Thanks to everyone for your excellent entries in this years photo comp.  We had some superb pictures, capturing the unique beauty of New Zealand and wonderful captions on their experiences with Flying Kiwi.  So…..the winners are:

FIRST PLACE – Derek Craddock (winner of a shiny new mountain bike)

Photo by Derek Craddock

caption: “One of the greatest moments of the trip. Kayaking along the shores of Abel Tasman National Park.
Flying Kiwi took me through here and almost every other type of landscape, exploring amazing scenery that captivates me still. If you want adventure and to see scenery as amazing as this, Flying Kiwi is where it’s at.”

RUNNER UP PRIZES (each winning a superb travel kit for their next adventure)

Photo by Alexander Meiswinkel

Caption: “After an awesome holiday with Flying Kiwi, I’ve got such great pictures which always will remind me of that adventure and those good times! Unforgetable Memories!”

Photo by Kristin Webster

Caption: “New Zealand is known for its abundance of outdoor activities and the overall sense of adventure it cultivates; Flying Kiwi is an excellent reflection of that notion. As a solo traveler looking to explore off the beaten track and experience everything this country has to offer, I could not have chosen a better tour group! Flying Kiwi provides the opportunity to touch on all the great tourist attractions and adrenaline activities, but also shares secrets of the hidden gems to be found – all while looking after and interacting with a group of “instant friends” from around the world. Cooking and camping together adds so much to the sense of family that develops over a few short days and prepares groups to work together and trust one another amidst the different challenges they may face – be it battling unexpected weather changes while tramping, displaying excellent teamwork to master class 5 rapids, or simply encouraging one another to face their fears and jump off a bridge with a rubber band tied around the ankles! Strong leadership from the guides, a comfortable atmosphere in the bus and tents, nutritious food, flexibility and support from the office team, and active, engaging peers all contributed to make my experience with Flying Kiwi a positive one to rave about and remember for years to come!”

Photo by Sandra Binzegger

Caption: “A different perspective, isn’t it? That’s exactly what Flying Kiwi offers you on its tours – a different perspective on a beautiful country with way more sheeps than “Kiwi’s”. But hey, not only that, this photo shows more: it’s a sign for activity and adventure in nature; a strong lead in the middle who does any effort to make the trip unforgettable; in the centre a map for routes you would normally not take; the orange vests as a symbol for safety (always kept in mind); the colours of the helmets for the unique mix of the group – young, old, from every part of the world and all walks of life. And finally the circle itself: Participation and a fantastic spirit within the group – you’ll have literally “the time of your life” with people you didn’t even know before. That’s when random people become good friends. That’s Flying Kiwi! =O)”

Photo by Rob Slade

Caption: “First and foremost Flying Kiwi provides food, accommodation and transport, with the majority of it being included in the very affordable price tag. But they offer so much more than that! They provide you with a platform to do some of the most exhilarating things on earth such as jumping out of a plane at 16,500 feet, and some of the most surreal such as swimming with wild dolphins (pictured above). These are just two of your many options, most of which come with a discount! The element of sleeping in tents and cooking together brings then group that much closer and creates a big sense of camaraderie, like that of a family. At the head of the ‘family’ are the Flying Kiwi guides who are extremely laid back, have exceptional knowledge of the country and what it has to offer and are always up for joining in and having a laugh. In part, they are what make the Flying Kiwi experience so unique. This was my first major length of travel and Flying Kiwi has made it one which is going to be very had to beat!”

Photo by Emmanuela Vilar Lins

Caption: ҬThere is not in the wide world a valley so sweet
As that vale in whose bosom the bright waters meet;
Oh! the last rays of feeling and life must depart,
Ere the bloom of that valley shall fade from my heart.¨
The Meeting of the Waters by Thomas Moore

To my Flying Kiwi family (Routeburn Trekking)”