Reviews of the Kauri adventure trip
from our post-trip surveys!

  Best.Trip.Ever.   Mar 10 2012

Review by Jessica Jones (Dayton, Ohio, United States) for Kauri Feb 14 2012
This was absolutely the best vacation I have ever been on and could have ever wished for. Absolutely stress free- everything was taken care of. I never had to worry about any of the details. It was fabulous to just sit back and know that everything was already set; food, accommodations, bathroom breaks. I got to see things that I had only seen in movies- but I got to see where the movies took place. It was challenging, but it was such an adventure and an adrenaline rush to reach the top of the first mountain I had ever touched in person. There is not a single negative issue about this trip. I felt comfortable and relaxed and right at home. Can I come back and live on someone's back porch???

  Thanks for the great memories.   Feb 28 2012

Review by Nicki Endriss (Indianola, Iowa, United States) for Kauri Feb 14 2012
We had a wonderful time on our Kauri Trip. Grant and Heather are awesome guides and the scenery was beautiful. The Alpine crossing is a great hike with wonderful views, being able to soak in the spa afterwards a nice touch. Thanks for the great memories.

  We're not Auzzies   Feb 28 2012

Review by Ralph Noistering (Boulder, Colorado, United States) for Kauri Jan 24 2012
Had a wonderful week on the North Island starting with a swim in the ocean, then plenty of hiking, black water rafting and great fun on the mountain bikes. Our group got on extremely well and our guide, Grant, was an ablsoute joy in the way he introduced us to your beautiful country and its culture past and present

  A magic adventure   Feb 27 2012

Review by David Endriss (Indianola, Iowa, United States) for Kauri Feb 14 2012
Our Kauri tour was indeed the trip of a lifetime! Active NZ took the logistics of the trip and made the week a magic adventure, one that we would love to enjoy again and again. Thank you!

  Action packed and lots of fun   Feb 18 2012

Review by Dave Wheeler (Trinity, Jersey, C.I., United Kingdom) for Kauri Jan 17 2012
Grant is a terrific guide (and cook!) who took great care of us. He is very knowledgeable and professional and has a great sense of humour. Anyone who can teach Stella how to mountain bike deserves a medal!

  Worth every penny!   Jan 24 2012

Review by Jeannie Silas (Indianapolis, Indiana, United States) for Kauri Jan 10 2012

  There and Back Again, a grand adventure!   Dec 25 2011

Review by Drew Brockington (Brooklyn, New York, United States) for Kauri Nov 22 2011
This trip was a great introduction into New Zealand. Our Guide made sure we got a true Kiwi experience! I loved how just an hour after we loaded the van, we were already on our first hike of the day. And the variety of activities that we did were plentiful. I would say the highlight is definitely the hike through Tongariro National Park. Though we weren't able to make the crossing due to high winds, we still pushed ourselves up 5000m to explore the volcanic lakes. The views were gorgeous.

  Five perfect days with Active NZ   Dec 6 2011

Review by Joanne Winograd (Brooklyn, New York, United States) for Kauri Nov 22 2011
We couldn't be happier with our Kauri trip in the North Island. Even though people kept telling me - "just spend all your time on the South Island" - I think booking the Kauri trip was the best decision we made. During those five days, we learned so much about NZ culture, history and geography, while becoming acclimated to the country in depth. Every day was filled with intense activity, at the exact right level of challenge where you feel deeply satisfied afterwards but not dead tired. That said, after so much activity, my head hit the pillow every night at 10PM and I slept like a rock. My favorite was the cave tubing. No, it was the "forest biking on mountain bikes." Or maybe, the hiking near the Tongariro Crossing to Lake Tama. Or was it, the delicious BBQ grilled by our guide Grant. Upon further contemplation, I just can't pick a favorite. It was that good. A few facts - I'm a relatively active female in my upper twenties, not a marathoner by any means but ready for a challenge. Also a bit of a fraidy-cat. This trip provided me with several challenging and even scary moments (jumping off a waterfall backwards in the dark!) and I loved every minute. The best way to start our honeymoon. I think we were able to enjoy our week on the South Island (on our own) because of everything we did/learned during our five days with Active NZ. Another favorite aspect of the trip - not having to decide where to go, what to eat, what to do, each day. It was planned and coordinated beautifully. I could go on and on, this trip was just great! Can we come again?

