4.5 Stars (754 reviews)
You don't have to be super fit or young to enjoy Active Adventures. Being over 65, my wife and I prepared physically for the trip. Some of the activities were beyond our capabilities, but our wonderful guides were able to suggest easier options. We did things we would never have dreamed of doing by ourselves.
North Island Volcanic Adventure, January 1970
4.5 Stars (754 reviews)
Our family of four (parents in 60’s and sons in 20’s) booked this tour as part of a two-week NZ vacation. It pushed our limits – we undertook activities we would not have attempted on our own. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing was especially challenging for the two “old folks,†but our guide patiently encouraged us along the trail. With two guides, we were able to split into two groups, so the old folks didn’t “hold back†the youngsters.
Our guides, Lina and Kate, were professional, organized, upbeat, and attentive -- anticipating our needs and satisfying our various dietary requests. Lina is an exceptionally good driver with a wealth of knowledge about New Zealand; she patiently answered our endless questions. Our meals were varied and good – some prepared by our guides, and others from restaurants. Kate’s Pavlova dessert was a special treat!
We appreciated the flexibility to modify our itinerary to include Waitomo Caves, instead of the Hobbiton movie set. So glad we didn’t miss the unique, amazing experience of tubing in the glowworm cave! And, we had great weather for the entire trip – even on the rim of Tongariro’s Red Crater. All in all, it was an awesome five days!
Our suggestions for improvement are mostly administrative:
1) Kauri tour price is listed as: US$1999 + tax. After agreeing to take the tour, we were surprised to learn the tax was US$300 – much higher than we expected. Either the price should include this tax, or it should read “US$1999 + 15% taxâ€. (Based on our experience, this tax is usually included in NZ hotel, restaurant and shop prices.)
2) For our four adults, we asked Active NZ to reserve one double room and one twin room. We expected our sleeping arrangements to be two rooms – each with a bath. Instead, our lodging was two bedrooms with only one bath. This was inconvenient – esp. since we were all on the same schedule – arising early to eat breakfast prepared by our guides, and returning fairly late in the day. Active NZ should have informed us that we would be sharing one bath, and offered the option to pay extra for two baths.
3) It took us a day or so to learn the guides’ names. We suggest the guides make an effort to call each other by name on the first day (to aid people who have difficulty remembering names).
North Island Volcanic Adventure, January 1970
4.5 Stars (754 reviews)
Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!
North Island Volcanic Adventure, January 1970
4.5 Stars (754 reviews)
A nice follow up to the South Island. We never had the group come together as well as with Mike and Natalie but still a great memory.
North Island Volcanic Adventure, January 1970
4.5 Stars (754 reviews)
This trip was an experience of a LIFE TIME. We would go back tomorrow. It was challenging at times, even more than what we had anticipated but absolutely NO regrets. Lina and Jaclyn were very organized and always on top of the agenda.
North Island Volcanic Adventure, January 1970
4.5 Stars (754 reviews)
Good, really enjoyed it
North Island Volcanic Adventure, January 1970
4.5 Stars (754 reviews)
Good, really enjoyed it
North Island Volcanic Adventure, January 1970
4.5 Stars (754 reviews)
I loved the Kauri trip, it was so different from the Rimu. It's hard to believe we packed so much into five days and still we seemed to do it effortlessly. Kate and Lina had wonderful way of making sure we got the best out of each day and catered to our every need.
North Island Volcanic Adventure, January 1970