Best Places to Zipline in New Zealand
Updated: 19 th November 2025
Best Places to Zipline in New Zealand
Glide Through Forests, Valleys & Coastlines
Where to Go Ziplining in New Zealand
Ziplining in New Zealand combines the thrill of flight with the country’s wild, scenic beauty. From native forests echoing with bird calls to river canyons and coastal slopes, each region offers a different kind of adventure. Whether you’re gliding above the geothermal forests of Rotorua, soaring over Waiheke Island’s vineyards, or racing through treetops on the rugged West Coast, ziplining here is about more than speed — it’s about connection with nature.
Across both islands, New Zealand’s zipline operators are leaders in sustainability and safety. Many tours fund local reforestation and wildlife protection, letting every ride contribute to conservation. With options ranging from gentle family-friendly lines to heart-pumping multi-stage forest courses, there’s an experience for every age and confidence level.
This guide explores the best zipline experiences in New Zealand — highlighting North and South Island favourites, insider tips, and eco-adventures worth travelling for. Strap in, take a deep breath, and get ready to see Aotearoa from above.
Ziplining in the North Island
The North Island is home to lush native forests, geothermal valleys, volcanic plateaus and some of the richest tree canopy in the country — perfect conditions for world-class ziplines. With warm year-round weather and dense bush that creates natural zipline corridors, the North Island offers some of NZ’s most immersive and environmentally focused zipline adventures.
EcoZip Adventures – Waiheke Island, Auckland
Just 35 minutes from downtown Auckland, EcoZip Adventures offers the perfect blend of thrill, scenery, and sustainability. Soar side-by-side down dual ziplines suspended above working vineyards and native forest with breathtaking views of the Hauraki Gulf.
Every flight ends with a guided nature walk through regenerating bush where guides share stories of conservation and local ecology. EcoZip is family-friendly, operates year-round, and proudly eco-certified — making it one of New Zealand’s most accessible and environmentally conscious adventure experiences.
Highlights:
- Dual 200 m+ ziplines over vineyards and forest
- Spectacular coastal views toward Auckland and Rangitoto Island
- Guided forest walk and conservation focus
- Suitable for families, groups, and first-timers
Coromandel Zipline Park – Driving Creek, Coromandel
Nestled in the lush hills above Coromandel Town, Driving Creek combines creativity, conservation, and adventure. Your journey begins aboard New Zealand’s only mountain railway, climbing through regenerating native forest and past Barry Brickell’s iconic pottery sculptures.
At the summit, you’ll clip into eight breathtaking ziplines, some stretching more than 200 metres across forested valleys. Along the way, guides share the story of how this once-logged landscape has been transformed through decades of reforestation and community care. It’s an inspiring experience where every thrill helps fund forest and kiwi-habitat restoration.
Highlights:
- Ride the original mountain railway before ziplining
- Eight ziplines up to 200 m long through native forest
- Eco-certified and community-driven restoration project
- Suitable for families, couples, and small groups
Waitomo Caves Zipline Park – Waitomo, Waikato
Famous for its glowworm caves and underground rivers, Waitomo also offers adventure above ground with the Waitomo Caves Zipline Park. Surrounded by limestone cliffs, lush farmland, and native bush, this scenic course lets you soar through rolling countryside while taking in spectacular views of the King Country.
Each zipline offers a mix of speed and serenity, making it ideal for families and first-time flyers. It’s the perfect add-on to a day of cave exploring — giving you two unforgettable perspectives of one of New Zealand’s most iconic adventure destinations.
Highlights:
- Thrilling ziplines set among Waitomo’s limestone hills
- Panoramic views of the King Country landscape
- Family-friendly and suitable for most fitness levels
- Combine with nearby glowworm and cave tours
Rotorua – New Zealand’s Zipline Capital
If there’s one place that defines ziplining in New Zealand, it’s Rotorua. With three world-class operators — Canopy Tours, Rotorua Ziplines, and Skyline Rotorua — the region offers more variety, more styles, and more departures than anywhere else in the country.
From flying above pristine ancient forest with endangered wildlife below, to riding dual ziplines overlooking Lake Rotorua, to combining ziplines with gondolas, swing bridges and eco-education, Rotorua is unmatched for choice. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, family group or first-time flyer, this is the heart of NZ ziplining.
