Take an adventure break in New Zealand in 2021

New Zealand is a prime destination for anyone with a sense of adventure. Its remarkable scenery includes breathtaking views over mountains, rivers, fiords and hiking trails. While soaking in the surrounds, there is adventure for anyone, no matter their personal abilities or fitness level. Let’s briefly explore what New Zealand has to offer for a great adventure holiday, whether on the North or South Island of the country.

Hiking, biking and horse trekking

New Zealand offers many, well-established hiking trails, known as the Great Walks. Fiordland National Park is an ideal location for hikers, along with the beautiful Marlborough Sounds and Abel Tasman National Park.

There are also well-maintained biking trails, including the Nga Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trail and the Otago Central Rail Trail, Queen Charlotte Track and the new Twin Coast Cycle Trail. All are suitable for all ages and fitness levels, making this an ideal family adventure sport.

Horse trekking is also an ideal activity for the whole family, with suggested locations being Muriwai Beach and Pakiri Beach. Depending on your personal speed, imagine galloping along in the surf, or gently trotting along the sand.

Kayaking and canoeing adventures

Among the many choices for adventure holidays in New Zealand, the country offers a wide range of sea kayaking and canoeing experiences. One of the best is to paddle around the many islands in sub-tropical Bay of Islands. Sea kayaking is a wonderful adventure in Paihia in Northland, while the Whanganui River Journey is the only canoeing adventure that is part of New Zealand’s Great Walks network.

The Queen Charlotte Track and Abel Tasman National Park are also popular regions for combining kayaking with walking trips. In fact, the land and sea experience gives an alternative perspective to your adventure holiday.

The Lord of the Rings and Hobbiton hiking adventure

Fans of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films can combine a film set tour with a wonderful scenic outdoor adventure. The movies were filmed by Peter Jackson in the magnificent scenery of New Zealand, a perfect location for Middle Earth and The Shire. Stroll through the beautiful scenery, while following in the footsteps of Frodo, Sam and all their friends, visiting The Shire, Mount Doom and the Misty Mountains.

While many of the original film sets are now gone, Hobbiton still retains the quaint and charming homes of our Hobbit friends. Meanwhile, you can hike to the Weta Caves, Misty Mountains and Edoras, visiting Rivendell, Helms Deep, Isengaard and Lothlorien along the way. This is the perfect adventure for any Lord of the Rings fan. Even better, you can time your visit with the annual International Hobbits Day in September!

A ski adventure in New Zealand

New Zealand offers a wealth of ski experiences with snow conditions among the best in the world. Fans of this winter sport can enjoy the top ski and snowboard fields in South Island, including Ohau, Mount Hutt, Cardrona, Treble Cone, the Remarkables and Coronet Peak.

Meanwhile, North Island offers an excellent skiing or snowboarding experience at the Turoa and Whakapapa Ski Areas in Tongariro National Park. For those who prefer to stay away from the busier ski resorts, the back country wilderness offers a quieter snow shoeing or ski touring experience.

Top

Travel Guide - Home