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: Guided Puketi Kauri Forest Tour in Bay of Islands 3 Day Shuttle MTB Weekend Adventure in Nelson Auckland Private Custom Journeys in Luxury Bay of Islands - Explorer Tour Tekapo to Queenstown via Mt Cook Small-Group Tour (one way)

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 →

Guided Puketi Kauri Forest Tour in Bay of Islands

Discover the Puketi Kauri Forest on an enriching guided tour, where ancient kauri trees and vibrant wildlife await. Traverse this subtropical rainforest with DOC-licensed guides …More

Bay of Islands, New Zealand

4.0 (4)

Guided Puketi Kauri Forest Tour in Bay of Islands

Discover the Puketi Kauri Forest on an enriching guided tour, where ancient kauri trees and vibrant wildlife await. Traverse this subtropical rainforest with DOC-licensed guides...

3 hours Free Cancellation

4.0 (4)

from
$86

3 Day Shuttle MTB Weekend Adventure in Nelson

Discover the best of over 400 kilometers of exhilarating mountain bike trails in Nelson with a 3-Day Shuttle MTB Weekend. Tailored for groups of four …More

Nelson, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

3 Day Shuttle MTB Weekend Adventure in Nelson

Discover the best of over 400 kilometers of exhilarating mountain bike trails in Nelson with a 3-Day Shuttle MTB Weekend. Tailored for groups of four...

3 days Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$344

Auckland Private Custom Journeys in Luxury

Explore Auckland's stunning Kaipara ki Mahurangi region through a personalized luxury tour crafted just for you. From wild black sand beaches to celebrated wineries, every …More

Auckland, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Auckland Private Custom Journeys in Luxury

Explore Auckland's stunning Kaipara ki Mahurangi region through a personalized luxury tour crafted just for you. From wild black sand beaches to celebrated wineries, every...

6 to 16 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$575

Discover the stunning beauty of the Bay of Islands on this immersive adventure. Begin your journey in Paihia Town, then off exploring the enchanting Pukeiti …More

Paihia, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Bay of Islands - Explorer Tour

Discover the stunning beauty of the Bay of Islands on this immersive adventure. Begin your journey in Paihia Town, then off exploring the enchanting Pukeiti...

4 to 5 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$136

Tekapo to Queenstown via Mt Cook Small-Group Tour (one way)

Explore the stunning scenery of New Zealand on this small group tour from Tekapo to Queenstown via Mt Cook. Journey through the breathtaking Aoraki National …More

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

3.7 (3)

Tekapo to Queenstown via Mt Cook Small-Group Tour (one way)

Explore the stunning scenery of New Zealand on this small group tour from Tekapo to Queenstown via Mt Cook. Journey through the breathtaking Aoraki National...

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

3.7 (3)

from
$193

Kwizine Foodie Tour In Western Bay Of Plenty

This tour visits many of the natural "foodie" delights of The Coastal Bay of Plenty, including the superfoods, kiwifruit & avocados. During the day you …More

Tauranga, New Zealand

4.0 (1)

Kwizine Foodie Tour In Western Bay Of Plenty

This tour visits many of the natural "foodie" delights of The Coastal Bay of Plenty, including the superfoods, kiwifruit & avocados. During the day you...

6 to 7 hours Free Cancellation

4.0 (1)

from
$112

Helicopter trial Flight. Have a go at being the pilot

Rangiora airfield is the most efficient place in canterbury for learning to fly. There are no delays dealing with air traffic or controlled airspace and …More

Canterbury, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Helicopter trial Flight. Have a go at being the pilot

Rangiora airfield is the most efficient place in canterbury for learning to fly. There are no delays dealing with air traffic or controlled airspace and...

1 hour Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$316

Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach Private Tour

Join us for an unforgettable adventure to Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, two of New Zealand’s most stunning natural attractions. With a local guide …More

Auckland, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach Private Tour

Join us for an unforgettable adventure to Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, two of New Zealand’s most stunning natural attractions. With a local guide...

8 to 9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$230

Castle Hill and Arthur's pass Day tour from Christchurch

This is a private tour with English Speaking Tour Guide. You will be toured around into small group with better quality. …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Castle Hill and Arthur's pass Day tour from Christchurch

This is a private tour with English Speaking Tour Guide. You will be toured around into small group with better quality....

10 to 11 hours Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (1)

from
$426

Full Day Sightseeing Tour To Discover Queenstown's Scenic Wonder

A Queenstown sightseeing tour stands out for its unparalleled access to some of New Zealand's most breathtaking landscapes, all in a single day. From the …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Full Day Sightseeing Tour To Discover Queenstown's Scenic Wonder

A Queenstown sightseeing tour stands out for its unparalleled access to some of New Zealand's most breathtaking landscapes, all in a single day. From the...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$508

Matakana Self-Drive Food & Adventure Scavenger Hunt

Village Picnic is all about discovering the Matakana Coast like a local. We’ve carefully curated the experience around some of our favourite small businesses, local …More

Auckland, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Matakana Self-Drive Food & Adventure Scavenger Hunt

Village Picnic is all about discovering the Matakana Coast like a local. We’ve carefully curated the experience around some of our favourite small businesses, local...

