New Zealand is one of the world’s leading adventure capitals, with IMAX sized alpine peaks, sweeping lush forests, and waterways and rapids winding through the scenery. The best way to experience it is, of course, with a thrill seeking heart in mouth. So if you’re ready to abseil through a waterfall, hike a volcanic crater, skydive over rainforest, bungy jump over hot springs or dive through underwater caves, New Zealand is ready to welcome you with open arms. Here’s our top picks to get you going.
Canyoning in Abel Tasman National Park – Nelson
Image courtesy of NelsonTasman.nz
A natural playground of lush forests, golden beaches and stunning coastline, Abel Tasman National Park is one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking national parks. Only an hour from Nelson, it’s also one of the best places to explore nature on a wave of pure adrenaline as you slide down water chutes, abseil through waterfalls and zipline over rock pools. The team at Abel Tasman Canyons will help you push your limits while ensuring you comfortably enjoy the unique experience of canyoning in this incredible wilderness.
Skydiving Over Abel Tasman - Nelson
Image courtesy of Camilla Rutherford.
Of course, another way to experience the sparkling coast and incredible coverage of rainforest is from 18,000 feet. Whether you are an experienced skydiver or you are taking the jump for the first time, Skydive Abel Tasman promises a trip to remember. Starting with a 40-minute scenic flight ahead of the thrilling 85 second of freefall, this is one of the longest and highest jumps in New Zealand, with expert tandem masters guiding you every step of the way.
Accommodation in Nelson
Base yourself an hour’s scenic drive from Abel Tasman Park and enjoy Abel Tasman canyoning adventures and things to do in Nelson by basing yourself at The Honest Lawyer, an old world styled English pub and estate with views of the Waimea Estuary.
Christchurch Adventure Park
Image courtesy of Christchurch NZ Toolkit.
If you’re looking for something that has it all, look no further. Rising high in the Port Hills, Christchurch Adventure Park offers a choose your own adventure styled experience with mountain bike trails, zip lines, and hiking tracks. Grab a chairlift and enjoy sweeping views over the city to the Pacific Ocean and Southern Alps. The zip lines that wind down the hill also offer some of the highest and longest in New Zealand. You’ll also find epic jumps and trails for all levels of mountain bikers.
Accommodation in Christchurch
Rest easy only 4.5 km from the Christchurch CBD surrounded by beautiful rose gardens and things to do in Christchurch by basing yourself at Hotel Elms Christchurch.
Bungy Jumping in Taupō
Image courtesy of Mead Norton.
Located in the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal region, Taupō is also home to one of New Zealand’s highest and most scenic bungy sites. Go all the way with Taupō Bungy as they bring you all the way to a 47 metre cantilever platform, high above the crystal-clear waters of the Waikato river. From here you can bungy jump either solo or tandem with a friend. Only five minutes from central Taupō, this is an essential detour for any adventure seeker looking for a bungy jump Taupō experience.
Huka Falls Jet Boating – Taupō
Image courtesy of Love Taupō.
One of New Zealand’s most powerful natural attractions, Huka Falls is a spectacular 10 metres waterfall that plummets from a volcanic channel into the Waikato River. And one of the best ways to witness this sight is by strapping in and experiencing the sheer power on an adrenaline fueled jet boat tour. Huka Falls Jet Boat tours will take you on a 30 minute spin through rapids and onto the base of the fall, with scenery abounding at every turn around the famous Huka Falls Taupō attraction.
Complete the Tongariro Alpine Crossing – Taupō
Image courtesy of Love Taupō.
Known as one of the world’s best one-day hiking trails, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike is a spectacular checkpoint of wonders - from epic volcanic terrains and craters to vivid emerald lakes and cool green forests. Beginning at Mangatepopo Valley, before heading through South Crater, Red Crater and Emerald Lakes, the journey takes between six and eight hours to complete (ending on the other side of the mountain).
It’s considered a challenging hike, but you don’t need to be an expert mountaineer - just check the weather and make sure you are properly prepared. Shuttles are available to and from the park via Taupō .
Accommodation in Taupō
Adventure - and plenty of other things to do in Taupō - await at Quality Inn Acapulco, a centrally located motel only a short walk from Taupō activities.
Auckland SkyWalk
Image courtesy of AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand.
For a slightly easier walk, you can step outside the Sky Tower, 192 meters above the city, and walk around a narrow platform and enjoy bird's eye views stretching from the Waitematā Harbour to the Hauraki Gulf. This is an experience open to young and old(er) - from 10 years up - but if you want to take it up a notch you can join SkyJump for a heart-pounding bungy jump from the Sky Tower platform.
Accommodation in Auckland
You’ll find spacious accommodation and the Good Home Gastro Pub at the Quality Hotel Lincoln Green, a scenic drive from the beautiful west coast beaches and close to some of the top things to do in Auckland - including the SkyWalk Auckland experience.
Scuba Dive or Snorkel in Poor Knights Islands – Tutukaka
Image courtesy of Miles Holden.
Take the plunge in a different direction, and explore the famous sea caves of the world’s top diving destinations. Tawhiti Rahi (Poor Knights Islands), is a UNESCO-protected reserve filled with underwater arches and colourful sea life - and only an hour off the New Zealand coast.
Dive Now will get you out there on a Poor Knights Island scuba diving adventure tour that offer two dive days, three dive days or even a night dive. Non-divers also have the option to enjoy a snorkeling experience amongst these volcanic islands, which are also home to thriving sea bird communities.
Accommodation in Tutukaka
Perched on the edge of the renowned Tutukaka Marina, Quality Hotel Oceans Tutukaka is ideally situated for access to the Poor Knights Islands.
Mohaka Rafting – Napier
Offering rafting experiences for those at every level, Mohaka Rafting delivers white-water thrills through the deep canyons and surrounding bushland of the beautiful Mohaka River in Hawke’s Bay - close to the art deco capital of Napier. Whether you choose a family-friendly cruise or the intense Grade 5 thrill rides, there are half day, full day or multi day trips to suit. This is hands-down one of the best ways to experience some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery.
Accommodation in Napier
The Quality Inn Napier is located in the heart of New Zealand’s art deco capital - an ideal option for exploring the town’s charms and the many things to do in Napier.
High Ropes Course in Invercargill with Adventure Southland
Just a 10-minute drive from Invercargill, Adventure Southland offers the ultimate playground for thrill seekers of every age with rope bridges, balance beams, and ziplines high above the ground. Designed to excite groups of all ages, you’ll find options ranging from the outdoor climbing wall, to the abseil tower and the 65-metre zip line. Of course, you can also experience the rush of the giant swing!
Accommodation in Invercargill
New Zealand’s southernmost city, Invercargill is brimming with old-world charm and heritage - and only 10 minutes from Adventure Southland. Make it a relaxing stay by basing yourself at the Comfort Inn Tayesta.