New Zealand is the perfect destination for the adventure enthusiast. There is  some amazing hiking, biking trails, kayaking, rafting and other adventures. We offer tours for all budgets and very easy to very strenuous. We can arrange a backpacking adventure, self-drive itinerary or an organized tour where everything is taking car of for you.

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Below is a small sample of some of our New Zealand Adventures

NORTH ISLAND ADVENTURES

The Far North

Travel to New Zealand’s northernmost tip. Hike to secret beaches, kayak rocky headlands, snorkel turquoise waters, marvel at ancient trees, and scream down massive sand dunes. Shorter and easier than our other trips (day hikes only).

Highlights

• Remote coastal hiking on Maori land near the Bay of Islands
• Sea kayaking at Whangaroa harbour and coast
• Two nights of utter isolation at the very tip of New Zealand
• Four-wheel-driving along 90 Mile Beach
• Hiking the surreal dune scapes of Cape Maria Van Diemen
• Ancient and mighty Kauri forests
• Sandboarding on the immense Te Paki dunes

995 NZD per person

5 Day Multisport Tour

 * Explore volcanoes and Maori culture
* Hike Tongariro Alpine Crossing
* Hike mountains, beach and headland
* Bike Whakarewarewa Forest
* Hiking alongside Rotorua's lakes
* Caving in Waitomo
Tuesday Arrive, hike at Orokawa beach and Mount Maunganui
Most people leave the Northern Hemisphere on a Sunday evening and arrive in Auckland early on Tuesday morning. You’ll lose a day to the dateline – but you get it back on the way home! We’ll pick you up in central Auckland at 9.30am, or at the airport at 10am on our way out of the city. Once we’re out of the city limits, we’ll hike around a series of headlands clad in native Pohutakawa trees to the impressive and secluded Orokawa Beach where, if the weather’s nice, we’ll have a swim in the warm South Pacific waters. Then we’ll head to Mt. Maunganui, a scenic seaside town and popular summer vacation spot for locals, for a hike up Mt. Maunganui itself. This an extinct volcano, creates an almost perfect dome on the horizon and offers unsurpassed views of the surrounding coast. After the hike, we’ll travel further south through kiwifruit-growing country to Rotorua. There’s a great deal of geothermal activity beneath Rotorua, so you’ll see steaming pools of mud, fumaroles and smell the distinctive whiff of sulfur that characterises this town.
ACCOMMODATION: Cedar Wood Lodge, Rotorua (L,D)

Wednesday Hike Lakes Okataina and Tarawera, Maori feast and culture
Today we’ll explore the virgin forest around Lake Okataina and hike alongside its deep blue waters to explore the site of an ancient Maori settlement. We’ll then continue over the ridge to Lake Tarawera. The entire area has been sculpted by intermittent volcanic activity, which continues in various forms to this day. Mt. Tarawera was the scene of an enormous eruption in the late 19th century and we’ll see the effects of this cataclysmic event during our time here. Tonight you’ll get to know a bit more about the local Maori culture and share a traditional Maori feast – called a hangi – prepared by the Ngati Rongomai tribe. The meal is prepared by wrapping the food and burying it in the earth to cook over hot stones. This method is very healthy – akin to steaming – and hangi food has a wonderful smoky flavour. Vegetarians, of course, are well catered for.
ACCOMMODATION: Cedar Wood Lodge, Rotorua (B,L,D)

Thursday Mountain bike Whakarewarewa Forest, hike to Huka Falls
Rotorua is the centre of Maori culture in New Zealand and the influence of the Maori people can be seen everywhere. Although it’s a well-known tourist spot, there’s plenty going on behind the glitz that is worth checking out. We’ll show you our favourite highlights of Rotorua before heading out for some biking on the trails in Whakarewarewa Forest. We have biking options to suit all abilities, and the biking is a real highlight on the Kauri trip. If you prefer not to bike, there are other options available, such as visiting the local mineral spas for a relaxing soak. We then go hiking along New Zealand’s longest river – the Waikato – to the impressive Huka Falls before heading south to Turangi. We’ll follow the shores of Lake Taupo, the biggest volcanic crater in the world, to this evening’s accommodation. Our hosts, John and Lyn, are a lovely local couple who’ll point out some of the best walks and fishing spots in the area. We’re right next door to the Tongariro River, New Zealand’s most famous trout fishing river, so this is a great chance to cast a line! Tonight your guide will prepare a good old Kiwi BBQ dinner.
ACCOMMODATION: Creel Lodge, Turangi (B,L,D)

