Our Top Summer Activities in New Zealand
With a lot of free time over summer in New Zealand it might be hard to decide what new and exciting experiences to do next
We’ve made it easy for you! Here is our list of the best experiences in Christchurch, Auckland and Northland that are perfect for the hot weather:
- Try something new with wind powered blokarts, electric drift trikes and human foosball
- Go on an adventure with a 4WD sea kayaking safari
- An urban explorer tour through Christchurch
- Introduce yourself and a group of friends to stand up paddle boarding
- Go on a day tour around Tawharanui and Goat Island
- Try your hand at surfing on the East Coast
- Charter a fishing boat in the Bay of Islands
- Learn how to sail with Great Escape
- Explore Waitangi Mountain Bike Park
Wind Powered Blokarts, Electric Drift Trikes and Human Foosball
Ever wanted to experience the power of the wind? For all the adrenaline junkies in or around Christchurch, you can feel the rush on Blokarts! The wind powered karts are super easy to use and will be sure to put a smile on your face. If you’re wanting a new challenge there are also electric Driftkarts which are a great way to experience your inner drifter. Velocity Karts also has a Human Foosball arena where you can play a life sized version of the popular table game with a group of friends. Click here for more info.
4WD Sea Kayaking Safari
Pohatu Penguins has a great safari kayak tour around the Pohatu Marine Reserve where you’ll get to see some awesome sights from the water! You’ll be taken on a wildlife adventure to see various seabirds, curious NZ seal pups, little penguins, and if you’re lucky you’ll spot the world’s smallest dolphin. The best part is that you don’t need any experience as it only runs in safe calm waters. The tour includes a scenic drive in 4WD, photo stops, all the gear you need and you’ll be looked after by the super friendly and qualified staff. Click here for more info
Urban Explorer Cycle Tour in Christchurch
Want to get to know the city better in Christchurch? You can take an Urban Explorer cycle tour for about two and a half hours and experience the new and improved Christchurch. With the flat roads and heaps of cycleways, it’s super easy to get to all the best places around the city. You’ll see heritage sights, cultural icons, hospitality hot spots, parks, gardens and more. The passionate local guide will also pass on their stories about the city and give you a bunch of different recommendations to make your experience in Christchurch memorable! Click here for more info.
Intro to Stand Up Paddle Boarding – Group lesson
Have you ever wanted to try a new water sport? With a hand from Mission Bay Watersports, get a group of mates together and go visit the beautiful mission bay and try out something new. In your 60 minute lesson with 30 minutes of additional practice, you get taught the fundamental skills of paddleboard including water safety and how to maneuver the board. If you have enough time, you may even be allowed time to explore the bay with the new skills you’ve learned. Click here for more info.
Tawharanui and Goat Island day tour
If you’re looking to explore NZ’s cool wildlife and experience its stunning coastal areas you can do this on a small group guided tour!
With Kiwi Experience, you’ll get to see Tawharanui wildlife reserve, Matakana, and Goat Island. In the morning get up nice and early for a hike and swim around Tawharanui then head out to Matakana for lunch and then onwards to Goat Island. At Goat Island, you will get the opportunity to explore the marine reserve by snorkelling or hiring a transparent kayak to see the colourful sea life. Click here for more about the experience.
Aotearoa Surf Lessons on the East Coast
Looking for a new hobby? Learn to surf in style this summer with Aotearoa Surf School. You’ll learn about catching waves, good paddling styles and how to master the best pop up. You’ll also learn about the benefits of supporting the local environment and how we can better protect our oceans. You can do this with a group of friends or even by yourself while having fun and respecting the incredible New Zealand beaches and surf breaks. Click here for more.
Charter a Fishing Boat with May Marie Fishing Charters in the Bay of Islands
Get out and about in the Bay of Islands on an epic fishing adventure! Get some mates together as the May Marie Charter is perfect for groups of 20. The local captain of the boat will take you to some of his favourite spots and will even help you to bait and cast the lines. At the end of the day, the crew will fillet and bag your catches from the day and you can take them home to eat for dinner. This super fun day out on the water ranges in price from $100 to $150. Click here for info on the experience.
Learn to sail with Great Escape
Want to add another skill to your list? You can spend 3 days learning to sail with an instructor around the Bay of Islands with Great Escape. Go on a bit of an adventure learning sailing skills, how to handle the boat and basic navigation. You will get to experience sleeping on the anchored boat each night. At the end of the 3 days, you’ll come out with a Yachting NZ (YNZ) Level 1 Certification and the International Yacht Training (IYT) Introduction to sailing certificate making you a certified yachtie! Click here for more info.
Waitangi Mountain Bike Park – shuttle and hire
Explore the Waitangi Mountain Bike Park – just 9 mins from Paihia. Pick a bike, catch a shuttle and then enjoy the 3 hour mountain biking experience! Paihia Mountain Bikes will drop you off at the top and then wait for you at the bottom after you’ve explored the world class tracks. There is also an onsite cafe to grab a drink and a bite to eat afterwards. Bike hire and entrance costs $100 to $150. Click here for more info.
BeKiwi has such a variety of experiences around New Zealand for you to explore.
Try out our search filters to find the ideal experience for you. Looking for volunteering opportunities? Want to find something to do that is less than $50? Or, find something that will boost your communications skills!
Get searching for your next adventure!
