New Zealand High Adventure Tours & Travel Packages 2025/2026

Our 18 most popular New Zealand High Adventure trips. Compare tour itineraries from 18 tour companies. 22 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

18 Trips match your criteria (1 - 18 shown)

Captivating New Zealand
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By XperieNZ
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
14 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Why we love them
They curate extraordinary travel experiences that blend luxury with adventure, offering bespoke journeys to discerning travelers.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Private Personalised Regional and City Tour – Auckland
  • Big Sky Stargazing – Mt Cook National Park/Village
  • 25 Minute Scenic Heli flight with Glacier Landing – Mt Cook National Park/Village
  • Glacier Explorers Cruise on Glacier Terminal Lake - Mt Cook National Park/Village
  • Skyline Gondola with Luge Rides - Queenstown
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Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, Sailing, Photography

What travelers are saying

"Good morning, as our holiday in New Zealand is coming to a close, wish to thank you for everything you are and have done to make our trip memorable and enjoyable. As you recommended, I spoke with Faith and she is having Rod pick us up by 8.30am this morning. We will leave immediately. If we can get on the helicopter as early as possible we could return so much earlier. If possible do put in a word at the helipad, after 9am, as you said, and we will be on our way there. Thank you."

Trip dates & details
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Generous cancellation

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New Zealand: See & Experience it ALL in 10 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours
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By Charlie The Traveler
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
Travelers report that traveling with CharlieTheTraveler is a life-changing experience, in the best possible way.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

  • 2 Flightseeing Tours, 1 Over Milford Sound & 1 Over Mount Cook
  • Jet-Boating Top-Speed Along a Turquoise-Colored River
  • A World-Famous Suspension Bridge Jump (optional)
  • Running Off a 60-Meter Cliff (optional)
  • Zip-Lining in the Forest
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Themes

Climbing & Mountaineering, Cultural, Education / Learning, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Relaxing Retreats, Trekking & Expeditions, Photography

What travelers are saying

"Thank you for reaching out! This trip was absolutely phenomenal—truly the best 10 days of my life. I’m incredibly grateful for everything you arranged. Cindy, in particular, took such good care of me. It felt like she was supporting me around the clock, and I really appreciate her dedication. I’m already eager to recommend your services to my friends and colleagues. On top of that, I realized how much I love the South Island—I’m hoping to visit Queenstown and Mount Cook National Park next, perhaps while participating in some business-related community events. I’d be thrilled if your company could help me plan that trip as well. Thank you again for everything. I look forward to traveling with you in the future!"

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety

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New Zealand - Aotearoa - The Natural Elements
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Enjoy breathtaking alpine scenery and pass through the remarkable 1,200 metre Homer Tunnel before emerging to unforgettable views of Milford Sound’s Mitre Peak
  • The deepest of the sounds, Doubtful was named by Captain Cook in 1770 and is often described as Fiordland’s most spectacular waterway
  • The expedition crew on an exploratory cruise through rarely visited Dusky Sound, among an array of islands, marine and bird life
  • Discover the natural delights and scenic beauty of Stewart Island, a large island that is almost totally wilderness and home to a vast number of seals, birds and other wildlife
  • Dunedin offers a great diversity of experiences from abundant wildlife to the historic Edwardian and Victorian architecture, the Otakou Maori Marae, the famous Speights Brewery, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, Settlers Museum and New Zealand’s oldest botanical gardens.

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Family Friendly, Sailing, National Parks, High Adventure, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We particularly wanted to do this trip because of the abundance of wildlife we expected to encounter and selected this ship because they offered the kayaking experience. Overall, the weather was very good. Most people seemed like minded and were there for the adventurous experience. Accommodations Review They upgraded our cabin and we were very pleased with the amount of space and the amenities in the room. We appreciated the twin windows and being able to see humpbacks diving from our cabin. It was kept very clean and it was a treat to have our bed turned down with chocolates on the pillow each night. Meals Review We liked the variety and the quality of the food. There was always something new to try. The dining room staff was very professional and personable. Crew & Guides Review Solon was our Principal Trip Leader. He was incredibly professional and it seemed like he was constantly working to maximize the encounters with wildlife and scenery, taking advantage of all the weather opportunities and going to places that they don't often go. He worked very closely with the captain who was very accommodating and caring about us having a memorable voyage. Aymie and Andrew were our kayak guides. We went out to kayak 10 different times and were able to get to know both of them well. They worked hard to keep us safe and well informed. They made sure that we didn't miss out on any land excursions. We've had quite a few kayak guides over the years that we've paddled and we loved these two. Marla was the marine biologist aboard the ship. She was very enthusiastic and had a passion for marine mammals that was infectious. We loved listening to her presentations and looked forward to hearing her voice on the PA saying that there was another whale sighting. Colin, the geologist aboard the ship, was very knowledgeable and able to make difficult subjects understandable to the passengers. Itinerary Review The trip far, far, far, far, far, far exceeded our expectations. I had one "far" in the sentence when we left South Georgia Island after seeing 250,000 King Penguins at St. Andrews Point and added the second when we saw blue whales on two different days. The third "far" was added when we saw hundreds of whales for 6 hours along the iceberg, A68a. I added another "far" when we kayaked for over an hour with humpbacks all around and another "far" when minke whales were all around the kayaks the next day. The last "far" was added the day we didn't paddle since a leopard seal was all around the kayaks and then an orca came close. We had so many incredible experiences that we could never experience all of them in the same trip again. The guides told us that the close encounters that we had didn't happen very often and that we were very lucky that they all happened on our trip. The only thing that we didn't like was portions of the Drake Passage when it was a tad rough, but that experience gives us something to talk about. Transportation Review We made our transportation arrangements through another travel agency. Traveler Advice Make sure that you take sea sickness meds. Take advantage of every opportunity to see wildlife."

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New Zealand Adventure
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3.5/5 Great
30 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Sea kayak among dolphins and fur seals on the coast of Abel Tasman National Park.
  • Trek across Franz Josef Glacier, exploring the maze of crevasses and towering icefalls.
  • Go tubing through caves lit up by glowworms.
  • Stargaze and watch for wildlife on an overnight cruise in glorious Milford Sound.

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, 50 Plus, Train & Rail Journeys, Sailing, National Parks, High Adventure, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

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San Francisco to Hong Kong
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4.2/5 Great
10 reviews
Large Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Visit the Museum of Modern Art or head for the celebrated vineyards of the Napa and Sonoma Valleys.
  • Experience Honolulu from a totally different angle on this thrilling helicopter ride.
  • Explore the sea whilst whale watching aboard the high-tech, twin hulled 140 foot Navatek.
  • Experience the thrill of swimming with sharks and schools of colourful tropical fish followed by a picnic on the beach.
  • Experience the underwater wonders of Bora Bora's picturesque Lagoon by underwater scooter.
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Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Around The World

What travelers are saying

"Clean and elegantly decorated ship, not gaudy like another cruise ship I have been on. I got a beautiful room with a balcony. The choice of foods was wonderful. I really enjoyed the shows and the music and the sightseeing."

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New Zealand South Island Family Journey
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Walking from a rain forest on to Fox Glacier
  • Panning for gold
  • Cruising though spectacular Fiordland National Park

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Culinary & Wine, Family Friendly, Train & Rail Journeys, Sailing, National Parks, High Adventure, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Relaxing Retreats

What travelers are saying

"Guides went out of their way to be helpful, fun and engaging. The itinerary included numerous fascinating cultural exchanges and experiences. Accommodations were lovely with lots of character and charm. Meals were delicious, too. Cuba faces many challenges but we returned home with great appreciation and respect for the courageous Cuban people and their rich culture."

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New Zealand Explorer
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Themes

High Adventure, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"Grant St. Clair planned my recent 3 week trip to Australia and did an absolutely fantastic job. The woman who planned my previous trip, Jan Miur, provided some additional insight and help also. The highlights would be the Murray River cruise (3 nights), the Ghan Train (Darwin to Adelaide), the Irwin Family Zoo, and my time in Melbourne and Brisbane…two beautiful cities with so much to do! I was totally spoiled and would recommend their trips to anyone!"

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Aoraki / Mt Cook
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3.2/5 Average
11 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Camping
Physical level
Extreme
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

  • Long and varied climb on New Zealand’s highest mountain
  • Technically challenging ascent on ice, snow and rock
  • One of the most satisfying and exhilarating climbs in Australasia

Themes

Hiking & Walking, High Adventure, Trekking & Expeditions, Climbing & Mountaineering

What travelers are saying

"I did Cho Oyu and Vinson Massif with them was ok. Came to New Zealand and attempted Mount Tasman. My guide stupidly forgot his crampons in car so had to wait. Six others with went ahead and were hit by avalanche and four killed. Stupidity saved my life but AC unwilling to train me more that week so wasted trip. Attempted Everest with them lead guide infamous Luis Benitez who slept with clients wife. His partner from UK was team doctor and completely incompetent. She refused to treat other team members and they turned to me as I am a physician. I took them to Everest base camp doctor who treated them but her and Benitez were angry and no longer spoke to me. So when I developed high altitude cerebral edema Benitez kicked me off the team and his partner would not evaluate me. I had to find an HRA doctor who diagnosed me and I was immediately flown to Kathmandu. And CEO Guy Cotter was a complete jerk. Don't use this company!!"

Trip dates & details
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Additional details

New Zealand High Adventure Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
22  Reviews
See all New Zealand High Adventure tour reviews
Excellent
42
Great
15
Average
0
Disappointing
0
Terrible
0
K

Kurenai T.

Jan 2025

Written on

This trip was absolutely phenomenal—truly the best 10 days of my life

Thank you for reaching out! This trip was absolutely phenomenal—truly the best 10 days of my life. I’m incredibly grateful for everything you arranged. Cindy, in par...

M

Matthew B.

Dec 2024

Written on

It was amazing!

It was amazing! Recommended accommodations, time in Queenstown, Rotorua and Auckland were great. Queenstown was insanely great paired with Milford Sound and Mount Co...

L

Lisa

Oct 2022

Written on

It was perfect!

What can I say about my trip to New Zealand? It was perfect! There were so many interesting activities, all of which were included in the price. CharlieTheTraveler p...

N

Natalie

Oct 2022

Written on

Trip was so much fun!

I never thought of New Zealand as a place I would want to visit. However, as I was exploring highly rated tours, I read the tour provided by CharlieTheTraveler and i...

E

Emma

Oct 2022

Written on

one of their trips

All of the positive reviews for CharlieTheTraveler made me really want to go on one of their trips. I decided to go on the New Zealand tour after seeing all that was...

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