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 →

Waiheke Island Day Tour: Ziplining, Wine Tasting & Vineyard Lunch

Experience the best of Waiheke on a full-day tour that combines a morning of high-flying zipline adventure with an afternoon sampling the delicious wines and …More

Waiheke Island, New Zealand

4.9 (110)

Waiheke Island Day Tour: Ziplining, Wine Tasting & Vineyard Lunch

Experience the best of Waiheke on a full-day tour that combines a morning of high-flying zipline adventure with an afternoon sampling the delicious wines and...

9 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (110)

from
$244

Queenstown: Walter Peak Farm Tour and Lake Cruise

Experience the beauty of the New Zealand high country on a scenic boat ride across Lake Whakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Watch a …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.8 (8)

Queenstown: Walter Peak Farm Tour and Lake Cruise

Experience the beauty of the New Zealand high country on a scenic boat ride across Lake Whakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Watch a...

3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (8)

from
$80

Queenstown Kawarau River Whitewater Rafting

Raft the Kawarau River, perhaps better known as the River Anduin in Lord of the Rings, for a great half-day activity in Queenstown This is …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (79)

Queenstown Kawarau River Whitewater Rafting

Raft the Kawarau River, perhaps better known as the River Anduin in Lord of the Rings, for a great half-day activity in Queenstown This is...

4 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (79)

from
$141

Milford Sound Cruise: Stunning Views & Optional Picnic or Buffet

Get closer to Milford Sound's natural wonders aboard our spacious, purpose-built catamarans. Enjoy more room to move around, with incredible views from our outdoor viewing …More

Fiordland & Milford Sound, New Zealand

4.6 (252)

Milford Sound Cruise: Stunning Views & Optional Picnic or Buffet

Get closer to Milford Sound's natural wonders aboard our spacious, purpose-built catamarans. Enjoy more room to move around, with incredible views from our outdoor viewing...

1 hour 45 minutes Free Cancellation

4.6 (252)

from
$103

Island Hopper- Sail to wildlife sanctuary - 6 hr - Bay of Islands

Most visitors see the Bay of Islands from a crowded deck. Our guests see it from the secret local spots that are not on the …More

Paihia, New Zealand

5.0 (306)

Island Hopper- Sail to wildlife sanctuary - 6 hr - Bay of Islands

Most visitors see the Bay of Islands from a crowded deck. Our guests see it from the secret local spots that are not on the...

6 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (306)

from
$139

Coast and Rainforest Eco-Tour from Auckland with Picnic Lunch

This full day tour is for lovers of nature and hiking, your experienced local nature guide will take you to a range of rainforest, beach …More

Auckland, New Zealand

4.9 (283)

Coast and Rainforest Eco-Tour from Auckland with Picnic Lunch

This full day tour is for lovers of nature and hiking, your experienced local nature guide will take you to a range of rainforest, beach...

7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (283)

from
$184

Milford Sound Nature Cruise with Southern Discoveries

Discover Milford Sound with the experts. For over 70 years, we've shared our passion for the natural wonders of Milford Sound. Our premium catamarans are …More

Fiordland & Milford Sound, New Zealand

4.7 (382)

Milford Sound Nature Cruise with Southern Discoveries

Discover Milford Sound with the experts. For over 70 years, we've shared our passion for the natural wonders of Milford Sound. Our premium catamarans are...

1 hour 45 minutes Free Cancellation

4.7 (382)

from
$103

Lakeland Jet Boat Adventure - Clutha River

Experience one of New Zealand’s most iconic adventure activities in some of the world greatest scenery. Picture yourself skimming across shallow water, over sand bars, …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

5.0 (242)

Lakeland Jet Boat Adventure - Clutha River

Experience one of New Zealand’s most iconic adventure activities in some of the world greatest scenery. Picture yourself skimming across shallow water, over sand bars,...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (242)

from
$79

Zealandia by Day: Small group native forest and wildlife tour

The ultimate way to experience Aotearoa New Zealand's rare and amazing wildlife! Enjoy an engaging and informative walk through the picturesque eco-sanctuary on this 2-hour …More

Wellington, New Zealand

4.8 (243)

Zealandia by Day: Small group native forest and wildlife tour

The ultimate way to experience Aotearoa New Zealand's rare and amazing wildlife! Enjoy an engaging and informative walk through the picturesque eco-sanctuary on this 2-hour...

2 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (243)

from
$40

Living a rich life is about experiences, not stuff – our spectacular backyard is full of adventure and we want to share it with you. …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

5.0 (122)

Wildwire Wanaka- Level 1 (2 Hours)

Living a rich life is about experiences, not stuff – our spectacular backyard is full of adventure and we want to share it with you....

