Barry EganNew Zealand Adventures; head to the North and South Islands to soak in cinematic vistas, heart-pounding ski descents, surfing scenes, and more to start planning your next trip.
New Zealand is often called the “adventure capital of the world,” and for good reason, the country packs incredible outdoor activities—climbing, tramping, skiing, glacial climbing, bungee jumping and more—across the North and South Islands.
For many, a trip to the country is a once-in-lifetime experience. Adventurers should arrive well-prepared to explore this lush land—from booking permits to tramp, or hike, along a Great Walk to reserving a campervan to travel to the South Island’s west coast beaches. Let these spectacular scenes serve as inspiration for your own New Zealand adventures.
The original wanderers, the local Kiwis, are raised on adrenaline and independence — something that shines through all the epic outdoor opportunities in New Zealand. Friendly, easy-going, and always keen to get out and do something unforgettable, the people you’ll meet here will make you feel at home right away, and they’re usually the first ones to encourage you to take a leap of faith and fling yourself off something high. That’s how it goes in a country where you can skydive before breakfast, bungy jump after lunch, and climb a mountain in the afternoon.
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- Stars streak above the Pouakai Range in Egmont National Park. | Photograph by Harley Betts, National Geographic
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- A kayaker paddles near waterfalls cascading into Milford Sound. Located in Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound offers paddlers the chance to closely inspect Sutherland Falls and the diverse wildlife that lives in the Sound. | Photograph by Julia Cumes, Aurora
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- Hikers in Fiordland National Park dot the Kepler Track—one of nine Great Walks in New Zealand. Permits for the Great Walks fully book up to a year in advance. | Photograph by Paul Bikis, Aurora
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- A highliner walks along a taut rope at Castle Rock on the North Island. | Photograph by Richard Mcgibbon, Aurora
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- Visitors are seen dotting the shoreline near Whitecliffs Walkway. Located on the North Island, the area is popular for walking and tramping. | Photograph by Gerhard Zwerger-Schoner, Aurora
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- A helicopter drops off skiers on New Zealand’s South Island. Heli-skiing allows skiers to explore challenging, remote terrain. | Photograph by Look Foto/Aurora
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- A lone skier makes his way in Wanaka’s backcountry. For visitors not seeking backcountry skiing, nearby ski areas include Treble Cone and Cardrona Alpine Resort. | Photograph by Vincent Skoglund, Aurora
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- A paraglider soaks in an epic view of the Remarkables mountain range on the South Island. | Photograph by Cultura Creative/Alamy
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- A visitor soaks in the starry sky at Nelson Lakes National Park. Tucked into New Zealand’s South Island, the national park is popular for tramping, camping, fishing, boating, and many outdoor pursuits. Travelers can find helpful regional information at the visitor center in the village of Saint Arnaud. | Photograph by Paul Bikis, Aurora
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- A rock climber dangles from a boulder at Castle Hill—an area known as the epicenter for climbing on the South Island. Smooth limestone boulders offer climbers a plethora of bouldering options. | Photograph by Kyle George, Aurora
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- A hiker makes his way through an ice cave on Franz Josef Glacier. Located on the west coast of the South Island, Franz Josef Glacier and nearby Fox Glacier are popular adventure destinations for visitors. | Photograph by David Wall, Alamy
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- Dramatic morning light strikes a trail near Oueenstown. Tramping—or hiking—is a popular adventure for New Zealand locals and visitors alike. | Photograph by Michael Valigore, Alamy
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- Two climbers approach the summit of Aoraki/Mount Cook on New Zealand’s South Island. Standing at 12,218 feet high, Aoraki/Mount Cook is the tallest peak in New Zealand. | Photograph by Jake Norton, Aurora
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- The Linda Glacier route is one of the most popular ways to the summit of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Don’t be fooled by popularity—the route takes an average of 15-18 hours to complete and climbers must keep a steady pace to avoid icefall along the way. | Photograph by Jake Norton, Aurora
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- Waitomo Caves is known for its glittering glow worms, but the area also offers climbers great North Island bouldering opportunities. | Photograph by Kyle George, Aurora
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- A climber navigates Froggatt Edge crag, located in the Wharepapa South region. In addition to Froggatt Edge, Wharepapa South boasts many popular climbing areas including Castle Rock, Sheridan Hills, Bayley Road, and Waipapa Dam. | Photograph by Richard Mcgibbon, Aurora
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- The rugged and isolated West Coast rewards visitors with views of stunning landscapes and miles of beaches to explore. | Photograph by Adam Clark, Aurora
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- Climbers rest after successfully summiting Aoraki/Mount Cook. | Photograph by Andrew Peacock, Aurora
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- The South Island’s Brighton Beach draws surfers to this popular shoreline, located North of Christchurch. | Photograph by Kyle George, Aurora
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- A kayaker glides through crystal clear water in Abel Tasman National Park. Outfitters offer guided sea kayak tours of New Zealand’s smallest national park. | Photograph by Thomas Pickard, Aurora
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- A runner weaves between otherworldly limestone boulders in Castle Hill. | Photograph by Alasdair Turner, Aurora