New Zealand Adventure Travel – What Not to Miss

Heli-hiking on Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef Glacier is known as one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. However, by ‘accessible’, we are referring to the access to the lowest reaches of this mighty ice flow, which extends from the towering Southern Alps almost down to the Tasman Sea on the West Coast of the South Island. However, exploring the upper reaches of the glacier is a completely different story - the dramatic and foreboding frozen terrain here is anything but accessible for those travelling on foot.

Enter the helicopter. Departing from Franz Josef Town, this very kiwi adventure begins with the roar of a jet turbine and rotor blades. Landing on the glacier itself, a guide will take you on a spectacular navigation of this icy wonderland. Prepare to discover a hidden world of spectacular ice formations coloured deep aquamarine blue as you savour the challenge of hiking one of the most remote parts of New Zealand's Southern Alps. Heli Hiking is a unique high-mountain experience that you’ll remember for years to come.

Thrilling Ancient Glow Worm Caves

The ancient subterranean limestone cathedrals and waterways that form the famous Waitomo Glow Worm Caves are the ultimate place for a special kind of adventure - not to mention an otherworldly encounter with New Zealand's native glow worm, en mass! All visitors to the caves get to marvel at the thousands of tiny lights, but only a handful of people are game enough for thrilling black water rafting or the Lost World Abseiling Epic. These two experiences are otherworldly and thoroughly unique to New Zealand.

The exciting Black Water Rafting tube ride winds its way through the underworld on a flow of pitch black water, dipping and diving through limestone cave formations and fast, thrilling segments of water. Alternatively, choose to abseil into the abyss of the Lost World Cavern – a staggering 100m (328 ft) guided decent into one of the most spectacular natural formations imaginable. Both experiences are equally as incredible, and both promise to be a thrilling highlight of your time in New Zealand.

Hot Springs Hidden in Paradise

Uncover a remote corner of magic in the mountains when you embark on a wilderness journey that’s well off the beaten track. Traversing the magnificent country between Mt Cook Village and the wild West Coast is the scenic Copland Track - a historic walkway that boasts some of the best natural hot springs in New Zealand, tucked away amongst the majestic setting of the Southern Alps.

The Welcome Flat hot Springs are a dream come true for hikers sporting weary legs and seeking a little comfort at the end of a long day walking in paradise. Perhaps nowhere in the world will you find a hot bath with these kinds of views - a sky-scraping mountain-scape draped in native forest rises high above and all around. This intrepid adventure is an exciting addition for any explorer looking for a challenge and a taste of West Coast magic.

Let First Light Travel help you craft the New Zealand adventure of a lifetime. From fully customised self-drive vacations to exciting, adventure-themed tours, we are the specialists in New Zealand Adventure Travel.

Inspired by the idea of a Heli-hike, or does the epic Lost World abseiling adventure get your blood pumping? We can help you to experience all of this and more – get in touch with us here.

Packed your bags and ready for adventure? See a selection of our active self drive adventures here