New Zealand-Activities

New Zealand's spectacular and varied natural environment, as well as its friendly and adventurous people, provides excellent opportunities to participate in a huge range of sightseeing, cultural, and outdoor activities.

Like to test your nerve against the stretch of a bungee cord? Keen to try 'zorbing'? Or are art galleries, wine tasting and casinos more your style? You could even get married in New Zealand! With so much to do and see we have arranged related activities into common categories.

Venture off-road and discover the rugged beauty of New Zealand's back country. You'll get a closer look at some of our most sceneic wilderness areas, and experience the thrill of a four-wheel drive adventure at the same time.

New Zealand's high country is criss-crossed with rough tracks built to provide access to farms, old mining and timber-milling settlements and less accessible scenic attractions. A combination of neglected old roads, rugged terrain and adverse weather conditions mean a hardy four-wheel drive vehicle is often the only way to negotiate these routes.

As well as rough hill country, you could also find yourself on a safari through native bush, driving along unpopulated beaches or logging tracks and exploring deep canyons or volcanic terrain.

Abseiling

New Zealand has a wealth of abseiling opportunities, including mountain and sea cliff activities.Combined abseiling/caving activities are also available, with adrenaline seekers plunging around 100m beneath the earth's surface.

At Waitomo, in the central North Island, you can abseil into the spectacular canyons of the Haggis Honking Holes, plunging down water chutes and waterfalls to swim, slide and float through a wonderland of sculptured rock and thundering cascades.

If you prefer an urban environment, you can also try rapseiling down the side of a tall building!

Bungee-jumping

Leaping from high places with a cord attached to your ankle has long been a traditional activity in Vanuatu, but Kiwis have taken this thrilling activity to new extremes.

Now everyone from schoolboys to grandmothers are strapping ‘rubber bands’ to their ankles and taking a daredevil leap from platforms around the country and the world. Welcome to the home of bungy - the activity that's been called the ’quickest personal growth experience ever’.

In the 1980s, kiwi entrepreneurs AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch started the world's first commercial bungy operation, with a jump from the 43metre Kawarau Bridge near the South Island resort of Queenstown. AJ Hackett's latest jump - New Zealand's highest - involves an awesome 134metre plunge (440ft or 8 seconds of free fall) from a gondola suspended above a canyon.

Operators around the country can help you jump from a variety of disused bridges and rail viaducts, specially constructed platforms and stadium roofs.For a difference, try partial immersion in water or night jumps. Wait for the count: Five-four-three-two-one, bungy!

The buzz will stay with you for days.

Canyoning

Ride nature's giant hydro slides! Canyoning is like being at a water park in New Zealand native bush.

Take on the challenge of this unique water and rock adventure and you will find yourself plunging down water-polished chutes and abseiling waterfalls. Prepare to get very, very wet as you climb, swim, slide and float through the spectacular and mysterious green worlds of sculptured rock and sparkling, crashing cascades.

Canyoning is available in Auckland, Wanaka and Canterbury.

Climbing

For an alpine climbing adventure head straight to the South Island's Southern Alps. This spectacular mountain range contains the highest peaks in Australasia with Aoraki/Mount Cook, at 3753m, being the highest of 30 peaks over 3000m.

Although not the highest mountains in the world, these peaks still present a considerable challenge for keen mountaineers, who need to be reasonably fit and competent with crampons and ice axes. New Zealand's own Sir Edmund Hillary, conqueror of Mount Everest, honed his skills in these mountains.

Most climbing is done in Westland, Mount Cook, Mount Aspiring, Arthur's Pass and Fiordland national parks, all based in the Southern Alps.

Commercial guides are available and specialist companies run courses covering a range of climbing experiences. The climbing season is generally November to March, but for experienced climbers the winter months can also produce extended calm, fine spells.

Cycle Touring

New Zealand is the perfect place for a cycling or mountain bike adventure. The mild climate makes it ideal for cycling all the year round, though it’s a good idea to protect yourself against the strong sun during the summer months. Many New Zealand towns and cities are ideal for exploring by bike, and you’ll find it easy and inexpensive to hire a bike and a helmet for just a few hours, or a whole day. .

