5 Stars (537 reviews)
Everything about the trip itinerary and the staff was wonderful. Of course the scenery was amazing too. Amanda and Clara took wonderful care of us. I felt bad that my husband had refused to train in a manner that would have made him better prepared for the hiking task. Both Amanda and Clara were very patient with him. He was a trouper while he was there. With their encouragement he completed it all, just slowly. It worked out well that the four weaker hikers had time a when they could slow down for a morning later in the week. I wouldn't change anything about how you organize the tour. The bus was comfortable and the guides were great at getting all the tour-mates to converse and mesh. We all agreed at the end of the week what a personality compatible group of travelers we ended up being. I am glad Tim and I did not choose to stay at the Siberia Hut. We enjoyed our A-frame option with Amanda. I have already recommended your trip to other potential travelers. Thank you to Active Adventures, Amanda and Clara.
Classic South Island Adventure, March 2017
Jan, United States
5 Stars (537 reviews)
First things first,
Amanda and Clara were the greatest. The trip extremely well organized. New Zealand's landscape is the most beautiful we have been to, ever. The food was good and plentiful. All the people we travelled with were fun to be around. I have to admit at 68 I thought I was in pretty good shape. This was a difficult trip physically. I did manage to finish all the hiking, biking, and kayaking. My wife did tell me to workout harder on the step master, should of listened.
Thanks for a great adventure.
Classic South Island Adventure, March 2017
Tim, United States
5 Stars (537 reviews)
My husband and I just finished the 8 day TUI trip in New Zealand and we had an absolutely wonderful time. We were a little worried that maybe we were getting a little "old" for this type of trip (husband is 63 and I'm 61), but we're healthy and in good shape and the staff assured us that we would be fine! And we were! It was very challenging, yet we never felt we could not complete or comfortably do anything. We had weather issues, rain and clouds, and even a dunking in Milford Sound when our kayak hit a rock, yet that made it all the more adventurous and memorable. We had always wanted to go to New Zealand and experience the great natural beauty there, and this trip allowed us to do that and so much more!
To start with, we had two great guides, Ken and Elder, and they were very friendly, helpful, kind, and always professional and they really took good care of us. I am so glad I did not have to drive those roads or navigate, and they always got us to our destinations safely and in time. We were kept in the loop of where we were going, when and why, and if there needed to be modifications due to weather, we were kept aware.
Secondly, we had a great group of travelers. Nine in all, and from all over the world! Folks ran the gamut of what they did and where they were from, however the one thing we all had in common was a love for the outdoors and adventure, so we all had similar goals and expectations. On the "free" day in Queenstown, everyone went out for a once in a lifetime experience-paragliding, sky diving, white water rafting, or a jet boat adventure. This was quite a lively and fun loving group, which made it all the more fun. I don't know anyone back home that would have done all these things with me. It was really nice to share these experiences with like minded folks.
And finally, the itinerary and the activities were all top notch. The hiking was challenging and beautiful, yet we could go at our own pace. The bike ride was absolutely stunning, and just "scary" enough to energize us, and then there were jet boats, small plane flights over gorgeous canyons and rivers, a backpack trip into Siberia hut, where the night sky was unlike anything I had ever seen! And the final Milford Sound kayak trip was phenomenal (even though yes we did turn over, but no worries-just got wet!). I know we could not have planned for all of these activities easily on our own, so the value of the tour for us had a lot to do with the activities and the ease in which we were able to participate.
So that is our trip in a nutshell. My husband and I were both refreshed and relaxed after this vacation, even though it was very active and we felt like we were not so "old" after all. And that feeling is priceless.
Classic South Island Adventure, March 2017
Stew, United States
5 Stars (33 reviews)
Joshua Tree Vacation & Death Valley, March 2017
Kathy
4 Stars (537 reviews)
This was the trip of a lifetime! We all read about how beautiful New Zealand is, but nothing compares to seeing it with your own two eyes. And up close on an Active Adventure is even better! But be prepared to be very active. This was a non-stop week of fantastic activity, with lots of hiking and some kayaking and biking in beautiful surroundings and a chance to catch your breath on scenic plane flights and jet boat rides. And don't miss the helicopter ride!
Classic South Island Adventure, March 2017
Jeanne, United States
5 Stars (24 reviews)
This was our eighth and absolutely best active vacation we've had - a combination of breath taking views and scenery, great guides, amazing megs,and group that really got along together. This was the best trip we've had ever.
Weka 13-day, March 2017
Ken, United States
5 Stars (24 reviews)
WOW, all I can say is WOW. We have done 7 other bike trips with 3 other companies and this one is by far our favorite!
Weka 13-day, March 2017
Nancy, United States
5 Stars (537 reviews)
The Tui adventure was definitely a trip of a lifetime! New Zealand was on my bucket list, but I was overwhelmed trying to plan a trip. I have always planned our family vacations vs going on a guided tour... so I was very reluctant to spend the money. But it was so worth it! We were able to see and do more than we could have ever accomplished on our own. And it was stress free... we just had to show up. Loved it! Our guides, Andy & Jo, were amazing, informative and fun! My husband, 2 kids (recent college grads) and I also had some hesitation about travelling with a bunch of strangers. But we had such a fun group, we were like family by the end of the trip and the opportunity to get to know our fellow travellers just added to the experience. Now I'm dreaming of my next adventure!
Classic South Island Adventure, March 2017
Cheri, United States