Adrenaline Junkies: 5 New Zealand Adventure Activities You Can't Miss!
Seeking new adventures and adrenaline-pumping activities? New Zealand is the perfect destination for you! From racing your friend down a zipline to standing at the edge of a 328-metre-high building, NZ is filled with exciting outdoor and indoor activities. If you're an adrenaline junkie, then this is your ideal guide.
But before you run off to book your tickets, you first need to consider how you'll get around. RaD Car Hire has you covered with 22 branches spread across the country. Rent a car from us, and you'll easily reach all of your destinations!
Let's dive into it and see what the top 5 BEST thrill-seeking activities in New Zealand have in store for you…
Thrill-seeking activities in New Zealand's South Island
The South Island of New Zealand is synonymous with adventure. In this scenic wonderland, featuring the incredible landscapes of the West Coast, Abel Tasman, and Milford Sound, you can discover some of the most thrilling activities globally. Go bungy jumping in the adventure capital of the world or explore dense forests filled with incredible views via flying fox.
1. AJ Hackett Bungy Jump in Queenstown
Photo Credit: 100% Pure New Zealand
Bungy jumping in Queenstown sounds amazing on its own, but how about adding in a breathtaking view while you take the plunge? The Queenstown AJ Hackett Bungy offers two different locations where you can take the leap of faith.
You'll find the Kawarau Bridge Bungy in the beautiful Gibbston Valley, just a half-hour drive from Queenstown. This bridge is 43 metres high, and you might even get to touch the water with your hands on your way down. If you're feeling a bit nervous or want to jump with a friend/partner/family member, try the tandem bungy! As long as you meet all the height, weight, and age requirements, you're set to test your limits!
Another option is the Nevis Bungy. Not for the faint-hearted, this is New Zealand's highest at 134 meters. If you're feeling bold and adventurous, this is the perfect choice! Catch the Bungy Bus, which departs from the Queenstown Bungy Centre, and allow 4 hours for this journey.
With its amazing activities, there's a good reason Queenstown is called the adventure capital of the world. Still got room for a downward rush? Queenstown's surrounding mountains offer incredible opportunities for alpine adventures. New Zealand’s winter sees the Southern Alps transform into the ultimate playground for skiers and snowboarders alike. For a truly unique trip, you can even go heli-skiing from remote locations! While you're in the area, why not visit Glenorchy to snap some film-worthy scenery shots or take a jet boat ride in Lake Wānaka? With a RaD Queenstown rental car, you can reach any destination without stress.
2. Christchurch Adventure Park Zipline
Photo Credit: Christchurch Adventure Park
The Christchurch Adventure Park has a lot to offer - most notably, the highest and longest ziplines in New Zealand! You're in for a special treat and a long, crazy ride. Prepare to see the beautiful Christchurch from high above and fly through the sky, admiring the view.
The Long Ride zipline is 1.1 kilometres in length and takes 1.5 hours, making it the perfect option for anyone with a packed schedule that day or only wanting a preview of the full Zipline tour. The Full Tour gives you the complete package with a 2.5-hour journey zooming through four individual ziplines!
The Christchurch Adventure Park zip line offers an exhilarating adventure of flying through the sky and enjoying the surrounding scenery of nature. Take the unique chance to enjoy the view as you effortlessly glide through the air. The park is also prime for mountain biking and hiking adventures, featuring 46 trails across 356 hectares. Reach this incredible setting up in the mountains with a rental car from RaD Car Hire Christchurch today.
Thrill-seeking activities in New Zealand's North Island
With some of the most extreme activities in New Zealand, thrill seekers have got to take a trip to the North Island. Go deep underground or high in the sky - this part of the country offers incredible adventures at every altitude.
3. Kaituna White Water Rafting Rotorua
Photo Credit: Kaituna Cascades
Featuring one of the highest rafted waterfalls in THE WORLD, Kaituna White Water Rafting is full of thrilling obstacles. This activity includes a 50-minute action-packed ride down 11 wild rapids and 3 cascading waterfalls. If you're in the mood for something challenging and centred on team effort, this activity will fit you to a tee!
Kaituna River is at grade 5 on the international scale of river difficulty, making it one of the most intense whitewater rafting opportunities in New Zealand. You don't have to worry about having experience either. All you need to do is rock up, and you will get the full comprehensive training and run down.
This is a must-do for your New Zealand adrenaline activities bucket list if you're seeking a challenge with friends. Remember to bring your swimwear, a towel, and - most importantly - a sense of fun and excitement!
Head around the other side of Lake Rotorua to find Rotorua Canopy Tours at Fairy Springs, where you can experience epic 3-hour-long adventures up in the trees. Further south, you'll find Whakarewarewa Forest (the Redwoods Forest), where you can go riding and hiking on the varied terrain of one of the world's top mountain biking trails. The forest is only 5 minutes from Rotorua, making it the first stop down to Taupo in your RaD Rotorua rental car! Looking for a one-of-a-kind experience? Book a paddleboarding tour to see the glow worms along Lake Rototua’s shoreline!
4. Auckland Sky Walk
Photo Credit: 100% Pure New Zealand
Can you imagine walking along the edge of a 328-metre-tall tower? The Auckland Sky Walk is one of the most thrilling, adventurous activities you can do in New Zealand, right in the heart of the CBD.
The Auckland Sky Walk takes place atop New Zealand's tallest iconic building, the Sky Tower. This activity will get your heart racing as you walk along the tower with harnesses on and no handrailing to guide you. It's all about living in the moment, marvelling at the panoramic views, and enjoying the beautiful city of sails.
Once you’re done, cruise over to Waiheke Island and experience more sky-high adventures with a scenic flight over the many vineyards. Then, take a sip of the island for yourself with a bespoke wine-tasting tour. Start your journey to the Sky Tower or Waiheke Island from RaD Car Hire Auckland Airport or RaD Car Hire West Auckland.
5. The Waitomo Black Abyss - Black Water Rafting tour
Photo Credit: 100% Pure New Zealand
The legendary Black Water Rafting tour is the ultimate caving adventure. You'll abseil into the darkness, zipline through caves of glimmering glowworms, and tube through rapid waters. This exciting, adrenaline-filled journey can take up to 5 hours as you explore the unique features that lie beneath the land.
This activity is located within the Waitomo caves, and you must prepare well beforehand. As the route features multiple deep, wet water sections, don't forget to bring your swimwear, a towel, and some shower gel! A thick wetsuit, rubber boots, and headlight will be provided. The Black Water Rafting tour is a journey that combines the excitement of extreme sports with the beauty of New Zealand's underground world.
Be sure to book early, especially during summer, as only small group tour options are available (8 people per tour on the Black Abyss and 12 per tour on the Black Labyrinth). While you secure your ticket, book a RaD Hamilton rental car to transport you on your New Zealand adventure trip.
Experience the best of adventure tourism in New Zealand with a rental car from RaD Car Hire!
RaD car hire is the perfect rental car option to help you reach all of these action-packed destinations. With 22 branches across New Zealand conveniently located near these adrenaline-pumping adventure activities, you can make your road trip one that you'll never forget!