Adventure tourism

Adventure activities can make for a once in a lifetime holiday, but it’s important to be aware of the risks. New Zealanders have been injured or died from adventure and extreme sports activities while travelling.

Do your research

If you are planning an adventure or extreme sports activity on holiday, make sure you’re using a reputable company or tour operator. They should have safety information on their website, or be able to give you this information. 

You should also research the activity you’re planning. Is it legal in your destination? Do you need any certification or permits? Make sure you have any required visas, and any emergency equipment you may need. 

If you are planning to do extended overland travel, you should read our travel advice for the countries or territories you will travel to. 

You should not travel to countries against our advice. If you travel to a country or territory where we advise you do not travel or avoid non-essential travel, you will be in danger from things like:

• terrorism
• armed conflict
• civil unrest
• kidnapping
• arbitrary detention or arrest
• or other forms of violence. 

The Government’s ability to provide consular assistance to New Zealand citizens is limited, especially in countries where New Zealand has no diplomatic presence. Also, your travel insurance provider may not cover your travel to countries or regions we advise against visiting. 

Read our travel advice

Prepare for the conditions

When you travel, you might encounter conditions that you’re not used to, which can affect your health and safety. Those could include:

• Severe weather
• High altitudes
• Avalanches and other mountain hazards.

Follow the advice of locals or a tour guide, and don’t go out in dangerous conditions. If you are planning backcountry skiing or snowboarding, it’s a good idea to take a guide.

Altitude sickness

If you’re travelling to a high-altitude location, know the signs of altitude sickness, which are:

• Headache
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Racing heartbeat.

If you feel unwell when you’re travelling at high altitudes, let your travel companions or your guide know.

Gear and equipment

Make sure you have the gear and equipment you need to do your activity or sport safely. That might include:

• Eye protection for snow sports, to prevent snow blindness
• A life jacket or wetsuit for water sports, to prevent drowning or hypothermia
• An emergency beacon for mountain sports or backcountry tramping
• Appropriate sporting equipment, such as a helmet, padding, and goggles, for extreme sports.

Travel insurance

Many insurance companies don’t cover adventure activities. Check if your travel insurance policy covers all your planned activities. If it doesn’t, ask if extra coverage is available and consider what the costs will be for your medical care and evacuation if something goes wrong.

Stay in touch

Plan to keep in contact with whānau and friends back home. Give someone a detailed copy of your itinerary, including accommodation details and your travel insurance policy. Let them know if you change your plans.

If you’re planning to travel outside of New Zealand, register your details with us. Having your travel and contact information means we can send security alerts and travel advice updates about the places you’re travelling to. It is also how we communicate with New Zealanders during an international crisis.

Register your travel

Find out where the nearest New Zealand embassy will be to the places you’re travelling in case you need help.

Find an embassy