Navigating Outdoor Adventure Companies New Zealand
If you're thinking of heading down under on a small group tour, then you know there are no shortage of outdoor adventure companies in New Zealand! With trips ranging from 7 day to 50 days with so many destinations along the way, the selection process can be overwhelming as you try to get a feel for which will give you the best New Zealand experience.
Now, at Flying Kiwi, we're all about adventure travel and reckon we've got the knack for helping you figure out what kind of active outdoor tour floats your boat. We've pulled together a go-to guide to help you navigate through the maze of choices for trips as well as operators, providing helpful tips and helping you decide on the ideal active outdoor tour for you.
Whether you're craving adrenaline-fueled adventures, want to create custom itineraries and go at your own pace, or tap into expert local knowledge, let us be your compass as you navigate your way through the adventure travel companies in New Zealand. With Flying Kiwi by your side, your dream adventure is just a booking away.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Adventure Tours
The main pro of hopping on an adventure tour is that there is no meticulous planning required like there is on a self-guided trip. But this doesn't mean that you can jump on just any tour, it's still important that the journey aligns with your interests and travel style. Before jumping in, there are several key things we'd suggest you think about, which will shape your ultimate experience.
1. How Long Do You Have for Your Trip?
Firstly, work out the length of your trip: is it a short and sweet trip or a more thorough and leisurely exploration? With this in mind, consider the itinerary and how many places you would like to visit. If you have numerous locations you'd like to tick off then a full New Zealand adventure tour might be for you. Perhaps you have a shorter period of time with only a key destination or two in mind, and in that case maybe either a North or South Island adventure tour is a better choice. These tours can range from 6-11 days and will give you a taster of key highlights of our epic country.
2. What are Your Bucket List Activities?
Let's talk activities: are you after heart-pounding adventures, peaceful moments in nature or maybe a bit of both? With 13 national parks, 2 UNESCO World Heritage sites (Tongariro and Fiordland), volcanoes, hot pools, beaches galore, bungy jumping, skydiving, and, our personal favourite, indulging in some delicious eats and drinks, New Zealand truly has it all...
Each tour has its own unique highlights and activities they rave about. Sure, you'll likely hit up top spots like Queenstown, Milford Sound, and Rotorua, but what happens in between often depends on the group's vibe.
But here's the thing: even with a 20-day tour, it's tough to cram in every single must-see spot and activity without feeling rushed. Luckily, our little country is bursting with stunning views and awesome things to do, so you're guaranteed to make some unforgettable memories no matter where you end up.
Our advice? Pick a tour with a couple of must-see destinations on your bucket list, then use your free days to squeeze in those extra special experiences that'll make your trip truly yours. Whether it's snapping a pic at an iconic spot or grabbing a classic Kiwi pie from a legendary bakery, make it count!
3. Tour Demographics
Take a moment to think about the age and vibe of your fellow travellers. Some tours are all about pushing boundaries and having a blast with a lively, young crowd, perfect for those who love to party. Others are more about cozying up with a small group of nature lovers, seeking peace and connection in the great outdoors. And hey, if you're really lucky, you might stumble upon one that offers a bit of both!
4. Hitting the Ski-Fields or Relaxing on a Beach?
Consider the timing of your trip as well. Remember, the seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are flipped compared to those in the Northern. So, if you're eyeing a summer getaway, you'll find yourself exploring New Zealand between December and February, not June and August like back home. Yup, this does mean you could be sunbathing on a golden beach for Christmas and hitting the slopes of Queenstown's ski-fields come August!
But here's the kicker: New Zealand's weather is famously unpredictable. You really can experience all four seasons in a single day in this country! So, no matter when you visit, make sure you're ready for anything Mother Nature throws your way.
5. All Inclusive or DIY?
Lastly, ponder whether you're all about the ease of an all-inclusive deal, where everything's sorted for you, or if you're more into the freedom of planning things your own way. By mulling over these factors, you can figure out what you really want and snag an adventure tour that's not just about the adventure, but let's you craft a trip that's more your style.
How to Find the Best Adventure Tour Companies For You
When looking for the best adventure tour for you, it's all about doing your homework! Before diving into the world of adventure tour companies, make sure you're equipped with your list of must-haves. Next, here are some handy questions to consider as you start your search.
Scope Out The Reviews: Does the Adventure Measure Up?
First off, take a peek at reviews and stories from fellow travellers. Not only do these give you a sneak peek into how the company operates, but they also dish out some real insights into their reliability and service quality.
At Flying Kiwi, our group tours have scored big with National Geographic and boast a shiny 5-star customer rating. It's something we're super proud of because we're not just about booking a tour; we're about teaming up with seasoned adventurers like you. We lay it all out on our "Why Flying Kiwi" page, so you can see what folks from all over the globe have to say about us and what makes us stand out. We reckon it makes your research a tad easier!
Sharing these reviews isn'tjust about being transparent; it's about being real and helping you truly get what a company's all about. It's not just about finding any old company; it's about finding the perfect partner for your epic adventure.
Size Up Their Adventure Travel Expertise and Experience
When sizing up adventure tour companies, it's all about checking out their experience and local know-how to see if they're the right fit for you. Here are a few things to consider:
How Long Have They Been Adventuring?
When you're looking at tour companies, their experience level matters big time. Seeing how long they've been around can give you a good idea of their expertise and track record.
Take Flying Kiwi, for example. We kicked off in 1998, so yeah, we've got some serious mileage under our belts. With over 20 years in the adventure travel game, we've had plenty of time to fine-tune our trips and make sure they're truly unforgettable journeys.
On every tour, we go above and beyond to ensure the best experience for our travellers. With two expert guides joining each adventure, you can be guaranteed a wealth of knowledge and expertise from a local expert as you explore.
Do They Prioritise Reliability, Safety and Security?
When you're out in the great outdoors, safety's always a big deal. And when you're on a tour, you wanna know you're in good hands, right? Especially when unpredictable terrain and weather conditions are big possibilities for wilderness travel.
At Flying Kiwi, safety's our top priority. We're all about making sure you're safe and sound every step of the way. We have top-notch safety measures in place, from expert guides to well-maintained gear, so you can focus on soaking up the adventure without worrying about a thing.
So whether you're walking and trekking through rugged landscapes or kayaking down scenic rivers, you can trust us to keep you safe while you're living your best outdoor life in New Zealand.
Do They Support Sustainable Adventure Tourism?
If you're all about sustainability and eco-friendly travel, it's worth checking out what a tour company's all about. Ever thought about how they're tackling their carbon footprint? Are they rocking that Qualmark accreditation, showing they're serious about keeping it green? And what other cool stuff are they doing to keep things responsible?
At Flying Kiwi, we're all about that sustainable adventure life. We've even got that Qualmark Gold Tourism Sustainability Business badge to prove it. We're pretty big on reducing waste, saving energy, and giving back to the local community and environment. Want to dive deeper into what we're doing? Check out our Responsible Tourism page for all the deets.
So if you're keen to hit the road in a way that's not just about ticking off your bucket list but also giving Mother Nature a high five, we're your crew!
What's Included in the Adventure Travel Package?
At Flying Kiwi, we understand wanting to make the most out of your adventure package, which is why our small group tours stand out for their unbeatable value. As each of our tours includes all meals, comfortable accommodation ranging from campsites to hostels and lodges, and all necessary equipment for activities.
From meals to comfy accommodations, and all the gear you'll need for activities, it's all included in our tours. Whether you're into hiking and biking the trails, or exploring cultural landmarks, we've got an itinerary that fits your vibe and price points.
Now to Decide on Your Adventure Trip
Choosing the right outdoor adventure company can be tough, but we're here to make it easy. With our expertise, commitment to being eco-friendly, and having unbeatable value, we're all about helping travellers like you have unforgettable experiences.
Are You Ready to Embark on an Adventure?
At Flying Kiwi, we're passionate about adventure travel and are dedicated to providing unparalleled experiences that exceed expectations. With our extensive expertise and local knowledge, commitment to sustainability, and unbeatable value, we believe in connecting like-minded travellers, in remote locations, to make friends and memories that last a lifetime!
Take the Leap!
Ready to dive into the adventure of a lifetime? Get in touch with our passionate team today, and let's make it happen. Whether you're craving thrills, discovery, or just some good old-fashioned fun, we've got you covered every step of the way.
Want to Know More?
Explore our top-rated and award winning New Zealand adventure tours and read reviews from past travellers!