Home » Activities » Adventure New Zealand is the home of adventure tourism and nowhere else will you find as many diverse options. From extreme sports to more low-key and family-centric activities, if you are looking for thrills and excitement look no further than New Zealand. Thrills for Everyone For those seeking an adrenaline rush, New Zealand is an adventurer’s paradise. Engage in a plethora of heart-pounding activities, from bungee jumping off Queenstown’s iconic Kawarau Bridge to exploring glowworm-lit caves in Waitomo. Families can bond over exciting experiences like jet boating, ziplining through lush forests, or hiking scenic trails suitable for all skill levels. The experts at The Best of New Zealand understand how to best incorporate stunning natural landscapes: Families can explore breathtaking landscapes, from lush greenery to snow-capped mountains, providing the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures. We have worked with the best tour guides and partners to ensure a s afe and welcoming environment to ensure a worry-free experience during thrilling activities. Highlights and Ideas Adventure for All Ages: Whether it’s scenic hikes, thrilling water sports, or exciting wildlife encounters, New Zealand provides adventures suitable for both young and old, fostering a sense of togetherness. You don’t need to jump out of a plane, throw knives, skeet shoot, jump off a bridge, zip-line over a forest… but you can if you like! For years, our team has worked closely with the best professional guides and tour operators to best understand and offer family-friendly adventures to ensure everyone can enjoy the thrill of New Zealand’s outdoor pursuits. An almost ceremonial tradition for visitors to New Zealand involves the act of precipitous descent. Whether leaping from the pinnacle of a skyscraper in Auckland, scaling down a mountain's zenith, or plunging from an elevated bridge, the Kiwis are credited with the invention of bungee jumping. This enduring thrill, a legacy embraced by adrenaline enthusiasts globally, beckons daring individuals to partake in an exhilarating experience that has become an indispensable facet of the Kiwi adventure narrative. Visit the original bungy site at Kawarau Bridge, where you can enjoy watching others take the plunge over the gorge, even if you’re not jumping yourself. Consider extending your day trip from Queenstown with a relaxing visit to Cromwell or exploring the nearby wineries for a more laid-back experience. The Kawarau Bridge offers both excitement and a tranquil backdrop for those looking to enjoy the surroundings at a more leisurely pace. Explore Kiwi ingenuity in adventure with our flat-bottom jet boats featuring custom engines. Experience the thrill of riding what can only be described as a water rocket, navigating depths as shallow as a few inches. Perfect for the whole family, brace yourself for 360-degree turns, heart-pounding close calls to the side of canyons, and refreshing sprays that add an extra element of fun to your aquatic adventure! Discover jet boat adventures in Taupo, Rotorua, Whanganui, Queenstown, Wanaka, and Fiordland. From high-speed thrills with 360-degree turns to scenic journeys deep into the bush, these versatile experiences cater to various preferences. Many jet boat providers also offer additional options such as hikes, lunches, and guided tours, ensuring a customized and immersive adventure for every traveler. Unlike white water rafting on the North Island, which caters specifically to thrill-seekers, kayaks provide a versatile and accessible way to navigate nooks and shallow areas. Whether you're gliding through the rainforest of the West Coast of the South Island or paddling in the mesmerizing Fiordland, an adventure awaits with a knowledgeable Kiwi guide and a kayak by your side. Kayaking is a widespread activity across New Zealand, especially enjoyed for leisurely experiences on the water in the country’s national parks and remote wilderness locations. Many tours provide access to these off-the-beaten-path destinations using larger vessels, with kayaks offering a closer and more intimate exploration of hidden coves and tranquil beaches. Caving & Glowworms Explore glowworm caves for an educational and enjoyable family adventure in New Zealand. From guided boat tours to exhilarating wetsuit adventures through dark slides and wading pools, there's an option for every level of excitement. Choose the cave experience that suits your family's preferences and create lasting memories in the stunning underground world of New Zealand. Encounter the enchanting world of glowworms, a rarity in many global destinations, with one of the prime locations being the Waitomo Caves. Dedicate at least half a day to this excursion given its secluded