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

  Tui   May 15 2012

Review by Van Sito (Castro Valley, California, United States) for Tui Apr 8 2012

  Awesome, the trip of a lifetime!   May 9 2012

Review by David Clark (New Hartford, New York, United States) for Tui Apr 22 2012

  More than we could have ever expected!   May 5 2012

Review by Mallory Martino (Stamford, Connecticut, United States) for Tui Apr 22 2012
The Tui trip was absolutely amazing! The hikes were beautiful and challenging and our guide (Lauren) was so warm and welcoming. The trip was a wonderful combination of the major sites and hidden gems that only the locals were aware of. I have been very fortunate to have traveled extensively, and I can say without a doubt that the Tui trip is the greatest vacation I have ever had!

  Beyond Expectations   May 4 2012

Review by Melinda Martino (Brookfield, Connecticut, United States) for Tui Apr 22 2012
Just finished the Tui trip and had a truly incredible experience from the hike up to Lake Crucible, to the glow worm caves, to the kayaking on Milford Sound, and I even enjoyed the van ride bonding! Our guide took us on journey that included one breathtaking view after another, I kept finding myself turning back to my sister with an expression of awe, not believing what I was experiencing. I've traveled quite a bit and certainly have my favorite places, but this past trip now stands at the top of my list!

  Tui Fall Trip   May 4 2012

Review by Chris Clark (New Hartford, New York, United States) for Tui Apr 22 2012
We had a terrific trip, early fall weather was clear and with cool evenings. Perfect for hiking and biking. Our only regret is we did not have more time to spend in New Zealand. We would all travel with Lauren anywhere in the world she would take us. (Active Africa?)

  Amazing   Apr 30 2012

Review by Carol Moore (Denver City, Texas, United States) for Tui Apr 8 2012
The scenery on this trip is off the charts! We had a fantastic group of people in our tour and great guides who seemed to thoroughly enjoy what they do.

  Wonderful!   Apr 29 2012

Review by Kathy Searl (Big Sur, California, United States) for Tui Mar 25 2012
What a blast I had on the Tui trip! It was a perfect week-long taste of many of the highlights of the South Island... just enough to whet my appetite to explore even more! I loved the eclectic mix of outdoor adventures that we experienced, seeing gorgeous parts of the south island from foot, plane, jet boat, kayak and bike, not to mention from the bus! Magnus and Lauren were exceptional guides - ensuring we were all taken care of down to the last minute detail. Don't expect to lose weight, though, as they feed you incredibly well (besides, who wants to lose weight on vacation anyhow?!) The ethics of our guides, and those of the whole company, seem to be centered around always providing an exceptionally memorable and personalized active experience for all the guests. Never did I feel herded to the "hot tourist spots" only to take a photo for 5 minutes and then be schlepped to the next big name must-see place. Though the itinerary is fast paced in order to see as much of the island as it covers in only 8 days, it is well structured to give you many different tastes of the wonders that New Zealand has to offer. Loved the trip, loved the people I met, loved the guides, and loved New Zealand! I can't wait to visit again!

  Tui review   Apr 29 2012

Review by Robert Armbruster (Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States) for Tui Mar 25 2012
I had an awesome time...truly a trip of a lifetime.

  sweet as!!   Apr 29 2012

Review by Andrew Todd (Derby, Western Australia, Australia) for Tui Apr 8 2012
NZ put on awesome weather, but really the highlight was the 2 guides and the structure of the trip, and all the little things that they did to make this a great trip... its NOT like a "bus tour", its not inflexible..... th trip just flowed, the food was great, the activitis were varied and allowed for various levels of fitness, and they were incredible hosts!!! Thanks Magnus and Dan.

  Awesome, the trip of a lifetime!   Apr 19 2012

Review by Steve Caswell (Davis, California, United States) for Tui Mar 25 2012

  Awesome, the trip of a lifetime!   Apr 19 2012

Review by for Tui Mar 25 2012

  Mind Blowing; Life Changing   Apr 19 2012

Review by Sarina Omar (Singapore) for Tui Apr 8 2012
This trip is more a life experience. Valid not only for fitness and nature enthusiasts but also for middle aged desk bound executives. Dan and Magnus are very kind and they guided me through activities which were within my capacity, having injured my right knee joint during the Kauri trip. They still presented physical challenges and made me challenge my abilities and enjoy my triumph, when I completed a beautiful trek, eg the Keplar walk, or the climb at the homestead. Both Duck and Magnus are outstanding gentlemen. I shall never forget them.

  Tui Trip/MW   Apr 17 2012

Review by Mary Wright (Louisville, Kentucky, United States) for Tui Mar 25 2012
Active new Zealand is THE one company I am telling - and will continue to tell - everyone about. The office staff is tops; the guides are warm, welcoming, friendly, organized, and so very knowledgeable. The Tui trip, covering so much of the less populated part of New Zealand, gave me the beauty and physical activity I sought (with the bonus of not having to be in the midst of the madding crowd!). I loved everything about the trip! THANK YOU, Lauren, Magnus and all at Active New Zealand.

  Old Guy down under   Apr 15 2012

Review by Des Mahon (Easingwold, York, United Kingdom) for Tui Mar 25 2012
I heard the phrase 'awesome' used many time by our Guide Lauren on this trip, turns out to be more than apt in fact in my words stunning scenery, excellent trekking and damn good food! What more could one want. Flying into Sibera Valley; Jet Boat down the Wilkin; Kayak across Milford, trip of a lifetime no thats an understatement!

  The trip of a lifetime!!   Apr 15 2012

Review by Marcia Carpenter-Hoyt (Mineral Wells, Texas, United States) for Tui Mar 25 2012
Active New Zealand is absolutely the best and then some. The knowledge, friendliness, attention to detail of each guide for each and every member of the group was incredible and superseded any expectations I had. The guides blended with members of the group at the same time keeping their professional position. I don't know how the Active South America can top New Zealand but I can't wait to find out. Thank you so very much for the wonderful memories

  Great experience   Apr 10 2012

Review by Vivek Ratan (Bangalore, Karnataka, India) for Tui Feb 19 2012
This really is one of those few-in-a-lifetime experiences - a beautiful beautiful country, a well-organized trip, and lots of different activities that strike a fine balance between giving you enough to do and see, and not overwhelming you.

  Tui Trip with Tim and Magnus   Apr 10 2012

Review by Jonathan Huang (MONTCLAIR, California, United States) for Tui Mar 11 2012
Overall, we had a fantastic time/week in New Zealand! Magnus was nothing short tof magnificent and Tim had superb work ethics. Both tour guides helped in making this trip one of the most wonderful experiences we've ever had.

