New Zealand Favorite Adventures

FAVORITE ADVENTURES

New Zealand

Our New Zealand Favorite Adventures

There are so many amazing adventures in New Zealand that it’s difficult to pick our favorites.

However, here are a few.

# 1. Bungee Jumping

New Zealand is one of the best places in the world for bungee jumping. We’d recommend doing several bungee jumps, including a swing. AJ Hackett Bungy NZ is the largest commercial bungee jumping company in New Zealand, but there are numerous others.

# 2. Caving on the North Island

New Zealand has numerous caves, many of which you can explore on your own. Some of the caves have glow worms which is an experience that should not be missed. Check out New Zealand Frenzy North and South for recommended caving adventures.

# 3. Exploring the Golden Bay and the Farewell Spit

Golden Bay, on the west side of the north coast of the South Island, offers a range of outdoor adventures including the Farewell Spit, Rawhiti Cave, and Wharariki Beach. We also love the town of Takaka, with its bohemian vibe. On your way to Wanaka, have a meal in the low key city of Nelson, especially if you are in the area on the day when the farmers market is being held.

# 4. Exploring the Deserted Beaches on the North Island

The North Island offers numerous beautiful black and white sand beaches. Some of our favorite beaches are in Northland, the northernmost (and warmest) region in New Zealand. While in Northland also consider going scuba diving or snorkeling on the Poor Knight Islands.

# 5. Exploring the Milford Sound

The southwest corner of the South Island features Fiordland National Park and the Mildord Sound. In addition to cruises on the sound, the area is home to numerous amazing tracks. Bring some DEET to avoid being bitten by the sandflies.

# 6. Hiking in the Mountains Outside of Wanaka

Wanaka is one of our favorite towns in New Zealand and a great base camp for nearby adventures including the Rob Roy Glacier Valley Track. Queenstown is also a beautiful and fun town although it gets crowded during New Zealand’s peak season.

# 7. Mountain Biking

Some of our favorite places to go mountain biking in New Zealand include Christchurch, Nelson (don’t miss the Dun Mountain Trail), Queenstown and especially Rotorua. New Zealand also offers longer multiday bikepacking routes including the Heaphy Track and the Old Ghost Road. We’d recommend against road biking in New Zealand since the roads are too narrow.

# 8. Soaking in Hot Springs

New Zealand is home to numerous hot springs on the North and South Islands. Some of the best hot springs are found in the Craters of the Moon and Whakarewarewa geothermal fields on the North Island. New Zealand is also home to some beautiful geysers including those found in the Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland geothermal park near Rotorua.

# 9. Swimming with Dolphins and Seals

Kaikoura is a great base to use to pursue nearby adventures with marine mammals including swimming with super pods of dolphins. We’d recommend swimming far away from the boat so that you can have hundreds of dolphins all to yourself and acting like a dolphin when you swim. Just make sure that someone is looking for you when the boat returns to the mainland. Don’t miss the Ohau Point Fur Seals adventure (#B4 in New Zealand Frenzy)!

# 10. Surfing

New Zealand offers world class surfing although the swell can be a bit finicky. If you are a beginner, try Sumner Beach in Christchurch. If you are more advanced, try Dunedin, Kaikoura, Piha and Raglan.

# 11. Trekking

New Zealand is famous for its multi day treks. But it also offers many amazing day hikes. Some of our favorites include the Avalanche Peak Loop Tramp and the numerous tracks with views of the Fox Glacier and the Tongariro Crossing. We did not have time to do some of the longer treks in New Zealand but in retrospect, we wish we had. Some of the best treks are the Milford Track and the Tongariro Circuit. The Abel Tasman Track is also great, but avoid it during the peak season since it gets crowded. Make sure you book these treks way ahead of time.

# 12. Wildlife Watching

New Zealand is home to numerous wildlife watching opportunities including opportunities to see dolphins, kiwis, penguins, sea lions, seals, and whales. New Zealand Frenzy will steer you to many of the best opportunities.

# 13. Wine Tasting

New Zealand is home to many amazing, relatively low key, and relatively affordable wineries. Some of our favorite wine regions include Central Otago (Pinot Noir and Rose), Hawke’s Bay (Bordeaux-style red blends) and Nelson (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc). If we had to pick just one region, we’d pick Central Otago since we are a big fan of the Pinot Noirs from the region.