything from gourmet sandwiches to roast Lamb! And Nick - you cook a mighty good venison steak too! Can't say enough about how special this trip was, Active you really do know how to treat visitors to the best of stunning scenery and a top class travel experience!
| January 1970
Classic South Island Adventure
4.7 from 1727 reviews
Van S
I had been to the North Island back in the 80's for work. I always said I was coming back mainly due to the incredibly nice people as well as how beautiful NZ is. My wife and I decided to sign up for this adventure to celebrate our 15th anniversary. Since we have been back about all I can say to my friends and family is that no matter how many pictures you see of the south island or how much you hear about NZ and the people, you have to go to really get the jist. The scenery is mind boggling, the available activities run from awe inspiring to heart stopping (Nivas Bungee). Active Adventures (Nick and DK) were awesome all the way from cooking to driving to historians about the Mauri people to superior guides in getting you to the most beautiful spots on earth. These guys are a class act!
| January 1970
New Zealand Walking Adventure
4.8 from 387 reviews
Erin O
First of all-you have the best trip guides!!! Craig and Sarah were outstanding. So much of a good trip depends on the guides and Sara and Craig were the best. Craig was full of information regarding history, vegetation and geology of New Zealand. I felt I learned a lot and Craig's love of sharing this information and his obvious love of his country was very much appreciated. Sarah had similar information and her love of adventure and country was equally inspiring. The meals that Sarah cooked were incredible. I ate food I had never eaten before and LOVED it. Both were good sports with all the teasing we gave them and were equal to the challenge of returning the teasing. This made for a lot of fun. This truly was a trip of a lifetime.
| January 1970
Ultimate Galapagos Islands Adventure
4.7 from 1376 reviews
Elisabeth S
All day, everyday you're doing something amazing! Jessica did an amazing job at showing us the real Galapagos. She took us to special places that not everybody that visits the islands gets to go. What an amazing week full of birds, sea lions, iguanas, fish, and so much more. The wildlife is breathtaking and beautiful. I never thought I'd get to experience Galapagos. But boy, did I! We hiked volcanos, swam with sharks, got up close and personal with Blue Footed Boobies, and enjoyed so much fresh seafood I thought I'd explode after every meal. Every island was spectacular but Floreana was my favorite. I liked how secluded we were and listening to the waves crash on the beach at night while I fell asleep was magical. I love the Galapagos! Can't wait to get back!
| January 1970
Classic South Island Adventure
4.7 from 1727 reviews
Cassidy D
Being from New Zealand myself, but not having been to the South Island before, I was absolutely blown away by the sheer beauty of landscape that awaited us. The trip itself was packed with so many amazing activities, and the guides were AMAZING!!!
| January 1970
Ultimate Galapagos Islands Adventure
4.7 from 1376 reviews
Susan B
Good, really enjoyed it
| January 1970
Classic South Island Adventure
4.7 from 1727 reviews
Diane S
Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!
| January 1970
Ultimate South Island Adventure
4.7 from 4483 reviews
Sharon G
The Rimu adventure provides a variety of ways to be active. Our group really liked the kayak option and enjoyed the biking, hiking AND eating as well. The guides were informative and fun! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend or use Active Adventures again!
| January 1970
Classic South Island Adventure
4.7 from 1727 reviews
Leslie M
Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!
| January 1970
Ultimate South Island Adventure
4.7 from 4483 reviews
Francis C
We (My spouse Stephanie and I) enjoyed the 2-week loop around the South Island. There were sufficient variety of activities, we are glad we kept a log daily so that we can have an 'official' record to remember a wonderful endeavor.
| January 1970
Ultimate South Island Adventure
4.7 from 4483 reviews
Terry K
Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!
| January 1970
Milford Track Adventure
4.6 from 826 reviews
Charles H
Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!
| January 1970
Patagonia Hiking Adventure
4.7 from 1140 reviews
Mary C
This was an amazing trip with wonderful guides. We loved the hiking and backpacking and appreciated all the info we received prior to the trip as it was very helpful. Our group was blessed with wonderful people who enjoyed being together and sharing adventures. We would love to do another Active Adventures trip as they are very well organized and know the places and the people of the regions we visited.
| January 1970
Ultimate South Island Adventure
4.7 from 4483 reviews
Susan S
More than I imagined! The views, the hiking, the service...all wonderful!
| June 0400
Milford Track Adventure
4.6 from 826 reviews
Joyce M
Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!
| June 0400