This is what the earth looked like before we got here: strands of waterfalls, snowy peaks, surf-stringed coastline, and deep fjords. Kiwi-owned Active New Zealand will show you the country as the locals see it: in motion. Biking, sea kayaking, hiking, and drinking sauvignon blanc are just a handful of the options on the 14-day Rimu trip ($3,800 per person; activenewzealand.com). Prefer to go on your own? Launch from Christchurch and head north around the South Island, stopping at Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses (from $468; hapukulodge.com)—just wait until you see the view from the shower. Next, ride rainforest singletrack and farmland overlooking Golden Bay on Abel Tasman Mountain Biking's multisport trips (from $144; abeltasmanmountainbiking.co.nz). Down south, raft the Shotover with Queenstown Rafting (from $134; queenstownrafting.co.nz). Ask for the Maori guide (and old salt) "Chief." He'll make sure you don't disappear when the Class V Mother-in-Law rapid completely submerges you.
Photographer: Micha Pawlitzski/Corbis
Comments
Chief is great. Jerrod was my guide and fantastic too. This is an experience not to be missed.
Flag ThisChief is great. Jerrod was my guide and fantastic too. This is an experience not to be missed.
Flag ThisJerrod was my guide too! All the guides were fabulous. It was the most exhilarating day ever.
Flag ThisMohakaRafting.co.nz : Best rafting experience I've ever had! I think it was the highlight of our whole trip to New Zealand... it's on the North Island, so don't rush your way South too fast.
Flag ThisHave finally decided to go to NZ this coming year. Have been looking at tours, active looks great, have also been looking at truenewzealand.com -- a friend went with them last fall. Can't wait.
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