'When you escape a sodden and flooded Canterbury for sunshine and rainbows on the West Coast you've got to feel your good fortune.
A tour of the South Island with Active Adventures got off to a soggy and late start after three solid days of rain which closed roads and inundated homes throughout the region.
I meet my two Australian tour buddies and guides for a last minute coffee at Truffle Cafe, Merivale. Our group is depleted after two tourists from Melbourne had their adventure cancelled after a Covid-19 outbreak.'
Classic South Island Adventure - November 2023
"This tour has it all from hiking to an amazing overflight of valleys to jet boating to a relaxing cruise through Milford Sound. Every day was something new and exciting but yet we also had time to absorb the awesomeness all around us at each activity. Active Adventures are true NZ experts and it shows on this trip from knowledgeable guides to secret little trails and the best areas to do a leg stretch when we had longer drives to dynamite food at every meal!
read more"This tour has it all from hiking to an amazing overflight of valleys to jet… read more
"This tour has it all from hiking to an amazing overflight of valleys to jet boating to a relaxing cruise through Milford Sound. Every day was something new and exciting but yet we also had time to absorb the awesomeness all around us at each activity. Active Adventures are true NZ experts and it shows on this trip from knowledgeable guides to secret little trails and the best areas to do a leg stretch when we had longer drives to dynamite food at every meal! read less
5 Stars (517 reviews)
B Ben | November 2023
Classic South Island Adventure - November 2023
"I found the guides to be extremely knowledgeable and exceedingly friendly and professional. The places we visited were mind-blowing beautiful and the activities were very well planned and executed. I found myself refreshed and reinvigorated every day of the trip.
read more"I found the guides to be extremely knowledgeable and exceedingly friendly and professional. The… read more
"I found the guides to be extremely knowledgeable and exceedingly friendly and professional. The places we visited were mind-blowing beautiful and the activities were very well planned and executed. I found myself refreshed and reinvigorated every day of the trip. read less
5 Stars (517 reviews)
S Stephen | November 2023
Ultimate North Island Adventure - November 2023
"We extremely enjoyed the trip. Everyone got along. The tour guides Liana and Lisa were great. Lisa coordinated and prepared a number on meals that were also very good. Liana kept us informed of the local traditions and histories. we enjoy everything.
read more"We extremely enjoyed the trip. Everyone got along. The tour guides Liana and… read more
"We extremely enjoyed the trip. Everyone got along. The tour guides Liana and Lisa were great. Lisa coordinated and prepared a number on meals that were also very good. Liana kept us informed of the local traditions and histories. we enjoy everything. read less
5 Stars (368 reviews)
N Nancy | November 2023
Ultimate North Island Adventure - November 2023
"We had a great time discovering the diverse activities and beauty of the North Island of New Zealand. Our guides were great fun and made our trip special from the Kauri Trees to the wonderful hikes.
read more"We had a great time discovering the diverse activities and beauty of the North Island… read more
"We had a great time discovering the diverse activities and beauty of the North Island of New Zealand. Our guides were great fun and made our trip special from the Kauri Trees to the wonderful hikes. read less
5 Stars (368 reviews)
J John | November 2023
Ultimate North Island Adventure - November 2023
"Active does an amazing job arranging everything and really taking care of the guests. I had a great trip and can't say enough nice things about our guides. Everything went smooth and they were so knowledgeable. Would highly recommend the trip to anyone.
read more"Active does an amazing job arranging everything and really taking care of the guests. I… read more
"Active does an amazing job arranging everything and really taking care of the guests. I had a great trip and can't say enough nice things about our guides. Everything went smooth and they were so knowledgeable. Would highly recommend the trip to anyone. read less
5 Stars (368 reviews)
M Mollie | November 2023
Patagonia Hiking Adventure - November 2023
"What a great adventure in Patagonia! Me and my 2 adult children spent 14 days in Patagonia with wonderful guides! Jessica was absolutely amazing! She took care of every detail, truly cared about us and the region, was fun, knowledgeable!! She made the trip very special for us. Active Adventures you have a gem in Jess! The local guides were great too -- Andrea was a blast and knew all the great places to take us. Her love of the region was evident in her knowledge and enthusiasm. My daughter did the W trek and Chris and Jess took great care of her. It was an experience of a lifetime for her. Loved the small group -- only 5 of us! Loved the attention to detail, the food, the drivers, the accommodations! The shear beauty of the place would have been enough but all the other details took it over the top!!
