Outdoor Adventure Activities in New Zealand

New Zealand is world famous for its outdoor activities. The sheer variety of spectacular landscapes, including lakes, rivers, mountains and beaches makes it a mecca for outdoor activities of all kinds. That New Zealand was the originator of both the commercial bungy jump and the jet boat is an indication of just how outdoor-focussed the country is.

One of New Zealand's great advantages is the close proximity of different environments. It's possible to go diving at an offshore island, surf an ocean wave, fish in a river, climb an active volcano and ski or snowboard - all within just a couple of hours distance from each other.

Both the North and the South Islands offer a lot of adventure so wherever you go on your trip you'll find some fun things to do outdoors.

Here are the best outdoor adventure activities to enjoy in in New Zealand. See how many you can tick off the list:

1. Bungy Jumping

New Zealand was the first country in the world to operate a commercial bungy jump. Thousands of people every year take the opportunity to free-fall off a bridge attached to a long rubber band. Yes, this is New Zealand!

Read more: Guide to Bungy Jumping in New Zealand

2. Diving

The coastline around New Zealand is one of the longest of any country in the world and is filled with an amazing diversity of marine life. Most of the diving takes place on the east coast of the North Island. Here there are many islands, reefs and marine reserves to explore. Many divers go in search of fish or crayfish (rock lobster) which are both plentiful and delicious.

3. Fishing

With lakes, rivers and of course the sea, you don't have to go far to find somewhere to cast your rod. Rivers and streams are popular for fly-fishing. At the other end of the spectrum, big game fishing is available offshore along the eastern coast of the North Island.

4. Hiking and Tramping

New Zealand has many world class hiking trails, lasting from less than an hour to several days. They cover all of the diversity of New Zealand's landscapes and cater for all levels of fitness and experience. Two of the best known tramps in the country are the Milford Track (Fiordland National Park, South Island) and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (Tongariro National Park, North Island).

Read more: Guide to Walking and Hiking in New Zealand

5. Horse Riding

Since they were first brought to New Zealand by the first European settlers, horses have been an important part of society. There are organized horse treks and rides in many parts of the country. They cater for a wide range of abilities and range between one-hour walks for novice riders to multi-day treks through some of the country's most remote areas.

6. Jet Boating

Bill Hamilton perfected the jet boat engine in the 1950s as a way of negotiating the shallow rivers of the South Island, and ever since jet boats have become very popular on the rivers throughout the country. There are many places to catch a ride down the river on a jet boat. It's one of the best (and thrilling) ways to see New Zealand's beautiful and remote scenery.
Popular places to enjoy a jet boat tour are the Waikato River and surrounding areas of Rotorua and Taupo (North Island) and the Shotover River near Queenstown (South Island).
Read more: Guide to Jet Boat Rides in New Zealand

7. Kayaking

Kayaking can be a fun way to explore New Zealand's waterways and is very popular in many parts of the country. Organized tours range from short hops to multi-day wilderness experiences.

8. Mountain Biking

New Zealand is literally strewn with mountain biking trails, particularly in the mid and lower North Island and all of the South Island. New Zealand is also often the venue for international events and competitions.
One of the most important developments for bikers and cyclists has been the opening of the New Zealand Cycle Trail, Nga Haerenga. This is a network of 23 individual trails that have been developed especially for riders.

Read more: New Zealand Cycle Trail

9. Mountain Climbing

New Zealand has a strong tradition of mountain climbing; it was of course New Zealand's Sir Edmund Hillary who first conquered Mount Everest. The Southern Alps offer many opportunities for mountain climbing. The most famous area is near Mount Cook, New Zealand's tallest peak.

10. River Rafting (also called White Water Rafting)

For some real adventure, join a group of others paddling a raft down one of New Zealand's spectacular rivers, negotiating rapids and strong currents. New Zealand has some of the best river rafting in the world and there are organized trips in several places, notably the Waikato and Tongariro Rivers (North Island) and around Queenstown (South Island).

Read more: White Water Rafting in New Zealand