Adventure
Jet boating through canyons, skydiving over mountains, or sailing along the coast, each experience brings you closer to New Zealand’s most dramatic scenery.
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Adventure that gets your heart racing
New Zealand is one of the few places where adventure feels built into the landscape. This is where you can jump, fly, race and climb, all set against some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world.
You might be stepping off a platform high above a canyon, freefalling over mountains and coastline, or speeding through narrow river gorges on a jet boat. There are swings, zipline courses through native forest, white water rafting through fast moving rivers and high energy experiences in places like Queenstown and Rotorua.
Some are over in seconds, others stretch out a little longer, but they all leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re trying something new or ticking off something you’ve always wanted to do, there’s no shortage of ways to push yourself just a little further here.
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Contact usAdventure hotspots
Queenstown
Rotorua
Auckland
Abel Tasman
Moments that stay with you
Bungy Jump
Tutea Falls White Water River Rafting
Tasman Glacier Heli Hike
Lord of the Rungs Waterfall Climb
EcoZip Adventures Kaikōura
Plan your adventure with people who know it
With so many options, knowing what’s worth your time, and what fits your trip, makes all the difference.
We’ve experienced these activities ourselves and know how they work within a wider itinerary. That means we can recommend the right mix, balancing high energy moments with time to slow down, so it all flows naturally.
Everything is planned around how you want to travel, your pace, your comfort level and what you actually want to get out of it, so your trip feels considered, not rushed.
Prefer an adventure tailored to you?
We’ll shape your itinerary around the experiences you’re drawn to, balancing high energy moments with time to slow down and take it all in.
Get in touchThe best places to adventure in New Zealand
Queenstown
Queenstown is known as New Zealand’s adventure capital, where high energy experiences are part of the landscape. From bungy jumps and canyon swings to jet boat rides through narrow gorges, there’s a wide range of ways to get your adrenaline fix, along with more unexpected options on the water. It’s a place where you can pack a lot into a short time or focus on one or two standout experiences.
Best time to visit
Spring
September - November
Avg Temp: 8 - 16 ℃ / 46 - 61 ℉
Summer
December - February
Avg Temp: 20 - 28 ℃ / 68 - 82 ℉
Autum
March - May
Avg Temp: 10 - 22 ℃ / 50 - 72 ℉
Winter
June - August
Avg Temp: -2 - 8 ℃ / 28 - 46 ℉
Rotorua
Rotorua offers a different kind of adventure, shaped by forest, rivers and geothermal landscapes, from ziplining through native forest to rafting fast flowing rivers. It’s a place where adventure feels closely connected to the environment.
Best time to visit
Spring
September - November
Avg Temp: 10 - 18 ℃ / 50 - 64 ℉
Summer
December - February
Avg Temp: 20 - 27 ℃ / 68 - 81 ℉
Autumn
March - May
Avg Temp: 12 - 22 ℃ / 54 - 72 ℉
Winter
June - August
Avg Temp: 3 - 15 ℃ / 37 - 59 ℉
Auckland
Auckland offers a different kind of adventure, set between city, harbour and coastline. From stepping out onto the Sky Tower to sailing across the harbour, the experiences here are more open and less intense, making it an easy place to try something memorable without going all in.
Best time to visit
Spring
September - November
Avg Temp: 11 - 19 ℃ / 52 - 66 ℉
Summer
December - February
Avg Temp: 20 - 26 ℃ / 68 - 79 ℉
Autumn
March - May
Avg Temp: 15 - 23 ℃ / 59 - 73 ℉
Winter
June - August
Avg Temp: 8 - 16 ℃ / 46 - 61 ℉
Abel Tasman
Abel Tasman offers a softer side to adventure, with kayaking, sailing and beach exploration along a relaxed coastline, less about adrenaline and more about being in the landscape.
Best time to visit
Spring
September - November
Avg Temp: 11 - 18 ℃ / 52 - 64 ℉
Summer
December - Februrary
Avg Temp: 20 - 26 ℃ / 68 - 79 ℉
Autumn
March - May
Avg Temp: 13 - 22 ℃ / 55 - 72 ℉
Winter
June - August
Avg Temp: 6 - 14 ℃ / 43 - 57 ℉
Popular Adventure tours
Adventure FAQs
Not at all. Many experiences are designed for beginners, with guidance provided throughout. There are also options for different comfort levels.
Queenstown is known for adrenaline activities, Rotorua for forest and river based experiences, Auckland for harbour and city based adventures, and Abel Tasman for coastal activities.
Layers are important, as weather conditions can change quickly, especially in alpine areas. Comfortable walking shoes, a waterproof jacket and sun protection are usually recommended.
New Zealand has strict safety standards, and all experiences are operated by qualified providers with safety briefings and equipment included.
Yes, we’ll recommend experiences based on your interests, pace and how active you want your trip to be.
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Talk to our local travel specialists
Planning New Zealand but not sure where to start?
Download our New Zealand travel guide for practical advice on where to go, how long to spend, and how to plan a trip that feels well paced from the start.