5 Stars (922 reviews)
For me, the best part of the trip was the Rimu- and the Kauri trip was awesome. One last note on Kauri, before getting into Rimu, was the substitution of the Waitomo caves/glow-worms, instead of Hobbiton. I believe that was a good decision, and more in keeping with the nature of "Active Adventures" than going to a movie set.
Now on to Rimu!
I was at first taken aback by our guides being two small, slender women, as I wondered how they were going to schlepp our heavy luggage in and out of the bus, but I needn't have worried. Cassie and Amanda are more than up to the task, and are far stronger than they look at first glance. As was Sarah.
Where to begin with so much fun? Let's get the negative out of the way- the only bad thing was having our snorkeling cancelled at Kaikoura due to tropical storm Luci, having just blown thru the area...
As a surfer myself, I know rainfall can cause unsafe coastal conditions for the first few days. As it turned out, the water was crystal-clear, and it seemed as though we could have gone snorkeling after all. And that was our only opportunity to snorkel. But, the decision was out of our hands... A stroll around Kaikoura was great, terrific accommodation at the Creighton B and B, where I made friends with Creighton, a shy, Greater Sulfur Crested Cockatoo, that lived there with the owners. A wonderful place, wonderful people... For me, the Rimu trip and the South Island was the best vacation I've ever had. The beauty of New Zealand, the clear, blue waters, Southern Alps, temperate rainforest, Milford Sound, pristine mountains and valleys, gorgeous coastline... Just a dream come true for me, and now I want to live there! Also, as a lifelong motorcyclist, the roads are perfect.
Wrapping up at Mt Cook/Aoraki was awesome, with our two nights at Braemar Station just wonderful.
As I'm not a hiker (yup, failure to read the large print on my part, resulted in my doing what I swore I would never do again after getting out of the Airborne Infantry 30 years ago - hiking with a pack on my back! Turned out to be a GREAT trip regardless!) the "easier hike" options were always appreciated. I really enjoyed the mountain biking, kayaking and was looking forward to the snorkeling... Perhaps two scheduled days for snorkeling would be good, so if one cancelled due to weather, the other day would still be available... A terrific trip anyway. Bungy jumped off the Kawarau Bridge on our free Queenstown day, just had a great time. Cassie and Amanda were outstanding in every way, always cheerful, helpful and fun. Great food, great times. Kudos to all the Active Adventures staff who made this happen!
Thank you!
Jim K. From Central coast, California
Ultimate South Island Adventure, April 2014
Jim, United States
5 Stars (922 reviews)
Our guides were amazing. They were very informative and relaxed and made us feel so welcome in New Zealand. Our weather was over the top. The landscapes were breathtaking. Our activities were the best and got us close and personal to the beauty. And should I mention the food?
Ultimate South Island Adventure, April 2014
Jan, United States
4 Stars (922 reviews)
I'm based in England and was traveling with my wife on a 12 month "around the world" tour.
We used this trip with Active to break up a 3 month tour of New Zealand.
I would definitely say these two weeks were the highlight of our period in New Zealand.
Superb guides, wonderful itinerary and sharing our experiences with a group of people that made it very very special.
Ultimate South Island Adventure, April 2014
Nigel, United Kingdom
5 Stars (922 reviews)
Combining the Kauri and Rimu trips for a month long adventure in New Zealand was the perfect choice!
Ultimate South Island Adventure, April 2014
Carol, United States
5 Stars (922 reviews)
Here's why the trip was great:
1, the itinerary was awesome. It was action packed and included all the places that make the South Island of New Zealand a dream destination. The time getting from destination to destination didn't seem too long, Kate did a good job of stopping for breaks. Besides the longest time we were on the road to get to a destination was 4 hours (including stops). Fiordland national park was especially amazing!
2, No group drama. Everyone got along well with each other and enjoyed each others company. The age group ranged from mid 20s to mid 60s so it could have been an issue but it wasn't.
3, The guides were fantastic. Kate and Sally were just tremendously patient and were a wealth of knowledge. They both were always smiling and pleasant which made the trip go smoothly. They cooked amazing food and were always there to take care of everyone's needs. I can't thank them enough for the great time I had.
Ultimate South Island Adventure, April 2014
Edwin, United States
5 Stars (922 reviews)
It can be a bit overwhelming to travel halfway around the world by one's self.
The Active Guides made me instantly comfortable and within a day our group gelled as we began to hike, bike and kayak through the most beautiful landscape I've ever seen. We learned a lot, we laughed a lot and became a family of happy travelers. If you're going to see the Southern Cross for the first time... New Zealand is a perfect place to do it. I made lifetime friends and memories that will carry me through until the next adventure. Active makes every effort to make your trip extraordinary. The friendships you create, make it even more special. Until we meet again... Thank you.
Ultimate South Island Adventure, April 2014
Deb, United States
5 Stars (922 reviews)
We loved the South Island and our guides Amanda and Cassie were the James Brown of guides.. "hardest working" soul sisters.... Seriously, their enthusiasm and intelligence made the trip a wonderful experience..Miss them already..
Backpacking, hiking and kayaking were fantastic... The scenery was incredible and we enjoyed our other participants and made some lasting friendships...
Ultimate South Island Adventure, April 2014
Erik, United States
5 Stars (922 reviews)
This very active small group trip was everything we hoped for and then some! We had outstanding guides, met new friends and were challenged daily with new and exciting activities across the varied New Zealand landscapes! What a thrill!!
Ultimate South Island Adventure, April 2014
Mary Kay, United States