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: Waiheke Island Double Headland Coastal Walk Exclusive Sailing Charter from Waiheke Island Queenstown Hydro Attack Shark Ride Adventure ZIPCHCH - Single Zipline Long Ride: NZ's Longest Zipline 16,500ft Skydive over Abel Tasman with NZ's Most Epic Scenery

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 →

Waiheke Island Double Headland Coastal Walk

Experience the twin headlands of Matiatia and Church Bay on Waiheke Island, walking in a small group with an expert local guide. This walk consists …More

Waiheke Island, New Zealand

4.8 (50)

Waiheke Island Double Headland Coastal Walk

Experience the twin headlands of Matiatia and Church Bay on Waiheke Island, walking in a small group with an expert local guide. This walk consists...

5 hours

4.8 (50)

from
$255

Exclusive Sailing Charter from Waiheke Island

IMPORTANT: TO BOOK THIS CHARTER, PLEASE SET THE NUMBER OF TRAVELERS = 1. YOU CAN BRING UP TO 11 FRIENDS WITH YOU! Discover the outer …More

Waiheke Island, New Zealand

5.0 (28)

Exclusive Sailing Charter from Waiheke Island

IMPORTANT: TO BOOK THIS CHARTER, PLEASE SET THE NUMBER OF TRAVELERS = 1. YOU CAN BRING UP TO 11 FRIENDS WITH YOU! Discover the outer...

1 to 8 hours

5.0 (28)

from
$2,553

Queenstown Hydro Attack Shark Ride Adventure

A unique water adventure awaits you on Queenstown's stunning lake with our semi-submersible shark ride. Feel the rush as you reach speeds of 80 kph …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.7 (19)

Queenstown Hydro Attack Shark Ride Adventure

A unique water adventure awaits you on Queenstown's stunning lake with our semi-submersible shark ride. Feel the rush as you reach speeds of 80 kph...

15 minutes Free Cancellation

4.7 (19)

from
$114

ZIPCHCH - Single Zipline Long Ride: NZ's Longest Zipline

The 4th zipline, aka The Long Ride, is the longest in New Zealand at a whopping 1.1 kilometers! It’s the perfect option if you’re short …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.9 (23)

ZIPCHCH - Single Zipline Long Ride: NZ's Longest Zipline

The 4th zipline, aka The Long Ride, is the longest in New Zealand at a whopping 1.1 kilometers! It’s the perfect option if you’re short...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (23)

from
$56

16,500ft Skydive over Abel Tasman with NZ's Most Epic Scenery

Because the location is perfect, and our team puts everything into making it totally memorable – a tandem skydive with Skydive Abel Tasman is your …More

Motueka, New Zealand

5.0 (21)

16,500ft Skydive over Abel Tasman with NZ's Most Epic Scenery

Because the location is perfect, and our team puts everything into making it totally memorable – a tandem skydive with Skydive Abel Tasman is your...

2 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (21)

from
$311

Rotorua to Auckland Afternoon Transfer with Waitomo Glow Worms

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

Rotorua, New Zealand

4.4 (21)

Rotorua to Auckland Afternoon Transfer with Waitomo Glow Worms

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

7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.4 (21)

from
$190

Wellington City and Sea: Private 5-6 hr tour Lunch inclusive

Our guests enjoy travelling in the comfort and luxury of electric Tesla SUVs , with zero emissions. We provide a private tour for you, offering …More

Wellington, New Zealand

5.0 (32)

Wellington City and Sea: Private 5-6 hr tour Lunch inclusive

Our guests enjoy travelling in the comfort and luxury of electric Tesla SUVs , with zero emissions. We provide a private tour for you, offering...

5 to 6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (32)

from
$170

This tour offers an amazing fully-guided experience to complete your visit to Marlborough! Guided by enthusiastic Marine Biologists, you are sure to spot some rare …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.7 (28)

Captain Cook and Dolphin Cruise

This tour offers an amazing fully-guided experience to complete your visit to Marlborough! Guided by enthusiastic Marine Biologists, you are sure to spot some rare...

4 hours Free Cancellation

4.7 (28)

from
$100

Auckland: Rotorua, Taupo, Waiotapu & Huka Falls Private Trip

Highlight Rotorua & Taupo day tour from Auckland This tour is ideal for Couples , families ,and friends for private tour. Not with other group …More

Auckland, New Zealand

4.9 (39)

Auckland: Rotorua, Taupo, Waiotapu & Huka Falls Private Trip

Highlight Rotorua & Taupo day tour from Auckland This tour is ideal for Couples , families ,and friends for private tour. Not with other group...

11 to 12 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (39)

from
$430

This is a short tour by bus around some of the main attractions of Dunedin. It is aimed at cruise ship passengers but anyone can …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.8 (244)

Garden and City tour

This is a short tour by bus around some of the main attractions of Dunedin. It is aimed at cruise ship passengers but anyone can...

