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The magical thing about New Zealand’s spectacular landscapes is that you can explore them from many different perspectives – including from high up!
Ziplining (or flying fox as it is called here!) is a top New Zealand activity, in the most adventurous country in the world. So that’s saying something!
After all, who doesn’t love soaring through the sky at high speeds, watching forest canopies, cliffs and lakes unfold right under you? Sign me up! You can even glide above waterfalls (my fav!), do a tandem zipline with a friend, or embark on an epic zipline obstacle course.
With so many zipline experiences to choose from on both the South and North Islands, it can be hard to know where to start. No matter what adventure you’re looking for, I’ve put together the ultimate guide to the best places for ziplining in New Zealand.
Some of these tours will push your limits to the extreme – do you accept the challenge?
Ziplining in New Zealand FAQs
Ziplining on the North Island
1. Rotorua canopy tour – My top choice on the North Island
What could be more breathtaking than exploring the lush, green forests of Rotorua from high up? It’s no wonder ziplining in Rotorua is my top pick when visiting the North Island!
This spectacular tour takes you through a total of 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) of ziplines. This includes a 400-meter (1,300-foot) tandem zipline, as well as swing bridges, walks on cliffs above the forest top (the only cliff walk like this in NZ!), and even an 18-meter (60-foot) decent for the ultimate daredevils.
Whether you take this ziplining tour starting from Rotorua or choose the tour starting in Auckland, you will be fully immersed in the untouched Rotorua forests. Both tour options will have you gliding past verdant treetops, surrounded by the songs of native birds.
Each tour includes all the safety gear needed and some snacks, and both tours include round-trip transportation from either Rotorua or Auckland. They’ll even snap a complimentary photo of you from high up in the air!
Tickets for this incredible zipline experience start at $209 NZD from Rotorua or $599 NZD from Auckland. Part of the ticket also goes towards conservation efforts in the area. Just ask your passionate guides about these efforts – they’ll gladly tell you all about it.
Related read: One of my top NZ road trips in this area is the drive from Taupo to Rotorua!
2. Waiheke Island zipline and forest walk
For an aerial adventure over one of the most spectacular gulfs in New Zealand, this Waiheke Island exploration tour is my pick. It’s perfect for those who want to get lost in nature and let the explorer inside of them roam free!
The tour starts with a minivan trip from Waiheke Island’s ferry terminal (you’ll have to take a ferry from Auckland yourself). You’ll be taken through the most scenic parts of Waiheke Island including vineyards, valleys, and bays.
However, the star of this tour is definitely the zipline experience. You’ll get to enjoy aerial views of Waiheke Island’s green fields and forests, vineyards, as well as the blue waters of Hauraki Gulf.
What’s great is the ziplines gradually build up, so you’ll slowly get higher as your confidence builds too. Even if you’ve never tried ziplining before, this tour makes sure you feel safe and get the most out of your experience.
The tour is really affordable at $129 NZD per person and can be booked online here. Plus, it’s limited to a group with a maximum of 12 people. You never feel like you are in a hurry, and I liked that the guides can really interact with you and ease your nerves too! Nobody likes being rushed toward the next thing, especially when there is so much to explore, right?
3. Coromandel zipline tours
For an epic adventure above the treetops, head to the Coromandel Peninsula within the Waikato Region on the North Island. Here is where you’ll find The Coromandel Zipline, which I’ll say is exhilarating!
Zip through the forests on this ziplining tour which includes access to eight ziplines spanning a total of 700 meters (2,300 feet)! As you speed through the treetops, keep your eyes peeled for the fantastic views of native forests and fast-moving streams.
You’ll find the zipline near the town of Coromandel, which is just a 90-minute drive to the major cities of Auckland, Hamilton, and Rotorua. The area where you’ll be ziplining was once a rich gold mining area as well as a kauri logging farm. Today, it is a lush native forest thanks to a regeneration program that saw hundreds of kauri trees planted. The forest here is also a habitat for the elusive kiwi.
I love that you start your journey on this tour with a scenic 18-minute train ride on New Zealand’s only mountain railway, taking you to the first ziplining area.
All safety equipment is included, and your experienced guide will be on hand to show you the ropes (literally) along the course. This particular tour is 2.5 hours in length and costs $137 NZD per person.
Part of the fee you pay will go towards conservation projects, so everyone can continue to enjoy the same views and wildlife wonders.
4. Waitomo Caves ziplines
If you’re new to ziplining, I love the Waitomo Caves zipline tour. It’s a 1 km (0.6 mile) ziplining experience that starts from lower levels above the native trees. As you progress along the course of 10 ziplines, the height and length gradually increase.
