A guide to the best overland adventures in New Zealand

With its confirmed status as one of the adventure capitals of the world, New Zealand is in many ways the perfect overland destination. To experience the best overland adventures in New Zealand requires a carefully managed tour that combines the stunning landscapes and cultural experiences with the opportunity to sample as many of the incredible activities available.

One company that offers a totally unique approach is Flying Kiwi Adventure Tours. With their overland adventures you will be able to cycle, hike, bus, raft, kayak and skydive your way around NZ. The best element of these trips is the flexibility – everyday you choose to enjoy as much adventure as you want – adventure options include jet boating, heli-hiking, skydiving, canyon swinging and white or black waterrafting (to name just a few).

A New Zealand-owned and operated company who were the first to bring adventure tours to New Zealand, Flying Kiwi’s experienced local guides ensure you get to enjoy the best activities at the most competitive rates. All activities are optional with no pressure to participate, just encouragement to enjoy,

You’ll also get to stay in some of the most magical and remote locations across NZ, including camping and cabin options in some of the wonderful spots by lakes, mountains and oceans. It’s this fantastic approach to overland adventures that makes Flying Kiwi tours the number one choice for us and also numerous publications such as National Geographic, who recently rated Flying Kiwi as one of the Best Adventure Travel Companies on the planet.

You can customise your tour as much as you want but there are a few ‘must sees’ that we recommend:

North Island

Around the Auckland region you’ll find golden sandy beaches and stunning coast roads leading out to the thunderous Haruru Falls. The Bay of Islands region also lets you explore the Kauri and Waipoua forests, and the Te Ara Tahuna estuary is also well worth checking out.

The other-worldly thermal region of the Whakarewarewa reserve and the 700-year-old village there are must visit destinations, as is the geothermal wonderland of Wai o tapu and the majestic Huka Falls.

Don’t forget to make time for the beautiful Coromandel and dig your own ‘hot tub’ on hot water beach. Then raft, skydive and more in Taupo, gateway to the world famous Tongariro Crossing, a trek across Mount Doom.

South Island

Heli-hike on the world-famous Fox glacier and discover the wildlife of the Otago Peninsula. Tuck into fresh crayfish on the coast, and camp out at the foot of the Southern Alps, on beautiful beaches and next to lakes.

You can cycle sections of the New Zealand cycle trail, a project that aims to link some of the most remote parts of the islands with bike paths. In addition there are a huge range of excellent road rides available.

Swim with dolphins or go whale watching in Kaikoura. Tour the majestic Milford Sound and then go extreme and party in Queensland – the adventure capital of the world.

Flying Kiwi Tours offer the best overland adventures in New Zealand, visiting parts that other tours don’t reach. The tours are flexible and fun, and best of all, outstanding value.

Hike, bike and wake up in some of the most magical places imaginable. Make new friends and experience adventurous activities of your choice every single day. And all of this at unbeatable prices – it could only happen in New Zealand.

If you are into your hiking and biking check out our guide to the best New Zealand trekking tours and best New Zealand biking holidays for more information. All photos used in this article were taken by guests on the Flying Kiwi Tours.