8 Attractions That Make Auckland the Perfect Adventure Holiday Destination

If your idea of a good vacation is some heart-pumping adventure, a visit to Auckland should definitely be on your places to visit list. From bungee jumping and skydiving to caving and lots more; there really is no better way to experience New Zealand’s diverse landscapes than signing up for some thrill in Auckland.

Wondering what’s in store for you? Here are a few exciting adventure sports you can try in amazing Auckland.

1. Take Off on a Sea Plane

There’s no better way to relish a bird’s eye view of Auckland and its surrounding landscapes, than to sign up for a scenic flight on a sea plane. Get spellbound by the never-seen-before views, while soaring above the Pacific Ocean. With a wide array of flight choices and packages – starting from 40-minutes to more than 2 hours’ flights, with optional inclusions of island picnics, delicious meals, island tours and more, this journey would be etched in your heart forever.

Where: Wynyard Wharf, Central Auckland

2. Gear Up for an Action-Packed Off-Roading Experience

If you are unfamiliar with this adventure sport, off-roading is essentially going off a beaten track by driving a motor vehicle over a rough terrain. But, this is not your regular road trip. It usually involves bigger vehicles, with big, sturdy tires, and is all about the unpredictable terrain (think super steep land, sand dunes amidst rainforests…you’ll get the idea!). Depending on the region you’re visiting, you can pick your preferred vehicle.

We Recommend: You can navigate through the massive sand dunes on the Ninety Mile Beach in Northland (namely Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, Lake Taupo, Coromandel), or rough it out on a quad bike or a rally car through the hilly terrains of Waikato. If you’re headed to Canterbury, an alpine off-roading adventure at the foothills of the Southern Alps should definitely be on your list. 

3. Head Out for an Underground Escapade with Caving

New Zealand being home to some of the world’s largest and deepest caves, offers the best of caving experiences Similar to a rafting activity, your grade can vary from easy to very difficult, depending on how experienced a caver you are. From climbing and roping, to perhaps some sub terrain water adventure – the activities differ depending on the type of caving site. Ready to plunge deep?!

Where: The Waitomo Caves in the North Island (Waikato region) is the best-known caving area, fundamentally because of the unique one-of-a-kind limestone formations found there and the luminous glowworms! 

4. Enjoy the Free Fall with Bridge Bungy

The Bridge Bungy in Auckland hands down tops the list of the best adventure sports in Auckland. This experience not just makes you climb to the top of the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge, it makes you jump from it – 131 feet towards the water, all the while tied just to a bungee cord – Is your heart pounding already? You may also choose to dip into the azure ocean below, to add a cinematic twist to your experience. 

Where: Westhaven, Auckland 1010

5. Cruise on a Jet Boat:

Though suitable for all age groups, jet boating isn’t your ordinary boat ride. Pushing through narrow river gorges at high speed, skimming rocks and finding your way across the meandering river channels — jet boating in Auckland is exhilarating, to say the least!

We Recommend: Waikato Rivers in the North Island

6. Drop Down with a Thrilling Skydive:

They say there’s nothing like the rush one gets from skydiving. But you’ll never know for sure till you experience it for yourself (take a quick look at the Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’s skydiving scene and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about). Brave up and throw yourself from a plane to feel free as a bird and soak in the magical surroundings. Don’t worry, you’ll get a detailed training from experts before the jump.

We Recommend: Skydive Auckland

7. Challenge Yourself to Zip-lining in Waiheke Island:

Your latent Tarzan dreams will come true as you zip through the dense jungle in Waiheke Island and feast your eyes on the breathtaking vistas, including unmatched views of Auckland Harbour. Guess what’s the best part? They offer a 2-at-a-time set up which allows you to savour the thrill together with a friend. You can also head out for zip lining in Rotorua, offering a scintillating 3-hour experience.

8. Lay Back with Black Water Rafting: 

Black Water Rafting is an activity unique to this region. It involves neither “black” water nor rafts; it’s an all new take on caving, where you can float through caves on tyre inner tubes. Each black water rafting experience is different, depending on the cave.

Where: Waitomo is where black water rafting started, and it’s still the most popular destination for this adventure activity. Companies like Black Abyss, Black Labyrinth and Black Odyssey offer rafting and caving experiences. Black water rafting in the famous caves of Waitomo reveals thousands of glowworms that light up the inner walls of the cave, and is an experience second to none!

So postpone that lazy beach vacation and unleash the adventure junkee in you on your next visit to New Zealand. There’s all the action you could possibly need and way more!

Book Your New Zealand Holiday Now!