13 of the best adrenaline-filled activities in New Zealand

By MiNDFOOD

13 of the best adrenaline-filled activities in New Zealand
Whether it’s on land, sea or air, it’s time to get your motor running with these incredible adrenaline-filled adventures.

CAPE REINGA – Sandboarding at Te Paki sand dunes

Sandboarding is a must when visiting the top of the country. Grab a boogie board and make your way up Te Paki sand dunes at Ninety Mile Beach, which are about 150m high, and get ready for an adrenaline-pumping ride down. No need to book anything: it’s a DIY, choose your own adventure!

HOKIANGA – Guided Jetski Safari with Awesome Adventures Hokianga

Take a tour through the stunning and historic Hokianga Harbour on a jetski, led by a local guide who will share the stories of the area. Many iwi (Māori tribes) trace their ancestry back to the explorer Kupe: it’s believed Hokianga is where Kupe first made landfall.

aah.nz

GREAT BARRIER ISLAND – Crazyhorse Trike Tours

Get around Great Barrier Island on the back of ‘Crazyhorse’, a Rewaco factory-built trike. From your seat in the rear you’ll have an unobstructed view of the island’s beautiful sights.

greatbarrierislandtourism.co.nz

AUCKLAND – America’s Cup Sailing Experience with Explore Group

Sail the beautiful Waitematā Harbour with a professional crew on an authentic racing vessel. No experience is necessary for this hands-on adventure that will truly get your heart pumping.

exploregroup.co.nz

Credit: Explore NZ

RAGLAN – Surfing with Raglan Surf School

Learn to surf or improve your skills at New Zealand’s original surf school, based in the country’s home of surfing. Join a beginner group lesson, book a family lesson or enjoy a private lesson.

raglansurfingschool.co.nz

Credit: Paul Abbitt

ROTORUA – ZORB

The ZORB is a Kiwi invention and an iconic Rotorua activity which sees you roll down Mt Ngongotaha inside a giant inflatable ball. You’ll struggle to stop laughing during this incredibly fun experience.

zorb.com

TAUPO – Hukafalls Jet

Get up close with the mesmerising Huka Falls and explore the Waikato River on the speedy Hukafalls Jet. You’ll get to take in some beautiful scenery as well as an exhilarating ride. 

hukafallsjet.com

Credit: Destination Lake Taupo

ABEL TASMAN – Canyoning with Abel Tasman Canyons

Canyoning means to explore steep, narrow mountain streams by way of walking, swimming, scrambling, jumping, sliding, abseiling and using zip-lines. You can take a guided canyoning trip through Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park or Mount Richmond Forest Park with Abel Tasman Canyons.

abeltasmancanyons.co.nz

MURCHISON – Comet Line at Buller Gorge Swingbridge Adventure & Heritage Park

Take a ride across Buller Gorge on the high-speed Comet Line, a 160m flying fox or zip-line ride. Thrillseekers will love the ‘Supaman’ ride, where you’ll fly across the river without a seat, arms outstretched.

bullergorge.co.nz

GLACIER COUNTRY – Skydive Franz Josef & Fox Glacier

Skydive Franz has been named one of the best places to skydive in the world thanks to the jaw-dropping views you experience on your descent.

skydivefranz.co.nz

CANTERBURY – Methven Heliski

Ski and snowboard the Arrowsmiths, a glaciated mountain range running parallel to the Main Divide of the Southern Alps. Methven Heliski’s territory boasts consistent snow conditions and quality.

methvenheli.co.nz

Credit: Methven Heliski

QUEENSTOWN – The Nevis Bungy

You can’t visit the birthplace of bungee jumping without taking the plunge yourself! The Nevis Bungy is the highest in New Zealand at 134m: that’s an 8.5-second freefall.

bungy.co.nz

INVERCARGILL – Dig This

Dig This is NZ’s only heavy machinery playground, where you can operate bulldozers, excavators and skid steers in a giant gravel pit. No experience is required, and you’ll be instructed by the Dig This team.

digthisinvercargill.nz

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