by New Zealand is home to plenty of thrilling activities – whether you’re looking to slither through the jungle on a Zorb or freefall above the Remarkables mountain range in Queenstown.
Get off the beaten path on our Kiwi Classic hiking adventure that takes you to places other visitors never see. From feeling tiny under Aoraki Mt Cook to cruising Milford Sound, you’ll have an unforgettable experience.
Bungee Jumping
If you’re looking for a thrill that will make your heart race, bungee jumping in New Zealand is the place to go. This extreme sport is a popular activity in the country that’s known as an adventure sports mecca. New Zealand has plenty of bungee jumps, bridge swings, and sky jumps for visitors to experience.
Bungy jumping is a dangerous sport, so it’s important to be in good health before you participate. If you have health issues like epilepsy or joint problems, you may not be able to jump. It’s also a good idea to be free of alcohol and drugs before you jump.
The most famous bungee jump in the world is located in Queenstown, New Zealand. It used to be the highest bungee jump in the world, but it has since lost its title to China’s Nevis Bungy Jump. The jump is 111 meters high and offers an adrenaline rush that will last a lifetime.
The jump begins at the AJ Hackett, Queenstown Bungy Centre where you’ll be weighed and fitted for a harness. Then, you’ll ride the Bungy Bus to the jump site where you will sign consent forms and prepare for the jump. You can choose a single or tandem jump and even add on the ocean touch option for an additional $50 NZD.
Canyoning
Canyoning is an exciting and challenging outdoor adventure that takes participants through the natural beauty of New Zealand’s mountainous regions. Canyoning is a mix of hiking, climbing and water-based activities such as swimming, rappelling, climbing and abseiling.
Canyoners can expect a range of challenges from navigating waterfalls to rappelling down cliff sides. Known as nature’s playground, canyoning offers thrills of epic proportions and is the ultimate adrenaline rush for anyone who has an adventurous spirit and a craving for adventure. Canyoning is often done in tandem with an experienced guide and requires a high level of physical fitness.
The famous surf town of Raglan is home to one of the most thrilling canyoning adventures in New Zealand. Join a canyoning tour with AWOL Canyoning(opens in new window) and experience the wild side of the Waitakere Ranges including glimmering black sand beaches, dramatic surf and rugged natural beauty. Take on the Mt Karioi canyon which will see you jump from waterfalls, scramble over volcanic boulders and swim with the sheer force of a waterfall pounding you.
Located south of Auckland in the beautiful Coromandel region, canyoning is a popular activity with operators offering various canyoning experiences. From cliff jumping and rappelling down a waterfall to clambering through pristine pools and narrow passageways, Gibbston Valley canyons are sure to challenge any fearless soul.
Sailing
The untamed landscapes of New Zealand entice adventurers from all over the world to hike, bungee jump and sail. The country is home to high mountain ranges and dense forests as well as rugged tucked away beaches that are perfect for sailing. New Zealand is an ideal place to experience the majesty of the open ocean on your own or with a skipper.
Known as the “City of Sails,” Auckland is a popular yachting destination where you can charter your own vessel or join a skippered cruise to discover the wonders of the Hauraki Gulf, the Bay of Islands and the Marlborough Sounds. Choose from a wide variety of vessels, from restored historic square-riggers to full-fledged Americas Cup winners.
Many cruises take you through marine reserves where sheltered bays and islands offer safe anchorages. These journeys can be as short as a day or extend into multiple days. Some cruises also give you the option of walking one of New Zealand’s Great Walks during your voyage.
After months of long blue water passages, sailors are often happy to slow down and relax in the cruising grounds of New Zealand. A favorite is the Bay of Islands where a smattering of islands offers anchorages for every wind direction, pristine beaches and exotic birdcalls like the wavering gong-like call of tui.
Skydiving
A skydive in New Zealand is one of the most adrenaline pumping activities that you can experience. The views from up in the air are breathtaking and the free-falling sensation is something that you will never forget. Skydiving in New Zealand is especially exciting because you can jump from much higher heights than most other locations around the world.
The cost of a skydive varies by location and the package you choose to purchase. For example, if you choose to skydive in Queenstown, you can expect to pay more than if you jump in Tauranga or the Abel Tasman National Park.
When you jump in New Zealand, you are able to enjoy views of the snow-capped mountains and beautiful landscapes from a perspective that is unmatched. You can even skydive over glaciers and rivers, as well as the famous Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
The best part about a skydive in New Zealand is that you don’t need to have any experience to do it. Most companies offer tandem jumps, which means you will be strapped to an instructor who will take care of everything for you. All you need to do is get excited and enjoy the view! One thing that you should note about skydiving in New Zealand is that no company will allow you to jump if you are wearing open-toed shoes. This is a safety rule that they take very seriously. You will need to wear closed shoes like sneakers or tennis shoes, so make sure that you pack them before your trip!
