New Zealand
22 trips
An Active Adventures trip is no ordinary guided tour.
let’s find your next adventureActivity Level 1
What's The Rush?
I'm not a triathlete, but I'm in decent shape and I'm not looking to experience a place just through a bus window. I'm happy to slow down on the trail, soak it in and breathe in the fresh air.
Walking: 2-3 hours per day on gentle-gradient trails.
Other activities: On these trips, you'll be taking part in a range of other activities that focus less on building up a sweat and more on enjoying the finer things in life.
Activity Level 2
Leg Stretcher
Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.
Walking: 2-4 hours per day on gentle to moderate gradient trails. No multi-day hikes.
Biking: 1-3 hours, cruisy rides achievable by anyone, even first-timers
Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats
Other activities (e.g. snorkelling): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 3
Earn Your Lunch
I stay active on vacation so that I can eat and drink what I like without feeling guilty. I season my trips with a little fresh exercise.
Hiking: Typically 3-6 hours per day on well-formed back country trails. Expect some significant gradient inclines and declines.
Altitude: Your trip may include some moderate altitude areas, though these don't form the focus of the trip and are generally manageable.
Biking: 1-3 hours, cruisy rides achievable by anyone, even first-timers
Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats
Other activities (ie caving): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 4
Challenge Accepted
I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.
Hiking / Trekking:This is an Active trip with a capital 'A'. Most of our signature adventures are a level 4. Typically 4-6 hour hikes with options for more, sometimes with limited or no vehicle support and nearly always with ascents and descents.
Altitude: Some trips at this level will reach a significant altitude. We are here to help you manage that and make your experience one to cherish for a lifetime.
Biking & Kayaking: If one, or both, of these activities are 'your thing' There are trip options in this range to specialise, allowing you to be on two wheels or with a paddle in your hand for most of the day.
Activity Level 5
The Ultimate
I've put in the hard yards and now I get to reap the rewards. I'm a seasoned adventurer, not afraid to get my boots wet.
Trekking & Altitude: This is classic trekking, at altitude. Some might even call it 'expedition-style'. We've had folks from all walks of life achieve their dreams on our grade 5 trips, so if you're in for a challenge get in touch to find out if this is for you.
Take your taste buds on a culinary journey to New Zealand with our brand new Active Adventures Cookbook. Featuring our 17 most well-loved recipes crafted by our incredible guides – like Button's Baked Brie, Mel's Lolly Cake and our mouth-watering favourite Liana's Lamb Roast, you can experience the flavours of Aotearoa without leaving home.
Cookbooks can be purchased as a hardcopy (US$25), E-Cookbook (US$19) or both (US$36). Impressing your friends this holiday season has never been easier!
*Order before November 26, 2020 and we'll deliver by December 25, 2020.
From the Guides, For the Guides - A portion of proceeds will go towards engagement efforts with our guides while we have fewer trips on the ground during the global pandemic.
We value loyalty, and appreciate that it goes both ways. So when you book with us we'll make a few assurances to you so you can book with complete confidence, no matter what's happening in your life (or the world).
Active Adventures has received the World Travel and Tourism Council's Safe Travels stamp, which guarantees you that we'll follow all ATTA and WTTC health and safety guidelines on all our trips. See how our small group, off-the-beaten-track adventures are perfect to start exploring again.
We offer private departures on pretty much all our trips, and if you have a group of eight or more, the cost will be the same than a standard trip. Smaller group? Get in touch, and our adventure planners will work out the options with you.
But sometimes it’s the experiences that happen outside the plan that make your trip memorable. We’ve got some hidden gems waiting.
"This adventure was action-packed from the get-go. Food was amazing! Hikes, bike, and kayak excursions were beautiful and the people we traveled with were the best. Guides were over the top amazing. They worked their tails off for us."
- Heidi Ryan, California | Rimu Trip Apr 2019
It takes experts to perfect the subtle art of small group travel. Our adventures are designed to bond people, creating lasting memories.
"Our Active Adventures Himalayas trip was close to indescribable. The mountains, the people, the food - everything about Nepal was beyond what we imagined and the Active Adventures guides and porter team were the icing on the cake, looking after us in every possible way from the moment we arrived to when we departed again 2 weeks later."
- Jacob Hogarth, New South Wales | AST Trip May 2019
Stunning lodges, delicious wines, fine food. It’s all waiting for you. Apart from the crowds. We take you into our favourite wilderness areas and make your coffee just how you like it.
"Everything from incredible vistas, interesting guides, delicious and abundant food and interesting tidbits of local lore made this trip one that went beyond my expectations. Hiking through three countries and experiencing varied terrain and activities made this an exceptional adventure."
- Dick Wheeler Jr, Massachusetts | Tour du Mont Blanc Trip Oct 2018
You’ll be inspired and exhilarated, enjoying mind-blowing scenery on foot, in a sea kayak, or by bike, all at your own pace. Select among our many options to build your own trip of a lifetime.
We're proud of our Kiwi roots, and you’ll love our professional, warm and relaxed style of hosting. Plus, we’ll always be at the end of the phone to help with planning, travel, bookings, hiking boot recommendations…
As soon as you get off the plane, we've got all the details of your vacation covered – top notch meals, comfortable transport & accommodation, amazing guides and INCREDIBLE service.
With our small groups (no more than 14), you'll get to know our team, your fellow travellers, and have the flexibility and freedom to do as much (or as little!) as you like. It’s all about going at your own pace.
All our carefully selected guides are highly experienced and have deep personal connections to nature and culture. You’ll enjoy some wonderfully profound moments and special experiences that can only come from authentic local knowledge.
While we could hang around all day telling you how wonderful our trips are, the best people to listen to are our guests themselves.