Top New Zealand Outdoor Activities

Q: What are the best options for New Zealand Outdoor Activities?

According to verified reviews on Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor, the best New Zealand Outdoor Activities are: Milford Sound Scenic Flight with Landing from Queenstown Queenstown Lake Cruise to Walter Peak Farm with BBQ Buffet See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms West Coast Discovery Tour Bay of Islands Private Tour

Q: What are the best kid-friendly options for New Zealand Outdoor Activities Tours?

According to verified reviews on Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor, the best kid-friendly New Zealand Outdoor Activities are: Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience Huka Falls Jet Boat Ride in Taupo 60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown Small-Group Zipline Adventure in Queenstown View all kid-friendly Tours →

Q: Which New Zealand Outdoor Activities have Instant Confirmation?

New Zealand Outdoor Activities with Instant Confirmation include: Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience NZONE Skydive Queenstown Huka Falls Jet Boat Ride in Taupo 60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown View all Tours with Instant Confirmation →

Q: I need a ride! Which New Zealand Outdoor Activities have Hotel Pickup?

No problem. These New Zealand Outdoor Activities include Hotel Pickup: Rotorua White Water Rafting | Kaitiaki Adventures + Transport Premium Milford Sound Tour, Cruise & Lunch from Te Anau Queenstown: Pilot's Choice Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing Mt Cook & Tekapo Small-Group Tour from Christchurch with lunch Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch View all Tours with Hotel Pickup →

Q: Got any more New Zealand trip ideas?

We sure do. Check out our curated lists of hand-picked New Zealand Tours. Top 10 New Zealand 2026 Senior-friendly tours New Zealand The best tours and activities for culture lovers in New Zealand Top Day Trips from New Zealand Things to do in New Zealand this summer View all New Zealand Trip Ideas →

Q: What are the most popular styles of Tours and Activities in New Zealand?

Based on our sales data over the past year, the most popular styles of tours and activities in New Zealand are: New Zealand Luxury & Special Occasions New Zealand Luxury Tours New Zealand Tours & Sightseeing New Zealand Outdoor Activities New Zealand Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours View all tour styles in New Zealand →

Milford Sound Scenic Flight with Landing from Queenstown

Don’t miss out on a spectacular scenic flight with Air Milford to Milford Sound and back. This tour is perfect for those who have already …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (27)

Milford Sound Scenic Flight with Landing from Queenstown

Don’t miss out on a spectacular scenic flight with Air Milford to Milford Sound and back. This tour is perfect for those who have already...

5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (27)

from
$440

Queenstown Lake Cruise to Walter Peak Farm with BBQ Buffet

Cruise across Lake Whakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Board the Spirit of Queenstown, a modern catamaran with a licensed bar where you can …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.6 (26)

Queenstown Lake Cruise to Walter Peak Farm with BBQ Buffet

Cruise across Lake Whakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Board the Spirit of Queenstown, a modern catamaran with a licensed bar where you can...

3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.6 (26)

from
$96

We’ve been tracking and monitoring a thriving colony of bush glow worms for a while now and they are magnificent, strange and magical all at …More

Auckland, New Zealand

4.8 (28)

See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms

We’ve been tracking and monitoring a thriving colony of bush glow worms for a while now and they are magnificent, strange and magical all at...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (28)

from
$83

Discover New Zealand’s iconic Piha Beach on our West Coast Discovery tour! Starting with a pick-up from the 4 hotels listed in Auckland CBD, enjoy …More

Auckland, New Zealand

5.0 (50)

West Coast Discovery Tour

Discover New Zealand’s iconic Piha Beach on our West Coast Discovery tour! Starting with a pick-up from the 4 hotels listed in Auckland CBD, enjoy...

6 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (50)

from
$126

Escape Auckland and travel north through the scenic landscapes of Northland to the spectacular Bay of Islands. Upon arrival in Paihia, board a comfortable catamaran …More

Auckland, New Zealand

4.7 (19)

Bay of Islands Private Tour

Escape Auckland and travel north through the scenic landscapes of Northland to the spectacular Bay of Islands. Upon arrival in Paihia, board a comfortable catamaran...