  LOTR Adventure to the MAX!!!   Apr 6 2012

Review by Billy Cicchino (Summit, New Jersey, United States) for Tui Mar 25 2012
Tui was literally the time of my life! The action is non-stop. So many incredible experiences packed into eight days it’s impossible to pick the best. Flying into the Siberia valley, hiking to Lake Crucible with all the river crossings truly was a real hard-core adventure. Staying at the hut and the jet boat out the next day was a blast. Kayaking in the beauty of Milford Sound with dolphins and seals close enough to reach out and touch was beyond words! The Kepler track in particular was like being in LOTR – I expected an elf or a hobbit to pop out at any minute. The break in Queenstown even offered a chance to do a bit (maybe more than a bit) of partying! As far as the guides go, there are no words to adequately compliment Lauren and Magnus. I have been on guided adventure trips in the past but Laruen and Magnus are in a league of their own! They filled every moment with fun. Their enthusiasm, knowledge of the environment, and obvious joy for what they do was contagious. And they had a special way of leading the trip without it feeling like we were on some type of tight schedule – they really made us all feel like a real team. I will miss them! If anyone wants a more in-depth reference, feel free to contact me: billycicchino@gmail.com.

  Awesome, the trip of a lifetime!   Apr 6 2012

Review by Jessica Carpenter (Phoenix, Arizona, United States) for Tui Mar 25 2012

  Awesome, the trip of a lifetime!   Apr 4 2012

Review by Stephen Biggart (Gullane, East Lothian, United Kingdom) for Tui Feb 19 2012

  WONDERFUL TUI TRIP!   Apr 1 2012

Review by Peggy Wen (Claremont, California, United States) for Tui Mar 11 2012
The trip was truly wonderful. GUIDES: I felt really taken care of by our guides, Magnus and Tim. They were knowledgeable about the South Island and were able to answer all of my questions. They were also passionate about New Zealand, and I was glad to have people who love New Zealand to introduce and immerse us in its beauty and all that it has to offer. FOOD: I was thankful for all the healthy snacks that were available to us each day. Magnus, one of our tour guides, prepared a good variety of foods for us each day. I was pleased with the amount of food that were prepared for us. I felt satiated each time. SCENERY: What can I say? The South Island was just stunning! It was amazing to see how much the landscape changes with a couple of hours of driving, from rainforest, to forests, to grazing lands, to ocean views.... SCHEDULE: I wanted to go on a tour that was active, with a lot of activities. I definitely got what I wanted with the Tui trip. However, I did not feel rushed at all during any time of trip. The trip was planned very well, with varied activities each day, and with a good balance of active and chill time.

  Above and Beyond   Mar 26 2012

Review by Martin Hughes (Altadena, California, United States) for Tui Mar 11 2012
Our Active NZ trip was everything you promised it would be but you can never grasp, simply from the trip descriptions or reviews, the full magnitude of what this unique and mysterious country has to offer and how it's going to affect you as you experience it in the way that only Active NZ can show it to you. On the practical side, our trip went like clockwork from the moment we were picked up until we were dropped off at our hotel on the final day. Our guides were the picture of professionalism while still being entertaining, engaging and informative. They knew just how to walk the line between keeping everything on schedule and giving us individual space to explore at our own pace. They bent over backward to accommodate our every need and immeasurably enhanced our experience of New Zealand's natural wonders through their own love for the country and their extensive knowledge about New Zealand and its history. I learned a lot about myself during our trip. I pushed my limits physically while also constantly being starstruck by the unspoiled beauty that is all around you in this magical place. New Zealand really is one of the world's best kept secrets and we were privileged to experience it in this unique and immersive way.

  Awesome, the trip of a lifetime!   Mar 21 2012

Review by for Tui Feb 19 2012

  Awesome, the trip of a lifetime!   Mar 18 2012

Review by for Tui Feb 26 2012

  Awesome, the trip of a lifetime!   Mar 13 2012

Review by Cheri Greenstreet (St. Petersburg, Florida, United States) for Tui Feb 26 2012

  Wow! is what I kept saying on each day of the trip.   Mar 12 2012

Review by Judith Rabkin (Coral Gables, Florida, United States) for Tui Feb 19 2012
Wow! is what I kept saying on each day of the trip. New Zealand is incredibly beautiful, and the culmination came on the final day when we went kayaking on Milford Sound. That evoked a WOW! in capital letters. I doubt anything could ever match that experience.

  Awesome, the trip of a lifetime!   Mar 11 2012

Review by Anke Rommerskirch (Lakewood, Colorado, United States) for Tui Feb 19 2012

  Best.Trip.Ever.   Mar 10 2012

Review by Jessica Jones (Dayton, Ohio, United States) for Tui Feb 19 2012
This trip was so super fun and had sooo much to see and do. I was always amazed at the New Zealand culture and just how peaceful and clean and friendly everything and everyone was. I loved our group, all our activities, and even just hanging out and talking with people in the bus during the longer rides. Everything about this trip was taken care of so I never had to worry about any of the details- perfect for me!! After coming back from a stressful deployment, this was the healing and the peaceful environment I needed. Thank you for EVERYTHING!!

  I want to go back!   Mar 6 2012

Review by Dinger Dindinger (Greenfield, Wisconsin, United States) for Tui Feb 5 2012
I have always dreamed of going to New Zealand, and when several of my friends approached me about going I jumped at the opportunity. I couldn't be more glad I did. New Zealand is an amazing country, and the experience exceeded my expectations in every way possible. Our guides Ken and Louise were simply amazing! Ken with his eternally optimistic outlook encouraged us to do many off the wall things like swimming with icebergs (it was 'really' warm!) Louise was a great cook, and was very knowledgeable about New Zealand. In all it was a once in a lifetime experience that I plan to repeat several times. I can't wait to go back to New Zealand!!!!

  An amazing adventure . . . .   Mar 5 2012

Review by Faye Shea (Reno, Nevada, United States) for Tui Feb 19 2012
In addition to the amazing adventures and great new experiences, I can't say enough about our guides. They were attentive and helpful and supportive of making this our trip.

  Amazing Trip!   Feb 28 2012

Review by Peggy Gates-Wieneke (White Heath, Illinois, United States) for Tui Feb 12 2012
Pieke and Kate, our guides, were fun and informative. Frank, the bus, was comfortable for getting us from one activity to the next. The scenery was spectacular, the hiking challenging but great, and the biking was fun. Truly the trip of a lifetime!

  Kudos to Active NZ   Feb 26 2012

Review by Gale Tanaka (Honolulu, Hawaii, United States) for Tui Feb 5 2012
I had a fabulous time...met some nice people...ate tasty/healthy food...beautiful lush surroundings...active everyday...didn't have to think if I chose not to...which is my normal on vacations. Our guides Ken & Louise was very personable, approachable, attentive, efficient...easy to be around. I especially enjoyed the treks...even with my swollen ankle...I could still appreciate the activities. I believe in exercise.

  Great Experience   Feb 24 2012

Review by Kathryn Roberts (Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States) for Tui Feb 5 2012
This was a great trip with great people and fantastic guides. Every day offered a new sight and sound and it was just wonderful to be in such a beautiful place.

