Table of Contents
The best places to get your adrenaline pumping around New Zealand
Despite its small size, the South Pacific country of New Zealand has plenty to offer thrill-seekers from around the world who hope to indulge in one-of-a-kind experiences in the land of the long, white cloud.
Many of the exciting adventures in New Zealand are best experienced during the warmer summer months, so pack accordingly, including plenty of comfortable and cool clothes, decent walking shoes, and your favorite Birkenstock NZ for strolling around town.
Jet-Boating
The modern jetboat was first developed in the 1950s by Sir William Hamilton, a New Zealand engineer and farmer who wanted a more efficient way of traversing shallow Canterbury rivers. So, it seems fitting that you can find multiple opportunities to get your heart pumping with this exhilarating adventure sport.
On the North Island, Auckland, Taupõ, and Rotorua all offer exciting waterside trips while zooming along the Whanganui River will give you an important history lesson about the region while passing native forests and the famous Bridge to Nowhere. For South Island travelers, head to Shotover River for a spectacular ride through towering canyons and narrow river gorges.
Heliskiing
For adventurers seeking the ultimate rush of adrenaline amongst the snowy landscapes of New Zealand, heliskiing is going to exceed all your expectations. Open to intermediate and experienced skiers and snowboarders, the South Island’s heliski operators will take you to spectacular open bowls and steep chutes to test your skills.
The day always begins with a weather check, followed by vital safety briefings regarding avalanche transceivers and helicopters. After a mesmerizing ride to the top ridge, you and your guide head downhill on the ride of a lifetime. After a delicious gourmet lunch, you will get a second opportunity on a different mountain before heading home.
Rafting
The mountainous regions of New Zealand’s interior provide a plethora of fast-flowing rafting rivers that travel through lush forests to the sea. A Grade 1 river offers tranquil drifting, while a Grade 5 river is typically considered to be an extreme sport. Depending on your schedule, you can choose trips ranging from a couple of hours to five days long, all led by highly experienced and qualified rafting guides. Furthermore, tour companies provide all the gear and special clothing needed.
Rafting rivers in the north are primarily found in the central and east coast areas of Lake Taupõ, Bay of Plenty, and Hawke’s Bay, ranging from grade 2 to grade 4. In the south, head to Queenstown, Christchurch, or the West Coast for your adventure.
Bungy
Bungy jumping is a rite of passage for any visitor to New Zealand looking for adventure. And the good news is there are plenty of opportunities around the country to take this leap of faith. For those on the North Island, the Auckland Harbour Bridge, which overlooks the picturesque Waitemata Harbour and the city skyline, is the ideal opportunity to take in the sights of the county’s capital.
The South Island not only has the oldest bungy jump experience in New Zealand, but it also has the highest jump, a mindblowing 134-meter plunge from Nevis Bungy, located in the Queenstown area.
Canyoning
The unique art of canyoning forces you to use every part of your body and requires various skills to enjoy, like scrambling, climbing, sliding, jumping, swimming, and abseiling. It is a wet sport, but you are equipped with a robust wetsuit, providing much-needed warmth and a fair amount of protective padding to carry you through your journey.
Most canyoning adventures are held in remote mountain locations and are expertly guided by trained professionals, taking you through natural rock canyons, chutes, beautiful waterfalls, pools, and streams. In Auckland, you will have the chance to experience the Waitakere Ranges while companies in Nelson and Canterbury embrace the beauty of the South Island’s mountainous terrain.
Mountain Biking
There are plenty of beautiful locations around New Zealand that are best seen and experienced through mountain biking. Whakarewarewa Forest is internationally known for its sprawling mountain biking trails and is often referred to as ‘mountain bike heaven’ for casual, semi-professional, and professional riders.
Alternatively, you can head to Woodhill Forest, just 40 minutes from downtown Auckland, to fully exploit the enticing summer weather. For those traveling from out of town, there are bike hire options to allow all who visit the best opportunity to enjoy the 60 biking tracks, ideal for any experience level. Additionally, a disc golf course is located throughout the course, offering the perfect excuse to have a break and take in the sights.
Ziplining
There are plenty of opportunities to go ziplining across New Zealand, open to all ages and jam-packed with knowledgable guides to take you through the beautiful native flora and fauna, sharing historical and cultural connections of the area.
For those in the North Island, Rotorua is the place to be. Here, you can take an immersive 3-hour wilderness experience deep in the lush forests, ziplining over cascading waterfalls guided by passionate locals. On the South Island, stop by Queenstown to take a gondola up Bob’s Peak before flying through the treetops, taking in panoramic views of the Remarkables Mountain range and Lake Wakatipu.
