Top South Island Extreme Sports - page 5

Thrill-seeking travelers will love zooming along the Wairau River on a 35-minute jet boat ride. Hold on tight as you race through rapids, squeeze through canyons, and rush over the shallows of the braided river. Admire the views along the way and take pictures during some of the calmer moments.

Perfect for photography lovers, enjoy a full-day private photography tour in Queenstown and the surrounding area. Start your day in charming Queenstown and then head further afield. The exact itinerary is up to you, but possible destinations include Arrowtown, Glenorchy, Wanaka, Skippers Canyon and more. Your guide is a local photographer, so will be able to give you lots of advice on how to get the best shots.

Explore the landscapes that featured in “The Lord of the Rings” movies on this small-group full-day tour. Traveling in a 4-wheel drive enables access to remote locations in the Queenstown area. Get out into the wilderness in the morning, with the chance to dress up in movie costumes and pose with props. Return to town for lunch, then spend the afternoon checking out more sites around Queenstown.

Get ready for a mountain biking adventure. Climb to Grants Peak on your speedy e-bike. From the peak, enjoy 360 degree views of Queenstown’s natural landscape, including the Remarkables and Coronet Peak. You’ll learn all about High Country farming, and the Māori myths and legends that make up Queenstown’s heritage, before zipping back down to Frankton.

Get far away from the crowds on this 4x4 day trip from Wanaka. Start with a boat ride across Lake Wanaka, then get exclusive access to the Mt. Burke Station. Hop aboard the 4x4 vehicle there and drive up into the mountains. Your guide will tell you stories from Otago’s pioneer history and the gold rush era. Enjoy a delicious picnic with spectacular lake and mountain views.

Take to the sky with this scenic hot air balloon ride that departs from the foothills around Mt. Hutt. Your expert pilots will elevate you to 9500 feet (2896 meters) above the Canterbury Plains, offering panoramic views stretching west to the mountains and east to the Pacific Ocean. Prepare for an exciting journey as you glide above treetops and admire the landscape below. To the west, marvel at the majestic snow-capped Southern Alps.

Queenstown is one of the South Island’s most popular spots for those looking to take in the majestic mountainous landscapes the region is known for. Take to the skies on this small-group tandem hang-gliding experience, launching from Coronet Peak to soar above the forests, lakes, and mountains surrounding the town. Pickup and drop-off from central Queenstown mean you don’t need to drive to Coronet Peak.

Enjoy New Zealand’s most stunning skydiving experience! Located in Pukaki and boasting some of the country’s most epic scenery. Skydive Mt Cook offers quintessential South Island views: snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lakes and Aorkai/Mt Cook National Park. Free fall from the best piece of sky this beautiful country has to offer. An authentic kiwi experience!

New Zealand’s fantasy landscapes have long enchanted photographers and filmmakers, and now’s your chance to capture your very own postcard-worthy shots. Accompanied by a professional photographer, this private full-day tour from Queenstown offers spectacular views of natural wonders like Skippers Canyon, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkables Range, as well as "The Lord of the Rings" filming locations, historic gold mines, and heritage sites.

Avoid the crowds and experience the grandeur of Milford Sound from the seat of a helicopter. This exclusive two-hour ride via helicopter will take you the full length of Milford Sound and, weather permitting, enjoy a glacier or alpine landing in Fiordland National Park. Listen to informative commentary from your skilled pilot during the trip and stop for a short walk and photo opportunity at Milford Sound.

Enjoy New Zealand’s most stunning skydiving experience! Located in Pukaki and boasting some of the country’s most epic scenery. Skydive Mt Cook offers quintessential South Island views: snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lakes and Aorkai/Mt Cook National Park. Free fall from the best piece of sky this beautiful country has to offer. An authentic kiwi experience!

Welcome to Queenstown's most detailed historical experience, charting the region's journey from the 1860s gold rush right up to the modern day. Following the Shotover River deep into Skippers Canyon, this small-group experience feels like a live documentary, blending cinematic, researched storytelling with real locations where history happened. Enjoy a relaxed pace with plenty of photo stops to compare modern vistas, with historical photos of the region. Conclude with a complimentary drink at a historic pub, leaving you deeply connected to the region's past. Small Groups Limited to 11 guests for a personal feel. Immersive history built for travellers wanting more than just a standard sightseeing tour. Modern 4wd comfort along the rugged alpine roads. Multilingual Audio in EN, ZH, JA, KO, ES (FR, DE, IT late 2026). Great photo opportunities throughout the canyon. Free barista coffee, beer, or wine at a historic pub. Book your seat today to discover the canyon's hidden stories!