  A Wonderful Trip   Feb 22 2012

Review by Terry Lavin (Oak Creek, Wisconsin, United States) for Tui Feb 5 2012
It did not take long to realize this was going to be a really great trip. As we drove out of Christchurch and into the countryside our guides were already getting everyone acquainted and comfortable. Ken would get on the PA to tell us about the land we were driving through, along with anecdotes and history. So that even though we had a long way to drive it passed by in no time at all. Then as we passed by Castle Rock, Ken showed how flexible and willing to accomodate the wishes of the tour members when we literally turned around and stopped for 45 minutes to explore this wonderful area. This flexibility and instinct for what our group would enjoy lead to several stops that were not on the itinerary but made us feel special and will be cherished memories. Lucky for us the weather was excellent and we could do all planned activities and more. But I know that if it had been impossible to do something on the itinerary, our experienced guides could of had us on to plan B with no trouble and little loss to our overall New Zealand experience.

  Beautiful! Definitely a trip of a lifetime!   Feb 22 2012

Review by Tina Schendel (Oak Creek, Wisconsin, United States) for Tui Feb 5 2012
Our whole group had a fabulous time. Ken and Louise were incredibly patient for dealing with a group our size. Active really does a good job of keeping you on gorgeous but lightly traveled trails. The hikes were challenging but a lot of fun. Louise was an excellent cook. And Ken did an amazing job keeping the whole group laughing. Definitely a trip of a lifetime!

  How did I get so lucky?   Feb 20 2012

Review by Mary Lavin (Oak Creek, Wisconsin, United States) for Tui Feb 5 2012
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? New Zealand was always my answer. So it was a complete shock when my long time neighbor and friends, (Dennis & Linda) said "We're going to New Zealand, would you like to come along?" An even bigger shock was when I told Terry (The Hubby) and he said "Let's do it." I feel so lucky to have done an Active New Zealand trip and the luck just kept coming. No worries with our travels. Air New Zealand is the only way to fly. We meet two of the best Active Adventure guides. Ken and Louise were amazing. We had a large diverse group with a gazillion questions and they handled it all with a fantastic attitude. New Zealand is beautiful and wow did we get lucky with the weather. Even Milford Sound was clear blue skies with a nice wind. The Tui trip is an active way to cover a lot of territory. Wow, it went by way to fast. Thanks tons for the memories. Happy Trails Everybody

  Trip of a lifetime   Feb 19 2012

Review by Critter Mersenski (South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States) for Tui Feb 5 2012
I wish that New Zealand would have more than 24 hours in the day so that I could do and see all of your beautiful country side; and all of the amazing activities that it has to offer.

  Loved New Zealand   Feb 17 2012

Review by Judy Dindinger (Greenfield, Wisconsin, United States) for Tui Feb 5 2012
New Zealand is so pure and pristine. I absolutely loved every "wee climb". Our tour guides (Ken and Louise) were the best. The scenery was breath taking. The weather was great, we could not have asked for better (we had about 1/2 hour of rain during our whole trip). I did not want to leave.

  Awesome Trip   Feb 17 2012

Review by Phil Dindinger (Greenfield, Wisconsin, United States) for Tui Feb 5 2012
Great

  Tui - The trip surpassed every expectation!   Feb 17 2012

Review by Linda Mersenski (Oak Creek, Wisconsin, United States) for Tui Feb 5 2012
We started out as a group of family and friends on what we thought would be the trip of a lifetime. The trip surpassed every expectation! Looks like we may have to do another Active trip at some point. So much for having just one trip of a lifetime!!! Our guides, Ken and Louise, were fun, friendly, knowledgeable and extremely helpful. They managed to cheer on the people who needed it, while keeping the other folks entertained and informed. They also kept us well fed and introduced us to to "Tim Tam Slams." Just as the name implies, this was indeed an active trip. We spent a lot of time hiking and climbing, virtually every day. We were lucky enough to see Fur Seals while we were kayaking in Milford Sound. We also had a fun, but jarring, bicycle ride. We'll never forget the washboard surface on Outlet Road! I would not hesitate to recommend this trip. Everything about it was awesome. Even the weather cooperated. I can't think of anything that needs to be changed...well, perhaps you could do away with the Sandflies?!?

  Wonderful time! We definitely plan on coming back!   Feb 1 2012

Review by Stewart Smith (Lincoln, California, United States) for Tui Jan 8 2012
We had a great trip with Active. With the Tui trip, we were able to see all sorts of beautiful places on the South Island. The hiking opportunities were always challenging and rewarding with scenic views. Milford sound is definitely a special place. The flight into Siberia Valley and the jet boat ride back out were the highlights of our trip. Our guides, Dan and Katie, were great. They were always positive, professional, and fun! They were very knowledgeable on the history, flora, fauna, and culture-it really added value to the trip! We definitely plan on coming back!

  Worth every penny!!   Jan 24 2012

Review by Jeannie Silas (Indianapolis, Indiana, United States) for Tui Jan 1 2012
This trip was made in memory of my Mom who passed away about 1 1/2 years ago and left a small inheritance. My decision to spend this $ on a family trip with my 3 young adult children and husband was money well spent! Thank you Active New Zealand, especially our awesome guides Lauren and Ari, for giving me a gift of fond memories of being with my family in one of the most beautiful places in the world! We had a blast!

  One of our best trips ever!   Jan 15 2012

Review by BJ Siegel (san Francisco, California, United States) for Tui Dec 25 2011
We "lucked" into the Tui trip in December 2011 after the trip we signed up for was cancelled. The staff at Active NZ did everything they could to find us another trip that fit our schedule and our needs. We have an 11 year old and needed to make sure that this trip would also work for him. With the flexibility of the itinerary and our awesome guides, we all had a blast! There was a great mix of activities, and we know they we were able to see an insiders view of New Zealand that we could have never found on our own.

  Seriously awesome trip   Jan 14 2012

Review by Craig Price (Fleming Island, Florida, United States) for Tui Jan 1 2012
I felt that this trip would be my first and probably one of only a few truly spectacular events in my life. With my daughter moving to Australia, it provided the perfect opportunity to visit and plan this outing. Active New Zealand provided the avenue that allowed me to see as much as possible in the short time we had to spend in NZ. I had read about many of the places, hikes and activities to experience in NZ. But being there was fantastic and having knowledgable guides with great attitudes made it that much more enjoyable. We had a great group traveling with us and tried to make the most of everything. The weather cooperated with us and allowed for a rain free trip which I hear is not that common, especially in Milford Sound. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would definitely recommend Active NZ to everyone . Wouldn't mind coming back again to spend some time with the Kiwis. Craig Price

  Tremendous Tui Trip   Jan 13 2012

Review by Alexis Kerschner (Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States) for Tui Dec 25 2011
We loved our Dec-Jan Tui trip. The guides (Etienne and Megan) were incredible, the experiences beyond memorable and the entire trip was perfectly organized down to the smallest detail. Active NZ is very professional and the trip was an excellent value for the money. This trip was the first week of our three-week tour of NZ. We would recommend that anyone who is spending time in NZ start their trip with an Active NZ trip. It is an excellent way to get oriented in the country and learn from the guides about other places that you might want to go. We really had a blast with Active NZ.

