Adventure New Zealand

Adventure Activities in New Zealand

New Zealand has so much to offer the adventure enthusiast. With its geography varying greatly over a relatively small land area, visitors can enjoy many varied adventure experiences in a short amount of time. See below some of New Zealand's best outdoor adventure activities and tours.

Hiking Safari

West Coast Wilderness

  • 11 days @ NZ$2,025
  • Start/Finish: Nelson / Queenstown
  • Nights: Camping, Backcountry Huts

A unique opportunity to be totally immersed in the pristine wilderness of the West Coast. Hike through lush rainforests, soak in natural hotpools beneath majestic mountains, visit glaciers and kayak on a giant wetland area. Total...

West Coast Wilderness map
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    Multi-day Hiking
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    Touring
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    Kayaking
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    Glacier Walking
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    Caving
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    Helicopter Flight
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    Rafting
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    Biking
   
Day Activity

Dart River Funyak

  • Location: Queenstown
  • Price range: $189-$289

A tranquil journey through the Dart River valley, beginning with a jet boat road, followed by two hours of peaceful paddling in a unique inflatable 'Funyak'.

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    Kayaking
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    Touring
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    Jet Boating
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    Multi-day Hiking
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    Rafting
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    Caving
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    Biking
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    Glacier Walking
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    Scuba Diving
   
Adventure

Tall Ship Sailing

  • 5.5 days
  • Start/Finish: Auckland/ Russell
  • Nights: Cabins

Sail aboard a magnificently restored square-rigger, exploring the Hauraki Gulf and Bay of Islands. Join the crew for a participatory sailing tour through the pristine waters that Captain James Cook first chartered over 200 years ago....

Tall Ship Sailing map
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    Sailing
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    Day Hikes
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    Marine Mammals
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    Snorkelling
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    Bird Watching
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    Multi-day Hiking
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    Kayaking
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    Rafting
   
Adventure

Landsborough Rafting

  • 3 days @ NZ$1,495
  • Start/Finish: Queenstown return
  • Nights: Camping

Raft silently down the Landsborough River as it flows from high alpine areas of the Mount Cook National Park to the Haast River in South Westland learning basic rafting skills before moving into more challenging and thrilling white...

Landsborough Rafting map
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    Rafting
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    Helicopter Flight
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    Day Hikes
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    Multi-day Hiking
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    Kayaking
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    Caving
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    Biking
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    Glacier Walking
   
Adventure

Whanganui River Canoe

  • 5 days @ NZ$950
  • Start/Finish: Ohakune return
  • Nights: Camping, Lodges

Leisurely paddle Canadian canoes learning about the Legend of the Whanganui River - rich in history and largely untouched. Take time to explore and enjoy the unique scenery miles away from the pressures of everyday life.

Whanganui  River Canoe map
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    Day Hikes
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    Kayaking
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    Multi-day Hiking
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    Rafting
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    Caving
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    Biking
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    Glacier Walking
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    Scuba Diving
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    Snorkelling
   
Hiking Safari

Volcanoes & Rainforest

  • 10 days @ NZ$1,880
  • Start/Finish: Auckland/ Wellington
  • Nights: Backcountry Huts, Camping

Get up close to New Zealand's most famous volcanoes, hike through ancient rainforest and river gorges during three multi-day hikes. Capture the true essence of geo-thermal activity in hot rivers, explore beautiful lakes, alpine...

Volcanoes & Rainforest map
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    Multi-day Hiking
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    Kayaking
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    Caving
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    Touring
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    Rafting
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    Biking
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    Glacier Walking
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    Scuba Diving
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    Snorkelling
   
Day Activity

Dolphin Encounter

  • Location: Kaikoura
  • Price range: $40 - $170

Swim with or watch Dusky Dolphins in Kaikoura - one of the world's leading destinations to view marine mammals.

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    Snorkelling
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    Marine Mammals
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    Cruise
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    Multi-day Hiking
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    Kayaking
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    Rafting
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    Caving
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    Biking
   
Great Hike

Ball Pass Alpine Trek

  • 3 days @ NZ$1,080
  • Start/Finish: Tekapo return
  • Nights: Backcountry Huts

An alpine trek taking you to the heights of the Southern Alps. Learn to use crampons and ice-axes and apply your knowledge while climbing under the supervision of your guide. Gaze in wonder at the dramatic faces of Mount Cook, ascend the...

