Adventure in New Zealand, for the trade.
Bungy, jet boat, heli-hike and guided mountain days.
How do groups book adventure activities in New Zealand?
Queenstown is the centre of New Zealand adventure, with bungy and jet boating, while heli-hikes and guided walks sit on the West Coast and in Fiordland. Most operators must pass a safety audit and register with WorkSafe, which keeps a public register.
Last updated: 9 October 2026
Why this theme sells.
New Zealand sold commercial bungy and jet-boating to the world, and the habit of building tourism around activity is still strong. For a group, adventure works best as a choice inside a programme, not as a compulsory item.
Because activities carry real risk, check the operator’s registration and cancellation terms before contracting.
Places and experiences to know.
Bungy at the Kawarau Bridge
The world’s first commercial bungy site opened here, near Queenstown, in November 1988, run by A. J. Hackett and Henry van Asch. Some operators still run it from the same bridge.
Destination guideJet boating
The jet boat was developed in New Zealand by the farmer and engineer Bill Hamilton in the 1950s, for rivers too shallow for propellers. Commercial rides on the Shotover River near Queenstown have run since the 1960s.
Destination guideHeli-hikes and scenic flights
On the West Coast, helicopters land guided groups on the glacier ice. Cloud cancels them often, so confirm a backup day.
Destination guideGuided mountain days
Guided options exist on the Great Walks, including the Milford Track, and as shorter day walks from Milford Sound. See the walking page for booking windows.
Destination guideWinter snow
Queenstown and Wānaka are the main ski bases. See the alpine page and our ski and snow service.
Destination guideWhen it works.
Bungy and jet boating run all year, and heli-hikes and flights depend on cloud. Snow sports run roughly from mid-June to early October. Summer holiday weeks are the busiest, so book activity capacity early for groups.
See the full seasonal calendar for lead times and school holidays.
What to check first.
- Most adventure activity operators must pass a safety audit and register with WorkSafe. Ask for the registration and check it on the public register before contracting.
- WorkSafe’s audit standard was updated in August 2023, and from 1 April 2024 operators apply directly to the Registrar for registration and renewal.
- Ask each operator for its weather and cancellation terms, and for age and weight limits, at quotation.
Related services and programmes.
Services: Adventure & activities · MICE & incentives · Group tours & GIT.
Sample programmes: Queenstown Incentive Programme. See also all itineraries and fixed departures.
What agents ask about this theme.
Are adventure operators regulated in New Zealand?
Yes. Most adventure activity operators must pass a safety audit and register with WorkSafe, which keeps a public register. Ask for the registration before contracting and confirm terms at quotation.
Where did commercial bungy start?
The world’s first commercial bungy site opened at the Kawarau Bridge near Queenstown in November 1988, run by A. J. Hackett and Henry van Asch.
Events on the 2027 calendar.
Explera DMC New Zealand is the B2B New Zealand DMC for adventure programmes. We contract the accommodation, transfers, licensed guides and experiences at net rates, so you sell adventure programmes with one accountable ground partner and your own branding. Send the brief to our New Zealand DMC desk for a net programme quotation.
Start quoting New Zealand at net rates this week.
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