2009 Best Adventure Travel Companies On Earth

National Geographic Adventure online

The Adventure Ratings 2009: For the second time in as many years, we’ve conducted an unprecedented survey of adventure travel companies, based on the idea that a traveler’s most important decision is not always where to go but who to go with. For the 2009 edition, we spoke to more guide services—and their clients—than ever before.

Active New Zealand Overall Score: 89.80

New Zealand's most popular destinations get special treatment by this outfitter. While most tourists see Milford Sound from the deck of a cruise ship, Active New Zealand's clients navigate sea kayaks among the fjord's seals and dolphins. And whereas the majority of visitors to Mount Cook catch just a quick glimpse of New Zealand's highest peak, ANZ's groups stay for two nights at a high-country sheep farm overlooking Mount Cook. Then they spend a full day hiking in Mount Cook National Park. The lodging is eclectic, from mountain huts to an apartment in Queenstown.

Signature Trip: South Island Rimu; hiking, sea kayaking, biking; 14 days; New Zealand

Rating Criteria Scores

• Overall: 89.80
• Quality of Service: 92.00
• Sustainability: 83.50
• Spirit of Adventure: 94.50
• Education: 89.00
• Client Satisfaction: 90.00