two climbers on the summit of Aoraki
two climbers climbing the Linda Glacier, New Zealand
two climbers climbing the Linda Glacier, New Zealand
an ice climber in a cave on Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
a rock climber in Castle Hill, New Zealand
a paraglider flying over Remarkables Mountain Range
a hiker in a forest in Queenstown, New Zealand
a helicopter landing to pick up skiers on New Zealand's South Island
highliner crossing a line on Castle Rock on New Zealand's North Island
hikers in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
a sea kayaker, Falls River, Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
a surfer on New Brighton Beach, New Zealand
a trail runner in Castle Hill, New Zealand
climbers on the summit of Aoraki, New Zealand
a hiker in South Island, New Zealand
a rock climber climbing Froggatt Edge, New Zealand
a woman rock climbing in Waitomo, New Zealand
a skier in the backcountry of Wanaka, New Zealand
White Cliffs Beach, New Zealand
a kayaker in Milford Sound, New Zealand
a tent in the Pouakai Range, Egmont National Park, New Zealand
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Aoraki/Mount CookTwo climbers approach the summit of Aoraki/Mount Cook on New Zealand's South Island. Standing at 12,218 feet high, Aoraki/Mount Cook is the tallest peak in New Zealand.
Photograph by Jake Norton, Aurora

21 Spectacular Photos of New Zealand Adventures

Head to the North and South Islands to soak in cinematic vistas, heart-pounding ski descents, surfing scenes, and more to start planning your next adventure.

May 25, 2017

New Zealand is often called the “adventure capital of the world,” and for good reason, the country packs incredible outdoor activities—climbing, tramping, skiing, glacial climbing, bungee jumping and more—across the North and South Islands.

For many, a trip to the country is a once-in-lifetime experience. Adventurers should arrive well-prepared to explore this lush land—from booking permits to tramp, or hike, along a Great Walk to reserving a campervan to travel to the South Island’s west coast beaches. Let these spectacular scenes serve as inspiration for your own New Zealand adventures.

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