  Great way to end a World Trip   Dec 5 2011

Review by Freya Hunt-Davies (Dianella, Western Australia, Australia) for Kauri Nov 1 2011
The end of my 3 month holiday and what a way to finish it off. The Kauri trip was great fun and the guides & group were energetic, fun and up for the challenges that lay ahead. After almost 3 months of doing my own planning etc it was such a treat to have everything planned - I just had to be at breakfast and on the bus by the time Dan said! Loved it! I was very new to hiking, after taking it up in Canada on my holiday, and this trip definitely completed my new love! I sure got to work out those new poles, gaitors and waterproof pants - which came in handy when I did a few mud slides! The entertainment on our hike to Whakapapa village was the highlight. Giving the mountain biking a go was a huge amount of fun & after the warm up trip enjoyed zooming through the mud! Glow worm tubing experience took me out of my comfort zone and truly worth the internal challenge I had. Majestic! Great job to Dan and Nat who were great guides and put up with us and our shinanigans! A great tour and thank you for the best end to a 3 month holiday!

  Biking At Its Best   Dec 4 2011

Review by Lee Spencer (Parkland, Florida, United States) for Kauri Nov 15 2011
My most life threatening and enjoyable experience on this leg of our trip was the mountain biking expedition. It is rough, tough and hurts, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

  Our guide knew his stuff and the experience was great.   Dec 4 2011

Review by Cindy Phillips (Lakewood, Colorado, United States) for Kauri Nov 1 2011
With tubing, hiking, biking, hot springs, mud pots, eating, making new friends and just seeing what a beautiful country New Zealand it was a fantastic trip. Our guide knew his stuff and the experience was great.

  Always felt that we were in capable hands.   Nov 27 2011

Review by Pat Weaver-Meyers (Ardmore, Oklahoma, United States) for Kauri Nov 1 2011
Appreciated the trip's level of organization and quality of staff. Pace was perfect, not too much time in the bus, quick adjustments for changing weather and illness among the group. Dan and Natalie were personable, good natured and professional. Always felt that we were in capable hands. Food stops were marvelous and cooking excellent.

  Had an amazing trip   Nov 25 2011

Review by Alexander Bohn (South Lyon, Michigan, United States) for Kauri Nov 15 2011
It was great to see the outdoors of New Zealand. The guides were excellent and we didn't spend too much time on the bus. The schedule was packed and it was definitely worth the price.

  Wonderful Total Shaky Island Experience !   Nov 1 2011

Review by Lia Gore (Denver, Colorado, United States) for Kauri Oct 18 2011
This was an amazing, complete South Island experience from start to finish ! Physically challenging but not brutal, with a great balance of scenery, history, social commentary, hiking, biking and blackwater rafting. Can't imagine I would change a thing, and am eager to return with my family !

  A fast-paced outstanding adventure   Apr 22 2011

Review by Keith Zimmerman (APO, Texas, United States) for Kauri Apr 5 2011
Kauri is a fast-paced outstanding adventure tour of the Northern Island. Grant did a great job. It was the first time I've been on an Adventure tour with only 1 guide and he did not miss a step. Fed me, housed me, and showed me the Northern Island in all its beauty.

  New personal definition of a walk vs hike   Mar 16 2011

Review by Richard Proctor (Markham, Ontario, Canada) for Kauri Feb 8 2011
I have had to re-define my personal definition of a walk and a hike. Both were great. I never thought I could accomplish this, especially in such a beautiful place and with such great company.