  Family Tui adventure   Jan 8 2012

Review by Tina Wood (Ellisfield, Hampshire, United Kingdom) for Tui Dec 18 2011
An invitation to a wedding provided the perfect excuse for our family to visit NZ. The Tui trip enabled us to pack as much stunning scenery and adventure into one of our precious weeks as possible. We were on the go from morning to night fuelled by great food and company and we loved it!

  Christmas in New Zealand on a Tui Tour   Jan 1 2012

Review by Dan Galyon (Binghamton, New York, United States) for Tui Dec 18 2011
I had always heard about how special a very southern and warm Christmas can be. It was with a large leap of faith that I signed onto an Active New Zealand Tui trip. I decided to go solo and would take my chances with whatever happened. There are only a few times in this world when reality beats hype. This trip was one of those times. First of all, new Zealand is indeed an amazing place full of varied and incredible scenery and history. I spent a lot of time trying to understand the peoples, the history, and the flavor of the place. it is one of my top destinations now and I have been around to know what rates. Secondly, we had spectacular weather with mostly sun and only a few cloudy days. Thanks Active staff for arranging this. Lastly, and most importantly, we had great people coming together for a close experience lead by Pieke- our tour leader. She took care of everything, knew everything, and was a legit expert in managing the needs of both individuals and the group. Plus, who knew a chic from New Zealand could handle a 30 foot bus like a pro driver? The itinerary is a nice blend of hard core hiking, time off for good behavior to recover, spectacular best of the best spots to be, and comfortable accommodations. I especially enjoyed the really in-depth understanding of our guide of her homeland's history, geography, flora, and fauna. This is not a superficial cruise ship tour with boots. So Active NZ gets a big thumbs up. Keep it going guys and gals.

  It never rains in New Zealand!!   Dec 16 2011

Review by Gerry Stokman (Whitby, Ontario, Canada) for Tui Dec 4 2011
At least not while my group was touring. Heather, the Sun Goddess, made sure of that!! This was without a doubt, THE best holiday I have ever taken alone. Lofty and Heather, our guides, were a fantastic pair, and the 5 of us in our group really bonded. Nothing like making really great friends while touring the most beautiful country in the world that I have seen, besides my own!!

  F*#king Awesome Tui Trip   Dec 16 2011

Review by Kim Scheuer (Aspen, Colorado, United States) for Tui Dec 4 2011
Another awesome Active trip... I have wanted to hike NZ since 1988 and haven't had the opportunity until now... I had done the Active South America Jaguar to Machu Pichu for my 45th b-day which was AMAZING and knew this was the way to go. Got off the plane in NZ and went straight to the most beautiful landscape in the world. Joined another group of great other trippers (none who I knew before I went but now all are life-long friends) and again had the most amazing guides... LOVED LOFTY AND H... H was the weather/cooking goddess and Lofty provided lots of tall tales that we all got suckered into... "what, there is no tooth fairy or fossilized ice?!?" With limited time I saw the best of NZ and met the best of people. Thank you THANK YOU for all you do to provide the best trips ever!!!!!!!!

  Awesome, the trip of a lifetime!   Dec 11 2011

Review by Joe Moyers (Atlanta, Georgia, United States) for Tui Nov 6 2011

  Experience of a lifetime   Dec 6 2011

Review by Zeynin Juma (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) for Tui Nov 20 2011
I felt rejuvenated, inspired and alive while on the Tui trip. I conquered my personal uphill battle (literally) thanks to the positive encouragement from Sarah and Lofty. My sincerest gratitude to these two wonderful individuals.

  Well done!   Nov 29 2011

Review by Pat Weaver-Meyers (Ardmore, Oklahoma, United States) for Tui Nov 6 2011
Lauren and Ellie were excellent. Kept the schedule moving. I was touched by their concern and professionalism when my sister fell and hit her head. They are both organized and on top of things.

  It was a wonderful way to become immersed...   Nov 21 2011

Review by Jennifer Moyers (Atlanta, Georgia, United States) for Tui Nov 6 2011
It was a wonderful way to become immersed in the beauty of the South Island. So much better than just standing on the outskirts and snapping photos. I enjoyed being active but not taxed beyond my normal physical abilily and this trip fit the bill nicely.

  I loved the trip!   May 22 2011

Review by Fredrik Wikstrom (Stockholm, Sweden) for Tui Apr 10 2011
It was great, the Tui tour and the guides were excellent. Keep up the good work. -Fredrik

  Fantastic Experience   Apr 26 2011

Review by Emanuel Lipschutz (Stockholm, Sweden) for Tui Apr 10 2011
Fantastic experience and really beautiful scenery! Great with all the different activities we did during the week, so many great memories! Many thanks Dan and Kate for being such great guides! -Emanuel

  The Southern Experience   Apr 22 2011

Review by Keith Zimmerman (APO, Texas, United States) for Tui Apr 10 2011
I had been to the South Island back in 2007 and was worried that I would just be doing the same stuff over again. And the answer was no... it was a whole different look at the Southern Island and well worth the second trip. I might have to plan a 3rd one... :)

  Speechless   Mar 12 2011

Review by Maggie Burghoff (North Charleston, South Carolina, United States) for Tui Feb 27 2011
By the end of the trip, I couldn't find any words to describe the beauty and granduer of the places we visited.

  Tiny Group Speed Demons!   Mar 7 2011

Review by Teresa Woo (Singapore, Singapore) for Tui Jan 30 2011
Who said a small group isn't as much fun as a bigger group! Ask Dan our intrepid trip leader, we were a group of 4, but we fit in so much more. We got going a tad faster, we were all the timely and organized types, so we got in a bit of extra fun here and there thanks to a super creative and awesome trip leader. Thank you for that little bit of extra everything!

  What an experience!   Mar 4 2011

Review by Jayne Gartrell (Kensington, Victoria, Australia) for Tui Feb 6 2011
Absolutely a trip of a lifetime. We must admit, we had high expectations of the 8 day Tui trip, but it completely exceeded them beyond our wildest dreams! The Siberia Valley wilderness experience, including the jetboat ride and scenic flight, was definitely the highlight for us. Thanks so much Active, including our fabulous guides, Ben and Louise. We have so many awesome memories, amazing photos and new friends from our time in New Zealand. Jay and Jayne Melbourne, Australia

  I want to come back   Mar 3 2011

Review by Linda Walker (FARINGDON, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom) for Tui Jan 16 2011
I know I should have written this review several weeks ago but everytime I think of our 'Tui' trip I start to feel sad - sad that it is all over, sad that I have left all that sunshine and beautiful scenery behind and sad that I may never again fly up to Siberia in a 6-seater plane and walk up to 'knicker level' in a cold river or kayak on Milford Sound on a glorious morning. The trip was truly amazing. Lofty and Alexis were excellent guides, full of knowledge and stories and bad jokes. Their cooking was delicious and sustaining. And their organizational skills were impressive, particularly when getting a group of people in holiday mode breakfasted, out and embarked on a trek before said people had even worked out what day it was. I am now saving hard to be able to come back to NZ before too long in the hope that I won't be too old to enjoy some more of those activities that you are so good at organizing.

