The prow of a boat cruising through Milford Sound in New Zealand

Luxury New Zealand Adventure Tours made for you

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New Zealand adventure tours carefully curated just for you

Tread lightly on your epic off-the-beaten-track adventure

Seek out adventure in hidden corners of the north and south islands of New Zealand, also known by its Māori name of Aotearoa, which roughly translates to ‘land of the long white cloud’. Every element of your bespoke trip will honour both the raw beauty and cultural significance of the landscape. Our aim at Jacada is to work with organisations who are aligned with our positive impact principles, so that your adventures in New Zealand can contribute to safeguarding it for future generations.

On the North Island you can enjoy the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, with private access to bubbling mud pools and pristine hot springs, and an immersion in Māori traditions at Te Puia geothermal valley. An hour’s drive away is Taupo, on the shore of Lake Taupo, whose jewel-blue waters fill the caldera of an active super-volcano. Here, some gentle activities like hiking and fly-fishing can be arranged, with exciting opportunities to tackle the heart-pounding rapids on the Tongariro and Kaituna rivers.

Heading to the South Island, you’ll cruise the serene Marlborough Sounds on a yacht-based adventure through secluded waterways to hidden coves, or visit the dramatic landscape of the West Coast and the Glaciers, to take a glacier heli-hike and explore ice caves and crevasses. In Queenstown, experience the ultimate adrenaline rush on the famous Nevis bungy – New Zealand’s highest bungy jump – as well as zipline adventures and white water rafting, and snow activities in winter. It’s also possible to combine other New Zealand highlights in your personalised tour, such as a wine tour of Central Otago, wandering the pretty township of nearby Wanaka, or visiting Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park to cruise the fiords beneath towering peaks. New Zealand is perfect for active honeymoons, family adventure tours and bespoke group trips.

Get in touch with our expert travel designers for a tailor-made adventure tour of this truly magical country.

From our experts

Experiences picked by our destination specialists

Whale watch and spot seals off Kaikōura

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Go whale watching and spot seals from the water in Kaikoura

Charter a yacht through Marlborough Sounds

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Discover Marlborough Sounds from the deck of a luxury charter yacht

Go rafting in Queenstown

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Visit Queenstown to experience the best white water rafting and jet boating in New Zealand

Ride the TranzAlpine to the glaciers

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Climb aboard the TranzAlpline train from Christchurch to the dramatic landscape of the West Coast and the Glaciers

Walk the treetops above Rotorua

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Walk in the treetops of the evergreen forests of Mamaku Plateau, minutes from Rotorua

A word from one of our experts

From the Nevis bungy to white water rafting, and jet boating to ziplining, New Zealand has earned its reputation as the world’s adventure capital – but no trip is complete without a kiwi introduction to Māori culture and heritage, world-class food and wine and the country’s vibrant arts scene.

Leanne Anglo headshot
Leanne Anglo

Travel Designer

Luxury New Zealand accommodation

There are many incredible places to stay in New Zealand. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

Kaikoura

Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses
The work of a family of architects and builders, Hapuku Lodge is an extraordinary ecolodge perfectly placed between the white peaks of the Kaikoura Mountain Range and waves of Mangamaunu Bay. With an environmentally-friendly focus, this lodge was carefully constructed from salvaged timber and seeks to be sustainable in every area. There are four ultra-spacious rooms in the main lodge with wonderful mountain views, Japanese soaking tubs with room for two and immense custom beds – said to be the best on the island. The two suites also have their own fireplaces and a living area. However, the real stars of the show are the luxurious treehouses, standing 10m (30 feet) above the ground in the canopy of a native Manuka grove, each with a wood-burning fireplace, spa bath, open rain showers and large glass windows with a birds-eye view to the coast. There are two storey options for families, and the standalone Olive House Suite has room for two adults and up to three children. Dining at Hapuku means an organic and locally-sourced menu, with produce collected from the hotel’s own herb and vegetable gardens, free-range chicken populations and meat from nearby hunters and fishermen. Constantly changing and evolving offerings may include venison, wild blackberries, a variety of cheese, crayfish and even homemade plum ice cream. A comprehensive wine list makes sure to incorporate vintages from all over New Zealand, the ideal accompaniment to a wonderful meal. There are adventures to be had in every corner of Kaikoura’s coast, dubbed the ‘Maritime Serengeti’ by the local National Geographic. Head out on the waves in a sea kayak, swim with dolphins and seals or go whale watching to spot the gentle grey giants in the ocean blue. Mountain bikes can be borrowed from the lodge to traverse the surrounding trails while there are also Maori cultural tours, horse riding and the acclaimed surfing of Mangamaunu Bay a short walk away.
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Why book with Jacada?

