Isn't it crazy? You are a tourist company for tourists who want to do non-touristy things - insane but good! Dane, USA
Group was great. To have so many nationalities, so many amusing conversations - the mix was really nice. Joanna, UK
The best thing about the trip was the people. We had fun, enjoyed ourselves, talked a lot, and cooked some great meals together. Our guide became a friend to us. Melanie, Germany
About You
You can expect a good group of people on your trip. Active Earth New Zealand attracts fantastic down-to-earth individuals because our trips are a little different from the mainstream.
Our difference also gives you a more ‘real’ experience for a vastly cheaper price, and makes for a more rewarding adventure. Sound good? How do we achieve this?
• Everyone helps with planning and buying food, cooking, and cleaning up.
• Accommodation is often more basic (bush huts and camping).
• We seek remote places and minimise the ‘add-on’ activities that would put us in busy and expensive tourist areas too often.
• People carry their own gear on hikes and help by carrying a little of the shared gear.
If you like the sound of that, you will probably think the following makes sense too.
• A bit of hardship to get your reward is just fine.
• It’s important to look after each other, and to enjoy being in a team.
• The outdoors is about physical exercise and physical challenges.
• Visiting wild places is therapeutic – enjoy the solitude.
• A sense of humour is the first thing you pack in your backpack.
• Lazy people who don’t help much are really annoying.
• Freedom comes with a simpler lifestyle.
• You discover who people truly are when you’re on an overnight adventure.
Active Earth people look like this
Our hiking trips attract people from all walks of life. Half are male and half female, most are in their 20–40s (a few are in their 50–60s). People come from everywhere but mainly from Western Europe, the United Kingdom, and Australia or North America. All come to see the real New Zealand.
Many of those who join us have never been on an overnight or multi-day hike. So, although you need to be fit and active, experience is definitely NOT required (that is what your guide is for). Enthusiasm and a sense of adventure are much more important. We also get some very experienced hikers and mountaineers joining our trips.
Although we don’t do extreme activities, we do get to experience New Zealand’s incredible wilderness in fine company – and that’s what it’s really all about.
To find out more about fitness requirements see our Fitness section.