Land Activities

New Zealand’s major drawcard is its stunning and diverse landscape and there are a myriad of ways to experience the jaw-dropping New Zealand scenery.

Hike New Zealand’s national parks, go skiing, biking or golfing. Whichever activity you’re interested in, you can choose eco-friendly options with New Zealand activity operators who do their utmost to ensure the least environmental impact when you take part in your New Zealand land activity. 

Walking, Hiking & Tramping

Fourteen magnificent New Zealand national parks plus an array of other protected landscapes are waiting to be discovered by you. Walking and hiking are popular NZ land activities and you can choose from garden strolls or forest walks and coastal hikes. Pull on your hiking boots and explore New Zealand on an independent hike or a guided walk. New Zealand’s Great Walks are the country’s best-known hiking trails and range from the beachside Abel Tasman Coast Track and volcanic Tongariro Northern Circuit to rainforest-clad Heaphy Track and New Zealand’s best-known walking track, Milford Track in Fiordland National Park. Around New Zealand’s cities and their doorsteps you’ll also find shorter themed walks, waterfront walks and beautiful garden and scenic walks.

Mountaineering, Trekking & Climbing

It was Kiwi Sir Edmund Hillary who first conquered Mount Everest, and so it’s no wonder mountaineering and climbing are popular New Zealand land activities. You can join a guided summit ascent or multi-day trekking trip, book a NZ mountain climbing lesson, rock climbing class or abseiling course, or go on a challenging mountaineering expedition. Conquer New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook, go mountaineering in the volcanic landscapes of the central North Island or explore the stunning Mount Aspiring National Park near Wanaka.

Horse Trekking

Horse riding and horse trekking expeditions are a great way to explore New Zealand’s landscapes in peace and quiet. There are half-day, full-day and multi-day guided horse trekking adventures on offer, and New Zealand horse trek operators cater for all levels and abilities. Your equipment, including camping gear and hard hats, will be provided – all you have to do is get in the saddle and ride on across New Zealand’s high country, beaches and farmland, and spend your nights at idyllic New Zealand farm stays, home stays or remote camping spots! Horses will be matched to the rider according to temperament and size, making a horse trekking adventure suitable for the whole family. Some of the best New Zealand horse treks lead through Otago’s gold mining settlements, the South Island’s high country tussock grasslands, the volcanic plateau’s highlands and the North Island’s sandy beaches. 

Mountain Biking & Cycling

Whether you’re into mountain biking or laid-back cycling trips, New Zealand’s cycle tracks and varied terrain offer something for all levels and abilities. New Zealanders are keen cyclists and many visitors choose to travel the entire country by bike. Bicycles and mountain bikes are readily available for hire, and you’ll find numerous cycle tours ranging from half-day sightseeing cycle tours to multi-day mountain bike trips. Mountain bikers love the expansive mountain bike tracks around Rotorua, while the 150-kilometre Otago Central Rail Trail is hugely popular amongst cyclists. New Zealand wine cycle tours have popped up all over the country, leading you through New Zealand’s stunning vineyard scenery. The most famous NZ wine cycle trail is the self-guided Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, encompassing Hawke’s Bay, Tararua, Wairarapa and Wellington in the North Island plus Marlborough in the South Island. Remember, though, that cyclists in New Zealand must wear helmets at all times. Competitive cyclists might want to plan their holiday around one of the major New Zealand cycling events, such as the Wattyl Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge or the Classic Hits WildCoaster. For more New Zealand cycling events keep an eye on the Sports & Outdoors section in Events.

Skiing, Snowboarding & Heli-skiing

New Zealand skiing and snowboarding is world-renowned. The New Zealand ski season usually runs from June to October, and you can choose from 26 commercial and club ski areas with opportunities for downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing and terrain parks for freestylers. All levels are catered for. NZ ski areas offer dedicated areas for learners and steep runs for advanced riders. Extreme skiers and snowboarders will relish the unique thrill of New Zealand heli-skiing in the most pristine locations. Get dropped off in the remotest backcountry by helicopter, and ski or snowboard anything from wide open basins of untracked snow to steep descents while experienced, mountain safety-trained guides ensure your safety. All you need is intermediate skiing ability, a reasonable level of fitness and a bit of courage! 

Ice Climbing

Away from the ski slopes you can have a go at ice climbing. The most popular spots for New Zealand ice climbing are the temperate-zone Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers on the South Island’s West Coast. Join a guided ice climbing excursion to explore the rivers of ice snaking through lush rainforest and leaving milky lakes! Other popular glaciers are Tasman Glacier plus Murchison, Darwin and Bonney Glaciers.

Hunting

New Zealand offers fine waterfowl and trophy hunting. A professional guide will provide you with the best local hunting knowledge, arrange hunting permits and ensure your safety. You can choose between hunting in the wild and safari ranch hunts. Guided New Zealand hunting expeditions give you the chance to access exclusive, private locations which are otherwise not accessible to the public. New Zealand big game species include Wapiti, Sika Deer, wild goats, bulls and pigs. Popular NZ hunting locations mainly focus on the South Island, including the West Coast, Central Otago and the Southern Alps. 

4WD

An action-packed way to explore New Zealand is by 4WD adventure. Quad bikes and 4WD vehicles are a popular option to get off the beaten track. Explore the river beds of Glacier Country by 4WD or cruise along the beaches of the North Island. At Hanmer Springs you can step it up a notch and book an experience in an all-terrain military Hagglund, bash through bush and conquer steep inclines, while in Rotorua you can choose from 4WD bush safaris, thrill rides and raceline karting. 

Caving & Canyoning

Other big adventures are caving and canyoning. Explore limestone caves and lava caves! The best-known New Zealand caves are the Waitomo Caves in the North Island, boasting stunning glow-worm-studded limestone formations. In northwest Nelson you’ll find alpine caves in marble mountains which form one of the world’s deepest and largest caving systems. You can join guided NZ caving expeditions, but remember that many require moderate to high levels of fitness. If you’re after a more laid-back experience, the Waitomo Caves are easily accessible. New Zealand canyoning is a magical but very wet underground experience. Climb, slide and swim New Zealand’s expansive caving systems around Auckland, Wanaka and Canterbury! 

Golfing

Take your pick from over 400 crowd-free New Zealand golf courses! Breathtaking international golf courses include Kauri Cliffs in Northland, Gulf Harbour Country Club north of Auckland, Clearwater Resort and Terrace Downs in Canterbury, and Millbrook Resort in Queenstown which all offer world-class golfing in unparalleled New Zealand scenery. The cliff-top golf course at Cape Kidnappers in Hawke’s Bay was rated the world’s best golf course by England’s Daily Telegraph in 2008! On top of international NZ golf courses, there is also an excellent range of inexpensive New Zealand golf courses scattered the length of the country. Even the smallest country golf course offers a tranquil way to unwind in a beautiful NZ landscape – and the fees are remarkably inexpensive. 

Sightseeing

Explore New Zealand’s cities by guided walk, take a tour of NZ museums and galleries or experience a wildlife encounter. New Zealand sightseeing trips range from short self-guided walks and day-long sightseeing expeditions to multi-day scenic bus tours. You can do your NZ sightseeing independently which offers maximum flexibility, however a local guide will make sure you don’t miss out on essential information and secret spots. For a different, uniquely New Zealand angle on your sightseeing trip, join a Maori guide who will give you a unique insight into Maori history and traditional culture.