Best places to go Cliff Jumping in New Zealand!

Calling all thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies! Here are the best places to go cliff jumping in New Zealand. If you’re looking for the ultimate rush combining with some of the most stunning scenery nature has to offer, then New Zealand is the place to be.

This beautiful country isn’t just about hobbits and stunning landscapes; it’s also a playground for those who love a good adrenaline rush.

One of the most exhilarating ways to experience New Zealand’s natural beauty is by cliff jumping – and if cliff jumping doesn’t cut it, there’s a tonne of other thrill experiences all over the country.

So, grab your wetsuit (or swimsuit if it is summer), muster up your courage, and dive into the best spots!

Cathedral Cove: Best places to go Cliff Jumping in New Zealand! — Cathedral Cove

Best activities & tours on South Island

Here are some of the best New Zealand South Island tours! I always compare tours on Viator and Get Your Guide to check prices and different tour availability.

Jet Boat & Wilderness experience – If you’re after an adrenaline experience then this is for you!

Milford Sound Cruises – The best way to see the unofficial 8th wonder of the world.

Franz Josef Glacier tours – one of the most iconic, stunning, incredible things to experience in South Island!

Glenorchy & Paradise half day tour – if you’re after some beautiful sight seeing this is for you!

Glow worm caves – Dont miss the iconic glow worm caves in South Island!

Scenic Flights – One of the most iconic experiences in all of South Island, New Zealand.

Table of Contents

The Dangers of Cliff Jumping

Yes, yes, I know this is the boring part, but it has to be said at least once!

I have been cliff jumping since I was a kid in Australia, but I learnt how to do it safely and you should definitely learn from a local, but I’ve outlined the basics below.

When it comes to cliff jumping, the thrill of leaping into the unknown can be incredibly enticing. However, it’s important to remember that this activity comes with its fair share of risks.

As a rule of thumb, I only cliff jump where I have seen locals jump safely into the water. I check the depth, I check for obstructions, the weather etc. before I do so.

Before taking the plunge, here are some points to consider:

Height and Impact: The height of the cliff directly impacts the force of impact when hitting the water. Jumping from too high can result in serious injuries, including broken bones and concussions. You could potentially break your back and paralyse yourself too.
Water Depth: It’s SO important to ensure that the water is deep enough to safely jump into. Shallow waters can lead to severe injuries or even paralysis.
Underwater Hazards: Rocks, logs, or other submerged objects can pose a significant threat. Always scout the area before jumping to avoid these hazards.
Currents and Tides: Strong currents or changing tides can affect the water’s depth and direction, potentially leading to dangerous conditions. You also don’t want to be smashed into a rock!
Weather Conditions: Wind, rain, or poor visibility can impact your jump and make it more dangerous. Always assess the weather before attempting a jump.
Jumping Technique: Improper jumping technique, such as belly flops or awkward landings, can increase the risk of injury. It’s essential to jump feet first with your arms crossed over your chest to minimise the impact.
Physical Condition: Cliff jumping requires a certain level of physical fitness and swimming ability. Fatigue or lack of experience can increase the risk of accidents or even fatalities.
Legal and Environmental Considerations: Some areas may have restrictions or regulations regarding cliff jumping. It’s important to respect these rules to ensure your safety and protect the environment.

Cliff jumping can be great, but don’t do anything stupid!

Best places to go cliff jumping in New Zealand

New Zealand has some stunning locations for cliff jumping, blending adrenaline-pumping leaps with breathtaking natural scenery. Think jutting cliff edges and rocks where you can jump straight into the sea.

Cliff edges can change all the time, and places that were once safe might have crumbled rocks in the sea. So please always check before you jump and if in doubt, don’t do it!

