New Zealand’s pristine natural environment contains a diverse range of picture-perfect coastlines, luscious native bush, dramatic volcanic landscapes, rugged mountains, spectacular glaciers, fjords, rivers, and lakes.
There are incredible opportunities to participate in a wide range of adrenaline-inducing adventure sports across both the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Ziplining offers an approachable, exciting way to get out and access New Zealand’s awe-inspiring nature, put some wind in your hair, and dust off the cobwebs.
This article will look at New Zealand’s best ziplines, from their location to the overall experience, to help you find exactly what you are looking for.
1. Rotorua Ziplines – Okere Zip
Our vote for the best overall zipline experience goes to Rotorua Zipline’s Okere Zip.
This exhilarating adventure sees you conquer the mighty Kaituna River by air, ziplining over three powerful waterfalls and plunging through the forest canopy during a two and half-hour experience, including four ziplines and one swing bridge.
This section of the Kaituna River is a hot spot for adventure sports. It has an abundance of rapids and waterfalls, making it popular for rafting and kayaking. It also features the highest commercial raftable waterfall, Tutea Falls, which sees people plummeting over a seven-meter drop. A ziplining adventure here is an excellent way to experience the incredible views of the river, waterfalls, and native forest from a unique, birds-eye angle.
Join the team at Rotorua Ziplines for a journey over forest and river as you learn more about the conservation efforts and history of the river, surrounding land, and native people. Rotorua Ziplines is a partnership between Rotorua Rafting and local Iwi, Ngati Hinerangi / Nagti Hinekiri, who are regarded as the kaitiaki or guardians of the river and the surrounding native forest.
Learn firsthand about the conservation efforts undertaken by the team, including their reforestation mission. You will be guided on your journey by two passionate locals who will bring the area’s lush fauna and flora, and Maori history alive for you. Warm up with a hot cup of ancient Maori tea during this adrenaline-pumping adventure and get the chance to plant a native tree in the forest.
The combination of ziplining, native history, incredible scenery, and varied terrain make this one of the best ziplines in New Zealand. Rotorua Zip is operated by a fun, professional team aiming to help guests experience nature while flying high amongst the native forest canopy, soaring over plunging waterfalls, and hiking through the bush. You can add on any combination of ziplining, rafting, and hot pools if you want to extend your adventure on the Kaituna River.
2. Zip Christchurch at Christchurch Adventure Park
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Zip Christchurch is our vote for New Zealand’s best record-breaking zipline experience.
This all-ages adventure packs in both the highest zipline in New Zealand at 150 meters and the longest at just over one kilometer. Located at the Christchurch Adventure Park, the park’s slick setup combines wicked views over the city with a hefty dose of adrenaline.
The Christchurch Adventure Park is in the scenic Port Hills region, around a 15-minute drive from Christchurch city center. The Southern Alps can be seen in the distance if the weather is clear. The park provides a hub for adventure sports, socializing, and relaxing and is an excellent choice for a day of fun-fill adventure sports.
The modern setup features four epic ziplines with dual lines so two people can zipline simultaneously, adding extra fun as you race each other to the end. You can ride all four lines in a two-and-a-half hour adventure or just ride the longest line for a one and half hour experience.
The park has an extensive selection of mountain bike trails, from beginner to advanced. It also has a 1.8-kilometer chairlift that carries you on a scenic ride up the mountain to the start of your zipline experience. The chairlift is designed to bring mountain bikers and their bikes to the top of the bike trails and allows sightseers to catch the stunning views from the summit.
The Port Hills region provides incredible ziplining terrain, from monster drops to flying across ravines. This high-speed, heart-pounding adventure combines amazing views and great instructors for a thrilling adventure. The park also offers night ziplining experiences every Wednesday for those wanting a unique nighttime ziplining experience.
3. EcoZip Flying Fox Adventures Waiheke Island
EcoZip Adventures gets our vote for the best boutique New Zealand zipline experience.
Located on stunning Waiheke Island, just off Auckland, you will need to take a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland. Waiheke is a popular tourist destination known for its idyllic beaches, relaxed island vibes, and world-famous wineries.