Friday Hike Tongariro Alpine Crossing, soak in hot pools
Just south of Turangi are three massive volcanoes – Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu – as well as Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s oldest park and the fourth oldest national park in the world. Here you’ll have the opportunity to do what is considered the best mountain day-hike in the country, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Not an easy day, this hike takes around seven hours unguided through arid volcanic terrain. Mount Tongariro offers remarkable volcanic landscapes including emerald lakes, cold mountain springs, lava flows, active craters and steam vents, so it’s unlike anything else in New Zealand. If you prefer to do an easier hike, you can walk through native tussock to a waterfall at the base of the highest active volcano in New Zealand, Mount Ruapehu, and around an isolated mountain lake in the middle of the virgin prehistoric rainforest. However you choose to spend your day, we’ll all head to some thermal springs tonight to soak tired muscles in natural hot water. Dinner tonight is a Kiwi favourite – fish and chips with plenty of fresh salads for our last night together.
ACCOMMODATION: Creel Lodge, Turangi (B,L,D)

Saturday Caving at Waitomo Caves, depart for home
For our last day together, we’ll head over the spectacular Pureora Forest Range through groves of huge native trees, then into sheep farming country, before arriving at Waitomo Caves. After lunch, it’s an afternoon of caving (a.k.a. spelunking). Or if you prefer to stay dry, you’ll take a walk through Ruakuri cave to learn more about the geological significance of the area. For the more adventurous, you’ll head ‘down under’ to explore an underground cave system. You’ll be fitted with a wetsuit, helmet, headlamp and rubber tube in order to float down a subterranean stream, slide down waterfalls and at one point, switch off your headlamp to check out the incredible glow worms that live on the limestone ceiling of the cave. After a shower and some hot soup, we’ll head back to Auckland, where we’ll have you at the airport in time to catch evening flights back home, or down south for one of our South Island trips. (B,L)

Cost:$1599 plus tax

Includes

Accomodations
Meals
Activities
Transportation
Guides

6 DAYS NORTHERN HIGHLIGHTS

Only have a week? Explore and experience some of the North Island's best features - beaches, Maori culture, volcanoes and NZ's capital city Wellington. Book now!
Tour Highlights

Highlights:
- Beautiful white sand beaches, iconic Cathedral Cove walk, Hot Water Beach (natural geothermal pools)
- Unique Maori cultural experience
- Swim in a geothermal river at Waiotapu
- View the majestic Huka Falls
- Unique eco-wilderness stay with kayak trip through Whanganui National Park
- Free geothermal park with bubbling mud
- Hike the Tongariro Crossing - New Zealand's best day walk
- Time to see Te Papa our National Museum

Itinerary


Day 1 - Auckland to Hahei (Coromandel)

We head south east to the ‘Coromandel region' via views of Waikato farmland. We head to our remote beach area to hike to the stunning Cathedral Cove (famous for use in NZ tourism posters worldwide), and have a chance to bathe in the natural hot pools of Hot Water Beach (tide dependent). We stay in our exclusive campsite at the beach and enjoy a BBQ. Quad share cabins only (D).

Day 2 - Hahei to Rotorua

Travelling along the stunning Coromandel Coast we stop for some great walks then head to our uniquely developed Maori cultural stop at Whakarewarewa. Set amidst a landscape of erupting geothermal activity, hot thermal springs and bubbling mud pools is the living Maori village. We have tailored an experience for our groups to provide insight into the culture and history, which includes a down-to-earth cultural show and a hangi lunch traditionally cooked in the steam from the natural hot pools! From here we have the afternoon to explore Rotorua with optional activities for everyone from free walks to white water rafting. (B,L).


