Adventure Activities in New Zealand
Inspirational Aotearoa
Take one mountain – and Kiwis will come up with dozens of ways to scale it, and even more ways to get back down to ground. You can't truly appreciate Kiwi ingenuity – our creativity and inventiveness in everything we do – until you actually get here and experience it for yourself.
It's not considered unusual to jump off a bridge with only a rubber band between you and the ground, or dive in and swim face to face with dolphins – in fact, these are near compulsory activities on a journey to this corner of the world. And experiencing New Zealand is not just about heart-racing, palm sweating action. There are literally hundreds of breathtaking walks and scenic drives, along with a rich history, and inspiring culture and art. We're also gaining quite a reputation for food and wine, so a gastronomically focused trip is perfectly acceptable as well – just pack a big appetite.
To make your planning simple, check out these iconic 'must do' experiences for your very own Aotearoa adventure:
Wildlife Encounters
When we say you can get 'close to nature' in New Zealand, we're talking real close – like getting wet and swimming with dolphins, or watching a magnificent whale breach the surface just a few metres away. There are even whalewatching flights if you fancy an aerial view.
New Zealand's coastline and forests also play host to some incredible bird and wildlife - you're never far away from the melodic song of the tui in native forest, or the cheeky cackle of the Kea (mountain parrot) in the alpine regions. Precious wilderness areas like the
Catlins Coast,
Stewart Island and
Otago Peninsula offer nature tours, guided walks and cruises for a close-up encounter with a huge range of wildlife including kiwi, native yellow-eyed penguins, seals and the rare hector's dolphin. For a slightly tamer experience, there are wildlife parks and zoos throughout the country, from trout hatcheries and island bird sanctuaries to kiwi houses and farm parks.
Water Activities
New Zealand is completely surrounded by water and inundated with lakes and rivers – so, take your pick of the ways to explore the country's aqua playgrounds. Check your pulse before and after an exhilarating jet boat ride where you'll swear your nose nearly touched rock on that last sharp turn, go white or black water rafting, cave tubing, white water sledging or canyoning – or take things a bit more quietly casting a line, sailing, cruising or kayaking. Beneath the water there's another world to discover with marine reserves and fantastic snorkelling and diving around the coastline.
Land Activities
You don't have to hit the water for adventure – landlubbers will find plenty of opportunities to set their pulses racing. We're famous for our bungy jumping but there's no need to stop there – abseil into the dark depths on a caving tour or get into the great oudoors on a mountain bike, four-wheel drive or quad bike. Saddle up for a scenic horse trek or take to the slopes for skiing, snowboarding and heli-skiing. For something a bit different, there is even
zorbing – rolling down a hill, at speeds of up to 50km per hour, inside a giant inflatable sphere. Or go exploring the old fashioned way, lace up your boots and tackle a hiking trail, rock face, glacier walk or volcano trek. You'll find an equally impressive range of indoor sports from world-class climbing walls to curling and ice skating rinks.
Air Activities
What goes up must come down – and Kiwis have come up with every imaginable way to see the country from the air, before hurtling back down to earth. Decide on your level of bravado and head to the heavens aboard a hot air balloon, scenic flight or helicopter, or experience the adrenalin rush of a parapent or skydive.
Wine & Food Trails
It's official – New Zealand's superb wines are being quaffed around the world. So whether you're in the wine-making region of
Auckland,
Hawke's Bay,
Wairarapa,
Marlborough,
Nelson,
Canterbury or
Central Otago, don't leave without sampling some of the local drop. New Zealand's delicious cuisine, innovative produce and world class restaurants offer a perfect match for gourmet lovers – take one of the many marked food and wine trails or simply let your nose lead you.
Scenic Drives
New Zealand may be an adrenalin junkie's paradise, but it's just as easy to enjoy the scenic splendour from the comfort of your car. In the North Island, check out the magical far north on the Twin Coast Discovery Touring Route, the geothermal wonders on The Thermal Explorer Touring Route around
Rotorua and
Taupo or the East Coast delights of the Pacific Coast Touring Route. In the South Island, take in
North Canterbury's treasures on the Alpine Pacific Triangle, head to the deep south on The Southern Scenic Touring Route or check out the breathtaking Southern Alps along
Arthur's Pass, SH8 through
Tekapo or the Crown Range Road. The hardest part will be keeping your eyes on the road.
Arts, Culture & Heritage
New Zealand's natural beauty and tranquillity makes it an artisan's haven. So take the time to explore the Aotearoa's artistic side – from larger galleries to regional art trails, you'll uncover unique perspectives of the country through the eyes of some fresh and inspired talent.
There's a rich cultural heritage to be enjoyed as well, from historic Maori sites to gold mining relics. You'll discover innovative and energetically maintained museums, from vintage farm machinery and restored steam engines to wearable arts and
Te Papa's state of the art displays. There are architectural gems to explore as well – wander through
New Zealand's only castle, tour a stately Edwardian manor, join a guided art deco tour or visit a historic Maori meeting house. Wherever you go, you'll discover the unique character and people that make Aotearoa such a special place to visit.
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