Adventure Tours & Trips in New Zealand
The South Island is where NZ really shows off. Think Picton to Abel Tasman's beaches and Cleopatra's Pools, West Coast drive to Franz Josef, and a Milford Sound cruise that looks unreal. Some tours let you dig hot pools right on the beach, camp by lakes, cycle the NZ trail sections. National Geographic gave it top ratings, and you’ll see why once you arrive.
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Amelia • traveled in November
James is great! 100% would recommend!
NZ Adventure North - AS
ALICE • traveled in July
It's a trip of a lifetime
Grand Traverse from Auckland - Top rated by National Geographic - S
Stephan • traveled in August
I don't usually choose organised tours as they are too busy and you don't get to know the others very well. With Wild Kiwi we were like a little family. I had Jed on tour and he was amazing. He made sure our days were full of the optional activities and organised group dinners if we wanted to do that. The vehicle was perfect. Space for us to relax. We weren't so lucky with the weather so Jed changed a few plans to cater for this. I can't wait to do the South Island in August with them. Thanks Wild Kiwi
Northern Voyager
10 best Active New Zealand tour packages
Compiled by
SteffNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar
- 11 Day 'Weka' South Island Adventure Tour
- Northern Voyager
- Northern Light from Auckland - Top rated by National Geographic
- Grand Traverse from Auckland - Top rated by National Geographic
- Best New Zealand Tour
- Sheepdog - Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass
- Contrasts Of New Zealand
- New Zealand: South Island Encompassed
- NZ Adventure North
- NZ Intro North
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 Christchurch, Picton, Marahau, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator Stray Travel From
- NZ$3,565
Northern Voyager
20 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was well organised and timed. Very good group atmosphere. I had a blast!”
Marie, traveled in October
New Zealand's ultimate thrills include the Tongariro Crossing trek, Raglan's world-famous waves, and Waitomo's cave systems. Add excitement with Rotorua zorbing ($40), Huka Falls jet boating ($140), and Haggas Honking Hole abseiling ($170).
Duration 7 days Destinations Auckland, Hahei, Rotorua, Taupo, Waitomo, Raglan Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator Wild Kiwi From
- NZ$1,912+$287 upfront costs
Northern Light from Auckland - Top rated by National Geographic
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great way to see the countryside and attractions. The guide and driver were both very knowledgeable.”
Delphine, traveled in November
New Zealand's diverse terrains beckon with the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Whakarewarewa Forest's 33km cycling loop, and Karangahake Gorge exploration. Thrill-seekers can add Rotorua white water rafting, Taupo skydiving, and Canopy Tours' award-winning zipline adventures.
Duration 7 days Destinations Auckland, Coromandel, Rotorua, Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Wellington Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Flying Kiwi From
- NZ$2,495
Grand Traverse from Auckland - Top rated by National Geographic
28 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very caring and attuned to the needs of the group. They both were also quite laid back which was appreciated.”
Bill, traveled in March
The 19.4km Tongariro Alpine Crossing leads to kayaking Milford Sound's waters and hiking Mount Cook's Hooker Valley. Adventurous souls can opt for skydiving in Taupo, white water rafting in Queenstown, and glacier hiking, with daily cycling options available.
Duration 16 days Destinations Auckland, Coromandel, Rotorua, Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Wellington, Picton, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Lake TekapoSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Flying Kiwi From
- NZ$5,395
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 All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From
- NZ$11,973
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 Ages 18-35 Operator Kiwi Experience From $1,399
20% Off- NZ$1,119You save $280
Contrasts Of New Zealand
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Simply magnificent, well organised and first class service 10/10.”
Anthony, traveled in April
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, Te Puia, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Arrowtown, Lake Tekapo, Cromwell, Mount Cook, Christchurch Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Trafalgar From $7,805
10% Off- NZ$7,025+$495 upfront costsYou save $781
New Zealand: South Island Encompassed
26 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great tour to experience 2 weeks of the highlights of the South island.”
Jolien, traveled in December
Queenstown's adventure activities range from approx. $170 jet boating to approx. $540 skydiving. The journey includes Franz Josef Glacier treks, Abel Tasman coastline kayaking for approx. $200, and Kaikoura's marine life encounters. Thrill-seekers can add optional canyoning at approx. $270.
Duration 16 days Destinations Wellington, Abel Tasman National Park, Westport, Paparoa National Park, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Te Anau, Christchurch, KaikouraSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From $4,579
25% Off- NZ$3,434You save $1,145
NZ Adventure North
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“100% would recommend!”
Amelia, traveled in November
Waitomo's glowworm caves illuminate underground passages, while Taupo's bungee jumping and Rotorua's geothermal parks await. The real-life Hobbiton, Lake Taupo's sailing adventures, and natural hot springs at Kerosene Creek create magical moments.
Duration 9 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington Age Range Ages 18-45 Operator INTRO Travel From
25% Off- NZ$2,199
NZ Intro North
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It's such a great way to spend a holiday or start off a work and travel.”
Holly, traveled in November
The North Island's thrilling activities await, from Taupo's skydiving to Rotorua's zorbing. Venture through Waitomo's underground caves, marvel at Huka Falls' power, and glide across Lake Taupo's waters. The geothermal wonders of Wai o Tapu and natural hot springs at Kerosene Creek captivate visitors.
Duration 9 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington Age Range Ages 18-45 Operator INTRO Travel From
25% Off- NZ$2,249
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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