Day 3 - Rotorua to Whakahoro

We leave early this morning, stopping for a swim in a natural hot river, then onto the impressive Huka Falls. We drive around Lake Taupo towards the Central Plateau. We go deep into the wilderness to our exclusive environmental award-winning stop at Blue Duck Lodge. You can kayak the last 8kms, take a historical walk, or if you want you can take part in a hunt for dinner! The lodge is an old homestead nestled right on the edge of Whanganui National Park surrounded by breath-taking views, amazing walks, and natural beauty. We cook a traditional bush dinner over an outdoor wood-fire using local produce, while learning about the rich early-settlement history and the owner's huge efforts to restore the local plants and birdlife to their former glory (B, D)




Day 4 - Whakahoro to National Park

This morning we head back towards the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park with the chance to hike the Tongariro Crossing, rated as NZ's best one-day walk. For those less active there will be shorter walks and a visit to the Volcanic Centre Museum. Tonight we stay at our exclusive alpine lodge ‘The Park' (B, D).


Day 5 - National Park to Wellington

Following the great day we have had in National Park we head to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. We have the afternoon to explore ‘Te Papa', NZ's national museum and strongly recommend the walk along Oriental Parade and/or up Mt Victoria to get the best view of the city. We stay in central Wellington accommodation tonight (B).

Day 6 - Wellington to Auckland

Today is an express journey from Wellington to Auckland. We stop along the way for photos and to have lunch in Taupo with the chance for you to check out New Zealand's largest lake (B).
What's Included: Experienced tour guide, accommodation transfers, accommodation, meals as indicated including a traditional Maori hangi meal and unique interactive cultural experience, kayak trip through Whanganui National Park, Te Papa Museum.
 

SOUTH ISLAND ADVENTURES

ABEL TASMEN NATIONAL PARK HIKING AND KAYAKING

8 DAY ACTION PACKED SOUTH ISLAND - Hiking, Kayaking, Cycling

Sunday - Arrive, hike in Arthurs Pass
The Tui trip starts in Christchurch, the main city and airport of the South Island. You’ll need to be in Christchurch by around 9am. We’ll meet you there and head to the Southern Alps for a hike in Arthur’s Pass to Devils Punchbowl where we’ll see an awesome 430 foot (131 metre) waterfall. We then head down the coast to the beautiful seaside village of Okarito, one of the best kept secrets of the West Coast that’s all but untouched due to it’s location10 miles down a one-way road from an obscure highway turnoff. There are no shops, no restaurants, no traffic and a population of only 31 people. Because of the action-packed nature of the Tui, we get much of the driving out of the way on the first day of the trip. As an option, you can miss out most of the first day’s driving by meeting us this afternoon in the West Coast town of Hokitika, a short 30-minute flight from Christchurch, and we’ll pick you up on the way through.
ACCOMMODATION: Okarito Beach House, Okarito – off-the-beaten-path, isolated and comfortable (L,D)

Monday - Hike at Franz Josef Glacier
Just south of Okarito there are two formidable glaciers descending from the mountains to the sea. In terms of scenery, this place is off the charts, and we’ll spend most of the day hiking at Franz Josef Glacier. We’ll hike up through the rainforest to either Alex Knob or Roberts Point, both of which give great views of the terminal face, lower reaches and lateral moraines of Franz Josef Glacier. We only do these hikes in good weather, as the rocks get very slippery in the rain. If it’s raining, we’ll do a shorter walk to a view of the terminal face of Fox Glacier and a hike around Lake Matheson.

