Adventure activities in New Zealand

New Zealand is an ideal destination for an action-packed trip. Titled the ‘adventure capital of the world’, the country offers adrenaline-filled activities for everyone. Thus, aside from observing nature, you can also try your hand at some of the most thrilling activities available. 

The country has perfected every adventurous activity and offers the most exciting experience. A wide range of these activities is guaranteed to push all the limits. From beginners to pros, anyone can have a truly memorable time while trying out these ventures. 

 

Here are nine adventure activities in New Zealand that are highly recommended for adrenaline junkies: 

 

1. Skydiving 

There is nothing more heart-stopping than skydiving, and New Zealand remains the top country to provide this experience.  

During skydiving, you can see the magnificent landscapes of the country from 12,000–15,000 feet in the air. In Queenstown, the beauty of the Southern Alps will distract you from your nervousness, even though you are free-falling for 60 seconds at 200 km/h.

Tandem skydiving can also be undertaken in Lake Taupo, where a scenic flight takes you above the central plateau. The views of the snow-capped volcanoes and the largest lake in the Southern Hemisphere are mesmerising. At Lake Wanaka, you will be met with the vastness of Central Otago and the glimmering lakes surrounding it. 

 

2. Bungee jump 

New Zealand is home to the first commercial Bungee jump operations and successfully leads bungee tourism.  

A.J. Hackett’s Bungee Base is a good starting point in Queenstown. Bungee jumping can also be done on the Kawarau Bridge, which is a 43-metre jump over the Kawarau River. You can have a massive 134-meter jump in Nevis, where you free fall for at least 8 seconds. 

Bungee jumping can also be done off Auckland’s harbour bridge and over the Waikato River in Taupo.

 

3. Rafting 

Rafting ranges from a quiet drift through the wilderness to a sudden, heart-racing journey down the turbulent rapids. The mountains in New Zealand feed numerous fast-flowing rivers that run through the forest before ending up in the sea. The rivers are marked in grades, where Grade 1 has calm waters while Grade 5 is an extreme sport. 

These rafting trips are led by qualified guides and can last from one hour to even five hours. Below ground, you can witness the stunning underworld of Ruakuri Cave and float through the subterranean Waitomo Caves.  

Above ground in Rotorua, you can experience grade 5 rafting at Kaituna Waterfall. For a slow and steady pace, Lake Taupo’s Tongariro River is ideal for families and kids. 

 

4. Jetboat ride 

The jet boat ride is another famous venture that enterprising New Zealanders have developed. This thrilling water adventure sport takes you on an accelerating ride through shallow waters, river gorges, past rocks, and river beds.  

Suitable for everyone, a jet boat is refreshing yet challenging. Queenstown’s Shotover Jet takes you on a breathtaking journey over rocky canyons. At 85 km per hour, your experience of a jet boat is complete with a full 360-degree spin, twists, and turns over the Shotover River.  

Lake Taupo, Rotorua, Ruapehu, Whanganui, and Southland are well-known spots where you can enjoy an exhilarating jet boat ride.

 

5. Ziplining 

Originally, zip-lining was invented as a method of transportation across canyons, rivers, and other impassable areas. Today, most people enjoy an exhilarating combination of speed and nature with this activity. 

The best place to go ziplining in the country is on Waiheke Island. The stunning harbour views and the beautiful wilderness of Rotorua offer an impressive experience. Flying through the treetops, you can catch sight of mountain ranges in Queenstown. 

In Rotorua, you can dive deeper into the ancient forest of New Zealand in a three-hour adventure that includes 600 m of zip lines and swing bridges. 

You can also combine zip lining with river tubing and enjoy an adrenaline rush altogether.

 

6. Mountain Biking 

A seemingly endless network of abandoned railways, forest trails, farm tracks, and backcountry routes makes New Zealand the perfect destination to go on an exciting bike ride. 

The mountain bike trails in the country are nothing short of picturesque landscapes, with bonus off-bike activities like wildlife watching. Almost all trails explore the raw nature of New Zealand, yet they are also close to bike shops and other amenities.

There are several popular places to start your bike riding adventure, namely, Lake Taupo, Wanaka, Queenstown, Christchurch, Canterberry, and Nelson. However, Rotorua is regarded as being perfect for bike riding. Here, you can easily explore the Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest and take part in the renowned mountain bike festival called Crankworx Rotorua. 

 

7. Underwater Diving 

Whether it is the sub-tropical reefs of the North Island or the unique topography of the South Island, New Zealand has some undisturbed and beautiful marine life.  

The most famous area for diving remains Poor Knight’s Island, which is also a protected marine reserve. You can find diverse topography, including caves, arches, tunnels, and a variety of fish. Snapper, kingfish, blue Mao Mao, and larger species like turtles and whales are frequent visitors. 

Other famous places for diving include the Bay of Islands, Kaikoura, Long Island, and Steward Island.

 

8. Zorbing  

Zorb is located in Rotorua and is one of the largest ball-rolling parks in the world. Zorbing involves being fitted inside a giant inflatable ball, which is then rolled down a hill. This activity is iconic, unique, and one of the most enjoyable adventures you can undertake in New Zealand.  

With four different tracks to choose from, wet and dry, you have the opportunity to bring out your inner child! Depending on the track you choose, zorbing may take 40 seconds or more. On your way down Mount Ngongotaha, you can reach speeds up to 50 km/h while rotating 360° inside the ball.  

You can enhance your zorbing experience by opting for water, which is filled inside the ball. This adds a slippery element to the ride and transforms it into almost a water slide. 

 

9. Heliskiing 

If you are an intermediate snowboarder or skier who loves gliding on pure white snow, New Zealand promises to upgrade your skiing experience to the next level.  

Heliskiing on the South Island is ideal, as it has the best snow and is only a scenic helicopter ride away. During the best conditions in the Southern Alps, you are dropped off in an extensive and empty valley of fresh snow that is ready to be carved with ski tracks.

Spread over 8,500 sq. kilometres of terrain, encompassing 11 different mountain ranges and providing an excess of 600 runs, you have the freedom to enjoy skiing according to your desires.  

Heliskiing is best enjoyed in Queenstown, Wanaka, Mt. Cook, and Methven. 

 

There is no denying that New Zealand is rich in beauty, culture, and nature. One of the best ways to absorb your experience is by going on exciting and adventurous activities in the country. Mark these ventures on your list for an adrenaline-filled vacation in New Zealand.  

 

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