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INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURES
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New Zealand is world famous as a paradise for those who love the outdoors. The South Island is divided by a mountain range, the Southern Alps, which are responsible for the islands' unique climate zones that include high alpine and glaciers, lush rainforest, beech forests, and plains. We will hike from hut to hut on one of the locals' favorite tracks, staying in a cozy hut overlooking the mountains and an alpine lake. We will kayak in the Milford Sound, visit the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage area with its incredible fjords and lagoons, cycle on one of New Zealand's legendary bike trails, visit with fur seals, and taste the local wines that reflect its unique climate. Maximum group size: 14
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Not included: Transportation to or from the Christchurch airport, alcoholic beverages, guide gratuities and trip insurance (mandatory).
This trip is designed for women in very good physical condition who enjoy hiking and other activities and want to explore New Zealand. Hiking is generally 3 - 7 hours on dirt trails, rocky paths, and occasionally uneven footing. Please note that Day 3 includes an optional hike with over 3,000 feet elevation gain and is more typical for trips that are rated 4. The biking and kayaking are suitable for novices. A rating of 3 requires aerobic conditioning, such as walking vigorously up hills, jogging, cross country skiing or stair stepping for 30 - 45 minutes at least 3 - 4 times a week. For this trip you should be working out at the upper end of these ranges. Rating: 1 2 [3] 4 5.
This trip is designed as an exploration of the natural beauty and diversity of New Zealand's landscape, mountains, and waterways. We will be hiking 2-7 hours a day along and in New Zealand's mountains, beaches, rainforests and forests of southern New Zealand. We will kayak along the coastline and in a lagoon. We will also explore the Hawea River trail by bike.
Most of our accommodations are locally owned small lodges or hotels, 2-bed rooms with private bathrooms. We'll also spend 1-2 nights in the in back-country huts. These cozy huts will have bunk beds (platform-shared bunks with mattresses) with outside compostable toilets. There are no showers or hot water. The water supply is good for drinking and washing. One night will be at the Crown Plaza in Queenstown, a large modern hotel. There is not a single supplement available for the entire trip. There is an option at an additional cost to get a single room at the Crown Plaza in Queenstown.
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
The country was beautiful and our two guides were excellent.
Exploring New Zealand 3/11/2019-3/24/2019
The activities, scenery and the people plus the guides were amazing fun to be around.
Exploring New Zealand 3/11/2019-3/24/2019
Whenever you thought it couldn't get any better, it did. Just spectacular.
Exploring New Zealand 3/11/2019-3/24/2019
Great location local guides were outstanding . Well planned trip with good overall feel of South Island
Exploring New Zealand 3/11/2019-3/24/2019
The Active Adventures guides were AMAZING! New Zealand is a pretty special place - truly spectacular landscape and culture. The people on the trip were super fun. The prep info from ACG was really helpful.
Exploring New Zealand 3/11/2019-3/24/2019
It was as described in the itinerary but for the last Sunday morning. That was a bit upsetting.
Exploring New Zealand 3/11/2019-3/24/2019
Great New Zealand leaders. Very accommodating and pleasant to travel with.
Exploring New Zealand 3/11/2019-3/24/2019
It was a wonderful trip! The guides Tess and Astrid were phenomenal.
Exploring New Zealand 3/11/2019-3/24/2019
The guides were great! We covered all of the highlights on the South Island. Plenty of exercise and great food.
Exploring New Zealand 3/11/2019-3/24/2019
The more AGC trips I go on, the more women I know who are on the trip and we begin to decide on next year’s trip. NZ was a surprise in terms of exceeding what I imagined in terms of beauty, range of options offered, interaction with excellent guides from Active Adventures on behalf of AGC.
Exploring New Zealand 3/11/2019-3/24/2019
I loved every day, every activity and all the new friends I met!
Exploring New Zealand 11/6/2017-11/17/2017
Location fabulous, well organized, great guides.
Exploring New Zealand 11/6/2017-11/17/2017
The wonderful hikes the positive guides and great women I met. (Scenery and Food)
Exploring New Zealand 11/6/2017-11/17/2017
The country itself plus excellent guides and perfect weather
Exploring New Zealand 11/6/2017-11/17/2017
Extremely well organized each day - yet as a participant, there was no feeling of being rushed. I'm amazed at the variety of different sties we were able to see in the short period of time available.
Exploring New Zealand 11/6/2017-11/17/2017
So many hikes...crossing the river...staying in the hut...biking...meals together... great people!
Exploring New Zealand 11/6/2017-11/17/2017
Loved the beauty of the South Island!! The mountains, lakes, rivers, and scenery exceeded my expectations! I thoroughly enjoyed the biking and kayaking and most of the hiking. The other women on the trip were the best - tremendous group of women!
Exploring New Zealand 11/6/2017-11/17/2017
Seeing a large part of the South Island.
Exploring New Zealand 11/6/2017-11/17/2017
Fording an icy rushing river linked to 3 other women! Biking 18 miles on one of the most beautifully scenic trails imaginable! Kayaking on calm waters in iconic Milford Sound! Having the most excellent Kiwi guides escort/cajole/feed us through their beautiful country!
Exploring New Zealand 11/6/2017-11/17/2017
Epic! Great balance of activities and remote locations only the locals would know about. Food, accomodations and service were top notch! All guides were just awesome!
Exploring New Zealand 11/6/2017-11/17/2017