Surfing
Bungee Jumping
Sea Kayaking
Fishing
Horseback Riding
Jet Boating
Climbing and Mountaineering
Whitewater Rafting/Kayaking
Diving and Snorkeling
Skydiving
Skiing and Snowboarding
Tramping (Hiking) and Camping
Cultural Sights and Sounds
Bird and Wildlife Watching
Other Exciting Activities
SURFING
The North and South Islands of New Zealand are pummeled with perfect swells year-round in almost every location. Providing great experiences for beginners and experts alike, there are many popular beaches, and with a little extra effort you can visit more remote breaks for un-crowded waves. Most of the premier beaches have first-class surf schools and opportunities to get your feet wet in the Kiwi surf.
BUNGEE JUMPING
Adrenaline seekers will be happy to know that there are numerous opportunities in New Zealand to find a thrill. Some enjoy hurling themselves off a small platform with only a rubber band attached to their body. The level of thrill is up to you. Safety is of utmost importance on these adventures, and many locations, heights and levels are available throughout the country.
SEA KAYAKING
With incredible coastline, stunning coves and islands, New Zealand is an unforgettable place to take a sea kayaking tour. Depending on your location, there are both canoeing and sea kayaking opportunities into the remote regions of New Zealand. Most hotels and resorts along the beaches have opportunities for day trip ventures on the water, but longer trips can be arranged ahead of time too.
FISHING
The lakes and rivers of the North Island are famous for trout fishing. The introduction of rainbow trout, brown trout, salmon, perch, char and many other species have populated most waterways with excellent fishing for visiting anglers. The ocean also offers an abundance of species such as Grey Mullet, Trevally, Mao Mao, and Porae and can be caught from ocean boats or by surf casting off the coast.Â
HORSEBACK RIDING
Mountainous terrain and remote trails make horseback riding a popular activity on both the North and South Islands. You can either take a short one-hour stroll or up to a weeklong catered adventure. This is an excellent way to get out into the countryside to explore the mountains, forests and beaches in New Zealand.
JETBOATING
A true Kiwi invention, jet boats are able to go into shallow water and up tight rivers at breakneck speeds. To add to the thrill, you’ll find yourself doing all kinds of improbable acrobatics, including 360-degree turns in tight river canyons. Many locations are available, and we like to add this to many of our New Zealand adventures.
CLIMBING AND MOUNTAINEERING
With such stunning mountains and steep canyons, you can expect to find great terrain for climbing and mountaineering. There are many popular climbing areas on both the North and South Islands, and lessons and outings can be easily arranged. The mountaineering options require slightly more experience and top physical condition. There are many nice areas to challenge your skills, and with so many options, those looking to gain experience are just as welcome as those who want a highly technical climb.
WHITEWATER RAFTING/KAYAKING
There are many world-class rivers throughout New Zealand. White-water rafting has quickly become a staple adventure sport in this beautiful country. Most rivers are technically difficult and require an adventurous spirit and some hard paddling. We also arrange kayak excursions that meet any paddler’s ability level on a variety of rivers in different locations throughout the country.
DIVING AND SNORKELING
Jacques Cousteau rated New Zealand’s dive locations as among the ten best in the world. There are many large wrecks that are dive-worthy, including the Greenpeace flagship, Rainbow Warrior, and the largest diveable cruise-ship wreck in the world, the Mikhail Lermontov. Both day and multi-day courses are available depending on your interests.
SKYDIVING
Jumping out of airplanes is a popular pastime in New Zealand with many professional operators running jump schools throughout both islands. The easy way to experience this thrill is on a tandem jump. For a solo jump, you’ll need to spend a whole day in a skydiving course.
SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING
New Zealand is one of the most popular ski destinations in the southern hemisphere. With so many options, it is difficult to choose which region and mountain to ski or snowboard. The local towns and cities are excellent après ski locales. We run winter ski trips as multi-mountain adventures with a few days at one resort followed by a few days at another. If you are looking for a more solitary experience, New Zealand offers many heli-skiing opportunities to test your skills on steeper and more isolated slopes.Â
TRAMPING (HIKING) AND CAMPING
With the exotic landscape and a physically active population, there are endless miles of hiking trails in New Zealand. With well-traveled routes and options for camping or staying in huts, every adventurer can enjoy the incredible hiking around the North and South Islands. The best season for hiking and camping is from October to April.
CULTURAL SIGHTS AND SOUNDS
New Zealand has a rich history of colonization and the historic Maori culture. The native population of the Maori tribe still exists throughout cities and villages. You can visit a traditional village or attend one of the many ceremonies that the Maori tribe puts on throughout the year. The western influence is fairly strong with a rich history and great sights and sounds to visit. Â
BIRD AND WILDLIFE WATCHING
New Zealand is home to many migratory and rare bird species. The flightless Kiwi is the most sought after sighting. The ocean also holds an abundance of amazing animals such as the Sperm Whale and dolphins. A popular activity for thrill seekers is to take a day and go swimming with the sharks. New Zealand’s remote nature makes wildlife viewing easy and fun for everyone. We always have a few pairs of binoculars and ID books with us on our trips, but some locations have built-in birding and wildlife activities.Â
OTHER EXCITING ACTIVITIES
Different regions of New Zealand offer exciting opportunities for the adventurous traveler. Activities such as windsurfing, sailing, paragliding/parapenting, underground caving, rafting, ATV excursions, mountain biking and many more await your arrival in New Zealand with Adventures Around the World.