  At first I thought the cost was high...   Mar 3 2011

Review by Amanda Koethe (St. Paul , Minnesota, United States) for Tui Feb 13 2011
This was an amazing experience. Honestly, at first I thought the cost was high but when I realized how many activities we did, the food and lodging it was a very fair price! The guides were awesome, especially Tim. I saw and did things I could previously only imagine!

  The trip of a lifetime!   Mar 2 2011

Review by Bradley Miller (Howard Lake, Minnesota, United States) for Tui Feb 13 2011
We had a great couple guides, a great group and had the most amazing adventure I could have imagined! You gave us an exceptional level of quality in all of our experiences on the trip from the meals to the tramps! Also, we were challenged mentally and physically by the events on the trip plan (in a very good way!) and that really made the trip truly incredible for me! This trip was a great value!

  I am really very happy to have done Tui and Kauri trips recently   Mar 1 2011

Review by Anu Sheth (Lincoln, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom) for Tui Feb 13 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.

  Trip of a lifetime   Feb 26 2011

Review by Michael Chrystof (Chicago, Illinois, United States) for Tui Jan 30 2011
My wife and I were planning something special for our 25th wedding anniversary, and found Active New Zealand on the web. It sounded exactly like what we wanted, and we were not dissapointed. Dan was a friendly, helpful, and highly skilled guide. Active NZ will challenge you, and we did things we thought otherwise we would not have done; hiked (oops, tramped..sorry mates!) up to glaciers and thru forests to waterfalls, flew in a bush plane, rocketed down a river on a jetboat, and generally pushed ourselves beyond our self imposed limits. Queenstown was a blast; everyone there seems to be trying to see just how much they can terrify themselves with some new, extreme activity. The highlight was kayaking Milford Sound. It is absolutely awe inspiring. You feel so tiny and insignificant, floating in a tiny kayak, paddling silently while trying to drink in all the scenery. Large tour boats passing on the other side of the Sound look like bathtub toys in comparison to the rugged cliffs. We had a wonderful time. NZ is a very special place; not just because of the spectacular scenery, but because of the people. Everywhere we went, the people were friendly, helpful, and decent folks. They really made the trip memorable. After fininshing up the Tui, it was on to Aukland and the Kauri trip. If anyone reading this is contemplating a trip to NZ, don't hesitate to ring up Active NZ and they will show you the real New Zealand. Oh, and don't forget... No worries, mate!

  Breathtaking experience!   Feb 22 2011

Review by Renee Roth (Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States) for Tui Jan 30 2011
Active New Zealand organized a wonderful travel experience in a spectacular environment. If you love amazing vistas, being in the great outdoors and well planned visits off the beaten tourist path the Active New Zealand experience is definitely for you!

  AMAZING!   Feb 22 2011

Review by Lisa Simpkins (Davidson, North Carolina, United States) for Tui Feb 6 2011
Totally exceeded my expectations!! Trip of a lifetime!

  Great service!   Feb 21 2011

Review by Katrin Szardenings (Torrance, Ca, United States) for Tui Jan 16 2011
Except for the bad weather for the first 3 days, it was absolutely wonderful and the guides did everything they could to make us comfortable. I liked the group, loved the food, and was absolutely taken by the beauty of your country! Everything was organized so well, I just enjoyed the scenery and being driven around!

  It was truly good for the soul!   Feb 19 2011

Review by Janet Colon (Whispering Pines, North Carolina, United States) for Tui Feb 6 2011
Ray and I would not trade our experience for any material item. This trip covered all bases -- great food, great guides, great views, and excellent exercise. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting all of the fine folks of New Zealand, including our tour partners. It was truly good for the soul! Thanks so much for time well spent. Take care, Janet and Ray Colon-Lopez NC, USA

  Very good tour   Feb 18 2011

Review by Dale Chrystof (Chicago, Illinois, United States) for Tui Jan 30 2011
We had a wonderful time; good hikes, good people, great guide.

  Perfect honeymoon!   Feb 14 2011

Review by Andi Stubbs (Durham, North Carolina, United States) for Tui Jan 9 2011
When we planned to go to New Zealand for our honeymoon, I had to convince my husband that a tour was the way to go. Two days into it, he said to me "good call on Active!" We would have never been able to see and do so many amazing things on our own in that amount of time. We were able to relax and enjoy the adventure while our guides took great care of us. It was a trip we will never forget, and I hope we'll be back. Thanks!

  Happy Traveler   Jan 19 2011

Review by Craig Erb (West Chester, Pennsylvania, United States) for Tui Jan 2 2011
New Zealand was the most beautiful and amazing country I have ever seen. The waterfalls and mountains will be in my mind forever. The helicopter flight at Milford Sound could have been the travel highlight of my travel life!!!

  Enjoyed soooo many things   Jan 15 2011

Review by Beth Morrison (Dousman, Wisconsin, United States) for Tui Jan 2 2011
Our family of 6 loved our Active trip! We have joined up with groups for tours but never did this length or with our whole family. Our guides were great, activities were awesome, and the itinerary broke up the driving nicely.

  Tui's company...   Dec 17 2010

Review by Kate Sullivan (A'beckett Street, Victoria, Australia) for Tui Dec 5 2010
I only had a few days to see and 'do' New Zealand as much as I could and Active (and their two fabulous guides) were the people to help me do it. Thanks!!

  Very well planned, logisitics well organised   Dec 9 2010

Review by Suzannah McCoy (Geelong, Victoria, Australia) for Tui Nov 7 2010
Highlights of the trip were Siberia Valley flight and overnight hike. I didn't have to shop for food for group and sleep in shared tent - luxuries.

  I took out an $8000 loan for this trip... FANTASTIC   Dec 3 2010

Review by Shari Malloy (Longmont, Colorado, United States) for Tui Nov 21 2010
I took out an $8000 loan for this trip (I am a single parent w/2 in college & am a public school teacher). It was worth the investment and my son and I had an incredible time. I thought the accommodations were perfect - nice variety, low key/modest and all locally owned-operated. Our guides, Rowan & Natalie, were friendly, helpful, accommodating, sincere, enthusiastic, and obviously very invested in making certain all had a good time, were well cared for etc. Their passion for outdoors and NZ was palpable and infectious. My only disappointment was that I felt mislead when I'd contacted the 800# in US when initially looking into this trip. My then 20-year old son had recently been diagnosed with "very advanced" celiac disease and was having major health (heart & neurological) issues. Part of my reason for taking out this loan and planning this trip was because he'd been quite ill for many months and gotten depressed with how impacting his recent diagnosis was on his life. I have to say I was mislead when I was told "our chefs are well equipped to deal with celiac disease". We quickly found out, by absolutely no fault of Natalie, that she was indeed not educated about this medical condition and the ensuing complex preparations necessary to keep the afflicted person healthy. We worked it out and she was very very willing to do WHATEVER was necessary, which was amazing, but it certainly put my son, myself and Natalie all in a position that none of us were anticipating. My "mother bear" came out and I feel badly about this and again, it was not a comfortable "place" I wanted to go when on my one and only trip of a lifetime.... We all made it work and it worked out A-OK - mostly due to Natalie's willingness to be so helpful.