Ball Pass Alpine Trek map
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    Multi-day Hiking
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    Kayaking
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    Rafting
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    Caving
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    Biking
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    Glacier Walking
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    Scuba Diving
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    Snorkelling
   
Day Activity

Abel Tasman Kayak Seals & Walk

  • Location: Nelson
  • Price range: $105 - $155

A day trip covering all the bases at Abel Tasman National Park. Kayak, walk and cruise the beautiful beaches in one day.

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    Day Hikes
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    Kayaking
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    Marine Mammals
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    Cruise
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    Multi-day Hiking
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    Rafting
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    Caving
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    Biking
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    Glacier Walking
   
Adventure

Northern Diving Safari

  • 4 days
  • Start/Finish: Auckland
  • Nights: Camping

A diver's dream - Dive Rainbow Warrior and the Bay of Islands, Poor Knights Island and Twin Wrecks.

Northern Diving Safari map
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    Scuba Diving
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    Marine Mammals
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    Multi-day Hiking
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    Kayaking
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    Rafting
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    Caving
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    Biking
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    Glacier Walking
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    Snorkelling
   
Adventure

Alpine Ski Touring

  • 5 days @ NZ$2,070
  • Start/Finish: Tekapo return
  • Nights: Backcountry Huts

Wilderness skiing at its best! Alpine Ski Touring amongst the glaciers of the Mount Cook and Westland National Parks. Kelman Hut at the head of the Tasman Glacier is accessed by ski plane from Mt Cook Village and provides skiers with...

Alpine Ski Touring map
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    Skiing
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    Multi-day Hiking
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    Kayaking
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    Rafting
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    Caving
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    Biking
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    Glacier Walking
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    Scuba Diving
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    Snorkelling
   
Adventure

Mountain Bike Safari

  • 15 days @ NZ$5,495
  • Start/Finish: Queenstown/Christchurch
  • Nights: Cabins, Lodges

This 15 day Off Road Tour is full of adventure, challenge and excitement for the intermediate to experienced mountain biker. The route, sometimes on private farmland, takes you over Alpine passes, alongside beautiful lakes, through river...

Mountain Bike Safari map
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    Biking
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    Touring
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    Multi-day Hiking
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    Kayaking
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    Rafting
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    Caving
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    Glacier Walking
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    Scuba Diving
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    Snorkelling
   
Hiking Tour

North Island Adventure

  • 5 days @ US$2,299
  • Start/Finish: Auckland return
  • Nights: Lodges

Discover the natural wonders of the North Island and the history of the Maori culture. Enjoy the land of volcanoes, hot springs, waterfalls and unique combinations of flora and fauna with a hands on approach. See for yourself the...

North Island Adventure map
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    Day Hikes
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    Touring
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    Caving
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    Biking
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    Multi-day Hiking
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    Kayaking
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    Rafting
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    Glacier Walking
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    Scuba Diving
   
Hiking Tour

South Island Adventure

  • 14 days @ US$4,599
  • Start/Finish: Christchurch return
  • Nights: Backcountry Huts, Lodges

This is an active adventure - visit the icons of the South Island, tackle some of New Zealand's most stunning, challenging day hikes, plus you choose a three-day option of hiking in Nelson Lakes National Park, cycling or kayaking in...

South Island Adventure map
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    Multi-day Hiking
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    Day Hikes
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    Touring
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    Kayaking
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    Biking
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    Snorkelling
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    Glacier Walking
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    Marine Mammals
   
Day Activity

Shotover Jet

  • Location: Queenstown
  • Price range: $69 - $119

Shotover Jet is a thrilling ride - skimming past rocky outcrops at close range in your Shotover Jet 'Big Red', as you twist and turn through the narrow canyons at breath taking speeds. And a major highlight - hold tight for the world...

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    Jet Boating
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    Multi-day Hiking
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    Kayaking
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    Rafting
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    Caving
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    Biking
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    Glacier Walking
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    Scuba Diving
   
Nature Cruise

South to Antarctica

  • 30 days @ US$15,500
  • Start/Finish: Invercargill
  • Nights: Cabins

The ultimate Antarctic Voyage. Journey to the very heart of Antarctica. The Ross Sea is one of the most remote regions and is only accessible for two months each year when the ice thaws. It is the historic gateway, discovered by Sir...

South to Antarctica map
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    Cruise
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    Marine Mammals
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    Bird Watching
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    Day Hikes
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    Multi-day Hiking
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    Kayaking
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    Rafting
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    Caving
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    Biking
   

 

 

For more adventure trips in New Zealand see:

 

Hiking New Zealand, showing you Adventure New Zealand style.

     
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