Ultimate South Island Adventure
4.7 from 4483 reviews
Jane E
This adventure was perfect in every way. We appreciate all the thought that went into the planning, to make it that way. It had just the right balance of hiking, biking, and kayaking, as well as of rigorous days and relaxing ones. Days that had to involve longish bus travel were appropriately broken up. The two things we appreciated most were the skill, competence, and temperament of our leaders, Tory and Jordie, who were able to rise to every occasion; and the way the trip allowed for different fitness and interest levels: I couldn't have done the strenuous hiking my husband did, and loved the kayak or hiking options provided. Extremely well organized for everyone's enjoyment.
| January 1970
Milford Track Adventure
4.6 from 826 reviews
Patricia B
We saw the motto for New Zealand when we arrived at the airport - open minds, open spaces, open hearts - and this describes perfectly our experience. Active Adventures embodies these words by taking us to incredible places and having kind, thoughtful and passionate guides.
| January 1970
North Island Volcanic Adventure
4.5 from 754 reviews
Andrea R
Getting off my plane jet-lagged with almost no hiking experience I really did not know what to expect from my Kauri trip. I neednt have worried- our amazing guides, Jo and Andy, had everything covered. With their encouragement and expertise I was able to complete all the activities on our tour. My biggest accomplishment was hiking the Tongariro Alpine crossing with my group. We spent almost 7 hours on this challenging trail and when the fog cleared we were treated to spectacular views. We also spent a fun day racing down beautiful forest trails on our mountain bikes. Our group was also treated to two memorable water activities. The first was the optional rafting adventure on class 5 rapids that we decided to do on a rainy day. The other activity was exploring Waitomo caves. The pictures we bought from the sponsoring companies highlighted what amazing experiences they both were. Seeing pictures of our group in a little raft perched on top of the rapids half covered by water perfectly captures the moment. Tubing in the Waitomo glowworm (actually maggots but that does not sound as exciting) caves was unlike anything I had experienced. Floating in the darkness, jumping over small waterfalls and seeing glowworms on the ceiling was a fitting end to our wonderful journey. Before this trip I would never have considered myself to be adventurous but now I am eager for my next challenge. This was my first Active Adventures journey and I am currently making plans for one or two more within the next year. Active and its guides put together a trip that met all our needs. Andy and Jo took care of all the logistics. Not only did they safely navigate the roads and hotel accommodations but along the way they enthusiastically told us about all aspects of New Zealand past and present. Everywhere we went people greeted them as friends and gave us wonderful service. After a long day of hiking we would take a quick shower and within an hour Jo would produce wonderful healthy dinners including beautiful salads, curry, lasagna, barbecue and desserts. I also enjoyed the camaraderie of our little group and appreciated what interesting and supportive people they all were.
| January 1970
Ultimate South Island Adventure
4.7 from 4483 reviews
Judy R
New Zealand is a trip of a lifetime, it was more beautiful than expected and so many fond memories of my trip with Active Adventures
| January 1970
Ultimate North Island Adventure
4.7 from 337 reviews
Lorna M
We saw some truly amazing sights which included the stunning Kauri trees. We were fortunate to see the Father at dusk and it seemed even more impressive as the sun was setting. The whole trip was a real experience and certainly challenged us! Lots of really worthwhile hikes including the fabulous Alpine crossing. That IS something people who consider themselves hikers should do (even if moaning and groaning along the way!)
| January 1970
Ultimate South Island Adventure
4.7 from 4483 reviews
Patricia D
Good, really enjoyed it
| January 1970
Classic South Island Adventure
4.7 from 1727 reviews
John E
My wife, Shanen, and I had a goal of running a marathon on all seven continents and our seventh took place on March 18, in Rotorua, NZ. So two days after completing our goal, we returned to Christchurch and met up with our guides, Hillary and Dan, along with our fellow travelers. As good fortune would have it we all clicked as a group and off we went.
For the remainder of our journey it was clear that both Hillary and Dan took great joy in what they do. Furthermore, and of great importance to us, they ensured meals had met our vegetarian and vegan needs. We were never made to feel our dietary needs were inconvenient to them and they were handled in such a way that all of us were able to enjoy our group meals.
The actual adventure was well planned out and the expectations of each day were always explained. Our group was one that started together, made sure all finished and enjoyed the adventure.
| January 1970
Milford Track Adventure
4.6 from 826 reviews
Jerry J
Hi, I'm back home in the USA after my Manuka adventure with Active Adventures, New Zealand. I would like to compliment everyone in your company that I came in contact with....from my initial contact with Fiona to my pre-trip emails with Lynette everything was handled with complete professionalism. This was my first adventure with your company but I'm pretty sure that it will not be my last.
Everything during the trip went forward in a very efficient manner. I was amazed at the energy level and efficiency of our guides Amanda and Holly. The amount of work that they were able to accomplish during the course of a day, their energy levels and very positive attitudes made the trip enjoyable for all of us clients. Also, their knowledge of their country and their willingness to share made the trip even more enjoyable for me.
