Top New Zealand Outdoor Activities

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 →

Jet Boat Journey through Fiordland National Park - Pure Wilderness

This is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in Fiordland National Park - far from the crowds found elsewhere. Fiordland Jet is is the only …More

Te Anau, New Zealand

5.0 (647)

Jet Boat Journey through Fiordland National Park - Pure Wilderness

This is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in Fiordland National Park - far from the crowds found elsewhere. Fiordland Jet is is the only...

2 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (647)

from
$116

Glenorchy & Paradise Half-Day Scenic Tour from Queenstown

Sitting on the northern shores of Lake Whakatipu is the small picturesque village of Glenorchy, the famous Paradise Valley, and world-famous Middle-earth magic. Join this …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (528)

Glenorchy & Paradise Half-Day Scenic Tour from Queenstown

Sitting on the northern shores of Lake Whakatipu is the small picturesque village of Glenorchy, the famous Paradise Valley, and world-famous Middle-earth magic. Join this...

4 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (528)

from
$107

Parasailing Adventure Over the Bay of Islands

Come Parasailing with your friends and family with NZ's HIGHEST Parasailing at 1300ft of towline. Enjoy fantastic sceneries over the Bay of Islands with views …More

Paihia, New Zealand

4.8 (122)

Parasailing Adventure Over the Bay of Islands

Come Parasailing with your friends and family with NZ's HIGHEST Parasailing at 1300ft of towline. Enjoy fantastic sceneries over the Bay of Islands with views...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (122)

from
$97

Supercar Fast Dash - Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park

A world-class tourism destination just 45 minutes from Queenstown Airport, Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park is home to a range of exceptional experiences which are …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (47)

Supercar Fast Dash - Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park

A world-class tourism destination just 45 minutes from Queenstown Airport, Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park is home to a range of exceptional experiences which are...

15 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (47)

from
$116

Half-Day Self-Guided Mountain Bike Journey through Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest

Enjoy a 4-hour self-guided mountain bike ride through Rotorua’s spectacular Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest, located just 5-minutes from the city centre. With over 160 kilometers of …More

Rotorua, New Zealand

4.7 (125)

Half-Day Self-Guided Mountain Bike Journey through Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest

Enjoy a 4-hour self-guided mountain bike ride through Rotorua’s spectacular Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest, located just 5-minutes from the city centre. With over 160 kilometers of...

4 hours Free Cancellation

4.7 (125)

from
$32

Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

Milford Sound is arguably the most scenic destination in New Zealand and a must-see for any traveller. Whether seen in sunshine or rain, the incredible …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (2,625)

Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

Milford Sound is arguably the most scenic destination in New Zealand and a must-see for any traveller. Whether seen in sunshine or rain, the incredible...

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (2,625)

from
$238

Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex Queenstown (incl Lunch)

Milford Sound is an area of extraordinary natural beauty. It offers a majestic fiord, dramatic and awe-inspiring scenery and prolific flora and fauna. This tour …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (696)

Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex Queenstown (incl Lunch)

Milford Sound is an area of extraordinary natural beauty. It offers a majestic fiord, dramatic and awe-inspiring scenery and prolific flora and fauna. This tour...

5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (696)

from
$543

Why Choose us? New Zealand's best value glacier with highest customer satisfaction ratings - Book with us and enjoy significant savings compared to other glacier …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

4.9 (574)

Heli Hike Fox Glacier

Why Choose us? New Zealand's best value glacier with highest customer satisfaction ratings - Book with us and enjoy significant savings compared to other glacier...

4 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (574)

from
$494

Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

Premium small group tour including a boutique Milford Sound cruise designed for an immersive viewing experience, and picnic lunch from Queenstown. There is no better …More

Fiordland & Milford Sound, New Zealand

4.9 (3,761)

Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

Premium small group tour including a boutique Milford Sound cruise designed for an immersive viewing experience, and picnic lunch from Queenstown. There is no better...

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (3,761)

from
$209

Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

Awarded Cool Shore Excursions Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Top 10 of outdoor experiences Australasia and Top 1% of Experiences worldwide for 2026. Dress …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (1,526)

Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

Awarded Cool Shore Excursions Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Top 10 of outdoor experiences Australasia and Top 1% of Experiences worldwide for 2026. Dress...

4 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (1,526)

from
$124

Milford Sound Flight & Cruise Day Trip from Queenstown

You are guaranteed a window seat with unimpaired views as you fly this incredible route to and from Milford Sound through a landscape of unbelievable …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (765)

Milford Sound Flight & Cruise Day Trip from Queenstown

You are guaranteed a window seat with unimpaired views as you fly this incredible route to and from Milford Sound through a landscape of unbelievable...

