Outdoor Activities in North Island

Trek across stark volcanic terrain on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of New Zealand's Great Walks. This independent day hike takes you past Mt Tongariro with an optional side trip to the summit of Mt Ngauruhoe, located within the World Heritage area of Tongariro National Park. You're provided with a round-trip transfer, map and information sheet to prepare you for the 6- to 10-hour trek. Early morning shuttle service is available from your accommodation in Taupo or Turangi, or from the Base Camp or Ketetahi parking lots.

Explore one of New Zealand's finest forest trails on this 7-hour hiking tour in the Whirinaki Forest from Rotorua. Travel from your accommodation in Rotorua into the Whirinaki Forest, widely considered among the world's greatest rainforests. Follow your guide along hiking trails beneath the leafy canopy and marvel at mighty native trees such as 'kahikatea', 'matai', 'miro', 'rimu' and 'totara'. Along the way, discover rich flora and fauna for which the forest is famous, and hear birdsong from the many different species of birds flying among the branches above.

Visit the Waitakere Ranges on an easy day trip from Auckland, including a 4- to 5-hour guided forest walk among New Zealand's ancient kauri trees to a hidden waterfall and cliffs, black sand beaches and native sub-tropical rainforest. The vast stretch of rocky outcrops and western coastline belonging to the Waitakere Ranges Regional Parkland lies only 40 minutes outside the city. See views of Manukau Harbour and amble along the shoreline of a black-sand beach overlooking the Tasman Sea, then refuel with a picnic lunch.

While in Rotorua, take a wild and wacky ride in an Outdoor Gravity Orb (OGO). You’ll love ‘orbing’ downhill as you slide around inside an inflatable ball. Choose from three different runs — a straight slope, a multipoint harness or a curvy water ride — and get instruction before enjoying twists and turns. Document the latest thrill with a provided hand-held go pro, and relax between rides in the on-site hot tubs.

Experience one of the wonders of New Zealand's natural world on this 3-hour glowworm caving adventure in Waitomo. Choose a morning or afternoon tour, then pult on your boots and helmet before heading through the pretty Mangapu Gorge to the Mangarongapu Cave with a guide. With your headlamp to light the way, hike around huge boulders and through shallow streams, and marvel at the millions of bright green glowworms illuminating the rocky limestone. Enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to six people.

Experience the thrill of freefalling from 12,000 feet (3,660 meters) above Lake Taupo on this New Zealand tandem skydiving adventure. Prepare for your flight with pickup in a stretch Hummer, then gear up and gather your courage on the flight up to altitude. After jumping from the plane with a tandem master, enjoy 40 exhilarating seconds of freefall followed by unbeatable views of both coasts and the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park as you glide back to earth by parachute.

Fall to Earth from 15,000 feet (4,570 meters) on this tandem skydiving adventure at Lake Taupo, New Zealand's original drop zone. Get picked up in a stretch Hummer, and prepare for your flight with an orientation and professional gear. After cruising to altitude, summon your courage and jump from the plane with a tandem master over the shores of Lake Taupo. During 60 unforgettable seconds of freefall, catch views of both coasts and the snowy peaks of Tongariro National Park before gliding back to solid ground via parachute.

Experience 40 seconds of thrilling freefall as you skydive the Bay of Islands, then drift back to earth with views of 144 islands and turquoise water. Jump in tandem with an instructor from 12,000 feet (3,658 mt.), with the option to purchase photos and video footage of your Bay of Islands skydive. This skydive adventure includes pickup and drop-off at locations in central Paihia and Kerikeri.

Soar through the treetops of Waiheke Island on a three-course zipline tour with aerial views of Hauraki Gulf. After a quick ferry from Auckland, your half-day tour of Waiheke starts with a brief overview of the idyllic island by minivan and ends with an interpretive bushland walk. Numbers are limited to a maximum of 12 participants to ensure a more personalized experience in a small group.

