Hey, If you take a bus tour up to Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach in the Northland region (which I recommend), you’ll most likely also stop along the way at the Te Paki Sand Dunes, which mark the beginning (or end, depending which way you’re traveling) of 90 Mile Beach. There, you can break out your boogie board or toboggan (provided by the tour company, in most cases), climb up one of the gigantic dunes (some can reach 100 meters), and then surf your way down. The hike up the dunes is tough, and the ride down scary, yet exhilarating.

Adrenaline rating: 3

Upon first arriving in the lakeside city of Taupo, it may not seem like a mecca for adventure sports. But don’t be fooled: Taupo has a lot to offer. You can jetboat down the Waikato River or take a floatplane flight over Lake Taupo. There’s also skydiving and helicopter rides.

But I’d recommend bungy jumping at Taupo Bungy. Jutting out from a cliff above the Waikato River, Taupo Bungy offers New Zealand’s highest water-touch jump, at 43 meters (tied with the water-touch in Queenstown). You can do this jump tandem, as well. And, of all the bungy jumps in New Zealand in scenic locations, you’ll get the best value in Taupo. They also offer a swing now, too, called the Taupo Cliffhanger. This did not exist when I was there, though, so I can’t give any insight on it. Are you game? facebook.com/nythrillseekers, nythrillseekers.com

Mokai Gravity Canyon is located about 20 minutes from Taihape on the North Island. The Canyon is just that – a deep canyon with the Rangitikei River running through it. There are 3 adventure sports to try out at Gravity Canyon: Bungy jumping, a flying fox, and a bridge swing. And all are adrenaline-inducing in a stunning environment.

The bungy jump is 80 meters high from the Mokai Bridge – the highest bungy on the North Island. The Flying Fox is a gigantic zip line that you traverse head-first while being suspended high above the river, reaching speeds of 160 kph. The Bridge Swing is what it sounds like – you swing from the Mokai Bridge in a gigantic arc, which includes 50 meters of freefall. All can be done tandem. Are you game? facebook.com/nythrillseekers, nythrillseekers.com

Dunedin

If you’re making a stop in Dunedin on New Zealand’s South Island, I can personally recommend surfing at St. Clair Beach with the Esplanade Surf School. Operated out of a van near the beach, you can book a surf lesson (ahead of time), or simply rent a surf board if you already know what you’re doing. I took a two-hour lesson and actually stood up on my board! It’s a great place for beginners. Are you game? facebook.com/nythrillseekers