4 to 5 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (244)

from
$35

15,000ft Tandem Skydive in Tauranga - Bay of Plenty

Take the leap and Fall for Tauranga! You will start your experience with an incredible 20-25 minute scenic flight over the beautiful Bay of Plenty, …More

5.0 (322)

15,000ft Tandem Skydive in Tauranga - Bay of Plenty

Take the leap and Fall for Tauranga! You will start your experience with an incredible 20-25 minute scenic flight over the beautiful Bay of Plenty,...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (322)

from
$304

A magical day tour : Hobbiton, Blue Springs, and Waitomo Caves

Explore New Zealand's beautiful scenery on a unique one-day tour package! Immerse yourself in the magical world of Hobbiton Film Set, where the charm of …More

Auckland, New Zealand

4.9 (28)

A magical day tour : Hobbiton, Blue Springs, and Waitomo Caves

Explore New Zealand's beautiful scenery on a unique one-day tour package! Immerse yourself in the magical world of Hobbiton Film Set, where the charm of...

12 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (28)

from
$430

Albatross, seals, and sea birds-Wildlife Cruise

Small group tours, by Otago Harbour's most experienced skipper/guide! You wont find a wildlife guide with more experience on Otago harbour then owner/operator Rachel McGregor. …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.9 (203)

Albatross, seals, and sea birds-Wildlife Cruise

Small group tours, by Otago Harbour's most experienced skipper/guide! You wont find a wildlife guide with more experience on Otago harbour then owner/operator Rachel McGregor....

90 to 120 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (203)

from
$108

Jet Sprint Boating in Gibbston Valley, Queenstown

Learn how it feels to fly on the water. Literally. Take a ride in our unique custom-built 4-seater Jet Sprint Boats. Oxbow’s Jet Sprint Boats …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (16)

Jet Sprint Boating in Gibbston Valley, Queenstown

Learn how it feels to fly on the water. Literally. Take a ride in our unique custom-built 4-seater Jet Sprint Boats. Oxbow’s Jet Sprint Boats...

10 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (16)

from
$85

Arrowtown to Gibbston – Iconic Arrow River Bridges Bike Ride

The Arrowtown to Gibbston Ride is a great family-friendly cycling experience for those wanting a Half Day Adventure in Queenstown. This scenic undulating trail offers …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.7 (43)

Arrowtown to Gibbston – Iconic Arrow River Bridges Bike Ride

The Arrowtown to Gibbston Ride is a great family-friendly cycling experience for those wanting a Half Day Adventure in Queenstown. This scenic undulating trail offers...

4 hours Free Cancellation

4.7 (43)

from
$60

Golden Hills Horse Trek in Central Otago

Two hour Top Hill Trek This two-hour trek takes you through the breathtaking hills of Central Otago’s backcountry, where you’ll be treated to spectacular views …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (55)

Golden Hills Horse Trek in Central Otago

Two hour Top Hill Trek This two-hour trek takes you through the breathtaking hills of Central Otago’s backcountry, where you’ll be treated to spectacular views...

2 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (55)

from
$104

Bay of Islands Explorer Experience Small Group Tour From Auckland

Join us on a small group day tour from Auckland to explore the Bay of Islands. Enjoy the informative commentary as you cross the iconic …More

Auckland, New Zealand

4.9 (26)

Bay of Islands Explorer Experience Small Group Tour From Auckland

Join us on a small group day tour from Auckland to explore the Bay of Islands. Enjoy the informative commentary as you cross the iconic...

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (26)

from
$227

Discover the outer Hauraki Gulf aboard the 41-foot catamaran Pacific Star, with daily departures from Waiheke Island. We’ll stop at a pest-free island for a …More

Waiheke Island, New Zealand

5.0 (26)

Hauraki Gulf Eco Sailing Adventure

Discover the outer Hauraki Gulf aboard the 41-foot catamaran Pacific Star, with daily departures from Waiheke Island. We’ll stop at a pest-free island for a...

7 hours

5.0 (26)

from
$419

Small Group Southern Voyager 7 Days Tour

Journey through New Zealand's natural wonderland on a 7-day road trip through the South Island. Have the chance to explore some of the best spots …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (90)

Small Group Southern Voyager 7 Days Tour

Journey through New Zealand's natural wonderland on a 7-day road trip through the South Island. Have the chance to explore some of the best spots...

7 days

5.0 (90)

from
$1,322

Full Waimangu Experience - Walk & Cruise

Explore the geothermal valley in its entirety with the full Waimangu Experience. Discover New Zealand’s geothermal landscapes at your own pace on this independent Waimangu …More

Rotorua, New Zealand

4.8 (32)

Full Waimangu Experience - Walk & Cruise

Explore the geothermal valley in its entirety with the full Waimangu Experience. Discover New Zealand’s geothermal landscapes at your own pace on this independent Waimangu...

4 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (32)

from
$102

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?