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- Operator
- Active Adventures
- Active
- Thrilling adventures designed to keep you moving
- Group Tour
- Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
- Fully Guided
- An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
- Guided in English
- Group Size 3 - 14
- Age range 16 to 90
Highlights
- Go for a hike and say hello to a fur seal colony in Kaikoura
- Kayak on the crystal-clear waters of mystical Milford Sound
- Go for a hike in the winter wonderland of Franz Josef Glacier
Itinerary
- Introduction
- Day 1 Arrive, visit Gore Bay and explore Kaikoura
- Day 2 (morning): Visit vineyard, start multi-day options
- Day 2 to 4: Option B, Nelson Lakes Experience: The Rotoiti Circuit (extra fee applies)
- Day 2 to 4: Option A, Nelson Lakes Hiking: The Angelus Circuit
- Day 2 3 and 4: Multi-day hiking options
- Day 4 (afternoon): Finish multi-day backpacking
- Day 5 Hike Punakaiki Rainforest, explore Hokitika
- Day 6 Kayak Okarito Lagoon, hike coastal forest and beach
- Day 7 Hike near Franz Josef Glacier
- Day 8 Hike Rocky Mountain
- Day 9 Free day in Queenstown
- Day 10 Hike Kepler Track
- Day 11 Milford Sound Cruise, Hike Key Summit
- Day 12 Journey over Lindis Pass, Bike the Alps to Ocean trail
- Day 13 Hike Aoraki Mt Cook National Park
- Day 14 Depart for home
What's Included
- Accommodation
- Guide
- Meals
- Additional Services
- Free eSIMTourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Transport
Operated by
Active Adventures
Number of tours
51
Age Range
6 to 99 years old
Response time
within 2 days
Response rate
100%
Our aim is to share with you the grandeur of the outdoors, the joy of...
Read moreCustomer Reviews
- Overall RatingExcellent
- ItineraryExcellent
- GuideExcellent
- TransportExcellent
- AccommodationExcellent
- FoodExcellent
- LILarry· December 3rd, 2022Well organized trip with great guides that hit...Show moreTrip date: November 2022
- ACarol· June 4th, 2014Combining the Kauri and Rimu trips for a month long adventure in New Zealand was the perfect choice!Show moreTrip date: March 2014
- ALynsey· April 5th, 2016As a keen hiker turned tramper Active Adventures certainly helped me discover and explore 'Shangri-la' and I feel blessed to be a short 3hr flight away living just north of Sydney - I will return!Show moreTrip date: March 2016
- AKeri· November 18th, 2013My husband and I had such a great time on the Rimu trip. I truly believe we saw all of the highlights of the South Island, and because our group was so small we were able to sneak in a few other stops too. Our tour leaders were top notch. Andrew (lead guide) gave us such a rich history of New Zealand that when we were on our own for another week after the trip, we were telling other people about the things we learned. Mel is such a fantastic cook, I felt like we were treated with restaurant-worthy meals every night she cooked! Definitely recommending to others and will also look into other places Active Adventures goes...Show moreTrip date: October 2013
- AKristina· November 23rd, 2013I didn't want it to end!!! New Zealand is an amazing country, and the best way to experience the most you can in two weeks is to take the Rimu trip with Active Adventures!Show moreTrip date: April 2013
- ANancy· November 24th, 2013Every night I went to bed thinking it wasn't possible to be any more stunned by the scenery and diversity of New Zealand and everyday, I saw more. Words can't do justice to how special this place is. Not just the scenery but some of the warmest people I have ever met.Show moreTrip date: April 2013
- AStephanie· November 25th, 2013Active did an excellent job encompassing the full flavor of the South Island. I really feel I saw it all. The variety of locations and activities maintained excitement through the entire trip. Andrew and Mel were the best guides I've ever had on a tour and I have traveled the globe. I would recommend Active!Show moreTrip date: October 2013
- ARobin· November 29th, 2013Our Rimu trip was incredible. We got lucky with amazing weather for all of our activities (even the rain in Milford Sound didn't stop us). The trip definitely challenged me and it felt great each time I accomplished a climb, a bike ride or a morning of kayaking. GT and Nicole took great care of us and the meals were outstanding. I couldn't have asked for a better adventure.Show moreTrip date: November 2013
- AKimberly· January 12th, 2013The Rimu trip was awesome! Great variety, great activities, great guides.Show moreTrip date: November 2013
- ACatherine· March 12th, 2013This has to be one of my all time trips of a lifetime. The tour was extremely well organised, the places visited were amazing and the tour leaders were incredible. If only I could do it all over again.Show moreTrip date: November 2013
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What our customers ask about this tour
The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.- V
Vanessa
Asked on August 28th, 2024Is £5699+854 the price for a solo traveller?
Active AdventuresOperator•Written August 2024This departure will only have the 'Comfort' option available and the trip cost is EUR 6,899 per person. If you are looking to upgrade to a single supplement the trip cost is EUR 8,799.
