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

  Great Guides, Amazing Scenery & Super Traveling Companions   May 3 2012

Review by Pam Schroeder (Ricmond, Illinois, United States) for Manuka Mar 5 2012
I think the title of my review says it all! It's so true that the guides can "make or break" your travel experience and we were so lucky to have the very best in Lofty and Kate. We took almost 5000 photos on our Manuka trip, with each view being better than the last. The final component to having an awesome time certainly has to do with the group you're with out there and ours was outstanding. Thanks to Active New Zealand for definitely making this the trip of a lifetime.

  Awesome, the trip of a lifetime!   Apr 24 2012

Review by Debby Church (Ricmond, Illinois, United States) for Manuka Mar 5 2012

  Awesome, the trip of a lifetime!   Mar 22 2012

Review by Angie McGinnis (Portland, Oregon, United States) for Manuka Mar 5 2012

  Awesome, the trip of a lifetime!   Mar 18 2012

Review by Toni Mermer (Cayucos, California, United States) for Manuka Feb 20 2012

  Manuka Feb 20, 2012   Mar 17 2012

Review by Jim Austin (West Chester, Pennsylvania, United States) for Manuka Feb 20 2012
Awesome trip - loved the experience.

  Thank you   Mar 17 2012

Review by Judy Austin (West Chester, Pennsylvania, United States) for Manuka Feb 20 2012
Thank you for giving us such a wonderful view of New Zealand. Our Manuka tour of two weeks managed to provide a picture of NZ's beautiful landscape diversity. We hiked by sparkling lakes, through green and luscious rainforests, along coastal shores with pounding waves, and up onto mountain trails with stunning overviews. With thoughtful and knowledgeable guides, it was an absolutely awesome trip. Thank you.

  Awesome, the trip of a lifetime!   Mar 17 2012

Review by Barbara Heublein (Cayucos, California, United States) for Manuka Feb 20 2012

  Awesome, the trip of a lifetime!   Mar 14 2012

Review by for Manuka Feb 20 2012

  Awesome, the trip of a lifetime!   Mar 14 2012

Review by Bette Bardeen (Cayucos, California, United States) for Manuka Feb 20 2012

  Awesome, the trip of a lifetime!   Mar 13 2012

Review by Joanne Riester (Cayucos, California, United States) for Manuka Feb 20 2012

  Stretching my abilities!   Mar 6 2012

Review by Susan Levitin (Chicago, Illinois, United States) for Manuka Feb 6 2012
The trip exceeded all my expectations and really stretched my comfort level so that I finished with a huge sense of accomplishment. I was older than the other members of my group and had little experience with elevation. By the end of the two weeks I felt much stronger and definitely more confident. The members of my group and the guides were very special people and we really enjoyed each others company. I felt that Active New Zealand had organized the trip very well and I was surprised and pleased by the quality of the meals. I chose the Hollyford Trail which I found to be absolutely magical. Overall I really loved the trip.

  So many great plants!   Feb 11 2012

Review by Margareta Sequin (Berkeley, California, United States) for Manuka Jan 23 2012
Hiking through forests of fern trees, up to alpine meadows, and along pristine beaches allowed me to thoroughly enjoy the scenery - and gave me time to admire the fabulous plant life (my special interest).

  A rich and wonderful experience!   Feb 10 2012

Review by Carlo Sequin (Berkeley, California, United States) for Manuka Jan 23 2012
Even though the trip lasted only 13 full days, it was filled with a month's worth of great experiences!

  Great Trip   Jan 31 2012

Review by Julie Bixby (Santa Cruz, California, United States) for Manuka Dec 19 2011
This was a wonderful trip. Everything from the food, staff, views, and especially the hiking. I have not stopped recommending this trip since I got back. I loved every minute of it. This was a great way to tour the South Island and I would do it again.

  Hope to see you again   Jan 8 2012

Review by Carina Olausson-Wigley (Hamburg, Germany) for Manuka Dec 19 2011
Travelling with Active is like being taken care of by good friends. The guides are attentive to all needs including eating habits, lost items, small problems etc. I was very impressed by the friendly professionalism of the Active staff. The places we visited were awesome and the variety stunning: glaciers, rivers, beaches, mountains and lakes. I have recommended Active to my friends and look forward to future trips with your organisation.

