Get Out and Enjoy New Zealand Outdoor Activities

New Zealand is a major destination for outdoor activities of all kinds. In fact, some of the more novel and exciting sports of recent years got their start in New Zealand. Here’s a guide to the hot spots for some of the more popular sports to explore during your New Zealand vacation.

With shipwrecks, coral reefs and abundant marine life, New Zealand is a popular destination for diving. While there are dive sites on both islands, as well as near major cities like Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington, the best diving is widely considered to be in the Poor Knights Islands, with arches, caves, corals and rays of all kinds.

Skiing is a popular winter activity. Ruapehu is the main North Island destination, but most of the best runs are in the South Island. Canterbury caters to people of all skill levels, and Mackenzie, Wanaka and St Arnaud also have some great skiing and scenery.

While not as famous as say, Scotland, New Zealand is a spectacular golfing destination. There are many world-class golf courses, most of which are set amongst breathtaking scenery. Wairakei was one of the first major courses, and still one of the best. Kauri Cliffs in the Bay of Islands also offers great golf and scenery.

One expects an island nation to have good sailing, and that is definitely the case in New Zealand! One of the major hotspots is Abel Tasman National Park, on the South Island. There are pristine beaches, romantic coves, forests and of course, the turquoise water. By sail, you can also get a glimpse of the native wildlife, like seals and dolphins.

One unique way to explore the coasts and inland area is with horse trekking. This lets you cover more ground and have a unique experience on horseback at the same time. Riding can be arranged almost anywhere, but Canterbury and the Northland are some of the most popular spots.

Backpackers from all over the world flock to New Zealand for its great tramping. Tramping lets you get off the beaten path and see vistas and sights that just aren’t accessible to those traveling by car or train. The Milford Track, on the west coast of the South Island is the most popular and famous, and one look at the stunning alpine views will tell you why.

A camper van New Zealand rental will enable you to take your camping experience virtually anywhere in the country — and the laws regarding where you can camp are extremely lenient.

If camping isn’t your thing, you can try cycling some of the islands’ scenic rural roads. There are touring companies all over the country that can rent you a bicycle or arrange an all-inclusive tour for you. The Coromandel Peninsula is a great place to cycle in the North, as you travel from beach to beach. In the south, the West Coast glaciers and lakes are a cycling highlight you shouldn’t miss.

Climbing is one of the best New Zealand outdoor activities. After all, Sir Edmund Hillary was a kiwi! Beginners can try learning the basics from companies around Mt. Aspiring and Lake Wanaka. If you’re an experienced climber, you may want to try the challenging and technical climbs on Mt. Cook and Mt. Tasman.

Fishing is a serious business in New Zealand. Some companies even offer helicopter rides to lakes and rivers that are otherwise inaccessible! It’s possible to still have great trout fishing in rivers and lakes closer to civilization, especially around Twizel, between Christchurch and Queenstown, and Taupo, in the North Island.