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. 

Auckland, The city of sails - Ainhoa Goenaga

Bay of Islands

Being at the very top of the North Island, the Bay of Islands comes with a sub-tropical climate. You can enjoy beach and water activities (Sandboarding is a real favourite) go exploring one of the many nature walks, swim with dolphins, take a day trip to the very tip of New Zealand - Cape Reinga, learn to surf, kayak, scuba dive, horse ride, deep sea fish or take in some Maori culture…phew! The options are endless and you have a full day here to enjoy. 

Sandboarding on 90 Mile Beach - Felix Kogler

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 Kayaking, Hobbiton, Maori culture, fantastic mountain bike trails, hot pools, 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!

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.

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.

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, feel your adrenalin spike as you take on Grade 5 white water rafting river rapids, take a scenic horse ride through Peel Forest, learn to surf, cruise Fiordland on the Milford Sound boat cruise, test your endurance on one of NZ’s great hikes, the 3 day/2 night Routeburn Track….this region is truly nature at its best!

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.

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 quad bike riding, jade carving, horse riding, river canoeing and river paddle boarding.

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.

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 or go black water rafting.

Blackwater Rafting Waitomo Caves - Derek Craddock

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