High-Speed Jet Boating Through Queenstown’s River Canyons
Jet Boating
Developed in New Zealand to navigate the country’s shallow braided rivers, jet boating has become one of its most recognisable water based adventures. In Queenstown, rides along the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers combine speed with precision as boats skim across just centimetres of water, weaving through narrow canyon walls and accelerating over fast-moving channels.
Experienced drivers execute the manoeuvre the activity is known for, the signature 360 degree spin, while the surrounding landscape of rock faces, native bush and snow capped peaks adds a dramatic sense of place. The result is a high energy way to experience waterways that would otherwise be inaccessible, and a distinctly Kiwi take on river exploration.
Kayaking by Day, Glowworm Paddling by Night
New Zealand offers a range of kayaking experiences, from sunlit coastal journeys to atmospheric evening paddles. In Abel Tasman National Park, guided kayaking trips trace a sheltered shoreline of golden beaches and granite headlands, accessing secluded bays such as Anchorage and Torrent that are unreachable by road. Moving quietly at water level brings paddlers close to native wildlife and empty stretches of sand rarely seen by land based visitors.
At the other end of the country, the Bay of Plenty provides a striking contrast. Here, Waimarino’s glowworm kayak tours take place at dusk, when paddlers glide through still waters beneath canyon walls illuminated by thousands of tiny lights, turning the river into a natural night sky.
Surf Waves on Raglan’s Wild West Coast
On the North Island’s rugged west coast, Raglan has built an international reputation as one of New Zealand’s premier surf destinations. Its famous left-hand point breaks, particularly at Manu Bay, offer remarkably long rides that have drawn surfers here since the 1960s.
Nearby Whale Bay provides a quieter setting for experienced riders, while Ngarunui Beach’s wide sandy shoreline and gentler swell make it ideal for lessons. Local surf schools operate year round, allowing first timers to experience the region’s celebrated waves, while clifftop viewpoints deliver dramatic views of the Tasman Sea in motion.
White-Water Rafting the Kaituna River in Rotorua
Just outside the city, the Kaituna River in Rotorua delivers one of New Zealand’s most memorable white-water rafting experiences, cutting through a steep native forest canyon rich in Māori history.
The highlight is the descent over Tutea Falls, a seven metre drop recognised as the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. Between rapids, calmer stretches reveal cascading waterfalls and dense bush, creating moments of stillness before the next surge of adrenaline.
Diving the Poor Knights Islands, One of the World’s Top Marine Reserves
Off the coast of Northland, the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve offers a completely different perspective on New Zealand’s natural world. Reached by boat from the Bay of Islands or Tutukaka Coast, the protected area is widely regarded as one of the finest dive locations globally.
Divers and snorkellers explore a submerged volcanic landscape of arches, caves and sheer walls, where subtropical currents attract an unusually diverse mix of marine life, from colourful reef fish to rays and large pelagic species.
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