  Fulfilled all of my expectations and more   Nov 30 2010

Review by Jim Sterner (Irvine, California, United States) for Tui Oct 24 2010
I can't begin to express how much gratitude I have towards Tim and Elle, and how wonderful they were during our entire excursion. One could not ask for a better pair to accompany a group around your exquisite country. I had the time of my life, and I only wish that I had an extra week to explore the North Island, for which I intend to return in the not-too-distant future, hopefully with Active New Zealand guiding me every step of the way. I wish I could identify one particular element of the trip that put it over the top, but everyday was a new day of utter bliss, and I must say that the WHOLE package was a package that only dream trips are made of, and I can say that I was part of that. So thank you all for all of your hard work, and packing so much fun in as little as 8 days. I also wanted to thank Jodi in your calling center, as she was the first person I spoke with, and she was absolutely delightful. So, again, thank you all for everything; this trip will never be forgotten. All the best, Jim Sterner Jim Sterner

  A Grand Adventure   Nov 30 2010

Review by Kara Monsen (Tucson, Arizona, United States) for Tui Nov 7 2010
We could have honeymooned at the beach, but my husband and I decided we wanted more of a challenge. Active New Zealand is just as its name suggests -- ACTIVE! Just the tour we were looking for. The week was filled to the brim with a variety of adventurous activities -- we could never have fit them all in had we tried to do it all on our own. Our guides were knowledgeable and organized -- we had great fun with them and were introduced to some local gems that we wouldn't have found otherwise. The tour company attracts the type of people that I love vacationing with -- adventure seekers with entertaining stories and good senses of humor.

  Great Trip!   Nov 30 2010

Review by Gus Castellanos (Marina Del Rey, CA, United States) for Tui Oct 24 2010
All I can say is amazing. Everyday of our Tui trip was unforgettable. New Zealand was a very scenic place to visit and the great service provided by Active Zealand was icing on the cake.

  Exceeded my high expectations   Nov 25 2010

Review by David Rowland (Tampa, Florida, United States) for Tui Nov 7 2010
I did a week of my own before joining the Tui trip. My entire time in New Zealand was awesome, but the Tui trip was the best part of my NZ vacation. After watching videos and reading lots of travel guides, my expectations were very high. This trip exceeded every expectation. We had a small group of 9 on the trip, which made it easy to get to know everyone. Lofty and Nat were the perfect pair of guides. They had a lot of fun together and their enthusiasm was contagious. I've been on several "active" vacations with various companies and Active New Zealand has been the best. I may have to start planning my Active Australia or Active South America trip soon!

  Exceeded expectations!   Nov 22 2010

Review by Jessica Orzechowski (Carlsbad, California, United States) for Tui Nov 7 2010
This trip was O for Awesome!

  Holy Benolies! I was royally stuffed with good fun!   Nov 19 2010

Review by Mary Kellough (St. Augustine, Florida, United States) for Tui Nov 7 2010
Well designed, from the accommodations, to the food, the choice of activities, the sensitivity to the individual needs of each participant. Highlight of the trip for me, funnily enough, was a very simple thing: seeing the stars like a pin-pricked bowl from horizon to horizon, on our first night. That set the mood. Seeing, on one day, glaciers and rain forest. Every time I thought that an activity or event or view couldn't be beat, it was, as Lofty kept promising.

  Rummaging around the South Island   Nov 16 2010

Review by Kim Knochenhauer (Phoenix, Arizona, United States) for Tui Oct 24 2010
The trip started with blue skies and fair weather but a Norwester blew in and rain became the theme for several days. Even though we were unable to complete some of our activities during the bad weather, our guides were organized and ready with plan B. As the weather blew on, we were treated to even more spectacular views and activities in Milford Sound -- suddenly our plan B seemed like the best choice after all. Our guides, Tim and Elle, were very gracious and accommodating and I would recommend this trip to anyone as a great to experience New Zealand.

  How to fall in love with NZ in a week   Nov 11 2010

Review by Justin Geiman (Westminster, Maryland, United States) for Tui Oct 10 2010
The trip of our lives. We fell in love with NZ and hope to come back in the future. Everything about our trip was perfect - the guides were awesome, the scenery was unbelievably beautiful, the activities were fun and challenging, the other members of our group quickly became our friends, and the food was delicious.

  First guided trip yet not our last.   Nov 9 2010

Review by Bradley Barker (Stanmore, New South Wales, Australia) for Tui Oct 24 2010
These guys know NZ. We were a bit skeptical of the guided option as we do allot of travel on our own yet we were made to feel very welcome and our guides took care of everything for us. We had so much fun on the TUI trip -- all the planning is taken care of by your guides and that leaves you free to enjoy all that NZ has to offer. Don't miss Siberia Valley, amazing even with wet boots.

  No previous guided trips, but I thought this was fantastic.   Nov 7 2010

Review by Nate Champlin (Kailua, Hawaii, United States) for Tui Oct 17 2010
A literal and figurative breath of fresh air! Beautiful country and great people... I can't wait to come back for more! Thanks for the greatest vacation ever! Cheers!

  I'd definitely recommend it!   Oct 31 2010

Review by Lisa Conlon (New York, New York, United States) for Tui Oct 17 2010
What a great trip! The people are so friendly, the food is delicious, and I got to keep active while enjoying one of the most beautiful places on earth. Everyone at home keeps telling me I'm grinning ear to ear. Cheers to Active New Zealand for the experience!

  You were very responsive to inquiries and helpful.   Oct 31 2010

Review by Rick Schaupp (New York, New York, United States) for Tui Oct 10 2010
It was out honeymoon and we really wanted to do a multisport trip in New Zealand. It was my first guided trip. I have a very good impression of Active New Zealand.

  I would highly recommend   Oct 26 2010

Review by Vicki Huber (Westminster, Maryland, United States) for Tui Oct 10 2010
I would highly recommend an Active New Zealand trip. Around every corner there is a sight more spectacular than the last. The guides were fantastic and provided for all of our needs.

  Good, really enjoyed it   May 13 2012

Review by Kim Moore (Denver City, Texas, United States) for Tui Apr 8 2012
Great trip, it was nice to see the out of the way uncrowded places.

  A hidden treasure   Apr 28 2012

Review by Dave Goodwin (APO/FPO AP, United States) for Tui Apr 8 2012
We had a fantastic time with Active, and our guides were fantastic. Between the scenery and the little things the guides did to make it special it is impossible to pick out the biggest highlight.