Zip through the towering rocks walls of Tutukau Gorge on a Waikato River jet-boat ride. You'll make a stop at the Orakei Korako geothermal reserve for a walk on a raised boardwalk past boiling mud pools and New Zealand's largest geyser. Then it's back on the jet boat for another thrilling high-speed ride as your driver maneuvers 360-degree spins and fishtails through the water.

Explore the rustic Kaikoura countryside by quad bike on this action-packed off-road adventure. You're driven from Christchurch through the eastern landscapes of the South Island to Kaikoura, where you'll take the helm in your own all-terrain vehicle, following your guide in a caravan after some free time to explore the town. Motor over a backcountry route of winding trails, grassy slopes and the Haumuri Bluffs with views of the Pacific Ocean.

Gain entry to Zealandia at night and take a guided tour of Zealandia: The Exhibition, which showcases New Zealand's natural history. Interact with a life-size model moa and Haast's eagle - both extinct - and learn about the country's conservation efforts to preserve other native species. Located just minutes from central Wellington, Zealandia includes a night tour of Sanctuary Valley, a fenced eco-sanctuary and safe haven for endemic animal and bird species such as the nocturnal little spotted kiwi.

Leap from Auckland's Sky Tower, and you'll achieve SkyJump Auckland bragging rights, Adrenaline junkies can get their fix by falling 630 feet (192 meters) straight down from the base jump, located at the observation tower. This exhilarating SkyJump from New Zealand's tallest man-made structure includes all equipment and a safety briefing with a professional jump master. Look out over the city streets and Hauraki Gulf - that is, if you can keep your eyes open.

Zealandia is the world's first fully fenced urban eco-sanctuary and home to some of New Zealand's most extraordinary wildlife. This 2-hour guided walking tour will introduce you to native birds such as kakariki, tui, and bellbirds; rare species like takahā“; and unique reptiles including green gecko and tuatara. Entrance fees are included.

Explore the New Zealand countryside on horseback on this 1-hour horse trekking tour from Rotorua. Climb onto your horse and head into the foothills of Mt Ngongotaha with a guide. Follow winding trails over working farmland and through native bush, and admire beautiful views over Lake Rotorua. Stop along the way to capture the views on camera, then descend back through the green paddocks to base. This horse trek is suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike, with horses and ponies to match all riding abilities.

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are among the most visited attractions of New Zealand's North Island and Ruakuri Cave is the longest of the underground caves. Explore the magnificent cave on this 75-minute guided walking tour and marvel at the unique rock formations, subterranean rivers, and thousands of glittering glowworms.

Marvel at the volcanic wonders of Rotorua on a 6-hour tour that spins you out on the Waikato River with a thrilling jet-boat ride. Start with a guided walk past the Crater Lakes of Rainbow Mountain and check out the mud pools near Wai-O-Tapu. Your jet boat zips through Tutukau Gorge, dropping you off to explore the steaming cliffs and gushing geysers of Orakei Korako Geothermal Park on foot before completing your high-speed ride with fishtails and tight turns. Hotel pickup and drop-off included.

Ride along dirt tracks and trails on a 30-minute or 1-hour 4WD adventure in Rotorua, and experience New Zealand off-roading. You'll explore rolling farmland and scenic native forests with an professional guide who will drive you to a viewpoint overlooking Lake Rotorua and Mokoia Island. This small-group 4WD tour is limited to five participants per buggy.

Make the most of your trip from Rotorua to Auckland with a tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves, a fascinating network of flooded caverns lit by bioluminescent glowworms. You'll travel by comfortable minibus from your hotel in Rotorua to your centrally-located Auckland hotel, pausing in Waitomo for a boat tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. This 6-hour tour includes all transport and entrance fees, and it's limited to 15 people for a more personal experience.

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are among the most visited attractions of New Zealand's North Island and Aranui Cave is renowned for its fascinating Maori history. Explore the magnificent cave on this 1-hour guided walking tour and marvel at its unique rock formations, colony of cave wetas, and natural setting at the heart of the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve.