What are the 10 Best Bucket List Adventures in New Zealand?

New Zealand offers bucket-list adventures found nowhere else in the world, from leaping off a bungy platform above a glistening turquoise river to experiencing the heart-pounding Nevis Playground, or exploring the magical glowworm caves of Waitomo and the geothermal wonders of Wai-O-Tapu.

Here are ten epic adventures you can only find in Aotearoa.

1. Challenge Yourself With an Iconic Bungy Jump

Did you even visit New Zealand if you didn’t do a bungy jump? The bungy jump is New Zealand’s most iconic thrill. Leap from the birthplace of bungy jumping, on the historical Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown, where AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch launched the world’s first commercial jump in 1988.
This Kiwi-born adventure offers more than heart-pounding thrills and breathtaking scenery; long after returning home, many travellers find that pushing their boundaries brings lasting mental clarity and confidence.

2. Explore the Magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Magic exists, and you’ll find it in New Zealand. Discover one of our top natural wonders with a boat ride through Waitomo’s glowworm caves. Drift through a glittering subterranean world, where thousands of tiny glowworms create a sky full of stars. The glowworm (Arachnocampa luminosa) is unique to New Zealand, making this enchanting experience a must-do.

3. Experience Māori Culture and Geothermal Landscapes in Rotorua

Wander through a world of fire and brimstone at Rotorua’s Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, where you’ll find vibrant, colourful pools, bubbling volcanic landscapes, and steaming geysers. Created by thousands of years of geothermal activity, experience New Zealand’s volcanic character, providing unforgettable sensory moments in a landscape shaped by heat and steam.

Witness the Southern Hemisphere’s largest active geyser, as it spectacularly erupts skyward, and engage with New Zealand’s indigenous culture through authentic Māori experiences in Te Puia Rotorua. This cultural immersion offers insights unique to the New Zealand (Kiwi) identity.

4. Journey Through the Dramatic Volcanic Landscapes of Mount Doom

Got a Ring of Power to destroy (or maybe just that mixtape your ex gave you)?

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing offers an unforgettable journey through ancient lava fields, steaming vents, and vivid emerald lakes, all set against the iconic backdrop of Mount Ngauruhoe (famously Mount Doom from The Lord of the Rings). This UNESCO-listed trek is often called New Zealand’s greatest day hike, providing an adventure unlike anywhere else on Earth.

5. Heli-Hike the Stunning Franz Josef Glacier

Let’s face it, no trip to New Zealand is complete without a heli adventure. Experience the South Island’s breathtaking beauty as you soar over rainforests before landing on the Franz Josef Glacier. A guided heli-hike offers a one-of-a-kind quest exploring ice formations and crevasses only accessible by air.

6. Cruise the Eighth Wonder of the World at Milford Sound

Marvel at Milford Sound’s towering cliffs, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls—so close you’ll feel their refreshing spray from the deck of your cruise boat. Often described as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” this awe-inspiring fjord encapsulates New Zealand’s untouched wilderness and unmatched beauty.

7. Discover Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set

Have a drink in the Green Dragon Inn, wander through Bilbo’s Hobbit hole; there’s even a “Second Breakfast Tour.” Middle-earth comes to life at the Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata. This beautifully preserved filming location from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies offers visitors the unique opportunity to escape to Middle-earth (without Sauron and the Nazgûl).

8. Kayak the Abel Tasman National Park

Navigate turquoise waters, golden beaches, and lush coastal forests by kayak in Abel Tasman National Park. This serene, paddle-powered adventure allows you to connect with New Zealand’s pristine natural environment, offering moments of peaceful exploration and intimate wildlife encounters.

9. Stargaze at Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve

The glittering heavens come alive at the world-famous Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. With minimal light pollution, this South Island region offers unparalleled stargazing and astrophotography opportunities. Lose yourself in the expansive Southern Hemisphere sky. You never know what you’ll see… The truth is out there, and you can discover it in New Zealand.

10. Reach New Heights at the Nevis Playground

Discover why Queenstown is dubbed the Adventure Capital of the World at the Nevis Playground, perfect for thrill-seekers and travellers craving something truly unforgettable. Experience New Zealand’s highest bungy (134 metres), swing across the canyon on one of the world’s largest swings, or launch into the valley with the human catapult. There’s no other place quite like it, and just think of the Instagram videos!

Want to make the most of your New Zealand trip? Grab your bucket list and jot these down. These are ten unforgettable, uniquely Kiwi adventures you’ll only find in Aotearoa.

Looking for a Bungy Adventure? Check out our Amazing AJ Hackett Bungy Deals.

FAQ’s

1. What’s the best time of year to experience these bucket list adventures in New Zealand?

New Zealand offers year-round adventure, but the best time depends on your preferences. Summer (Dec–Feb) is ideal for kayaking, hiking, and glowworm caves. Winter (Jun–Aug) is perfect for stargazing and glacier heli-hikes. Always check seasonal accessibility and weather conditions for specific activities.

2. Are these bucket list adventures suitable for all fitness levels and ages?

Most activities cater to a range of fitness levels, with options like scenic cruises, cultural experiences, and guided tours available for all ages. However, high-adrenaline experiences like bungy jumping, heli-hiking, or the Nevis Playground may have age, health, or weight restrictions—check with providers in advance.