  The best way to see the NZ you can't see from a bus   Jan 7 2012

Review by Robert Bixby (Santa Cruz, California, United States) for Manuka Dec 19 2011
Small parts of the the magnificence of New Zealand can be glimpsed from a tour bus, but in order to see the incredible beauty of the country and the views of glaciers and waterfalls that only a small fraction of tourists ever get to see, you need to travel with Active New Zealand. If you love to hike and get to vistas that take your breath away, this is your company. Review the itineraries carefully to match your level of endurance as the trips vary quite a bit.

  It doesn't get any better than this   Dec 31 2011

Review by Harriett Switzer (San Pedro, California, United States) for Manuka Nov 28 2011
From the moment the trip started, it was amazing. The beauty of the South Island, the friendly people of New Zealand and our incredible guides, Ben and Cristina, all combined to make this be one of my all-time favorite trips! The itinerary was outstanding, the accommodations were always comfortable and the variety was a joy. I cannot say enough great things about our guides - they were so much fun to be with, knowledgeable about the area and Cristina's cooking was some of the best I have ever had! I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone with a spirit of adventure and a love of hiking in beautiful surroundings.

  Add Manuka to your Bucket List!   Dec 21 2011

Review by Pamela Uppill (Balaklava , South Australia, Australia) for Manuka Nov 28 2011
Fantastic introduction to the South Island of NZ! Great variety in landscape, walks, & accomodation. Excellent guides with extensive range of knowledge & skills. Wonderful cruisine considering the location at times. Small group touring is the way to go! Just a fantastic time with my new friends! Pam from Adelaide

  Hard Core Active   Dec 4 2011

Review by Lee Spencer (Parkland, Florida, United States) for Manuka Oct 31 2011
Hiking over 10 miles every day in tenuous conditions over foreboding terrain in all types of adverse weather is only for the hard core outdoor activist. Ask for Liz as your guide, she is a fireball and I could eat her up.

  I appreciated the small group and very personal attention.   Apr 11 2011

Review by Deb Broocks (Yamhill, Oregon, United States) for Manuka Feb 28 2011
This trip fulfilled my dream of experiencing the natural wonders of New Zealand. I loved the homey lodgings and the great attention (and cooking!) from our guides. The variety of scenery and ecosystems was fabulous.

  Outstanding tour   Mar 27 2011

Review by Karen Chenchin (Pukalani, Hawaii, United States) for Manuka Feb 28 2011
We loved our 13-day Manuka tour. Our guides Lauren and H were amazing; organized, knowledgeable and flexible. Meals, lodging and pace was well planned although we wish we had more hiking and less time in Greymouth and Hokitika. We thought the Milford Track was the highlight of the tour!

  I will judge other trips based on the wonderful experience I had   Mar 22 2011

Review by Ann Russell (Seattle, Washington, United States) for Manuka Feb 28 2011
This trip was a 60th birthday present from my husband (who stayed behind in the US since it was a girlfriends-who-left-their-husbands-behind-only trip). I was a bit concerned about being in shape but I must have prepared well and loved every moment of the trip (sandflies are the exception). The guides were so encouraging and went at the pace that suited all levels of activity. For anyone who thinks they will lose any weight on this trip, they are wrong! Although we expended a large amount of calories daily, we replaced it with large amounts of amazing food mostly cooked by our terrific guide, Heather.

  It was all that I hoped   Mar 16 2011

Review by Richard Proctor (Markham, Ontario, Canada) for Manuka Feb 14 2011
This trip was great. The duration was perfect and so were the hikes chosen. The guides and hikers were great and all got along well. Optional activities offered were a good mix.

  A beautiful adventure   Mar 15 2011

Review by Betsy Bouvel (Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, United States) for Manuka Feb 14 2011
Definitely a trip of a lifetime! I was so surprised at how varied the landscape is in the South Island. This was the best way for me to really experience the beauty of New Zealand and get a chance to meet some wonderful people.

