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Adventure Tours in New Zealand

There might not be any hobbits, but New Zealand is undeniably full of the surreal. While the snow-capped mountains, fjords, and hot springs set the stage, it is New Zealanders themselves who make New Zealand the ultimate adventure destination. Bungee-jumping, zorbing, and commercial jet-boating were all proudly invented in New Zealand. “She’ll be right” is the Kiwi catch-all phrase, and their favorite thing to say as they throw themselves into any adventure. When you discover adventure travel programs in New Zealand, you won’t be able to resist throwing yourself in after them.
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23 Adventure Programs in New Zealand

9.55793 reviews

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 9...

See All 2 Programs
9.3938 reviews

Pure Exploration

Adventure Guide Program | Queenstown, New Zealand

Based in Queenstown, this program combines skills acquisition wit...

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9.435 reviews

Pacific Discovery

Semester Abroad in New Zealand & Australia - Conservation

Experience an unforgettable 10-week Gap Year Semester through New...

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9.8513 reviews

Travel For Teens

Travel For Teens: Australia and New Zealand Service

Fly across the International Dateline and arrive in the Land Down...

See All 5 Programs
9.6837 reviews

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with awa...

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00 reviews

Putney Student Travel

Australia, New Zealand, & Fiji: Exploration Program

Travel and adventure in the South Pacific, a region rich in cultu...

101 reviews

Oyster Worldwide

Work and Travel in New Zealand

Explore the beautiful islands of New Zealand where the diversity ...

108 reviews

New Zealand Internships

Tourism Internship Program

The New Zealand Internships Tourism Program allows candidates the...

00 reviews

NOLS The National Outdoor Leadership School

NOLS Expeditions: Semester and Year

Combine it all by joining a NOLs gap semester or gap year program...

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00 reviews

Out Adventures

Active Gay Tours with Out Adventures

Step into an exciting world of active travel with a program desig...

A Guide to Adventure Travel in New Zealand

Most Adventurous Places

There are more locations for adventure travel in New Zealand than there are battles in Middle Earth. The sheer diversity of the landscapes makes choosing just one spot to visit almost impossible. 

Queenstown is the regal beauty of New Zealand’s South Island. At the feet of the aptly-named Remarkables, with the depths of Lake Wakatipu before it, it is little wonder why Queenstown calls itself the adventure capital of the world. With all of the mountains, forests, canyons, and lakes in the vicinity, there is never nothing to do in Queenstown.

Wellington is the feisty, creative, and cultural heart of New Zealand. Waterfront promenades and high hilltop lookouts border a city center that runs on a caffeine and craft beer buzz. In case you get caught up in the cosmopolitan city scene, the steep hills and spectacular bay are there as constant reminders of the adventure travel in New Zealand that awaits just beyond the city’s fringe. 

Auckland is where you will probably arrive and where all of your New Zealand adventures will begin. Hop on a ferry, and in less than an hour you could be strolling through island vineyards, basking on secluded beaches, or spotting native birds.

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Latest Program Reviews

Three Countries, One Unforgettable Summer

November 11, 2025by: Ryan Blumenthal - United StatesProgram: Travel For Teens: Australia, New Zealand and Fiji Service
10

From Australia’s tranquil beaches and its bright skyline, to New Zealand’s incredible landscape, to Fiji’s turquoise water, this trip was the ultimate getaway for teens trying to explore new parts of the world and interact with people from all walks of life. The itinerary was filled with opportunities to see new wildlife and tropical fish, adorable seals and whales. The experience will never be matched.

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