The Waitomo Caves are located 2.5 hours south of Auckland and about 1 hour from Hamilton. The drive here is a fantastic day trip from Auckland and gives you that idyllic New Zealand backdrop.
After you gain some courage on the zipline course, embark on their longest zipline to land at Waitomo Lookout Point, where you can admire some of the most stunning landscapes on the island.
Finally, you’ll tackle the 280-meter (918-foot) zipline that can reach speeds up to 80 km/hr (50 mph). The adrenaline rush is real with this one! All throughout this tour, the guides are great at telling you about the local culture, history, and geology.
You can book this specific tour here for $125 NZD. It can sell out, so I recommend booking as soon as you know your travel dates.
While at Waitomo Caves, you shouldn’t miss out on touring the breathtaking glow worm caves. You can choose to explore the caves by walking and boating through or my personal favorite is this incredible rafting tour! Choose your own adventure and make some memories.
Related read: Check out more of the best places to see glow worms in New Zealand!
5. Redwoods Altitude Rotorua
Okay, I kind of felt like I was starring in my own adventure movie on this Redwood Altitude tour! It’s a 650-meter (2,100-foot) obstacle course with 25 bridges and 3 ziplines all with a spectacular forest backdrop.
The Whakarewarewa Forest, or ‘The Redwoods’ as the locals call it, is an outdoor paradise only five minutes from downtown Rotorua. You’ll pass through forest canopies of Redwood, Douglas Fir, Eucalyptus, and Larch trees. Once you’re above the tree line, there are great views of the lakes around here and Mount Tarawera.
Each bridge on the course poses a different challenge which you’ll undertake using the safety gear and your own strength and resilience. Throughout your journey, you’ll also get to glide through the vibrant native Redwoods Forest.
The trail is roughly 25 meters (82 feet) high, so you can really admire the New Zealand wildlife in all its splendor. The tour is $99 NZD per person, although there are family packs available which include 2 adults and 2 kids for $299 NZD.
6. Zoom Ziplines, Skyline Rotorua
Rotorua really is the gift that keeps on giving for thrill-seekers! Zoom Ziplines is another amazing zipline tour to take while you’re in the area.
This is one of my favorite tours in Rotorua to recommend to families because these are dual ziplines so you can soar alongside a friend or family member. You can even race if you’re one of those competitive types (guilty over here!).
This 400-meter (1,300-foot) zipline gives you a whole new perspective over the Redwood Forest and some pretty spectacular views.
If speed is your style, buckle up because this zipline reaches 60 km/hr (37 mph). That’s fast enough to feel the adrenaline rush, but not too fast that you won’t be able to enjoy the scenery.
I recommend buying the half-day adventure pass with Skyline Rotorua. For $158 NZD you’ll get a gondola ride up Mount Ngongotaha, 5 luge rides, the Zoom Zipline, and Skyswing. You can check out all the adventure packages available on their website.
7. Adrenalin Forest Wellington
Prepare for the adventure of your lifetime, jam-packed full of adrenaline, obstacles, but most importantly, fun. This Adrenalin Forest Obstacle Course is located near Wellington (about a 20-minute drive) and is considered one of the most popular aerial obstacle courses in the country.
Throughout this course, you will cross over 100 bridges that require you to use your strength, dexterity, and quick thinking. They are spread out on seven height levels, ranging from 1.5-meter (5-foot) high bridges to 31-meter (101-foot) ziplines and climbing nets.
Whether it’s crossed logs, swings, or the famous Tarzan jump, you can conquer them all while enjoying spectacular views of the emerald-green treetops.
The ticket is $46 NZD and includes access to every single one of the courses. You can also rent a GoPro HD to record this adventure and boast to all your friends back home about your experiences.
It’s important to note that at the beginning, an experienced staff member will teach you how to use the Clic-iT safety system that allows you to do the course alone, without a guide.
Related read: For more fun ideas, check out some of the best day trips from Wellington!
8. Adrenalin Forest Auckland
We have great news – Adrenalin Forest can be found in multiple places across New Zealand, not just in Wellington. If you’re staying in Auckland or live nearby, then the Adrenalin Forest Auckland track is my pick.
Just like the one in Wellington, this tour includes over 100 bridges spread across different levels, which will test you in countless ways. If you are a fan of the thrilling ziplines, you’ll also get to experience them here.
For $49 NZD, this tour gives you access to the forest obstacle course for a full 3 hours. The obstacles get more challenging the further along the course you go! Remember these are “unguided” tours, but you’ll get a full safety briefing before you head up.