Here are some of the best places to go cliff jumping in New Zealand:

Queenstown: Known as the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown and nearby Lake Wakatipu offer several cliff jumping locations, including the famous “The Ledge” jump overlooking the city. If you want to do the insane canyon swing, then look below.
Taupo: The cliffs around Lake Taupo, particularly at Acacia Bay, provide excellent spots for cliff jumping, with varying heights suitable for all levels of daredevils.
Abel Tasman National Park: The pristine waters and cliffs of this national park on the South Island’s northern coast offer ideal cliff diving opportunities, especially at places like Cleopatra’s Pool.
Bay of Islands: With its turquoise waters and rocky outcrops, the Bay of Islands in the North Island offers numerous spots for cliff jumping, including at Tapeka Point.
Coromandel Peninsula: Places like Cathedral Cove and Waiau Falls on the Coromandel Peninsula provide not only beautiful scenery but also thrilling cliff jumping experiences.
Dunedin: The rugged coastline near Dunedin, particularly at places like Blackhead Quarry, offers cliff jumping into the wild waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Rotoiti (The Skids) near Rotorua: This is a local favourite in Rotorua – but make sure locals are here before you decide to jump in on your own so you know where the best place to jump is! If you’re in the area, stop by the Rotorua mud spas too!

Remember, cliff jumping can be dangerous, so always assess the conditions, be aware of the water depth, and ensure you’re confident in your abilities before taking the plunge.

The famous Canyon Swings in New Zealand

You’ve probably seen all the crazy social media videos where people do the crazy canyon swing and yes, it’s crazy adrenaline filled. Here are some of the adventure tours you can do in New Zealand:

North Island:

White Water Rafting: Enjoy thrilling rafting adventures on the Kaituna, Tongariro, and Rangitikei Rivers.
Bungee Jumping: Experience the adrenaline rush of bungee jumping at the Taupo Bungy or the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Skydiving: Dive into the skies above stunning locations like Taupo, Auckland, and the Bay of Islands.
Canyoning: Explore the beautiful canyons of North Island with trips in places like the Coromandel and Waitomo.
Jet Boating: Speed through narrow river gorges and braided rivers in Rotorua, Taupo, and the Bay of Islands.
Ziplining: Enjoy treetop adventures in Rotorua, Auckland, and Whangarei.
Mountain Biking: Ride through scenic trails in Rotorua’s Redwoods Forest or on the Timber Trail.
Surfing: Catch some waves at Raglan, New Zealand’s premier surf spot.
Heli-Hiking: Take a helicopter ride to the stunning volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park for a unique hiking experience.

Book a thrill experience

South Island:

White Water Rafting: Brave the rapids of the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers in Queenstown or the Buller River in Nelson.
Bungee Jumping: Experience the ultimate thrill at the Nevis Bungy, the highest bungee jump in New Zealand, or at the iconic Kawarau Bridge.
Skydiving: Dive over the stunning landscapes of Queenstown, Wanaka, and Fox Glacier.
Canyoning: Descend into the deep canyons of the South Island near Queenstown, Wanaka, and Franz Josef.
Jet Boating: Experience heart-pounding adventures on the Shotover and Dart Rivers in Queenstown.
Ziplining: Soar through the treetops in Queenstown, Christchurch, and Franz Josef.
Mountain Biking: Explore the thrilling trails of Queenstown, Wanaka, and the West Coast.
Heli-Skiing: Enjoy untouched powder snow in the remote backcountry of the Southern Alps near Queenstown and Wanaka.
Surfing: Ride the waves at Dunedin’s St. Clair Beach or Kaikoura’s Mangamaunu Beach.
Heli-Hiking: Helicopter to the remote Fiordland or Mt. Aspiring National Parks for unforgettable hiking experiences.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Adriana! I’m constantly searching for the best places to travel to so you don’t have to! Think hidden gems but all over the world.
That means I’m constantly on the road and exploring new places to visit and I have a love for photography, so it made sense to write travel guides on all the places I visit. I was born in Australia and spent my childhood in New Zealand, Poland, Dubai and England growing up and I decided to take my love of travel to the next level! Read more about me here and see my articles here.

New Zealand Weather

Summer in NZ

Read more about the summer weather in NZ.