  I had not expected the home-cooked gourmet meals.   Mar 13 2011

Review by Diane Shuey (New Market, Maryland, United States) for Manuka Feb 14 2011
Not only was the food delicious, but the presentation and garnishes were first class. Magnus' pavolva was to die for. My grandchildren will be impressed when I show them the Tim Tam Slam I learned from Magnus. And I like the fact that there was always a basket of fresh fruit and other snacks on the bus. Linas and Magnus were a great team and great fun.

  Responsive to the group and great pacing.   Mar 1 2011

Review by Pat Petersen (North Kingstown, Rhode Island, United States) for Manuka Jan 17 2011
Everyone asks what was the best thing about the trip, and my answer usually is that EVERYONE was so incredibly friendly and genuine. Lina, our guide, even loaned me her hiking shoes for virtually the entire trip when mine fell apart.

  Wow   Feb 27 2011

Review by Ann Robinson (Westhead, Lancashire, United Kingdom) for Manuka Jan 31 2011
I can't believe I've done all those things. This really was a fantastic holiday. I'm trying to persuade my daughter to emigrate so I can tag along as child minder! Otherwise I have to come back to paraglide in Queenstown, and see all the other places I've missed. This holiday has ruined my to-do list. I didn't have a holiday for 20 years, so had planned to try to fit in all the places I'd like to visit, now I want to come back to NZ, which messes the whole thing up. Perhaps I can bring my grandson on the family holiday when he's old enough. Meanwhile when are you starting Active Japan?

  A Beautiful Country   Feb 26 2011

Review by Dennis Brotz (Neenah, Wisconsin, United States) for Manuka Jan 31 2011
Pictures or words can't describe how beautiful New Zealand is. The people are great and fun. I loved all the waterfalls and being able to drink out of the streams because they were so clean. I would be great if everyone could visit New Zealand.

  Manuka Tour was the greatest!   Feb 22 2011

Review by Judy Falconer (South Bristol, Maine, United States) for Manuka Jan 17 2011
I loved the Manuka tour. The itinerary took us to many varied places in the South Island, from barren hillsides to rainforest. The guides were great fun, knowledgeable and enthusiastic and every moment was fascinating. Initially I worried that I wouldn't be able to keep up the pace on the hiking, but it turned out to be less difficult than I had thought. We hiked nearly every day, but only one of the hikes was really strenuous (Rocky Mountain) and the trails were, without exception, really well-maintained. I didn't hike Ben Lomond, that would have been very strenuous also. Only my husband went. One of the best parts of the trip (there were many) was the Hollyford Track. The first day was long but not difficult, but the experience of that pristine valley will be one I won't forget ever! The flight to Milford Sound was beautiful (we were blessed with a perfect weather day). The lodging throughout the trip was tops in almost every location, and the meals were exceptional in all locations. I thought I'd lose weight, but no. Too much good food! The only slight negative was the bus - the seats were close together and so it was difficult to find a comfortable place for one's knees as they bumped into the seat ahead and there was no way to stretch out one's legs. Fortunately, we were only nine and could spread out a bit. High points: Punakaiki pancake rocks (in the rain); the Rainforest Retreat at Franz Joseph; the Rocky Mountain hike above Lake Wanaka; Queenstown: loved the zipline! and the gondola, plus shopping; the Hollyford Track in its entirety, (especially feeding the eels and seeing the rare penguin) plus the Milford Sound cruise; seeing Mt. Cook emerge from the clouds as the weather cleared; the observatory at Mt. John on a totally clear night: saw Saturn's rings, globular clusters, Magellanic clouds. Wow! I'm very glad we chose the Manuka tour!