Again, thank you to all and especially to Amanda and Holly....I really enjoyed my first visit to New Zealand.
| January 1970
New Zealand Walking Adventure
4.8 from 387 reviews
Shoshana H
I had been planning a trip to New Zealand for decades and seriously for several years before I went. Normally I do not travel in groups. For New Zealand I thought it would be good due to the distance and initially thinking I'd be traveling alone since I wanted to enjoy the country via outdoor activities and not have to plan it all which I have always done. (As it turns out a couple of good friends joined me on the trip as well!)
From the moment my conversations with Active Adventures began and continue today, everything is top notch. It does not matter who I speak with. I have changed dates of travel and the trip and every interaction has been great.
I assumed that anyone interested in such a trip would be "good people" and I was right! Our trip was a group of 7 independent people from various walks of life who thoroughly enjoyed each other and were considerate of one another.
I was so happy to have gone when the tourist season was not in full bloom as I prefer nature to tourists. ( - ;
From the moment that Nick and Jess picked us up at the airport they were a delight. I was surprised this was the first time they worked together. One thing I especially want to point out is that when we had bus trouble, no one knew it (I did because I was at the front with Nick and just noticed something sounded a bit different and he made a call to the office.) Nick and Jess handled the situation and when there was a plan, in his understated manner, we went on our way to the sheep farm as scheduled and another guide came with another bus and we didn't miss a beat. (I did prefer our newer bus for many reasons but most importantly we got to where we needed to go seemlessly and professionally.) Part of what impressed me is just how responsible and maturely Nick handled this and any other surprise. Jess, as well, was amazing in this situation and in taking care of all of us.
In terms of the trip itself. Beautiful. The country is beautiful. I hope you manage to keep it that way. There certainly is concern on my part for that. Everywhere we went Nick and Jess made sure we were all happy and taken care of on the hikes. I liked learning about nature and am always interested in learning more.
I loved everywhere we traveled.
| January 1970
Ultimate South Island Adventure
4.7 from 4483 reviews
Christine B
An awesome trip. Loved the hikes, the bike ride into Wanaka and the kayaking at Okarito and Milford Sound. We had glorious food, lots of laughs at group dinners and shared our love of travel.
| January 1970
Patagonia Hiking Adventure
4.7 from 1140 reviews
Stephen H
Had an excellent time. W trek was sometimes very tough but definitely worth the effort. The guides were extremely knowledgeable and friendly. They took good care of us throughout. The trip was well organized and smoothly run. We will absolutely be looking to active adventures for similar trips in the future.
| January 1970
Ultimate South Island Adventure
4.7 from 4483 reviews
Shannon M
Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!
| January 1970
Classic South Island Adventure
4.7 from 1727 reviews
Bruce V
The TUI trip provided a wide-range of outdoor activities in an unbelievable setting on the South Island. Liked the mix of hiking, biking, kayaking and overall area knowledge provided by the guides.
| January 1970
Ultimate South Island Adventure
4.7 from 4483 reviews
Patricia N
Excellent, we had a great time and the team was very fun and supportive. Liana and Greg were first class and I would highly recommend them.
| January 1970
North Island Volcanic Adventure
4.5 from 754 reviews
Molly B
Good, really enjoyed it
| January 1970
Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure
4.7 from 112 reviews
Brenda P
The Iguana trip was better than was advertised! I had prepared for the trip to Peru by reading about the history of the area in the book, The Last Days of the Incas, by Kim MacQuarrie. When we visited the many different Inca sites, the history came alive for me. I could picture the great battles, and the capture of the Inca rulers, and the narrow escapes. It was wonderful! Cuzco was a beautiful city surrounded by mountain peaks and full of many good places to eat. After Peru, going to the Galapagos was like a beach vacation in the most beautiful place in the world. We loved snorkeling and seeing the giant land tortoises. We saw every animal associated with the Galapagos and more! I still can't believe I was lucky enough to find this trip with Active Adventures. Top notch all the way around. Thank you to our wonderful guides who we loved!
| January 1970
Classic South Island Adventure
4.7 from 1727 reviews
Lynn M
Good, really enjoyed it
| January 1970
Ultimate South Island Adventure
4.7 from 4483 reviews
Patrick Y
Good, really enjoyed it
| January 1970
Classic South Island Adventure
4.7 from 1727 reviews
Sally V
All the activities were well planned, fun & a bit challenging! And the scenery was beautiful. Our guides were well prepared, and informative.
| January 1970
Ultimate South Island Adventure
4.7 from 4483 reviews
Eleanor S
It was a wonderful trip, with great guides, and activities in a beautiful country. The variety of experiences and scenery make me want to return. Here I thought I would make just one trip to New Zealand.
| January 1970
Ultimate South Island Adventure
4.7 from 4483 reviews
Randall A
The trip was great and our leaders were first class. Greg and Liana were fantastic and they made the trip doable and great fun.
| January 1970
New Zealand Walking Adventure
4.8 from 387 reviews
George P
Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!
| January 1970
Classic South Island Adventure
4.7 from 1727 reviews
Jackson I
Good, really enjoyed it
| January 1970
New Zealand Walking Adventure
4.8 from 387 reviews
Michael D
My wife and I have been traveling the globe for the past 20 years, with small tour groups about twice a year. This trip was absolutely the best tour we have been on. This was our second time in New Zealand in ten years. The tour guides Koru and Rachel were fantastic , so well organized and hard working. This tour was five star all the way. The sites, accommodations and the food was great.
| January 1970