  Looking forward to do more trips with Active   Mar 1 2011

Review by Anu Sheth (Lincoln, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom) for Kauri Feb 22 2011
Hi! I am really very happy to have done Tui and Kauri trips recently. Fantastic trips. I had a great time walking, hiking, cycling and kayaking in your beautiful country. Tim, Alexis and Grant were perfect guides. Very helpful and always smiling. I am looking forward to do more trips with Active New Zealand. Thanks a lot for great management. Regards, Anu.

  Had been worried about the age of rest of group, but no need   Feb 27 2011

Review by Ann Robinson (Westhead, Lancashire, United Kingdom) for Kauri Jan 25 2011
I loved the mix of activities (tried mountain biking, gave the shorts to Elle, won't try it again!), coupled with the mix of nationalities. It was a brilliant group of people. Had been worried about the age of rest of group, but no need, perhaps you could include a senior in your brochure it might give us more confidence.) The guides were superb; informative, helpful and good cooks! I need to go on a diet now. The Tongariro Crossing was wonderful, and not as difficult as expected. I loved the black water rafting, no-one at home believed that I was going into a cave in a wetsuit and rubber ring, they'd all have walked or gone in a boat. Wow, after the initial terror it was awesome. See, I even picked up some of the language! Thank you all so much, I can't wait to come back to see the other side.

  Trip a lifetime (Part Deux)   Feb 26 2011

Review by Michael Chrystof (Chicago, Illinois, United States) for Kauri Feb 8 2011
We went on this trip after finishing up the Tui on the South Island. The Kauri is a trip packed full of things to do. It's incredible what gets done in only 5 days. The Kauri is actually a tougher trip than the Tui, as there are several 19-20 kilometer hikes, interspersed with some real mountain biking. The Tongariro Crossing tramp is the one most of us called "The Pilgrimage". I also accumulated a whole bunch of new scars, by falling off a trail cliff, crashing my mountain bike, and just generally beating myself unmercifully. It was AWESOME! Perhaps the motto for this trip should be "The Kauri...That which does not kill you makes you stronger!" We loved it! Great trip!

  The Kauri trip with Grant was amazing.   Feb 26 2011

Review by Jennifer Wray (Smyrna, Georgia, United States) for Kauri Feb 8 2011
Every day's adventure was better and better. Everything was well planned, with enough flexibility to accomodate "gotchas". I was so proud of completing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing - it was a strenuous hike over amazing landscape. The day that really wrapped a smile around my head and had me picking bugs from my teeth was the mountain biking at Whakarewarewa Forest. The trails were amazing and the guides from Planet Bikes, A+. I kept a travel blog of my trip: A Southern Belle's Baedeker http://jennwray.travellerspoint.com/

  WONDERFUL   Feb 21 2011

Review by Dale Chrystof (Chicago, Illinois, United States) for Kauri Feb 8 2011
We had a great time. Our physical abilities were tested but we accomplished all we intended. Grant was a great guide, very knowledgeable and personable. We had a small group and we got along quite well.

  An outstanding trip.   Feb 12 2011

Review by Douglas Smith (Rochester, New York, United States) for Kauri Jan 11 2011
I enjoyed all aspects. The Tongariro alpine crossing was especially outstanding, but Waitomo Caves, mountain biking, and the Maori feast were also great.

  Had a great time   Feb 10 2011

Review by Loretta Byrd (city beach, Western Australia, Australia) for Kauri Jan 25 2011
Great trip, friendly and knowledgeable guides who mixed encouragement and fun. Lots of highlights, hiking, mountain biking.

  Sad So Short   Jan 29 2011

Review by Karen Bleakley (brookeville, Maryland, United States) for Kauri Jan 11 2011
What a beautiful trip Kauri was. I wish there was more time to explore. I am so glad I could squeeze in the Kauri trip. Visiting New Zealand would have been incomplete without this trip. Beautiful Tongariro Crossing is not to be missed! Mountain biking in Whakarewarewa Forest was so exciting and beautiful!

