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
4.545(4385)
Duration14 days
Activity LevelLevel 3
Activity Level 3
Earn Your Lunch
I stay active on vacation and love the feeling of relaxing after a busy day on the go. I season my trips with a little fresh exercise.
Read more about the Active Range
We'll take you on a journey exploring our mountains in Mount Cook National Park, walking the West Coast rainforest and coastlines, getting up close to glaciers in Franz Josef, cycling incredibly scenic trails, hiking sections of our Great Walks, and even sea kayaking Milford Sound.
Trip Start: ChristchurchTrip End: Christchurch
Central & South America
Ultimate Galapagos Islands Adventure
4.595(1564)
Duration10 days
Activity LevelLevel 3
Activity Level 3
Earn Your Lunch
I stay active on vacation and love the feeling of relaxing after a busy day on the go. I season my trips with a little fresh exercise.
Read more about the Active Range
Hike, cycle, snorkel and swim the Galapagos Islands. On this 10-day tour we’ll give you a fresh perspective as we land-hop from island to island, soaking in the Galapagos culture and wonderful wildlife.
Trip Start: QuitoTrip End: Quito
Europe
Ultimate Iceland Adventure
4.455(69)
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 our 11-day Iceland hiking tour. With Kiwi guides and local experts leading the way, you'll hike to view puffins colonies, sea kayak on a lagoon in Vatnajökull National Park and admire famous waterfalls, before starting a three-day hike through the Eastern Fjords.
Trip Start: ReykjavikTrip End: Reykjavik
New Zealand
Great Walks of New Zealand
Operated by our sister brand Active Adventures
4.465(863)
Duration5 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
You'll hike samples of three of New Zealand's Great Walks (Kepler Track, Routeburn Track and Milford Track), stay the night not only on the Fiordland Navigator in Doubtful Sound but also in the highly sought after Milford Lodge Chalets and enjoy top-notch service every step of the way.
Trip Start: QueenstownTrip End: Queenstown
Europe
Tour du Mont Blanc
4.665(185)
Duration12 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 unmatched beauty as you hike, bike and kayak on our Tour du Mont Blanc. While most trips circumnavigate the Mont Blanc massif by foot, we've taken it a step further to also explore the history, culture and cuisine of France, Italy and Switzerland.
Trip Start: GenevaTrip End: Geneva
Europe
Dolomites Adventure
4.715(109)
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 charming villages and breathtaking landscapes on our Italian Dolomites Adventure. You'll immediately fall in love with the enchanting refugios we'll stay in every night and indulge in local cuisine as you explore one of the most stunning mountain ranges in the world.
Trip Start: VeniceTrip End: Venice
New Zealand
Alps to Ocean Biking Adventure
Operated by our sister brand Active Adventures
4.735(64)
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
A New Zealand bucket-list ride from the foot of New Zealand's tallest mountain (Mt Cook) to the roaring Pacific Ocean at Oamaru, including a scenic flight. Six days of stunning landscapes, vast mountains, lakes, rolling countryside and us taking care of every detail.
Trip Start: ChristchurchTrip End: Christchurch
Central & South America
Patagonia Hiking Adventure
4.565(1175)
Duration8 - 14 days
Activity LevelLevel 3
Activity Level 3
Earn Your Lunch
I stay active on vacation and love the feeling of relaxing after a busy day on the go. I season my trips with a little fresh exercise.
Read more about the Active Range
Find out why everyone raves about the W-Trek and take your own enviable photos of Monte Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre as you hike, bike and kayak Patagonia.
Trip Start: Punta ArenasTrip End: El Calafate
New Zealand
West Coast Adventure
Operated by our sister brand Active Adventures
4.55(2)
Duration5 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
From the picturesque Pancake Rocks and the otherwordly Tatare tunnels to the dynamic Franz Josef glacier and the wildlife-filled Okarito Lagoon, you'll discover why the West Coast is a geological marvel changing with time. We'll finish the adventure with a scenic flight to Milford Sound.
Trip Start: ChristchurchTrip End: Queenstown
Central & South America
Costa Rica Tortuguero Adventure
Operated by our sister brand Active Adventures
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
Starting in San José, you'll embrace the Pura Vida (pure life) over the next nine days as you hike, bike, and kayak through the Tortuguero National Park and the Cahuita National Park. By evening, relax with a cold drink in hand at premium eco-lodges.
Trip Start: San Jose, Costa RicaTrip End: San Jose, Costa Rica
North America
Yellowstone, Big Sky & Paradise Valley Adventure
Duration6 days
Activity LevelLevel 3
Activity Level 3
Earn Your Lunch
I stay active on vacation and love the feeling of relaxing after a busy day on the go. I season my trips with a little fresh exercise.
Read more about the Active Range
ADULT ONLY
Journey through Montana's vast wilderness and geothermal wonders on our 'Bison' Big Sky & Yellowstone Adventure Tour. You'll explore Gallatin National Forest, hike to Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, horseback ride into the Absaroka Mountains and spot magnificent wildlife in Hayden Valley.
I stay active on vacation and love the feeling of relaxing after a busy day on the go. I season my trips with a little fresh exercise.
Read more about the Active Range
ADULT ONLY
Discover bubbling geysers, frozen landscapes, and fascinating wildlife without the crowds while staying in cozy accommodations in Yellowstone National Park.
I stay active on vacation and love the feeling of relaxing after a busy day on the go. I season my trips with a little fresh exercise.
Read more about the Active Range
ADULT ONLY
Pristine turquoise lakes, forested valleys, grand green meadows and endless jaw-dropping scenery are yours to enjoy on our Glacier National Park vacation.
I stay active on vacation and love the feeling of relaxing after a busy day on the go. I season my trips with a little fresh exercise.
Read more about the Active Range
ADULT ONLY
Seek out epic scenery, thriving wildlife and untamed beauty on this Kenai Fjords and Denali National Park 8-day adventure. Raft the Kenai River Canyon, hike to the Exit Glacier, explore the rugged Denali Highway, and more.
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
Earn Your Lunch
I stay active on vacation and love the feeling of relaxing after a busy day on the go. I season my trips with a little fresh exercise.
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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