NewZealand is famed for its adventure tourism, and with good reason. With snow, sky, mountains, rivers and caves offering heart-pumping action in a variety of terrains, there’s nowhere quite like it for visitors seeking a thrill.
Auckland offers a veritable smorgasbord of adventure for all ages and confidence levels. Here’s our guide to the city’s top activities.
Adventure level guide
A (Aaaargh!): Not for the faint-hearted
C (Close your eyes): Some deep breaths may be required
F (Family fun): Suitable for the whole family
Auckland Harbour Bridge Climb
What better way to admire Auckland than from the top of the harbour bridge? Strap on your harness and prepare for breath-taking views as your guide leads you along the arched walkway.
Adventure level: F (Family fun)
SkyWalk
Auckland’s Sky Tower is an iconic feature of its skyline and a must-see for all visitors. If you’re feeling brave, take your sightseeing to the next level with the SkyWalk – a dizzying 360° tour around the tower’s outer edge.
Adventure level: C (Close your eyes)
SkyJump
Leaping off New Zealand’s tallest building to free-fall at 85 km per hour with only a harness and wire for safety is not for everyone, but adrenaline junkies will love the Sky Tower’s daunting SkyJump.
Adventure level: A (Aaaargh!)
Skydive Auckland
If the SkyJump doesn’t get your blood pumping, Skydive Auckland certainly will. Boasting the North Island’s highest sky dive at over 16,000 ft., jumpers can free-fall at speeds of up to 200km per hour before launching their parachute and coasting gently down to the Parakai jump site.
Adventure level: A (Aaaargh!)
Rainbow’s End
Looking for fun the whole family can enjoy? Head to New Zealand’s main theme park, Rainbow’s End. Take a spin on the gravity-defying corkscrew coaster, race your family on the go-kart course or climb aboard the pirate ship for a high sea adventure. Whatever your activity of choice, it’s bound to be a fun day out.
Adventure level: F (Family fun)
Waitakere Ranges Canyoning
Looking for an outdoor thrill that is uniquely New Zealand? Visit the spectacular Waitakere Ranges, where you can abseil down cascading waterfalls alongside expert guides.
Adventure level: C (Close your eyes)
Waitomo Caves
Located just a couple of hours outside of Auckland, the world-renowned Waitomo Glow-worm Caves are a true natural wonder. Visitors can book a boat ride to explore the caves and admire the thousands of glow-worms illuminating its walls.
Adventure level: F (Family fun)
