Active Adventures and Austin Adventures join forces as a global adventures company
United by a powerful belief in the ability of travel to create inspiring, life-changing moments Active Adventures (HQ in Queenstown, New Zealand) and Austin Adventures (HQ in Montana, USA) have come together to create a world of opportunities for global travellers.
The partnership will enable more adventure travellers to benefit from a wider range of global destinations and experiences. Both companies specialise in small group adventure trips, off the beaten path, with a personal touch.
New Zealand Pioneers in Adventure Travel
Active Adventures is New Zealand’s most globally diverse adventure travel company. In typical New Zealand fashion, we applied our pioneering spirit back in the 90’s and began offering incredible, fully guided, outdoor adventures in New Zealand to just a small number of guests. Fast forward 25 years and New Zealand is still absolutely at the heart of everything we do, but we now also offer our unique style of Kiwi adventuring across the globe to thousands of guests every year. We grew to meet our guests’ desire for diverse adventures, and many travel with us over and over again.
Size Matters
We’ve grown a lot, but we’re still small and very ‘uncorporate’. Our HQ is in Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital, and our leadership team, HQ crew and guides are all very hands-on. No boardrooms and glass offices for our team; you’ll more likely find us collaborating outdoors and definitely fitting in heaps of hiking, biking, kayaking, climbing and skiing both before and after work. We’re driven by our desire to share our own passion for adventure with our guests.
Active Adventures’ true essence is best captured in our purpose, which is to inspire our guests and lead them to enjoy life-changing experiences. That means something different to everyone we meet, which in turn inspires us to personalise our adventures and make them individually special.
Our ‘New Zealandness’
It’s hard to explain what makes an Active Adventures experience so special. It’s probably best described as ‘manaakitanga’, a powerful Maori word that encapsulates warmth, hospitality, grace and human connection. Our guides embody manaakitanga, and combine it with the spirit of adventure to deliver incredible personalised service, straight from the heart.
Our ‘DNA’ Means the World to Us
We live and breathe our DNA in everything we do, and that’s what keeps our guests coming back again and again. We care deeply, we always tell it like it is, we go hard to achieve excellence and we love life and adventuring. Our guests feel and experience all of these at every touch-point with our team, before, during and after adventuring with us. Our DNA is who we are.
Our Favourite Adventures
New Zealand
Ultimate South Island Adventure
4.85
Duration14 days
Activity LevelLevel 4
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.
Read more about the Active Range
Experience an unforgettable journey on our signature New Zealand adventure. You'll explore the most beautiful, famous, and little-known places in the South Island with legendary hospitality and unsurpassed attention to detail.
Trip Start: ChristchurchTrip End: Christchurch
Central & South America
Patagonia Hiking Adventure
4.85
Duration8 - 14 days
Activity LevelLevel 3
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.
Read more about the Active Range
Behold jaw-dropping scenery in Chile and Argentina as you hike, bike, and cruise through Patagonia. Find out why everyone raves about the W Trek and take your own enviable photos of Monte Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre on this 14-day adventure.
Trip Start: Punta ArenasTrip End: El Calafate
Central & South America
Ultimate Galapagos Islands Adventure
4.83
Duration10 days
Activity LevelLevel 3
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.
Read more about the Active Range
Get a fresh perspective of life on the Galapagos Islands as you land-hop from island to island, filling your days with hiking, biking, cruising, snorkeling, and swimming. Relax each night on land and get to know the local way of life.
Trip Start: QuitoTrip End: Quito
North America
Yellowstone, Big Sky & Paradise Valley Adventure
Operated by our sister brand Austin Adventures
4.86
Duration6 days
Activity LevelLevel 3
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.
Read more about the Active Range
ADULT ONLY
Explore Gallatin National Forest, hike to Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, horseback ride into the Absaroka Mountains, and spot magnificent wildlife in Hayden Valley as you journey through Montana’s vast wilderness and behold geothermal wonders.
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.