  Great even getting lost   Jan 13 2011

Review by Nic Loewe (Chicago, Illinois, United States) for Kauri Jan 4 2011
Trip was awesome, met lots of great people, learned some new music, had a great time on the adventures. Your country is beautiful. My personal favorite was the mountain biking. Even though our guides got a little lost, I had a great time. My only suggestion -- just because I am an adrenaline junkie -- is to offer more exciting options, don't get me wrong I loved all the hikes and adventures. I just like to do a little more extreme stuff, for example in the Caves offer the rappelling option. I also had a suggestion on the communication. There were times that I was confused on where to meet or what we're doing next. The food was fantastic the whole trip. Loved the home cooking of Gwyneth and the restaurants were great. Thanks Jordan for introducing the Black Seeds to me. I love the whole album. Tour guides are great people and had lots of good info about the environment. Wish I could go again tomorrow!!!

  Very positive   Jan 11 2011

Review by Andrea Burns (Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, United States) for Kauri Dec 21 2010
We loved all the hikes and the knowledgeable guides added so much to our trip. It was a great family trip for us to share with our college age kids. We highly recommend it!

  "Sweet As"   Dec 28 2010

Review by Tracey Brundrett (Houston, Texas, United States) for Kauri Nov 23 2010
It was truly the trip of a lifetime! We enjoyed all the activities and really appreciated the opportunity to experience them at our comfort level. Grant and Jaclyn were lots of fun, knowledgeable and really good cooks.

  Good, really enjoyed it   May 5 2012

Review by Sarina Omar (Singapore) for Kauri Apr 3 2012

  Gorgeous scenery & great hikes   May 3 2012

Review by Pam Schroeder (Ricmond, Illinois, United States) for Kauri Mar 20 2012

  Good, really enjoyed it   Apr 26 2012

Review by Debby Church (Ricmond, Illinois, United States) for Kauri Mar 20 2012

  Good, really enjoyed it   Apr 19 2012

Review by Steve Caswell (Davis, California, United States) for Kauri Apr 3 2012

  Good, really enjoyed it   Apr 15 2012

Review by Robert Armbruster (Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States) for Kauri Mar 20 2012
I had a great time with only limitation related to weather. High winds and visibility did not allow us to walk Tongariro crossing. Grant was an awesome guide and introduced us to rugby. Incidentally, I did lose my reading glasses in case they are found. (brown frames in blue case, probably w ear plugs, eye cover when I removed them from backpack in Rotorua lodge). I would highly recommend this to a friend!

  Good, really enjoyed it   Apr 12 2012

Review by Bobbie Singleton (wooster, Ohio, United States) for Kauri Apr 3 2012

  Kauri March 2012   Apr 7 2012

Review by Shona Haydon (Wakefield, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom) for Kauri Mar 20 2012
Don't ignore the North Island would be my advice to anyone travelling to New Zealand for the first time. It has it's own special attributes and charm and enables the cultural as well as the 'active' side of New Zealand to be explored. Despite getting soaked by the rain and blown around by the wind this proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable trip. It offers a diverse experience from culture and traditionally cooked food to walking through native forrests, driving through rollling green hills created from past volcanic activity, a first hand appreciation of geothermal activity, the adrenaline rush of forrest biking and a trip to the Waitomo caves. Another suggestion would be don't pass up on any of the activities as they are what makes this trip exciting and allow friendships to be made through shared experiences: I don't think I've screamed and laughed so much simultaneously as when forrest biking - awesome! The only negative point for me about this trip was that it was over too soon! Kauri is short and sweet but somehow we managed to see and do an awful lot, gaining a feel of the main aspects of North Island in just 5 days, so it probably should remain this way.

