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Our Itineraries

Hiking in New Zealand hiking
Biking in New Zealand biking
Sea Kayaking in New Zealand sea kayaking
Swimming with seals and dolphins in New Zealand swimming with
dolphins & seals
Caving in New Zealand caving
wildlife

We operate seven different scheduled trips throughout the year. We named all our outdoor adventure trips after our favourite New Zealand trees and birds because we're very enthusiastic about New Zealand's natural history, and sharing that knowledge with you. From October through April, our extended summer down here on the Southern hemisphere, we run two 14-day multisport trips on the South Island, the Rimu and the Manuka, and a 5-day North Island trip called the Kauri if you have 3 weeks downunder. For the cyclists out there, we now run a 13-day cycling-only trip called the Weka Cycling Trip, and we also have an 8-day adventure on the South Island called the Tui if you are short on time. For those with kids, we have a 13-day family-oriented trip, the Kea Family Trip, that runs all year-round. Also, from May through September we run a 14-day Winter Rimu trip to see the South Island outdoors at its most dramatic.

If you're up for something really different, then check out our Guide's Choice trips, designed by two of our guides, Lynette and Jim, who won an annual competition amongst our guides to come up with the trip that they would love to run, visiting and exploring their favourite parts of New Zealand. These are a great option as a Returnee's trip for those of you who've travelled with us before, or for anyone interested in seeing a different side of New Zealand, away from the tourist trail, where real New Zealanders go when they want an active adventure.

We have clients from all around the world so we stick with one currency (US dollars) in order to keep things simple. Click here to bring up a window that will give you an approximate cost of our trips in your local currency.


winter rimu Hiking in New ZealandBiking in New ZealandSea Kayaking in New ZealandView birds and wildlife in New Zealand 14 days - south island US$2799 + tax
pronounced "winter REE-moo"   currency converter

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.

Hiking the Hooker Valley, near Mt Cook in New Zealand
Complete itinerary

"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

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WINTER RIMU: 14 days Christchurch to Christchurch
Mon: Arrive, hike Mt. John
Tue: Hike Mt. Cook National Park or ski at Ohau Ski Area
Wed: Hike in Mt. Aspiring National Park
Thu: Hike in Mt. Aspiring National Park
Fri: Free day in Queenstown
Sat: Multi-day cycling and kayaking OR skiing/snowboarding options
Sun: Multi-day options continued
Mon: Multi-day options continued
Tue: Hike to Copland Hot Pools, Westland National Park
Wed: Hike to Douglas Rock and soak in the hot pools
Thu: Hike Copland Valley and relax in Okarito
Fri: Kayak in Okarito Lagoon, hike beach and forest
Sat: Hike Punakaiki Rainforest and beaches
Sun: Depart for home
 
Route map for the Winter Rimu outdoor adventure travel trip

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kea family trip Hiking in New ZealandSea Kayaking in New ZealandView birds and wildlife in New Zealand 13 days - south island Adult: US$2799* + tax
Child (15 and under): US$1999^ + tax
*2nd Adult: US$2499 + tax
^3rd Child: US$1799 + tax
pronounced "KEY-uh"   currency converter

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.

Sea Kayaking in New Zealand
Complete itinerary

"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

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KEA: 13 days Christchurch to Christchurch
Tue: Arrive, wildlife reserve and Kiwi viewing
Wed: Jet boat the Rakaia Gorge and star-gazing
Thu: Hiking in Mt Cook National Park
Fri: Rafting near Queenstown
Sat: Free day in Queenstown
Sun: Explore Queenstown
Mon: Start Mount Aspiring National Park and Glendhu Station options
Tue: Delve into "Puzzling World"
Wed: Explore West Coast forests and beaches, discover glow worms
Thu: Kayak Lake Mapourika, explore Franz Josef Glacier
Fri: Bushman's Center and free time in Hokitika
Sat: Farm show and hike in Castle Hill Basin
Sun: Depart for home
  Route map for the Kea Family Trip outdoor adventure

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rimu
Hiking in New ZealandBiking in New ZealandSea Kayaking in New ZealandSwimming with seals and dolphins in New ZealandView birds and wildlife in New Zealand
14 days - south island US$2999 + tax
pronounced "REE-moo"   currency converter

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.

Hiking near Mt Cook in New Zealand
Complete itinerary
National Geographic Adventure #9 Greatest Adventure Trip in the worldOur Rimu was rated the 9th Greatest Adventure Trip in the world by National Geographic Adventure magazine!
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RIMU: 14 days Christchurch to Christchurch
Mon: Arrive, snorkel with seals in Kaikoura
Tue: Visit vineyard & start multi-day option: hiking in Nelson Lakes, mountain biking on Queen Charlotte Track, OR sea kayaking in Marlborough Sounds
Wed: Multi-day option module continued
Thu: Multi-day option module continued
Fri: Hike in Punakaiki Rainforest
Sat: Kayak in Okarito Lagoon, hike beach and forest
Sun: Hike at Franz Josef Glacier
Mon: Mount Aspiring National Park to Queenstown
Tue: Free day in Queenstown
Wed: Hike Routeburn Track, cycle Hollyford Valley
Thu: Sea kayak in Milford Sound , cycle to Lake Manapouri
Fri: Exploring high country sheep farm
Sat: Hiking in Mt. Cook National Park
Sun: Depart for home
 
Route map for the Rimu outdoor adventure trip

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manuka Hiking in New ZealandView birds and wildlife in New Zealand 14 days - south island US$3799 + tax
pronounced "ma-NOO-kah"   currency converter

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.