Read more about the Active Range
ADULT ONLY
From the ever-wowing Old Faithful to the deep backcountry along Going-to-the-Sun Road, you’ll glimpse Mother Nature at her finest. Hike, raft, relax, and more on this grand adventure, full of bucket-list moments and endless beauty.
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.
Read more about the Active Range
ADULT ONLY
Spend your days discovering the pristine lakes, forested valleys, grand meadows, and endless jaw-dropping scenery of Glacier National Park. Spend your nights in quaint towns; waking up to the sounds of nature just outside your door.
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.
Read more about the Active Range
Experience Mont Blanc in an unparalleled way – by hiking, biking, and kayaking your way around the massif. You’ll delve deep into the history, culture, and cuisine of France, Italy, and Switzerland with plenty of time to soak in the views.
Trip Start: GenevaTrip End: Geneva
Europe
Dolomites Adventure
4.87
Duration9 days
Activity LevelLevel 4
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.
Read more about the Active Range
Explore the charming villages and breathtaking landscapes of Italy’s Dolomites. Spend your nights in enchanting refugios and indulge in local cuisine each day as you explore one of the most stunning mountain ranges in the world.
Trip Start: VeniceTrip End: Venice
North America
Kenai Fjords & Denali Adventure
4.94
Duration8 days
Activity LevelLevel 3
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.
Read more about the Active Range
ADULT ONLY
Seek out epic scenery, thriving wildlife, and untamed beauty on this true Alaskan adventure. Cruise the waters of Kenai Fjords National Park, raft the Kenai River Canyon, hike to Exit Glacier, and explore the Denali wilderness.
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.
Read more about the Active Range
Hike sections of three of New Zealand's Great Walks (Kepler Track, Routeburn Track, and Milford Track) and enjoy all the creature comforts each night, including an overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound and a stay in the Milford Lodge Chalets.
Trip Start: QueenstownTrip End: Queenstown
Central & South America
Costa Rica Tortuguero Adventure
4.78
Duration9 days
Activity LevelLevel 2
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.
Read more about the Active Range
Discover untamed landscapes and embrace the ‘pura vida’ (pure life) over the next nine days as you hike, raft, and kayak through the Tortuguero National Park and the Cahuita National Park. By evening, relax at premium eco-lodges.
Trip Start: San JoseTrip End: San Jose
Europe
Ultimate Iceland Adventure
4.80
Duration11 days
Activity LevelLevel 4
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.
Read more about the Active Range
Roam Iceland's vast landscapes on this 11-day adventure, hiking to view puffin colonies, kayaking on a lagoon in Vatnajökull National Park, and admiring famous waterfalls, before starting a three-day hike through the Eastern Fjords.
Trip Start: ReykjavikTrip End: Reykjavik
New Zealand
New Zealand E-Bike Adventure
4.83
Duration6 days
Activity LevelLevel 4
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.
Read more about the Active Range
Set off on a New Zealand bucket-list ride from the foot of Mt. Cook to the Pacific Ocean, including a scenic flight. Enjoy six days of stunning landscapes, mountains, lakes, rolling countryside, and us taking care of every detail.
Trip Start: ChristchurchTrip End: Christchurch
North America
Yellowstone in Winter
Operated by our sister brand Austin Adventures
4.96
Duration6 days
Activity LevelLevel 3
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.
Read more about the Active Range
ADULT ONLY
Step into a winter wonderland complete with snow-covered bison, frosted pines, frozen waterfalls, and steamy geothermal features – all without the crowds. Relax each night in cozy lodges, in and nearby Yellowstone National Park.
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.
Read more about the Active Range
From the picturesque Pancake Rocks and the otherworldly Tatare tunnels to the dynamic Franz Josef glacier and the wildlife-filled Okarito Lagoon, you'll discover why the West Coast is an ever-changing geological marvel.
Trip Start: ChristchurchTrip End: Queenstown
Our Activity Levels
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.
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