Adventure Tours & Trips in New Zealand
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10 best Active New Zealand tour packages
Compiled by
SteffNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar
11 Day 'Weka' South Island Adventure Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Had a brilliant time on the Weka trip. Abel Tasmin was brilliant.”
Julie, traveled in October
The terminal face of Franz Josef Glacier beckons hikers, while a 4-hour trek through Abel Tasman National Park leads to Mount John Observatory. Adventurous souls can try canyoning in Abel Tasman, skydiving in Queenstown, or ice skating at Lake Tekapo.
Duration 11 days Destinations Picton, Marahau, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo, Christchurch Age Range 7 to 70 year olds Operator Stray Travel From
- NZ$3,460
South Island Snow Safari
36 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A good tour to do, value for money.”
Kim, traveled in August
New Zealand's most thrilling terrain awaits - from Mt Hutt's black diamonds to Treble Cone's natural half-pipes. Local guides share hidden powder stashes across 6 mountains, including remote Ohau and The Remarkables' famous 'Homeward Bound' run at 1943m elevation.
Duration 8 days Destinations Christchurch, Mount Hutt, Lake Tekapo, Lake Ohau, Lake Wanaka, Wanaka, Cardrona, Queenstown, The Remarkables Age Range 18 to 65 year olds Operator Haka Tours From
- NZ$2,999
Southern Highlights - 9 Day Self Drive Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Every place we went had the reservation, ticket, tour, seats ready and instantly available.”
philip, traveled in December
New Zealand's highest sealed road at Crown Range offers breathtaking views. Native beech forest at Blue Pools and Franz Josef Glacier region reveal natural wonders. Queenstown's Skyline Gondola and Milford Sound's nature cruise showcase dramatic landscapes.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Mount Cook, Dunedin, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef, Greymouth Age Range 1 to 100 year olds Operator Discover New Zealand From
- NZ$2,889
New Zealand Grand - 14 Day Self Drive Tour
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The travel itinerary, activities, and accommodations were all excellent. Absolutely recommended!”
Troy, traveled in October
Shotover Jet rides and Twin Glacier helicopter flights highlight this adventure, with optional bungy jumping at Kawarau Bridge. Milford Sound's dramatic landscapes and Franz Josef Glacier offer opportunities for hiking and scenic flights throughout both islands.
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Coromandel, Whitianga, Tauranga, Rotorua, Napier, Masterton, Wellington, Picton, Queen Charlotte SoundSee all destinations Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operator Discover New Zealand From
- NZ$6,200
New Zealand's natural wonders come alive through activities like heli-hiking Franz Josef Glacier, skydiving over Lake Taupo, and roaming Te Wahipounamu World Heritage area. Visitors can create personal hot pools at Hot Water Beach, observe geothermal activity at Te Puia in Rotorua, and dive into world-class adventures in Queenstown, the adventure capital.
Duration 16 days Destinations Auckland, Coromandel, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Kaiteriteri, Westport, Ruatapu, Franz JosefSee all destinations Age Range 18 to 35 year olds Operator Kiwi Experience From
- NZ$1,399
Queenstown's adrenaline activities set the pace, while Franz Josef Glacier viewpoints and Milford Sound's dramatic fiords showcase natural wonders. Rotorua's geothermal spectacles at Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and Huka Falls' powerful 220,000-liter water cascade amaze visitors.
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Picton, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Omarama, OamaruSee all destinations Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator Agate Travel From
- NZ$11,547
Thrilling jet boat rides on Queenstown's Shotover River set the pace before cruising past Milford Sound's sheer cliffs to spot dolphins and seals. The route continues along Devil's Staircase to Te Anau, through Mirror Lakes, and into Homer Tunnel beneath towering peaks.
Duration 10 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Christchurch Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Trafalgar From $8,515
15% Off- NZ$7,238+$495 upfront costsYou save $1,277
Southern Alps to Fiordland National Park showcase diverse terrains on this 19-day adventure. Haast River jet boating thrills precede Franz Josef Glacier exploration and ancient Whirinaki Forest treks. Waitomo's glowworm caves and Milford Sound cruises aboard Milford Mariner complete the journey.
Duration 19 days Destinations Christchurch, Franz Josef, Hokitika, Arrowtown, Queenstown, Haast, Makarora, Glenorchy, Walter Peak, Te AnauSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Inspiring Journeys From $18,015
10% Off- NZ$16,214You save $1,801
New Zealand Explorer
22 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour was amazing!! It was my first time out of the country in 10+ years & I couldn't have asked for a better experience.”
Mai, traveled in September
Thrilling adventures combine Kaituna River rafting, Franz Josef Glacier heli-hikes, and Queenstown canyon swings. Southern Alps skydiving and Waitomo's glowworm cave black water rafting offer optional excitement for adrenaline enthusiasts.
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Hahei, Rotorua, Taupo, Waitomo, Raglan, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford SoundSee all destinations Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operator Wild Kiwi From
10% Off- NZ$3,946+$592 upfront costs
Southern Loop
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“This tour blew all my expectations and it was awesome to check out the Upper South Island.”