setting. For those seeking heightened adventure, the Black Water Rafting or Black Abyss tours offer a more intense and immersive caving experience. Tree Walks, Zip Lines, & swings Discover a distinctive approach to swinging in New Zealand, where the experience involves scenic mountain tops and a sensation akin to gently launching out over the Earth's edge. Ensuring complete safety and heaps of enjoyment, zip-line courses and bungy swings provide a leisurely way to test your physical endurance, balance, and bravery amidst the serene landscapes of New Zealand. Heli-Hikes & Wilderness Touring On the South Island of New Zealand, it's not unusual to see diesel vehicles with snorkels above the roofline. These are used for crossing rivers, allowing the engine to get the oxygen it needs for combustion. From upscale private Defender 110 tours to shared group adventures in custom mega-buses, off-roading is a common and practical way to explore the diverse landscapes of New Zealand. Road & Mountain Biking In New Zealand, there are tours for road biking, but some worry about the combination of narrow roads and drivers unfamiliar with the area. To address this concern, the country has invested in constructing excellent bike trails and routes. Whether you prefer a relaxed ride or an adventurous mountain biking experience, New Zealand has options for everyone. Upscale biking often involves cruising on flat country roads, making it convenient for pedaling between charming wineries. Other Crazy Stuff There are simply too many choices for adventure to mention on one web page. However, if you feel the need to experience what a hamster must feel like if pushed down a large hill in its plastic sphere. look no further than Zorb! It's one of the reasons we like New Zealand and the Kiwis. Is there any length they won't go to for excitement? Zorbing is something uniquely Kiwi- with four track options to choose from, you have the option to race friends and family and/or ride with up to three people inside the sphere! Zorb can be done without water, but by including it in the summer, this ride becomes a constant water slide. Great fun- with a place to relax as the staff sets you up for your next ride. The Best of New Zealand Ready to Explore? Contact us today to start planning! We’ll handle all the details so you can focus on making unforgettable memories in New Zealand’s stunning South Island. 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Conquer the Ben Lomond Track: Queenstown’s Epic Day Hike That Wānaka Tree: Best Times to Go and What to See Nearby Rob Roy Glacier Track: A Breathtaking Walk into the Southern Alps The Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Mueller Hut Route Tasman Glacier View Track: A Short Hike to Breathtaking Views Hike the Hooker Valley Track Hiking Roy’s Peak at Sunrise: A Must-Do Adventure in Wanaka Best Punakaiki Walks: Stunning Trails & Scenic Views The Ultimate Hollyford Wilderness Experience Franz Josef Glacier Tours: Heli, Hikes & Ice Adventures 10 Queenstown Day Walks Locals Love New Zealand Bound? Must-Know Tips Before You Go! Fun Activities for Your Auckland to North Island Road Trip​ National Aquarium of New Zealand Spotlight on Wellington bestofnz_travel 🗺️ Custom New Zealand Travel Since 1990 ➡️ @bestofnzflyfishing | @bestofnzgolf | @bestofaustraliagolf New Zealand`s grande dame of luxury lodges just got a $25 million refresh. Huka Lodge has reopened with an expanded River Room, brand new wellness grounds, and doubled guest spaces, all while keeping the intimate character that made it iconic in the first place. See what changed and what stayed exactly the same. Read the full story, link in bio. 📸 Huka Lodge #hukalodge #newzealandluxury #luxurylodges #nztravel #bestofnztravel https://thebestofnewzealand.com/news/huka-lodge-reopens-after-25m-renovation/ Air New Zealand’s New Business Premier Suite Big news for your next trip to New Zealand. Air New Zealand is unveiling a brand new Business Premier suite for its Boeing 777 fleet, complete with lie-flat beds, sliding privacy doors, and a sleek 18-inch entertainment screen at every seat. Read more through link in our bio. #airnewzealand #newzealandtravel #luxurytravel #travelnz #bestofnztravel Hawke’s Bay sits on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island, and most visitors pass through without stopping long enough to see what the region offers. That is a mistake worth correcting. From ancient geological formations to one of the world’s most accessible wildlife colonies, Hawke’s Bay rewards travelers who take the time to go beyond the obvious. These 5 experiences are worth building your itinerary around! Read more through link in bio. #hawkesbay #newzealandguide #napiernz #luxurytravel #bestofnztravel At 399 meters, Te Mata Peak gives