Adrenaline
GET YOUR ADRENALINE THRILLS IN AN ADVENTURE PARADISE
From the skies above to deep underground with mountain highs, glacier ice, rushing waters and remote wilderness everywhere, the West Coast is an incredible, vast and diverse adventure playground.
Adrenaline junkies will find their fill of adventure on the West Coast. Choose New Zealand’s highest tandem skydive, ice climbing on a glacier, rafting the rapids or descending deep underground — and that’s just the start.
GLACIER HIKES, ICE CLIMBING
Spectacular from any angle, Franz Josef and Fox glaciers — two of the most accessible glaciers in the world — are a unique natural phenomenon: twin glaciers originating in the high Southern Alps and terminating near coastal rainforest and within sight of the Tasman Sea. This otherworldly landscape is at its most impressive on a close encounter. Guided heli-hiking tours can take you to a remote part of the glacier for an ice hike or on a more demanding ice climbing, overnight or multi-day mountaineering experience.
SKYDIVING
Jump in a plane to get an absolute bird’s eye on the breathtaking magnificence of the Glacier Country landscape and dive out again at 13,000 feet, 16,500 feet or 18,000 feet for the widest possible views. Taking off from Franz Josef — recognised by the thrill seekers at Red Bull as one of the top skydiving locations in the world — and flying to 18,000 feet, New Zealand’s highest skydive takes in the country’s biggest glaciers, highest mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook and the vast blue ocean in one exhilarating experience.
WHITE WATER THRILLS
Beautiful blue waters, craggy canyons and rocky alpine waterways … West Coast rivers set the scene for exciting white water thrills. There’s an activity to fit a range of adrenaline levels, too, from gentle rafting and kayaking on easy grade rivers to extreme white water multi-day expeditions or high-speed jet boating. You’ll need to hang on tight as the jet boat 360-spins through the Buller Canyon, while the jet boat tours on the Haast River and Waiatoto River are a slower journey into otherwise hand-to-get-to World Heritage wilderness. River rafting tours— on the Buller, Grey and Waiau rivers — range from shorter family-friendly grade 2 to full scale grade 3 and 4 rafting adventures.
CAVING
Unseen and little explored, there are vast systems of underground caves in the coastal limestone landscapes in the northern West Coast — around Punakaiki, Charleston, Karamea and Kahurangi National Park. Magnificent Ōpārara Arches, near Karamea, are the largest limestone formations of their kind in New Zealand while Honeycomb Hill caves are the last resting place of prehistoric creatures. The caves in the Nile River Valley, near Charleston, are home to one of the largest glow worm colonies in the world — a magical blackwater experience. Guided tours operate in both locations.
OFF-ROADING
Landscape and climate make great mates on the West Coast when it comes to off-roading adventures. Muddy rainforest trails, glorious puddles, rocky river beds and steep slippery hillsides offer exciting terrain for off-road thrills and exploration. Experience Franz Josef Wilderness Tours' Off-Road Adventure, where you can choose between private or group tours to ride a quad bike or 3-seater buggy through a stunning Jurassic rainforest, splash through rivers, and explore an ancient glacier riverbed, all against the breathtaking backdrop of the Southern Alps and Franz Josef Glacier. Up in Westport, Outwest Tours offers guided scenic off-road 4WD adventures that take you through remarkable landscapes and historic mining trails. Discover the rugged beauty of the West Coast while navigating through lush terrain and learning about the region's rich history.
Ziplining
Ziplining offers another exciting way to experience the stunning scenery of the West Coast. Take flight on the West Coast Tower Zipline, spanning 425 meters and soaring 47 meters (15 stories) above the breathtaking Rimu rainforest near Hokitika. A knowledgeable guide will lead you through the tree-top walkway before you climb the spiral tower. Then, leap off on a tandem zipline with a friend, soaring through the treetops and landing back where you began. If you’re traveling to or from Nelson or the East Coast, don’t miss the Buller Gorge Adventure Park. Their 160-meter flying fox offers a thrilling ride high above the river, perfect for all ages. Comfortably strapped in, you’ll experience the excitement of gliding through the air while taking in stunning views of the gorge.
Adventure Operators
Franz Josef Glacier Guides
Franz Josef Glacier Guides gives you the opportunity to experience the most spectacular glacier environment available to the general public. We offer a range of glacier hiking trips and experiences that will allow you to see ice formations firsthand.
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$799
Skydive Franz Josef & Fox Glacier
NZ's highest skydive at 18,000ft. Skydive Franz is NZ's premier tandem skydiving experience amidst mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and ocean views. Multiple height options from 10,000ft to 18,000ft. Featured on Red Bull's Most Insane Skydives.
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Adults $109 Children (15 yrs & under) $59
Haast River Safari
We offer visitors a rare opportunity to experience the untouched natural beauty of Te Wāhipounamu - World Heritage Area, while traveling in one of our custom designed fully enclosed jet boats.
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$125 for adults. $75 for children 5 to 14 years old.
Buller Canyon Jet
Join us for an exclusive award-winning jet boat adventure in the stunning Buller Canyon.
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$185
Underworld Adventures
Underworld Rafting: Is a “Cave Rafting Adventure” in the Paparoa National Park. Located in Charleston.
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1300
Inland Adventures - Wilderness River Rafting
There is no better way to spend a day than out on a river. Whether you want entertaining Grade 3 rapids with stunning scenery or to give your kids their first taste of whitewater we have you covered.
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$200
Outwest Tours
Outwest Tours offers a wild West Coast experience, taking you off the beaten track on journeys into the wild heart of the land. Enjoy spectacular landscapes and travel historic mining trails, as you relax in their fully air-conditioned vehicles.
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