New Zealand is a unique country with a range of adventure activities. Hiking. . . walking on an ancient glacier . . . black water rafting on an underground river . .skiing via helicopter . . . diving to shipwrecks in pristine marine reserves . . . hot air ballooning on a clear autumn dawn.

Creative Kiwis have turned adventure into an unforgettable holiday. Activities range from the genteel to the extreme.

Plan a New Zealand adventure holiday on the assumption that if it's possible to do and it's safe, it's available.

Ride a horse into the remote wilderness on a guided trek; Delight in the sweeping views below on an early morning hot air balloon ride; Put on a wetsuit and head underground in a raft or an inner tube through the inky blackness with only the light of your torch and the glow-worms (luminous insects) to guide you.

Walk on the ancient ice of the Tasman, Fox or Franz Josef glaciers in the Southern Alps; Experience white water rafting on rivers that range from the gentle to the hair raising on an expedition that can last for a few hours to several days through wild, remote country; Hang on tight as you join the daredevil jet boat skippers in their amazing craft on some of the swiftest rivers in the country.

Dive to the wreck of the Rainbow Warrior, a Greenpeace ship sunk by French secret agents, or the Mikhail Lermontov, a Russian cruise ship that sunk in the Marlborough Sounds.

Journey into the depths of the spectacular national parks aboard a scenic flight in a small plane or helicopter - marvel at famous fiords, spectacular mountain peaks and glaciers, dramatic waterfalls, lush forest or view volcanic activity up close as you hover above some of the most stunning scenery the world has on offer.

Fast and furious, wet and wild or soft and scenic – enjoy Australia’s adventures any way you like them.

Adrenalin junkies should head straight for Cairns, the gateway to Tropical North Queensland and a collection of heart racing adventures from bungee jumping to scuba diving, croc spotting cruises to rainforest four wheel drives, white water rafting to flightseeing, a wild game fishing expedition or a leisurely game of golf.

Australia’s rich diversity of landscapes, sunny climate and fun loving spirit ensure the adventures continue right across the country.

In, on and under the water, the world’s largest island serves up 100% adventure. Learn to surf the waves off Bells Beach and Bondi, or take a dip in Litchfield National Park’s tranquil billabongs.

Canoe through the peaceful waters of Katherine Gorge, ride the forest lined rapids of Tasmania’s wild Franklin River, tour Sydney Harbour on a jetboat or kayak the sapphire seas of the Freycinet Peninsula. Sail a yacht through the island studded Whitsunday’s or windsurf, waterski and parasail from one of the islands’ resorts.

Dive dramatic wrecks along the Great Ocean Road, snorkel with seals off the Mornington Peninsula or swim with the whale sharks as they visit the Ningaloo reef (April to June). Share the waves off Byron Bay with pods of friendly dolphins, cruise Kakadu’s stunning wetlands to spot countless species of birds or step straight off the beach at Heron Island to snorkel the technicolour underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef.

Helifish the Top End to land a legendary Barramundi, join a game fishing safari in the remote waters off Arnhem Land, cast a line into the surf on Fraser Island or simply enjoy the contemplative solitude of fly fishing Tasmania’s glassy lakes.

Back on dry land, the adventures are just as numerous and varied. Ride a camel through the outback or along Broome’s stunning Cable Beach. Hug the dramatic coastline of the Great Ocean Road or tour the clifftop bends of the Blue Mountains in laid back Harley Davidson style. Four wheel drive the Flinders Ranges outback or Fraser Island’s ocean beach ‘highway’. Saddle up to ride through the scenically spectacular Snowy Mountains, canter along the Mornington Peninsula’s wild ocean beaches or join the stockmen on a horseback cattle muster in the outback.

Dive into the inky darkness of the Limestone Coast’s subterranean caves or jump out of a plane to sky dive over the Hunter Valley vineyards. Sail over the Barossa in a hot air balloon or cycle the Riesling Trail between the wineries of the pretty Clare Valley.

Join a sunrise base walk around Uluru or a nocturnal wildlife walk through the rainforests of the Scenic Rim. Follow breathtaking paths around the Kings Canyon Rim, bushwalk in the Blue Mountains or hike the famous Overland Track through the Tasmanian wilderness.

Listen to the legends of the dreamtime told around an outback campfire or wake up the sound of the waves lapping on the beach in front of your luxury safari style tent.

Take your adventures to new heights in a seaplane over Sydney Harbour, a helicopter over Kakadu’s thundering Jim Jim falls, a hot air balloon over the outback or a microlight over Mount Buffalo.

Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge and scale the rocky granite tors of the Victorian High Country or abseil down the Hazards’ sheer walls looking over the Freycinet Peninsula.

In the mountains, where the air is clear and the scenery spectacular you may choose to hike your way to Australia’s summit through a carpet of wildflowers or mountain bike through the Blue Mountains’ eucalypt forested valleys. In winter, ski, board or sled your way down snowy slopes.

Or perhaps you would like to take this opportunity to try something a little different ? Join a circus lesson in Byron or a yoga session in the Margaret River, ride a snow bike in Falls Creek or a reef scooter in the Whitsundays.

From the man made thrills and spills of the Gold Coast’s lively theme parks to the myriad of outdoor pursuits in Australia’s natural playground, there is a new adventure waiting for you in every corner of the continent.