Adventure activities are not foreign to New Zealand. The choices are unlimited, and as New Zealanders we take pride in these awesome activities. If you were to ask any kiwi about the top 10 things to do in New Zealand for adventure lovers, then here is what they will most likely tell you.
Adventure lovers top 10 things to do in New Zealand:
- Raft down white-water rapids
- Bungy Jump with the inventors
- Skydive over Lake Taupo
- Jet Boating at Huka Falls
- Ziplining through native forest
- Heli – skiing in the South
- Rolling down a hill in an inflatable ball with ZORB Rotorua
- Kayaking in Abel Tasman
1. Raft down white-water rapids
Do you remember how much excitement comes from water slides? Well white-water rafting gives you that same excitement and adrenaline but 100 times bigger and better! Immerse yourself in 100% New Zealand nature and join in on one of River Rats rafting experiences. River Rats operate out of Rotorua on Kaituna River, Rangitaiki River (45 minutes from Rotorua), Wairoa River in Tauranga and on the Tongariro rapids. River Rats fit you with the appropriate gear and they are awesome at looking after everyone. They have a tour suited to different needs and abilities no matter how experienced or inexperienced you may be.
Photo: White water rafting on the Kaituna River.
2. Bungy Jump with the inventors
What better way to experience bungy jumping than in the country where bungy jumping all began. And even better yet – experience it with AJ Hackett Bungy – the founding man with the brains behind the whole idea of bungy jumping. Ranging from 40 to 134-meter jumps there is a height to suit everyone where your adrenaline levels will be at an all-time high. These jumps, over some of New Zealand’s most beautiful scenery are not for the faint hearted and you will experience adventure on another level!
3. Skydive over Lake Taupo
I’m sure you have heard that New Zealand is one of the best places to experience Skydiving in the world! We can’t even start to explain why that is true unless you experience it for yourself. There are many different locations to check out around the country. But one of our favorites are Taupo Tandem Skydiving. You will have to see for yourself why they are one of our top 10 things to do in New Zealand. With magnificent views over the largest lake in New Zealand and the chance to see coast to coast views of the North Island. You are in for an unforgettable adventure.
Photo: Spectacular views skydiving over Taupo.
4. Jet Boating at Huka Falls
Jet Boating will get your heart pumping and your lungs screaming as you reach speeds of 80km/h with regular 360-degree spins. We can’t promise you will still be dry after this thrilling adventure. But we can promise that you will be full of smiles and laughter for hours after this one of our top 10 things to do in New Zealand. Hukafalls Jet in Taupo will show you the most spectacular view of New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction – the Huka Falls. Combine adrenaline filled adventure with natural beauty and you have yourself an absolute winner combo!
5. Ziplining through native forest
Ever wanted to experience the feeling of flying through native forests in New Zealand? Ziplining is one of those adventure activities that gives you a thrill and it’s an action-packed adventure, so it suits everyone. Even if your biggest fear is heights! At one of the best ziplining locations in the world, Rotorua Canopy Tours is a unique experience where guides take you deep into ancient native forest. Explore the forest via a network of ziplines, swing bridges and cliff walks that make up either a 3-hour Original Canopy Tour or a 3.5-hour Ultimate Canopy Tour. Not only fun but also educational you can see why it is one of our top 10 things to do in New Zealand.
Photo: Ziplining through native forest with Rotorua Canopy Tours.
6. Heli – skiing in the South
You might consider Heli-skiing to be something for the pros but in New Zealand you don’t need to be a pro at all. If you have a few years’ experience of skiing and consider yourself a strong intermediate skier, then this is one New Zealand adventure you need to try. You will be taken by helicopter into backcountry terrain to find some of the most pristine snow you may have ever seen. Harris Mountains Heli Ski have an ability guide to follow to see what grouping you best fit into. They take tours in Queenstown, Wanaka and Mount Cook in the South Island – don’t miss out on this unique experience.
7. Rolling down a hill in an inflatable ball with ZORB
Another New Zealand invented adventure located in the heart of the North Island, Rotorua. Have you ever thought how fun it could be rolling down a hill in a giant inflatable ball? Well it’s a thing at ZORB Rotorua and we can assure you that it’s very entertaining and it will leave you in a fit of laughter. Race your friend down the hill, experience the fastest and steepest hill, stay dry or get wet. The choices at ZORB are unlimited and one adventure you can’t experience anywhere else!
Photo: ZORB Rotorua – one of our top 10 things to do in New Zealand.
8. Kayaking in Abel Tasman
Abel Tasman is one of the most picturesque areas of New Zealand. With the crystal-clear blue waters, white sandy beaches and native forests that line the shores. The ultimate adventure is to kayak the shores and witness the beauty of the shoreline at a distance. Abel Tasman Kayaks offer awesome tours showing you the best places to stop at, best routes and they will also show you all the beauty that Abel Tasman has to offer.
9. Black Water Rafting in Raukari Cave
Black Water Rafting is a New Zealand favourite and an absolute must do if you are in Central North Island. With so many activities in the one tour it is a fun filled adventure that involves abseiling, caving, tubing, flying fox, jumps and waterfall climbs. You will never know what’s coming next on this awesome adventure activity.
10. Sandboarding at Ninety Mile Beach
Last but not least in our top 10 things to do in New Zealand is found at the top of the north. This is one adrenaline filled adventure activity that you can do as many times as you desire, and it’s very hard to get sick of (as long as you don’t get sick of running back up the dunes). Sand dunes that are about 80-100 meters high combined with a boogie board will end with a face full of sand but a massive smile. Harrisons Cape Reinga Tours can take you on an adventure to Ninety Mile Beach or you can make your own way there with a boogie board and spend as much time there as you please.
