Five Best Places In New Zealand For Adrenaline Junkies

Take a New Zealand self drive tour around these top five locations for adrenaline junkies like you. There’s a lot to get done, so make sure you pack lots of energy-fueling food and your favorite active sports gear.

1. Kawarau Bridge Bungy, Queenstown

Those adventurous types out there would be insane to miss out on Queenstown. While Wellington is the true capital city, Queenstown is often described as the “adventure capital of the world” among adrenaline junkies. So while Wellington has been named “the coolest little capital in the world” by Lonely Planet, we think the thrill-seeker’s place to be in New Zealand is actually Queenstown.

Adrenaline junkies will recommend that you go to Queenstown and head straight to the home of bungee jumping at the Kawarau Bridge Bungee. While the history of bungee jumping has a long and unverified legend to it, the now-famous adventurer A.J. Hackett was certainly the first to set up a business based upon the phenomenon of bungee jumping.

Adrenaline junkies will recommend that you go to Queenstown and head straight to the home of bungee jumping at the Kawarau Bridge Bungee.

2. Nevis Swing, Queenstown

We can’t suggest a visit to Queenstown and not mention the Nevis Swing. This is no simple children’s park swing. This is the world’s highest swing! Before you get driving on a New Zealand self drive tour to the next destination, ensure you try out this swing. Imagine the most terrifying roller coaster ride you’ve ever been on and then times that by a few thousand. Now add in some jaw-dropping scenery. You’ll be dropping a 70 meter freefall at break-neck speeds and then flying a whopping 300 meter arc.

3. Mount Ruapehu, North Island

Mount Ruapehu is one of three active volcanoes on the North Island. They are a wonderful sight to behold as you arrive. It’s obvious, however, that adrenaline junkies may well desire to get up close and personal with them. The most spectacular way to do this is to visit one of the two ski resorts on the snow-dusted peak of Mount Ruapehu. Skiing at either of the resorts (Turoa and Whakapapa) on the Ruapehu volcano is a sure-fire way to get blood pumping quickly.

4. Rangitata Rafts, Canterbury

These white-water rapids are ceaselessly fast, powerful, and exhilarating to raft on. If winter sports high up in the mountains isn’t quite cutting it for you, try your hand at fast-paced water sports. It’s easy for people seeking adrenaline to think only of big heights, but rafting has just the same impact. Just outside of Canterbury, amidst the setting for Lord of the Rings, lies Rangitata Rafts. Experienced professionals will train you in techniques and then send you on your way to face the tides. Good luck!

5. Canyon Swing and Canyon Fox, Shotover River

We know it might seem odd to suggest another swing after you’ve already completed the world’s highest swing. What can possibly top that? Well, we have two reasons: firstly, the Shotover River seems more dangerous and beautiful than the river below the Nevis Swing, and secondly, if you visit the Canyon Fox you’ll basically be a guinea pig for the creators, only advised for those with nerves of steel and a willingness to take the risk to get the unbeatable highs.

There are so many amazing sights and thrill-seeking activities to try across New Zealand.

These suggestions are only half the story for New Zealand’s adventure tourism. There are so many amazing sights and thrill-seeking activities to try across New Zealand. One of the best ways to explore as many as possible is with a self drive tour that will get you from A to B without missing out on any of the fantastic attractions the area has to offer. It will enable you to do everything from parking up beside the active volcano on the North Island, to traveling to fast rivers with helpful sports professionals on hand.