Aerial & Adventure Safaris In New Zealand – Thrills Above And Beyond

Two people hang gliding over a canyon with steep rock walls in New Zealand. — Adventurers soar by hang glider above a dramatic canyon with steep cliffs.

See New Zealand from a New Perspective

Few places in the world offer the kind of aerial safari experiences found in New Zealand. With dramatic fjords, volcanic landscapes, glaciers, and towering peaks, the country is made to be explored from the sky. Helicopter flights, hot-air balloon rides, and small plane tours reveal vistas unreachable by land, while adventure safaris add an adrenaline twist with jet boating, glacier hiking, and white-water rafting. If you’re chasing both breathtaking views and heart-pumping excitement, New Zealand’s aerial and adventure safaris deliver the ultimate combination.

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What to Expect on an Aerial Safari

Helicopter & Scenic Flights: Soar over Milford Sound, Franz Josef Glacier, or the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park.
Hot-Air Balloon Safaris: Drift peacefully above Canterbury Plains or Waikato valleys as the sunrise lights the landscape.
Fixed-Wing Flights: Take longer scenic routes between regions while enjoying panoramic views of coastlines, mountains, and lakes.
Combo Safaris: Land on glaciers for guided ice treks, or pair a helicopter flight with a boat cruise or backcountry hike.

Woman sitting on a hill overlooking a canyon with a lake and steep mountain cliffs in New Zealand. — A traveler rests on a hillside, gazing into a canyon with a lake framed by towering cliffs.

Adventure Safaris on the Ground & Water

Jet Boating: Experience pure adrenaline as you speed through narrow river canyons in Queenstown or Taupō.
White-Water Rafting: Paddle through thrilling rapids on rivers like the Kaituna, famous for its 7m waterfall drop.
Glacier Hikes: Combine aerial access with on-foot exploration of Franz Josef and Fox glaciers.
Ziplining & Canyon Swings: Eco-adventures that add even more thrill to New Zealand’s safari experience.

Best Regions for Aerial & Adventure Safaris

Fiordland National Park: Helicopter tours over Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound.
West Coast Glaciers: Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers for heli-hikes and ice safaris.
Queenstown: The adventure capital, offering jet boating, rafting, bungee, and scenic flights.
Canterbury Plains: Hot-air balloon safaris with sweeping views of farmland and the Southern Alps.
Rotorua & Taupō: Volcanic landscapes, geothermal wonders, and high-adrenaline river rafting.

Several people canoeing on a lake with forested mountains in the background in New Zealand. — A group enjoys canoeing across a calm lake surrounded by trees and mountain scenery.

Essential Gear for Aerial & Adventure Safaris

Clothing: Lightweight, layered outfits suitable for changing conditions; windproof jacket.
Footwear: Sturdy boots for glacier landings or treks; comfortable shoes for flights.
Accessories: Sunglasses with UV protection, camera or GoPro, and plenty of memory cards.
Adventure Items: Daypack, gloves, sunscreen, and water bottle.
Optional: Action camera mounts, waterproof gear bags, and a power bank for long adventure days.

Conclusion: A Higher Level of Adventure

Aerial and adventure safaris in New Zealand offer a perspective that’s as thrilling as it is unforgettable. From soaring above glaciers to jet boating through canyons, these experiences showcase the country’s dramatic landscapes in ways few travelers ever see. When combined with land and marine safaris, they complete the ultimate New Zealand adventure.

Seven people with a guide walking through dense forest vegetation on a tour in New Zealand. — A guided group explores the forest, walking through thick vegetation on an adventure tour.

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