4 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$144

From Rotorua WAIMANGU VOLCANIC VALLEY Half Day Tour

Tour Highlights: Start your journey with a convenient pickup from iSite Rotorua Visitor Center, 1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua, and enjoy a scenic drive to Waimangu …More

Rotorua, New Zealand

3.7 (3)

From Rotorua WAIMANGU VOLCANIC VALLEY Half Day Tour

Tour Highlights: Start your journey with a convenient pickup from iSite Rotorua Visitor Center, 1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua, and enjoy a scenic drive to Waimangu...

4 hours Free Cancellation

3.7 (3)

from
$106

A unique experience that give you a very personal view of the Bay of Islands and the sailing lifestyle. Sail on a yacht that is …More

Bay of Islands, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Phantomsailing Private Charters

A unique experience that give you a very personal view of the Bay of Islands and the sailing lifestyle. Sail on a yacht that is...

5 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$1,122

West Coast Discovery - Piha Beach or Muriwai Beach from Auckland

Explore the Waitakere Ranges rainforest and Auckland’s rugged west coast, including Piha Beach or World famous in New Zealand: Gannet Colony, Muriwai Beach, during an …More

Auckland, New Zealand

4.5 (4)

West Coast Discovery - Piha Beach or Muriwai Beach from Auckland

Explore the Waitakere Ranges rainforest and Auckland’s rugged west coast, including Piha Beach or World famous in New Zealand: Gannet Colony, Muriwai Beach, during an...

5 hours Hotel pickup offered

4.5 (4)

from
$113

4 Days, Milford Sound and Glaciers: From Christchurch

This sweeping four-day circuit showcases the absolute best of the South Island by seamlessly connecting dramatic alpine landscapes with premium guided transport. What makes it …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

4 Days, Milford Sound and Glaciers: From Christchurch

This sweeping four-day circuit showcases the absolute best of the South Island by seamlessly connecting dramatic alpine landscapes with premium guided transport. What makes it...

4 days

5.0 (1)

from
$1,582

Oasis Cottage Gardens and Floristry Studio in Oxford, NZ

Discover the charm of Oasis Cottage, a private 5-acre country garden nestled near the foothills of the Southern Alps. This exclusive tour offers an intimate …More

Canterbury, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Oasis Cottage Gardens and Floristry Studio in Oxford, NZ

Discover the charm of Oasis Cottage, a private 5-acre country garden nestled near the foothills of the Southern Alps. This exclusive tour offers an intimate...

60 to 90 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$12

Mitre Peak Helicopter Scenic Flight from Milford Sound

Depart Milford Airport and track west along Milford Sound, climb alongside Bowen Falls and Mitre Peak for some great views of the sound and its …More

Fiordland & Milford Sound, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Mitre Peak Helicopter Scenic Flight from Milford Sound

Depart Milford Airport and track west along Milford Sound, climb alongside Bowen Falls and Mitre Peak for some great views of the sound and its...

15 to 25 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$256

Arthurs Pass and Southern Alps Day Excursion from Port Lyttelton or Christchurch

This day excursion takes us across the Canterbury Plains around 50 miles to Porters Pass (just under 1000 m and higher than Arthurs Pass) and …More

Canterbury, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Arthurs Pass and Southern Alps Day Excursion from Port Lyttelton or Christchurch

This day excursion takes us across the Canterbury Plains around 50 miles to Porters Pass (just under 1000 m and higher than Arthurs Pass) and...

7 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$1,000

Private Wildlife and Penguin Tour in Dunedin with Ticket

Embark on a scenic tour exploring Dunedin highlights, including the iconic Railway Station, and historic Octagon with photo ops at Signal Hill Lookout and Baldwin …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

4.3 (3)

Private Wildlife and Penguin Tour in Dunedin with Ticket

Embark on a scenic tour exploring Dunedin highlights, including the iconic Railway Station, and historic Octagon with photo ops at Signal Hill Lookout and Baldwin...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.3 (3)

from
$157

Hamilton Gardens & Hobbiton Exclusive Luxury Day Tour From Auckland

In this exclusive tour you will visit the world renowned Hamilton Gardens and Hobbiton the set of the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings movies …More

Auckland, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Hamilton Gardens & Hobbiton Exclusive Luxury Day Tour From Auckland

In this exclusive tour you will visit the world renowned Hamilton Gardens and Hobbiton the set of the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings movies...

8 to 12 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$400

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?