Our Itineraries

This is our longest running and most popular trip, taking you well off the beaten track into interesting places that we’ve discovered over the years. Go snorkelling with inquisitive seals; do an incredible 3-day guided backpacking, biking, or sea kayaking trip in the Marlborough region; take some of New Zealand’s most stunning day hikes; and go sea kayaking and cycling in various parts of the South Island. If you only come here once in your life, you’ll have seen the best we have to offer and missed very little!

An active hiking trip at a relaxed pace with lots of creature comforts! You’ll hike through New Zealand’s most stunning vistas, from alpine meadows of multihued wild flowers to craggy mountain peaks and magnificent glacial valleys. You’ll also have the option of hiking the world-renowned Milford Track or the lesser-known, more luxurious Hollyford Track, both located in Fiordland National Park.

"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 (Texas) Nov 18 2002 Manuka

A cycling trip with a difference, the Weka is testimony to our (some may say excessive) zeal for biking, and years of experience navigating New Zealand’s roads and trails. We’ll take you on our favourite rides from the stunning coastal routes of the West Coast, to the historic viaducts and tunnels of the Otago Rail Trail. The scenery and terrain you’ll cover is as diverse as it is beautiful. Unlike the larger cycle operators in New Zealand, we know the terrain intimately and we’ll make sure you see the best of it!

You will not be disappointed with choosing Active for your tour, they'll go above and beyond your expectations!

- Talitha Mercier (Colorado) Dec 4 2007 Weka

The North Island is remarkably different to the South Island. It is a land of active volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, waterfalls, and unique flora and fauna, not to mention the rich cultural history of the local Maori people. This trip packs a whole lot of adventure into just five days, and it links in perfectly with most of our South Island trips.

"This is the trip of a lifetime. Definitely add the Kauri to whatever trip you choose on the South Island; you won't be sorry. The Tongariro Crossing is the most unforgettable hike you'll ever take! Just do it!"

- Roberta Weldon (Wisconsin) Dec 18 2007 Kauri

This is our shortest South Island trip. It’s an 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’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

Family trips are different to regular adventure trips and over the years we’ve entertained lots of families here in New Zealand. This trip is designed so parents, teenagers and children enjoy a wide range of activities together while still having a bit of time out – it is a vacation after all! We venture into several national parks including a memorable overnight hike in Mt. Aspiring National Park, visit natural hot springs at Hanmer, check out one of New Zealand’s most spectacular glaciers and get out for 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 (California) Dec 20 2004 Family Trip

New Zealand is at its most dramatic in winter – the snowline is a lot lower, which makes the mountains look amazing, and we get plenty of crisp, clear blue-sky days due to New Zealand’s mild maritime climate. We get out for incredible multi-day guided backpacking trips to alpine hot pools, glaciers and remote snowfields; take some of the best day hikes in the country; and head out for unforgettable sea kayaking, biking, skiing and snowboarding.

"My trip with ACTIVE NEW ZEALAND was my first 'trip of a lifetime.' It will certainly not be my last. The beauty of New Zealand is hard to describe in words and the Kiwis are kind easygoing friendly people. Our guides made the experience more than I could have expected."

- Jenny Vanderlinden (Connecticut) July 16 2007 Winter Rimu

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 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.