Hey there, thrillseeker—did you know that epic adventures await you in New Zealand? This pocket of paradise may be small, but don’t let its size fool you: the country is bursting at its seams when it comes to outrageous activities! Thrills and spills are a-plenty with a variety of experiences, from bungy jumping to river rafting, amidst the famed New Zealand nature scene.
Need a bit of a push? Here are seven reasons why you should travel to New Zealand this year!
Time to feel alive and high on life with these must-try epic activities on your next New Zealand travel:
- Real Fiordland Experience in New Zealand
- Heli-Hike the Tasman Glacier
- Milford Sound Scenic Flight
- Eco Experience day trip to Rangatira, Kāpiti Island
- Glass Bottom Boat Cruise at Cathedral Cove
- Snowshoe Experience from Queenstown
- Southern Lights Scenic Flight
- Aoraki/Mt Cook Ultimate Scenic Flight
- Rotorua Canopy Tour Zipline Forest Adventure
- Mt Hutt Scenic Hot Air Balloon Flight
- Rotorua Bungy Jump
- Karioi Glowworm Canyoning
- Kaituna River Rafting
1. Real Fiordland Experience in New Zealand
Tossing up between Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound? Get to explore both on this Real Fiordland Experience and go on wilderness cruises in New Zealand’s most stunning natural attractions. On this tour, not only do you get admission to both cruises, but you also get an all-access expedition to Te Anau’s captivating glowworm caves!
2. Heli-Hike the Tasman Glacier
Been itching to try something new? Go heli-hiking at the Tasman Glacier when you travel to New Zealand! This one-of-a-kind experience takes you to the most mesmerising New Zealand nature views. It starts with a scenic flight over the Southern Alps and Tasman Terminal Lake before letting you explore the longest glacier in the country. Your return flight takes a different route, so expect to see a different view on the way home.
3. Milford Sound Scenic Flight
On this scenic helicopter flight above Milford Sound, fly over and revel in endless views of New Zealand’s spectacular landscape. Soar above Mt. Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park, and glimpse upon well-known New Zealand icons on everyone’s bucket list such as Mitre Peak, Lady Bowen Falls, and the Sound. Trust us, nothing beats looking at sparkling lakes, waterfalls, and snowy peaks from up above.
4. Eco Experience day trip to Rangatira, Kāpiti Island
Up for the ultimate island experience? Spare a day during your next travel to New Zealand to visit the stunningly beautiful Kāpiti Island. As one of the country’s oldest and most significant nature reserves, Kāpiti Island is home to diverse species, including indigenous birds Takahē and Kererū, as well as the Ngāti Toa, the Māori tribe that guards the island. This eco-experience allows you five hours to explore the island, go on bushwalks, or swim in the Kapiti Marine Reserve.
5. Glass Bottom Boat Cruise at Cathedral Cove
Sebastian’s right—it’s better down where it’s wetter, so why not take your amazing adventure underwater? Hop aboard and enjoy a fantastic experience looking at Cathedral Cove’s resident creatures and postcard-perfect surroundings. Don a snorkel mask if you’re in the mood to swim amongst the fish, or relish in the luxury of looking at these marine creatures from your glass-bottom boat!
6. Snowshoe Experience from Queenstown
Enter the winter wonderland of The Remarkables and snowshoe your way through the alpine landscape. Feel a bit intimated? No need to fret—this snowshoeing experience suits most fitness levels and is even suitable for kids aged seven above! The Remarkables mountain ranges also offer the perfect terrain for beginners. If you’re looking for a thrilling activity for the whole family where you can also skip the crowds, this might be the one for you!
7. Southern Lights Scenic Flight
Marvelling at the mesmerising Aurora Australis from a plane window seems too good to be true. Still, it IS possible on this Southern Lights scenic flight! Departing from Christchurch, soar above the Southern Ocean aboard a chartered Air New Zealand Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Let the aircraft take you to the Aurora Zone, where there is minimal light pollution so you can see these natural lights in full glory. If you plan to snap some pics to take home, a professional photographer will be with you during the trip to guide you!
8. Aoraki/Mt Cook Ultimate Scenic Flight
Embark on another wonderful flight experience that takes you to the most majestic alpine sights: the Aoraki/Mt Cook Ultimate Scenic Flight! On this 55-minute adventure, you’ll be flying above the summit of New Zealand’s highest mountain before landing on Tasman Glacier’s powder-white snow. Here, you can just let go of inhibitions and have a mighty fun day on the ice!
9. Rotorua Canopy Tour Zipline Forest Adventure
Skip the flights when you can soar through the air on your own! Zip up and take over the forest on this Rotorua Canopy Tour that lets you zipline through the native evergreen. Here, you’re spoilt for choice—with six zip lines, three swing bridges, and a 50-metre high cliff walk. Why not try it all and conquer this epic activity like a champ on your next New Zealand travel?
10. Mt Hutt Scenic Hot Air Balloon Flight
Been wanting to spice up the way you watch New Zealand’s nature scene? Try it on a hot air balloon flight over Mt Hutt! Time to go up, up, and away in a cosy gondola and climb up to 9,500 feet in the air. With this height, you’ll be able to appreciate the beauty of the Canterbury Plains, the Southern Alps, and even the Pacific Ocean!
11. Rotorua Bungy Jump
Crank up the fun and adrenaline with an unforgettable bungy jump experience in Rotorua! Nothing will make you hyped up better than freefalling towards the ground from a height of 43 metres. At a speed of 60 kilometres per hour, you’ll instantly feel the adrenaline rush through your adventurous veins. Don’t worry—you’ll be strapped in safety so take a leap of faith on your next travel to New Zealand!
12. Karioi Glowworm Canyoning
The adventures don't stop at night! Embark on a journey into the ancient stream flowing off Mt Karioi, and try your hand out at abseiling past cascading waterfalls and diverse flora. A passionate guide will accompany you and tell stories about Mt Karioi and its history, as you follow the stream to witness the magnificent glow worms transform the area with their luminescence.
13. Kaituna River Rafting
Awaken your inner daredevil in you and brave the crazy rapids on the world's highest commercially rafted waterfall on this Kaituna River Rafting experience! Spend your day paddling through and dropping down 14 exciting rapids (some are Grade V!) across three waterfalls on the Kaituna River. Afterwards, you can enjoy a quiet break on calm waters to recover from the thrill you just had and to appreciate the lush native bush that surrounds you. This tour comes with a live commentary from your experienced guides so you can learn about Māori history along the way!