2009 Travel Awards: 'Classic South Island', the Best "Do It All" Trip in New Zealand

2009 Travel Awards: 'Classic South Island', the Best "Do It All" Trip in New Zealand

Outside magazine - April 2009



Deal of the year: That New Zealand is the place you fantasize about most is no surprise. But here's what is: This is the year to stop drooling and go. With a historically favorable exchange rate (at press time, one U.S. dollar equaled just under two New Zealand bucks) and round-trip flights available for around $800, adventure in Middle Earth is suddenly on sale.

For multisport gluttons: Do it all
On this whirlwind, called the Essence of the South Island 'Tui' , guests hike the Franz Josef Glacier, a World Heritage site; cycle Hollyford Valley; sea-kayak Milford Sound; and take a scenic flight to the Siberia Hut, one of the South Island's many isolated mountain lodges. Departures between October and April.

What people say about our trips

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Dolomites Adventure - September 2023

Dolomites

"My first trip with Active Adventures! I say I am very pleased! I very much… read more

"My first trip with Active Adventures! I say I am very pleased! I very much enjoyed not only my trip, but I had fun with my group and my guides. I will miss them dearly! What a great first experience and I will be doing more adventures with Active! Worth the money! read less

5 Stars (97 reviews)

Julie,

Machu Picchu & Amazon Adventure - September 2023

Machu Picchu/Amazon

"An amazing experience I will never forget! The amazing views on the Inca trail… read more

"An amazing experience I will never forget! The amazing views on the Inca trail were definitely earned, our guide Zac was the best, making the journey our own. Our travel companions started out as strangers became dear friends. The porters were a welcome sight at the end of each day's journey brought a smile to our faces with a high five for everyone. There were so many wonderful moments and personal feelings of accomplishment. I totally recommend this trip for anyone up for an Active Adventure! read less

5 Stars (110 reviews)

William,

Kruger National Park Safari 2023 - September 2023

Kruger National Park Safari

"An African safari has been on the top of my bucket list ever since high… read more

"An African safari has been on the top of my bucket list ever since high school. This year, I finally checked that box and the trip could not have been more amazing! In addition to seeing the Big 5 and other amazing animals up close and personal in their natural environment, we also explored Cape Town and Table Mountain and wine country! Our guide, Jamie, was extremely knowledgeable about every topic and I came away having learned and experienced so much more than I ever imagined. I highly recommend this trip! read less

5 Stars (1 reviews)

Laura,

Mighty Five Adventure - September 2023

Good Times

"The trip was great, guides were awesome, hikes were just right! read more

"The trip was great, guides were awesome, hikes were just right! read less

5 Stars (65 reviews)

Nicole DuPont,

Mighty Five Adventure - September 2023

Best Vacation Ever!

"This was my first trip and I wasn't sure what to expect, but it exceeded… read more

"This was my first trip and I wasn't sure what to expect, but it exceeded all of my expectations! It was a retirement gift for me for my husband and myself to take this trip together. First of all, Steve and Bryson are both top notch professional guides and people. They took care of everything, which made our trip stress free and truly enjoyable. I believe the guides can make or break your experience and they were EXCELLENT! The hiking excursions, restaurants, awesome views, home made lunches by the guides, etc. were second to none. The extra friendly and thoughtful touches by Steve and Bryson made our group feel like a family. I have no bad comment or even constructive criticism
about the trip. Truly outstanding! The hikes did push me but they had a good feel for our group's capabilities and took plenty of rest stops when needed. read less

5 Stars (65 reviews)

Robin,

Mighty Five Adventure - September 2023

Hiking the Mighty 5 National Parks from St George to Moab, Utah

"My wife Robin and I just finished a 9 day adventure of the Mighty 5… read more

"My wife Robin and I just finished a 9 day adventure of the Mighty 5 National parks in Utah with Austin Adventures. We had a fantastic time.
Our Guides (Steve and Bryson) were the best!! They took us on wonderful hikes in all the parks averaging 6-8 miles/day. The hotels and food were great. The trip was exciting and something I will remember the rest of my life. "Kudos" Austin Adventures for a job well done. Thank you for the experience of a lifetime. We plan to book another trip in the future. read less

5 Stars (65 reviews)

John,

Mighty Five Adventure - September 2023

The Amazing Mighty Five Adventure!!