2 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (122)

from
$116

The Adventurer: Tasman Glacier Heli-hike

Combining two scenic flights this is a low fitness Tasman Glacier exploration for up to 2 hours ice time at approximately 1300 metres. Following your knowledgeable, professional, …More

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu), New Zealand

5.0 (91)

The Adventurer: Tasman Glacier Heli-hike

Combining two scenic flights this is a low fitness Tasman Glacier exploration for up to 2 hours ice time at approximately 1300 metres. Following your knowledgeable, professional,...

3 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (91)

from
$585

Auckland to Hobbiton Movie Set and Rotorua's Geothermal Valley

Visit two of New Zealand’s top destinations in one unforgettable day trip! Experience the real Middle-earth on a fully guided 2.5-hour tour of the Hobbiton …More

Auckland, New Zealand

5.0 (136)

Auckland to Hobbiton Movie Set and Rotorua's Geothermal Valley

Visit two of New Zealand’s top destinations in one unforgettable day trip! Experience the real Middle-earth on a fully guided 2.5-hour tour of the Hobbiton...

13 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (136)

from
$255

TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

Experience the South Island's remarkable natural landscapes by taking a journey on the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass, which is considered one of …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.9 (489)

TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

Experience the South Island's remarkable natural landscapes by taking a journey on the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass, which is considered one of...

10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (489)

from
$216

Enjoy uninterrupted views of glacier-carved cliffs on your Milford Sound cruise aboard modern, spacious and comfortable catamarans. With spacious seating indoors, an open sun deck …More

Fiordland & Milford Sound, New Zealand

4.9 (329)

Milford Sound Cruise

Enjoy uninterrupted views of glacier-carved cliffs on your Milford Sound cruise aboard modern, spacious and comfortable catamarans. With spacious seating indoors, an open sun deck...

1 hour 45 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (329)

from
$91

Tarawera and Rotorua Lakes Eco Tour by Boat with Guide

The Tarawera and Lakes Tour is the ultimate way to experience the beauty of Rotorua's lakes district and uncover the stories of the land, its …More

Rotorua, New Zealand

4.8 (202)

Tarawera and Rotorua Lakes Eco Tour by Boat with Guide

The Tarawera and Lakes Tour is the ultimate way to experience the beauty of Rotorua's lakes district and uncover the stories of the land, its...

2 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (202)

from
$65

Lake Cruise & Mou Waho Island Nature Walk

Lake Cruise and Mou Waho Island Nature Walk • A “must see” in Wanaka, take a 30 minute cruise to the remote, predator free Mou …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

5.0 (183)

Lake Cruise & Mou Waho Island Nature Walk

Lake Cruise and Mou Waho Island Nature Walk • A “must see” in Wanaka, take a 30 minute cruise to the remote, predator free Mou...

3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (183)

from
$162

Our most popular quad bike tour - Explore over 14 km of beautiful native forest trails. Ride high to the hilltops, to spectacular coastal scenery, …More

Nelson, New Zealand

4.9 (61)

Quad Biking Adventure - Bayview Circuit

Our most popular quad bike tour - Explore over 14 km of beautiful native forest trails. Ride high to the hilltops, to spectacular coastal scenery,...

2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (61)

from
$111

FEEL THE EXCITEMENT AND EXHILARATION ON LAKE ROTORUA WITH KATOA JET Experience the white-knuckle rush of a 30 minute jet boat tour on Lake Rotorua. …More

Rotorua, New Zealand

4.9 (126)

Katoa Jet Boat tour on Lake Rotorua

FEEL THE EXCITEMENT AND EXHILARATION ON LAKE ROTORUA WITH KATOA JET Experience the white-knuckle rush of a 30 minute jet boat tour on Lake Rotorua....

30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (126)

from
$62

Coromandel Zipline Tours is a fully charitable company with all the profits from your tour going towards restoring and preserving New Zealand’s native forests and …More

Coromandel, New Zealand

5.0 (181)

Adventurous Zipline Tour in Coromandel

Coromandel Zipline Tours is a fully charitable company with all the profits from your tour going towards restoring and preserving New Zealand’s native forests and...

2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (181)

from
$83

Milford Sound Coach & Cruise from Queenstown: Panoramic Views

A seamless journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound, where stunning views are made even better by fascinating stories from your driver. Enjoy a premium coach …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.8 (446)

Milford Sound Coach & Cruise from Queenstown: Panoramic Views

A seamless journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound, where stunning views are made even better by fascinating stories from your driver. Enjoy a premium coach...

12 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (446)

from
$142

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?