read more"What a great adventure in Patagonia! Me and my 2 adult children spent 14… read more
"What a great adventure in Patagonia! Me and my 2 adult children spent 14 days in Patagonia with wonderful guides! Jessica was absolutely amazing! She took care of every detail, truly cared about us and the region, was fun, knowledgeable!! She made the trip very special for us. Active Adventures you have a gem in Jess! The local guides were great too -- Andrea was a blast and knew all the great places to take us. Her love of the region was evident in her knowledge and enthusiasm. My daughter did the W trek and Chris and Jess took great care of her. It was an experience of a lifetime for her. Loved the small group -- only 5 of us! Loved the attention to detail, the food, the drivers, the accommodations! The shear beauty of the place would have been enough but all the other details took it over the top!! read less
5 Stars (346 reviews)
B Barbara | November 2023
Machu Picchu & Amazon Adventure - November 2023
"It was an amazing experience. From the organization of the trip leader guide to the experience of walking the Inca Trail and ending up with a majestic view of Machu Picchu at the end of the 4 day trek, the entire trip surpassed my expectations. The Amazon portion of the trip although extremely hot and humid was exciting. From the sunrises to the sunsets, with the wildlife and flora and fauna.. simply amazing. The restaurants chosen by our trip leader showcased the gastronomic excellence of Peru. Simply amazing
read more"It was an amazing experience. From the organization of the trip leader guide to the… read more
"It was an amazing experience. From the organization of the trip leader guide to the experience of walking the Inca Trail and ending up with a majestic view of Machu Picchu at the end of the 4 day trek, the entire trip surpassed my expectations. The Amazon portion of the trip although extremely hot and humid was exciting. From the sunrises to the sunsets, with the wildlife and flora and fauna.. simply amazing. The restaurants chosen by our trip leader showcased the gastronomic excellence of Peru. Simply amazing read less
5 Stars (114 reviews)
M Mary | November 2023
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek - October 2023
"The trip was enjoyable, challenging, thoughtfully designed, and well run.
read more"The trip was enjoyable, challenging, thoughtfully designed, and well run. read more
"The trip was enjoyable, challenging, thoughtfully designed, and well run. read less
5 Stars (118 reviews)
G Glenn | October 2023
Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure - October 2023
"For those who enjoy hiking and adventure it's a fantastic way to see Peru and Ecuador. The guides were truly outstanding, and the hotel accommodations were fantastic. We moved around a lot, and almost every hotel room had a fantastic view. We learned a lot about the history and culture, while also taking in beautiful sites and views. And learned so much about what makes The Galapagos Islands so unique and amazing. And about all the wildlife that inhabits these regions.
read more"For those who enjoy hiking and adventure it's a fantastic way to see Peru and… read more
"For those who enjoy hiking and adventure it's a fantastic way to see Peru and Ecuador. The guides were truly outstanding, and the hotel accommodations were fantastic. We moved around a lot, and almost every hotel room had a fantastic view. We learned a lot about the history and culture, while also taking in beautiful sites and views. And learned so much about what makes The Galapagos Islands so unique and amazing. And about all the wildlife that inhabits these regions. read less
5 Stars (61 reviews)
A Allen | October 2023
Kathmandu Valley & Bhutan Adventure - October 2023
"This trip provided an overview to all aspects of Nepal and Bhutan from the food to the religion to lifestyles to the urban and natural environments of these two countries and their people. Our local guides provided many unique insights weaving together the historical, sociological, and environmental forces that have shaped the countries. Our days were full with a variety of activities while still providing time for rest and reflection. I gained a better understanding of not only these two countries but the surrounding larger countries of Tibet, India, and China. The many contrasts with my life in the United States have provided me with a fuller appreciation of both its strengths and the weaknesses and made me a better citizen of the world. I would strongly recommend this trip.
