Article | TOP 5 DESTINATIONS FOR ADVENTURE ADDICTS. Everyone loves an adventure right? Hiking, cycling, kayaking, surfing, paddle boarding, snorkeling, swimming, climbing, bungee jumping, sky diving, spotting wildlife or simply being engulfed by nature – it’s all great! So let’s look at my TOP 5 Destinations for Adventure Addicts throughout the world – places I’ve experienced and highly recommend for the adventurous among us!

Kauai, Hawaii

Kalalau Trail to Hanakapi’ai Falls

A walk of 8 miles return, which follows the plunging cliffs of the Na Pali Coast overlooking the ocean far below. As you head inland into a valley, the rainforest closes in, the terrain gets a little more challenging and you are rewarded with a waterfall of the highest calibre – the almighty 300 feet Hanakapi’ai Falls.

Surfing at Hanalei Beach

Rent yourself a surf board or book yourself some lessons from the many surf shops in town and head out for some top surfing with the iconic Hanalei Pier as the backdrop. Perfect for beginners and seasoned professionals alike, there’s some great swells to be had at Hanalei and a fantastic vibe to match.

Paddle Boarding on the Hanalei River

Hire yourself a paddle board and slowly make your way up the beautiful Hanalei River lined by overhanging trees. After no time at all, you’ll have left town far behind and feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. Keep your eyes peeled for native birds, fish and turtles slipping into the water from partially submerged trees – a serene adventure and an excellent workout too.

Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea

Hiking the mountainous region of Rotokas

In the mountains of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, the area of Rotokas offers hikers a remote and idyllic setting for an intrepid adventure. The dense rainforest, clear cascades and incredible number of waterfalls make for a hike unlike any other I have experienced, where you spend most of your time knee deep in the water. As night falls, the rainforest transforms as frogs and crickets bellow out calls, the stars shine bright and the humidity drops.

Pokpok Island

A place to escape the distractions of life and focus on active adventure including swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing and boat trips. The beautiful little island in the Solomon Sea is just a short boat ride from the mainland of Bougainville and offers white sand beaches and turquoise oceans with only a handful of people at the most. Snorkeling

There are so many fantastic places to snorkel throughout the Autonomous Region of Bougainville – along the coast of the mainland and the large number of uninhabited islands. Large masses of intricate coral reef with an abundance of fish in all shapes, sizes and colours promise some of the best snorkeling you’ll likely to experience in the world.

New Zealand

Kayaking the Whanganui River

Canoeing and camping along the Te Awa o Whanganui / The Whanganui River, one of NZ’s Great Walks, will transport you into a serene world of high cliffs plunging into the river, dense native bush and a peacefulness like no other as you drift downstream. Remember to watch out for the rapids though!

Marlborough Sounds

At the northern tip of the South Island, the Marlborough Sounds are the perfect destination for hiking, cycling, kayaking and fishing. The Queen Charlotte, one of NZ’s Great Walks, offers views of hidden, turquoise bays and is a must for trampers. However, if you’re seeking something a little less active, there are plenty of excellent holiday homes to rent for a long weekend of relaxation.

Cycling the South Island

The wild, rugged and diverse landscape of the South Island is simply incredible. What better way to fully appreciate it and embrace the adventure than by bicycle? Plan a route and hit the road, taking in many of the highlights en-route including Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, the delightful greenstone town Hokitika, the pristine Lake Hawea and the aptly named crystal clear Blue Pools near Makarora.

Alaska, USA

Kayaking the Kenai Peninsula in Seward

Home to humpback whales, sea lions, seals, sea otters and puffins, all of which can be seen from your kayak. As night falls, the adventure continues as you set up your tent and cook over an open fire before locking food away in a bear box. On the next day, seek out glaciers, icy passages and black bears from the water. It’s impossible to not have an adventure on the Kenai Peninsula.

Explore Denali National Park

6 million acres of Alaska’s interior wilderness, Denali National Park is home to grizzly bears, wolves, moose and caribou and is a great location, which stretches as far as the eye can see, perfect for a hiking, cycling and mountaineering adventure. Whether you’re keen for a one-day trip or a multi-day session, the spectacular Denali National Park has plenty to offer the adventurous among us.

Experience the Northern Lights

If you want to experience something cool in Alaska, head to the city of Fairbanks to see the northern lights. In the winter months between September and March and if the conditions are right, you may see the spectacular aurora borealis. This natural light display turns the night sky into hues of green, blue, yellow and red. Wrap up warm and get out there to see this magical performance.

Tasmania, Australia

Hiking Freycinet National Park

Freycinet National Park on the east coast of Tasmania is a place of natural beauty with heaps of potential for adventure. The pink granite mountains, picture perfect beaches and abundant wildlife is awe-inspiring. A particular highlight is Wineglass Bay, a great spot to walk and the curving bay has to be seen to be fully appreciated.

Visiting Port Arthur

The small town and former convict settlement of Port Arthur is the number one tourist spot in Tasmania. It’s a place full of history and offers a huge variety of intriguing, information filled places to explore including museums, ruins and tours of the cemetery, prison and a highly recommended ghost tour.

Exploring the Bay of Fires

Finally, the Bay of Fires on the northeastern coast of Tasmania. It offers pristine white beaches, intense turquoise oceans and unique orange coated rocks – a landscape like no other I have experienced. The Bay of Fires is a top spot for nature addicts who’ll love the incredible landscape, hiking, camping, fishing and native wildlife of Tasmania.

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Hi, I’m Adam Constanza, freelance travel content creator living, working and supporting tourism in Timor Leste, South East Asia.

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