  Good, really enjoyed it   Apr 6 2012

Review by Jorge Alvarez (Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States) for Kauri Mar 20 2012

  Good, really enjoyed it   Mar 26 2012

Review by Erika Gisel (Montreal, Quebec, Canada) for Kauri Mar 13 2012

  Good, really enjoyed it   Mar 21 2012

Review by Laureen Darr (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) for Kauri Mar 13 2012

  Good, really enjoyed it   Mar 10 2012

Review by Anke Rommerskirch (Lakewood, Colorado, United States) for Kauri Feb 14 2012

  Good, really enjoyed it   Mar 8 2012

Review by Patty Nakaoki (Boise, Idaho, United States) for Kauri Feb 21 2012
I would prefer to remain anonymous

  Well balanced trip   Mar 2 2012

Review by Jeremy Williams (United States) for Kauri Jan 24 2012
I think the balance between physical activity, culture, and free time was just right. The people I met on the trip were amazing. I would definitely go on another trip with Active NZ!

  Wow, three days of hard rain and I still had a great time.   Mar 1 2012

Review by Bronwyn Myers (Boise, Idaho, United States) for Kauri Feb 21 2012
Wow, three days of hard rain and I still had a great time.

  Glad we did both the Rimu and the Kauri   Feb 2 2012

Review by Kay Tung (St Louis, Missouri, United States) for Kauri Dec 6 2011
North and South Island are so different. Glad we did both the Rimu and the Kauri

  A great time exploring North Island with a fabulous guide   Feb 2 2012

Review by Eric Schindler (Tucson, Arizona, United States) for Kauri Jan 24 2012
We had an active, exciting, fun, and enjoyable Kauri trip, made even better by the competence, professionalism and spirit of our guide Grant. Learned a lot about New Zealand and got to see so much in five days that passsed too quickly. Highly recommended adventure!

  A break would have been nice!   Jan 26 2012

Review by Bob Burton (Overstrand, Norfolk, United Kingdom) for Kauri Jan 3 2012
I went straight from the Rimu trip to the Kauri trip. They were both great but if I was doing it again I would take an extra week in between the two. Wouldn't have wanted to miss either though.

  Kauri trip - While not as 'exciting' as the South Island...   Jan 14 2012

Review by Saad Iqbal (Dubai, United Arab Emirates) for Kauri Nov 22 2011
While not as 'exciting' as the South Island there's much to see in the North such as the volcanoes and Maori culture, and the Kauri trip gives one a good taste of that. While the southern part of the North Island is not visited (so no Mount Taranaki) one sees enough of the North Island on the trip to get an overall sense of the island in a short period of time.

  Worth the wait!   Dec 10 2011

Review by Lisa Vanderheyden (Arvada, Colorado, United States) for Kauri Nov 1 2011
While I was totally unprepared for how steep New Zealand is. . . I had a fabulous time on the North Island. Our group of 8 was the perfect size and composition for fun. Grant showed us the fun and the beauty of the area. The blackwater rafting was a kick, and we learned a lot about the trees, plants & birds of the area. I am so impressed by how much effort the guides put into the trips. Grant took great care of us and made sure we had all we needed.

  And, thusly, we toured the North Island   Nov 29 2011

Review by Elena Rosenfeld (Johnstown, Colorado, United States) for Kauri Nov 1 2011
Kauri is a good way to experience a section of the North Island. As noted by others, there is a lot of on-the-road time mixed with the hiking, caving, and biking. However, the hikes are long and the activities fit the theme. So, if you don't mind some drive-time and your focus is to be out and active in a natural setting, you will likely enjoy this tour.

  North Island   Nov 29 2011

Review by Wulf Franke (Haar, Bavaria, Germany) for Kauri Nov 15 2011
Fun trip!

