New Zealand is known for its outdoor adventures and is a popular destination for activities such as hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and water sports. Here are some examples of outdoor activities you can do in New Zealand and some of the main cities and national parks where you can do them:
Hiking: New Zealand has many hiking trails that range from short, easy walks to multi-day backcountry hikes. Some popular hiking destinations in New Zealand include the Tongariro National Park, the Abel Tasman National Park, and the Milford Track. New Zealand has many beautiful hiking trails that offer something for hikers of all abilities. Some of the best hiking trails in New Zealand include:
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Located on the North Island, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a popular day hike that takes hikers through the volcanic landscape of the Tongariro National Park. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is considered one of the best one-day hikes in the world.
The Milford Track: Located in the Fiordland region of the South Island, the Milford Track is a multi-day hike that takes hikers through the stunning landscape of Fiordland National Park. The trail follows the shore of Lake Te Anau and passes through forests, mountains, and along the Milford Sound.
The Abel Tasman Coast Track: Located on the South Island, the Abel Tasman Coast Track is a multi-day hike that takes hikers through the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park. The trail follows the coast and passes through forests, beaches, and along cliffs with stunning views of the sea.
The Heaphy Track: Located in the Kahurangi National Park on the South Island, the Heaphy Track is a multi-day hike that takes hikers through a diverse range of landscapes, including forests, mountains, and beaches.
The Routeburn Track: Located in the Fiordland region of the South Island, the Routeburn Track is a multi-day hike that takes hikers through the beautiful landscape of Fiordland National Park and the Mt Aspiring National Park. The trail passes through forests, mountains, and along alpine lakes.
Skiing: New Zealand is home to several ski resorts, many of which are located in the South Island. Some popular ski destinations include Queenstown, Wanaka, and Christchurch. Some of the most popular New Zealand ski resorts are featured below.
The Remarkables: Located in the Otago region of the South Island, The Remarkables is a popular ski resort that offers a range of runs for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. The resort also has a snow park and a terrain park for freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
Treble Cone: Located in the Otago region of the South Island, Treble Cone is the largest ski resort in the South Island, with over 550 hectares of skiable terrain. The resort offers a range of runs for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, as well as a terrain park.
Cardrona: Located in the Otago region of the South Island, Cardrona is a family-friendly ski resort that offers a range of runs for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. The resort also has a terrain park and a halfpipe for freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
Mt Hutt: Located in the Canterbury region of the South Island, Mt Hutt is a popular ski resort that offers a range of runs for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. The resort also has a terrain park and a halfpipe for freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
Whakapapa: Located on the North Island, Whakapapa is the largest ski resort on the North Island and it offers a range of runs for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. The resort also has a terrain park and a halfpipe for freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
Mountain biking: New Zealand has a number of mountain bike trails that range from easy, family-friendly trails to challenging, technical routes. Some popular mountain biking destinations in New Zealand include Rotorua, Queenstown, and the West Coast of the South Island. New Zealand has many great mountain biking areas that offer a range of trails for riders of all abilities. Some popular mountain biking areas in New Zealand include:
Rotorua: Located on the North Island, Rotorua is a popular destination for mountain biking, with a range of trails that wind through the region’s forests and around its lakes. The area is known for its geothermal activity, and some of the trails take riders through geothermal areas.
Queenstown: Located in the Otago region of the South Island, Queenstown is a popular destination for mountain biking, with a range of trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The area is known for its challenging trails and is a popular destination for advanced riders.
Nelson: Located on the South Island, Nelson is a popular destination for mountain biking, with a range of trails that take riders through the region’s forests, mountains, and along its coast. The area is known for its technical trails and is a popular destination for advanced riders.
Canterbury: Located on the South Island, Canterbury is a popular destination for mountain biking, with a range of trails that offer something for riders of all abilities. The area is known for its beautiful landscapes and is a popular destination for riders looking to experience the natural beauty of New Zealand.
The West Coast: Located on the South Island, the West Coast is a popular destination for mountain biking, with a range of trails that take riders through the region’s forests and along its rugged coastline. The area is known for its challenging trails and is a popular destination for advanced riders.
Water sports: New Zealand is home to many lakes, rivers, and coastlines, making it a popular destination for water sports such as kayaking, surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Some popular water sports destinations in New Zealand include the Bay of Islands, the Abel Tasman National Park, and the Catlins. New Zealand is a great place for water sports, with a range of activities available for visitors to enjoy. Some popular water sports options in New Zealand include:
Surfing: New Zealand has many great surf spots, with waves suitable for surfers of all abilities. The country’s west coast is particularly well known for its surf, with many great breaks to be found in the North Island and the South Island.
Kayaking: New Zealand has many beautiful waterways that are perfect for kayaking, including rivers, lakes, and the coast. There are many guided kayaking tours available for visitors, or you can rent a kayak and explore on your own.
White-water rafting: New Zealand has many great white-water rafting rivers, with something to suit rafters of all abilities. The country’s south island is particularly well known for its white-water rafting, with many great rivers to be found in the region.
Sailing: New Zealand has many beautiful coastal areas and a number of sailing clubs and schools that offer lessons and rentals for visitors. The country is also home to a number of sailing regattas and events throughout the year.
Stand-up paddleboarding: Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a popular activity in New Zealand, with many calm waterways that are perfect for this activity. There are many rental shops and guided tours available for visitors.
I hope this gives you an idea of the outdoor activities available in New Zealand.