Mountain Biking

For those who want a more rugged adventure, New Zealand’s hilly terrain makes it a fabulous mountain bike playground! There’s a growing number of specially designed mountain bike tracks, as well as many single and 4WD (four-wheel drive) tracks through beautiful native bush. Make sure that you are permitted to ride these tracks, as some, especially those in National Parks, are for walkers only. If you want even more of a challenge, try alpine heli-biking or cycle up one of the many firebreaks you’ll see on New Zealand’s steep hills!

Golf

Magnificently designed courses, frequently set against breathtaking panoramas of snow-capped mountains, lakes, forests and seascapes, make New Zealand one of the world's most sought after golf locations.

New Zealand offers more than 400 crowd-free golf courses where you can play year-round. That's more golf courses per capita than any other country! You will also find some of the least expensive golfing in the world, with visitors always welcome. Major courses have golf carts and clubs for hire.

Some of the top courses are:

• Waitangi, overlooking the beautiful Bay of Islands

• Formosa Country Club and Gulf Harbour, both with magnificent views over Auckland's Hauraki Gulf

• Mount Maunganui links, built on rolling sand dunes near one of the country's best surfing beaches

• Wairakei, near Lake Taupo, rated one of the top 25 courses outside the United States

• Millbrook, designed by New Zealand’s distinguished golf professional Sir Bob Charles, near the alpine adventure resort of Queenstown

Heliskiing

New Zealand is a recognised international ski holiday destination, with plenty of opportunity for heliskiing.

Heliskilling combines the thrill of flying by helicopter above and around the grandeur of the Southern Alps, and then skiing superb runs free from crowds, which cannot be surpassed.

The powder is deep and locations breathtaking, and comparatively low altitudes mean temperatures are relatively warm.

Horse Treks

Getting into the saddle is one of the best ways to get closer to nature and appreciate the pace and feel of the New Zealand countryside.

Our international reputation for horse breeding extends to horses ideal for trekking - and operators the length of the country run half day, full day and longer guided treks on New Zealand's beaches, farms, forests, scrublands and high country.

Most stables cater for a range of rider abilities, and can provide a selection of horses varying in temperament and size. All tack, including hard hats, is provided and trekking packages also include the necessary camping equipment. Holiday lodges and farmstays often offer visitors horse riding.

Some notable locations include:

• Across the highlands of the volcanic plateau in the central North Island

• Along the sandy beaches of Pakiri, north of Auckland

• Through the tussock grasslands of the South Island's high country

• Around the old gold mining settlements of the Otago mountain basins

Hunting

For some of the finest trophy hunting in the world, come to New Zealand. Large animals hunted include several types of deer (including red, fallow and sika), chamois, tahr, pigs, wallabies and goats, all of which were introduced to New Zealand. In most cases hunting helps keep numbers in check and benefits the environment.

Visitors should hire a professional guide, as New Zealand's forests and mountains are physically demanding, the high country weather unpredictable, and local knowledge is essential for a successful hunt. Two sorts of hunting are offered: in the wild and safari ranch hunts. New Zealand also offers fine waterfowl and upland game-bird hunting.

It is recommended that hunters use rifles of .270 minimum calibre. Ammunition is readily available for all common calibres and all professional guides will provide suitable firearms and ammunition.

On arrival, you should declare imported firearms to New Zealand Customs who will refer you to the airport police for a permit.

Miscellanous Madness

Thrill seekers can enjoy a huge range of exhilarating adventure activities in New Zealand. If you want something truly unique, why not give the kiwi inventions of Zorbing and Fly by Wire a go?

