4.5 Stars (754 reviews)
I combined Active New Zealand's five day 'Kauri' adventure on the North Island with their fourteen day 'Rimu' tour of the South Island and threw in a few cities of my own (Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington). The result was simply awesome! Biking on the trails through Whakarewarewa forest and donning a wet suit, helmet and headlamp to explore an underground rivers running through the Waitomo Caves have to be two of my favourites from the North Island. On the South Island, the three day St Angelus hike was tough but hugely rewarding. The first day was a fairly flat hike along the shore of the lake to Lake Head Hut where we stayed the night. We rose at first light (around 5am) and were on our way after breakfast. Wading through a couple of rivers before a fairly relentless four hour uphill trek until we reached our lunch spot. After lunch it got steeper and we were forced to scramble over rocks and scree for another four hours before we arrived at a beautiful ice cold lake near the summit. As we collapsed exhausted in to St Angelus hut our guide produced a bottle of champagne from his rucksack and we congratulated ourselves on making it this far. But there was more to come. We breakfasted and were on our way to the summit by 7:15am the following morning. It was a tough climb, almost vertical in places, until we reached the ridge-line and what our guide called the 'technical' part of the hike - narrow pathways with almost sheer drops! As we reached the valley the sense of accomplishment was amazing and we celebrated that evening with fish and chips and a few beers! The Mueller hike and the views of Mount Cook (where Sir Edmund Hilary trained before he conquered Everest) were also spectacular - and a great place to take some photos. I met some really great people on both of the tours and our guides worked really hard to ensure everyone had a fantastic time. This is one holiday I will be talking about for sometime to come!
North Island Volcanic Adventure, January 1970
4.5 Stars (754 reviews)
We had a great time. Our physical abilities were tested but we accomplished all we intended. Grant was a great guide, very knowledgeable and personable. We had a small group and we got along quite well.
North Island Volcanic Adventure, January 1970
4.5 Stars (754 reviews)
Great way to get a quick overview of the North Island. The hikes were terrific -- especially the Alpine Crossing. Terrific guide and group.
North Island Volcanic Adventure, January 1970
4.5 Stars (754 reviews)
I enjoyed all aspects. The Tongariro alpine crossing was especially outstanding, but Waitomo Caves, mountain biking, and the Maori feast were also great.
North Island Volcanic Adventure, January 1970
4.5 Stars (754 reviews)
Great trip, friendly and knowledgeable guides who mixed encouragement and fun. Lots of highlights, hiking, mountain biking.
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)
Things didn't always go to plan, but I still had a good time and really enjoyed our group camaraderie. I felt like the pace was sometimes too fast, it's good to be active but having time to take in the beautiful scenery is important too!
North Island Volcanic Adventure, January 1970