The Adventure Traveler's Guide To Auckland New Zealand

Thrill-seekers are attracted to New Zealand because of its extensive list of adventurous activities. Auckland is very much a part of this equation, and we guarantee that even the most daring of travelers will get a kick out of this incredible city. If you really want to get your heart pumping, simply follow our guide to the region’s most exhilarating attractions.

Bungy jump off the Sky Tower

Let’s face it: No adventure trip to New Zealand would be complete without some bungy jumping. The Sky Tower is Auckland’s most renowned landmark, and it’s one of the primary places to get your adrenaline fix. If you want to ease yourself into that final leap, there’s always the option of walking around the tower’s ring. Otherwise, harness up, take a deep breath, and get to it!

Swim with sharks at the aquarium

Abseil down a waterfall

The Waitakere Ranges is lined with breathtaking waterfalls, which are popular with passing hikers and adventurous travelers. AWOL Canyoning Adventures offers special abseiling tours that will take you on a journey underneath the showering falls and sculpted gorges. Don’t fret if you lack prior experience – you’ll be followed by trained guides the entire way.

Kayak to Rangitoto Island

Auckland is locally known as the City of Sails, so it’s no wonder there are plenty of opportunities to drift along the ocean. Sea kayaking from the Tamaki Drive coast to the surrounding islands (including the volcanic beauty that is Rangitoto) is guaranteed to be an enthralling experience. If you want to take things up a notch, opt for a jet-boating trip, or an America’s Cup sailing adventure.

Leap off the Harbour Bridge

Another Auckland bungy must-do. Climb up the Harbour Bridge’s narrow staircase to reach the jumping station. As you centre yourself for that heart-racing leap, take in the surrounding panoramic views of the city. The Harbour Bridge bungy jump is quite unique in that you can touch the water. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even request to be tied to a harness that will enable you to completely plunge into the ocean!

Bungy jumpers at Auckland Harbour Bridge

Try a bit of indoor skiing

Snowplanet is Auckland’s one and only year-round indoor snow resort. With a range of skiing, snowboarding, tubing and tobogganing facilities on site, this awesome venue is bound to put your snow sports skills to the test. There are slopes, jumps and rails for beginners and advanced adventurers alike. Equipment hire is always an option, as are guided lessons.

Take a Harley tour

Ever wondered what it would be like to explore New Zealand on a Harley Davidson? Bularangi Motorbikes have filled that void. Operating in Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown and the Coromandel, they offer chauffeured passenger tours, allowing you to get up close and personal to some of the best local attractions. All you have to do is sit back, let the riders take the lead, and watch as the world whizzes past you.

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Mountain bike around the city

Explore some of Auckland’s best mountain biking tracks and cycle ways. Just as there are plenty of hiking trails in the vicinity, you’ll find an array of places to pedal through. Popular spots to visit include the Woodhill Track out west, the Sanders Reserve on the North Shore, Maraetai out east, Totara Park down south, and the Waiheke Island trails just a short ferry trip across the Hauraki Gulf.

Go on an off-road adventure

Ever wanted to charge a four-wheel drive through the sand? Perhaps you’re keen to do some blo-karting or quad biking? If the answer is yes, then head along to Karioitahi Beach in Waiuku, where a trove of these and other extreme coastal activities await you. The hilly beach overlooking the Tasman Sea is perfectly carved for an adventure, while Castaways Resort is the ideal place to wind down after a long day of excitement and adrenaline.

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Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.