A Zorb is a large inflated plastic sphere, with another sphere inside. Just strap yourself in, then roll down the hill! You can reach speeds of up to 50km per hour as you rotate inside an already rotating sphere. Zorbing is very safe, as there is a cushion of air between you and the ground. You can try Zorbing at The Agrodome in Rotorua, or just out of Paihia in the Bay of Islands.Ever wanted to fly like a bird? Then try the exhilarating Fly by Wire - the world’s fastest adventure ride. Fly by Wire lets you be the pilot of a high-speed craft. Just put on the goggles and gloves, strap yourself in, and fly! The plane is connected to an overhead suspension wire, so cannot go out of control. You steer and control the acceleration during your six-minute flight. You can fly as high and fast as you want, and in any direction. There are Fly by Wire sites in Wellington and Queenstown.

Orienteering

Running over rough and unfamiliar terrain while navigating an outdoor course using map and compass is demanding and exhilarating, both physically and intellectually.

This recreational and competitive sport originated in Scandinavia early last century. New Zealand's challenging courses and beautiful scenery make it a popular activity here.

Courses vary: some use flags and descriptions to help you navigate, in others it is up to you to get from point to point. There are also relays and midnight-to-dawn events. In competitive orienteering, you race against the clock.

If you don't want to run, try orienteering on a bike. New Zealand has a two-day mountain biking challenge called the Cyclic Saga, where competitors have to visit as many control points as possible before returning to camp

Skiing 

New Zealand is a recognised international ski holiday destination, with Northern Hemisphere skiers in particular appreciating our reverse seasons.

With 12 commercial ski areas, one Nordic cross-country area, 12 club fields and a host of heliskiing operators, those who come to ski and snowboard in New Zealand will find the variety staggering, the terrain spectacular, and the lines comparatively short.

Most commercial fields have highly qualified ski schools, ski and snowboard equipment rental and cafe/restaurant facilities.

The two North Island commercial ski fields, one of which is the country's largest, are located on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu in the central North Island.  They are Whakapapa ski field and Turoa ski field. 

In the South Island, there are four ski fields centred around Queenstown and Wanaka, together offering some of the finest ski  and snowboard terrain in the world. They are The Remarkables ski area, Cardrona ski field, Treble Cone ski field and Coronet Peak ski field.

In the central South Island is Mount Hutt ski field, with the longest ski season in the country.

New Zealand's only Nordic skiing area, near Wanaka, has 25km of groomed cross-country trails. Heliskiing options are also available. Snowboarders are welcome at all major fields and a number of New Zealand ski areas hold snowboard competitions each year.

Snowboarding

New Zealand is a recognised international ski and snowboard holiday destination, with Northern Hemisphere skiers in particular appreciating our reverse seasons.

You'll find fantastic, fast terrain for snowboarding in New Zealand. The sport has snowballed here in recent years and all major fields welcome those passionate about this sport.

Snowboard shops, instruction and facilities are widely available, particularly at Turoa in the North Island and at Treble Cone and Cardrona in the South Island.

As a keen snowboarder you'll find excellent natural and man-made halfpipes, dedicated terrain parks, and some of the most awesome off-piste powder snow around. Add sunshine, and you're in heaven. 

Walking & Trekking

Walking or hiking trips will take you into National Parks and reserves, as well as volcanic and coastal regions. You can get as close as possible to nature, including birds and other wildlife.

Around 30 percent of New Zealand's land area is officially protected with public access, so there is no shortage of walking opportunities.

Short walks up to a day long are found everywhere, even in city greenbelts, but the well-known multi-day tracks are in the more remote high country.

You can either 'rough it', sleeping out in tents or in more than 1,000 communal huts, or enjoy the relative luxury of a guided walk, with all cooking and accommodation provided.

Huts are spaced around four to five hours walk apart and contain bunks, a water supply and often cooking facilities. Fees range from $NZ4 to $NZ14 per night,

Most tracks can be walked year-round, although some of the high altitude tracks in the South Island are restricted by winter weather.

Boat Cruises

Relax on deck and see New Zealand's beautiful coastline and waterways from a unique offshore perspective. You could find yourself cruising through glorious bays, island-studded gulfs and sheltered waterways, or exploring inland rivers and lakes.

By boat you’ll find magnificent scenery not visible from the roads, as well as marine and bird life which may include penguins, seals or albatross. Sightseeing can be combined with activities like fishing, diving, swimming with dolphins or even whale-watching.

Sailing boats or motor launches can take you on trips ranging from a few hours to several days. Private charters are also available, as well as onboard dining and fully serviced functions.

Scheduled day cruises are offered in the popular waters of;

• the Bay of Islands (Russell and Paihia),

• Hauraki Gulf (Auckland),

• Tasman Bay and Abel Tasman National Park (Nelson),

• Marlborough Sounds (Picton), Akaroa (near Christchurch),

• Otago Harbour (Dunedin) and Fiordland (Milford Sound, Te Anau and Manapouri)

• Lake Wakatipu (Queenstown).

Canoeing & Kayaking

New Zealand’s beaches, lakes, and rivers provide a wealth of kayaking and canoeing activities. Sea kayaking is an exciting way to explore parts of New Zealand’s beautiful and extensive coastline, and an excellent way to get up close to seals, penguins, and other wildlife, as there is no noisy motor to scare them away!

Guided sea kayaking trips are available throughout New Zealand, and are particularly popular in the Hauraki Gulf and the Bay of Islands in the North Island, and in the Abel Tasman National Park, Marlborough Sounds, and Fiordland in the South Island.

Those who want more of an adrenaline rush will find a number of excellent white water kayaking opportunities in New Zealand, including the Rangitaiki, Kaituna, Rangitikei, Mohaka, and the Wairoa rivers in the North Island, and the Grey, Buller, Hurunui, Rangitata, and Kawarau rivers in the South Island.

Canoeing is popular on the Whanganui River, which provides the only access to the interior of the Whanganui National Park. A number of operators run canoe trips, which can be arranged in Taumarunui, Raetihi, Ohakune, or National

Diving

With a long, often indented coastline of almost 18,000km, New Zealand is a diver's paradise. Coastal waters teem with colourful, fascinating sea life and the usually clear waters make for excellent viewing, especially in the prime months from February to June.

Many of New Zealand's prime diving spots are just offshore, offering easy access. One of the best spots is the crystal-clear waters of the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, whose amazing range of fish, including many tropical species, was considered by the late Jacques Cousteau to be one of the world's top five diving locations.

Other popular areas are the sheltered Bay of Islands, four hours drive north of Auckland; and in the South Island, the dramatic fiords of Fiordland, and Stewart Island with its breathtaking kelp forests and huge paua (abalone). Two accessible wrecks on the New Zealand coast also provide special diving opportunities.

Don't forget your diver's certification card. If you are not certified, instruction and certification are available.

Fishing

Freshwater or salt - New Zealand is an angler's paradise, offering some of the best opportunities for fishing in beautiful, isolated and pristine locations.

Inland, New Zealand's crystal clear waters, uncrowded rivers and lakes offer exciting opportunities for trout fishing - trophy sized browns and rainbows are legendary. New Zealand is a wild trout fishery and a ‘catch and release’ approach is promoted to conserve resources.

New Zealand was put on the big-game fishing map after a visit by legendary American writer Zane Grey in the 1920s. Excellent salt-water game can be found off the East Coast of the North Island as far south as Whakatane. Catches include tuna, blue and striped marlin, yellowtail kingfish and shark.

Jet Boating

Sit back, buckle yourself in and feel the adrenaline flow. A jet boat ride will take you powering through narrow river gorges, almost brushing against sheer rock faces; or planing through mere centimetres of water navigating the water channels and shingle banks of braided rivers.

Jet boating is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness, and can be enjoyed the whole year round. A New Zealand invention, the jet boat was developed in the 1960s by William (Bill) Hamilton, a farmer, to allow navigation of the shallow Canterbury rivers. However, enterprising New Zealanders soon realised its potential as an adventure activity.

Some of the most exhilarating jet boat trips are available near Queenstown and Canterbury. Other areas include rivers in the South Island's Buller and Makarora regions; and in the North Island, on the Rangitaiki River, the Whanganui River and the Waikato River below the Huka Falls.

