South Island’s Outdoor Adventure Hotspots

February 1, 2022

There is no doubt that Aotearoa/New Zealand is world famous for its beautiful and diverse landscape. But the kiwi ingenuity of creating new extreme sports and adventures will raise your adrenaline to a whole new level. We have created a list with our top destinations across the South Island with bucket list worthy experiences. Take in the stunning vista and the opportunity to learn more about this country’s history and nature.

Queenstown

Starting off strong, and to be fair a little obvious, Queenstown. Known to be the hub for adrenaline, it is considered to be the adventure capital of the world. In November 1988, the first commercial bungee jump took place at the Kawarau Bridge, after two kiwis came up with the idea! More than 30 years later, safety precautions and operations have changed, but there is no more iconic place in the world than Queenstown to jump headfirst into the deep.

If bungee jumping is old news to you, paragliding should definitely be on your list of adventure must-dos. Take-off from the top of the Skyline Gondola and experience the ultimate free flight as you soar over Queenstown, catching amazing views of the panorama below you. Your experienced will make you feel safe and confident, giving you the opportunity to experienced Queenstown from a whole new perspective!

West Coast

You can expect things to be different on the West Coast – more real, bigger, much greater than you thought. From the highest of mountains, stunning coastal scenery to abundant rainforests and absolutely everything in between. For the once-in-a-lifetime adventure, book the Aoraki/Mt Cook Helicopter experience. Circle the summit of Aoteaoras’s highest mountain, land in the snow of the Haupapa/Tasman Glacier and view blue ice, hanging glaciers and the world-famous West Coast glaciers of Fox & Franz Josef.

For a more action-packed adventure, you should definitely consider booking a day or multi-day trip with Untamed Natural Wilderness Rafting. Be guided through the beautiful backcountry of New Zealand on one of the pristine and wild rivers. Discover spectacular steep walled canyons, towering mountains, steep gorges, and lush native forest. This is the perfect combination of stunning scenery and adrenaline fuelled fun.

Fiordland

The Great Walks in Fiordland are on many hiking bucket lists. But the duration, preparation and skill level can be intimidating for beginners. The Fiordland Heli Hike is the perfect experience for both beginner and experienced hikers, and offers a whole new side of the National Park. Soak up views of the Hidden Lakes, fly over the remote Kepler Mountains before getting dropped off at the Luxmore Hut. Enjoy stunning views over the South Arm of Lake Te Anau before beginning your hike on the Kepler Great Walk trail.

For a more hands-on experience, Fiordland has incredible hunting and fishing opportunities available. From fly-fishing for trout in crystal-clear waters, to helicopter rides into the perfect deer and tahr terrain, there is no better spot to work on your skills than here. Learn more about Fiordland’s unique wildlife and nature, from your pilot with local knowledge, to make your trip as successful as possible.

Abel Tasman National Park

Renowned for its golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs, and its crystal-clear water, the Abel Tasman National Park should be on everyone’s must-see bucket list. For an iconic kiwi adventure, the classis three-day kayaking tour for exploring the coastline from beautiful Totaranui/Awaroa in the North down to the golden shores of Marahau is the way to go. Experience it all from paddling with seals, relaxing on numerous beaches, exploring lagoons, islands and Maori village Pa sites, to learning about local history and lore.

“Only by going canyoning can you see and be fully submersed in these stunning places and experience all the fun stuff Mother Nature throws at you “. Try it out yourself and book a canyoning tour through the Abel Tasman National Park! Explore and discover the beautiful canyons by means of walking, swimming, scrambling, jumping, sliding, abseiling, ziplines and however else you can make your way through.  A truly unique experience that will help you to expand your comfort zone.

Find your kind of adventure in our backyard, no matter if it is relaxed and scenic or fuelled with adrenaline.