It's all about the experience! Exhilarating! Sightseeing has never been so much fun. Standard tour or made-to-measure, you are sure to enjoy your ride on our V8 trike. We can easily customize something just for you.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the Queenstown region with this gold mining tour. Stop in at key towns of the gold rush days including charming Arrowtown, and visit the Goldfields Mining Centre where you will be able to have a go at gold panning yourself. As you travel, learn the history and hear marvelous stories via themed GPS headsets.

Take a break from touristy Queenstown and head along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to the aptly named Paradise. On this half-day tour, experience rural New Zealand. Spot filming locations from The Lord of the Rings around Glenorchy and hear stories from Māori history and mythology as you tour the mountainous countryside. Plus, the vehicles have large windows for even better views.

Explore New Zealand’s rugged countryside by ATV and enjoy plenty of off-road adventure on this fun 2-hour tour in Hanmer Springs. Choose a morning or afternoon tour to suit your needs. Then, open the throttle and zoom along winding dirt tracks with a guide. Spin along riverbanks and over creek crossings, and follow farmland trails into the wilderness.

This ATV adventure is an exciting way to tour the bush-clad terrain near Nelson. After a thorough briefing on how to use the bikes safely, travel along 8.5 miles (14 kilometers) of tracks. You’re treated to beautiful views across Cable Bay, and make plenty of stops so your guide can tell you all about the area. This is a fun outing for families and friends traveling together.

Experience the thrill of Nelson’s renowned trails with a Half-Day Electric Mountain Bike Rental. Ideal for both beginners and advanced riders, this rental features premium full-suspension Santa Cruz Vala Alloy eMTBs, equipped with full-power Bosch Performance Line CX motor 120Nm max torque, 750W Max power, 600% Max support factor and 600Wh batteries, allowing you to navigate diverse terrains comfortably. Enjoy 4 hours of riding at your own pace, exploring trails like Codgers or the Coppermine Trail while benefiting from custom bike fittings tailored to your preferences. - Choose between morning or afternoon sessions to fit your schedule - Includes a complimentary helmet, digital trail map, and personalized setup (including pedal choice and brake-side) - Suitable for individuals and groups, with expert trail advice available - Explore over 400 km of trails designed for all skill levels - Upgrade your experience by adding a qualified and experienced mountain bike Coach or Guide

There’s no need to stick to a rigid guided experience on this full-day small-group tour. Journey from Christchurch through the Southern Alps, stopping at the village of Arthur’s Pass. Choose whether to explore the area at your own pace or join a guided walk to the Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall. Or, instead of taking a minivan to Arthur’s Pass, upgrade your tour with a ride on the TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch.

*Lord of the Rings* fans will feel like they're on Middle Earth during this air tour. Fly above beautiful Queenstown, and see the spots filmed for the fictional places of Isengard, Amon Hen, Lothlorien; then land on a glacier alongside the Misty Mountains and get a sense of what it might be like to cross The Redhorn Pass.

Discover the charm of Akaroa, a beautiful seaside town known for its French heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Enjoy dolphin watching experiences featuring the rare Hector's Dolphins while soaking in breathtaking views of Lyttelton Harbour. Experience the local café culture in Little River and delight in culinary adventures tailored to all dietary preferences. This intimate tour provides you with comfortable private transport and expert guidance, ensuring a memorable journey through the scenic Canterbury region. - Dolphin watching experience featuring rare Hector's Dolphins - Explore Lyttelton Harbour and Little River's charming cafés - Private transport with a professional driver for a personalized experience - Tour duration: Full day, starting from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Learn to photograph a natural wonder at Skippers Canyon on this half-day private tour from Queenstown. Your guide is also a photographer and gives you expert techniques and tips to capture the stunning landscape as you explore the mountains, river, and rock formations. You’ll also learn about New Zealand history and culture from your local guide. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for convenience.

Leave bustling Queenstown behind for the scenic beauty of Skippers Canyon on a small-group half-day 4WD tour of the gorge. An experienced guide traverses the rugged roads through the canyon, which you might feel nervous navigating alone. Stop for outstanding views over the Wakatipu Basin and Shotover River. Stop at Skippers School for morning or tea with homemade cheese and refreshments.

This half-day Queenstown canyoneering adventure is action-packed! Walk through an ancient beech forest to a steep-walled canyon, where you descend by zipline, abseil (rappel) down waterfalls, plunge into natural pools, float down narrow passageways, and cascade down chutes. Expert guides ensure your safety and provide alternate routes depending on skill level. No experience is necessary, but this activity does require a moderate level of fitness and confidence in moving water. Wetsuits, safety equipment, and waterproof footwear are provided