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: [PRIVATE] Haka to Waves Auckland West Coast Journey Mt. Hay Farm Experience Genuine Country Farming(Carbon Positive) Waitomo Glow Worm Caves & Te Puia - Rotorua's Geothermal Valley Franz Josef to Wanaka Small-Group Tour (One-Way) Includes Lunch Private 3-Hour Fishing Charter

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 →

[PRIVATE] Haka to Waves Auckland West Coast Journey

1. Feel the Power of a Māori Haka Start your journey with a captivating Māori cultural performance, including the iconic Haka—a display of strength, unity, …More

Auckland, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

[PRIVATE] Haka to Waves Auckland West Coast Journey

1. Feel the Power of a Māori Haka Start your journey with a captivating Māori cultural performance, including the iconic Haka—a display of strength, unity,...

7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$292

Mt. Hay Farm Experience Genuine Country Farming(Carbon Positive)

Discover the Mt. Hay Farm Experience, where New Zealand’s high-country farming heritage comes alive! Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Lake Tekapo, this authentic farm …More

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

4.0 (2)

Mt. Hay Farm Experience Genuine Country Farming(Carbon Positive)

Discover the Mt. Hay Farm Experience, where New Zealand’s high-country farming heritage comes alive! Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Lake Tekapo, this authentic farm...

1 hour Free Cancellation

4.0 (2)

from
$57

Waitomo Glow Worm Caves & Te Puia - Rotorua's Geothermal Valley

Experience two iconic destinations in one unforgettable day with a full-day trip! Your adventure begins with pick-up from the 4 hotels listed in Auckland CBD, …More

Auckland, New Zealand

5.0 (13)

Waitomo Glow Worm Caves & Te Puia - Rotorua's Geothermal Valley

Experience two iconic destinations in one unforgettable day with a full-day trip! Your adventure begins with pick-up from the 4 hotels listed in Auckland CBD,...

13 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (13)

from
$263

Franz Josef to Wanaka Small-Group Tour (One-Way) Includes Lunch

Experience the ultimate 1 way adventure from Franz Josef to Wanaka. Our small group, fully-guided tour takes you from Franz Josef along the beautiful West …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

5.0 (4)

Franz Josef to Wanaka Small-Group Tour (One-Way) Includes Lunch

Experience the ultimate 1 way adventure from Franz Josef to Wanaka. Our small group, fully-guided tour takes you from Franz Josef along the beautiful West...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (4)

from
$142

Wanaka fishing charters offer a distinctive angling experience set against the breathtaking backdrop of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. The pristine waters of Lake Wānaka and …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Private 3-Hour Fishing Charter

Wanaka fishing charters offer a distinctive angling experience set against the breathtaking backdrop of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. The pristine waters of Lake Wānaka and...

3 hours

5.0 (2)

from
$920

[PRIVATE] Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach

**Discover the Magic of Coromandel: Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach Tour** Embark on a journey to two of New Zealand’s most enchanting destinations! Start …More

Auckland, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

[PRIVATE] Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach

**Discover the Magic of Coromandel: Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach Tour** Embark on a journey to two of New Zealand’s most enchanting destinations! Start...

11 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$367

Raceline Karting is NZ’s premier karting adventure it is New Zealand's newest and longest state of the art outdoor KartSport circuit.Situated at the Rotorua International …More

Rotorua, New Zealand

5.0 (6)

Raceline Karting at Off Road NZ

Raceline Karting is NZ’s premier karting adventure it is New Zealand's newest and longest state of the art outdoor KartSport circuit.Situated at the Rotorua International...

10 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (6)

from
$48

Waiheke Island Private Double Headland Walk

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

Waiheke Island, New Zealand

5.0 (8)

Waiheke Island Private Double Headland Walk

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

5 hours

5.0 (8)

from
$411

Waiheke Island Private Forest Bathing Walk

Our accredited nature and forest therapy guide will lead your group through a series of invitations to deliberately slow down, and to become present and …More

Waiheke Island, New Zealand

5.0 (4)

Waiheke Island Private Forest Bathing Walk

Our accredited nature and forest therapy guide will lead your group through a series of invitations to deliberately slow down, and to become present and...

3 hours

5.0 (4)

from
$271

Private Dunedin & Otago Peninsula Tours Up to 4 people

We are local Dunedin Tour operators with 10 years of business experience focus on the customized Private Tours around Dunedin area and beyond. We offer …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

4.9 (13)

Private Dunedin & Otago Peninsula Tours Up to 4 people

We are local Dunedin Tour operators with 10 years of business experience focus on the customized Private Tours around Dunedin area and beyond. We offer...

