Loading header...

Discover New Zealand the Right Way

TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence

Experience the very best of New Zealand

Looking for the ultimate New Zealand adventure without the guesswork? We’ve spent

30 years

creating the best itineraries to experience

the real New Zealand, so you can focus on enjoying your vacation.

Explore New Zealand on

fully-guided,

multi-day adventure

s where everything is organized for you – including accommodations, transport, activities and most meals. Hike, bike, and kayakthrough secret spots only locals know, with scenery so untouched it feels like yours alone.

S

mall groups make things social and fun, and with

flexible

itinerar

iesand activities designed to move at

your paceyou’ll feel like the experience was

created just for you.

As New Zealand’s original adventure tour company,we’re proud to show you the best of our backyard.

Our trip throughout the South Island of New Zealand was the best trip we have ever taken!

Nicholas , Classic South Island Adventure

Everything about our 5-day adventure was excellent. Our guides, itinerary, food and activities were all wonderful.

Patricia , Great Walks of New Zealand

Absolutely terrific! The hiking in New Zealand is just amazing, and the kayaking, biking were all great as well. Go on this trip if you can!

Craig , Ultimate South Island Adventure

Phenomenal trip. The views, varied eco systems, hikes and our outstanding guides made the trip a once in a lifetime experience.

Michael , Ultimate South Island Adventure

Browse New Zealand Trips

Ultimate South Island Adventure

4.7/5

Ultimate South Island Adventure

  • 14 days
  • Level 3
  • fromUSD 6,695/pp + tax

Experience the best of the South Island on our signature New Zealand adventure tour. You'll explore the most iconic spots as well as little-known gems only we locals know about. With our guides' legendary hospitality and deep local knowledge, you're guaranteed an authentic connection with the stunning natural beauty of the South Island.

View trip
Classic South Island Adventure

4.7/5

Classic South Island Adventure

  • 8 days
  • Level 2
  • fromUSD 4,782/pp + tax

We’ve brought together all the must-see highlights of the South Island New Zealand into eight unforgettable days, blending epic scenery with authentic local experiences. Short on time but don't want to miss the best bits? Our Classic South Island Adventure is your perfect shortcut — you'll love where this adventure takes you.

View trip
New Zealand Winter Adventure

4.7/5

New Zealand Winter Adventure

  • 13 days
  • Level 3
  • fromUSD 5,564/pp + tax

Discover the magic of New Zealand’s South Island in its quiet winter beauty. Enjoy a sunrise cruise on Milford Sound as mist rises from the still water, then lace up your boots to explore the Kepler Track, Mt Aspiring National Park, and Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Snow-dusted peaks, peaceful trails, and warm Kiwi hospitality make this the perfect way to experience the South Island without the crowds.

View trip
New Zealand Walking Adventure

4.8/5

New Zealand Walking Adventure

  • 14 days
  • Level Moderate
  • fromUSD 6,956/pp + tax

The New Zealand Walking Adventure is perfect for those who love to slow down and enjoy shorter hikes. Relax each night in comfortable accommodations set in amazing locations.

View trip
Ultimate North Island Adventure

4.7/5

Ultimate North Island Adventure

  • 11 days
  • Level 3
  • fromUSD 5,564/pp + tax

Discover your favorite part of New Zealand's diverse North Island as you hike volcanic landscapes, explore rolling green hills, wander sandy beaches, snorkel or kayak the Poor Knights Islands, and walk through the otherworldly Waitomo Caves.

View trip
New Zealand Biking Adventure

4.7/5

New Zealand Biking Adventure

  • 14 days
  • Level Challenging
  • fromUSD 6,608/pp + tax

Designed for biking enthusiasts, this adventure explores the very best of the South Island's bike trails, such as the Alps 2 Ocean, Central Otago Rail Trail, and Queenstown Cycle trail, with a few iconic hikes including the Routeburn and Milford Tracks thrown in for good measure.

