Ziplining in New Zealand spans native forest, high country and island vineyards, from a 150-metre drop above the Port Hills to a 1,000-metre course through Glenorchy's backcountry. Five regions carry live courses today: Queenstown, Christchurch, Rotorua, Waiheke Island and Kaikōura.
Queenstown and Glenorchy Ziplining
Paradise Ziplines runs an 8-Zipline Wilderness Adventure from Glenorchy, covering 1,000 metres of cable through the Orc Chasm slot canyon to a Blue Lagoon finish. Closer to town, Ziptrek Ecotours flies from the top of the Skyline Gondola on three courses: the 6-line Kea Tour, the 4-line Moa Tour and the shorter 2-line-plus-drop Kereru Tour, all set above Lake Wakatipu.
Christchurch Adventure Park
The Zipline at Christchurch Adventure Park holds New Zealand's highest line at 150 metres and its longest at just over a kilometre, reached by chairlift with views over the city, ocean and Southern Alps.
Rotorua Canopy Tours
Rotorua Canopy Tours runs two courses through 500-year-old native forest: the Ultimate Canopy Tour, six lines to 400 metres with a cliff walk and an abseil, and the shorter Original Canopy Tour, six lines and swing bridges through the same protected reserve.
Rotorua Ziplines at Okere Falls
At Okere Falls, twenty minutes from central Rotorua, Rotorua Ziplines runs four lines over the Kaituna River and Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. Book the Okere Zip alone, add rafting on the Ziplining and Grade 5 Rafting Combo, add a soak on the Ziplining and Hot Pool Combo, or get all three on the Ziplines, Rafting and Hot Pools Combo.
Waiheke Island, Auckland
A 35-minute ferry from Auckland, EcoZip Adventures runs three dual-cable lines above Onetangi on the Waiheke Island Zipline, fast enough to ride side by side over vineyards and native forest. A Full Day Eco Zip and Wine Tour pairs the same lines with island vineyard tastings.
Kaikōura
Further up the coast, the Zipline Adventure and 4x4 Tour pairs ziplining with an off-road leg through Kaikōura's back country, a four-hour outing that suits a whale-watching or dolphin day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which New Zealand zipline is the highest and longest?
The Zipline at Christchurch Adventure Park holds both records, with a 150-metre-high line and a course stretching just over a kilometre through the Port Hills above the city.
What is the minimum age for ziplining in New Zealand?
It depends on the operator. Rotorua Canopy Tours' Original Canopy Tour takes children from age 6, Okere Zip in Rotorua takes riders from age 5, while Paradise Ziplines and Ziptrek Ecotours in Queenstown set a minimum age of 10. Check the specific product page before booking with children.
What is the difference between the Ziptrek tours in Queenstown?
All three launch from the top of the Skyline Gondola. The Kereru Tour is the shortest at two lines plus a drop, the Moa Tour steps up to four lines, and the Kea Tour is the full six-line course, so choose by how much time and adrenaline you want above Lake Wakatipu.
Can ziplining be combined with other activities in Rotorua?
Yes. Okere Zip at Okere Falls combines with grade 5 whitewater rafting, a hot pool soak afterwards, or both together, while Rotorua Canopy Tours' native forest courses run as standalone half-day trips.
Do New Zealand zipline tours run in winter or rain?
Most do. Rotorua Canopy Tours and Christchurch Adventure Park run year-round in most weather, pausing only for high winds or electrical storms, and Waiheke Island's EcoZip runs through light rain since the ziplines sit under forest cover.
Local tip: book the first Ziptrek or Canopy Tours departure for the quietest platforms and the best light through the canopy.
Every zipline tour above can be booked directly through Everything New Zealand.