5 Reasons to Choose Group Travel Over DIY
Vacations, even Adventure Holidays, are supposed to be relaxing. One way to avoid stress is to let experienced guides sweat the small stuff.
We welcome solo travelers on all our adventure vacations. With us, you’ll find fast friends; safety in numbers; unmatched exploration by bike, foot, kayak, and more; empathetic and knowledgeable local guides; and best-in-class lodging and dining — all while walking the exhilarating path of self-discovery.
We don't currently offer specific singles-only tours, but we highly encourage solo travelers to join our adult trips where you’ll find other solo travelers, couples, and families with older kids who all share a love of travel and adventure.
We offer a free room-sharing option to avoid the single supplement, but you can choose to pay a small amount extra for your own room each night if you wish. If your departure date is at least 90 days away at the time of booking, a forced single supplement will never be charged.
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Activity Level 1
What's The Rush?
I'm active and in decent shape and 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
On the Move
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 (i.e. snorkeling): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 3
Step It Up
I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.
Hiking: Typically, 3-6 hours per day on well-formed backcountry 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 on well-formed paths or roads where you can expect some hills with moderate climbs and descents.
Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. 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: 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, allowing you to be on two wheels or with a paddle in your hand for most of the day.
Activity Level 5
The Upper Limit
I'm ready to put in the hard work 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.
Don't take our word for it! Here's what some of our past guests have had to say about traveling solo in a small group...
"It can be a bit overwhelming to travel halfway around the world by one's self.
The Active Guides made me instantly comfortable and within a day our group gelled as we began to hike, bike and kayak through the most beautiful landscape I've ever seen. We learned a lot, we laughed a lot and became a family of happy travelers. If you're going to see the Southern Cross for the first time... New Zealand is a perfect place to do it. I made lifetime friends and memories that will carry me through until the next adventure. Active makes every effort to make your trip extraordinary." Deb; USA
"By far the best two weeks I could have spent for my first trip to New Zealand! Our tour guides, Kaleb and Pepper, were fun, outgoing, knowledgeable, and were able to accommodate all travelers in our group. I had such a blast meeting other solo travelers like myself, as well as hiking, biking, kayaking, and exploring all of the beauty that is the South Island. Already planning my next Active Adventures trip." Kevin; Canada
"I was looked after from the moment I was picked up at the airport to the moment I was dropped off at the end. Nothing was too much trouble for our guides and we all got on so well (guests and guides)." Louise; USA
We offer the solo traveler, safe, guided, transformative journeys. You can be assured of the best travel experience on a small-group adventure. There are so many benefits - here are a few to consider….
You will:
- Rest easy knowing your unwavering safety is our top priority
- Not have to pay for a single supplement if room share unavailable
- Have knowledgeable, expert guides available 24/7 who will enrich your travel experience
- Feel a sense of freedom with all travel logistics taken care of for you
- Enjoy the camaraderie of traveling with like-minded adventurers
- Have opportunities to form lifelong connections and memories
- Benefit from a supportive environment to try new ventures
- Be empowered to step out of the ordinary and into an adventure of a lifetime
We do not offer trips exclusively for singles, but you might be surprised to learn thousands of singles join our trips as solo travelers. We encourage solo travelers to join our adult trips where you’ll be joined by other solo travelers, couples, and families with older kids who all share your love of travel and adventure. We’ll simply pair you with another solo guest of the same gender for rooming. Alternatively, you’re welcome to pay the single supplement to have rooms to yourself.
Our trips attract a wide range of people from different backgrounds, countries and ages, which makes our small group adventures all the more enjoyable. Our guests tend to enjoy active lifestyles, great food, good company and new experiences. If you’re feeling nervous about traveling with strangers, rest assured you’ll be in good company.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are based on shared arrangements (typically two guests per room). For solo travelers, we’ll pair you with another person of the same gender to share rooms and if there’s no one suitable to share with, there’s no forced single supplement. However, if you specifically request your own rooms, you can opt to pay the single supplement. Solo travelers who book within 90 days of departure, where there are no other solo travelers willing to share, will be required to pay the single supplement. Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking.
You’ll be inspired and exhilarated, enjoying mind-blowing scenery on foot, in a sea kayak, or by bike - all at your own pace.
We're proud of our Kiwi roots and you’ll love our professional and warm style of hosting. We’re always here to help with planning... even hiking boot recommendations!
We've got everything covered – top-notch meals, comfortable transport, superb accommodation, amazing guides and INCREDIBLE service.
With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you'll get to know your fellow travelers and have the flexibility to go at your own pace.
All our carefully selected guides are highly experienced and have deep personal connections to nature and culture. You’ll enjoy an authentic local experience.
We could hang around all day telling you how wonderful our trips are... but the best people to hear it from are our guests themselves.
