It was a Friday afternoon when I found myself stuck in traffic, staring at a screen full of emails. That’s when I knew I needed something different—an adventure to shake me out of the day-to-day grind. By Monday, I was signed up for a south island adventure tour, and just like that, I had a full itinerary of action-packed days ahead of me.

Adventure tours on the South Island are something else. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just curious to try something new, there’s an experience for everyone. My tour promised a mix of heart-pumping activities and scenic explorations, and it delivered on every front.

Our first destination was Queenstown, which is pretty much the adventure capital of the world. I’d heard about the bungy jumps, but seeing someone leap off the Kawarau Bridge in person was both terrifying and inspiring. I decided to start small with the Shotover Jet, a high-speed ride through narrow canyons. It was exhilarating—and let’s not even talk about how close the boat got to those rocky edges.

Next, we headed to Wanaka, where the pace slowed down but the adventure stayed top-notch. My tour included a scenic helicopter ride to a remote glacier followed by a snow hike. Walking in pristine wilderness with the crunch of snow underfoot was surreal. It was one of those moments where you think, “Am I really here?”

On the west coast, we swapped glaciers for rainforests and waterfalls. Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier were breathtaking, but what stood out was a guided climb at Fox Glacier. The crampons felt strange at first, but stepping onto the ice and exploring crevasses made it unforgettable.

Adventure tours aren’t all about adrenaline, though. We also explored Milford Sound by kayak, gliding through calm waters while cliffs towered above us. Our guide told us about the unique marine life and ecosystems, and we even saw seals lounging on the rocks. It was peaceful yet exciting—a nice contrast to the higher-intensity activities.

If you’re looking for a way to experience the South Island in all its rugged glory, an adventure tour is the way to do it. Pack your sense of curiosity, a decent pair of shoes, and be ready for some epic stories to share when you’re back home.