Our Itineraries

See New Zealand at its most dramatic – endless crisp blue skies and jagged snow capped mountains. We'll backpack into some spectacular spots we can only do this time of year after the summer crowds have left. Most trips will have a chance to ski or snowboard while in Queenstown.

"What and an awesome way to see an amazing place. I think that my favorite thing was the diversity of activity and surroundings. Every time I came around a corner, I was left speechless. There was always something new to see, and each was enjoyed by a different means. Credit to the folks at ACTIVE NEW ZEALAND for weaving together such a priceless string of experiences."

-- Weston Adams (Massachusetts) July 19 2004 Winter Rimu

Family trips are a little different to regular adventure trips, and over the years we’ve entertained a lot of families in New Zealand. This trip is specially designed to ensure the right mix of family time, and time out too. We venture into several national parks, visit the natural hot springs at Hanmer, do an overnight hike to Mount Aspiring Hut, check out one of New Zealand’s most spectacular glaciers and do some unforgettable jet boating, rafting and hiking in various parts of the South Island.

"It was the first time our family has ever taken a guided tour and we loved it. We couldn't have asked for better guides. The scenery was stunning; the activities challenging and fun. I'm looking forward to our next trip with you..."

- Eileen McBride (Antelope, CA) Dec 20 2004 Family Trip

Our most active trip, well off the beaten path in interesting places that we have discovered over the years. Enjoy awesome and challenging day hikes seeing the wilder parts of the South Island, bike the Eglinton Valley, and sea kayak Okarito Lagoon & Milford Sound, as well as choosing from a 3-day backpacking trip in Nelson Lakes, sea kayaking in Queen Charlotte Sound, or biking on Queen Charlotte track.

A wilderness trip at a more relaxed pace with lots of creature comforts. You’ll have the option of hiking the entirety of the world-renowned Milford Track Guided Walk or the lesser-known, but more intimate and luxurious, Hollyford Track Guided Walk, as well as do some incredible day hikes.

"Everyone plans a trip with high expectations, but experienced travellers know that there will be some disappointments. Our ACTIVE NEW ZEALAND trip was that amazing adventure travel vacation where everything met the highest hopes we started with."

-- Teresa & Mike Landers (Bellaire, TX) Nov 18 2002 Manuka

Our Weka Cycling tour ensures you’ll do the best cycling the South Island of New Zealand has to offer and visit some amazing locations too!  You’ll cycle through unforgettable scenery, stay in lovely places, and see both the big names and the most off-the-beaten-track spots in New Zealand. You’ll be fully vehicle-supported so you won’t need to worry about mechanical problems or flat tires! We generally cycle between 25 and 60 miles (40 - 100km) a day, although you can certainly ride less or more than that - whatever you prefer. We’ll be taking in remote high-country station roads, the Hollyford Road near Milford Sound, the Buller River Gorge and New Zealand’s magnificent West Coast, including Fox Glacier. We’ll also spend an unforgettable day on the Central Otago Rail Trail and cycle over the Crown Range from Wanaka to Queenstown. We have specialist guides for our cycling tours, who have lots of cycling experience, such as Jim Hawkridge, a cycling enthusiast who has competed in many multi-sport events and has a passion for guiding the best cycling in New Zealand – he also knows the intricacies of bike mechanics like the back of his hand!

An intro to the North Island designed to complement our South Island trips. Go caving in the renowned Waitomo caves to see the glowworms and limestone formations. In Rotorua, hike along the lakes, mountain bike in the forests and learn about local Maori culture. Finish by walking the famous Tongariro Crossing.

"I didn't know what hiking was until I went to New Zealand and did it. I've never climbed Everest, and probably never will, but what I did experience in New Zealand I will carry with me in my heart, and my mind will often wander to the time I spent with ACTIVE NEW ZEALAND."

- Kristin Kittleson (Linden, VA) Feb 10 2004 Kauri

The Tui is our shortest South Island trip. It's a very action-packed, adventure-oriented itinerary that works well if you are looking for an incredible adventure vacation but don't have a lot of time to see our country, or as part of a longer trip to New Zealand. You can fly from home on a Friday evening, sleep on the plane, and you can be back at work by Monday, 10 days later. We always offer plenty of choices for activities, but remember, it's your holiday so nothing is compulsory! Anyone in reasonable shape can do the activities we offer. You'll see some great parts of New Zealand but we won't pretend you're going to see it all. The Tui trip is about quality not quantity!

"I would sincerely like to thank you for the experience and the unique and real approach to trek, tramp, bike, and kayak!!!!!! And people who actually think they DO something on their vacations - if they only knew."

- Mark Kling (Chicago, IL) Nov 10 2002 Tui

Our guides often come to us with great ideas for new activities and places to visit on our trips, so since 2006, we have run an annual competition amongst our guides where they design a trip of their own - the “Guide’s Choice trip"!

Jim Hawkridge was the winner of our 2007 competition, and his creation is a high energy multisport tour of some of New Zealand's truly spectacular countryside. If you want to hike, mountain-bike, kayak and run your way around some of the South Island's awesome scenery, then this is the trip for you! Check out the complete itinerary of Jim's "Xtreme" Rimu here.

Lynette Warmington was the winner of the inaugral competition, back in 2006. Lynette's trip has more of a wildlife focus, with a chance to see and interact with dolphins, whales, penguins, Kiwis, and much more, as well as some great hiking, including the little-known Hump Ridge Guided Walk. Check out the complete itinerary of Lynette's "Hoiho" Wildlife Trip here.

To view summaries of both our our current Guide's Choice trips, click here.