Exploring a New Zealand native forest full of vibrant wildlife is a rewarding experience in and of itself, but getting to explore it from high up in the air is next level.
9. Okere Falls zipline
Waterfalls and ziplining – that’s a pretty spectacular combination if you ask me! On this Okere Falls Zipline Experience, you’ll not only get to try out multiple ziplines, but you’ll get to go right overtop of waterfalls.
The 2.5-hour tour starts at Okere Falls, a small town between Rotorua and Tauranga on the North Island. Throughout the journey, you’ll navigate boardwalks, a swing bridge and soar over 3 different waterfalls. One of these is the famous Tutea Falls – one of the top places to go whitewater rafting in New Zealand!
Watch how the whitewater rapids flow right under you as you glide from one side of the waterfalls to the other and disappear into the woods. There are three waterfalls here, each more spectacular than the previous one.
Along your ziplining tour, you’ll have two guides who will keep you entertained with stories and history about the area. You’ll also try ancient Maori teas and even plant a tree to help with local reforestation efforts. A pretty amazing experience that can be booked here for $159 NZD. Book quickly as this is a really popular tour!
While here, we recommend taking one of the whitewater rafting tours available like this Kaituna River Whitewater Rafting tour where you’ll actually raft over a waterfall! If you don’t have the physical prowess to venture on the river by raft, don’t worry – ziplining over them feels just as exhilarating!
Ziplining on the South Island
10. Ziptrek Eco Tours Queenstown – My top choice on the South Island
Queenstown is often called “The Adventure Capital of the World” and this Ziptrek zipline tour is the perfect example of why. It’s one of the top exciting activities in Queenstown – whether you’re new or a pro at ziplining.
You can choose from three different zipline tours depending on the kind of experience you’re looking for. The Kea tour features the world’s steepest tree-to-tree zipline, which you’ll cross at high speeds. The Kereru tour is also a favorite for adrenaline seekers, with its 2 ziplines and exhilarating 21-meter (69-foot) drop.
If you want something more family-friendly, go for the leisurely Moa tour. You’ll glide through the air at lower speeds, as you take in the scenic views of Lake Wakatipu and the snowy peaks of the Remarkables mountains. This tour starts at $111 NZD and includes guides, safety equipment, and even a hat and gloves in the winter. You will need to purchase a Skyline Gondola ticket separately though.
Related read: While in Queenstown, make sure to take in a few of the top Queenstown tours (like jet boating, wine tasting, and helicopter flights!).
11. Christchurch Adventure Park
This zipline tour at the Christchurch Adventure Park is the ultimate experience for thrill seekers craving high speeds and stunning aerial views.
With its location only 15 minutes from the center of the city, this is one of my fav things to do in Christchurch!
The zipline course here boasts the highest and longest ziplines in New Zealand! You’ll find yourself more than 150 meters (518 feet) above the ground as you soar through the sky, admiring the Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean.
I mentioned speed and for good reason! You’ll reach over 80 km/hr (50 mph) as you zoom down 4 different ziplines. The guides say that some people have even topped 105 km/hr (65 mph)!
What I really liked here was the tandem ziplines and being able to race to the finish line! Booking this tour online here guarantees your spot at one of a variety of departure times throughout the day.
All safety equipment and guides are included in the $145 NZD price, so all you need to do is strap on your harness and let yourself fly!
12. Adrenalin Forest Christchurch
We’ve talked about the Adrenalin Forest obstacle courses in Auckland and Wellington, but now it’s time to visit the only Adrenalin Forest Park on the South Island. Located near Christchurch, this obstacle course stays true to the essence of Adrenalin Forest – testing the limits of your body and mind through 100 challenges spread across the forest.
Put your safety gear on and get started on any of the seven levels of obstacles, from 1.5 meters (5 feet) high up to over 30 meters (98 feet) in the forest canopy.
On this thrilling tour, you’ll encounter swing bridges, moving obstacles, climbing nets, and even a wrecking ball! If this doesn’t sound exciting enough, know that you’ll also get to glide in between the trees on several ziplines. This experience is only $46 NZD and will definitely satisfy your adventurous spirit!
Related read: For more family-friendly activities, check out all the free and cheap things to do in Christchurch!
13. Kawarau Bridge zipride experience
Push your boundaries and get some epic views along the way at the Kawarau Bungy Centre! This is THE place to go for adventurous activities near Queenstown.
Fun fact, the Kawarau Bridge was the first-ever commercial bungy site in New Zealand and is one of the top spots to bungy jump in the country! It’s where the adventure tourism NZ is known for really kicked off. So you know you’ll be in good hands while you’re here.