  Stepping Outside the Box   Feb 22 2011

Review by Kathy Brotz (Neenah, Wisconsin, United States) for Manuka Jan 31 2011
I definitely stepped outside my comfort zone to do this trip. I thought I was fit but found I wasn't as fit as I thought I was. Lauren and Natalie were fantastic with me. I can't say enough about their empathy and patience and encouragement. "No worries" is a phrase I heard a lot to let me know that I could go at my own speed. There was always someone there with me. Somewhere around the middle of the trip I got stronger and was able to keep up rather well. The group toasted me as the "most improved" hiker. I can't describe to you in words what that meant to me. I met the challenge and achieved the goal with their help and that meant so much to me. Your country turned out to be what others back in the States told me it was and more. I took over 500 pictures and there is no way they will do New Zealand justice. Tramping the South Island took me out of my reality to a different place and time. It brought me peace and awesome beauty. This was a 25th wedding anniversary trip and one that Dennis and I will never, ever forget. It has given us the desire to continue. Lauren and Natalie kept everything flowing. They had such positive energy and excitement. It was catchy and our whole team benefitted from these exceptional women. I have already put out the word about Active New Zealand with friends who are now investigating trips of their own. Thank you Active New Zealand for an awesome trip and kudos especially to Lauren and Natalie who worked so hard to make this a trip of a lifetime for us.

  Great tour of south island   Feb 19 2011

Review by Catherine Milton (Palo Alto, California, United States) for Manuka Jan 31 2011
Especially loved the Milford Track

  Had a great time   Feb 7 2011

Review by Gerald Wilde (Mountain Home, Arkansas, United States) for Manuka Jan 17 2011
The trip met everyone of my expectations.Great hiking trials, good meals, good company and guides were tremendous.

  Our awesome Manuka experience with Lina & Magnus   Feb 4 2011

Review by Ron McCoy (Elyria, Ohio, United States) for Manuka Jan 17 2011
We had a fabulous time in New Zealand! Our guides- Lina and Magnus were great and provided an excellent overview of the beautiful scenery, culture, and opportunities available to visitors. Our primary purpose in planning this trip was to hike the Milford Track. Little did we know how much more was in store for us! Every day we enjoyed great hiking, delicious food, and great hospitality. We would recommend this trip to anyone interested in an active trip to New Zealand!

  A trip to remember forever!   Jan 18 2011

Review by Valerie McGuinn (Bangkok , Thailand) for Manuka Dec 20 2010
Just to let you know that I had a really wonderful time on our Manuka trip. Mike, H and Lynette were brilliant. They were so friendly, welcoming and helpful and I've never eaten so much in my life - the food was delicious, so thanks H - the diet's already started! New Zealand had been on my wish list for so long and the trip really lived up to all my expectations. It was very well organised (thanks to Dawn for all her efficient e-mailing and advice beforehand), relaxed with lots of little touches to make it extra special eg. some bubbly at the top of the (Diamond Lake?) walk on Christmas Eve. Not to mention Mike going above and beyond the call of duty by carrying me across the river - I bet his back is still aching! And thanks too to Lynette for telling me about the Active South America trip to the Galapagos - that's another one to add to the list! Thanks guys, it was brilliant.

  Best Honeymoon Possible!   Jan 10 2011

Review by Tim Bridges (Dallas, Georgia, United States) for Manuka Dec 20 2010
I have wanted to go to New Zealand for years and this trip completely blew my expectations away! Everything was perfect, we're already looking forward to coming back someday! THANK YOU!

  Brilliant Adventure!   Jan 8 2011

Review by Mary Brooks (Friendswood, Texas, United States) for Manuka Dec 20 2010
Our Manuka trip was a fabulous trip of lifetime. We saw the many and varied variety of New Zealand's flora, fauna, and people. We could not have discovered such wondrous and diverse locations on our own. This a a must do trip for everyone!

  Everything fell into place smoothly - no hiccups.   Jan 7 2011

Review by Jo Clements (Noosa Heads, Queensland, Australia) for Manuka Dec 20 2010
I feel the Manuka was an especially great trip because it included a lot more than the wonderful hiking element - flights, overnighting on a boat, beach walks, seal watching. I saw a lot more of the South Island than I realised I would be seeing, from mountains to fjords to paddocks full of fat cattle and fatter sheep with their twins. Lovely little towns with spectacular backdrops, accommodation on the edges of pale blue lakes, and gourmet food.