Heli-hike option (add US$249 + tax)
A less strenuous, but outrageously scenic option today is to heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier itself. After being fitted with crampons, ice axes and so on, you’ll board a modern turbine helicopter and fly towards the highest peaks of the Southern Alps, landing on the glacier at 4,000 feet (1300m) above sea level. Led by specialist glacier guides, you’ll hike through the grand ice formations of the glacier, checking out its crevasses, seracs and tunnels – no previous experience required! The constant movement of the glacier means every day is different, so your guides will cut steps in the ice and make sure you make the most of the conditions. At the end of your hike on the ice, you’ll take another helicopter ride out of the mountains and back to civilisation.

The heli-hike is extremely popular, so we offer advance reservations with the helicopter operators and guiding company. At the time of booking, or up until one month before your trip, you can reserve a space on the heli-hike and we’ll make sure a spot is held for you. Or you can leave your decision until you’re actually on your trip, and we’ll get you a spot if it’s available.


Heli-hikers generally return a little earlier, so we’ll rendezvous at a local café, and head south. From Franz Josef, we head down the coast to Haast, an isolated West Coast hamlet, where we’ll enjoy some local fare – venison pie!
ACCOMMODATION: World Heritage Heartland Hotel, Haast (B,L,D)

Andrew: “As a young guide, I used to run up Alex Knob to keep in shape, and it's my favorite ‘keep-fit’ spot in the country. The thick forest, occasional tantalizing glimpses of the glacier, and the unbelievable vista from the top mean this is one of my most memorable hikes – not an easy hike, necessarily, but definitely one for the top shelf.”

Tuesday Start Mt. Aspiring National Park options

This morning we’ll drive to Makarora on the eastern side of Mt. Aspiring National Park. At the time of booking, you have the choice of one of two different overnight options – a backpacking trip in Mt. Aspiring National Park, or an overnight stay in the small farming village of Makarora. After lunch, we head off for our various activities:

Tuesday to Wednesday - Mt Aspiring National Park options continued
Siberia Valley Wilderness Option in Mt Aspiring National Park

Tuesday (continued) - Scenic flight, hike Lake Crucible
If you like the idea of staying in one of New Zealand’s most isolated mountain huts, then this option is for you! We’ll start with a dramatic scenic flight alongside the snowy Southern Alps to the Siberia Valley airstrip. You can hike up the trail to Lake Crucible for great views of this glacial valley while dinner is whipped up back at the hut. Tonight you’ll be served a candle-lit dinner in one of the most glorious places in the world. This is also one of the few backcountry huts where you can chat with a resident hut ranger from New Zealand’s Department of Conservation. Rangers are often keen for a yarn around the camp fire, and can offer further insight into the flora and fauna of Mt. Aspiring National Park. This is the only night on the Tui where accommodations are a little more basic, but we’ll be back in civilisation the next day. You don’t have to carry a very heavy pack – our guides are pretty tough and they’ll carry the lion’s share of the load. You’ll be carrying a backpack, sleeping bag, a few spare clothes and some food – no need for any more than that, although we’ll provide tents and so on if you’d prefer to camp out under the stars.
ACCOMMODATION: Siberia Hut, Mt. Aspiring National Park – incredible! (B,L,D)

Wednesday Hike Siberia Valley, jet boat
After an early start, we spend the morning hiking to The Forks, at the head of the Wilkin River, where we will be met by a jet boat for an exhilarating ride back to Makarora to hook up with the rest of the group before carrying on to Queenstown. Wednesday (continued) Finish Mt. Aspiring National Park options After regrouping in Makarora, we’ll have a picnic lunch before a beautiful drive down past Lake Hawea to the shores of Lake Wanaka. We cross the mountains at Cardrona Saddle, where you will enjoy spectacular views of the Wakatipu basin, and then head through to Queenstown by mid-afternoon.
ACCOMMODATION: Queenstown apartments, Queenstown (B,L)
Makarora Adventure Option in Mt Aspiring National Park

