Home to the Southern Alps, numerous active and dormant volcanoes and unrivaled scenery that will leave even the most seasoned of travelers in awe, it's easy to see why New Zealand can be found on many destination bucket lists. From the North Island to the South, this Oceanian country is a haven for the outdoor enthusiast. If you're looking to get up close and personal and experience the true beauty of New Zealand, these activities are sure to deliver.

Set against the Southern Alps and nestled along the shores of the uniquely blue-colored waters of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is brimming with a beauty that deserves to be seen from as many vantage points as possible-and Skyline Queenstown provides just that. Visitors can take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Bob's Peak, hop in the driver's seat of a purpose-built luge cart and take on over 800 meters of track, challenge themselves with over 30 world-class downhill mountain bike trails and so much more.

New Zealand tour operator Real Journeys offers a large number of tours, cruises and activities throughout the country. Their TSS Earnslaw and Walter Peak Tour gives visitors a glimpse into the farming lifestyle the country is known for. Departing from Queenstown, visitors will board the vintage TSS Earnslaw and journey across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. After disembarking, you'll be taken to a sheep shearing demonstration that includes watching the farm dogs round up sheep from the paddocks. A guided walking tour of the farmyard allows you to view and feed sheep, deer, cattle and alpacas. Morning or afternoon tea in the charming old woolshed offers the perfect opportunity to settle down and relax before boarding the TSS Earnslaw back to Queenstown.

If you're looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience, look no further than Nomad Safaris, offering small-group, personalized tours around the Queenstown area. From Lord of the Rings tours and historical gold mining tours to scenic UTV tours and thrilling quad bike adventures, you're guaranteed to find something to fit the interests of everyone in your party. Experienced and entertaining drivers and guides are what really sets the company apart. Not only will they show you the beauty and magic of New Zealand, they'll do it while sharing their own personal experiences and stories, making you feel not only a connection to the country you're exploring but also to the people that call it home.

An authentic New Zealand experience, Dart River Adventures provides visitors the opportunity to explore local nature, including the rivers and forests of the country. Located in close proximity to Queenstown, Glenorchy boasts stunning scenery that includes glaciers, dramatic mountain terrain, alpine lakes and more. Explore sites like Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area, jet boat up the Dart River and float downstream on a Funyak inflatable kayak, enjoy a gentle and relaxing horse ride through Dart Valley or navigate the area with a guided walk. Whichever you choose, you'll be left with a new appreciation for the beautiful world we live in.

For a truly unforgettable experience, consider exploring New Zealand by air. The country's leading helicopter company, The Helicopter Line, has five bases and 25 flights to choose from throughout the South Island. Explore Mount Cook, The Remarkables or the constantly moving Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers-including an alpine landing. You'll find striking, Instagram-worthy scenery all around you, but none will do justice to the true in-person experience.

While the concept of bungy jumping for fun may not have originated in New Zealand, it's here that A.J. Hackett and some friends took it to the mainstream. Kawarau Bungy Centre is known as the World Home of Bungy, where visitors can find the original 43m Kawarau Bridge Bungy-not for the faint of heart. Take the leap and cross off this bucket list activity in one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Other heart-stopping activities include ziprides, catapults and swings, including the Nevis Swing, the most famous swing in the world.

If jumping from a bridge head-first isn't your thing, A.J. Hackett Bungy has a few-although not any less insane-activities on the North Island you may prefer instead. With Auckland's Sky Jump, visitors plunge 53 floors down New Zealand's highest building, the Auckland Sky Tower, with nothing but a wire between them and the ground. A slightly less intense activity would be the Sky Walk. Although you're protected from falls by harness, there's nothing separating you from the 192m drop. Walk along a platform outside of the Auckland Sky Tower while doing adrenaline-fueled challenges that are sure to get your heart racing. While it sounds-and is-terrifying, the incredible 360-degree views of the city below make it worth it.

Some of the best sailing conditions in New Zealand can be found in Auckland, the City of Sails. With Explore Group, visitors can let the wind guide them around the Waitemata Harbour on an actual America's Cup Yacht, passing some of the city's famous landmarks during their journey. While professional crew is onboard to assist, sailors can get some hands-on experience by taking the helm or exerting energy on the grinders.

As one of New Zealand's most important museums and war memorials, Auckland War Memorial Museum is the place to be if you want to truly understand the history and culture of these serene islands. Not only is the architecture of the building stunning, what lies inside is absolutely beautiful as well. From cultural experiences and pre-eminent Maori and Pacific Collections to significant natural history resources and major social and military history collections, visitors are provided with a better understanding of how the island came to be, along with the traditions of the local people. For history buffs, this museum will rank high on your favorites list.

Waiheke Island, accessible by ferry from Auckland, is known for its many vineyards, olive groves and beaches. With Ananda Tours, exploring the island's many offerings is limitless, from wine tasting and gourmet food tours to those that allow you to immerse yourself into the art and scenic beauty of the island. The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour is a fan-favorite, where you'll visit three of the island's top vineyards and sample a range of their wines.