  Just a bit less intense would have been good for me.   Nov 27 2011

Review by Dee Kubulins (Hingham, Massachusetts, United States) for Kauri Nov 1 2011
The trip was well organized, great guides and good places to stay. I'm 59 and in good shape, but I would have liked one day off. The hikes were fine, and so was the mountain biking. There are options if you want to take it slower or be more aggressive, so express you wishes to the guides.

  Good tour of the North Island   Nov 27 2011

Review by Ed Kubulins (Hingham, Massachusetts, United States) for Kauri Nov 1 2011
This was an enjoyable trip with some nice long hikes. The mountain biking was incredible as was the black-water rafting in Waitomo Caves. If you want to pack a lot of activities into a few days, Kauri is a good option.

  North Island in a nut shell   Nov 24 2011

Review by Gary Cambridge (Ilderton, Ontario, Canada) for Kauri Nov 15 2011
Wonderful trip, value incredible. Only down side -- not hiking the Tongariro pass, mother nature was NOT working with us on that one. My only negative and it is a personal, would have rathered mountain biked more in that wonderful forest than do the afternoon walk.

  Great trip!   Nov 3 2011

Review by Meg Macy (Denver, Colorado, United States) for Kauri Oct 18 2011
Wonderful way to see a good portion of what the North Island has to offer in a relatively short period of time.

  Kauri compact but comprehensive   Oct 13 2011

Review by Iain Maclean (Vaux-sur-morges, Switzerland, Switzerland) for Kauri Oct 4 2011
Lots compressed into 4.5 days. Left us wanting more, yearning for longer in New Zealand! There's so much we didn't manage to see. Impeccable guiding, overcame our frustrations with the weather and not managing over the top at Tongarino; round the side almost as rewarding!

  Kauri=Chalk full of adventure!   Oct 11 2011

Review by Justin Ruzic (FPO/ AE, Not In Us Or Canada, United States Minor Outlying Islands) for Kauri Oct 4 2011
ACTIVE NZ Packs a lot into a 5 day adventure to include a couple huge trail hikes to include one about 23km (if you're willing), an exhilarating mountain bike tour, walking through some active thermal areas, and a tubing trip down a blackout cave. There are also some alternatives if you would like as well.... I opted to pay extra and do a full day guided fishing tour instead of the Tongariro pass and my wife decided to take the (free) alternative trip to the Polynesian Spa instead of Mountain Biking the Whakarewarewa Forest. Our guide, Grant, was not only a great guide and extremely knowledgeable he was a wonderful cook and made for good company on the hikes, he catered to the diverse needs of the group and was able to make everyone happy. He made arrangements for my guided fishing trip and took care of the rest of the group on their extra activities as well... a real logistician if you ask me!! The best part of the trip was definitely the camaraderie built within the group. A few friendships made for a lifetime!

  I regularly take guided adventure travel trips   May 1 2011

Review by Kezia Samuel (Apt 3c, New York, United States) for Kauri Mar 8 2011
Loved all the activities except for the hike on the first day. I think there could be a better alternative.

  Good   Apr 14 2011

Review by Tom Waller (North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada) for Kauri Apr 5 2011
I regularly take guided adventure travel trips. The highlight of the trip was the Tongariro Crossing.

  Glad I did it!   Apr 10 2011

Review by Elia Sanjume (Alexandria, Virginia, United States) for Kauri Mar 8 2011
I enjoyed the trip and thought it was a well-rounded and activity-filled jaunt around North Island. Glad I did it!