Tuesday (continued) - Scenic flight, hike Mt. Shrimpton
If you prefer comfortable accommodation with modern amenities instead of a mountain hut, then this is the option for you. You’ll head out for a mind-blowing scenic flight into Mt. Aspiring National Park for a bird’s eye view of the lower Southern Alps. After landing down back in Makarora, you can hike the Mt. Shrimpton track. This is a steep hike with a 2500 foot (750 metre) elevation gain, but the views from above the treeline are worth it! Or you can take the afternoon to kick back, relax and soak up the mountain views from your accommodation.
ACCOMMODATION: Makarora Wilderness Resort, Makarora (B,L,D)

Wednesday Jet boat Wilkin River
After a relaxed start, we’ll take a thrilling jet boat ride up the Wilkin River, into the heart of Mt. Aspiring National Park, before hooking up with the rest of the group in Makarora and carrying on to Queenstown.


Wednesday (continued) Finish Mt. Aspiring National Park options
After regrouping in Makarora, we’ll have a picnic lunch before a beautiful drive down past Lake Hawea to the shores of Lake Wanaka. We cross the mountains at Cardrona Saddle, where you will enjoy spectacular views of the Wakatipu basin, and then head through to Queenstown by mid-afternoon.
ACCOMMODATION: Queenstown apartments, Queenstown (B,L)


Thursday Hike Ben Lomond or free day in Queenstown
Today you have two options – a full day hike or a free day to yourself – it’s up to you! For those keen for a challenging alpine hike, we’ll head up Ben Lomond Track after you’ve had breakfast. Ben Lomond, one of Queenstown’s prominent peaks, was named by the early Scottish settlers in the area who were reminded of the highlands of their home country. We hike up through forested slopes that give way to alpine tussock-land leading us to the summit of Ben Lomond. From this vantage point you’ll find yourself immersed in amazing views over Queenstown Bay and Lake Wakatipu, which are themselves dwarfed by the surrounding mountains such as Mt. Aspiring. As an alternative, you can have a free day with no activities scheduled, although we’ll certainly help with suggestions if you like. Queenstown, where ACTIVE NEW ZEALAND is based, is a great place to spend a couple of days. You’ll find all the comforts of civilisation: massage therapists, restaurants, sidewalk cafés, window-shopping and adrenaline pumping activities! You’ll also find some incredible optional activities here such as biking, hang gliding, hiking, white-water rafting, jet boating, skydiving, horse trekking, fishing and wine tours – it’s all here! Your guides can help you during the trip to book any of these optional activities. Queenstown is not a big place – the population is about 8000 – but there’s plenty to do! Or, you can do nothing and just soak up the atmosphere.
ACCOMMODATION: Queenstown apartments, Queenstown


Friday Hike Routeburn Track, cycle Hollyford Valley
This morning we head down to Te Anau for lunch, before continuing on to The Divide where we’ll hike part of the Routeburn Track. This hike gives us unsurpassed views of the Hollyford Valley, from mountains to sea, as well as Lake Marian and Mt. Christina. When we get back to the trailhead, you’ll be fitted with a 21-speed front-suspension Specialized mountain bike for a scenic ride through the Hollyford Valley. This remote and gently-rolling backcountry road is lined with unspoilt beech forest and surrounded by towering peaks – take your time or go as hard as you want – either way, this is a ride you’ll never forget! We finish up with a short hike through the forest for views of Humboldt Falls, New Zealand’s third largest waterfall. Then it’s a short drive through the Homer Tunnel, emerging at the top of a spectacular alpine road winding its way down to Milford Sound. The lush rainforest carpeting the lower slopes of the mountains gives way to the massively steep, glacier-carved slopes and waterfalls of the Darren Range. Milford Sound, rated the 8th Natural Wonder of the World by Rudyard Kipling, is breathtaking. Sheer rock walls plunge thousands of feet to the Tasman Sea and waterfalls cascade into the deep blue water. It’s basic accommodation tonight, but it’s the only place in town to stay and the location alone makes up for it!
ACCOMMODATION: Milford Lodge, Milford Sound (B,L,D)


