We couldn't be happier with our Kauri trip in the North Island. Even though people kept telling me - "just spend all your time on the South Island" - I think booking the Kauri trip was the best decision we made. During those five days, we learned so much about NZ culture, history and geography, while becoming acclimated to the country in depth. Every day was filled with intense activity, at the exact right level of challenge where you feel deeply satisfied afterwards but not dead tired. That said, after so much activity, my head hit the pillow every night at 10PM and I slept like a rock. My favorite was the cave tubing. No, it was the "forest biking on mountain bikes." Or maybe, the hiking near the Tongariro Crossing to Lake Tama. Or was it, the delicious BBQ grilled by our guide Grant. Upon further contemplation, I just can't pick a favorite. It was that good.

A few facts - I'm a relatively active female in my upper twenties, not a marathoner by any means but ready for a challenge. Also a bit of a fraidy-cat. This trip provided me with several challenging and even scary moments (jumping off a waterfall backwards in the dark!) and I loved every minute. The best way to start our honeymoon. I think we were able to enjoy our week on the South Island (on our own) because of everything we did/learned during our five days with Active NZ. Another favorite aspect of the trip - not having to decide where to go, what to eat, what to do, each day. It was planned and coordinated beautifully. I could go on and on, this trip was just great! Can we come again?

| January 1970