  Simply awesome!   Feb 22 2011

Review by Andy Stoneman (Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom) for Kauri Jan 4 2011
I combined Active New Zealand's five day 'Kauri' adventure on the North Island with their fourteen day 'Rimu' tour of the South Island and threw in a few cities of my own (Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington). The result was simply awesome! Biking on the trails through Whakarewarewa forest and donning a wet suit, helmet and headlamp to explore an underground rivers running through the Waitomo Caves have to be two of my favourites from the North Island. On the South Island, the three day St Angelus hike was tough but hugely rewarding. The first day was a fairly flat hike along the shore of the lake to Lake Head Hut where we stayed the night. We rose at first light (around 5am) and were on our way after breakfast. Wading through a couple of rivers before a fairly relentless four hour uphill trek until we reached our lunch spot. After lunch it got steeper and we were forced to scramble over rocks and scree for another four hours before we arrived at a beautiful ice cold lake near the summit. As we collapsed exhausted in to St Angelus hut our guide produced a bottle of champagne from his rucksack and we congratulated ourselves on making it this far. But there was more to come. We breakfasted and were on our way to the summit by 7:15am the following morning. It was a tough climb, almost vertical in places, until we reached the ridge-line and what our guide called the 'technical' part of the hike - narrow pathways with almost sheer drops! As we reached the valley the sense of accomplishment was amazing and we celebrated that evening with fish and chips and a few beers! The Mueller hike and the views of Mount Cook (where Sir Edmund Hilary trained before he conquered Everest) were also spectacular - and a great place to take some photos. I met some really great people on both of the tours and our guides worked really hard to ensure everyone had a fantastic time. This is one holiday I will be talking about for sometime to come!

  Overview of North Island   Feb 19 2011

Review by Catherine Milton (Palo Alto, California, United States) for Kauri Jan 25 2011
Great way to get a quick overview of the North Island. The hikes were terrific -- especially the Alpine Crossing. Terrific guide and group.

  It's changed my view on group tours.   Jan 29 2011

Review by Jo Hall (London, London, United Kingdom) for Kauri Jan 4 2011
Great trip, met some fantastic people with similar interests, activities were great and adapted if you weren't up to the full hike, etc. Food was fantastic! Would definitely do it again :-)

  We were well fed!   Jan 19 2011

Review by Michelle Roberts (Los Gatos, California, United States) for Kauri Jan 4 2011
Things didn't always go to plan, but I still had a good time and really enjoyed our group camaraderie. I felt like the pace was sometimes too fast, it's good to be active but having time to take in the beautiful scenery is important too!

  Very good - Jordon and Gwyneth were really brilliant.   Jan 17 2011

Review by Adrian Green (Waltham on the Wolds, Leicestershire, United Kingdom) for Kauri Jan 4 2011
We had a really enjoyable time on our Kauri trip and was part of a really great group who all got on so well. Our group leaders Jordon and Gwyneth were fantastic and loads of fun. The biggest disappointment, which was outside anyone's control, was the appalling weather on the day we should have done the crossing, which meant that part was cancelled, which was a great shame but at least it means we'll all have to come back another time to do it.

  Very solid.   Jan 10 2011

Review by Pravin Rao (Oak Park, Illinois, United States) for Kauri Dec 7 2010
Really enjoyed the trip. Our guide - Grant - was a great sport. Calm. Cool. Collected. Really explained lots of details as we went. Solid. Would recommend.

  More clarity regarding the level of fitness   Jan 9 2011

Review by Beth Flanzbaum (Framingham, Massachusetts, United States) for Kauri Dec 28 2010
I thought the trips were exceptionally well organized and that there was real focus on seeing the country. I wish that there had been more clarity regarding the level of fitness that would be required. Grant went out of his way to accommodate my abilities. At first I felt that Grant was disinterested in the group. He seemed to warm up a bit and went out of his way and climbed with me due to my asthma.I wish that I could have done more of the hikes.

  Excellent   Jan 4 2011

Review by Janet Hammer (Wellesley, Ontario, Canada) for Kauri Nov 30 2010
Good experience mtn biking for first time.

  Highlight was the mountain biking   Dec 24 2010

Review by John Hammer (Wellesley, Ontario, Canada) for Kauri Nov 30 2010
Trip was good however because of the plane delay we missed the first day and a half so it is hard to know what we missed. We would like to really thank you for getting us back on the tour as quick as possible after our plane delay.

