Adventure tourism flourishes in New Zealand. Stupendous scenery, alpine mountain ranges dusted with snow, roaring white water rivers, bubbling geothermal hot springs, plenty of space and a kiwi go to attitude is the definition of the adventure holiday.
Admit you are here to perch on the lip of a plane’s open door waiting to jump into the clear blue sky above Lake Taupo, the scenery adds to the exhilaration. The great outdoors is a dramatic background to #nzmustdo adventures.
ON THE WATER NEW ZEALAND ADVENTURES
New Zealand and its islands are surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. Rivers dissect the country tumbling white water.
JET BOATING
Everyone can shout with joy as the jet boat navigates shallow water at speed. You twirl on a cent as the white water sprays against sheer rock walls. Skilled pilots spin through narrow canyons and transport visitors into the remote natural landscape.
Best places to go Jet Boating in New Zealand is where the white water rivers flow to the sea:
- Tongariro, North Island
- Whanganui River (kayaking, cruising on a historic steamer, jet boating), North Island
- Waikato River, North Island
- Queenstown and Christchurch in South Island
WHITE WATER RAFTING
Find your adventurous spirit while you are in the safe hands of highly skilled guides. The only prerequisite is that you can float / swim. Rafting can be an easy guided journey or let’s test your thrill metre in narrow canyons. White water rafting is the a very popular visitor experience in New Zealand. Easy grade one rivers to challenging grade five rivers, the choice is yours
Best places to go white water rafting in New Zealand are:
- Rotorua, Kaituna Cascades, Rangitaii and Tongariro Rivers in the North Island.
- Queenstown and Canterbury, Buller River on the West Coast, South Island.
BLACK WATER RAFTING
Extraordinary underwater rivers invite the adventurous to black water raft in the vicinity of the Waitomo Caves or Charleston, Paparoa National Park, Punakaiki Pancake Rocks – Best Bits.
Awesome fun on a inner rubber raft floating, spinning past canopies glowworms and quiet caves.
KAYAKING
Ocean kayaking among dolphins in Kaikoura or Marlborough Sounds. Kayak on the gorgeous Lake Taupo to Maori rock carvings.
Grab a kayak throughout New Zealand and get up close to scenic New Zealand. A soft adventure either guided or self-guided tours.
IN THE AIR NEW ZEALAND ADVENTURES
BUNGY JUMPS
A rite of passage for adventure tourists New Zealand invites you to plunge over white water rivers, from massive harbour bridges and viaducts.
Best places to go bungy jumping in New Zealand are:
- Auckland harbour bridge
- The classic original AJ Hackett spot
- Kawarau Bungy site
- Nevis (highest drop)
- Taupo, North Island over the Waikato River
AERIAL ADVENTURES – ZIP LINING
ZIP LINING is an adventure sport at the extreme edge. Zip through forests, rivers and through canyons.
Best places for zip lining in New Zealand are:
- Waiheke Island Auckland past wineries and regenerating forest
- Rotorua through massive Californian redwoods
- South Island West Coast
- Queenstown, adventure capital of New Zealand
SKYDIVING
Birds eye view guaranteed. Tandem jumps over the Southern Alps or float over Lake Taupo. All you need is to do this, no skills required. Extra dose of adrenaline is a promise.
Best places to go skydiving in New Zealand are:
- Tauranga, Bay of Plenty and Taupo, Auckland in the North Island
- Wanaka and Queenstown in the South Island
ON THE LAND NEW ZEALAND ADVENTURES
HIKING
Hiking, walking trails are the #nzmustdo holiday experience. The awesome scenery is part and parcel of the immersive experience for New Zealand visitors.
Best places to go hiking, walking in New Zealand are … everywhere there are scenic highlights with short 2 km easy walking trails to multiple day hikes in New Zealand National Parks on Great Walks
HELI-SKIING
Extreme, ski pristine off piste conditions with an experienced guide leading the way. The joy of a helicopter ride among the magnificent alpine mountain ranges of the South Island and its downhill from then.
Best places to go heli-skiing in New Zealand are:
- Queenstown and Wanaka in the South Island
CANYONING
Adrenaline rush in the stunning beauty of New Zealand is surreal. Swim, slide and hike through gorges, waterfalls and rock faces with guides willing to show you the ropes. There are options from ziplining to family friendly adventures getting visitors into the raw landscape.
Best places to go canyoning in New Zealand are:
- Raglan, North Island
- Nelson and Wanaka in the South Island
CYCLING ADVENTURES
Adventure on two wheels with the option of an e-bike to ease the journey. Follow well marked trails through historic gold mining regions, cross suspension bridges and pass rolling farmland and wineries. Guides, transport options and rental hire bike companies are available.
Tip: It is compulsory to wear a helmet.
Best places to go cycling in New Zealand are:
- Waikato River trails,
- Hawkes Bay winery trail in the North Island
- Nelson food and wine trails
- Marlborough vineyards and spectacular coastal scenery
- A gem in Otago is the South Island historic gold mining trails
- The West Coast, South island
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE
