Custom Travel Itineraries to New Zealand since 1990
Custom Travel Itineraries to New Zealand since 1990

Adventure & Family Activities

New Zealand is the home of adventure tourism and nowhere else will you find as many diverse options. From extreme sports to more low-key and family-centric activities, if you are looking for thrills and excitement look no further than New Zealand.

Thrills for Everyone

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, New Zealand is an adventurer’s paradise. Engage in a plethora of heart-pounding activities, from bungee jumping off Queenstown’s iconic Kawarau Bridge to exploring glowworm-lit caves in Waitomo. Families can bond over exciting experiences like jet boating, ziplining through lush forests, or hiking scenic trails suitable for all skill levels.

The experts at The Best of New Zealand understand how to best incorporate stunning natural landscapes: Families can explore breathtaking landscapes, from lush greenery to snow-capped mountains, providing the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures. We have worked with the best tour guides and partners to ensure a safe and welcoming environment to ensure a worry-free experience during thrilling activities.

Highlights and Ideas

Adventure for All Ages: Whether it’s scenic hikes, thrilling water sports, or exciting wildlife encounters, New Zealand provides adventures suitable for both young and old, fostering a sense of togetherness. You don’t need to jump out of a plane, throw knifes, skeet shoot, jump off a bridge, zip-line over a forest… but you can if you like!

For years, our team has worked closely with the best professional guides and tour operators to best understand and offer family-friendly adventures to ensure everyone can enjoy the thrill of New Zealand’s outdoor pursuits.

Bungee Jumping

An almost ceremonial tradition for visitors to New Zealand involves the act of precipitous descent. Whether leaping from the pinnacle of a skyscraper in Auckland, scaling down a mountain’s zenith, or plunging from an elevated bridge, the Kiwis are credited with the invention of bungee jumping. This enduring thrill, a legacy embraced by adrenaline enthusiasts globally, beckons daring individuals to partake in an exhilarating experience that has become an indispensable facet of the Kiwi adventure narrative.

Visit the original bungy site at Kawarau Bridge, where you can enjoy watching others take the plunge over the gorge, even if you’re not jumping yourself. Consider extending your day trip from Queenstown with a relaxing visit to Cromwell or exploring the nearby wineries for a more laid-back experience. The Kawarau Bridge offers both excitement and a tranquil backdrop for those looking to enjoy the surroundings at a more leisurely pace. 

Jets Boats

Explore Kiwi ingenuity in adventure with our flat-bottom jet boats featuring custom engines. Experience the thrill of riding what can only be described as a water rocket, navigating depths as shallow as a few inches. Perfect for the whole family, brace yourself for 360-degree turns, heart-pounding close calls to the side of canyons, and refreshing sprays that add an extra element of fun to your aquatic adventure!

Discover jet boat adventures in Taupo, Rotorua, Whanganui, Queenstown, Wanaka, and Fiordland. From high-speed thrills with 360-degree turns to scenic journeys deep into the bush, these versatile experiences cater to various preferences. Many jet boat providers also offer additional options such as hikes, lunches, and guided tours, ensuring a customized and immersive adventure for every traveler. 

White water rafting and kayaks

Explore New Zealand’s diverse waterways with kayaking opportunities available throughout the country. Unlike white water rafting on the North Island, which caters specifically to thrill-seekers, kayaks provide a versatile and accessible way to navigate nooks and shallow areas. Whether you’re gliding through the rainforest of the West Coast of the South Island or paddling in the mesmerizing Fiordland, an adventure awaits with a knowledgeable Kiwi guide and a kayak by your side.

Kayaking is a widespread activity across New Zealand, especially enjoyed for leisurely experiences on the water in the country’s national parks and remote wilderness locations. Many tours provide access to these off-the-beaten-path destinations using larger vessels, with kayaks offering a closer and more intimate exploration of hidden coves and tranquil beaches.

Caving and glowworms

Explore glowworm caves for an educational and enjoyable family adventure in New Zealand. From guided boat tours to exhilarating wetsuit adventures through dark slides and wading pools, there’s an option for every level of excitement. Choose the cave experience that suits your family’s preferences and create lasting memories in the stunning underground world of New Zealand.

Encounter the enchanting world of glowworms, a rarity in many global destinations, with one of the prime locations being the Waitomo Caves. Dedicate at least half a day to this excursion given its secluded setting. For those seeking heightened adventure, the Black Water Rafting or Black Abyss tours offer a more intense and immersive caving experience.

Tree walks, Zip lines and swings

Discover a distinctive approach to swinging in New Zealand, where the experience involves scenic mountain tops and a sensation akin to gently launchingx out over the Earth’s edge. Ensuring complete safety and heaps of enjoyment, zip-line courses and bungy swings provide a leisurely way to test your physical endurance, balance, and bravery amidst the serene landscapes of New Zealand.

Heli-hikes and Wilderness touring

On the South Island of New Zealand, it’s not unusual to see diesel vehicles with snorkels above the roofline. These are used for crossing rivers, allowing the engine to get the oxygen it needs for combustion. From upscale private Defender 110 tours to shared group adventures in custom mega-buses, off-roading is a common and practical way to explore the diverse landscapes of New Zealand.

Road and Mountain Biking

In New Zealand, there are tours for road biking, but some worry about the combination of narrow roads and drivers unfamiliar with the area. To address this concern, the country has invested in constructing excellent bike trails and routes. Whether you prefer a relaxed ride or an adventurous mountain biking experience, New Zealand has options for everyone. Upscale biking often involves cruising on flat country roads, making it convenient for pedaling between charming wineries.

Other crazy stuff

There are simply too many choices for adventure to mention on one web page. However, if you feel the need to experience what a hamster must feel like if pushed down a large hill in its plastic sphere. look no further than Zorb!
It’s one of the reasons we like New Zealand and the Kiwis. Is there any length they won’t go to for excitement?

Zorbing is something uniquely Kiwi- with four track options to choose from, you have the option to race friends and family and/or ride with up to three people inside the sphere! Zorb can be done without water, but by including it in the summer, this ride becomes a constant water slide. Great fun- with a place to relax as the staff sets you up for your next ride.

Ready to Explore?

Ready to experience Queenstown Expeditions for yourself? We’re here to help you design a custom itinerary that includes premium sightseeing and transport for couples, families, or groups.

Contact us today to start planning! We’ll handle all the details so you can focus on making unforgettable memories in New Zealand’s stunning South Island.

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