  1 country but 2 very different islands   Dec 10 2010

Review by Bill Stainton (Carlisle, Cumbria, United Kingdom) for Kauri Nov 16 2010
Worthwhile trying to combine a South (Tui) and North Island trip to get a taste of everything NZ has to offer - neither will disappoint and such a contrast.

  I'm really glad I took this trip.   Nov 18 2010

Review by Mike Foust (Sanford, North Carolina, United States) for Kauri Oct 26 2010
I was very pleased with the trip. I had high expectations based on previous knowledge and, if anything, they were exceeded. Paul ranks with the best guides I have had on any trip, and there have been some fine ones. Extremely well organized and knowledgeable. The North Island may be a bit overshadowed by the South, but it has a lot going for it and I thoroughly enjoyed the time there.

  Kauri good value for the money   Apr 12 2011

Review by Jack Knies Jr (Guilford, Connecticut, United States) for Kauri Mar 8 2011
Really enjoyed the Maori feast, and the alternative to biking (the Te Whakareware), Thermal Village And Caving at Waitomo Caves.

  Need to include more   Feb 1 2011

Review by Susana Llerena (Walton on Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom) for Kauri Dec 28 2010
This trip does not have enough activities, the hike (I won't call it a hike) around Lake Okataina did not like it, there has to be more beautiful real hikes around the area.

  Good stuff but a little rushed   Jan 26 2011

Review by Gustavo Azevedo (Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) for Kauri Jan 4 2011
The trip has a lot of good activities, but there are some activities that could be cut out so we could enjoy the good ones a little more and perhaps rest a little too. :-D

  Pretty good   Dec 10 2010

Review by Peter McHugh (Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States) for Kauri Nov 30 2010
The good stuff: Tour leader was personable, organized and informative. He always had a 'plan b' for me if I wasn't up for the main activity. Some of the hikes were too strenuous for me, but there was always an easier alternative. He made satisfying breakfasts and lunches. The not as good stuff: I thought my 'single' would include a single unit, not just a single room in a double unit. It was a bit of a surprise, but I adjusted. Tour leader was my 'housemate' and was very thoughtful. Overall a good trip that I would do again.

  Too much for us   Apr 29 2012

Review by Sue Milbourne (Strafford, Pennsylvania, United States) for Kauri Apr 3 2012
The trip required a much greater level of fitness than we were led to believe, and although my husband was ill, I don't believe he could have done the activites if he had been well. I think you need to be much more honest about what is required. Even though there are less strenuous options, it is no fun to be in a group where others do things which you can't participate in. Our guides were wonderful and did all that they could given the situation, including taking us to the Dr for my husband 2 times, but the trip was certainly too much for him, and perhaps a stretch for me. We were told that we'd be fine if we could walk 2 miles and climb stairs. That is not accurate as a criteria to enjoy the trip. One might get by with that level of fitness, but it wouldn't allow for being able to keep up with the group and fully experience what is plannned to do. Our sitution was difficult as my husband got sick, but I believe the stress of trying to keep pace with such a young and very active group made him feel worse. I know that age is not an accurate measure of fitness, but it does matter. I think that you might consider offering a 50+ trip if there isnenough interest. We love doing active things or we would not have signed up for the trip, but as we became concerned about keeping up with such an young group ( I called and asked the ages of those in our group) we were given encouragement and information which just wasn't adequate or fair. Everyone on the active team was very nice and we liked them, however I think it was a set up for failure given our ages and those of our group.

  Formatised and formalised tour   Apr 27 2011

Review by Ann McLeod (Crieff, Perthshire, Scotland, United Kingdom) for Kauri Mar 22 2011
The quality of the trip itinerary was way below expectations, particularly in terms of accommodation. Accommodation was NOT off the beaten track. Hiking was good, but hardly challenging, apart from the 'crossing'. Our guide gave the impression of one who has been doing the job too long and appeared to just go through the motions.