As the adventure tourism capital of the world, New Zealand has a large variety of extreme and unusual activities to try.
© Speedfighter17 | Dreamstime
Skydiving
New Zealand has a lot of skydiving schools, making this one of the best places to try a tandem skydive. Jumping out of the plane will also get you one of the best views of the country, seeing everything from snowcapped mountains to peaceful beaches.
© Mark Ward | Dreamstime
Jet Boating
Unlike traditional boats, these utilize jet propulsion by drawing water from underneath and shooting it out with a pump. Sir William Hamilton developed the technology in 1954 to navigate the shallow rivers of New Zealand. Today, thrill-seeking tourists come to Shotover Canyon for a high-speed ride through the river.
© 2il org | Flickr
Black Water Caving
It’s not exactly extreme, but black water caving is one of the earliest tourist ventures in New Zealand. Participants get to ride on an inner tube through Waitomo’s underwater river, relaxing underneath the light of the cave’s bioluminescent glowworms.
© Alexandra1977 | Dreamstime
Bungee Jumping
A.J. Hacket brought the practice over from the indigenous tribes of Pentecost Island, where men would jump off tall wooden platforms with vines tied around their feet. Hackett started the first commercial bungee company in 1988, jumping off the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge.
© 3quarks | Dreamstime
Zorbing
This one might be the most unusual. Zorbs are essentially hamster balls for people. The double-sectioned orbs of flexible plastic allow riders to navigate on flat ground and go on an adrenaline-filled tumble down hill.
Read This Next
Under $100: Christchurch
Australia
Aug 19, 2015#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedAre You Ready for the Final Switch to Real ID?
Yesterday, TSA began enforcing new identification guidelines, a change that’s been a long-time coming. Now, travelers must show a REAL ID-compliant, state-issued ID in order to fly on domestic flights, in lieu of a non-compliant driver’s license (some other forms of identification, such as passports, will still be acceptable).
Sponsored Content
AmaWaterways’ Specialty River Cruises
When you embark on a river cruise with award-winning AmaWaterways, unpack once and step aboard a world of unparalleled experiences. With enriching excursions, exquisite locally sourced food and wine, nightly entertainment and more included in the fare, you will learn why AmaWaterways has the most returning guests out of any river cruise line.
Destinations
May 8, 2025World’s Best Beaches 2025 Revealed
The list of the World’s 50 Best Beaches of 2025 was recently released, highlighting the best coastlines and beaches around the world as judged by more than 1,000 of the world’s leading travel professionals and influencers, as well as a panel of judges.
Destinations / Oceania
May 7, 2025Fiji Launches New Sustainability Initiative
Tourism Fiji recently launched a nationwide, 333-island initiative to inspire travelers to make a meaningful, positive impact on Fiji during their visits.
Hotel
May 7, 20257 WorldHotels Properties Prioritizing Wellness
WorldHotels boasts a collection of hotels and resorts around the world with diverse wellness offerings. Add these properties to your list for your next wellness getaway.
Hotel
May 7, 2025Anthropologie Partners with Philly Hotel to Debut Fully Shoppable Anthropologie Suite
Prolong that feeling of stepping into an Anthropologie store (you know, the iconic candles, home décor and stylish clothes) and sleep in an actual Anthropologie-themed suite. Hotel Anna & Bel in Philadelphia collaborated with Anthropologie Home to create The Anna Suite by Anthropologie Home, a two-bedroom retreat not only full of Anthropologie’s Spring 2025 items, but also fully shoppable.
ShareThis