Adventure Vacations New Zealand

photo by Real Traveler Jenn Jenn

Planning the ultimate adventure vacation or hope to add a little excitement to a beach or otherwise relaxing trip? You are sure to find options in any climate or location. Hiking, climbing, skiing, and mountain biking are great ways to add a thrill depending on the time of year when visiting the mountains. Visit a river for the ultimate rafting or river kayaking adventure. Take a scuba diving course or bring your snorkeling gear to the sea for an underwater landscape filled withlife. Looking for lions, tigers or bears? Schedule a safari to truly immerse yourself in the world of the wild. ...read more »

see top cities see top trip blogs

Top Destinations for Adventure

Top adventure cities

photo by Real Traveler Corné

Queenstown

This southern New Zealand town is known as a ski resort and winter getaway. Skiing, hiking and boating are favorite activities, while wine-tasting and cultural food sampling are another attraction for outside travelers. read more »
photo by Real Traveler ShellyG

Rotorua

This northern New Zealand city is well known as a spa resort, with natural geysers and hot mud pools for visitors to relax in. Volcanic islands allow for more outdoor attractions, as well as hiking, biking and rafting opportunities. There are also parks... read more »
photo by Real Traveler Canadiantraveller200

Auckland

Auckland is the gateway to New Zealand and its largest city. Almost entirely surrounded by water, and covered with volcanic hills, the city has a spectacular harbor and infinite possibilities. Wherever the visitor may be at any given moment, there is th... read more »
photo by Real Traveler Jenn Jenn

Taupo

Home to the largest lake in New Zealand, Taupo offers recreational fun for all travelers. Sightseeing alongside massive volcanoes, rafting on the rapids or just plain fishing are all possible here. Hot springs and waterfalls add to the waterside experie... read more »
photo by Real Traveler Pamela

Waitomo Caves

Millions of visitors come to explore the wonders of the Waitomo caves each year, and for good reason. This labyrinth of caves is a treasure trove of gorgeous limestone and coral formations with beautiful stalagmites and stalactites decorating the cave w... read more »
photo by Real Traveler Dan and Claire

Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef is a massive flowing glacier which captivates travelers year-round. The area is a world heritage site, with Fox Glacier nearby and resort-style acoomidation available. Nature-loving tourists can see the glaciers by hiking, climbing, via heli... read more »
photo by Real Traveler ClanWilliams

Lake Taupo

Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand, offers recreational fun for all travelers. Sightseeing alongside massive volcanoes, rafting on the rapids or just plain fishing are all possible here. Hot springs and waterfalls add to the waterside experienc... read more »
photo by Real Traveler C&K

Abel Tasman National Park

A fantastic national park, Abel Tasman offers travelers scenic beaches, great weather and plenty of activities to partake in. Camping, kayaking, sailing and diving are all possible here, though you might just enjoy relaxing on the beach for a few hours. read more »
photo by Real Traveler Corné

Christchurch

This popular southern New Zealand city is a great destination for tourists looking for simple English-style charm. Take a boat across Avon Banks, explore the Cathedral Square, check out the wooden villas in Akaroa, or try skiing on mount Hutt. read more »
photo by Real Traveler LizCB

Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier, together with Franz Josef Glacier, creates a stunning area ready for touring, climbing, hiking and more. Located on the western side of the main island of New Zealand, travelers would be hard-pressed to find another place quite like it. Coz... read more »

Top Five Adventure Trip Blogs

New Zealand - Waitomo Caves | Jan 25 09'

by Barney & Teresa a 25 year old male traveling as a couple from Heathrow Airport, on vacation in Waitomo Caves

"Rap, Raft 'n' Rock"

After leaving the smell of Rotorua behind we arrived in the tiny village of Waitomo to explore the famous caves. There isn't a lot to see or do in... Continue reading »
A Thermal Wonderland | Mar 08 07'

by turutia a 55 year old female traveling as a couple from Christchurch, on vacation in Rotorua

"You know those cartoons where the miser finally opens his wallet to pay for something and moths fly out, think Mark on this holiday."

Rotorua Lake is practically unusable. According to the literature 50 years ago this lake was crystal clear and a paradise for birds and peopl... Continue reading »
My First Real Trip... Lucky I didn't fall | Apr 29 07'

by It's A Beautiful World a 28 year old female from New Castle, on vacation in Picton

I was enthralled when I found out I got the job at the rugby union; it is classic Kiwi culture if nothing else. My stomach constricted though... Continue reading »
Milford and Doubtful Sounds | Feb 27 07'

by Adria a real traveler from Washington, on vacation in Manapouri

We moved on from Wanaka with hopes to see both Milford and Doubtful Sound and we decided to stay closer to Doubtful Sound because this was where we... Continue reading »
"Easter & Getting Closer to God!" | Apr 04 07'

by Travelling Lousies! a traveling as a couple from Leicester, on vacation in Queenstown

"Check in to view more photos and commentary..."

The scene was set for our Queenstown extravaganza when as we drove though the South Otago hills just before entering Queenstown we stopped off to p... Continue reading »

New Zealand Travel Experiences

NZ South Island

We are having a wonderful time here in NZ with Pauline and Tony, but we are having a terrible time finding computer time - we are all tal... Continue reading »

by Real Traveler peterandjudydean
New Zealand

Hey guys! We made it safe and sound :) Rachel and I have just been touring Auckland these past couple days, getting grounded, wal... Continue reading »

by Real Traveler ashleyp
Hints and Tips - New Zealand

Here are a few hints and tips regarding NZHere is my list of places to visit in New Zealand, obviously biased towards those travelling wi... Continue reading »

by Real Traveler Travelling Family
Great Barrier Island

We travelled to Great Barrier Island on Jan 2 2008 on the Fullers Fast Cat which took approx 2 hours. The sailing was mostly smooth... Continue reading »

by Real Traveler nzers
The "West Coast" of the South Island

Getting on the Magic Bus Monday morning was a real pleasure! We like the town of Nelson and enjoyed our sta... Continue reading »

by Real Traveler smb6448