Hiking in Fiordland New Zealand
Complete itinerary

"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

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MANUKA: 14 days Christchurch to Christchurch
Mon: Arrive, hike Temple Basin
Tue: Rainforest and beach hiking in Punakaiki
Wed: Arts & crafts in Hokitika, coastal hiking
Thu: Hiking near Franz Josef Glacier
Fri: Mt. Aspiring National Park, Queenstown
Sat: Free day in Queenstown
Sun: Milford Track Guided Walk or Hollyford Track Guided Walk
Mon: Guided Walk option continued
Tue: Guided Walk option continued
Wed: Guided Walk option continued
Thu: Guided Walk option continued
Fri: Hiking the Sam Summers Loop Track
Sat: Hiking at Mt. Cook
Sun: Depart for home
 
Route map for the Manuka outdoor adventure trip

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weka cycling trip
Biking in New ZealandView birds and wildlife in New Zealand
13 days - south island US$3499 + tax
pronounced "wek-ah"   currency converter

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!

Cycling through the Gates of Haast in Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand
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WEKA: 13 days Christchurch to Christchurch
Tue: Arrive, cycle to Hanmer Springs
Wed: High country cycle traverse of the Rainbow Station Road
Thu: Cyclle along the Buller Gorge and Punakaiki Coast
Fri: Coastal cycle from Lake Kaniere to Kakapotahi Ecological Area
Sat: Cycle from Fox Glacier to the Tasman Sea
Sun: Cycle Haast Pass, and along the Clutha River and Lake Wanaka Track
Mon: Cycle the Cardrona Valley and Crown Range to Queenstown
Tue: Free day in Queenstown
Wed: Cycling the Mt Nicholas Road from Walter Peak to the Mavora Lakes
Thu: Cruise Milford Sound, cycle Hollyford Valley
Fri: Central Otago Rail Trail - Lauder to Danseys Pass
Sat: Cycle over Danseys Pass into Limestone Country
Sun: Depart for home
 
Route map for the Weka cycling trip

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kauri Hiking in New ZealandBiking in New ZealandCaving in New ZealandView birds and wildlife in New Zealand 5 days - north island US$1499 + tax
pronounced "COW-ree"   currency converter

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.

Hiking the Tongariro Crossing in New Zealand
Complete itinerary

"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

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KAURI: 5 Days Auckland to Auckland
Tue: Arrive, hike Karangahake Gorge and Orokawa Beach
Wed: Hike Lakes Okataina and Tarawera, Maori feast and culture
Thu: Mountain bike Whakarewarewa Forest, hike to Huka Falls
Fri: Hike Tongariro Crossing, Tongariro National Park, hot pools
Sat: Caving at Waitomo Caves, depart for home

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  Route map for the Kauri outdoor adventure trip
tui Hiking in New ZealandBiking in New ZealandSea Kayaking in New ZealandView birds and wildlife in New Zealand 8 days - south island US$1999 + tax
pronounced "TWO-ee"   currency converter

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!

Hiking near Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand
Complete itinerary

"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

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TUI: 8 days Christchurch to Queenstown
Sun: Arrive, hike in Arthur's Pass
Mon: Hike at Franz Josef Glacier
Tue: Start Mt. Aspiring National Park options
Wed: Continue Mt. Aspiring National Park option
Thu: Hike Ben Lomond or free day in Queenstown
Fri: Hike Routeburn Track, cycle Hollyford Valley
Sat: Sea kayak in Milford Sound, cycle to Lake Manapouri
Sun: Depart for home
  Route map for the Tui outdoor adventure travel trip

Tell a friend about the Tui outdoor adventure trip

guide's choice Hiking in New ZealandBiking in New ZealandSea Kayaking in New ZealandSwimming with seals and dolphins in New ZealandView birds and wildlife in New Zealand 14 days - south island US$3499-3799 + tax
  currency converter

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.

Complete itineraries
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Fine Print
We don't nickel and dime you. The price includes all your accommodations, transportation, guiding, bike and sea kayak rental, safety gear, and everything that might reasonably be expected to be included. Sometimes we give you a few options that cost a bit more, and those are noted in each itinerary. All your meals are also included, except in Queenstown, where we've found our clients prefer to check out the wide range of restaurants available. You'll also need to add international airfare, of course, from wherever you are in the world to the start of your trip with us. Click here for help with your international flights.

Custom Trips
If none of our scheduled outdoor adventure trips are exactly what you’re looking for, we run custom trips occasionally as well. If a custom trip is in our schedule, it is open to the public and you are welcome to join it. For example, we usually run a Family Trip over Christmas as well as during the Northern summer. We get quite a few adventurous honeymooners traveling with us and have even organized a few weddings on our trips! If you have a group of people, let us design a trip for you.

 

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