  Fabulous   Jan 2 2011

Review by Ron Bagliere (Baldwinsville, New York, United States) for Manuka Nov 29 2010
What a fabulous land New Zealand is, and what a fabulous outfit Active New Zealand is. Their attention to detail and our needs were spot on. I'm going to book another trip with them to another destination in the near future!

  Great time - one of the best that I have experienced.   Dec 23 2010

Review by Stanley Spolowich (White Haven, Pennsylvania, United States) for Manuka Nov 15 2010
Really loved the tour. Ben and Heather were great guides. They had an extensive knowledge of the fauna and wildlife of the areas we visited. They were very personable and got along well with all members of the group. Accommodations were excellent and the meals during the tour were excellent. I would rate this tour as one of the best that I have experienced. I would highly recommend the tour to anyone that loves the outdoors and wants to experience the best that New Zealand has to offer.

  Absolutely Incredible   Dec 21 2010

Review by Nicole Post (Copenhagen N, Denmark) for Manuka Nov 29 2010
The trip was the adventure of a lifetime. It was such a joy being introduced to your beautiful country by Lina and H. My husband and I have fallen in love with New Zealand, and will continue to talk about our trip for years to come. Thank you for such a memorable experience!

  Actively Photographing New Zealand   Dec 14 2010

Review by Eric Emerson (Vacaville, California, United States) for Manuka Nov 15 2010
I have two passions in my retirement – hiking and photography. The Active New Zealand “Manuka” tour completely met my expectations and desires with regards to both of these passions. I wanted a tour with lots of hiking but also with enough of time along the way to stop and enjoy AND photograph the scenery properly. The day-to-day schedule and the time allotted during hikes offered a good balance between seeing as much as we could see but still having time to stop and take photographs. During the hikes it pretty much needs to be hand-held shots as there simply won't be time for tripod usage. However, be sure to bring your tripod because your time around the 'magic hours' is usually your own and you will likely experience some amazing sunrises and sunsets. For many years I have told friends that I wanted to do the Milford Track one day, but when it came down to it, I opted for the Hollyford Track instead, hoping for greater and more interesting photo opportunities. I'm very happy to report that, in all respects, the Hollyford Track Option was awesome. Photographically, I consider Hollyford Track Day 2 to be my favorite of the trip. Lake Alabaster at sunrise simply must not missed! I am very much looking forward to my next Active New Zealand trip, hopefully to photograph the North Island this time. Here is a link to the NZ photographs on my web site: http://photosbyetemerson.net/ Eric Emerson

  Sweet As   Dec 13 2010

Review by Scot Gordon (Murray, Utah, United States) for Manuka Nov 15 2010
Our accommodations were fabulous and the guides went above and beyond with the meals and taking care of us. It was nice that our group was smaller too. We explored more of New Zealand after the tour was over. It's a gorgeous, beautiful and very clean country! We loved all of it! The Hollyford Track was, by far, the most beautiful. We definitely would come back and see more of the islands. Cheers to Active NZ!!! -Julie and Scot Gordon from Sandy, Utah

  Active NZ is Sweet As.......   Dec 3 2010

Review by Roxanne Wazlaw (Portsmouth, New Hampshire, United States) for Manuka Nov 15 2010
Our Manuka trip was number one! The adventure exceeded everything Active NZ presented in their literature and advertisements. Our guides Sarah and Dan were phenomenal and made the trip memorable: they were patient with all levels of expertise and great cooks to boot, even though they do not know how to make a fluffernutter! Our pre-trip guide Dawn was readily available to address any of our questions or concerns. Active NZ is a first rate operation. Thank you for a most memorable trip.

  Great!   Mar 31 2012

Review by Betsy Loughran (Belchertown, Massachusetts, United States) for Manuka Mar 5 2012
The trip was great - what we'd hoped it would be. The weather gods were with us (i.e. it rained but only when we planned a day under cover). The Southern Alps are magnificent and the tramp through the Milford Track was as advertised - the "finest walk in the world. Many thanks to Katie and Lofty; the logistics were smooth, the accommodations and food fine, and the scenery was amazing.

