(EXP) — Adventure

The original adventure capital.

Bungy jumping was invented here. So was jet boating, zorbing, and a long list of ways to fling yourself politely into the landscape.

(Field notes) — The Edit

New Zealand built a tourism industry on adventure — and the country still does it better than anywhere. Operators are tightly regulated, gear is current, and guides have grown up in the terrain they take you into.

(01)

On the water

Jet boat the Shotover canyons, raft the Kaituna's seven-metre waterfall, sea-kayak Abel Tasman's golden coast, or surf the cold left-handers of Raglan. The country's coastline is over 15,000 kilometres long and almost none of it is crowded.

(02)

In the air

Skydive over Lake Wakatipu or Lake Taupō. Heli-hike onto Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. Paraglide off Coronet Peak. Most providers run multiple daily slots in summer; book at least 48 hours ahead.

(03)

On foot

Ten Great Walks crisscross the country — Milford, Routeburn, Kepler, Tongariro, Abel Tasman and others. Multi-day huts must be booked months in advance for summer; shoulder seasons (April, October) are quieter and just as beautiful.