I have just completed the active earth hiking adventure Volcanoes and Rainforest and I must say I was impressed from the very beginning.

The places we visited were outstanding. A hike into the Whirinaki Forest Park followed by kayaking on Lake Tarawera then on to Tongariro National Park, caving at Waitomo and finishing climbing part of Mt. Tatanaki. At the end of the 10 days I was exhausted but thoroughly enjoyed the excperience and would like to thank our guide Justin. His knowledge on the areas and his experiece guided us through this tough terrain. I can recommend this type of trip to anyone who has a passion for outdoor activity. Paul

Reviewed almost 14 years ago

I have just spent 9 weeks in NZ and the highlight of my holiday was the two trips I did with Active Earth.

The Northland trip is full of variety, day walks, sand dune surfing,stunning beaches, kayaking and sleeping under the stars. The volcanoes and rainforest is more physical and has some multi day walks. The scenry is amazing and we went to places I never would have got to by myself. The key to both trips was the guides Michael and Justin. Very knowlegable and friendly. I can only give Active Earth an A+ rating. Fantastic!!

Reviewed over 13 years ago and experienced in February 2011

Nz Uncut is truly a most awesome and active way to explore and experience the best that both islands of New Zealand has to offer.

This 21 day tour took us on a fantastic rollercoaster of diversity in terms of landscapes and activities i.e from the golden beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula to the volcanic lava flows of Tongariro to Jurassic like rainforest of Whirinaki to the breathtaking Alpine region of Aoraki/Mt Cook. While this tour provider is predominantly a hiking tour, NZ Uncut provides amble opportunity to indulge in a host of other adrenalin pumping activities such as Kayaking, White Water Rafting, Mountain Biking, Horse Riding and even Bungee Jumping in Queenstown for the more outrageous. This tour was topped off by being led by two superb guides (Mo - North Island & Dan - South Island) whose chillaxing manner had the group at total ease from the get go. NZ Uncut - A must for the energetic all rounder outdoors lover.

Reviewed almost 13 years ago and experienced in November 2011

I had been looking forward to the Eastern Epic Safari since I booked it more then half a year before and it totally lived up to my expectations.

Hiking to three different mountains we got to see many different facets of New Zealand nature. We hiked through native beech forest along big lakes and fast flowing rivers. Bubbling mountainstreams lead us up narrow valleys and steep scree slopes took us to gratifying, panoramic views of the surroundings below us. Going down Mt. Fyffe after a cup of coffee while watching the sun rise, we were circled by chattering alpine keas and while taking a break on our hike out from Mt. Angelus we saw a native falcon hunting for prey. Native alpine flowers grew in abundance on Mt. Owen making it look like a beautiful garden, and several types of orchids were spotted in the forest below. The hikes were an absolute heaven for nature lovers. We were also lucky enough to see both fur seals and the small blue penguin playing in the waves on the day we went kayaking. The food was great and the company of fellow hikers and our excellent guide John,made the safari pretty much perfect! It was definitely an experience that will have you come back for more.

Reviewed almost 12 years ago

I had been looking forward to the Eastern Epic Safari since I booked it more then half a year before and it totally lived up to my expectations.

Hiking to three different mountains we got to see many different facets of New Zealand nature. We hiked through native beech forest along big lakes and fast flowing rivers. Bubbling mountainstreams lead us up narrow valleys and steep scree slopes took us to gratifying, panoramic views of the surroundings below us. Going down Mt. Fyffe after a cup of coffee while watching the sun rise, we were circled by chattering alpine keas and while taking a break on our hike out from Mt. Angelus we saw a native falcon hunting for prey. Native alpine flowers grew in abundance on Mt. Owen making it look like a beautiful garden, and several types of orchids were spotted in the forest below. The hikes were an absolute heaven for nature lovers. We were also lucky enough to see both fur seals and the small blue penguin playing in the waves on the day we went kayaking. The food was great and the company of fellow hikers and our excellent guide John,made the safari pretty much perfect! It was definitely an experience that will have you come back for more.

Reviewed almost 12 years ago

Nz Uncut is truly a most awesome and active way to explore and experience the best that both islands of New Zealand has to offer.

This 21 day tour took us on a fantastic rollercoaster of diversity in terms of landscapes and activities i.e from the golden beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula to the volcanic lava flows of Tongariro to Jurassic like rainforest of Whirinaki to the breathtaking Alpine region of Aoraki/Mt Cook. While this tour provider is predominantly a hiking tour, NZ Uncut provides amble opportunity to indulge in a host of other adrenalin pumping activities such as Kayaking, White Water Rafting, Mountain Biking, Horse Riding and even Bungee Jumping in Queenstown for the more outrageous. This tour was topped off by being led by two superb guides (Mo - North Island & Dan - South Island) whose chillaxing manner had the group at total ease from the get go. NZ Uncut - A must for the energetic all rounder outdoors lover.