Rotorua Canopy Tours – Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Voted one of the world’s top nature experiences, Rotorua Canopy Tours takes you deep into untouched native forest on an award-winning eco-adventure. Glide across ziplines, traverse swing bridges, and walk high above ancient trees as guides share stories about the forest’s restoration and native wildlife.
Choose between the Original Tour, featuring six ziplines and treetop platforms, or the Ultimate Tour with eight longer lines, cliff walkways, and breathtaking forest views. Every ticket supports predator-control projects that have helped native birds return to the area — making this one of New Zealand’s most meaningful and exhilarating experiences.
Highlights:
- Multi-award-winning eco-adventure through ancient forest
- Original and Ultimate tour options (6–8 ziplines)
- Spot native birds and learn about conservation success
- Suitable for all ages, available year-round
Skyline Rotorua Zipline – Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
For ziplining with panoramic lake views and easy access from the city, Skyline Rotorua delivers pure family-friendly fun. Ride the gondola up Mount Ngongotahā, take in sweeping views of Lake Rotorua, then launch yourself from the zipline platform for an unforgettable descent through the forest canopy.
Skyline’s dual lines let you race side-by-side with a friend at speeds up to 80 km/h, blending adrenaline with some of the most spectacular views in the North Island. It’s a must-do add-on to the famous Skyline Luge or mountain biking trails — perfect for visitors wanting a quick thrill between Rotorua’s many attractions.
Highlights:
- Dual racing ziplines with lake and city views
- Combine with Skyline Gondola, Luge, or dining
- Ideal for families, groups, and adventure seekers
- Open year-round and suitable for most ages
Rotorua Zipline – Kaituna River, Bay of Plenty
Set beside the famous Kaituna River, Rotorua Zipline combines cultural storytelling, conservation, and adventure in one unforgettable experience. Glide across forested valleys and river canyons as guides share kōrero about the area’s Māori heritage and its deep connection to the surrounding whenua (land).
The tour includes multiple ziplines, swing bridges, and short nature walks offering incredible perspectives of the river and lush forest below. Every ticket supports local restoration projects and tree planting — helping to preserve this pristine environment for future generations. Rotorua Zipline is immersive, scenic, and rooted in community values — perfect for travellers who want more than just a thrill.
Highlights:
- Scenic ziplines above the Kaituna River valley
- Māori cultural storytelling and local guides
- Eco-restoration and tree-planting focus
- Small-group experience with a personal touch
Ziplining in the South Island
The South Island delivers a completely different style of ziplining — rugged mountains, glacier-carved valleys, crystal-clear lakes and dramatic alpine backdrops. From the soaring peaks of Queenstown to the lush West Coast rainforest, these ziplines combine pure adrenaline with truly cinematic landscapes. Expect bigger elevation drops, cooler alpine air, and dramatic views that feel straight out of a movie.
From alpine peaks to wild coastlines, the South Island’s ziplines deliver a thrilling mix of scenery and serenity. Whether you’re gliding above native bush in Kaikōura or flying from a treetop tower on the West Coast, each experience reveals a different side of Aotearoa’s natural beauty.
These eco-adventures are designed for all ages, combining professional guidance, local storytelling, and incredible landscapes that make ziplining here unforgettable.
EcoZip Kaikōura – Kaikōura, Canterbury
Perched between mountains and sea, EcoZip Kaikōura offers one of the most scenic ziplining adventures in New Zealand. Just minutes from the coastal township, this eco-certified experience lets you soar above native forest with panoramic views of the Kaikōura Ranges and the Pacific Ocean.
Dual lines mean you can race a friend as you glide across a series of thrilling ziplines, each revealing new perspectives of this world-famous marine and alpine landscape. Along the way, knowledgeable guides share insights into Kaikōura’s conservation projects and the region’s unique wildlife. It’s an adventure that perfectly captures the South Island’s wild beauty and eco-conscious spirit.
Highlights:
- Dual racing ziplines with ocean and mountain views
- Local guides and strong conservation focus
- Suitable for families, couples, and small groups
- Only minutes from Kaikōura’s town centre
West Coast Treetop Walk & Tower Zipline – Hokitika, West Coast
Set among towering rimu and kamahi trees, the West Coast Treetop Walk & Tower Zipline delivers a breathtaking blend of serenity and adventure. Wander the elevated 450-metre walkway, 25 metres above the forest floor, before climbing the 47-metre tower for an incredible launch into the canopy.
