Optional activities new zealand

New Zealand has long been established as the adventure capital of the World.  Our unique trips offer the chance to combine amazing activities with numerous opportunities to immerse yourself in NZ's wonderful landscapes and culture. All prices are subject to availability and correct at the date of publication.

Each trip is bursting with as much activity and adventure as you would like and each tour is carefully structured so you can pick and choose the things you love to fill your day.  There's never any pressure to participate so whether you enjoy dolphin swimming & sailing or bungy & skydive you are guaranteed to enjoy some once in a lifetime experiences.

Optional activities are paid for as you travel (don't forget, travelling as a group often means these are discounted). There are also a number of free activities and scenery highlights to enjoy.

Our guides don't get commission. Unlike some operators none of our guides are paid commission on activities - that means no hard sell and plenty of choice.

We always have free alternatives.  Enjoy a hike, take out the bodyboards, use the volleyball or just sit and relax - there are always free alternatives.

Auckland

No optional activities are offered during our short stopover in Auckland as this is where many will start and finish their Flying Kiwi tour. If you are looking for something to do before or after your trip however Auckland city has some some excellent visitor attractions including the waterfront, cafes, museums, galleries and parks. If you want to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city Waiheke island is a wonderful place to explore for a few days with beautiful hikes, bike rides, beaches, wildlife, restaurants and more. If you'd like to go and see Hobbiton, we recommend booking a day trip from Auckland at the start or finish of your trip as this is the easiest way to get there.

Auckland, The city of sails - Ainhoa Goenaga

Central North Island

As you make your way south from Auckland to Wellington through the central North Island there is a multitude of things to choose from such as experiencing an evening of Maori culture, exploring fantastic mountain bike trails, enjoying relaxing hot pools, exhilarating white water rafting, exploring Geothermal wonders, adrenaline pumping skydive, bungy or an extreme swing as well as one of NZ great walks, the Tongariro Crossing. There really is something for everyone!

Central Nth planetD

Tongariro Crossing - theplanetd.com

Wellington

Our capital city, Wellington is the starting and finishing point for some of our tours. This scenic city located on the shores of the Cook Strait is the departure/arrival point for the South Island and the scenic ferry crossing to/from Picton through the Marlborough Sounds. Home to New Zealand’s national museum Te Papa, renowned for being innovative and fun it’s well worth a visit. Wellington also boasts stunning Botanical Gardens, Lord of the Ring tours and has a great cafe culture with shops aplenty.

WLG Tine2

Wellington Cable Car with views over the city - Tine Busshardt

Kaikoura

For those looking for the ultimate wildlife experience, look no further! The Kaikoura coast has wildlife aplenty, from playful dusky dolphins and NZ fur seals to the majestic humpback whales, board a boat or kayak and get amongst it. If you prefer to drop a line over and catch dinner then this coast offers great Deep Sea fishing also.

Felix Kogler Seal

Kaikoura seal resting in the sun - Felix Kogler

Otago & the Deep South

Scenery alert! Prepared to be wowed! With mountains galore and natural beauty abound, cruise Fiordland on the world famous Milford Sound boat cruise….this region is truly nature at its best!

Milford Michael Bluestone

Milford Sound boat cruise - Michael Bluestone

Queenstown

Otherwise known as The Adventure Capital of NZ this stunning idyllic lakeside town will get your blood pumping! Queenstown is the home of adventure sports and you will find something to satisfy every taste here. From fast river jetboating, skydiving, bungy and skydiving to white water rafting, horse riding or challenging mountain bike trails. We enjoy some time here to give you the chance to experience the best of it.

Anita Jerayaj

Skippers Canyon Jet - Anita Jerayaj

West Coast of South Island

If it’s ice glaciers you want to climb, fly over or learn about, Franz Josef Glacier on the West Coast is the place to do it. Along with the most stunning sunsets in the country the tranquility of this region combines with the rugged open ocean on one side and lush rainforest on the other making it a perfect nature experience offering river canoeing and river paddle boarding.

Fox Glacier Hiking Derek B

Franz Josef Guided Heli Hike - Derek B

Nelson region - top of the South Island

Located at the top of the south island, this region boasts the most sunshine hours. We spend 2 nights and a full day here giving you time to explore our only coastal national park. The golden sands and clear waters set the perfect stage for sea kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding, nature tours or challenge yourself and jump, slide, abseil and zipline your way down a canyon! Just as stunning by air, get your blood pumping with a skydive, microlight flight or tandem hang glide, this region caters for every level of adventure.

AT SKydiving Tine Busshardt2

Abel Tasman Skydive - Tine Busshardt

Waitomo Caves - West Coast of North Island

In the central North Island, Waitomo is an area renowned for limestone caves, glow-worms, adventure and fun. Experience this wondrous underground world with awesome options to check out the glow-worms!

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Here is some of the top activities Flying Kiwi travellers choose to do...

Canyoning in the Abel Tasman

Canyoning in the Abel Tasman
This is one of our most popular activities that will test your personal limits, canyoning on the Torrent River!As long as you can swim, are up for an adventure and enjoy challenging yourself and havin...

Kayaking in New Zealand

Kayaking in New Zealand
Sea Kayaking in New Zealand is one of the most popular adventure activities and it is easy to see why!Surrounded by so much water, and such a varied coastline, one is spoilt for choice. We have such a...

New Zealand Maori Culture

New Zealand Maori Culture
You can have a taster of NZ Maori culture in Rotorua, the North Island.Embrace our History and Culture:Watch our stories unfold through the dynamic scenes of our warriors paddling down Wai-o-Whiro str...

Skydiving in New Zealand

Skydiving in New Zealand
Skydiving is an amazing, unique, adventure activity. More and more people are taking up the challenge and finding it a very addictive thrill!Its one of those once in a lifetime opportunities with a gu...

Glacier Hiking in New Zealand

Glacier Hiking in New Zealand
One of the most stunning natural wonders of New Zealand has to be the Glaciers and Glacier Hiking is top on the list for many visitors.The Franz Josef Glacier is a staggering beautiful work of nature ...

Dolphin Swimming in New Zealand

Dolphin Swimming in New Zealand
Nothing can quite match the feeling you get when dolphin swimming and the bond you will enjoy when taking this unique opportunity to swim with dolphins in the wild. The activity is available commercia...

River Rafting in New Zealand

River Rafting in New Zealand
White Water river rafting in New Zealand is certainly a great way to get an adrenaline rush. It also allows you access to view spectacular and remote parts of the country many others never get the opp...

Sailing Options in New Zealand

Sailing Options in New Zealand
For those who want to feel the wind in their hair, be outside, see great nature and simply lift the feet up and relax.... here a few sailing options in New Zealand.Sailing in Abel Tasman National Park...

Milford Sound Cruise in New Zealand

Milford Sound Cruise in New Zealand
One of the most stunning natural wonders is the Milford Sound Cruise in New Zealand. Most of our South Island trips visit this spectacular spot and the drive there is one of the highlights.Milford Sou...

Hobbiton

Visiting Middle EarthA must do for all Lord of the Ring fans is a visit to Hobbiton in central North Island.You’re in New Zealand on tour and you are on your way to Rotorua but somewhere in the rural ...