4.5 Stars (754 reviews)
My brain is still processing all the beauty and wonder of the North Island Kauri trip. Ellie and Elder were wonderful guides, very knowledgeable about the island's flora and fauna, geology, and Maori culture. Sadly, we were unable to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (storms and gale-force winds!), but Ellie and Elder assuaged our disappointment with a variety of satisfying and beautiful hikes at lower elevations around Tongariro. Physically I had some doubts that my middle-aged body could handle some of the hikes from looking at the itinerary, but in retrospect everything was very well sequenced--we were "eased into" some of the more challenging activities by what we had done the day before. The Waitomo Caves cave tubing excursion was the perfect finale to a perfect five days! If you're thinking about taking this trip, DO 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)
Coming off the 8 day Tui South Island experience, I expected more or less of the same. And to some degree that didn't disappoint. But what I didn't see coming was the strong Maori presence. The way Liana and the Alpine Crossing guide spoke about the features of the landscape in the context of the Maori mythology & history, as one, blew my mind. I was really struck by how these 2 local guides had internalized this and spoke from the heart & mind about it, seamlessly. Quite beautiful and the wonderful hikes and Mt. biking notwithstanding, that is what I will remember about the North Island. It came up a bit with Ruby & Kaleb, but nothing like this. Then we went to Rotorua which formally added to our awareness and while my interest was already peaking and it was enlightening, it didn't carry the emotional impact that listening to the guides did. Never seen anything like it. Very cool.
North Island Volcanic Adventure, January 1970
4.5 Stars (754 reviews)
After spending 2 days on our own in Auckland this trip was a great start to exploring the North Island. FIrst Andy and Jo as our guides were spectacular. Andy's knowledge of the area is unsurpassed and Jo's preparation of the meals was excellent. Having a large amount of the meals prepared by the guides worked very well and made for a more intimate setting for the group without the wasted time at the restaurants. They also made stops at the liquor stores to secure the beer and wine for the dinners. The lodging was very comfortable and fit our needs perfectly. The hikes were spectacular and gave great views. One of the reasons we picked this tour was to do the Tongariro Crossing and we were not disappointed. Don't let the crowds deter you. Once you get past the parking lot you do not feel crowded on the hike. The weather for us turned out to be perfect. The glow worms turned out to be a great experience. Andy and Jo made everything work effortlessly which is what you want on a guided tour. You will not be disappointed on an Active Adventures trip.
North Island Volcanic Adventure, January 1970
4.5 Stars (754 reviews)
Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!
North Island Volcanic Adventure, October 2400
4.5 Stars (754 reviews)
We were able to see and do so much more with our tour than we would have on our own. We had a great time exploring and combined with the knowledge and history our guides provided, made the trip priceless!
North Island Volcanic Adventure, January 1970
4.5 Stars (754 reviews)
If you only have 5 days to explore New Zealand's North Island, this is the way to do it! Great balance of scenic highlights, Maori culture, adventures that push you outside your comfort zone, relaxing evenings, and always with a swimming hole in reach to beat the heat. Our guides were fantastic- knowledgeable, supportive, and quickly became like family. Would highly recommend this trip with Active!
North Island Volcanic Adventure, January 1970
4.5 Stars (754 reviews)
Our retirement trip to New Zealand was planned two years in advance with Active Adventures. We did the North Island K and South Island with one day in between. It was an ambitious schedule which we were so glad we did. Gregory and Claire really made the trip special for us. Gregory was a fountain of knowledge (especially about the kiwi bird) just ask him. He and Claire kept our attention on the long drives with amusing stories. They also played music in conjunction with the activity we were about to do. For example the folk song about Gumboots. (They were surprised we knew the Scottish Welly Song) They always made us feel we could do all the activities - hiking Mt. Te Aroha, Rainbow Mountain, the Tongariro Crossing (our favorite) cave tubing at Waitomo Caves, and mountain biking in Whakarewarewa Forest. We talked them into taking us to a Zorb Waterball Ride in Rotorua which we really think should be included on this trip for everyone. It was that fun! Our meal prepared by Claire and Gregory were spectacular. On New Year's Eve we had a special evening watching fireworks off the Lake Rotorua. Each night we played games (which I brought) and everyone bonded over a little competition. Our highlights that we will remember from this trip are our New Zealand Guides Gregory and Claire. I hope they remember us as much as we will remember them!
North Island Volcanic Adventure, January 1970