-	Water Activities

New Zealand has almost 10,000km of coastline, offering unparalleled opportunities for all kinds of water sports. Inland there are plenty of lakes and rivers that provide even more opportunity for adventure on and in the water.

Canoeing and Kayaking are practiced on the rivers and lakes and also in the ocean. There are plenty of commercial operators where you can learn the basic skills and rent all the necessary equipment. Acquiring the basic skills is relatively straightforward. It is also great fun. The most popular canoeing river is the Whanganui.

Jet boats were initially invented to operate on the shallow and sometimes difficult rivers of the South Island. The driver will take you at lightening speeds past rocky outcrops, and skim around the rivers crags and boulders. A Shotover Jet Boat experience is an adrenaline rush you'll never forget! from the moment the accelerator hits the floor. The Shotover, Kawarau and Dart Rivers in the South Island are the most famous jet boating localities.

If you want to go jet skiing, most recreational water areas will have jet skis available for hire. Hire companies operate all throughout the summer months.

New Zealand's high mountains produce very fast rivers, perfect for rafting. There are three varieties of rafting you can try; blue water, black water and white water.

Blue water rafting, the tamest of the three, is mainly for sightseeing purposes. Black water rafting involves going through underground caves. The main areas are in Waitomo, Nelson, Marlborough and the West Coast of the South Island.

White water rafting is the most popular and the most intense! You head straight down the rapids and basically hold on for life; it is an adrenalin pumping descent. There are plenty of tour operators offering white water expeditions, from a brief descent of just a couple of rapids to camping expeditions lasting several days. Spring and summer are the best times to go.

New Zealand has also got some great surf spots with consistent good quality waves and some spectacular marine life and seascapes, perfect for scuba diving.