Discover New Zealand: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

Composed of two main islands along with numerous other minor islands, New Zealand is full of incredible landscapes and well-suited to a plethora of different sports.

Hiking and skiing are among the most popular, with the vast majority for the top spots for both of these sports being found on the South Island.

Mountaineering is another popular option. The country’s highest mountain is Aoraki / Mount Cook, which stands tall at 3,724 meters in elevation, and serves as a popular challenge for intermediate-level mountaineers. The two minor summits on Aoraki / Mount Cook are also popular targets as are several other of the most prominent peaks in the range.

Along with the three aforementioned activities, horseback riding, kayaking and paragliding are also popular outdoor pastimes on the island.

Stunning scenery

In spite of its relatively small size, New Zealand is full of incredibly diverse and beautiful landscapes. The South Island alone boasts 3,000-meter high peaks that afford incredible views of glaciers as well as out into the countryside. There are also thick green forests and fjords asw well, all of which are perfectly suited for exploring on ski or foot.

The Southern Alps

Whether you are looking for an unforgettable climbing or skiing adventure, the Southern Alps have something special in store for you. More than 18 peaks in the range reach an elevation of 3,000 meters, making for plenty of great climbing options throughout the summer. As the winter settles in the plentiful snow that the range receives also makes skiing and heliskiing the perfect way to explore them.

Head out on a hike

With the combination of good weather for hiking throughout the summer, autumn and spring as well as the plethora of incredible places to explore, it’s no wonder the sport is so popular in New Zealand. Getting out into the country’s incredible landscapes on foot is also a great way to experience the long-isolated island’s endemic species, including plants, birds and reptiles.

New Zealand is generally a temperate country, but with some profound climatic differences. Summers tend to have temperatures in the mid-20ºCs. In the winter, temperatures are generally slightly less than 10ºC toward sea level and colder at higher elevations. Rain falls evenly throughout the year and is not infrequent.

Most outdoor adventure trips to New Zealand begin with a flight into Christchurch International Airport (CHC), on the South Island. From here, it is easy to rent a car and drive to your final destination.

English, Maori

+64

New Zealand dollar (NZD)

Spring, summer and autumn are the best seasons for hiking and mountaineering. Winter is best for ski touring and snowshoeing.