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Thrill-seekers from around the world choose New Zealand adventure activities for the best in sensational journeys. Get off the beaten track with a breath-taking road trip and get totally immersed in New Zealand, the planet's best land of adventures. Here are the top ten New Zealand adventure activities to help plan your trip.
1. ZORB inflatable ball ride
Who wouldn't just love to hop in a giant clear inflatable ball of water and roll down a grassy hill? This thrill, invented by the owners themselves, is like a water slide on steroids. Choose from four types of runs all guaranteed to be safe and a real "ball" for all ages. ZORB is located in Rotorua on the North Island.
Location: Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand
A weird yet super fun New Zealand adventure activity: Zorb in Rotorua
2. Waimangu volcanic rift valley
Get an idea of how the earth began by visiting the world's youngest geothermal valley. Mount Tarawera erupted in 1886 and created this stunning system of geothermal activity a little over an hour's drive south of Tauranga on the North Island. Start your journey to the Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley here or sleep under the stars at a Lake Okaro campsite and head north on Okara Road to witness this amazing place.
Location: Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand
3. Kaituna white-water rafting adventure
Whether you're new to white water rafting or an old pro, zipping down the Kaituna River in Rotorua is for you. A gorgeous jungle canyon is the site of this 50-minute thrilling ride that passes over exhilarating rapids like the seven metres Tutea Falls. Newbies get full training. All you need is your sense of adventure.
Location: Tikitere, Bay of Plenty, North Island, New Zealand
4. Tongariro River white-water rafting
Think that Tongariro can only be used in the name of an amazing hiking adventure? It sure is one of the amazing Great Walks but the Tongariro River also has lots to offer. How about an afternoon of white water rafting? This New Zealand adventure activity is rated by Lonely Planet as one of the ten unmissable NZ aquatic adventures. That was back in 2015 (as only rafting adventure in that list) but it still is one of the top-rated rafting adventures in New Zealand. No worries.
The rapids are grade three, which makes this an ideal adventure for expert and first-time rafters alike. In 2.5 hours you navigate over 60 roller coaster rapids with an expert guide at the helm. A large part of the top section of this trip can only be accessed by raft or kayak so you'll see plenty of spectacular unspoiled wilderness.
Location: Turangi, Waikato, North Island, New Zealand
5. Shotover River - Arthurs Point
The name Shotover says it all. This New Zealand adventure in the Otago Region not far from Queenstown in the South Island is a 75-kilometre swiftly flowing river with daring rapids for quite an exhilarating whitewater raft ride. You can even get your thrills by simply standing on the shore letting the Shotover Jets splash you as they pass by.
Hop on a jet boat and shoot down Shotover River for an extreme whitewater ride you'll never forget. Leaving from Queenstown, you'll be tucked in the beauty of the surrounding Shotover canyons for the 25-minute ride of a lifetime. It's addictive. You'll want to go again and again.
Location: Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand
6. AJ Hackett Bungy: classic NZ must-do activities
Been a little leary of bungy jumping in the past, mate? Put your fears to rest with safe yet exhilarating jumps at AJ Bungy in Queenstown, one of New Zealand adventure activities hottest spots. They tested their system out at places like the Eiffel Tower and developed a safe yet fun way to engage in this extreme sport. Get the adrenaline rush of a lifetime as you whiz across the gorgeous Nevis Valley.
Location: Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand
A must-do New Zealand adventure activity: bungy jump in Queenstown | photo: AJ Hackett Bungy NZ
7. Nevis Swing: New Zealand's biggest swing
Remember the rush you got as a toddler swinging high above the ground below? Get a grown-up adrenaline high to outmatch it on the Nevis Swing in Queenstown. New Zealand's biggest swing lets you defy gravity as you freefall toward the valley floor and then swing out in a 300-meter arc with awesome views below. Don't worry, their safety record is infallible.
Location: Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand
8. Queenstown zipline tour
Get a birds-eye view of Lake Wakatipu and the scenic Remarkables Mountains with a Queenstown Zipline Tour that boasts the world's steepest tree-to-tree zipline. If you're new to zip lining, they'll start you out with an introductory tour. Soon you'll be taking on the Kerera zip tour featuring a 21-metre drop.
Location: Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand
9. Hamner Springs bungy jump
Go ahead and take the leap from the 135-year old historic Ferry Bridge in Hamner Springs. Safely strapped in a harness, you can afford to be brave and adventurous. It's an extreme bungy jump in a scenic alpine setting. Have your photo taken and take home a t-shirt and certificate to prove your courage back home.
Location: Hamner Springs, South Island, New Zealand