If you plan to visit Waiheke Island, Ecozip is the perfect way to inject adventure into your day. The three-hour experience comprises three ziplines with dual lines for side-by-side ziplining. Each line is over 200 meters long. You will fly over a working vineyard, speed through ancient native bush, and then walk back through the forest, learning about Waiheke’s unique flora and fauna.
From the vantage point of the zipline, take in incredible views back towards Auckland City and across the Hauraki Gulf. Ecozip offers free pick-ups from Waiheke’s main ferry terminal and the option to combine your zipline experience with wine-tasting and dining packages.
If your looking to soak up some sun, cruise the spectacular beaches, and sample some incredible New Zealand wines, Waiheke is the place to do it. The EcoZip experience is a fantastic way to enjoy the gorgeous scenery and work up an appetite or keep kids happy before heading for a relaxing lunch or dinner.
4. Adventure Forest
Our choice for the best value New Zealand Zipline is Adventure Forest in Glenbervie Forest.
This course is more than just your average ropes course. Get ready to immerse yourself in a challenging 12-circuit adventure course with over 1800 meters of obstacles and 30 ziplines.
Using clever engineering, Adventure Forest presents a thrilling selection of obstacles that progresses in difficulty. Four courses are specifically designed for younger children and those wanting to build their confidence. The last eight courses allow you to put your skills to the test whether you are a beginner or a seasoned dare-devil.
Cross rope bridges, scramble up nets, fly down ziplines, and test your balance and problem-solving skills as you progress through the course. Your entrance fee buys you a three-hour slot to tackle the courses at your own pace. Booking is essential to avoid disappointment as numbers are limited to ensure the activities are not overloaded.
Adventure Forest is located in New Zealand’s upper North Island, near Whangarei, a two-hour and forty-minute drive from Auckands CBD. It is an incredible option for a fun activity if you are heading up to explore Northland.
This ziplining and ropes course is suitable for all ages, with plenty of options for children and beginners and lots of opportunities to challenge yourselves on more advanced courses and obstacles. Whatever your skill level Adventure Forest is a fantastic option for an active, exciting day out amongst New Zealand forest.
5. Adrenalin-Forest New Zealand
Adrenalin-Forest is our vote for the best multi-location independent aerial adventure.
This highwire adventure course has been created by a former army officer and is inspired by army training courses. The course is designed to mentally and physically challenge participants and is the perfect place to bond with your friends and family as you try your hand at tackling it.
The first Adrenalin-Forest Park opened in Christchurch. There are now four locations in New Zealand. You can visit Adrenalin Forest in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and the Bay of Plenty.
The safe yet exciting activities and obstacles allow you to test your limits and blow off some steam. You receive training from the instructors on how to safely operate the equipment before setting off to tackle the course independently. Each of the pathways increases in difficulty as the course progresses.
Tackle obstacle courses twenty meters off the ground, cross rope bridges, and speed down ziplines from tree to tree with over 100 obstacles spread over four hectares of forest canopy. The Adrenalin-Forest experience is an amazing way to build your confidence, get your blood pumping and test your physical skills. With the difficulty level progressing, people of all abilities can take part.
6. Tree Adventures
Woodhill Forest Tree Adventures offers an incredible New Zealand Zipline and Ariel adventure course with a massive ten courses to choose from.
This independent aerial adventure has beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses. The pricing structure lets you select which courses you wish to participate in depending on your skill level and how far you want to push yourself. There are plenty of options to keep everyone occupied, which keeps downtime to a minimum.
The height of the challenges increases as the courses become more advanced. Try balance beams, tackle climbing walls, go tree surfing, and pick up speed as you zipline through the tree’s canopies.
Woodhill Forest provides a range of other activities on-site, including extensive mountain biking trails, bike hire, and a paint-balling course. Located approximately one hour’s drive from Auckland CBD, Woodhill Forest offers plenty of options for those looking to get outdoors and active.
7. Redwoods Tree Walk – Redwoods Altitude
The Redwoods Tree Walk – Redwoods Altitude is our choice for one of the best New Zealand Zipline showcasing the mighty New Zealand Redwoods.
What better way to experience these gigantic trees than inside their lush forest canopies? Redwoods can grow to a mind-blowing 110 meters and live for up to 600 years.
