4.8 Stars (387 reviews)
Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!
New Zealand Walking Adventure, January 1970
4.7 Stars (1139 reviews)
We had a wonderful two week tour thanks mostly to three things ~ the positive leadership from our head guide Alvaro (who also had a strong supporting cast in Cristian, Javier and Aime), the great group of people who were our travel mates and the (mostly) cooperative weather that allowed us to experience the beauty of the area.
Our guides were exceptional in many ways. It was impressive to watch their "people skills" in action. Whether it was instilling confidence or gently reminding us to be aware of others, they quickly helped the group to develop a sense of family. In addition, their knowledge of the area was very apparent. They were very eager to answer any and all questions. Although the group was almost twice their age (and, in one case, three times as old!), I truly appreciated NOT ONCE being treated any differently than from someone my own age.
Even though, as mentioned, I think the guides played some part in bringing our group together, we were fortunate to start with a GREAT group of people!! Lots of laughs and lots of fun!
We, personally, were thankful that the sun decided to join us on many of our days or for, at least, part of the day. For us, the sun intensifies nature's colors and, subsequently, our experience.
Patagonia Hiking Adventure, January 1970
4.7 Stars (1139 reviews)
Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!
Patagonia Hiking Adventure, January 1970
4.6 Stars (90 reviews)
Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!
Northland Adventure, January 1970
4.8 Stars (387 reviews)
Always a little daunting with an unknown group of travellers in a faraway land. We immediately felt comfortable with our group thanks to Katie and Emily, our guides. Nothing could not be handled by these two. Hikes met our needs and expectations. Always an option to choose. Our itinerary had to be changed due to flooding and closed roads but the alternative turned out to be amazing. We always felt that Active was looking out for our best interests. Would highly recommend Active Adventures for future travellers.
New Zealand Walking Adventure, January 1970
4.7 Stars (128 reviews)
Good, really enjoyed it
Great Walks of New Zealand, January 1970
4.6 Stars (825 reviews)
My wife and I were on the Manuka trip in February, 2020. For some fluke reason, we were the only 2 people booked for most of the trip, but there were 3 others booked for the Fiordland portion of the trip. Caleb was our private guide for the portion of the trip we were alone, and he was awesome. Polite, pleasant, knowledgeable, and an excellent driver and cook. Irene joined us for the Fiordland portion of the trip and was also fabulous. We were in Fiordland when a freak storm dumped a meter of rain in 60 hours. We were about to go into Milford Sound when the road was closed, and basically we were stuck in Southland with no way out. Caleb and Irene were extremely calm, capable and professional and managed to find things for us to do despite the circumstances. Although they certainly had help and guidance from the Operations people for Active Adventures in Queenstown, I know of very few young people who could have handled the situation as well as they did. I have tremendous respect for Active Adventures, the way all of this was handled, and would recommend the organization to anyone. We were thinking of going to Hawaii next January, but I think we are going to return to NZ instead.
Milford Track Adventure, January 1970
4.7 Stars (1139 reviews)
I was originally scheduled to take this trip 3 years ago, but a sudden issue with my back and urgent surgery caused a cancellation, and it has taken me 3 years to regain enough strength and stamina to go. Boy, was it ever worth the wait! The landscapes, people, wildlife and simply the experience of covering so much ground on my own two feet were truly uplifting. Our tour leader, Gustavo, had just the right mix of leadership skills, humor, empathy, and detailed knowledge of what we were seeing and doing. I'd travel with him again in a heartbeat! The accommodations were well-chosen, the local guides knowledgeable and friendly, and my fellow travelers quickly bonded into a supportive group of what felt like life-long friends. We cheered each other on, and shared individual small victories and also birthday celebrations. I enjoyed the variety of activities and sites. All the arrangements were smooth and it was no effort to get from one place to the next. This was my second trip with Active Adventures and the only question now is which one will be the third.
Patagonia Hiking Adventure, January 1970