Well... from the time Pepper and Hailey picked us up we were in excellent care - and totally not aware of what was waiting for us! The beautiful South Island is just there waiting to be enjoyed, but it was Pepper and Hailey that made the trip really extra-ordinary! They are a dynamic team together! We enjoyed incredible meals sprinkled with great conversation and always entertained by Pepper and Hailey's vibrant personalities! They were so fun and engaging!
What was my favorite part of the Rimu Trip? Everyday! Ha! :) I did love everyday - there were no bad days! And in my opinion, every day was indeed PERFECT! (well except on the 1st day at the Braemer Station when I messed up the coffee! That is story that should be shared from Pepper's point of view!!)

A memory maker for sure was when we were on our way into Milford Sound. It had rained most of the day as we hiked Kepler and Routeburn Tracks, and I did not realize what a gift this was going to be for us as we drove through the Homer-Tunnel and then emerged into daylight to witness these spectacular waterfalls flowing everywhere!! Pepper had cued up some beautiful-emotional music that crescendo-ed just as we hit daylight and the sight of those waterfalls! An amazing memory that could not be captured on film but will be etched in my memory and heart for a life-time!! It was a thrill that left me silent as we made the drive down to the shores of Milford Sound. Stunning.
Our weather turned from rain to sunshine and we enjoyed a hike to Roberts Point with a beautiful view of Franz Josef Glacier. It was the first time that Pepper had a sunny day to do this hike and see the glacier too! So, you know it's a great day when the Active Adventure guide is taking pictures too! :) Pepper gifted us with Whittaker chocolate at the top of Roberts Point as well. A treat!! It is the little things that Pepper did every day that made what we were doing so, so special.
Another highlight for me was the 3-day hike in Nelson Lakes. There were 3 firsts for me on this hike. The first time I went over-night back-packing as opposed to long day hikes and a stay in a nice hotel for the evening. The first time I carried a full backpack loaded down. :) The first time I slept out in a tent under the stars in the mountains. And even more special to be the mountains in NZ. My husband and I enjoyed witnessing the massive number of stars we could see in the night sky! A very special night.
The hike from Saint Arnaud to Lakehead Hut - and then to Angelus Hut was a challenge and a thrill. The mountains and the streams were so beautiful making that steep climb to Angelus Hut. Once at Angelus Hut we enjoyed sitting on the deck and sharing stories and drinking hot tea. And I do believe our guides got some proper treatment with a shoulder massage for one and a foot massage for the other. (we were working hard to win their hearts as they had won ours!) We got up early to begin our last trek and another wonderful site to see the sunrise come over the mountains and cast its beautiful glow on the lake. The hike along Roberts Ridge was also stunning. I loved every part of this 3-day hike!!

So, we as a group all loved Pepper and Hailey and told them often that they were having 5-star days! It only seemed logical that we would be their favorite group! Right!? We asked several times - and although they hid their true feelings well, we did all receive Active Adventure hats at our last dinner! So, we must have been their favorites! right!? Thank you to the marketing team for that gift. I wore mine home!
Saying good-bye was hard. Who would have thought that we would fall so in love with New Zealand and our Active Adventure guides! But we did. A very sad good-bye as we watched the van pull away.
As you can tell my heart was touched deeply by this trip, so thank you to all of you behind the scenes as well. You do all things with excellence! Pepper and Hailey do all things with excellence!! Please know that.
New Zealand, Active Adventures, Pepper and Hailey captured my heart - that is the bottom line for me. Thank you again for this EPIC trip! and I can only hope that I will return one day and do another trip.

| May 5200