  Good, really enjoyed it   Apr 12 2012

Review by Bobbie Singleton (wooster, Ohio, United States) for Tui Mar 25 2012

  Good, really enjoyed it   Apr 6 2012

Review by Jorge Alvarez (Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States) for Tui Mar 25 2012

  Online Trip Reivew   Apr 6 2012

Review by Brian Carpenter (Salt Lake City, Utah, United States) for Tui Mar 25 2012
I had a great time. It was great to see the beauty of South Island and have some great guides showing us alone and keeping us moving

  A great trip but more strenuous than I imagined.   Apr 3 2012

Review by Paige Pitt (La Mesa, California, United States) for Tui Mar 11 2012
I think that this tour was well advertised but that I overestimated by own abilities and desires for vacation. While I wanted to explore the outdoors with a few hikes and stay in remote locations, I wasn't able to keep up with the 2-3 hikes and other activities that we did per day. The guides were great and I had a fantastic time getting to know my other trip mates, but I found myself too exhausted to enjoy everything as much as I would have liked. I think that anyone that is looking for an active, beautiful and exciting trip this would be great for you.

  tui trip   Mar 30 2012

Review by John Pareti (Thornwood, New York, United States) for Tui Mar 11 2012
it was great! beautiful place...

  “Rest and Relax? or Rally and Rejuvenate!” R&R from My Deploymen   Mar 25 2012

Review by Melissa Boetig (Afghanistan) for Tui Feb 26 2012
I got lots of weird looks for only spending 2 weeks vacation in New Zealand. When you’re deployed with the US Army for a year, you get (only) 2 weeks at any location of your choice. Months ago when my cousin asked where I was going to go, before I had a chance to answer, my mom said, “Isn’t that when you’re going to New Zealand?” With no pressure to return home, I took advantage of this chance to head far away from Afghanistan. I’d heard about Active New Zealand through either Backpacker or National Geographic Adventure magazine. When I started to look up ways to be active while exploring the country, the name of the company popped in my head and I googled it. Bingo! Exactly what I was looking for. Better yet, they actually had an 8 day tour right in the middle of my assigned R&R dates. I joke that I’ve only made two calls my whole time in Afghanistan: one, to my best friend, and two, to Active New Zealand to set up this trip. New Zealand, and seeing it through Active, was everything I’ve been missing. The vibrant colors of the country, the fresh smells, the varying topography, scenery that changes from oceanside to alps in only a few miles...or kilometers. Juxtaposed with flat, dusty (and sometimes disgustingly smelly) desert, my senses were in overload. When my friends/coworkers that I’m deployed with heard about the Active trip I was going on, they told me, “You’ll be more tired after that trip than when you left!” Little do they know, the kind of activities Active NZ organized are exactly what energize me. A 6 hour hike (“tramp”) through fields, up a “gnarly,” rooted-staircase, through more fields, and up a rocky, winding trail to a glacier lake (Lake Crucible) invigorated me. Scaring myself through a single-track, downhill on the bike, hopping around Hanz Josef Glacier with crampons on, crawling through the ice formations, spending all of my energy to make it across Milford sound on a sunny, but extremely windy day.....all of these things recharged my batteries. With this group, I got to meet people from other places and different backgrounds and interests. The tour allowed us to make selections of activities that suited our interests. The guides, Ben and Christina, were extremely knowledgeable about Kiwi culture and the areas we traveled to. If the weather wasn’t good at one location, they knew where we could go just a little further down the road to still have a good tramp or view. They were easy to pass time with and made sure we got the most from the tour. They made sure we were always full with delicious food and well informed about the next day’s activities. Having food, driving, lodging, and activities picked out for me made the trip that much easier to do. I wouldn’t have had the time, the energy, or the knowledge to put this trip together by myself (especially with only 3 weeks and from a place with poor resources). Also, as a single person, it was really easy to jump in with the group. I came back to the desert with so many fond memories and mental and digital images. Thanks, Active for giving me a very special get-away.

  Good, really enjoyed it   Mar 22 2012

Review by John Sovec (Altadena, California, United States) for Tui Mar 11 2012

  It was great!!!   Mar 17 2012

Review by Robert Muse (Pottstown, Pennsylvania, United States) for Tui Feb 26 2012
I really enjoyed my Active NZ Trip. The diversity of sights and experiences was incredible.

  Good, really enjoyed it   Mar 12 2012

Review by Willie Biggart (Gullane, East Lothian, United Kingdom) for Tui Feb 19 2012

  Had a blast   Mar 1 2012

Review by Jill Allen (Oakland, California, United States) for Tui Feb 12 2012
Loved the itinerary and guides on this trip. Beautiful scenery, lots of different activities and never boring. The food was amazing. Never thought I could gain 10lbs on an ACTIVE trip!

  Tui Feb 2012 provided an excellent balance   Feb 27 2012

Review by Chris Godwin (Wan Liu, Beijing , China) for Tui Feb 5 2012
This trip provided an excellent balance of bus tour, hill walking, and adventures with small plane, jet boat and sea kayak. Perfect weather enhanced the two wonderful days in Siberia Valley - for us the most memorable part of the holiday. The friendly and informative guides Ken and Louisa adapted each day to the weather conditions, giving us a spinetingling glow-worm cave experience when low cloud prevented a hike up to a glacier-observing spot. The half-day bike ride was along the (how shall I put this) most unusual bike trail I've ever ridden! As we adapt back to drab Beijing winter we're sorting trough hundreds of pix to keep the memories alive.

  Tui trip a very good trip.   Jan 14 2012

Review by Saad Iqbal (Dubai, United Arab Emirates) for Tui Nov 13 2011
A very good trip. While not all the highlights are visited (Kaikoura, Tasman Bay, Doubtful Sound etc. are not on the itinerary) there are enough of them (Franz Jozef Glacier, Milford Sound, Queenstown etc) that the Tui trip is a great way to get a sense of all the South Island has to offer in a hands-on and engaged way and in a relatively short space of time.

  I really enjoyed our Tui adventure with Lauren and Elle.   Dec 12 2011

Review by Pam Wood (Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States) for Tui Nov 6 2011
They went out of their way to provide us with a great experience. Both were knowledgeable and related well to our group. Their positive attitude in the face of weather challenges helped to set a good tone. The added touch of a toast on one of our hikes to the people celebrating special occasions was much appreciated.

  Thanks Sarah and Lofty!!!   Dec 11 2011

Review by Paula Winke (East Lansing, Michigan, United States) for Tui Nov 20 2011
Thanks to Sarah and Lofty for providing us with tons of info on NZ as the trip went on. Their knowledge about politics, history, and life in NZ were an added bonus to the trip. They were also very keen on sharing their country of NZ and all its beauty with us.

  NZ is truly beautiful.   Dec 11 2011

Review by Paul Stokstad (East Lansing, Michigan, United States) for Tui Nov 20 2011
We would not have been able to cover as much ground as we did with Active NZ. Thank you.

  Enjoyable trip for all   Nov 28 2011

Review by Bill Wood (Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States) for Tui Nov 6 2011
Our guides, Lauren and Elle, did all they could to insure an enjoyable trip for all. It's clear they are good at what they do and, equally important, they enjoy what they do.

