With its incredible, diverse landscapes and largely temperate climate, New Zealand is eternally popular with active travellers. Here are three new trips to recommend to clients who want to burn some energy while enjoying the great outdoors.
On Intrepid’s new nine-day Active Adventure tour, clients can jetboat down the Whanganui river and hike to Taranaki Falls, with adrenaline-pumping options including zip-lining, bungee jumping and kayaking in Abel Tasman national park.
Clients will also experience the hustle and bustle of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. “I’m a huge fan of Taupo,” says Yolanta Rado, destination manager for Australia and Oceania at Intrepid Travel. “It’s got so many activities and some really lovely hikes.”
She adds the trip is suited to most clients. “Our active trips are actually suitable for most people with a standard level of fitness – you certainly don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy them!”
Book it: Intrepid’s itinerary starts from £1,975pp, with departures in 2021. Price includes accommodation and a guide, but excludes flights.
The 43-mile-long Queen Charlotte Track between Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds is a great walk for clients who don’t want to forego their creature comforts, says Gary Clark, assistant product and commercial manager for Touring Australasia at Travel 2.
A new trip from the operator sees clients walking the track over four days, with upscale waterfront lodge stays and gourmet dinners as their reward.
Clark says the trip is suited to clients with a moderate fitness level. “Guests will be provided with a packing list to ensure they’re prepared. They’ll carry a day pack each day with the rest of their gear transferred by boat to their next lodge.”
Book it: Travel 2 offers a Coastal Pacific rail journey, Interislander Ferry crossing and Queen Charlotte Track Guided Walk from £2,429pp including accommodation and flights, departing on 19 March 2020.
Cycling enthusiasts looking for a challenge can opt for Forgotten World Adventures’ two-day Rail Track to Cycle Track tour. It kicks off with clients riding 10 miles along the Forgotten World Railway, travelling past picturesque country farms and native bush and exploring five of the railway’s hand-built brick tunnels.
The next day, after a hearty dinner and restful night at the Forgotten World Motel, they’ll take on the last stretch of the epic 28-mile Timber Trail, journeying alongside beautiful rock formations and wildlife.
Highlights include cycling over the longest ridable suspension bridge, Maramataha Suspension Bridge, and cycling the only ridable spiral in the world, Ongarue Spiral.
Book it: Forgotten World Adventures’ trade- bookable Rail Track to Cycle Track tour starts from around £179pp including bike hire.