12 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.7 (19)

from
$546

Lake Tekapo Ultimate Stargazing Experience

Enjoy a 2-hour stargazing experience with an experienced guide. We keep the tour to a maximum of 10pax adults for best experience. Learn about the …More

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

5.0 (16)

Lake Tekapo Ultimate Stargazing Experience

Enjoy a 2-hour stargazing experience with an experienced guide. We keep the tour to a maximum of 10pax adults for best experience. Learn about the...

2 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (16)

from
$126

Explore BLACK SAND PIHA BEACH, and Water Falls in West Auckland

West Coast Wonders – 4 Hours Scenic Tour from Auckland CBD - Piha Beach - Kitekite Falls Leave the city behind and immerse yourself in …More

Auckland, New Zealand

4.8 (54)

Explore BLACK SAND PIHA BEACH, and Water Falls in West Auckland

West Coast Wonders – 4 Hours Scenic Tour from Auckland CBD - Piha Beach - Kitekite Falls Leave the city behind and immerse yourself in...

4 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.8 (54)

from
$111

Full Day Kayak & Walk Tour-Queen Charlotte Sound & Link Pathway

This adventure combo is without a doubt, one of the best ways to experience the Marlborough Sounds. On your full day kayak and walking tour …More

Picton, New Zealand

5.0 (27)

Full Day Kayak & Walk Tour-Queen Charlotte Sound & Link Pathway

This adventure combo is without a doubt, one of the best ways to experience the Marlborough Sounds. On your full day kayak and walking tour...

8 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (27)

from
$86

Queenstown Helicopter Tour: Glacier Landing and Scenic Views

Take to the skies above Queenstown and land on a remote glacier blanketed in snow for a true alpine adventure. Experience the stunning vistas of …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (18)

Queenstown Helicopter Tour: Glacier Landing and Scenic Views

Take to the skies above Queenstown and land on a remote glacier blanketed in snow for a true alpine adventure. Experience the stunning vistas of...

50 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (18)

from
$508

Coromandel Adventure and Wildlife Boat Tour to Aldermen Islands

Join the only tour that takes you out to the remote Aldermen Islands Marine Reserve and experience one of New Zealand's most exclusive wildlife adventures. …More

Coromandel, New Zealand

5.0 (22)

Coromandel Adventure and Wildlife Boat Tour to Aldermen Islands

Join the only tour that takes you out to the remote Aldermen Islands Marine Reserve and experience one of New Zealand's most exclusive wildlife adventures....

2 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (22)

from
$112

Milford Sound Cruise with Live Nature Guide and Hot Drinks

Join your longest and most immersive Milford Sound cruise, giving you over two hours to experience everything that makes this destination famous around the world. …More

Fiordland & Milford Sound, New Zealand

4.9 (21)

Milford Sound Cruise with Live Nature Guide and Hot Drinks

Join your longest and most immersive Milford Sound cruise, giving you over two hours to experience everything that makes this destination famous around the world....

2 hours 15 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (21)

from
$114

Haruru Waterfalls, Glowworm Caves & Waitangi Lookout Express Tour

Explore the enchanting Kawiti Glow Worm Caves on this captivating tour from Paihia. Begin your journey with a scenic 30-minute drive, enriched by local insights …More

Bay of Islands, New Zealand

4.9 (19)

Haruru Waterfalls, Glowworm Caves & Waitangi Lookout Express Tour

Explore the enchanting Kawiti Glow Worm Caves on this captivating tour from Paihia. Begin your journey with a scenic 30-minute drive, enriched by local insights...

3 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (19)

from
$100

Tandem Skydive 18,000ft from Franz Josef

Skydive amongst mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and ocean views. Skydive Franz has New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook and the biggest glaciers Fox and Franz …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

4.7 (29)

Tandem Skydive 18,000ft from Franz Josef

Skydive amongst mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and ocean views. Skydive Franz has New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook and the biggest glaciers Fox and Franz...

