We took the Rimu trip 9 years ago. This year we opted for the Kiwi and enjoyed it even more. It is an extremely well-designed and planned trip; perfect for active people over fifty, or those not into extreme activity. It offers a great sampling of areas in the South Island with day hikes of 2-4 hours. It had the right number of breaks on the longer drives. Every hike seemed better than the one before. Our two guides, Dave and Sally, were delightful and awesome. They worked extremely well together. Sally's cooking was truly gourmet, with everything nutritionally balanced and beautifully presented. It is difficult to pick favorites, but Milford Sound, Mount Cook and helihiking on the Franz Joseph Glacier had scenery beyond belief, and Punakaiki was so interesting. The hidden gem was the Kepler track. At several locations we had choices. The more scenic choices appeared to be the boat ride at Milford Sound because one can see so much more of the sound and more wildlife, the shorter hike at Okarito to the spot with three views, the hike to two lakes at Mount Cook and the peninsular hike at Kaikoura, (whale watchers only saw one whale). It was not possible for restaurants to live up to "Sally's kitchen", but the low spot was Hot Mama's restaurant. The tree top walk on the West coast was underwhelming and not worth the fee paid by Active. Everyone would have liked more time at Punikaiki.

| January 1970