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Optional Activities

New Zealand has long been established as the adventure captial 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 date of publication (aug-11).

> Everything is optional.  Try as much or as little adventure as you want.

> Group discount.  Travelling as a group means you get these activities cheaper than going independently.

> Our guides don't get commision. 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.

* A full list of all optional activities is shown at the bottom of this page.

SKYDIVING

 Cost: From $229

available on: 

All trips

There is time in the itinerary for a sky dive. The most poular places are over the Abel Tasman National Park in the south island or over Lake Taupo.  Click on the red text for more information about Skydiving in New Zealand.

MILFORD SOUND CRUISE

 Cost: From $70

available on: 

Ultimate Explorer, Grand Traverse, Summer Blast, Southern Light

The most popular of the optional activities. Take a three hour cruise on the stunning Milford Sound. Chances are you will see penguins and sNew Zealeals in their natural environment. Waterfalls cascade from the hill side and the views are fantastic. Click on the red text for more information about Milford Sound Cruise in New Zealand .

LORD OF THE RINGS

 Cost: From free

available on: 

All trips


Experience the real Middle Earth on all our trips. Walk in the footsteps of the stars and see stunning settings such as Mordor, The Shire, Edoras, Misty Mountains, Pillars of the Kings and much, much more.

GLACIER HIKING

 Cost: From $99

available on: 

Ultimate Explorer, Reverse Traverse, Summer Blast, Wild West

A not to be missed optional activity. A guided walk on the Fox Glacier. For the more adventurous you can take a Heli Hike on the Glacier Click on the red text here for more information about Glacier Hiking in New Zealand.

HORSE RIDING

Cost: From $139

available on: 

: Ultimate Explorer, Grand Traverse, Reverse Traverse, Summer Blast, Wild West, Southern Light

Take a half day horse trek, including a river crossing and a gallop along the beach on the West Coast of the South Island. Horse treks also available at Queenstown.

SEA KAYAKING

 Cost: From $75

available on: 

Ultimate Explorer, Reverse Traverse, Summer Blast, Wild West, Hot Rocks, Northern Wanderer, Beach It

Journey through the ancient waterways of navigators of old; paddle the same routes as early European sailing ships and maori waka. Experience the untouched, timeless beauty of the Abel Tasman - beautiful golden sandy beaches, bush-clad islands suspended in clear blue waters, all warmed by endless hours of Nelson sunshine. For more information click on the red text Sea Kayaking in New Zealand.

MAORI CONCERT

 Cost: From $60

available on: 

Ultimate Explorer, Reverse Traverse, Hot Rocks, Northern Wanderer, Beach It

Culture North's Treaty of Waitangi Night Show is an evening production on the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands. It combines Maori culture, live drama, sound and lights. You will enjoy history unfolding with the meeting of two cultures and the signing of New Zealand's founding document. The 1000 year old story is told through the eyes of a grandparent speaking with a grandchild.

WHALE WATCHING

 Cost: From $145

available on: 

Ultimate Explorer, Grand Traverse, Summer Blast, Southern Light

Get up close to the giant Sperm Whale which can grow up to 20 metres in length and has the largest brain of any animal alive. Enjoy a breathtaking adventure of a lifetime. The whales can be experienced either by boat of from a helicopter. For more information click on this red text about Whale watching in New Zealand.

WHITE WATER RAFTING

 Cost: From $165

available on: 

Ultimate Explorer, Grand Traverse, Reverse Traverse, Summer Blast, Southern Light, Hot Rocks, Northern Wanderer

If you want to experience some of the finest scenery at speed then this has to be a first choice. You get to truly exprience some amazing scenery and are guaranteed great fun with all those on board. For more information click on this red text about White Water Rafting in New Zealand

SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS

 Cost: From $180

available on: 

Ultimate Explorer, Grand Traverse, Reverse Traverse, Summer Blast, Southern Light, Hot Rocks, Northern Wanderer, Beach It

An awesome experience, get into the water with the dolphins. Available in either the Bay of Islands or Kaikoura.  For more information click on this red text about Dolphin Swimming in New Zealand.

WAKA TOUR

 Cost: From $75

available on: 

Ultimate ExplorerHot Rocks, Northern Wanderer, Beach It

An amazing experience and a true taste of Maori culture as you enjoy being part of the tribe and paddle a 50foot Waka and soak in geothermal mineral pools.  For more information click on this red text about Waka Tour in New Zealand

SURFING

 Cost: From $50

available on: 

Ultimate ExplorerHot Rocks, Northern Wanderer, Beach It,  Grand Traverse, Reverse Traverse, Hot Rocks, Northern Light, Northern Express

 

With miles of stunning coastline you will get plenty of chances to hang ten and try surfing on beautiful, uncrowded waves. There are a huge number of breaks to choose from but some of our most popular are in the warmer waters of the north island.  For more information click on this red text about Surfing in North Island, New Zealand

THE OGO

Cost: From $35

available on:

Ultimate Explorer, Reverse Traverse, Hot Rocks, Northern Wanderer

There is nothing quite like the feeling of being in a huge plastic ball. Its a fantastic exprerience and suitable for all fitness levels of all shapes and sizes. You can try it solo, with friends or even with water - however you decide to ride it, your guaranteed a unique experience.  

SKYDIVING

FULL LIST OF OPTIONAL ACTIVITIIES FOR BOTH ISLANDS:

 

NORTH ISLAND ACTIVITIES

Black Water Rafting from $105
Sailing Bay of Islands from $90
Waka Tour Haruru Falls from $75
Culture North -Treaty House from $60 (Shuttle $5)
Sea Kayaking Bay of Islands from $75 ½ day
Cape Reinga from $109
Diving Rainbow Warrior from $215 (incl. equipment)
Day in the Bay Cream Trip from $132 (incl. Dolphin Swim)        
Dolphin Eco Adventure from $122
Hole in the Rock Fast Boat from $92
Sand Boarding from $20
Sea Kayaking Coromandel from $75 – ½ day
'Zydro' Water zorb from $40 (Shuttle $5)
Zorbit from $59 (Shuttle $5)
Zorb experience from $110 (Shuttle $5)
Skyline Combo (Gondola, 2 Luge
rides and Skyswing)
from $50
Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland from $28.50
Polynesian Spa from $21
Taupo Skydive 12,000 ft from $249
15,000 ft from $339
Taupo Bungy from $123
Taupo Bungy (Tandem) from $246
Taupo Extreme Swing from $89
Taupo Bungy & Swing combo from $178
Tongariro River Rafting from $109
Transport Tongariro Crossing from $20

 

 

SOUTH ISLAND ACTIVITIES

Dolphin Swim from $165 + $10 (transport)
Whale Watch from $145
Rangitata Rafting from $165
Oamaru Penguins from $45
Speights Brewery from $17.60
Cadbury Factory from $18
Milford Boat Cruise from $70
Luxmore Jet Boat from $99
Glow Worm Caves Te Anau from $67
 

QUEENSTOWN

Wilkin River Jet boat from $85
Wilkin Heli Jet combo from $300
Guided Glacier Walk from $99 ½ day, $149 full day
Glacier Heli Hike from $399
Punakaiki Horse Trek from $135
Barrytown Knifemaking from $120
Paradise Safari 4wd LOTR Tour
from $125
Wilderness Guided Walks - Lakeview Trail
from $115
Shotover Canyon Swing
from $189
AJ Hackett Bungy - K-Bridge/Ledge
from $180
AJ Hackett Bungy - Nevis
from $260
The River Boarding Co.
from $149
Serious Fun River Surfing
from $159
12 Mile Delta Canyoning
from $165
Routeburn Canyoning ex QT
from $215
Challenge Rafting from $175
Challenge Heli-Rafting from $260
Shotover Jet from $119
Skippers Canyon Jet from $119
Nzone Skydiving 9,000ft from $269
Nzone Skydiving 12,000ft from $329
NZ Skydive 9,000ft from $245
NZ Skydive 12,000ft from $285
Elevation or Coronet Peak Paragliding from $180
Skytrek Hang Gliding from $199
Helicopter Line Remarks Landing from $135
High Country Horses 2hr ride from $125
Dart Stables 2hr ride from $139
Dart Stables Ride of the Rings from $159
Nomads Quad Safaris from $225
Break One Clay Target Challenge from $125
Climbing Queenstown from $170.10
Skyline Gondola & 6 luge rides from $45
Skyline Gondola, Lunch, & 5 Luge rides from $73
Skyline Gondola, Dinner & Kiwi Haka Show from $98

ABEL TASMAN

Sailing, full day from $140
Sail & Walk from $80
Sea Kayaking, 1 day guided from $100
Kayak & Sail, 1 day from $185
Water Taxi Abel Tasman from $35
Tandem Hang Gliding (30 min) from $140
Sky Diving – 9,000ft - $229
12,000ft - $279
13,000ft - $299
Pitts Special (Aerobatic flight) - from $285

 

adventure activities in new zealand