Anna, traveled in May
New Zealand's untamed landscapes offer optional adventures like dolphin swimming in Kaikoura (approx. $180) and canyoning in Abel Tasman (approx. $290). Wander through coastal forests, venture into limestone caves, and paddle turquoise waters in multiple national parks.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Punakaiki, Abel Tasman National Park, Blenheim, Kaikoura Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operator Wild Kiwi From
10% Off- NZ$1,912+$287 upfront costs
What people love about Active Tours in New Zealand
- Southern Highlights - 9 Day Self Drive Tour
After a "misstep" by your team in the beginning, canceling my trip the very next day after confirmation, Jules appeared to go significantly above the routine and made sure EVERYTHING else went PERFECT. She spent alot of phone time with me. Every place we went had the reservation, ticket, tour, seats ready and instantly available. She booked a few extras I did not request that were very enjoyable. I was able to easily book some things advertised we thought would be too crowded over the Christmas break making the whole trip the best one ever. THANK YOU JULES- and Marianna as well.
Just done a 7 day Snow Safari with Haka Tours and I had the time of my life! Things couldn't have been better! The small size of the group allows you to get to know everyone and within a day you feel like travelling with a bunch of friends. Everything is thought and organized so you can make the most out of your time in New Zealand, but still is really flexible. Our tour guide Burto is a legend! He was helpful, friendly, full of energy and so enthousiastic! I can't think of a better way to travel in New Zealand than with Haka Tours, they are the best!!
South Island Snow Safari
- New Zealand Grand - 14 Day Self Drive Tour
This was an amazing introduction to New Zealand! The travel itinerary, activities, and accommodations were all excellent. I had to reschedule my tour due to a work conflict and the local booking agency was made it as simple as could be. Absolutely recommended!
What our customers ask about Adventure Tours & Trips in New Zealand
How many locations will I visit on a typical New Zealand Adventure tour?
A standard 14-day tour takes you through 11-16 key spots across New Zealand's North and South Islands. The journey often begins in Auckland leading travelers through action-packed destinations like Rotorua Taupo Queenstown and Franz Josef Glacier. Wild Kiwi's Explorer tour includes stops at 11 major locations while Flying Kiwi's Grand Traverse extends to 18 destinations. One TourRadar traveler notes: "The pace was generally hectic apart from travelling hours on the bus. It was a great opportunity to meet a wide range of nationalities and personalities."
What are the must-do adventure activities in New Zealand?
New Zealand's adventure offerings span both islands with Queenstown standing out as the country's thrill-seeking hub. Here visitors can try bungy jumping at Kawarau Bridge ($265-450 USD) skydiving ($430-535 USD) and jet boating ($169 USD). Rotorua adds white water rafting ziplining and geothermal explorations to the mix. As shared by a TourRadar traveler: "I've never had so much fun in my life and I never imagined I'd get to push myself to do 6 new things I've never done before (white water rafting zip lining sky diving bungy jumping cave exploring and surfing)."
When is the best time to go on an Adventure tour in New Zealand?
December through February marks New Zealand's peak summer season when conditions are best for outdoor activities such as hiking Tongariro Crossing and exploring Franz Josef Glacier. Booking records show the highest concentration of adventure tours between November and March especially in Queenstown and Rotorua. Winter tours (June-August) offer different experiences including skiing in the Southern Alps. A TourRadar traveler shares: "We did the Northern Explorer tour with Wild Kiwi in winter. Although some activities were weather-dependent our guide made sure we found pockets of joy in any activity we could get our hands on."
What type of accommodation can I expect on an Adventure tour?
Accommodation options vary with each tour company. Wild Kiwi puts guests in comfortable hostels like Nomads in Queenstown and the Rainforest Retreat in Franz Josef. Flying Kiwi focuses on scenic camping sites with cabin upgrade options. Many groups stay at the Haka Hotel in Lake Taupo. One TourRadar traveler reports: "The hostels were very good unfortunately we weren't able to make it to Franz Josef and had a night in Dunedin and that hostel wasn't very clean."
What wildlife encounters can I expect during an Adventure tour?
New Zealand offers close encounters with unique wildlife throughout the journey. Kaikoura provides opportunities to swim with dolphins ($240 USD) or watch whales ($175 USD). Wellington's Zealandia Nature Reserve houses rare kiwi birds while Dunedin's Otago Peninsula is home to penguins seals and albatross. A TourRadar traveler notes: "The nutrient-rich waters of Kaikoura attract a wide variety of marine wildlife including whales and dolphins with pods of up to 300 of these playful creatures hanging out here."
How much spending money should I budget for optional activities?
A two-week adventure tour typically requires 800-1200 USD for extra activities. Prices range from 63 USD for Waitomo Caves boat tours to 585 USD for Franz Josef Glacier heli-hikes. Queenstown's adventure activities like bungy jumping range from 220-450 USD. According to one TourRadar traveler: "Amazing experience! So smooth and fun! Amazing people! Only downside is most of the activities are not included so there's a significant additional cost. Once in a lifetime trip!"
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