The Kawarau Bridge Zipline Experience is 130 meters (426 feet) and takes you through stunning views of rugged cliff landscapes covered in native forests and blue lake pools.
While it’s shorter than other ziplines I’ve mentioned, it’s unique in how versatile it is. You can actually glide through the sky at 60 km/hr (37 mph) in any position you’d like. “The Superman” is very popular! You can take a friend on the tandem option and it’s really affordable at only $30 NZD per person.
Getting here is super simple too. It’s a quick drive from Queenstown or you can hop on the free Zipride Bus that leaves from the Queenstown Bungy Centre daily at 10 am.
Ziplining is of course not the only experience here. Since this is the OG bungy jump site in New Zealand, it’s a super popular thing to do while spending time in Queenstown. You’ll jump from 43 meters (141 feet), touch the water (my favorite part!), and then come back up and enjoy the view.
14. Paradise Ziplines Glenorchy
Called the most beautiful zipline in New Zealand, if your travels take you to the small, quaint town of Glenorchy, then you cannot miss visiting Paradise Ziplines. The zipline tour here has you gliding through a literal paradise of alpine views and forests.
There are 8 ziplines in total covering a distance of 1,000 meters (3,280 feet), so you’ll get plenty of chances to take in the stunning aerial views. You’ll soar at high speeds above waterfalls, fierce rapids, and vivid blue pools, witnessing all the wonders this corner of the world has to offer.
Getting here isn’t too hard either. I make the drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy often as it’s only 45 minutes. This drive has plenty of amazing stops whether you want to do one of the beautiful hikes in the area or just stop at a pullover bay along the road to admire the view.
The ziplining tour here is $189 NZD and leaves from Glenorchy, so make sure you leave enough time to get here if you’re staying in Queenstown. The tour itself is about 4 hours and suitable for adults and kids aged 10 and up.
If you’re coming to Glenorchy for ziplining, make sure you pop into one of the cozy cafes in Glenorchy to rest after. The town itself is worth exploring as well whether you want to see the Glenorchy Walkway, join a tour at the Glenorchy Animal Experience, hike the Routeburn track, or keep the epic activities going with the famous jet boating tour.
Related read: I also can’t forget to mention that if you’re a LOTR fan, Glenorchy has some of the best Lord of the Rings tours in New Zealand!
15. Cable Bay Adventure Park
All memories are better made with friends, so why not embark together on this Skywire ziplining experience at Cable Bay Adventure Park?
Unlike other ziplining tours, this one is done on a 4-seat cable vessel that flies above the lush, green forests sprawling through the countryside. This zipline is one of the longest in New Zealand, and it’s only 15 minutes away from Nelson.
Take a seat in one of the flyers, buckle up your sturdy harness and soar through the sky at speeds as high as 100km/hr (60 mph). There are spots along the way where speed is reduced, so you can take in the spectacular views at your leisure. If you are lucky enough, you may even see a glimpse of Mount Taranaki and its snow-capped peak on the horizon.
Book your Skywire experience here for $110 NZD which includes pick up and drop off from central points in Nelson.
After your aerial adventure, you can test your limits further at Cable Bay Adventure Park through thrilling quad bike tours, paintball, archery, or wall climbing.
Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand
Let’s face it, you’re going to need wheels to get around New Zealand. Although a small country, buses between destinations are infrequent and expensive. Plus, some of the best experiences you can have in NZ are on road trips!
You have three options when it comes to getting wheels in New Zealand; a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:
- Car – A normal car is the cheapest rental vehicle you can get in New Zealand. It’ll get you around to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels or Airbnbs during your travels (no camping.) The easiest place to rent a car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
- Campervan – A Campervan is a large van that has a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what most budget travelers use for traveling around New Zealand since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here. Alternatively, you can easily compare all campervans available in NZ on Motorhome Republic here.
- Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting New Zealand. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. Alternatively, you can use Motorhome Republic to search all motorhomes in NZ. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in New Zealand!
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: I’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for my readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, I currently use and recommend SafetyWing. I’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had my back when I needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference I’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. I’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum and you get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped me out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given me peace of mind. Read my full review on if you should get travel insurance in NZ for more info!
Thanks for reading!
Whether you’re looking for an exciting challenge or a chance to see some amazing views from the air, ziplining is one of my favorite things to do in New Zealand! I love that there are a ton of different places to choose from and so many of them have other incredible activities on offer too.
Hopefully, this guide to the top ziplines in NZ has helped you narrow down which ones you want to visit. If you need help planning any other activities for your trip, make sure to browse around my other blogs for ideas!
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