Adventure Holidays In New Zealand

Composed of two main islands and a number of smaller islands, New Zealand is the most geographically isolated of all countries. The South Island is the largest land mass, and is divided along its length by the Southern Alps , the highest peak of which is Mount Cook , at 3754m. There are 18 peaks of more than 3000 metres in the South Island . The North Island is less mountainous than the South, but is marked by volcanism. The tallest mountain on the North Island is Mount Ruapehu , which stands at 2797m, and is an active cone volcano.

ADVENTURE SPORTS IN NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand 's spectacular and varied natural environment provides excellent opportunities to participate in a huge range of adventure sports. Hiking and trekking trips abound in national parks and reserves, as well as in volcanic and coastal regions. Although not home to the highest mountains in the world, New Zealand ’s peaks still present a considerable challenge for keen mountaineers. Water sport enthusiasts can also join in, because with a coastline that stretches for a total of 16000km, the conditions for swimming and diving are ideal.

ADVENTURE SPORTS AREAS AND REGIONS IN NEW ZEALAND

Best spots for water sports

Top spots for white water rafting include Wairora, the Mohaka and the Kaituna. Windsurfing is particularly popular around Wellington , Taupo, Auckland and the Bay of Islands , while kayaking is widely practised on rivers throughout the country.  

Best spots for diving & snorkelling

Many different types of diving are available, including kelp forests at Stewart Island , black and red coral in the Fiordlands, and wreck-diving, notably at the Rainbow Warrior, the famous Greenpeace boat which was sunk off the Bay of Islands .

Best spots for hiking & trekking

Popular trails include the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, the Lake Waikaremoana Track, the Milford Track, and the Rakiura Track.

Best spots for climbing & mountaineering

For an alpine climbing adventure head straight to the South Island 's Southern Alps . This spectacular mountain range contains the highest peaks in Australasia with Mount Cook, at 3753m, being the highest of 30 peaks over 3000m.

Best spots for skiing & snowboarding

On the North Island , the best ski regions are Whakapapa and Turoa. Other good ski slopes can be found in the Southern Lakes region and Mount Hutt . Cross-country skiing is possible on a 26km trail through the Pisa range near Wanaka.