3 hours Free Cancellation

4.7 (29)

from
$454

Explore Tekapo's backcountry wilderness on a Scenic 4WD Tour, offering private access into some of The Mackenzie's most beautiful High Country Stations. Discover the best …More

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

4.9 (77)

Scenic 4WD Tour Lake Tekapo Backcountry

Explore Tekapo's backcountry wilderness on a Scenic 4WD Tour, offering private access into some of The Mackenzie's most beautiful High Country Stations. Discover the best...

3 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (77)

from
$241

Private Waimangu Steaming Cliffs Kayak Tour

Lake Rotomahana is believed to be where the famous Pink and White terraces are buried and Waimangu Volcanic Valley is home to the world's youngest …More

Rotorua, New Zealand

4.9 (34)

Private Waimangu Steaming Cliffs Kayak Tour

Lake Rotomahana is believed to be where the famous Pink and White terraces are buried and Waimangu Volcanic Valley is home to the world's youngest...

5 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (34)

from
$215

Routeburn Guided Nature Trail - Half Day

Experience the natural beauty of the Glenorchy region on a relaxed half-day journey from Queenstown to the Routeburn Nature Loop. Travel alongside Lake Whakatipu through …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.6 (16)

Routeburn Guided Nature Trail - Half Day

Experience the natural beauty of the Glenorchy region on a relaxed half-day journey from Queenstown to the Routeburn Nature Loop. Travel alongside Lake Whakatipu through...

4 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.6 (16)

from
$162

Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves from Auckland - Smaller Group

Choose FlexiToursNZ for a smaller group. We put less seats in our vehicles than factory standard and only 3 seats in the back row. Pay …More

Auckland, New Zealand

4.9 (39)

Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves from Auckland - Smaller Group

Choose FlexiToursNZ for a smaller group. We put less seats in our vehicles than factory standard and only 3 seats in the back row. Pay...

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (39)

from
$294

Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch

Experience the natural treasures of New Zealand on a whale-watching cruise from the picturesque town of Kaikoura. Look for the mighty Sperm Whales that live …More

Kaikoura, New Zealand

4.6 (180)

Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch

Experience the natural treasures of New Zealand on a whale-watching cruise from the picturesque town of Kaikoura. Look for the mighty Sperm Whales that live...

11 hours Hotel pickup offered

4.6 (180)

from
$224

Franz Josef to Christchurch Small-Group Tour via Hokitika (1-way)

Travel from the wild beauty of the West Coast to the Garden City of Christchurch on this unforgettable small group, fully guided day trip. Journey …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

4.9 (34)

Franz Josef to Christchurch Small-Group Tour via Hokitika (1-way)

Travel from the wild beauty of the West Coast to the Garden City of Christchurch on this unforgettable small group, fully guided day trip. Journey...

12 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (34)

from
$165

Mt Cook to Christchurch One-Way Small Group Tour via Lake Tekapo

Mt Cook to Christchurch Small Group Tour Via Lake Tekapo (1 way), this small group, fully-guided transfer means you can travel in style while seeing …More

Aoraki Mount Cook (Mount Cook Village), New Zealand

4.6 (18)

Mt Cook to Christchurch One-Way Small Group Tour via Lake Tekapo

Mt Cook to Christchurch Small Group Tour Via Lake Tekapo (1 way), this small group, fully-guided transfer means you can travel in style while seeing...

5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.6 (18)

from
$96

Frequently Asked Questions

These answers are based on answers previously given to Cool Shore Excursions customers' questions.

What are the best options for New Zealand Outdoor Activities?

What are the best kid-friendly options for New Zealand Outdoor Activities Tours?

Which New Zealand Outdoor Activities have Instant Confirmation?

Which New Zealand Outdoor Activities have Free Cancellation?

New Zealand Outdoor Activities with Free Cancellation (in most cases up to 24 hours in advance of your tour date, check the specific tour page) include:

View all Tours with Free Cancellation →

I need a ride! Which New Zealand Outdoor Activities have Hotel Pickup?

Got any more New Zealand trip ideas?

What are the most popular styles of Tours and Activities in New Zealand?