- T
Tony
Asked on January 6th, 2024looking around a sept to oct time frame for trip. I will be traveling alone, is there a single supplement additional charge? cost of heli hike on day 7? cost of option b on day 2-4? just to clarify, on hikes, remaining gear is transported to next destination
- Active AdventuresOperator•Written January 2024
Traveling alone is not a problem, and we do not charge a single supplement if you're happy to share a room with another solo traveler of the same gender. The price for the heli-hike is US$499 + tax, there is no cost for Option B - It is the same regardless of which option you choose for days 2-4.
- T
Tony
Traveler•Written January 2024thanks...but it does sound like there is a single supplement if one does not want to share a room. What is that charge please? and please confirm the transport of gear to next spot on days hiking.
- Active AdventuresOperator•Written January 2024
The single supplement for the 'Ultimate South Island Adventure' is US$1799 + tax. Your luggage is transported for you from place to place. However, if you chose to do the 'Backcountry' option for Days 2-4, you will need to carry a larger trekking pack with what you would need for those few days plus a small share of the food - Your main luggage would be stored.
- T
Tony
Traveler•Written February 2024No. I need to meet people in Dunedin on 15 October. Any other suggestions? I'm willing to explore north island as well but do not want to spent too much time in bus and want to walk or hike or? And nicer accommodations.
- Active AdventuresOperator•Written February 2024
How about our Ultimate North Island Adventure, that runs from Sep 24 - Oct 4?
T4 more answers - A
Amelia
Asked on November 8th, 2023are all the hellecopter rides included
- Active AdventuresOperator•Written November 2023
The Heli-Hike is an optional extra which you are welcome to add on. The cost is US $499 + tax. This can be added at time of booking only.
- A
Amelia
Traveler•Written November 2023on the day 7 of the for the helicopter ride it does not say anything about an extra cost i was thnnking it was part of the tour
- Active AdventuresOperator•Written November 2023
The heli-hike is extremely popular and must be reserved at time of booking only. Please note also there is a weight limit of 115kg (250 pounds).
A2 more answers - A
Amanda
Asked on June 18th, 2023What is the average length of the hikes
- Active AdventuresOperator•Written June 2023
the lengths of our hikes vary depending on the day and which hiking option you choose. I have included our trip itinerary which outlines the hiking distances each day. The itinerary also has an FAQ section at the end which also helps clarify some of our most common questions.
- G
Gregory
Asked on February 18th, 2023Do I have to pay taxes to join the New Zealand tour
- Active AdventuresOperator•Written February 2023
All NZ tours are subject to government Goods and Services Tax. This 15% tax is added to the retail price of this tour.
- C
Chelsea
Asked on January 3rd, 2023Is this combination common with other travellers and can you provide transport between Christchurch to Aukland?
- C
Chelsea
Traveler•Written January 2023We reviewed the Itinerary more closely to realise that the hiking distances everyday would be beyond us.
- Active AdventuresOperator•Written January 2023
Yes, it is possible to combine both the North and South Island tours. We have scheduled our North Island departures to line up with the beginning and end dates of our South island tours to allow the flexibility to book both islands.
1 more answer - J
Jade
Asked on November 23rd, 2022Is this tour suitable for someone who is 70 years old?
- Active AdventuresOperator•Written November 2022
Many of our travellers are 70 years old and they absolutely love this itinerary. If you have a moderate level of fitness and enjoy hiking then this trip is perfect. We have lots of flexibility and guests can hike at their own pace.
- G
Glenn
Asked on November 9th, 2022Is my trip on 13th of february (Ultimative South Island) surely taking place? I don't see any reviews from the last months. May be, that you have to cancel it because there are not yet enough people joining that trips?
- Active AdventuresOperator•Written November 2022
Your trip is a full departure and will run as scheduled. Recent reviews have not been published because we have not run this trip over the past 2 years due to the pandemic. We have resumed running this tour and we'll be in full swing by the time your trip departs.
- J
Jeffrey
Asked on September 21st, 2022Is the 16th of January 2023 available? What kind of transport do you use for this tour?
- Active AdventuresOperator•Written September 2022
There is space for 2 travellers on 16 January 2023 and this trip is also a confirmed departure. We use a small mini-bus for transport from one location to another. The bus is roomy but small enough for lots of guide and guest interaction.
- T
Theresa
Asked on February 10th, 2022I am really exited to do this trip, but there are some more questions: 1. What is the average age of people doing this journey in Februar? 2. Can I use an electric bike on the bike-tour? 3. How much would be the amount to pay for a Single room, when possible? 4. What do I have to pay, if NZ closes again because of Covid?
- Active AdventuresOperator•Written February 2022
1. The average age range on this trip is between 50-70 years old and we usually have a diverse range of people who join this trip. 2. No, we don't have electric bikes available for the biking section. The biking we classify as easy to moderate riding that is fully vehicle supported making it easy to go at your own pace and or stop whenever you would like. 3. Depending on which currency you prefer to pay in here are the prices for a single room: USD$1,399 plus tax, EU€1249 plus tax. 4. Full payment is required 90 days prior to the trip departing. If NZ borders close due to Covid, you can switch your departure date to any date in the future. The deposit is non-refundable but other funds will be refundable as per standard booking conditions. We don't anticipate borders closing being an issue as borders are set to open to all international travels in Oct 22.
Good to Know
Tour ID: 171905
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