you views across farmland, coastline, and the ranges beyond. Drive, walk, or cycle to the top. Either way, the view is worth it. This is the one stop in Hawke’s Bay that puts the whole region in perspective. #tematapeaknz #newzealandwalks At 399 meters, Te Mata Peak gives you views across farmland, coastline, and the ranges beyond. Drive, walk, or cycle to the top. Either way, the view is worth it. This is the one stop in Hawke’s Bay that puts the whole region in perspective. #tematapeaknz #newzealandwalks Napier is one of the most complete Art Deco cities in the world. Once a year, the whole city commits to it. Music, vintage cars, exhibitions, and architecture that stops you mid-stride. If you time your visit right, this is an experience unlike anything else in New Zealand. #napierartdeco #visitnapiernz #napiernz #nztouring Napier is one of the most complete Art Deco cities in the world. Once a year, the whole city commits to it. Music, vintage cars, exhibitions, and architecture that stops you mid-stride. If you time your visit right, this is an experience unlike anything else in New Zealand. #napierartdeco #visitnapiernz #napiernz #nztouring Nearly two meters of wingspan, up close, with no fence between you and them. The gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers is the largest accessible mainland colony in the world. Tours run September through April, so the timing of your trip matters. Worth planning around. #gannetcolonynz #birdtour Green hills, open coastline, and enough space to feel like you have the beach to yourself. Waimarama is about 40 minutes south of Napier and one of the most scenic stretche Top 10 Honeymoon Experiences in New Zealand New Zealand is one of the world`s great honeymoon destinations, and not because anyone designed it that way. It just is. The scale of it gets you first. Those sudden views at the top of a ridge, a fiord opening up around a bend, a sky so full of stars it feels impossible. From glowworm caves to glacier overnights, here are the top 10 experiences worth travelling for. Link in bio to read more! #honeymoonexperiences #newzealandtravel #luxurytravelnz #newzealanditinerary #thebestofnz https://thebestofnewzealand.com/activities/wine-cuisine/new-zealand-honeymoon-10-most-romantic-experiences/ Air New Zealand to Launch Sleep Pods in Economy Cabins If you have ever dreamed of lying flat on a long-haul flight without paying for a business class ticket, Air New Zealand is about to make that dream a reality. The airline is set to launch the world`s first economy sleep pods, called the Economy Skynest, on select ultra long-haul flights from November 2026. Read more through our link in bio. 📸 Air New Zealand #airnewzealand #travelnewzealand #visitnewzealand #explorenewzealand #bestofnztravel https://thebestofnewzealand.com/activities/wine-cuisine/air-new-zealand-to-launch-sleep-pods-in-economy-cabins/ Craggy Range Signature Gourmet Escape: Hawke`s Bay Luxury If you`ve been dreaming of a New Zealand escape that goes far beyond a standard hotel stay, Craggy Range in Hawke`s Bay has crafted something truly special. Their Signature Gourmet Escape is a fully all-inclusive, multi-day experience that wraps world-class dining, wine, and luxury lodge living into one seamless package. Read more through link in bio. 📸 Craggy Range https://thebestofnewzealand.com/activities/wine-cuisine/craggy-range-signature-gourmet-escape-hawkes-bay-luxury/ Lake Tekapo, New Zealand: What to Do, See, & Experience Lake Tekapo is one of those rare destinations that genuinely exceeds expectations. Tucked into the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, the lake stuns visitors with its impossibly turquoise waters while the jagged peaks of the Southern Alps rise dramatically behind them. But beyond its picture-perfect looks, Tekapo rewards you at every hour of the day. Read more through our link in bio. 📸 GoTekapo #laketekapo #luxurytravelnz #newzealandvacations #nzactivites #bestofnztravel https://thebestofnewzealand.com/travel-tips/lake-tekapo-new-zealand-what-to-do-see-experience/ Tucked at the foot of Mount Aspiring National Park on New Zealand’s South Island, Wānaka packs paragliding, canyoning, jet boating, skydiving, mountain biking, and so much more into one jaw-droppingly beautiful corner of the world. Whether you’re a first-timer looking to push your limits or a seasoned adrenaline junkie, Wānaka delivers the goods every single time. Link in bio to read more. 