Top South Island Extreme Sports - page 2

Take your South Island adventure to new heights during a 50-minute helicopter flight with a glacier landing. Soar above the spectacular scenery of Mt. Aspiring National Park, gliding above turquoise ice formations, hidden alpine lakes, and towering mountains, before landing atop an alpine glacier for photos. Scenic highlights include the Earnslaw Burn valley, which is usually only accessible on foot.

Enjoy a thrilling jet boat ride on the Dart River, taking you to places you couldn’t reach any other way. During the half-day tour, venture into the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Mt Aspiring National Park from Glenorchy, a short drive from Queenstown. Surrounded by awe-inspiring peaks and hidden valleys, twist and turn down the glacier-fed Dart River. Listen to your guide’s stories about the area’s natural and cultural history en route.

Located on the eastern shores of New Zealand’s South Island, Kaikoura is famous for the spectacular array of marine wildlife living off its shores—but to see the best of it, you have to take to the waves. On this tour, cruise into Kaikoura’s deep waters by speedy catamaran with running commentary throughout from your guide, and spot dolphins, seals, and sperm whales in their natural habitat.

Take a window seat for a scenic round-trip flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound, and see the splendor of Fiordland National Park from the air and sea on this small-group excursion. Board a cruise and pass dramatic waterfalls and Mitre Peak as you travel to the Tasman Sea. Then soar over the Southern Alps on your return.

The TranzAlpine train is often referred to as one of the world’s most scenic train journeys, and this tour will allow you to experience it. Enjoy the convenience of a day trip where all transport is taken care of— round-trip transfers in a luxury minivan, and a TranzAlpine train ticket are included. See Canterbury Plains, the Southern Alps, Lake Pearson, and get the chance to walk in Arthur’s Pass National Park.

Go beyond admiring the Kawarau River from afar and get on the water with a whitewater rafting experience through its rapids. Enjoy a hassle-free day with coach transfers, a wetsuit, and all equipment included. Then set off on your rafting trip, with an optional cliff jump for those after an extra thrill.

Experience the thrill of a helicopter ride and snowmobile tour on the only snowmobile wilderness tour available in New Zealand. Enjoy exclusive access to backcountry trails that can only be accessed via helicopter, ensuring that you won’t see another tourist for miles around! Your highly skilled guide will adapt the snowmobile ride to varying levels of ability, to ensure everyone’s comfort and safety.

The wide, blue Clutha River is flanked by glacial terraces and stunning New Zealand bush. Speed down the river on this jet boat trip through Upper Clutha Valley, take photos of the towering Southern Alps, and thrill at the river’s long winding stretches and switchback corners. This exciting 1-hour 15-minute excursion shows you parts of New Zealand’s South Island you can’t get to any other way.

Inject some thrills into your sightseeing as you whip down Central Otago’s Clutha River at high speeds on a thrilling jet boating experience. Race around Lake Wanaka and down the winding river, through rapids and tunnels, tight channels and tighter corners, on this compact and comprehensive journey that’ll get you back to shore in time for your afternoon or evening plans.

While the Southern Alps are a sight to behold from the ground, they're even more spectacular from above. Take to the skies on this helicopter tour from Queenstown and enjoy dramatic mountain views from a unique vantage point. Journey above Skippers Canyon and the Wakatipu Basin for unparalleled photo ops, and take a break during an alpine landing (weather dependent). Listen to the pilot’s commentary through personal headsets.

Heli Glenorchy’s Snow Landing is a short and scenic flight into the mountains, with a stunning landing in the snow. Perfect for photos, snow play, and taking in unforgettable alpine views—just minutes from Glenorchy.

Get ready for a fun-filled snow adventure at Coronet Peak, just a short ride from Queenstown! Easy Departure – Meet your shuttle at the Station Building in central Queenstown (11am, 12pm, or 1pm departures, most days). Scenic Drive – Sit back and enjoy the alpine views on the way up the mountain. Snow Play Time – Spend 1.5 hours in the snow: build a snowman, make snow angels, throw snowballs, or simply soak up the winter atmosphere. Want more fun? Rent a sled from us for just $20 (cheaper than on the mountain) or purchase a ski lift pass on-site ($39). Hassle-Free Return – After your session, hop back on the shuttle and relax on the ride back to Queenstown. This experience is family-friendly, beginner-friendly, and perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the snow without needing ski skills.

If you’ve always wondered what it’s like to drive a Formula 1 race car, you’ll love this private Radical U-Drive experience. Guided by a professional race driver, you’ll zoom around the track seven times–long enough to enjoy the feel of the aerodynamic bodywork, thrilling cornering speeds, and the sounds of the engine accelerating. This is the closest you’ll feel to driving a Le Mans vehicle without actually being in one.