4 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (765)

from
$482

Milford Sound Coach and Cruise tour from Queenstown

Join talented and knowledgeable guides on a journey along one of New Zealand's most scenic drives. All guides have unique and insightful stories to share, …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.7 (952)

Milford Sound Coach and Cruise tour from Queenstown

Join talented and knowledgeable guides on a journey along one of New Zealand's most scenic drives. All guides have unique and insightful stories to share,...

12 hours Free Cancellation

4.7 (952)

from
$156

Clearwater Wildlife Tours (small group 10max) Otago Peninsula

Fewer People - More Wildlife! The Clearwater Family's Farm is home to more wildlife per square meter than anywhere in Dunedin. The intimate small group …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

5.0 (673)

Clearwater Wildlife Tours (small group 10max) Otago Peninsula

Fewer People - More Wildlife! The Clearwater Family's Farm is home to more wildlife per square meter than anywhere in Dunedin. The intimate small group...

4 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (673)

from
$133

Gannet Safaris Overland tour to Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony

Gannet Safaris Overland is the only tour which drives up onto to the Gannet plateau. No walking required. The views are spectutular with so much …More

4.9 (1,017)

Gannet Safaris Overland tour to Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony

Gannet Safaris Overland is the only tour which drives up onto to the Gannet plateau. No walking required. The views are spectutular with so much...

3 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (1,017)

from
$56

Franz Josef Glacier and snow landing (allow 20 minutes - departs Franz Josef)

Franz Josef Glacier including snow landing (allow 20 minutes) Fly from our Franz Josef Heliport to the top of the Franz Josef icefall and land …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

4.9 (71)

Franz Josef Glacier and snow landing (allow 20 minutes - departs Franz Josef)

Franz Josef Glacier including snow landing (allow 20 minutes) Fly from our Franz Josef Heliport to the top of the Franz Josef icefall and land...

20 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (71)

from
$212

Waitomo Caves, Rotorua and Te Puia Small Group Tour from Auckland

New Zealand’s most remarkable landscapes aren’t always found in plain sight. Journey from Auckland to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where thousands of tiny lights illuminate …More

Auckland, New Zealand

4.8 (738)

Waitomo Caves, Rotorua and Te Puia Small Group Tour from Auckland

New Zealand’s most remarkable landscapes aren’t always found in plain sight. Journey from Auckland to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where thousands of tiny lights illuminate...

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.8 (738)

from
$232

Rotorua Duck Boat Guided City and Lakes Tour

Explore Rotorua like never before on a 90–105 minute sightseeing adventure aboard a genuine WWII amphibious vehicle that travels seamlessly from land to water. Departing …More

Rotorua, New Zealand

4.8 (670)

Rotorua Duck Boat Guided City and Lakes Tour

Explore Rotorua like never before on a 90–105 minute sightseeing adventure aboard a genuine WWII amphibious vehicle that travels seamlessly from land to water. Departing...

90 to 105 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (670)

from
$54

Glow-worms are the highlight of any night-time stroll in New Zealand, and when found in abundance they can be as breathtaking as our clearest night …More

Rotorua, New Zealand

5.0 (751)

Nocturnal adventure Glow-worm tour

Glow-worms are the highlight of any night-time stroll in New Zealand, and when found in abundance they can be as breathtaking as our clearest night...

3 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (751)

from
$71

Twilight Glowworm Kayak Tour – Lake Karapiro

This is a once in a life-time experience and different from any other Glowworm Tour you'll go on! Our adventure begins late afternoon / early …More

Rotorua, New Zealand

5.0 (526)

Twilight Glowworm Kayak Tour – Lake Karapiro

This is a once in a life-time experience and different from any other Glowworm Tour you'll go on! Our adventure begins late afternoon / early...

3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (526)

from
$102

Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland

Explore and admire Auckland's largest regional park, the Waitakere Ranges, on this 5 hour afternoon eco-tour. The perfect way to get out of the city …More

Auckland, New Zealand

4.9 (923)

Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland

Explore and admire Auckland's largest regional park, the Waitakere Ranges, on this 5 hour afternoon eco-tour. The perfect way to get out of the city...

5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (923)

from
$119

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?

According to verified reviews on Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor, the best New Zealand Outdoor Activities are:

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?