The Redwoods Altitude trail offers an exhilarating, birds-eye view of these monster trees. Ascend over 25 meters to tackle 25 Indian-jones-style jungle bridges, three ziplines, and an 18-meter jump descent. This exhilarating adventure takes around two hours to complete.
Planted in 1901, the Whakarewarewa Forest is now a hotspot of recreational activities located just outside Rotorua. In addition to the Redwoods Altitude experience, the Redwoods Tree Walk uses an award-winning 700-meter walkway comprised of suspension bridges and platforms and can be enjoyed by the whole family. Specially adapted pushchairs are available to use on the walkway for younger children. The Tree Walk can also be visited at night and is lit up with lanterns and stunning light effects that bring the forest to life at night.
Whakarewarewa Forest also has extensive hiking, horse riding, and biking trails. There are over 150 kilometers of bike trails that cater to all levels of riders and several operators which offer horse riding experiences on the forest trails. The forest’s close proximity to Rotorua makes it a perfect day trip when visiting the city.
8. ZipTrek Eco Tours
ZipTrek Eco Tours in Queenstown is our pick for the best eco-focused Zipline in New Zealand.
It is located in Queenstown, a South Island hub for adventure sports. Adrenaline junkies will feel right at home here! The town has a festive, party atmosphere with plenty of bars and restaurants to check out, and there is an incredible range of activities to enjoy, from skiing, bungy jumping, sky diving, paragliding, and ziplining.
ZipTrek Eco Tours is an award-winning activity provider and is Queenstown’s first carbon-neutral business. They are dedicated to protecting and caring for the environment using innovative solutions and helping people get out and have a positive and fun experience outdoors while raising awareness of environmental issues.
Choose from three different zipline packages, with six ziplines available, including the world’s steepest tree-to-tree zipline. The Kea Tour takes in all six ziplines in around two and a half hours. The Moa Tour includes four ziplines in a one-and-a-half-hour experience, and the Kereru Tour offers a fast and furious two-zipline adventure that finishes with a 21-meter drop.
There are two ways to access the start point for Ziptrek. Either take the Skyline gondola to the upper terminal (you will need to allow an hour as the gondola can get busy, gondola tickets are not included in the price of your Ziptreck tour) or put your walking shoes on and hike the Tiki Trail up to Bobs Peak. Allow up to one and half hours to walk the trail (longer if you have children with you).
In addition to the ziplining experience, your guides will provide you with a unique insight into the surrounding area, its flora and fauna, and Maori mythology. If you are looking for an action-packed activity with incredible views over Queenstown, this could be the best New Zealand zipline experience for you.
9. Paradise Ziplines
Paradise Ziplines is a great Queenstown Zipline Experience!
This fast and furious adventure gets out amongst some spectacular South Island scenery and is an incredible way to enjoy the idyllic surroundings. Located 45 kilometers from Queenstown, just outside of Glenorchy, the course is constructed over a slot canyon, which has restricted access to the public.
The eight-zipline course crosses diverse terrain, plunging from a cliff top to make your way through the native forest, crossing a gushing alpine stream and following the rapids downstream, over a waterfall, and winding your way down the gorge. It is like canyoning but without the swimming!
With over one kilometer of zipline to conquer and mindblowing views, this ziplining experience is highly recommended. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended; however, it is suitable for all age groups and most people.
10. Kawarau Zipride By AJ Hackett Bungy
Ride the AJ Hackett’s zipline while watching people throw themselves off the Kawarau Bridge for a short but sweet zipline ride.
AJ Hackett is the original bungy jumping outfit. Based in Queenstown, the Kawarau Bridge Bungy was the first commercial bungee jumping operation. AJ Hackett has become a world leader in bungy jumping experiences from their roots in this iconic location.
If you are not keen on trying the bungy jump, AJ Hackett offers a zipline ride. The 130-meter line has you reaching speeds of up to 60 kilometers. Launching directly from Kawarau Bungy Center, there are three lines running together so you can race as you zip.
Choose from twelve different poses as you speed along. This is a quick but thrilling ride, and if you are taking part in the bungy jump, the zipline tickets are cheaper. If you are looking for a longer ziplining experience, this is not the one for you, but if you are after a quick ride and a little bit of fun, this short but fast zipline will do the trick.