📸 Wanaka Paragliding #luxurytravelnz #newzealandadventures #wanakaadventures #visitwanaka #bestofnztravel An almost ceremonial tradition for visitors to New Zealand involves the act of precipitous descent. Whether leaping from the pinnacle of a skyscraper in Auckland, scaling down a mountain’s zenith, or plunging from an elevated bridge, the Kiwis are credited with the invention of bungee jumping. This enduring thrill, a legacy embraced by adrenaline enthusiasts globally, beckons daring individuals to partake in an exhilarating experience that has become an indispensable facet of the Kiwi adventure narrative. Explore Kiwi ingenuity in adventure with our flat-bottom jet boats featuring custom engines. Experience the thrill of riding what can only be described as a water rocket, navigating depths as shallow as a few inches. Perfect for the whole family, brace yourself for 360-degree turns, heart-pounding close calls to the side of canyons, and refreshing sprays that add an extra element of fun to your aquatic adventure! Discover jet boat adventures in Taupo, Rotorua, Whanganui, Queenstown, Wanaka, and Fiordland. From high-speed thrills with 360-degree turns to scenic journeys deep into the bush, these versatile experiences cater to various preferences. Many jet boat providers also offer additional options such as hikes, lunches, and guided tours, ensuring a customized and immersive adventure for every traveler. White water rafting and kayaks Explore New Zealand’s diverse waterways with kayaking opportunities available throughout the country. Unlike white water rafting on the North Island, which caters specifically to thrill-seekers, kayaks provide a versatile and accessible way to navigate nooks and shallow areas. Whether you’re gliding through the rainforest of the West Coast of the South Island or paddling in the mesmerizing Fiordland, an adventure awaits with a knowledgeable Kiwi guide and a kayak by your side. Kayaking is a widespread activity across New Zealand, especially enjoyed for leisurely experiences on the water in the country’s national parks and remote wilderness locations. Many tours provide access to these off-the-beaten-path destinations using larger vessels, with kayaks offering a closer and more intimate exploration of hidden coves and tranquil beaches. Caving and glowworms Explore glowworm caves for an educational and enjoyable family adventure in New Zealand. From guided boat tours to exhilarating wetsuit adventures through dark slides and wading pools, there’s an option for every level of excitement. Choose the cave experience that suits your family’s preferences and create lasting memories in the stunning underground world of New Zealand. Encounter the enchanting world of glowworms, a rarity in many global destinations, with one of the prime locations being the Waitomo Caves. Dedicate at least half a day to this excursion given its secluded setting. For those seeking heightened adventure, the Black Water Rafting or Black Abyss tours offer a more intense and immersive caving experience. Tree walks, Zip lines and swings Discover a distinctive approach to swinging in New Zealand, where the experience involves scenic mountain tops and a sensation akin to gently launching out over the Earth’s edge. Ensuring complete safety and heaps of enjoyment, zip-line courses and bungy swings provide a leisurely way to test your physical endurance, balance, and bravery amidst the serene landscapes of New Zealand. Heli-hikes and Wilderness touring On the South Island of New Zealand, it’s not unusual to see diesel vehicles with snorkels above the roofline. These are used for crossing rivers, allowing the engine to get the oxygen it needs for combustion. From upscale private Defender 110 tours to shared group adventures in custom mega-buses, off-roading is a common and practical way to explore the diverse landscapes of New Zealand. Road and Mountain Biking In New Zealand, there are tours for road biking, but some worry about the combination of narrow roads and drivers unfamiliar with the area. To address this concern, the country has invested in constructing excellent bike trails and routes. Whether you prefer a relaxed ride or an adventurous mountain biking experience, New Zealand has options for everyone. Upscale biking often involves cruising on flat country roads, making it convenient for pedaling between charming wineries. Other crazy stuff There are simply too many choices for adventure to mention on one web page. However, if you feel the need to experience what a hamster must feel like if pushed down a large hill in its plastic sphere. look no further than Zorb! It’s one of the reasons we like New Zealand and the Kiwis. Is there any length they won’t go to for excitement? Zorbing is something uniquely Kiwi- with four track options to choose from, you have the option to race friends and family and/or ride with up to three people inside the sphere! Zorb can be done without water, but by including it in the summer, this ride becomes a constant water slide. Great fun- with a place to relax as the staff sets you up for your next ride.