ADVENTURES AND ADRENALINE
Home of adventure tourism, New Zealand has plenty of exciting and thrilling one-of-a-kind experiences.
For anyone looking for thrills and excitement, head on over to New Zealand, the home of adventure tourism.
Ziplining
Zip your way past stunning harbour views on Waiheke Island or enjoy an immersive wilderness experience through the treetops in Rotorua. Gaze at the Remarkables mountain range in Queenstown, or combine zip lining with river tubing and glow worms on the West Coast. It’s the perfect combination of adrenalin, nature and speed.
Heli-skiing
Heli-skiing is for adventurers who are seeking pure adrenaline and freedom in fresh powder snow. Take a scenic flight to the top of the mountain, make your own downhill tracks as you ski your way back down on the ultimate guided heli-ski adventure.
Off-road driving
Buckle up, hold tight and head out on a scenic wilderness off-road adventure on one of New Zealand’s comprehensive network of back-country roads and tracks. Or why not try your luck on the colossal sand dunes of the popular Ninety Mile Beach in Northland.
Jet Boating
Speed through narrow canyons and mountainous views in a thrilling New Zealand jet boat ride. Sit back, buckle yourself in and feel the acceleration.
A New Zealand jet boat ride will take you powering through narrow river gorges, almost brushing against sheer rock faces; or skimming across the surface of water channels that weave through the shingle banks of braided rivers. Suitable for all ages and levels of fitness, jet boating can be enjoyed the whole year around.
If you’re in Auckland and looking for a bit of adrenalin, head to the harbourside for an exciting ride around the Waitemata Harbour. Get up close with the mighty Huka Falls with Hukafalls Jet in Taupō, or speed along natural waterways and see the local sites at Rotorua. In the centre of North Island, you can zoom through rapids, past native forests and learn the history of the Whanganui River or even see the famous Bridge to Nowhere.
Abseiling/Rappelling
Abseiling, or rappelling, is an adventure activity suitable for all skill levels. Get a thrill rappelling down a rock face, waterfall or even into a cave!
Controlled descent is an enthralling way to interact with the landscape. And the great thing about abseiling, is that it’s quite easy to learn. After a few lessons, you’ll be slipping down the rope like a master.
In some cases, abseiling is a mode of transport – a way to reach an unknown world. This is certainly the scenario in Waitomo, where it’s necessary to drop 100metres down a huge tomo (hole) in the earth to reach the Lost World. Other adventures are focused on the trip down, like abseiling waterfalls in Egmont National Park or descending the rungway on Queenstown Hill. The skilled guides and instructors who operate abseiling experiences know all about easing people out of their comfort zone, so that you get an amazing sense of accomplishment.
Glacier Hiking
It’s impossible to overstate the awe-inspiring impact of a glacier encounter. And there’s no better place for it than New Zealand.
Laying under New Zealand’s tallest peak you’ll find the longest glacier in the country. Tasman Glacier is a must see when travelling to Mt Cook / Aoraki.
Take a scenic flight over the glacier with Air Safaris(opens in new window) or The Helicopter Line(opens in new window). Tick skiing down a glacier off your bucket list with Ski the Tasman(opens in new window). Operating from the Hermitage Hotel(opens in new window) in Mt Cook / Aoraki village, Glacier Explorers(opens in new window) is an experience of a life time, as the boat gets you close enough to touch huge glacier slabs of ice bergs and explore Tasman Glacial Lake, suitable for the entire family.
New Zealand glacier country lies on the west coast of the South Island, where the two most accessible glaciers – Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier – are found.
There are opportunities to experience the glaciers for people with all levels of ability. You can follow the walking tracks up to the terminus of either glacier for a close up view or hike through the bush to a viewing point. And if actually touching the ice is on your bucket list then a guided tour (with all equipment included) will allow you to get up onto the glacier face itself.
Both Fox and Franz Josef glaciers extend almost to sea level. Fox Glacier is not as steep and is slightly longer. Access is along the river valley floor, or by helicopter to reach the top section of the glacier. In contrast, access to the ice on Franz Josef is by helicopter only.
For more information about the region, visit glaciercountry.co.nz.
AOTEAROA.