View trip

Discover Nature's Paradise

Picture yourself hiking in the remote quiet of the Southern Alps’ backcountry, cruising over the calm, ink-blue waters of Milford Sound, kayaking glacial waters near Franz Josef Glacier, or simply reflecting on life as you gaze across the golden sands of Northland's Ninety Mile Beach. Our small group New Zealand tours invite you to explore off the beaten track, offering countless jaw-droppingly beautiful views, and opportunities to discover New Zealand's distinctive  flora, wildlife, and culture. As a sparsely populated destination, New Zealand is a majestic platform to step outside the everyday, and enjoy the far-flung open spaces of its varied terrains.  

Embarking on one of our specially curated guided tours of New Zealand makes going beyond the day-to-day a reality, gaining new perspectives, reflecting in nature, and embracing an adventurous life. Come and find a different world with the us, the local New Zealand experts.

Why choose Active Adventures?

Experience New Zealand Like a Local

Step off the beaten track and experience New Zealand through the eyes of locals. From hiking and biking, to rafting and kayaking, we’ll take you beyond the tourist hotspots to discover hidden gems where nature feels untouched.

Our passionate local guides will share their love for Aotearoa (New Zealand in the Māori language) and take care of you every step of the way, as you explore secret spots within iconic landscapes, and experience the warmth of the people and culture. Marvel at the beauty of the diverse landscapes, all while experiencing the best hospitality, our unique Māori culture, and savoring delicious cuisine and world-class wines.  

Come feel the real New Zealand with us, and step into the scenic paradise we call home. 

Must-read New Zealand Travel Guide

How to make the most of New Zealand in 5-14 days

We've compiled a handy guide for you, packed with iconic places, plus the secret parts of New Zealand only us locals know about. Explore New Zealand's highlights, from hiking the 'Great Walks', to exploring the North Island's pristine beaches, and immersing yourself in the adventure playground of the stunning Southern Alps.

What's inside the guide?

—Ten action-packed itineraries ranging from 5-14 days —Top attractions and activities around the country—The best time to visit

Download your New Zealand Guide — it's perfect for planning your next adventure.

Get your free New Zealand Guide

Explore destination
EXPLORE NOW
Explore destination
EXPLORE NOW
Loading posts...

FAQs About Visiting New Zealand

New Zealanders (aka Kiwis) are generally known to be a warm, welcoming, and relaxed people, with a dry sense of humor and laid-back approach to life. Kiwis are very polite always using "please" and "thank you".

The local Māori culture has a concept called “Manaakitanga” which has become a core part of New Zealanders’ ethos. It embodies looking after people (particularly guests) with generosity, respect, and warmth, providing physical, emotional and even spiritual support.

The distances may look short on the map, though due to the terrain, getting from A to B can take longer than you’d expect. The good news is we have created our itineraries with no more than 2-3 hours of travel time per day – and we are dedicated to making sure there are no dull moments! On our tours getting from one highlight to the next will be interspersed with stops along the way for short hikes and excursions to even more scenic spots. We ensure your time here in New Zealand is maximized with the right balance of fun, relaxation, and seeing and experiencing new things.

There are too many highlights of New Zealand to list, from breathtaking Milford Sound and awe-inspiring Aoraki Mount Cook, in the South Island, to the North Island’s volcanic Central Plateau, New Zealand’s diverse landscapes make it a beautifully packaged destination. Our guided tours ensure you see all the “Greatest Hits” of New Zealand with everything taken care of for you. However, you won’t just “see” all the highlights of New Zealand, you’ll experience them via fun adventure activities to gain a different perspective, away from the usual tourist traps.

On our trips, we take care of everything from start to finish, so you can relax and enjoy the stunning scenery without the stress of navigating maps or negotiating the roads. New Zealand's roads are often winding, with few long, straight stretches. While motorways exist around major cities, most of the country's "highways" are single lanes in each direction.