Read our related post: Cairns Bungy Jump (The Ultimate Guide)
11. Rotorua Canopy Tours
Rotorua Canopy Tours offers a premium ziplining experience deep in the heart of the stunning native forest on the outskirts of Rotorua.
The team focuses on more than just the ziplining experience. They aim to provide a life-changing encounter with the natural world, and this spectacular centuries-old native forest is the perfect place to do it.
Immerse yourself in nature with one of the two zipline experiences on offer. The Original Canopy Tour takes in six ziplines (a total of 600m of ziplining) and two swing bridges over a thrilling three-hour experience.
The Ultimate Canopy Tour adds a little extra dose of adrenaline with a total of 1200 meters of ziplining, including a 400-meter tandem line, a 50-meter high cliff walk, and an 18-meter controlled descent. The ultimate Canopy Tour is suitable for ages over ten and lasts around three and a half hours.
Since opening operations in 2012, the team has been restoring the native forest by working with The Canopy Conservation Trust to remove introduced pests so the native bird life in the area can flourish. During your visit, you will learn about the native birdlife and forest canopy.
If your looking for a well-run, safe, and nature-focused ziplining experience, Rotorua Canopy Tours is a fantastic choice. Past guests highly rate this sought-after experience, and the package includes free photos!
12. Zoom Ziplines at Skyline Rotorua
Zoom Ziplines at Skyline Rotorua is our pick for the best New Zealand zipline with views over Lake Rotorua.
Ride the gondola up the mountain to the Rotorua Skyline Complex, which is perched on Mount Ngongotaha and offers a selection of fun activities.
The Zoom Zipline is a 400-meter dual zipline that allows you to enjoy incredible views and a bone-shaking ride to the bottom, flying over treetops at up to 60 kilometers an hour. If you are looking for somewhere that offers a range of activities, including ziplining, Skyline Rotorua provides just that.
Take on the New Zealand-famous Rotorua luge blasting down exhilarating tracks for a fun-filled experience, rent mountain bikes, and get out on the 12-kilometer trail network in the Skyline Moutain Bike Park or pop in for a tasting at the Volcanic Hills wineries tasting room. Adrenaline-seekers can take a ride on the SkySwing, or speed down the mount on the Zipline. The choice is yours.
13. Coromandel Zipline Tours
Coromandel Zipline Tours is the only ziplining experience in the Coromandel peninsula, and it is a good one!
Located in Driving Creek, this is a truly special piece of land. The late owner Barry Brickell was devoted to restoring the land to its former glory after 100 years of kauri logging, gold mining, and farming had left it depleted. This vision led to over 27,000 native trees being planted over a 30-year period.
The Coromandel Zipline spans over eight ziplines and gets you out amongst Driving Creek’s stunning native forest in a two-hour thirty-minute ziplining experience that sees you take the railway to your first zipline, then zipping from tree platforms, hiking through lush forest, and flying through the forest canopy. Finnish the ziplining experience with a thrilling 200-meter ride to the end.
The Coromandel peninsula is known for its stunning scenic beauty, gorgeous coastline, and creative and artistic community, and Driving Creek perfectly represents the Coromandel spirit. There is an onsite pottery center where you can learn to make and fire pottery, a charming mountain railway in which you can take a one-hour 15-minute railway tour of Driving Creek, and of course, the fantastic zipline course!
14. Waitomo Caves Zipline
The Waitomo Zipline has a massive ten lines and is a highly-rated zipline experience. If you are in the area, the Waitomo Zipline is well worth the money. It is our pick for the best New Zealand zipline for an interactive experience as you will learn to control your own ziplining equipment.
The extensive course showcases the rolling, green countryside and dramatic limestone bluffs Waitomo is known for and will leave you blown away by the stunning views as you zip between lookouts. The course includes one kilometer of ziplines and a highspeed 280-meter zip to the end.
Your ziplining guides will teach you how to control the ziplining equipment putting you in control of your speed. This aspect makes the Waitomo Zipline experience a really interactive experience and keeps everyone engaged and interested.
