4.5 Stars (754 reviews)
Good, really enjoyed it
North Island Volcanic Adventure, January 1970
4.5 Stars (754 reviews)
We began our New Zealand trip on the North Island with the Kauri trip, then moved to the South Island for the Rimu trip. Kauri was our introduction to Mike T and Jacs (Jaclyn) who would be with us for the next 3 weeks. I think it was key to the success of the trip that we had the same guides for both trips - our entire time in New Zealand. From the moment they greeted us at Auckland Airport, Mike and Jacs were attentive to all the trip details, our individual needs (illness, bad knees, dietary, etc.), and giving us the very best experience they could. Mike and Jacs are very proud of New Zealand and loved showing it off to us. Jacs kept the snack basket well-stocked and that was important on days with long drives. Her menus for the dinners that she cooked for us were outstanding and a great introduction to Kiwi cuisine. The highlight of the Kauri trip for me, and I think the rest of our group, was the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. We felt very lucky to have been able to complete the hike when seismic activity caused the track to be closed the next day, and then Te Maari Crater erupted a week later! Dave and Lisa with Planet Bike provided great teaching and support for the Whakarewarea Forest mountain biking. Single track riding isn't my favorite activity but I gave it a whirl. Blackwater rafting in the Waitomo Caves was the unique and memorable experience of both the week and our entire New Zealand trip.
North Island Volcanic Adventure, January 1970
4.5 Stars (754 reviews)
My travels with ACTIVE NEW ZEALAND went far beyond my long held dream. The natural beauty and breathtaking vistas alone would have been fulfilling, but the experiences took me to an even greater depth: trekking through jungle trails, along lakes and rivers, hiking over the Tongariro Alpine trail, ever vigilant of the active volcano, wading and floating our way through the Waitamo caves, mountain biking at Rotorua; soaking in hot mineral pools. There were so many amazing adventures in this land of incredible views--the most beautiful place on earth.
Kudos and thanks to a most well run company and our most excellent guides, Mike and Jaclyn. They were always cheerful, attentive, supportive, flexible and they played a big part in creating our magical experience. Their love of their country showed through at all times. They went far beyond all expectation in all aspects. I will so miss hearing Mike’s music and feasting on Jacque’s phenomenal cuisine and Mike’s excellent coffee. I have never had guides take such care.
The accommodations were varied and absolutely unique. We always looked forward to seeing where we would be that night. The restaurants were superb. The timing and pacing was very well planned. And then just when we thought we’d had the most fun we flew to Christchurch and began the Rimu tour.
North Island Volcanic Adventure, January 1970
4.5 Stars (754 reviews)
Loved it...absolutely loved it...all parts of it. Wonderful guides, great scenery, mostly good people.
North Island Volcanic Adventure, January 1970
4.5 Stars (754 reviews)
Wonderful friendly guides Jacklin & Mike. Each day brought many unforgettable highlights, from simple walks on the beaches to Jacqlin's delicious meals, to adventurous activities I'd never considered for my self like snorkeling with seals to mountain biking with Planet Bike to caving at Waitomo caves. And then there was the dramatic hike over the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in damp cold foggy rain, emerging from the clouds just as we reached the summit. With the added drama of having that crossing closed due to potential volcanic activity the evening after our hike was completed. Most important was throughout all our days activities, I never felt unsafe. Due to the quality of support from both our guides & the others supporting special activities.
North Island Volcanic Adventure, January 1970
4.5 Stars (754 reviews)
From the time the guides picked us up, until they dropped us off, it was action packed. Incredible scenery, exciting explorations, knowledgable guides, whether it was culture, flora, fauna, history - they were always there with an answer, or looked it up for us. The first short hike, the longer one the next day through incredible rain forest, where Jacqlyn educated us on the various edible plants and the beautiful native trees and bushes, and Mike pointing out the birds as they flew by, and also recognizing them by their call. The mountain biking was new for me, the quick education Dave gave us and the encouragement from Lisa was terrific. I was apprehensive going down a single track, but everyone in the group completed the adventure without incident. The Tongoriro Crossing was exciting because the mountain had an erruption in August for the first time in over 100 years, the Dept of Conservation repaired the trails, we started the trek in a misty cloud, which gave way to beautiful scenery by lunchtime. The trek was tough, a stairway to heaven, and of course what goes up must go down. first across the crater, down some scree to incredible Emeral Lake and Blue Lake, then some snowfields, on to the hut that was damaged by the eruption. We also saw where the trail had been washed out by floodwater. We made it beautifully and heard from the shopkeepers the next day that the trail was closed after we completed it because of seismic activity. 6 days later Tongoriro would erupt again. Now that is adventurous excitement to the max. The last day was rafting through the caves and experiencing the darkness and the glow worms. Yes, this trip is indeed awesome!
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)
This group of active adults travelled from Portland, Oregon together to experience New Zealand and experience it we did. We hiked the Tongariro Crossing and the next day it was closed due to volcanic experience. We mountain biked a downhill banked course in the W. Forest. We finished tubing through the Waitomo Caves which involved jumping backwards off waterfalls. Such a thrill. On my return trip, I'm sure I'll be brave enough to bungy jump!!
North Island Volcanic Adventure, January 1970