Top 5 Adventures in New Zealand

Australian travel enthusiasts will be happy to know that one of the fastest growing adventure destinations is located so close. New Zealand offers a host of adventure travel options. Read on for some of Cover-More’s must-experience activities.

Zorbing

This Kiwi adventure sport sends you rolling down a hill encased in a plastic ball. Not for the faint of stomach, zorbing is an authentically New Zealand pastime. Enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of tumbling full speed down a hill, and living to tell the tale.

Where to go

Book a group trip through ZORB, located in Ngongotaha – approximately 220 km from Auckland and 55 km from Tauranga. Tickets start around $35.

Skiing

The South Island contains nine easily-accessible commercial ski fields while the North Island contains the country’s only skiable volcano. No matter where you ski, you’re guaranteed dramatic, snow-capped scenery and diverse slopes.

Where to go

• Cardrona Alpine Resort - Located 58 km from Queenstown and 34 km from Wanaka, Cardrona offers consistently good weather conditions. The resort offers a variety of slopes for all skill levels. Day passes start at $89 for adults and $46 for children.
• Mt Hutt Ski Resort - With 365 hectares of skiable area, Mt Hutt is one of the largest ski areas in the South Island. This ski resort is located about 100 km from Christchurch. Day lift passes start from $86 for adults and $48 for youths. Children (age 10 and younger) ski free.
• Turoa Ski Area - Great for skiers of all skill levels, Turoa is located on one of three active volcanos that comprise Tongariro National Park. Located 350 km from Auckland, Turoa offers all mountain day lift passes starting at $89 for adults and $53 for children.

Black Water Rafting

The limestone Waitomo Glow Worm caves are home to The Legendary Black Water Rafting Company, New Zealand’s first black water rafting trip operator. Enjoy a guided tour of the glow worm caves while learning from your expert guide.

Where to go

Book a trip through The Legendary Black Water Rafting Company. Recommended trips include Black Abyss, Black Labyrinth and Black Odyssey. Tour prices range from $113-$203.

Bungy Jumping

Plunge hundreds of metres while taking in the breathtaking New Zealand scenery. Bungy jumping has become a near rite of passage for New Zealand tourists, and the country is often referred to as ‘the home of bungy’.

Where to go

• Nevis Bungy - New Zealand’s highest bungy – 134 meters – is perfect for daredevils. Prices for the plunge range from $235-$340, or $45 to spectate. Trips to the mountain depart every hour, 365 days per year from central Queenstown.
• Auckland Harbour Bridge - Jumping off the city’s famous Harbour Bridge will run $135 for adults and $108 for children (kids 10 and over may jump), or $18 to spectate.

Mountain Biking

The continuously-expanding network of cycling trails in New Zealand will give you an opportunity to view the country’s breathtaking scenery. If you’ve never been mountain biking before, you’ll get a chance to break in your bike seat almost immediately. The trails range from beginner level all the way up to difficult trails with scrambling and steep inclines/declines.

Where to go

Less experienced riders will enjoy both the Otago Central Rail Trail and Nelson’s Great Taste Trail, while mountain biking experts will enjoy the technical skill needed for the Queenstown Bike Park. Generally popular mountain biking destinations include Rotorua, Taupo, Queenstown and Wellington.

No matter which adventure you choose to embark on in New Zealand, it is important to do your research and take precautions. Cover-More Travel Insurance provides adventure plans that fit every need. Whether you are bungy jumping or zorbing, we can help you choose the best travel insurance cover for you.

Image courtesy of Flickr user Clare.