Flights from Australia to New Zealand are frequent, with major routes connecting cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth to Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Airlines such as Air New Zealand, Qantas, and Jetstar offer direct flights, making travel between the two countries quick and convenient, with flight times typically around 3 hours from Australia’s East Coast.

Our preferred Travel Partner Fuzion Travel can assist with you with flights and other travel arrangements. Let them know your preferred travel plans, including extra nights’ accommodation, and they’ll put everything in place for you. They offer a total travel solution and five-star service you’ll want to tell your friends about!

Useful Links

  • Get Your Catalog
  • Adventure + Rewards Loyalty Program
  • Booking Your Flights
  • Travel Advisors
  • Blog Posts
  • Press Center
  • Videos

Contact us

1 800 661 907

Active Hearts Foundation
Adventure Travel
Alps Ocean
DOC Approved
NAT GEO
NATO GEO 2015
Safety Audit Certified
Qualmark Gold
Queenstown Business Awards
Supergold
Sustainable Tourism
Tourism Industry Member
Travellers Choice Awards 2019
Travellers Choice Awards 2020
Sustainable Tourism badge
Active Hearts Foundation
Adventure Travel
Alps Ocean
DOC Approved
NAT GEO
NATO GEO 2015
Safety Audit Certified
Qualmark Gold
Queenstown Business Awards
Supergold
Sustainable Tourism
Tourism Industry Member
Travellers Choice Awards 2019
Travellers Choice Awards 2020
Sustainable Tourism badge
Active Hearts Foundation
Adventure Travel
Alps Ocean
DOC Approved
NAT GEO
NATO GEO 2015
Safety Audit Certified
Qualmark Gold
Queenstown Business Awards
Supergold
Sustainable Tourism
Tourism Industry Member
Travellers Choice Awards 2019
Travellers Choice Awards 2020
Sustainable Tourism badge
Active Hearts Foundation
Adventure Travel
Alps Ocean
DOC Approved
NAT GEO
NATO GEO 2015
Safety Audit Certified
Qualmark Gold
Queenstown Business Awards
Supergold
Sustainable Tourism
Tourism Industry Member
Travellers Choice Awards 2019
Travellers Choice Awards 2020
Sustainable Tourism badge
Active Hearts Foundation
Adventure Travel
Alps Ocean
DOC Approved
NAT GEO
NATO GEO 2015
Safety Audit Certified
Qualmark Gold
Queenstown Business Awards
Supergold
Sustainable Tourism
Tourism Industry Member
Travellers Choice Awards 2019
Travellers Choice Awards 2020
Sustainable Tourism badge
©Active AdventuresGo to Austin AdventuresGo to Discovery Bicycle Tours
Booking ConditionsPrivacy Policy
Active Adventures
  • New Zealand
    Central & South America
    North America
    Europe
    Himalayas
    Africa
    Explore New Zealand
    New Zealand Trip Dates
    North Island
    South Island
    Which NZ Trip is for You?
    Why Explore NZ with Us?
    NZ Trip Transport
    NZ Back-to-Back Bundle Deal
    Featured Trip
    Classic South Island Adventure
    View Trip
  • Explore Travel Styles
    Solo Travelers
    Groups
    Multi-Activity
    Biking Focused
    Hiking Focused
    Comfort Focused
    Expedition
  • Explore Activity Levels
    Level 1 - Easygoing
    Level 2 - Easy to Moderate
    Level 3 - Moderate
    Level 4 - Challenging
    Level 5 - Ultra
    Fitness Guide
  • Current Offers
    Adventure+ Rewards
  • Guest Reviews
    Our Difference
    Our Story
    Meet Your Guides
    Our Adventure Family
    Responsible Travel
  • Contact Us
    How to Book
    Booking Terms
    FAQ
    Blog
    Work With Us
    Visit Austin Adventures
    Visit Discovery Bicycle Tours
Free call
1 800 661 907
My Account
Active Adventures
Free call1 800 661 907