Board the vintage TSS Earnslaw steamship or the modern Spirit of Queenstown for an evening cruise on Lake Wakatipu. Sail to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a buffet dinner featuring local meats, salads, vegetables, and desserts, then watch farm demonstrations or relax in the bar. The cruise returns to the same central Queenstown location. The TSS Earnslaw undergoes winter maintenance, when the Spirit of Queenstown is available instead.

The South Island’s mountainous volcanic landscape makes it ideal for high-octane activities like ziplines. Glide through the skies above Kaikōura with five zipline flights above lush forests and rolling farmland on this half-day small-group experience. With twin lines running side-by-side, you can even share the experience with a friend simultaneously.

Skippers Canyon is a dramatic slice of Otago high country, with steep cliffs and incredible views. Instead of joining a group of strangers, experience the canyon the way you want on this private tour in a luxury 4WD. Drive down the precarious Skippers Canyon Road and take your time exploring scenic highlights like Hell’s and Heaven’s Gates, Lighthouse Rock, and the Shotover River. Learn about the canyon’s rich gold rush history from your certified driver/guide.

While in Central Otago, head to the Oxbow Gun Club in the Gibbston Valley for a bit of fun. Enjoy one-on-one guidance in clay bird shooting from an experienced instructor. Take your friends for some healthy competition and experience the natural beauty of New Zealand’s magnificent mountainous backdrop at the same time. This activity facilitates six shooters per session, so is an excellent group activity suitable for ages 13 and up.

Travel along the spectacular Milford Road on a full-day Milford Sound tour from Te Anau. See native wildlife such as the endangered kea (an alpine parrot), seals, dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins. Enjoy short walks to beautiful sights including the Chasm and Marian Cascade, and take a sightseeing cruise on Milford Sound. Includes entrance fees, boat cruise, morning tea, and hotel transfers.

Escape the crowds with a fully private, customizable 6-hour day trip from Queenstown to Wanaka — including scenic stops in Arrowtown, Cardrona, and Cromwell. Discover historic gold towns, alpine roads, peaceful lakesides, and hidden local gems. Whether it’s spring blooms, summer sunshine, autumn colours, or snowy winter scenes, this journey offers something special year-round — all tailored to you. - A 7-hour private tour shaped around your interests and pace - Visit charming Arrowtown, the Crown Range, Wanaka town, and Lake Dunstan - Stop for optional walks, famous photo spots, or local food & wine - Travel in comfort with modern, clean vehicles - Hosted by friendly local guides who share real stories and insider tips - Flexible itinerary — skip or add stops anytime along the way - Ideal for couples, families, small groups, or solo explorers Breathtaking views, rich history, and total flexibility — this is how Wanaka and its surrounds are best experienced.

We are local Dunedin Tour operators with 10 years of business experience focus on the customized Private Tours around Dunedin area and beyond. We offer and provide you the most flexible and personalized Dunedin and Otago Peninsula wild life Tours. We have been providing personalised private tours since 2015, backed by years of experience and now proudly partnering with Viator to serve global travellers recently. We know Dunedin like the back of our hands and we will allow you to enjoy every hidden spots in Dunedin and freedom to move at your own pace. We are friendly ,knowledgeable, reliable and happy to meet new customers from around the world.

If you’d like to try skydiving but are put off by the thought of jumping out of a plane, indoor skydiving is for you. Enjoy the feeling of free-falling without leaping from great heights. Gear and training will be provided so you can relax and enjoy the sensation of floating on an air cushion. Enjoy two “flights” of one minute each.

Go off-roading near Queenstown on a thrilling choose-your-own-adventure 4WD tour. Choose from four tour options to fit your interests: Whakatipu highlights for scenery and optional ‘The Lord of the Rings’ stops; Skippers Canyon to explore long-forgotten trails past former gold rush settlements; a Māori mythology and legends tour; or a scenic Glenorchy and Lake Whakatipu tour.

Located in the heart of Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound forms part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site. Explore the stunning fiord in a way few tourists will—by air and water during a half-day excursion. The exhilarating, round-trip helicopter flight from Queenstown includes a glacier or alpine landing. Perhaps spot dolphins, seals, and penguins during an unforgettable cruise.

Avoid the stress of self-driving through distractingly beautiful landscapes on a full-day tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Peer through the panoramic windows of a luxury coach as you travel through UNESCO World Heritage–listed Fiordland National Park with a guide, stopping at sites of interest en route. At Milford Sound, board a catamaran for a memorable sightseeing cruise past Mitre Peak and magnificent cliff-side waterfalls. Look out for wildlife, too.