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.
Get in touch with our expert travel designers for a tailor-made adventure tour of this truly magical country.
Highlights
Go whale watching and spot seals from the water in Kaikoura
Discover Marlborough Sounds from the deck of a luxury charter yacht
Visit Queenstown to experience the best white water rafting and jet boating in New Zealand
Climb aboard the TranzAlpline train from Christchurch to the dramatic landscape of the West Coast and the Glaciers
Walk in the treetops of the evergreen forests of Mamaku Plateau, minutes from Rotorua
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
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:
Why book with Jacada?

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.

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.

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.
New Zealand tour inspiration
Where to go for New Zealand adventures

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.
Discover moreWhen 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
New Zealand Travel Guides
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.


Plan with peace of mind
When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.
If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.





