read more"This trip provided an overview to all aspects of Nepal and Bhutan from the food… read more
"This trip provided an overview to all aspects of Nepal and Bhutan from the food to the religion to lifestyles to the urban and natural environments of these two countries and their people. Our local guides provided many unique insights weaving together the historical, sociological, and environmental forces that have shaped the countries. Our days were full with a variety of activities while still providing time for rest and reflection. I gained a better understanding of not only these two countries but the surrounding larger countries of Tibet, India, and China. The many contrasts with my life in the United States have provided me with a fuller appreciation of both its strengths and the weaknesses and made me a better citizen of the world. I would strongly recommend this trip. read less
4 Stars (12 reviews)
R Robert | October 2023
Kathmandu Valley & Bhutan Adventure - October 2023
"Bhutan was my favourite portion of the trip. Happiness is definitely a place in Bhutan. Our Bhutan Guides from Country Travels were wonderful: they were very knowledgeable and extremely accomodating. The hike to Tiger’s nest and the horse ride for a portion of the hike was the highlight of the trip.
Overall the Bhutan trip was organized and full of activities. Love Bhutan.
"Bhutan was my favourite portion of the trip. Happiness is definitely a place in… read more
"Bhutan was my favourite portion of the trip. Happiness is definitely a place in Bhutan. Our Bhutan Guides from Country Travels were wonderful: they were very knowledgeable and extremely accomodating. The hike to Tiger’s nest and the horse ride for a portion of the hike was the highlight of the trip.
Overall the Bhutan trip was organized and full of activities. Love Bhutan. read less
4 Stars (12 reviews)
H Helena Dean, | October 2023
Kathmandu Valley & Bhutan Adventure - October 2023
"I have been dreaming about going to Bhutan for 20 years and it was well worth the wait. The variety of activities and hikes on this trip are top notch. The local guides add so much to this trip especially with their cultural insights! Our group felt like family by the end of the week and I would highly recommend others to go to the hidden gem of Bhutan!
read more"I have been dreaming about going to Bhutan for 20 years and it was well… read more
"I have been dreaming about going to Bhutan for 20 years and it was well worth the wait. The variety of activities and hikes on this trip are top notch. The local guides add so much to this trip especially with their cultural insights! Our group felt like family by the end of the week and I would highly recommend others to go to the hidden gem of Bhutan! read less
4 Stars (12 reviews)
B Ben | October 2023
Ultimate South Island Adventure - October 2023
"A marvelous trip overall. The guides were great, all 4 of them, and the attention to detail was so appreciated. Locations and trails pushed us and at the same time beautiful. Hotels excellent.
read more"A marvelous trip overall. The guides were great, all 4 of them, and the attention… read more
"A marvelous trip overall. The guides were great, all 4 of them, and the attention to detail was so appreciated. Locations and trails pushed us and at the same time beautiful. Hotels excellent. read less
5 Stars (884 reviews)
K KEITH | October 2023
Everest Lodge to Lodge Trek - October 2023
"The trip was well-designed, enjoyable, and challenging.
read more"The trip was well-designed, enjoyable, and challenging. read more
"The trip was well-designed, enjoyable, and challenging. read less
5 Stars (36 reviews)
G Glenn | October 2023
Patagonia Hiking Adventure - October 2023
"Our Mother/daughter trip was perfect for us! We both love the outdoors and physical challenges so Patagonia fit both criteria. Meeting new people and becoming fast friends with others who enjoy the same experience was another highlight. Our guides were all fantastic and kept a very positive spirit even when the weather would change our plans. We were only disappointed that it had to come to an end.
read more"Our Mother/daughter trip was perfect for us! We both love the outdoors and physical challenges… read more
"Our Mother/daughter trip was perfect for us! We both love the outdoors and physical challenges so Patagonia fit both criteria. Meeting new people and becoming fast friends with others who enjoy the same experience was another highlight. Our guides were all fantastic and kept a very positive spirit even when the weather would change our plans. We were only disappointed that it had to come to an end. read less
5 Stars (346 reviews)
D Deanna | October 2023
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.
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