"WOW! Every aspect of this trip was amazing! It far exceeded my expectations. … read more

"WOW! Every aspect of this trip was amazing! It far exceeded my expectations. The National Parks were absolutely gorgeous; the guides were knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, and FUN! Their personalized touch for each and every one of the travelers was spot on! The hotels, restaurants and food were also perfect for each location. Every aspect of this tour was well planned and thought out. Each hike or activity (canyoning) was well done! Steve and Bryson are wonderful guides! I hope to book another trip soon. read less

5 Stars (65 reviews)

Nadine,

Dolomites Adventure - September 2023

Best guides ever

"A fantastic itinerary! read more

"A fantastic itinerary! read less

5 Stars (97 reviews)

Kitty,

British Columbia Hut to Hut Adventure - September 2023

Backpacking British Columbia

"I have to start off mentioning that I was a little nervous, and anxious as… read more

"I have to start off mentioning that I was a little nervous, and anxious as the date got closer for my trip. I was questing myself regarding the physicality of the hiking, or do i have the right gear. But after meeting with Will, Keenen, and Sydney, I new I was in good hands. They were there for all the guest's every step of the way. No matter what situation arose they were at the ready. I really enjoyed my stay with the entire group, and got a lot out my trip. It wasn't just the shear beauty of the Alpine, but the education i received from Will, and his staff. They make sure you're well being, and overall enjoyment is priority. And not mention the food and lodging, which was very good and comfortable. I highly recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys the outdoors, a bit of a challenge, and a whole lot of fun! read less

5 Stars (16 reviews)

Martin,

San Juan Islands Adventure - September 2023

Carla

"The San Juan Islands scenery and activities were varied and unique. Our guides did a… read more

"The San Juan Islands scenery and activities were varied and unique. Our guides did a phenomenal job of keeping us on track and providing exceptional service to the group. Their efforts and the wonderful bounty of the islands made for a special experience. read less

4 Stars (93 reviews)

Carla,

Classic Iceland Adventure - September 2023

Iceland

"Our Active Adventure Icelandic trip was enchanting; from tales about hidden folks dwelling amongst the… read more

"Our Active Adventure Icelandic trip was enchanting; from tales about hidden folks dwelling amongst the farmers of yesteryear, to hardscrabble fisherman -- tales and history provided to us by our fantastic guide -- Solvi -- allowed us to really feel these stories as we stood on the rugged landscape. You then fully appreciate the powerful natural forces which have worked upon the land and its people. Loved our visit!
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5 Stars (19 reviews)

Jeanne,

Yellowstone Adventure - September 2023

Jon zuehlke

"Zack & Jamie complimented each other very well. Very energetic and we love their … read more

"Zack & Jamie complimented each other very well. Very energetic and we love their enthusiasm for Yellowstone. It is the only way to see a beautiful park like we did. Our third trip with Austin read less

5 Stars (137 reviews)

Jon,

San Juan Islands Adventure - September 2023

Beautiful destination, great guides, and new friends

"San Juan Islands offered amazing vistas, enjoyable itinerary, and the chance to meet new friends.… read more

"San Juan Islands offered amazing vistas, enjoyable itinerary, and the chance to meet new friends. Our friendly guides, Jayson and Steve, were very organized and did an excellent job planning our meals and activities. read less

4 Stars (93 reviews)

Stuart,

Classic Iceland Adventure - September 2023

Don from Canada

"A great trip. Very well organized , great sights, excellent guide.

Great job! read more

"A great trip. Very well organized , great sights, excellent guide.

Great job! read less

5 Stars (19 reviews)

Don,

British Columbia Hut to Hut Adventure - September 2023

The Hut to Hut hike is amazing.

"The Hut to Hut hike is amazing. The scenery is some of the best… read more

"The Hut to Hut hike is amazing. The scenery is some of the best I've ever seen! I was impressed with the guides. Will, Sydney, and Keenan were very knowledgeable regarding the structure of the mountains, the rocks and rock formations, and the foliage in the area. The watched us carefully to make sure we stayed hydrated and ate appropriately. They were fun to be around, and made the hike even more enjoyable. read less

5 Stars (16 reviews)

Deborah,

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