I went on the 10 Day Explorer Trip and had a blast! I have been wanting to go to New Zealand for many years and take advantage of the amazing adventure and nature that New Zealand has to offer.

How I came to choosing this trip over others:
- I wanted to take a break from planning trips myself - enjoy someone else's expert knowledge of what the best things to do are, while also enjoy the carefree experience of not needing to worry about doing all the research/ making all the arrangements/renting a car and driving myself/ making adjustments for weather.
- Being a solo traveler, I was also interested in joining a group tour where everyone in the group would be doing the same activities each day (vs. an a la carte-type trip where people have different levels of interest and split up and do separate activities each day).
- This tour had the perfect level of adventure and activities for me - I am adventurous but not extreme... and if I felt like trying something more extreme, I had the option to add it. This trip perfectly had all the activities I love doing, plus a few extras that only New Zealand could offer for me to try.
- I wanted a trip that had comfortable, nice hotels and dining options included - backpacking and camping were not something I wanted this time around.
- This trip really did check off all my boxes and I'm so extremely happy I chose this tour over others.

My tour was designed and lead by Russ, the owner and an avid world traveler himself. He clearly loves his job - he's passionate about New Zealand and creating an amazing experience for the group. I believe that he designed a perfectly balanced trip (between adventure activities, road tripping, relaxing, eating, time with the group, and down time for yourself) probably because he has done so much traveling himself. Each day was always full of fun, excitement and socializing, but also enough time to unwind or get some shopping or laundry done too. He really has thought about what travelers need every step of the way and tailors any specific needs or desires to each individual trip.

The warnings about temperamental weather are true - we did experience two weather-preventing days, but Russ had several back up plan options for us to choose from when we were rained out of the original plan... and they were also fun, adventurous and fantastic. He is an excellent tour guide - keeping the energy fun and excited but also chill and relaxed. He was reliable, punctual, knowledgeable, and calm and reassuring when we had to use a back up plan - keeping my trip stress free and fun.

I can't say enough about my trip to New Zealand. I had the time of my life and I can't wait to do more. The entire South Island looks like a continuous National Park - the nature and incredible scenery is something you just have to see for yourself - breathtaking at every turn. And instead of just seeing it, get out there and engage and enjoy it with adventurous activities! This trip really jump started my life and my love for being active and traveling the world. I would come back and do another one of the Adventure Junkies trips in a heartbeat and hope you do too! Believe me, you’ll have a blast!