  Good, really enjoyed it   Nov 28 2011

Review by Jon Moss (Chicago, Illinois, United States) for Tui Nov 6 2011

  Hard to do On Your Own   Nov 27 2011

Review by Barbara Moss (Chicago, Illinois, United States) for Tui Nov 6 2011
The activities were great and would be hard to orchestrate on your own. Guides were excellent and tried hard to accommodate the needs of everyone. Be prepared for basic lodging and food as well as a lot of time on the bus.

  Well-paced trip   Nov 27 2011

Review by Dee Kubulins (Hingham, Massachusetts, United States) for Tui Nov 6 2011
We did the Kauri the week before and I enjoyed this trip more because it was a little less intense and upon reflection, we had so many more memorable experiences on this trip. It's well worth it because you could never pull together this trip on your own at the same price.

  Tui is a great way to experience the South Island   Nov 27 2011

Review by Ed Kubulins (Hingham, Massachusetts, United States) for Tui Nov 6 2011
There are some real highlights on Tui that make it an exceptional trip. Do the Heli-hike if you can. Siberia Valley is a great experience, as is the sea kayaking in Milford Sound. Make it a full day in Queenstown, and do a bungy jump.

  Most beautiful place on earth   Nov 14 2011

Review by Jeff Katke (Gig Harbor, Washington, United States) for Tui Oct 16 2011
Amazing vistas, experiences, education, exercise and guides. Great fun! Accomodation could have been better.

  Super fun times   Oct 25 2011

Review by Melissa Glick (Durango, Colorado, United States) for Tui Oct 9 2011
Tui was an awesome experience filled with energizing activities and breathtaking scenery. I saw and did so much! My guide loved every little thing about New Zealand so her passion and excitement seeped into every moment and made it special.

  Understanding the distance and remoteness, well put together.   Mar 14 2011

Review by Cathy Armacost (Liberty Lake, Washington, United States) for Tui Feb 27 2011
Well organized. Highlight was the Siberia valley experience - flight, hike(s), hut, jet boat ride. Mainly, just experiencing siberia valley - the beauty and peacefulness.

  Tui trip   Feb 28 2011

Review by Maryanne Mackinnon (Bellingham, Washington, United States) for Tui Feb 13 2011
A really super way of seeing a lot in a short period of time. A great blend of activities and it was so neat to see and be able to do so much and have someone else do all the driving and arranging.

  It was the best way to see all of the sites.   Feb 16 2011

Review by Jeff Ewing (Leesburg, Virginia, United States) for Tui Jan 9 2011
Very good trip. The guides were great, as were the other hikers. I think that your clothing gear list was a little overboard, at least for me, I never used any of the cold weather clothing, but that was partly because I'm hot natured.

  Great way to explore the South Island of New Zealand   Feb 4 2011

Review by Monica Gleason-Potter (Macedon, New York, United States) for Tui Jan 9 2011
It felt like when you visit friends and they want to show you all the great places to check out. The little towns, especially Okarito was really cool. The stops along the way to our destination for the night were all interesting. Our guides, Gemma and Natalie, did a fantastic job.

  Great Trip!!   Jan 16 2011

Review by Win Keller (Alexandria, Virginia, United States) for Tui Dec 5 2010
Has a great time. Guides were great, scenery incredible, weather so-so.

  Relax the Mind   Jan 14 2011

Review by David Ivy (Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil) for Tui Jan 2 2011
I attained my goal of relaxing during my Active New Zealand trip... relaxing the mind as the body got its share of a workout!! Met new people, learned about a fantistic country & culture and more importantly had fun!!! Neither sun nor rain could stop our group!!! -David "Brazil" Ivy

  Active Weather on the South Island   Jan 10 2011

Review by Ken Schelberg (Thornhill, Ontario, Canada) for Tui Dec 19 2010
Active New Zealand was a wet but wonderful experience on the South Island from Dec 19 to 26/10. The trip leaders Dan K and Elle were both very knowledgeable, capable and amazing guides. I cannot forget the wonderful experiences of Hiking Ben Lomond, kayaking Milford Sound and jet-boating, cycling, and sight-seeing on a Cessna all in 1 beautiful day.

  Great guides, great group!   Jan 8 2011

Review by Tammy Vendange (Nicholls, Australian Capital Territory, Australia) for Tui Dec 26 2010
Overall great trip. The guides and the rest of the group really made it special.

  Great Trip!   Jan 3 2011

Review by Mikki Pazman (Honolulu, Hawaii, United States) for Tui Dec 19 2010
My husband and I loved the Tui trip! New Zealand is such a beautiful place and this trip definitely focused on the natural beauty/outdoor activities throughout the Southern Alps. We had amazing guides, Elle and Dan, and they worked extremely hard to make sure we had the best experience ever! Thanks you guys :)

  Tui - more then just a bird!   Dec 10 2010

Review by Bill Stainton (Carlisle, Cumbria, United Kingdom) for Tui Oct 24 2010
Didn't know what to expect but the guides put everyone at ease and couldn't do enough to support your needs and others. I didn't know you could cram in so much over 8 fun-filled days.

  Had a fabulous time!   Dec 5 2010

Review by Judy Ou (Palo Alto, California, United States) for Tui Nov 21 2010
Well coordinated -- multiple options for activities well appreciated. Enjoyed home cooked meals. Only suggestion -- did not feel that the mountain biking (Hawea River Trail) was well coordinated. Suggestion -- providing clearer directions about route. Otherwise trip was awesome!

  Great Adventure!   Nov 30 2010

Review by Jeffrey Horn (Washington, District of Columbia, United States) for Tui Nov 7 2010
Excellent Trip! Nice variety in adventure - i.e., hiking, kayaking and biking etc. Good choices in places to visit. Excellent guides.

  Although I'm not the nature person like my husband...   Nov 30 2010

Review by Dorine Sterner/Reagan (Irvine, California, United States) for Tui Oct 24 2010
Our trip was really great. Very well organized. We were well fed and got lots of exercise! The scenery on the South Island is amazing and Elle is a doll! Tim was great too and he took the time to play nice music on the bus and narrate too. Thank you!

  Very good organized!!!   Nov 15 2010

Review by Julieta Senis Fernandez (Cuenca, Cuenca, Spain) for Tui Oct 24 2010
Very good organized!!! Guides very professional!!!

  OK, a few improvements needed   Apr 20 2012

Review by Bill Tabler (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia) for Tui Apr 8 2012

  Active Way to See the South Island   Feb 28 2011

Review by Joanne Mackinnon (Vancouver, BC, Canada) for Tui Feb 13 2011
This was a fabulous active trip of the South Island. We covered so much of the island doing a variety of activities. If you don't have much time and want to be active, check out these tours. Oh, and be sure to get on the Siberia Hut Option! While we didn't get on this option due to space constraints, it was a highlight for the rest of the group.

  Not quite as Active as the name suggests   Jan 19 2011

Review by Thierry Forest (Bondi Beach, New South Wales, Australia) for Tui Jan 2 2011
Great scenery on the South Island. But the trip does not live up to the company's name. A lot of time spent on the bus, little spent hiking.