Reviewed almost 13 years ago and experienced in November 2011

I have just spent 9 weeks in NZ and the highlight of my holiday was the two trips I did with Active Earth.

The Northland trip is full of variety, day walks, sand dune surfing,stunning beaches, kayaking and sleeping under the stars. The volcanoes and rainforest is more physical and has some multi day walks. The scenry is amazing and we went to places I never would have got to by myself. The key to both trips was the guides Michael and Justin. Very knowlegable and friendly. I can only give Active Earth an A+ rating. Fantastic!!

Reviewed over 13 years ago and experienced in February 2011

I have just completed the active earth hiking adventure Volcanoes and Rainforest and I must say I was impressed from the very beginning.

The places we visited were outstanding. A hike into the Whirinaki Forest Park followed by kayaking on Lake Tarawera then on to Tongariro National Park, caving at Waitomo and finishing climbing part of Mt. Tatanaki. At the end of the 10 days I was exhausted but thoroughly enjoyed the excperience and would like to thank our guide Justin. His knowledge on the areas and his experiece guided us through this tough terrain. I can recommend this type of trip to anyone who has a passion for outdoor activity. Paul

Reviewed almost 14 years ago

I did four trips with Hiking NZ - The Far North, Volcanoes and Rainforest, West Coast Wilderness and Secret South.

They …

I did four trips with Active Earth NZ - The Far North, Volcanoes and Rainforest, West Coast Wilderness and Secret South. They were brilliant! So much fun and got to see parts of NZ I would never have got to otherwise. Best way to see NZ.

Reviewed almost 14 years ago

I did a Far North tour with Active Earth over Christmas 2010 and thought it was brilliant!

We went to a bunch of really beautiful, out of the way places that you just don't get to see without the help of someone who knows. The sand-boarding was AWESOME, the Kayaking spectacular and the hiking was a real challenge (but soo rewarding).

All in all, a brilliant tour. I can't recommend Active earth high enough!

Reviewed almost 14 years ago and experienced in December 2010

This trip was led by Active Earth owner Malcolm O'Neil, it being a winter trip with just 4 of us.

Malcolm made this an excellent trek and made provisions for myself, who had injured my ankle, to be able to do other things while the rest of the group di parts of the trek whichh, due to the injury, were beyond my capabltity.Malcolm did not rigidly stick to what was on his brochure but made sure that the weather did not interfere with us enjoying the trek. I would recommend Active Earth to anyone who wishes to experience the natural beauty of New Zealand and is not afraid to doo a bit of treking.

Tom Harold

I

Reviewed over 14 years ago

I did the 10 day Volcanoes and Rainforest trip in April this year.

The guide Kath was inspirational and good fun as well.

She took us to places well off the beaten track and the scenery was stunning.

The hiking was more strenuous than I ( as a 66 year old) had anticipated but it was well worth it.Views down from mountain tops especially at sunrise were to die for.

The group was small but well balanced and appropriate for us older guys (only 1 teen in the group--the rest in early 30's to 50's). I cannot recommend it enough

Reviewed over 14 years ago and experienced in April 2010

I did the volcanoes and rainforest trip over 2009 christmas and new years with a great group of people.

Had awesome guides, learnt so much more than doing it on my own, like the history of the landscape and all the wildlife and vegetation etc.

Would recommend this trip to everyone, the variety and contrasts in landscape was awesome and perfect length of time. I would do it again in an instant.

Reviewed almost 15 years ago and experienced in December 2009

The Volcanic Plateau is one of the best outdoor experiences I did that far.

Cath our guide was great and our crew (6 + guide) was a cool bunch! Highly recommend this trip!

Reviewed almost 15 years ago

I did the Volcanoes & rainforest tour.

It was brilliant: no tour bus athmosphere... Went to see beautiful places where I definitely couldn't have gone on my own. A great great guide, an amazing group. Loved it.

Reviewed about 15 years ago and experienced in December 2008

Did the 10 day Volcanoes and Rainforest trip, had a real blast.

Great value for money, and hard to beat in terms of fun. Huge range of activities over different terrain (river crossing, caving, kayaking, traversing alpine trails, walking through rainforests, soaking in hot rivers...) Guides were experienced, knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and always had different ideas to improvise for different weather conditions.

Reviewed over 15 years ago

Volcanoes and Rainforests 10-day trip is fantastic!

Great people, places, food, experience and value!!

Reviewed about 16 years ago

I've done two of their trips.

Actually a much better deal than the big buses (which I have also done and HATED). The Volcano and Rainforest trip is one of the best I've ever been on with great guides and adventures. Lots of tramps, kayaking, caving and great food. Very group participatory and met some wonderful people. The Far North trip is much easier, but also wonderful...great for newer trampers or less active. I enjoyed the wonderful secluded camps and beaches and 90 mile beach and sand surfing.

Reviewed over 16 years ago

Far North/ volcanoes and rainforests.

Great guides, great activities, value for money. Better than a back packing bus

Reviewed about 17 years ago