The zipline descent offers sweeping views of Lake Mahinapua and the distant Southern Alps — a truly one-of-a-kind South Island experience. After your flight, relax at the on-site café with locally roasted coffee or craft beer while soaking in the forest atmosphere. It’s a must-do stop on the Great Coast Road, combining accessibility, natural beauty, and gentle thrills for all ages.
Highlights:
- 450-metre treetop walkway and 47-metre tower
- Zipline over ancient rimu forest with alpine views
- Café, visitor centre, and easy access from Hokitika
- Family-friendly and suitable for all seasons
Wildwire Wānaka – Waterfall Climb & High-Wire Adventure, Wānaka
For those who love the rush of ziplining but want something even more epic, Wildwire Wānaka offers a one-of-a-kind adventure on the world’s highest waterfall via ferrata. Climb, traverse, and occasionally zip your way up the sheer cliffs beside Twin Falls, safely clipped into a series of steel cables, bridges, and ladders that hug the rock face.
Each guided route delivers jaw-dropping views over Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps. While some sections include short ziplines and wire crossings, the real magic lies in the combination of climbing, exposure, and pure alpine scenery. It’s an adventure that combines the excitement of ziplining with the challenge of a vertical journey — a true South Island bucket-list experience.
Highlights:
- World’s highest waterfall via ferrata, with zipline-style crossings
- Panoramic views over Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps
- Multiple route levels from beginner to expert
- Safe, guided, and unforgettable high-wire experience
Why Ziplining Belongs on Every Must Do in New Zealand List
Ziplining captures the essence of New Zealand — wild, welcoming, and wonderfully scenic. Each flight connects you with the country’s landscapes in a way that few other activities can, from forest canopies alive with birdsong to alpine ridges and coastal views.
What makes ziplining here truly special is its heart for conservation. Many of Aotearoa’s leading operators reinvest part of every booking into pest control, reforestation, and wildlife restoration. Thanks to these efforts, native species such as tūī, robins, and tomtits are returning to the very forests you fly above.
Safety is equally central to the experience. Professional guides, modern gear, and thorough briefings ensure confidence for every age and ability — even first-timers. Most ziplines operate year-round, including light-rain days that add a rainforest feel. Whether you’re chasing thrill, scenery, or family fun, ziplining belongs on every Must Do New Zealand adventure list.
FAQ – Ziplining in New Zealand
Why is ziplining considered a must-do activity in New Zealand?
Ziplining is considered a must-do activity in New Zealand because it offers a unique way to connect with the country’s stunning landscapes, from lush forests to alpine vistas, all while supporting conservation efforts and enjoying safe, adventurous experiences suitable for all ages.
What makes ziplining in New Zealand environmentally sustainable?
Many zipline operators in New Zealand are leaders in sustainability, reinvesting part of each booking into reforestation, pest control, and wildlife restoration, which helps protect and restore native habitats and species.
Are there ziplining options suitable for families and beginners?
Yes, New Zealand offers a variety of ziplining experiences that are family-friendly and suitable for beginners, with professional guides, modern safety gear, and routes designed for all levels of confidence and fitness.
What are some of the most scenic places to zipline in New Zealand?
Some of the most scenic ziplining locations in New Zealand include Rotorua’s native forests, Waiheke Island’s vineyards, Coromandel’s lush hills, Waitomo’s limestone landscapes, and the West Coast’s ancient redwood forests.
How does ziplining contribute to conservation and community initiatives in New Zealand?
Ziplining in New Zealand often supports local conservation projects, reforestation, and cultural storytelling, allowing each adventure to contribute positively to local communities and the environment while providing unforgettable experiences.
🌿 Is ziplining safe in New Zealand?
Absolutely. All operators follow international safety standards and include harnesses, helmets, and guided briefings before every flight. Safety systems are regularly checked and certified.
🌿 Do zipline tours operate year-round?
Yes. Most zipline parks and tours operate throughout the year, and many continue in light rain — adding to the rainforest atmosphere. Some may adjust schedules during winter for safety or weather conditions.
🌿 What should I wear when ziplining?
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes are best. Avoid loose accessories, and in cooler months, bring gloves or a light jacket for warmth at higher elevations.
