Australia/New Zealand | MORAL COMPASS: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

Active Adventures offers 11 all-inclusive small group trips across New Zealand’s North and South Islands, including their popular “Rimu,” “Kauri,” and “Takahe” trips. Each trip offers a range of activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking.

QUEENSTOWN, New Zealand– After two long years with borders closed, New Zealand is ready to open its doors to international travel again. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s March 16th announcement not only fast-tracked re-opening but assured the world that New Zealand is safe for travelers and ready to welcome the world “with open arms.”

Queenstown-based Active Adventures has weathered the pandemic storm and is poised for a high-season boom, beginning with their first departure of the company’s most popular “Rimu” trip on September 19th. But well before that, the small-group adventure tour operator is ready to show off New Zealand’s winter to international travelers this May through September.

“After two challenging and uncertain years, there’s finally a buzz of excitement,” Active Adventures CEO Wendy van Lieshout states. “We’ve used the time wisely, improving nearly every aspect of our company to hit the ground running when the first international guests arrive. We’re prepared and are confident and excited to welcome thousands of travelers over the next year.”

The small-group adventure travel company kept their skills sharp throughout the pandemic, running their internationally popular New Zealand adventure tours for Kiwis and have expanded their portfolio by merging with Montana-based Austin Adventures.

With the high season beginning in September and pent-up demand higher than ever, the tour operator urges travelers to book as soon as possible. Many guests have had to reschedule trips for the past two years but would like to assure travelers there is space for those who are ready for a real New Zealand adventure.

Active Adventures offers 11 all-inclusive small group trips across New Zealand’s North and South Islands, including their popular “Rimu,” “Kauri,” and “Takahe” trips. Each trip offers a range of activities like hiking, biking, kayaking and more, with comfortable accommodations to help guests recharge each night. In addition to New Zealand, the company operates in the Himalayas (opening in August), Europe, South America, Africa, and Australia. To view all trips and see full itineraries, head to activeadventures.com.

“To echo our Prime Minister’s words, we’re ready to welcome the world,” says van Lieshout. “But most importantly, we’re ready to explore and experience the joy of adventure New Zealand has to offer with guests from around the globe.”

With over 60 years of combined experience, Active Adventures and Austin Adventures set the standard for inspiring, all-inclusive, small-group adventures in the most breath-taking regions of the world. Their teams across New Zealand, North America, Peru, Nepal and the Netherlands ensure every detail is looked after. Hand-picked guides with a wealth of experience and local knowledge lead the way as guests enjoy exclusive accommodations, top-notch dining and unique activities showcasing the best of each region. Each of their 100+ trips are crafted to encourage and enable guests to not only challenge themselves physically but also to take a deep dive in the local way of life in every destination.

For more information, visit activeadventures.com and austinadventures.com.

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SAN ANTONIO- About Australia is offering three itineraries that visit some of its most beautiful filming locations of the Oscar-nominated film Lion: two pre-planned discounted itineraries and for those who want a more catered experience, the opportunity to create a custom Australian vacation with 15% off Tasmania hotels, tours & transfers.

Seeing the country’s rugged splendor highlighted in Lion is bound to inspire travelers to visit Australia’s largest island. Even the cast and crew of Lion were taken in by Tasmania’s charm. Producer Angie Fielder told The Mercury, “Dev Patel [Slumdog Millionaire and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel] and Rooney Mara [The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo] are here for the first time and they’re blown away.”

“We’ve all been really enjoying the night life in the evenings – the restaurants, the delicious food, the fantastic wine. Everyone is ordering lots of oysters,” Fielder said.

For those who want to experience this pristine wonderland but are short on time, there is a quick Australian getaway package, a 7-night vacation to see Hobart, its surrounds and Sydney. On a wilderness cruise, look out for dolphins, whales and seals as you cruise past staggering coastal landscapes and sandy beaches, much like the beach where the main characters play cricket in the film. Take a tour to the top of Mt. Wellington, towering more than 4,000 feet above Hobart, where Patel and Mara acted out an emotional scene. Breathe the cleanest air in the world and enjoy the bountiful food and culture found in Hobart. (Priced from $1,299)

Tasmania is increasingly becoming a must-see destination in Australia, with more people including the island on their first-time visits to Australia. The Ultimate Tasmania, Sydney & Cairns Vacation, starting at $1,699 for 9 nights, combines the best of Tasmania with the best of Australia as a whole. A combination “Big Three” tour makes its way from Hobart to Launceston, with two nights in each city, stopping along the way at historical heritage sites and national parks such as Port Arthur, Cradle Mountain and Wineglass Bay. Feed kangaroos, watch Tasmania Devils in a feeding frenzy, sample decadent chocolate, take photos with Pink Granite Mountains as a backdrop, look for wildlife in the wild, enjoy lunch by a quite stream.

Afterwards, jet off to Sydney for two nights and Cairns for three nights. With Sydney’s eponymous Opera House and Harbour and Cairns as a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, this vacation package includes some of Australia’s most iconic and world renowned destinations.

Looking for something more “out of the box”? Plan the perfect vacation with an Australian Destination Specialist. When you include 4 nights in Tasmania, you will receive 15% off all Tasmania hotels, tours and transfers. You can start planning your vacation here.

About Australia is an Australian owned and operated company based in San Antonio, TX., specializing in vacations to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, and ARC accredited. For more information, call toll-free 888-359 – 2877 or visit AboutAustralia.com.