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 Parasail Charter over the Bay of Islands Timaru Shore Excursions, Private Tour, Aoraki Adventure Glacier Galore Helicopter Scenic Flight from Milford Sound Fishing charter - Hauraki Gulf Tandem Skydive 10,000ft from Franz Josef

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 Parasail Charter over the Bay of Islands

• NEW ZEALAND'S HIGHEST & MOST EXPERIENCED PARASAILING COMPANY • Private Chartered Parasail trip for up to 12 people • We will pick you up …More

Bay of Islands, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

Private Parasail Charter over the Bay of Islands

• NEW ZEALAND'S HIGHEST & MOST EXPERIENCED PARASAILING COMPANY • Private Chartered Parasail trip for up to 12 people • We will pick you up...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$748

Timaru Shore Excursions, Private Tour, Aoraki Adventure

On your scenic drive to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park you will pass the famous cool aid looking Lake Pukaki and enjoy the view on New …More

Canterbury, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Timaru Shore Excursions, Private Tour, Aoraki Adventure

On your scenic drive to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park you will pass the famous cool aid looking Lake Pukaki and enjoy the view on New...

7 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$156

Glacier Galore Helicopter Scenic Flight from Milford Sound

Climb out from Milford and up past Harrison's Cove, see the Pembroke Glacier, alpine lakes and sheer cliffs dwarf the surrounding rivers before approaching the …More

Fiordland & Milford Sound, New Zealand

4.6 (5)

Glacier Galore Helicopter Scenic Flight from Milford Sound

Climb out from Milford and up past Harrison's Cove, see the Pembroke Glacier, alpine lakes and sheer cliffs dwarf the surrounding rivers before approaching the...

25 minutes Free Cancellation

4.6 (5)

from
$342

The Captain is a unique kiwi with a friendly and helpful disposition. Over the years I have been referred to as Captain Lozza and it’s …More

Auckland, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

Fishing charter - Hauraki Gulf

The Captain is a unique kiwi with a friendly and helpful disposition. Over the years I have been referred to as Captain Lozza and it’s...

6 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$1,438

Tandem Skydive 10,000ft 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

5.0 (4)

Tandem Skydive 10,000ft 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

5.0 (4)

from
$209

[PRIVATE] SUNSET. Wine. Hot Pool. Dinner

** Wine Tasting & Hot Poll all included ** Discover Auckland’s natural beauty, relaxation, and stunning views on this unforgettable tour. Start by unwinding at …More

Auckland, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

[PRIVATE] SUNSET. Wine. Hot Pool. Dinner

** Wine Tasting & Hot Poll all included ** Discover Auckland’s natural beauty, relaxation, and stunning views on this unforgettable tour. Start by unwinding at...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$264

RiverBug – the New Whitewater Adventure near Rotorua

• The 'Kiwi' invented Riverbug enables a safe and fun way for first-timers to enjoy whitewater in their own craft. Their small size and unique …More

5.0 (2)

RiverBug – the New Whitewater Adventure near Rotorua

• The 'Kiwi' invented Riverbug enables a safe and fun way for first-timers to enjoy whitewater in their own craft. Their small size and unique...

4 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$120

Lupin Flower Tour Through The Mackenzie's Stunning Landscapes. Journey with us through remote High Country Stations, which are private farms surrounded by rugged mountain ranges …More

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

Lupin Flowers Tour Lake Tekapo

Lupin Flower Tour Through The Mackenzie's Stunning Landscapes. Journey with us through remote High Country Stations, which are private farms surrounded by rugged mountain ranges...

3 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$241

Hauraki Gulf and City Scenic Flight | Auckland | (2 guest min.)

Take off from North Shore Airport or Waiheke Island and enjoy a scenic flight along the stunning east coast bays of the North Shore or …More

Auckland, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Hauraki Gulf and City Scenic Flight | Auckland | (2 guest min.)

Take off from North Shore Airport or Waiheke Island and enjoy a scenic flight along the stunning east coast bays of the North Shore or...

45 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$172

Auckland Region | Island Hopper Package Tour (2 Guests Minimum)

Embark on a unique multi-island adventure, exploring Auckland, Great Barrier Island, and Waiheke Island. Begin with a scenic flight from Auckland, soaring over the stunning …More

Auckland, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Auckland Region | Island Hopper Package Tour (2 Guests Minimum)

Embark on a unique multi-island adventure, exploring Auckland, Great Barrier Island, and Waiheke Island. Begin with a scenic flight from Auckland, soaring over the stunning...