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Personalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

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Authentic experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

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Responsible travel

Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

Ready to plan your adventure?

Whatever you want from your New Zealand tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Where to go for New Zealand adventures

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Auckland

New Zealand’s most populous urban hub offers a blend of cultural attractions and great food, complemented by green parks and stunning waterfront.

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Bay of Islands

This maritime region combines a rich history and heritage with hundreds of largely pristine islands and a warm climate.

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Christchurch

Known as the ‘Garden City’ for its abundant parks and English heritage, Christchurch has transformed into a creative urban hub featuring innovative architecture.

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Coromandel

An iconic New Zealand seaside retreat characterised by charming small villages, golden-sand coastlines and rainforest alive with endemic birds.

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Dunedin and Coastal Otago

A vibrant university city with Scottish heritage, which serves as an ideal launching point for adventures across the Otago Peninsula with its dramatic landscape, pristine beaches and abundant fauna.

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Hawke's Bay

The North Island’s premier winemaking area ranks among New Zealand's warmest and driest territories.

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Kaikoura

Between the Pacific and the snow-dusted Kaikoura mountains, this charming coastal settlement serves as an ideal starting point for encountering some of New Zealand's most remarkable wildlife.

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Lake Tekapo and Aoraki Mount Cook

The country’s highest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook, commands attention as it towers over the landscape of its surrounding national park.

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Marlborough Sounds and Wine Region

Journey between cellar doors through this sunshine-bathed region and taste some of the country’s most exceptional wines, particularly the world-famous Sauvignon Blanc.

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Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park

The South Island’s Fiordland National Park is celebrated for its phenomenal vistas of forests, mountains and fiords.

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Nelson and Abel Tasman

The country’s sunniest corner boasts honey-coloured beaches backed by rainforest, and the world’s most transparent freshwater lake.

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Queenstown and Wanaka

On the shores of the pristine Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown ranks among New Zealand’s most scenic and adventure-packed destinations, with skiing, rafting, canyon swings, jet boats, cycling and bungee jumping.

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Rotorua and Taupo

Bubbling thermal pools, spouting geysers and a rich Māori culture combine to make Rotorua an exceptional destination, with Taupo and New Zealand’s largest lake just a short drive away.

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Wellington

Situated on hills that cascade toward a picturesque waterfront, the nation’s capital serves as a hub of artistic and cultural innovation – famous for its performance scene, culinary excellence and alternative spirit.

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West Coast and the Glaciers

This slender coastal stretch wedged between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea showcases some of New Zealand’s most striking scenery.

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Meet your Australasia team

When to visit New Zealand for adventure activities

New Zealand’s diverse climate – from subtropical northern beaches to southern glacial valleys – makes it a year-round destination. Summer (December to February) is ideal for experiencing the country’s spectacular natural beauty, with warm, dry days often exceeding 25°C (77°F), over 15 hours of daylight, and perfect conditions for hiking, biking and beach visits, though this peak season can get very busy.

For a more peaceful experience with pleasant weather, consider the shoulder seasons of autumn (March to May) or spring (September to November), when temperatures remain comfortable and attractions are less crowded – autumn brings crisp days in the south and milder conditions in the north, and spring brings rain and snowmelt, an optimum time for white water rafting. And winter? In the winter months (June to August) the South Island transforms into an adventure playground with winter sports and epic snow-capped scenery.

Whale watching

Year-round

White water rafting

September–November

Hiking

October–April

When Is the Best Time to Visit New Zealand?

When Is the Best Time to Visit New Zealand?

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Plan your adventure trip to New Zealand

Whatever you want from your adventure in New Zealand, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

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Don't take our word for it

Your trip, your story

We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.

Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.