The trip was a challenge for me. It was hard work but I’m so glad I booked it. We went to places I would never have gone.
Steve, UK

Active Earth New Zealand hiking tours

Hiking and Fitness

An Active Earth safari is a real New Zealand outdoor experience. We hike over mountains, swim across rivers, kayak through caves, and go mad on sand dunes. Although you don’t need previous hiking experience, you will need a reasonable standard of fitness, a lot of enthusiasm, and a sense of adventure to get the most from your Active Earth adventure tour.

Don’t worry, you won’t be left behind. We do activities together as a group, stopping for a good lunch and yummy snacks. Due to changeable New Zealand weather conditions and the remoteness of the areas we hike through, we insist that the group hikes together.

If you’re worried about not being fit enough, get out there and do something about it before your trip. Your body will thank you for it! At the very least, you should be getting out for a 30 minute fast hike up a hill three times a week – make it strenuous!

Please advise us if you have a history of knee or ankle problems.

The fitness requirements of each trip have been graded to help you choose the right trip for you. Fitness is subjective, what you may find easy may be strenuous to someone else or vice versa.

Grade	Description
A	General good health necessary. No specific fitness requirements.
B	Average of 4-5 hours physical activity per day. At times carrying a small backpack of 4-5kgs. Tracks generally in good condition. Altitude gains of up to 600m on harder days. No hiking experience necessary. Reasonable standard of fitness required.
C	Up to 6 hours of physical activity per day. At times carrying a backpack of 5-6kgs. Altitude gains of up to 600m on harder days. No hiking experience necessary. Reasonable standard of fitness required.
D	Average 4-5 hours physical activity per day, up to 7 hours on longer days. Pack weights of 10-12kgs on some days. Altitude gains of up to 800m. Uneven track surfaces and river crossings. No hiking experience necessary. Agility and fitness required.
E	Similar conditions to D, but longer days, 8-9 hours. Altitude gains of 900 to 1000m. Some exposure to heights. Pack weights of 12-15kgs. Hiking experience necessary. High level of fitness required.