There are a lot of things to do in New Zealand. The question is really what suits your taste. Whether you are living here or staying for a short term holiday, NZ is a leader when it comes to activities. Some activities cost more than others, though you might like to consider the following:
1. Whitewater canoeing or kayaking - NZ has some beautiful natural waterways. The problem for most people will be the lack of variety in terms of experience. Most rivers are suitable for only advanced canoeists or rafting. I favour using an inflatable canoe because you can put it in the back of your van, so there is no security issues. You might need two vehicles unless you have a shuttle driver arranged.
2. Trout or ocean fishing - Fishing is popular in NZ. I've seen a lot of trout in the rivers, so there are plenty of opportunities. You are required to obtain a fishing license to fish in NZ.
3. Bush walking - I can't say that NZ has many walking trails, but where they do exist, they often offer spectacular views.
4. Garden viewing - Some people like gardens, and NZ has a lot of them. Of course English settlers had to bring a piece of England with them, so they can be found all over the country. See the following website.
5. Horse riding or trekking - Horse riding is a great way to see a country. If you are so inclined there is a website dedicated to this activity. The horse riding on the South Island is more expensive. Prices tend to reflect the value of scenery rather than the facilities, service or cost of service.
6. Rafting: There are various rafting companies around NZ. I have rafted several times in Australia, and I must say that canoeing is more fun because you have more control of the boat. Rafting is like using bumper cars, bouncing from one rock to the next. It does not require personal skill, and the social experiencing is more limiting as you soon tire of people cheering every rapid. It suits those who don't have the equipment or the experience, though rafting can involve more difficult rivers in order to give the exhilaration people desire. Rafting costs $100-200.
7. Mountain biking: The large tracts of forested land in NZ are great for mountain biking if you can get access.
8. Campervanning might not be considered a recreational activity, afterall its driving and sleeping. It does however offer the benefit of being able to stay anywhere (within the law & safety constraints), as well as the opportunity to save on hotel costs if you are travelling.
If you are prepared to spend more money consider the following:
1. Hot air ballooning: This will cost $300-600 per person, though its a once in a lifetime activity. Some people even get married this way. You can do it on the North Island, though I suggest if you are going to do this in NZ, best to do it on the South Island around the glaciers/Queenstown area, or the Canterbury Plains. Make sure you see a route map so you can see the area you will be crossing.
2. Heli-skiing: There is helicopter rides, but there is also the opportunity to combine a helicopter trip and ski trekking. Clearly the idea of two experiences for the price of one is appealing for those with adequate skiing experience.
3. Helicopter rides: For those out of season or not skilled in skiing, you can simply ride a helicopter for around $300-500. The flight time is around 30-60 minutes.
Other options for the adventurous are caving, canyoning, bungy jumping, sskiing, nowboarding, boating and sailing. I don't consider boating much of an adventure unless you spend your days cruising around Fiordland in a motor boat or a sea kayak. I have no interest in 5 seconds of exhilaration from bungy jumping.
1. Whitewater canoeing or kayaking - NZ has some beautiful natural waterways. The problem for most people will be the lack of variety in terms of experience. Most rivers are suitable for only advanced canoeists or rafting. I favour using an inflatable canoe because you can put it in the back of your van, so there is no security issues. You might need two vehicles unless you have a shuttle driver arranged.
2. Trout or ocean fishing - Fishing is popular in NZ. I've seen a lot of trout in the rivers, so there are plenty of opportunities. You are required to obtain a fishing license to fish in NZ.
3. Bush walking - I can't say that NZ has many walking trails, but where they do exist, they often offer spectacular views.
4. Garden viewing - Some people like gardens, and NZ has a lot of them. Of course English settlers had to bring a piece of England with them, so they can be found all over the country. See the following website.
5. Horse riding or trekking - Horse riding is a great way to see a country. If you are so inclined there is a website dedicated to this activity. The horse riding on the South Island is more expensive. Prices tend to reflect the value of scenery rather than the facilities, service or cost of service.
6. Rafting: There are various rafting companies around NZ. I have rafted several times in Australia, and I must say that canoeing is more fun because you have more control of the boat. Rafting is like using bumper cars, bouncing from one rock to the next. It does not require personal skill, and the social experiencing is more limiting as you soon tire of people cheering every rapid. It suits those who don't have the equipment or the experience, though rafting can involve more difficult rivers in order to give the exhilaration people desire. Rafting costs $100-200.
7. Mountain biking: The large tracts of forested land in NZ are great for mountain biking if you can get access.
8. Campervanning might not be considered a recreational activity, afterall its driving and sleeping. It does however offer the benefit of being able to stay anywhere (within the law & safety constraints), as well as the opportunity to save on hotel costs if you are travelling.
If you are prepared to spend more money consider the following:
1. Hot air ballooning: This will cost $300-600 per person, though its a once in a lifetime activity. Some people even get married this way. You can do it on the North Island, though I suggest if you are going to do this in NZ, best to do it on the South Island around the glaciers/Queenstown area, or the Canterbury Plains. Make sure you see a route map so you can see the area you will be crossing.
2. Heli-skiing: There is helicopter rides, but there is also the opportunity to combine a helicopter trip and ski trekking. Clearly the idea of two experiences for the price of one is appealing for those with adequate skiing experience.
3. Helicopter rides: For those out of season or not skilled in skiing, you can simply ride a helicopter for around $300-500. The flight time is around 30-60 minutes.
Other options for the adventurous are caving, canyoning, bungy jumping, sskiing, nowboarding, boating and sailing. I don't consider boating much of an adventure unless you spend your days cruising around Fiordland in a motor boat or a sea kayak. I have no interest in 5 seconds of exhilaration from bungy jumping.