7 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (13)

from
$511

Akaroa Private Day Trip From Christchurch

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Embark on a memorable 6-hour Akaroa day trip from Christchurch, where you’ll have the opportunity to discover New Zealand’s stunning volcanic …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (15)

Akaroa Private Day Trip From Christchurch

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Embark on a memorable 6-hour Akaroa day trip from Christchurch, where you’ll have the opportunity to discover New Zealand’s stunning volcanic...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (15)

from
$687

Tarawera Raft Park Rafting Adventure Rotorua

The Tarawera River is one of New Zealand’s most unique and accessible rafting destinations. With crystal-clear water, and dramatic scenery, it’s perfect for both first-time …More

5.0 (2)

Tarawera Raft Park Rafting Adventure Rotorua

The Tarawera River is one of New Zealand’s most unique and accessible rafting destinations. With crystal-clear water, and dramatic scenery, it’s perfect for both first-time...

2 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$78

Christchurch To Kaikoura Whale Watch Tour (Including Ticket)

Explore the breathtaking coastal beauty of Kaikoura on this full-day adventure. Witness majestic sperm whales and playful dolphins in their natural habitats while enjoying spectacular …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (14)

Christchurch To Kaikoura Whale Watch Tour (Including Ticket)

Explore the breathtaking coastal beauty of Kaikoura on this full-day adventure. Witness majestic sperm whales and playful dolphins in their natural habitats while enjoying spectacular...

8 to 10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (14)

from
$143

You Choose the Itinerary Dunedin Full Day 6hrs

Private Transport option with a flexible itinerary to suit your interests - SEE THE BEST SPOTS OF YOUR CHOOSING! …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

You Choose the Itinerary Dunedin Full Day 6hrs

Private Transport option with a flexible itinerary to suit your interests - SEE THE BEST SPOTS OF YOUR CHOOSING!...

5 to 7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$1,204

Kawiti Family Glowworm Caves Guided Tour in Bay of Islands

Explore the enchanting Kawiti Family Glowworm Caves on a guided tour led by knowledgeable Māori guides. Experience the mesmerizing sight of thousands of glowworms illuminating …More

Bay of Islands, New Zealand

4.1 (17)

Kawiti Family Glowworm Caves Guided Tour in Bay of Islands

Explore the enchanting Kawiti Family Glowworm Caves on a guided tour led by knowledgeable Māori guides. Experience the mesmerizing sight of thousands of glowworms illuminating...

2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.1 (17)

from
$89

Dunedin to Queenstown 1-Way Day Tour with Taieri Gorge Railway

This isn’t just a journey, it’s a story unfolding across gold rush trails, highland outposts, and cinematic landscapes. Travelling from Dunedin to Queenstown with Cheeky …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

4.6 (16)

Dunedin to Queenstown 1-Way Day Tour with Taieri Gorge Railway

This isn’t just a journey, it’s a story unfolding across gold rush trails, highland outposts, and cinematic landscapes. Travelling from Dunedin to Queenstown with Cheeky...

9 hours Free Cancellation

4.6 (16)

from
$170

Invercargill to Dunedin via the Catlins Small Group 1 Way Tour

Discover New Zealand’s wild southern coast on a full-day tour from Invercargill to Dunedin. Traverse the stunning Catlins region, where ancient forests meet dramatic coastlines. …More

Invercargill, New Zealand

4.7 (11)

Invercargill to Dunedin via the Catlins Small Group 1 Way Tour

Discover New Zealand’s wild southern coast on a full-day tour from Invercargill to Dunedin. Traverse the stunning Catlins region, where ancient forests meet dramatic coastlines....

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.7 (11)

from
$142

Rotorua to Auckland 1-Way Transfer Via Taupo and Hamilton Gardens

This one-way small group tour from Rotorua to Auckland is a journey through New Zealand's stunning landscapes and geothermal wonders. Witness the Lady Knox Geyser …More

Rotorua, New Zealand

5.0 (4)

Rotorua to Auckland 1-Way Transfer Via Taupo and Hamilton Gardens

This one-way small group tour from Rotorua to Auckland is a journey through New Zealand's stunning landscapes and geothermal wonders. Witness the Lady Knox Geyser...

11 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (4)

from
$175

Te Anau to Queenstown via Milford Sound Tour with Cruise & Lunch

Explore the stunning landscapes of Fiordland National Park on this premium small group tour from Te Anau to Queenstown, featuring a boutique cruise on Milford …More

Te Anau, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Te Anau to Queenstown via Milford Sound Tour with Cruise & Lunch

Explore the stunning landscapes of Fiordland National Park on this premium small group tour from Te Anau to Queenstown, featuring a boutique cruise on Milford...

10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$212

Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton

Cruise from Picton Harbour to Motuara Island and beyond to see rare native birds and other wildlife on this 4.5-hour boat excursion. Spend time exploring …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.2 (36)

Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton

Cruise from Picton Harbour to Motuara Island and beyond to see rare native birds and other wildlife on this 4.5-hour boat excursion. Spend time exploring...

4 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.2 (36)

from
$69

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?