1 day Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$627

Auckland Private City Highlights Tour 5hrs Sightseeing Experience

Discover the vibrant essence of New Zealand’s largest city on our captivating half-day Auckland tour! Led by an expert guide, immerse yourself in a small-group …More

Auckland, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Auckland Private City Highlights Tour 5hrs Sightseeing Experience

Discover the vibrant essence of New Zealand’s largest city on our captivating half-day Auckland tour! Led by an expert guide, immerse yourself in a small-group...

4 to 5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$199

ENJOY SHORT WALKS IN THE SUMMER? Take the time out to try your hand at Snowshoeing, among the snow and ice, and see for yourself …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (4)

Remarkables Alpine Guided Snowshoeing

ENJOY SHORT WALKS IN THE SUMMER? Take the time out to try your hand at Snowshoeing, among the snow and ice, and see for yourself...

4 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (4)

from
$132

The Boulders Scenic Half Day Float on the Rangitikei River

Whitecilffs Boulders are an eerie Boulder Garden sitting on the banks of the Rangitikei River. Lunching amongst these Boulders midway through a gentle drift down …More

5.0 (4)

The Boulders Scenic Half Day Float on the Rangitikei River

Whitecilffs Boulders are an eerie Boulder Garden sitting on the banks of the Rangitikei River. Lunching amongst these Boulders midway through a gentle drift down...

4 to 5 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (4)

from
$112

Ridgeway Disk Golf Robot Shooting Axe Throw

Ridgeway Play isn’t just another activity spot; it’s an interactive playground for all ages, combining fun, competition, and outdoor adventure in a stunning rural setting. …More

Canterbury, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Ridgeway Disk Golf Robot Shooting Axe Throw

Ridgeway Play isn’t just another activity spot; it’s an interactive playground for all ages, combining fun, competition, and outdoor adventure in a stunning rural setting....

4 hours

5.0 (2)

from
$852

3 Days, Glaciers & TranzAlpine: Christchurch to Queenstown

This immersive three-day journey combines one of the world's greatest scenic rail routes with the raw beauty of New Zealand's West Coast. Travelers glide through …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

3 Days, Glaciers & TranzAlpine: Christchurch to Queenstown

This immersive three-day journey combines one of the world's greatest scenic rail routes with the raw beauty of New Zealand's West Coast. Travelers glide through...

3 days

5.0 (2)

from
$966

40-minute Mt Fyffe Summit Heli Tour in Kaikoura

Experience the true beauty of Kaikoura and mountain top experience without the 4 hour hike. On a clear day the view stretches from the North …More

Kaikoura, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

40-minute Mt Fyffe Summit Heli Tour in Kaikoura

Experience the true beauty of Kaikoura and mountain top experience without the 4 hour hike. On a clear day the view stretches from the North...

40 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$238

Kaikoura Helicopters Grand Alpine Helicopter Tour

Departing from our centrally located beachfront pads, skirting the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula, before climbing over 8000 feet into the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges where you get …More

Kaikoura, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Kaikoura Helicopters Grand Alpine Helicopter Tour

Departing from our centrally located beachfront pads, skirting the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula, before climbing over 8000 feet into the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges where you get...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$482

Private Mt Cook Day Tour From Christchurch via Lake Tekapo

Wanting to explore Aoraki National Park and Lake Tekapo, but want a more personalised and tailored experience? Look no further than our private Mt Cook …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.6 (5)

Private Mt Cook Day Tour From Christchurch via Lake Tekapo

Wanting to explore Aoraki National Park and Lake Tekapo, but want a more personalised and tailored experience? Look no further than our private Mt Cook...

10 to 13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.6 (5)

from
$1,389

Hanmer Springs Pool Day Tour From Christchurch

Embark on a scenic journey from Christchurch to Hanmer Springs, renowned for its therapeutic thermal pools nestled amidst picturesque alpine landscapes. This tour uniquely combines …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (4)

Hanmer Springs Pool Day Tour From Christchurch

Embark on a scenic journey from Christchurch to Hanmer Springs, renowned for its therapeutic thermal pools nestled amidst picturesque alpine landscapes. This tour uniquely combines...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (4)

from
$132

Auckland: Private Yonder Star Sailing Yacht

Experience Auckland from the water on a private charter—cruise past iconic landmarks, unwind with gourmet delights, and explore islands your way. Half Day Charter (3 …More

Auckland, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Auckland: Private Yonder Star Sailing Yacht

Experience Auckland from the water on a private charter—cruise past iconic landmarks, unwind with gourmet delights, and explore islands your way. Half Day Charter (3...

3 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$460

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?