Temperature: In January, when it’s summer, the weather is warm on both North & South Island! The temperatures are around 23°C (73°F), while the South Island is a tad cooler, sitting at around 19°C (66°F).

But honestly, on some of the days it was BOILING in the summer, and reaching highs of 30°C (86°F) if not higher. Think, you’ll burn in 15 minutes outside without sun cream.

Rain: Both islands get about 8 rainy days, but you’ve got heaps of daylight to play with, around 15 hours a day. It’s like the sun just doesn’t wanna quit!

Winter in NZ

Read more about the winter weather in NZ.

Fast forward to June, when it’s winter in NZ. Things start cooling down a bit, especially in the South Island. You’re looking at around 11°C (52°F) down there, while the North Island is still a bit milder, hovering around 15°C (59°F).

It’s a bit wetter too, with around 14 rainy days, but, you still get some solid daylight, about 9 hours or so.

So, that’s the gist of it! Both Islands have their pros & cons but frankly, they’re both beautiful.

New Zealand Weather in January

Average temperature on North Island: 23°C (73°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 19°C (66°F)
Average rainy days: 8
Average daylight hours: 15
Average sunrise time: 6:15 AM
Average sunset time: 9:30 PM

New Zealand Weather in February

Average temperature on North Island: 25°C (77°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 20°C (68°F)
Average rainy days: 7
Average daylight hours: 14
Average sunrise time: 6:45 AM
Average sunset time: 9:00 PM

New Zealand Weather in March

Average temperature on North Island: 23°C (73°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 18°C (64°F)
Average rainy days: 9
Average daylight hours: 12
Average sunrise time: 7:15 AM
Average sunset time: 8:15 PM

New Zealand Weather in April

Average temperature on North Island: 20°C (68°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 15°C (59°F)
Average rainy days: 11
Average daylight hours: 11
Average sunrise time: 7:45 AM
Average sunset time: 6:45 PM

New Zealand Weather in May

Average temperature on North Island: 17°C (63°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 12°C (54°F)
Average rainy days: 12
Average daylight hours: 9
Average sunrise time: 8:15 AM
Average sunset time: 5:30 PM

New Zealand Weather in June

Average temperature on North Island: 15°C (59°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 9°C (48°F)
Average rainy days: 14
Average daylight hours: 9
Average sunrise time: 8:30 AM
Average sunset time: 5:15 PM

New Zealand Weather in July

Average temperature on North Island: 14°C (57°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 8°C (46°F)
Average rainy days: 15
Average daylight hours: 9
Average sunrise time: 8:30 AM
Average sunset time: 5:30 PM

New Zealand Weather in August

Average temperature on North Island: 15°C (59°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 9°C (48°F)
Average rainy days: 15
Average daylight hours: 10
Average sunrise time: 7:45 AM
Average sunset time: 6:00 PM

New Zealand Weather in September

Average temperature on North Island: 16°C (61°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 10°C (50°F)
Average rainy days: 13
Average daylight hours: 12
Average sunrise time: 6:45 AM
Average sunset time: 6:30 PM

New Zealand Weather in October

Average temperature on North Island: 18°C (64°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 12°C (54°F)
Average rainy days: 11
Average daylight hours: 13
Average sunrise time: 7:15 AM
Average sunset time: 7:45 PM

New Zealand Weather in November

Average temperature on North Island: 20°C (68°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 14°C (57°F)
Average rainy days: 9
Average daylight hours: 14
Average sunrise time: 6:00 AM
Average sunset time: 8:30 PM

New Zealand Weather in December

Average temperature on North Island: 22°C (72°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 16°C (61°F)
Average rainy days: 9
Average daylight hours: 15
Average sunrise time: 5:45 AM
Average sunset time: 9:15 PM

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Have a look at some of my other Aotearoa / New Zealand travel blogs for attractions nearby on your South Island itinerary or North Island road trip.

Not sure where to go? Have a look at my article on North VS South Island New Zealand, which is better?

North Island:

South Island: