New Zealand's best adventure activities

Known as the adrenaline capital of the world, we’ve stacked up New Zealand’s best adventure activities to give you a small taste of what to expect! From the heart-pounding to awe-inspiring, trail-blazing to life-changing – there’s something for everyone’s level of adventure across the North and South islands. Let’s jump in!

Canopy Zipline in Rotorua

One of the truest ways to experience New Zealand’s ancient natural wonder is suspended in the sky amongst the dense canopies of old native growth. And yelling while you zip your way through them. In Rotorua, head out on a Canopy Zipline Tour that takes you through the Dansey Road Scenic Reserve to walk amongst the native flora and towering trees. Climb, zipline, and abseil through this stunning scenery to give you a better appreciation and perspective of nature in New Zealand.

Explore the “Lost World” in Waitomo

Of our top picks for New Zealand’s best adventure activities, exploring the vast underground cave networks in Waitomo is an otherworldly experience. And that’s where the “Lost World” tour gets its name from. Abseil (repel) into the depths of the underworld on a dry-caving excursion where you’ll descend 100m into the network of cathedral-sized caves. Dangle suspended in the vastness of the misty cavern spotting spegaties. Explore sprawling corridors of stalagmites and stalactites and spot unique vegetation in the darkness of this underworld in a wild sensory experience.

Nevis Bungy Jump in Queenstown

Of course, a bungy jump needs to be on the list of New Zealand’s best adventure activities. But this is THE bungy jump. Try not to lose your voice as you freefall 138m from a suspended platform into a gorge and New Zealand’s highest bungy. But it is bound to be one of the best things you’ll ever do in your lifetime, adrenaline junky or not. With an 8.5-second freefall, the rush that follows during and after is a feeling incomparable and an absolute must-do in Queenstown.

Heli-Hike in Franz Josef

There’s no hiking experience comparable when it comes to heli-hiking the glacier in Franz Josef. Yes, that’s correct, you take an exhilarating helicopter ride through the rugged valley to the top of Franz Josef Glacier, land atop said glacier, and explore a landscape of shimmering blue ice. Sounds pretty awesome, right? Strap on the crampons and explore frozen valleys, caves, and crevices of astonishing ice formations on a 2-hour guided tour. Of all of New Zealand’s best adventure activities, the heli-hike is often raved about as the most memorable.

Glow Worm Cave Tour in Charleston

Under the lush rainforest of Paparoa National Park, go deep into the hidden subterranean networks where you can see one of the most stunning displays of glowworms in the world. Board the Nile River Forest train for a brief 20-minute chug through the vibrant ancient growth. Explore these dark depths illuminated by thousands of glowworms lighting up like stars. It gives you the ethereal feeling as if you are walking right through the universe, and will leave you in awe.

Jet Boating in Kawarau

Hold on tight as you rip around in a high-powered jetboat past hairpin turns and wild 360º spins on the Shotover and Kawarau rivers. Without a doubt one of the most adrenaline-packed activities for the speed demons out there. You’ll hit upwards of 95kph for an hour-long thrill ride tearing through the narrow and shallow waterways of the Shotover. Bob and weave through jagged valleys of Kawarau in some of the most breathtaking scenery of the South Island, all while clenching onto the seat ahead.

Skydive in Taupo

Of New Zealand’s best adventure activities, there’s simply no experience as life-changing as skydiving in our opinion. Be it an adrenaline seeker or even someone afraid of heights, skydiving is something bound to leave you pumping with happiness. Forever. Yet, skydiving in Taupo is unique, and one of the most naturally beautiful places to do it from.

Take a flight up to the jump altitude admiring the sensational scenery of Taupo and beyond. Then it’s jump time! Plummet toward the earth at 200kpm from 15,000ft above the vibrant blue Lake Taupo while spotting the iconic volcanos like Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro in the distance. Once you land and get your legs back up to the task of supporting you, it’ll be hard to shake off the enormous smile.

Travel with Wild Kiwi and experience New Zealand’s best adventure activities while exploring the most incredible places of the North and South Islands! Check out our activities page for even more adventure inspiration.