Saturday Sea kayak Milford Sound, cycle to Lake Manapouri

It’s an early start today. Most people see Milford Sound from the deck of a cruise ship, but we’ve got a better way – gliding along in a sea kayak causing minimum disruption to the seals and dolphins, that are very friendly and often eager to visit. This is an awesome trip, run by specialist kayak outfitters, and it’s equally suitable for beginners or experts. After your morning’s paddle, we’ll have lunch before continuing on to Lake Te Anau. You’ll have a chance to cycle along the peaceful country road that meanders its way through southern farmlands to Lake Manapouri Inn, beautifully located on the lake’s edge. Again, if you prefer, you can skip the cycling and just enjoy the great views out over the lake and the surrounding mountains of Fiordland National Park.
ACCOMMODATION: Lake Manapouri Inn, Manapouri (B,L,D)

Sunday Depart for home

Well, it’s almost time to go home. We’ll leave after breakfast for the two-hour drive to Queenstown, and arrive by late morning in time for the flights back to Christchurch or Auckland. This will have been a very exhilarating week, and you’ll be buzzing with excitement but feeling relaxed and refreshed as well!

Cost $2299 plus Tax

CYCLING TOUR - SOUTHWEST COASTER

Starting in Christchurch with the Tranz Alpine train to Arthur's Pass, followed by eight days of spectacular riding through the Glacier region and over spectacular Haast Pass, this tour finishes in the beautiful Southern Lakes district around Wanaka & Queenstown. This is New Zealand's most famous & scenic multi day cycle ride known as one of the world's top five touring routes.

* 8 days of spectacular riding with up to 100kms per day

* start in Christchurch with the memorable Tranzalpine train ride to Greymouth via the spectacular Waimakariri Gorge and lush forests of Arthur's Pass National Park

* explore the snowfields feeding the 2 major glaciers which grind through bush towards the sea

* Visit the beautiful Lake Matheson famous for its sunset reflections of NZ's highest mountains

* crunch across the icy surface of these glaciers on an optional guided trip during the rest of the day

* conquer the Haast Pass before the roller-coaster descent back into the eastern valleys of Otago

* discover the history of Wanaka and Arrowtown rich in gold mining history

* celebrate the completion of the trip with your fellow cyclist in happening Queenstown before enjoying a further range of adventures just waiting for you!
 

Cost $3137 NZD

SOUTHERN ALPS TREK

There is little doubt that some of the world's finest alpine walking is found in the South Island of New Zealand. A region of untamed beauty with alpine meadows that extend to the glaciers and snowfields beneath the picture perfect summits of Mt Cook, Mt Aspiring and other peaks that form the Southern Alps.

In consultation with our local guides we have created special day walks undertaken from the comfort of base huts, and while you carry only a day pack there are many challenging options to ascend the higher flanks of the mountains. Helicopter transfers are also included to ensure we cover as much ground as possible. This is a step up from our Mountains Landscapes hiking trip with some alpine trekking, made easier by the use of our helicopter "sherpas".

Experience some of the best of New Zealand trekking in this compact 7 day hiking itinerary finishing with an awesome heli-hike from the Remarkables above Queenstown. B

* dine al fresco outside of our private hut set amidst the foothills of the Southern Alps
* trek to the summit of a 2000 metre peak with a panorama of views across the tussock lands and beautiful lakes to Mt Cook, our highest peak
* view Mt Cook from close up in the Hooker valley beneath the glacier slopes and the terminal face of the glacier
* delight in the antics of the kea, New Zealand’s mountain parrot – while at all times keeping an eye on where you last put your precious boots and personal belongings
* enjoy the awesome mountain vista of Mt Aspiring National Park and the panorama through to Lake Wanaka from the summit of Black Peak
* thrill to the delight of three heli-hikes allowing you to experience the best of hikes without the sweat of a heavy pack
* complete the journey in Queenstown, home to some of the world’s best adventures and stepping stone for more excitement

Cost $2995 NZD
 

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