The 10 Best Things to do Adventurous in West Coast Region, South Island

Helicopter scenic flights over NZ’s southern Alps & Glaciers. Snow landings and scenic overflights. Best value flights in Glacier Country. Highly recommended by lonely planet and NZ frenzy. Fly further, best value, see more.

Glaciers are one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles. Fox Glacier and Franz Josef are internationally-renowned glaciers that attract visitors from around the world every year. Fly up over the ice, and see pinnacles, crevasses, seracs, and the deep blue ice of glacier country. Walk-ins welcome.

"With a backdrop of the Southern Alps, Glaciers, Rainforest and the Ocean, it's hard to imagine a better place to jump out of a plane than Fox Glacier" Quote from The Lonely Planet.We have to agree! You can choose from 13,000ft or 16,500ft with a range of photo and video options to choose from and a great friendly crew, we guarantee you a jump to remember.

Waiatoto River Safari. New Zealand's only jet boat tour from the ocean to the Alps. You will experience a minimum of 2 hours of extraordinary nature and exceptional beauty only seen on this trip. Experience the history of Gondwana land, smell the rainforest as you walk softly through the dripping ferns with the sparkling clear light shimmering, with the snowy peaks as your backdrop. Your experienced local guide will lead you through the ancient river, still untouched as it was thousands years ago when the Maori first roamed the land, the great Moa bird and Haast eagle still ruled the ancient forests. You will experience the magical, breathtaking beauty of the Te Wahipounamu, the Māori name for the South West New Zealand World Heritage area and take home memories that will have you yearning to return once more.

Off-roading in the Heart of New Zealand’s unique and mystical rainforest, surrounded by native trees, ferns and bush. The landowners have spent more than 20 years creating an offroad paradise of tracks always mindful of retaining the natural character and beauty of the area. You will be enchanted by the gorgeous ferns and mosses that line these tracks along with stunning views over the river valley. The best part of your journey through this wonderland is the mud and water which naturally pool on the tracks. After a good downpour of rain, rivers of water flow down parts of the trail and the mud is replenished for play. No need to worry about keeping clean as boots and protective clothing are supplied to keep you dry. We offer 1hr, 2hr or 90mins adventure tours, 7 days a week. Our vehicle fleet consists of quad bikes, 1, 2 and 4-seater buggies, kid’s quads and the mighty Hagglund. Our knowledgeable guides with their off-road skills mean that you can be sure of an adventure you'll love!

Glacier Helicopters offers a range of scenic helicopter flights from 20 minutes to 40 minutes. Charter flights are available and can vary from 20 minutes to several hours duration. Flights depart from Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. Our flights encompass the Mount Cook National Park, and both Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. Glacier landings are our specialty. Our helicopter flights allow people with limited time to “get away from it all” and experience area of New Zealand’s wilderness renowned for its outstanding natural beauty.

A unique lake adventure across Lake Mapourika, created by the mighty Franz Josef Glacier. We experience amazing panoramic views of the glaciers and southern alps, mirror like water and also explore a Kiwi Conservation area amongst some of Westland's oldest untouched rainforest. Free photos are included with each tour!

New Zealand's Highest Tandem Skydive - 19,000ft. Be surrounded by Aoraki/ Mount Cook & Tasman, Franz & Fox Glaciers, Rainforest & Ocean for your Skydive. Our Friendly team and epic surroundings provide simply the best skydiving experience available in New Zealand! Choose From: 9000ft, 20+ seconds freefall, 13,000ft - 50+ seconds free-fall 16,500ft - 65+ seconds free-fall 19,000ft - 80+ seconds free-fall All of these options include a scenic flight over Franz Josef Glacier and a 6-8 minute parachute ride. We use the world's most advanced and most comfortable parachute systems.Our aircraft is maintained and operated to the highest standard in the industry. Photo & DVD options available.

Multiple Award Winners Okarito Kiwi Tours takes you deep into kiwi habitat looking for one of the rarest birds in the world. We are the only licensed operators on the South Island of New Zealand. We give you an impressive 98% chance of seeing the rarest kiwi in the wild. Required from you is a good attitude, empathy, patience and the ability to work as a team. This is not a circus, not a game park, not a zoo experience, this is the REAL DEAL. Please be aware that this trip requires a certain buy-in, ownership, responsibility and the ability to work as a team. 16 years of guiding experience with kiwi. This is an owner operated business at it best. A shining example of putting nature first. I welcome anybody who has the passion and ability to put in the effort to get the rewards. You will not be disappointed.