Trips that combine jet boating with helicopter, rafting and adventure tours are also popular.

Rafting

With an enormous number of relatively short, fast-flowing rivers, New Zealand offers a range of rafting experiences that can be safely enjoyed by most adult visitors. Due to safety reasons, some operators may apply an age restriction.

New Zealand offers a variety of rafting options, with different excitement levels and trip lengths. Grade 1 rivers offer fairly tranquil waters, while grade 5 is regarded as extreme adventure. Trips range from a couple of hours to five days, and are led by qualified rafting guides who comply with established safety codes. All gear and special clothing is provided.

Rafting rivers in the North Island are mostly centred on the central East Coast areas of the Bay of Plenty (near Rotorua) and Hawke's Bay. In the South Island, the main areas are around the resort of Queenstown and on the West Coast.

Some operators offer a combined helicopter and rafting experience, and you can also try Black Water Rafting through underground caves.

Sailing

With around 15,000km of coastline, New Zealand's pristine coastal waters promise a blissful holiday for those who seek time-out on the water.

Discover our beautiful country from a unique offshore perspective. Explore island-studded bays, tranquil and secluded inlets, and the meandering drowned valleys of the sounds and fiords in the South Island. If you're an experienced sailor, you'll also find some challenging off-shore waters in this part of the Pacific.

Both bare boating and chartered options are available throughout the country. Bare boating gives you a choice of any vessel that matches your expertise. On a skippered charter you'll be guided by an experienced sailor and have everything done for you.

The maritime reserves of the Bay of Islands, Hauraki Gulf and Marlborough Sounds are among the best areas for a holiday afloat. Auckland, known as the City of Sails, has the world's largest number of boats per head of population.

Surfing

Discover some of New Zealand's prettiest waterways as you ride the wind and the water in an exhilarating cross between surfing and yachting.

This competitive and Olympic sport is very popular in New Zealand, and you will find many of the most popular spots throughout the country are hardly ever without a board rider plying the water.

Boards are available for hire in the more popular windsurfing areas such as;

• the Bay of Islands

• Auckland

• Lake Taupo

• Wellington

Generally, New Zealand's inland waters and harbours are more suitable for windsurfing than the coastal beaches, where wind direction often conspires against sailboard use when the surf is up.

If you want a real challenge, try some of the spots around Wellington where wind channelled through Cook Strait can

Wax down your surfboard and head for New Zealand's superb beaches for some surf and sun, kiwi style.

Since the 1960s, when American surf culture undoubtedly boosted its popularity here, surfing has grown to become one of New Zealand's favourite recreational activities. We certainly have the climate and the waves for it. For many young New Zealanders living close to the best beaches, it's a way of life.

While Raglan, on the Waikato Coast, has achieved legendary status thanks to its epic left-hand point break and a feature in The Endless Summer, other places such as The Coromandel, Mount Maunganui, Gisborne and the Wairarapa coast also produce truly pumping wave action when conditions are right.

Other locations with reputations for great waves include Waipu Cove, south of Whangarei, and in the South Island, Kaikoura (famous for its whale-watching activities) and Dunedin.

Summer is obviously the best time to surf, but the mild, temperate climate makes it possible to surf all year round, although a wet suit is recommended for the cooler months. Check the local surf shops for the best information on where to go.

Windsurfing

Discover some of New Zealand's prettiest waterways as you ride the wind and the water in an exhilarating cross between surfing and yachting.

This competitive and Olympic sport is very popular in New Zealand, and you will find many of the most popular spots throughout the country are hardly ever without a board rider plying the water.

Boards are available for hire in the more popular windsurfing areas such as;

• the Bay of Islands

• Auckland

• Lake Taupo

• Wellington

Generally, New Zealand's inland waters and harbours are more suitable for windsurfing than the coastal beaches, where wind direction often conspires against sailboard use when the surf is up.

If you want a real challenge, try some of the spots around Wellington where wind channelled through Cook Strait can provide some excellent conditions for experienced boarders