Dora_Flesher

I am looking for a multi-sport trip in the South Island of New Zealand. There are so many travel companies. It's overwhelming. Any ideas for how I can verify which company provides a great trip? Has anyone used an operator they loved?

mlgb

Most of the regular posters here don't book a package tour. It really isn't necessary.

Try www.newzealand.com for information.

Bokhara2

There are Certified New Zealand travel specialists who should be able to help you plan your trip.

This link may be a start. http://www.newzealand.com/travel/get...ted-states.cfm

KensingtonGirl

You need to clarify what level of activity you are looking for and if possible what companies you have been looking at.

Active New Zealand (http://activenewzealand.com/) does a South Island multi-sport trip and we've known a lot of people who have gone with them, including ourselves. REI Adventures has a similar trip (http://www.rei.com/adventures/) and we can recommend them as a company (did a China trip with them not New Zealand).

This company has a lot of hiking trips on their website
http://www.hikingnewzealand.com/ though I have never figured out whether they are just a booking agent or actually run their own trips but it gives you a great feel for what's available.

There are several companies that do biking trips in New Zealand.

Or if what you are looking for is just a couple of days of activities at a time then find the local company that does it. For example, asking this forum what's the best day activities out of Queenstown, you'll probably get a range of opinions, none of which would probably disappoint.

The first trip, we did the Active New Zealand trip. At that time in our lives, it was the right trip. Our 2nd trip to New Zealand, we mixed a week of guided hiking with a week of touring on our own. Next trip, will probably be the same.

stormbird

We have a regular contributor here - Melodie - Certified New Zealand/Aussie Specialist - maybe you could put a call out to her or she may well see this post and comment.

She is a great contributor and I would recommend her.

Dora_Flesher

Thanks for help with my question. To clarify...I am wanting a group/package trip because I will probably be traveling by myself or possibly with one friend. I think it will be more fun to have a group and guides if I am alone for 3 weeks. I know I could add on to the front end and back end a few days by myself to explore but don't want to try multi day hikes or biking tours by myself. Just much more fun with a group.I will look at the companies recommended above.
Thanks again for the suggestions. And if you all hear of any other great packages please forward to me.
I did find Ultimate Hikes and they have great reviews. Also I have considered Hiking New Zealand recommended above.

Dora_Flesher

Hello Kensington Girl - I have looked at REI and also Active New Zeland (the 2 companies you recommended). Both look great and exactly what I am interested in. The REI dates aren't as good for me as the Active New Zealand. Is REI far superior? If so I would chose that company and make the dates work. Let me know your thoughts.
Thanks so much

mlgb

REI is probably repackaging someone else's tour, so I wouldn't worry about it. I know they do this in South America.

KensingtonGirl

At one time Active New Zealand was the New Zealand ground operator for REI and several other companies such as Mt Travel Sobek and they might still be. (They just slap a different sign on the bus.) They generally have slightly different itineraries and levels of lodgings. Both companies are good and if the dates are better with Active New Zealand than go with them.

We did the Rimu trip (with the mountain biking option) and enjoyed it. Food and lodging are basic but having someone else planning/booking the activities and doing the driving was great since we covered a lot of ground in 2 weeks. At that time in our lives, it was the right trip for us.

We have met quite a few people who have used Active New Zealand since then. They were all happy with the South Island trips. If they did the North Island trip, they usually had some tale to tell of it and weren't as happy.

We have also used Ultimate Hikes who are the only ones allowed to guide on the Milford Track. So the Active New Zealand trip that includes the Milford Track option really just books you with them. Ultimate Hikes does only guided hikes on the Milford, Routeburn and Greenstone Tracks. They don't do multi-sport tours and its much less of a "group" tour since the hikers spread out. In fact, as a single, you might feel rather lonely since on the Ultimate Hikes most people come with someone else and that's who they hike with. For what they do, Ultimate Hikes is also highly recommended.

mlgb

Don't worry about traveling as a single. New Zealanders are friendly and will adopt you. I had a fun evening drinking ginger wine with a group on the Humpridge Track.

Dora_Flesher

Thanks for the great advice.
Dora Jane