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.
Excellent
- Choose from 46 New Zealand tours
- 1,600+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
- J
Julie • traveled in November, 2024
Had a brilliant time on the Weka trip. Lots of opportunity to go for walks. Abel Tasmin was brilliant. Fantastic boat trip on Milford Sound. Had some dreadful weather, resulted in road flooding,Katy did an amazing job driving through a major flood and also driving in bad visibility rain conditions. Nothing was too much for Katie always smiling and sorting us out and made sure we were well stocked with provisions.. big thanks, Jools
11 Day 'Weka' South Island Adventure Tour - P
Patrick • traveled in October, 2024
This trip changed my life. I’ve never had soo 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, bungee jumping, cave exploring, and surfing). I’m still soo sad that it’s over! Telli was a great guide and I had a group that was what dreams are made of. Best trip ever, with my only regret being that I did one week. If I return to do the Southern Island, I’ll ONLY look for Wild Kiwi as an operator. Thank you soo much, much love and appreciation for you guys!!
Northern Voyager - B
Beverley • traveled in January
The trip was up to expectation. Well organized. Guides were great. Drivers were great. Overall it really was a wonderful experience.
Contrasts Of New Zealand
Our traveler's Moments
NZ Adventure North
GeorgiaPNPhilippe
Northern Voyager
Highlights of New ZealandAmanda
NZ Adventure SouthJoe
New Zealand ExplorerPaul
SRShanaya
Big South
NZ Adventure 17 DayDanielle
GCGeorge
NZ Intro 17 Day
RDRebecca
New Zealand: South Island Encompassed
MSMolly
Southern Voyager
New Zealand: Best of the North IslandMay
AAnna
Southern Loop
TSTara
NZ Intro North
CECelyn
NZ Intro South
New Zealand Discovery TourLeonie
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 Christchurch, Picton, Marahau, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator Stray Travel From
- US$2,055
Northern Voyager
20 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Amazing experience! So smooth and fun! Amazing people! Only downside is most of the activities are not included.”
Russell, traveled in April
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
- US$1,102+$165 upfront costs
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
- US$7,249
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 $807
20% Off- US$645You save $161
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 $5,370
15% Off- US$4,565+$299 upfront costsYou save $806
Highlights of New Zealand
45 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary was well-planned, offering a perfect blend of breathtaking landscapes, cultural experiences, and exciting activities.”
RODRICK, traveled in February
Opportunities abound with Franz Josef Glacier heli-hiking, Queenstown bungee jumping, and Shotover River jet boating. Natural wonders include Aoraki/Mount Cook's trails and Waitomo's cave systems.
Duration 15 days Destinations Auckland, Hahei, Rotorua, Wellington, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $4,599
10% Off- US$4,139You save $460
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 Ages 12+ Operator Inspiring Journeys From $12,255
10% Off- US$11,030You save $1,225
Highlights of New Zealand with Fiji
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Got to see scenic and relaxing views.”
Elaine, traveled in March
Rotorua's geothermal wonders and Milford Sound's dramatic fjords showcase nature's power. Visitors can enhance their trip with Hobbiton movie set visits, zipline tours over Rotorua's forests, and Queenstown's Skyline Gondola rides overlooking Lake Wakatipu.
Duration 14 days Destinations Nadi, Coral Coast, Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, Napier, Wellington, Lake Tekapo, Christchurch, QueenstownSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Cosmos From
10% Off- US$4,239+$443 upfront costs
NZ Adventure North
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I enjoyed the laughs we all shared and his knowledge of and appreciation for New Zealand.”
Benjamin, traveled in July
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
10% Off- US$1,449
New Zealand Explorer
24 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Had the best experience in South and North Island for different reasons. The group and the guides were amazing and good sports.”
David, traveled in January
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 Ages 18-39 Operator Wild Kiwi From
10% Off- US$2,275+$341 upfront costs
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!"
More about New Zealand
Active10 Best Adventure Tour and Travel Companies10 Best Budget Adventure Tours 2026New Zealand Travel Guide | All You Need to KnowBest 2 Week New Zealand Itineraries 2026 (with Reviews)Best 3 Week New Zealand Itineraries 2026 (with Reviews)Weather in New Zealand in 2026What is the best time to visit New Zealand in 2026?