Most visitors head to the Waitomo caves when visiting this area to check out the caves and stunning glowworms that live there. The name Waitomo is a native Maori name. Wai translates to water, and tomo translates to entrance or hole.
Incredible adventure sports activities are available in the Waitomo caves, with tubing and rafting tours of the cave system. But if you want to go overland, the Waitomo Ziplining tour is a fantastic way to appreciate the stunning countryside and fresh air.
15. West Coast Tree Top Walk and Tower Zipline
Hit the scenic west coast for a thrilling zipline descent from the top of a 47-meter tower through the Rimu rainforest.
The west coast of New Zealand is known for its dense Rimu Rainforest, which is home to a wide range of native New Zealand birdlife. The towering Rimu trees can reach heights of up to 50 meters, and this ziplining experience puts you right in the thick of the rainforest.
Follow the West Coast Tree Top Walk with your guide and learn more about the region’s unique ecosystems and biodiversity before climbing 106 steps up the spiral tower and launching yourself off a height of 15 storeys on a tandem zipline. Race to the finish with your friends as you smash down the 425-meter zipline. The whole experience will take around two hours.
16. The Skywire Experience, Cable Bay Adventure Park
The Skywire Experience is a unique New Zealand ziplining experience that sees up to five flyers strapped into a 5-point harness and launching down the zipline. You will reach incredible speeds of up to 100 kilometers an hour. On reaching the bottom, you will do the line again but backward!
Soak in the idyllic views of Cable Bay and Delaware Bay with their sparkling coastline as you enjoy this unique zipline ride side by side with your friends. Located near the vibrant city of Nelson, the Skywire Experience is an exciting way to take in the lush countryside and expansive views of the surrounding area from a spectacular vantage point.
What Is the Longest Zipline in New Zealand?
Are you looking to ride the longest zipline in New Zealand? You will need to pay a visit to the Christchurch Adventure Park. The Long Ride stretches a phenomenal 1.1 kilometers and takes an incredible one-and-a-half hours to ride.
This hair-raising zipline gives you a taste of what flying is like as you soar through the air. The Long Ride is a dual zipline, so two people can ride simultaneously so that you will have company along the way!
Is Ziplining Expensive in New Zealand
The price of ziplining in New Zealand varies according to the location and the length of the zipline. While adventure sports activities are not the cheapest in New Zealand, you can be assured of a professional and safe setup.
Expect to pay around 50 dollars or more per person for single zipline experiences and independent aerial adventures.
For more in-depth zipline tours, expect to pay anywhere between 150 dollars to 250 dollars per person. Groups and families may be able to purchase group tickets at a cheaper rate. Zipline Tour Operators sometimes offer free pick-ups from popular transport hubs, free photos, or other experiences with your ziplining package.
What are the requirements and Restrictions for Zipling in New Zealand?
Ziplining is an incredibly accessible activity that most people can enjoy.
Required fitness levels vary depending on the individual course. Most courses need people to be able to walk between 30 minutes to one hour. There may be uphill walking or climbing. Care should also be taken around existing injuries, particularly with shoulders and knees.
Children can participate in ziplining, although there is usually a minimum age, height, and weight. Generally, ziplining is suitable for children over six with easier ziplining experiences, but this increases with more advanced ziplining, particularly if you are required to operate the ziplining equipment.
Generally, there are no age limits as long as the participants meet the required fitness level. There will usually be an upper weight limit for those participating. However, most people should be able to enjoy ziplining.
Final Thoughts
Ziplining in New Zealand is an exhilarating way to experience New Zealand’s world-renowned scenery.
Zipline experiences exist throughout the North and South Islands in some of New Zealand’s most beautiful locations. If you want an approachable adventure sports activity, ziplining is open to most people and will give you a rush of adrenaline that will leave you wanting more.
So what are you waiting for? Book your zipline experience and get out amongst New Zealand’s spectacular forests and tree canopies for the ride of your life. We hope this article will help you choose the best New Zealand Zipline experience for your needs.
Jamie is the founder of Action Sporter. He is the chief zipline writer and the lead editor. He has 5 years of zipline experience being a tour guide in Newfoundland. Most of the time you can find Jamie adventure traveling, hiking, skiing, skateboarding, or anything action related!
