Adventures of a Lifetime in New Zealand

Updated on Jan 16, 2024 | New Zealand eTA

New Zealand is a haven for adventure lovers on all the realms (air, water, and land). New Zealand will certainly offer you experiences to remember until the end of time. With a guarantee of thrills, speed, adrenaline rush amidst nature and its beauty.

Jet boating

It is one of the most thrilling water adventures in New Zealand as you traverse through the water past rocks, river beds, and gorges. One only has to sit back and relax while enjoying the boat’s acceleration through harsh and pleasant waters.
Places- North Island – Waikato river and Rangitaiki rivers.
South Island – Queenstown and Canterbury
Price- 80$

Jet-boating in Queenstown

Rafting

This adventure sport has ranges from grade one to five in the short and fast-flowing rivers. The rafts also range from a few hours to a few days long trips. New Zealand provides one the rafting opportunity to take on the highest rafted waterfall in Rotorua.
Places - Kaitiaki river, Tongariro river, Rotorua
Price- 89$ - 197$

White-water rafting

Mountain Biking

This enthralling activity involves riding a bike to the top of a hill with a view of canopies, valleys, and the world below. One crosses bridges, lakes, dark tunnels and also gets remarkable views of snowy-peaks while riding their bike.
Place- Otago Central Rail Trail
Price – 33$ per day

 

Heliskiing

This extreme sport in New Zealand begins with being dropped off by a helicopter on a snowy hilltop to enjoy skiing. This is one of the most popular winter experiences in New Zealand.
Place- South Island
Price- 990$

Skiiers just after touchdown

Heliskiing in South Island

Learn about top locations for Skiing in New Zealand here.

 

Kayaking

Kayaking is a famous tourism activity in New Zealand as kayaking through the clear blue waters through valleys gives one serenity. The feeling of paddling through the waters with a scenic view of the surrounding hills is a marvelous sight and feeling.
Place – Anakiwa, Te Puna
Price - 39$

Kayaking in Te Puna

Rappelling

Rappelling is an activity where one controls their descent with the help of a rope and is very easy to learn. This is also a mode of transport in New Zealand to reach the lost world in Waitomo.
Places- Egmont National Park and Queenstown Hill
Price-89$- 600$

Off-roading

The landscape of New Zealand provides for back-country roads and tracks which let you experience an enthralling riding or driving experience. You can drive through rocky paths, shallow waters, and dunes. The experience of driving to the foot of the Alpine hills is both a kicking adventure and fun!
Places - Ninety Mile Beach, Marlborough, and Canterbury
Price- 100$- 660$

Off-roading at Kaikoura

Bungy Jumping

As New Zealand was the first country to introduce commercial bungy-jumping you can be sure that the experience is not one you should miss out on. The experience is offered in varied locations and scenes from cities to deep within natural habitats. All you need to do is take a leap of faith and rest assured it will be an experience of a lifetime.
Places - Kawarau and Nevis
Price - 135-275 NZD$

Bungy Jumping in Queenstown

Sailing

For the water lovers and those who were inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean to take over boats and ships can live their dream of hoisting their flag, climbing the mast, and riding the waves, and being in control of the boat. It is also for those who want to relax while the boat sails through the waves while you feel the sea breeze brushing through your skin.
Place- Bay of Islands
Price- 75$ for 6 hours

Sailing in Wellington

Sailing in Wellington

Canyoning

It is an adventure with the perfect mixture of a thrilling experience while enjoying the natural beauty. As it is staged only at remote mountainous locations, the trek through gorges, waterfalls, and rock pools allows you to confront nature in its true form.
Places- Auckland and Coromandel
Price- 135$ - 600$

Hiking

For those who want to conquer hills, there are numerous scenic and picturesque tracks to trek in New Zealand. The hikes range from traversing through hill-tops, forests and jungles, and beaches. The options are plenty and varied for one to choose and enjoy. National parks are usually considered the best places to hike.
Place - Abel Tasman National Park & Mt. Cook National Park

Caving

The extensive network of caves in New Zealand makes it a great place to walk and explore the dark and mysterious locations. One can also go black water rafting in the caves if they would like combined water and exploratory adventure.
Place- Nelson and Waitomo caves
Price- Black water rafting 149$ and Caves 99-599$

Caving in New Zealand

Ziplining

It was created as a necessity to travel across canyons now has turned into a sport. This activity is highly recommended for those who love speed and its thrills. In New Zealand, you can zip through the beauty of nature’s forests, rivers, canyons, and waterfalls and witness the most spectacular scenes.
Place-Waiheke Island and Rotorua
Price- 99$ - 629$

Zorbing

This is an experience for every age group and involves being inside a huge plastic ball and rolling down the hill. This activity was invented in New Zealand and hence, the best place to go Zorbing is the Ballpark where it all began.
Place - Rotorua Ball Park
Price - 45$- 160$

Zorbing in New Zealand

Zorbing in New Zealand

Sky Diving

For the brave-hearted looking for an adrenaline rush, sky diving is the go-to adventure sport. It is as thrilling to endure going solo or with another person. The best way to bask in the views from the sky makes it a must-do activity in New Zealand.
Place- Bay of Plenty and Wanaka
Price - 129$ - 600$ (Variation in prices based on the height of drop as well)

The country truly has a plethora of adventures and activities to engage in which will leave a mark in your life. It easily provides the perfect mix of fun, beauty, and danger for your trip.

We have covered top locations for Skydiving in New Zealand here.

New Zealand Visa Types

New Zealand offers New Zealand eTA  (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority or NZeTA) to citizens of:

  1. Over 60 countries as per New Zealand Visa Eligibility if they are coming by air route (Airplane)
  2. To citizens of all countries if coming by sea route (Cruise ship)

If you are intending a visit to New Zealand as a tourist, visitor or in general for any other reason, do not forget to obtain a New Zealand ETA  (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority or NZeTA). You can learn about New Zealand eTA Application Form.

Ensure that you have checked the eligibility for your New Zealand eTA. If you are from a Visa Waiver country then you can apply for an eTA regardless of the mode of travel (Air / Cruise). United States citizens, Canadian citizens, German citizens, and United Kingdom citizens can apply online for New Zealand eTA. United Kingdom residents can stay on New Zealand eTA for 6 months while others for 90 days.