  Good, really enjoyed it   Mar 31 2012

Review by Beverly Morgan (Sun City, Arizona, United States) for Manuka Feb 20 2012
guides were great

  Good, really enjoyed it   Mar 14 2012

Review by for Manuka Feb 20 2012

  Expensive but worth it   Mar 9 2012

Review by Bill Haaf (Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, United States) for Manuka Feb 20 2012
My first reaction was that this was a very expensive trip and very far away. My thoughts afterward are that this is a must do trip to a beautiful country filled with people and sheep - all with a great sense of humor. The trip is like combining the Oregon Columbia gorge with waterfalls and moss covered trees and the beaches of California and the mtns of Canadian Rockies. I loved the hikes and our guides were the best. Food and accomodations were great.

  New Zealand is as awesome as people say it is   Feb 21 2012

Review by Jan Jarman (Stanton, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, United Kingdom) for Manuka Jan 9 2012
A really enjoyable trip! New Zealand is as awesome as people say it is, wonderful scenery, good food and friendly locals. Our guides knew their stuff and looked after us very well. The accommodation & food were always of a high standard.

  Awesome scenery with lovely guides   Feb 18 2012

Review by Dave Wheeler (Trinity, Jersey, C.I., United Kingdom) for Manuka Jan 23 2012
We had a very good time in South Island with the two Dans. They are lovely guys who took excellent care of us. The South Island scenery is spectacular and it surpassed our expectations.

  The organisation was excellent, the guides were really great   Feb 17 2012

Review by Martin Milling (Chepstow, United Kingdom) for Manuka Jan 9 2012
This was a fantastic trip. The organisation was excellent, the guides were really great and the country itself lived up to all expectations. The balance between travelling, sight seeing and walking was just right for us and it would be very difficult to pack any more in to the time. Both Lofty and H (Heather) were good cooks, well informed about all our questions and fun company to be with. H said that she is coming to see a certain NZ rugby team lose to Wales in Cardiff; tell her to come and stay here.

  Janet's Manuka Review   Nov 20 2011

Review by Janet Barbee (Oakton, Virginia, United States) for Manuka Oct 31 2011
This was a great trip with weather from one extreme to the other. One minute we were hiking in sun, then rain, and then snow. I understand that this is the only way to experience New Zealand. Our guide, Liz, was wonderful. She was a great driver, guide, and cook. She was knowledgeable about New Zealand, its history, flora and fauna. If she didn't know something, she would find out and let us know. She was encouraging and supportive and made us feel we could do anything. Great job, Liz.

  Very rich experience   May 5 2011

Review by Loren Parsons (Boulder, Colorado, United States) for Manuka Mar 14 2011
The Manuka trip gave me a very broad look at the S Island. I generally don't care for tours, but I saw and experienced much more than I would have if had I travelled independently. Hats off to Lina and Heather. They are very engaging guides.

  Manuka kept us busy and active.   Apr 12 2011

Review by Jack Knies Jr (Guilford, Connecticut, United States) for Manuka Mar 14 2011
The South Island is like one big national park. Manuka is an active, busy, adventure.

  Excellent value.   Apr 2 2011

Review by Linda Newsom (Newport Beach, California, United States) for Manuka Mar 14 2011
I could never have done all that we did without spending far more in time, effort and money.

  Lofty and Gwyneth were outstanding   Mar 4 2011

Review by Ellen Miller (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada) for Manuka Feb 14 2011
Both Lofty and Gwyneth made the trip. They made an excellent team complimenting each other's personalities and skills. They went out of their way to look after each and everyone on the trip. They paid attention to the different wishes of the group to make sure that everyone was cared for and looked after. The accomodations were excellent and the food was delicious.The only reason I gave it four stars and not five was the amount of time spent on the bus. This was really just a factor of geography and is not a reflection on the guides or Active New Zealand. The trip was very well organized and everything ran like clock work.

  I regularly take guided adventure travel trips   Nov 19 2010

Review by Mike Foust (Sanford, North Carolina, United States) for Manuka Nov 1 2010
I walked the Inca Trail with a group that included several people taking one of your Active SA trips. I was impressed by their comments and the Active guide. Overall I'm very impressed. The trip met or exceeded my expectations in all areas. Active compares well with any company I have ever travelled with.