Our tour operator of the week is New Zealand’s Active Adventures, who showcase some of the best walking adventures NZ has to offer.
Active Adventures guide Mel McCartney takes five with Great Walks.
GRW: What’s your earliest bushwalking memory?
From when I was about 10, my Mum, Dad, two brothers and I would head out into nature for several days at a time, carrying all our own gear. We’d hike the St James Walkway (in sub-alpine Canterbury, the centre of the South Island) and the Heaphy Track (in the upper South Island, renowned for tussock downs and lush forests meeting the roaring seas of the wild and remote West Coast).
GRW: What got you into the walking tour business?
After exploring New Zealand and then travelling the world, I decided to come home and get into the outdoors industry. I wanted to keep travelling, so I was looking for a job where I could still do that. New Zealand is my home, I know it so well, so I enjoy showing people around my own country. I’ve also guided overseas for Active Adventures – in Nepal, Europe (including Tour du Mt Blanc, Iceland and Dolomites) and Mt Kilimanjaro in Africa too.
GRW: What are your favourite things of being an Active Adventures guide?
I love sharing amazing places with our guests and helping them achieve their goals. Sometimes getting to those places can be challenging, such as a trek in Nepal or some multi-day hikes in New Zealand. I enjoy helping guide guests through different terrain and get to share in their success in reaching each destination. I’ve been guiding for Active Adventures for 12 years, and love that I get to spend the whole New Zealand summer outside!
GRW: What are some highlights of the 8-day Classic South Island Adventure?
This trip is something special – it packs a lot into just 8 days, to experience parts of New Zealand well away from the usual tourist routes. We take our guests deep into New Zealand’s backcountry – hiking the legendary Kepler and Routeburn tracks, e-biking along the beautiful Hawea river trail, and stargazing in our very own big sky country – Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. But honestly, the part that blows me away every time is the scenic flight into Aspiring National Park – soaring over the Southern Alps is unreal. We land, hike through lush native forest, then hop on a jet boat for a seriously fun ride back. It’s magic.
GRW: How fit and active does a person need to be to enjoy the tour?
This trip is rated a level 2 out of 5 – easy to moderate – perfect for those who enjoy half-day hikes (around 2-4 hours) with a bit of elevation to get the heart rate up. We’ve got a fitness guide to help with prep and can even connect guests with a personal trainer if they’d like. We’re always here to chat through the options and help find the trip that’s the right fit for every guest.
GRW: Will guests get to experience the South Island’s famous produce and wines?
All the way! Guests will be treated to the South Island’s renowned food and wine scene, dining at hand-picked local favourites celebrated for their fresh, seasonal produce. You’ll sample iconic pinot noir and sauvignon blanc from nearby vineyards, along with standout craft beers. And with chef-trained guides preparing gourmet meals along the way – often featuring a classic pavlova for dessert – you’ll enjoy a truly local (and delicious) taste of New Zealand, with a side of friendly rivalry over its origins.
GRW: Tell us about the accommodation on the tour
You’ll stay in a hand-picked hotels and boutique lodges, each chosen for their comfort, charm and incredible locations. One of the best parts of travelling with us is that everything’s taken care of – from accommodation and activities to most meals. And with our guides doing all the navigating and driving, you can simply relax and soak up the experience.