Adventure Sports Travel Insurance Guide
By the Travel Insurance Comparison NZ editorial team
If an activity is part of your plans, check it against the policy before you buy. Insurers differ on which activities they cover, the conditions they attach, and whether an add-on is needed.
Official advice
MFAT's SafeTravel says many insurance companies don't cover adventure activities. It recommends checking your policy covers all planned activities, asking whether extra cover is available if it doesn't, and considering what medical care and evacuation would cost if something went wrong (SafeTravel (MFAT): Adventure tourism). It also advises using reputable operators and checking whether you need certification or permits for the activity.
How activities are usually grouped
- Snow sports: skiing and snowboarding, with separate rules for off-piste or backcountry.
- Water sports: diving, snorkelling, surfing, rafting and kayaking — diving cover often depends on your certification level.
- Air and height activities: skydiving, paragliding, bungy jumping and zip lining.
- Mountain activities: trekking, climbing and mountaineering — altitude limits may apply.
- Motorised: motorbikes, scooters, quad bikes and jet skis, often with licence and helmet conditions.
Common conditions and exclusions
- Professional, competitive or paid participation is commonly excluded.
- Using a licensed operator or qualified guide may be required.
- Staying within your qualifications, such as a dive certification depth.
- Wearing required safety equipment.
- Not taking part while affected by alcohol or drugs.
On diving, SafeTravel notes that most policies require divers to stay within the limits of their certification and that the instructor has certain qualifications (SafeTravel (MFAT): Adventure tourism).
Activities in New Zealand
An accidental injury in New Zealand can be covered by ACC, whether you live here or are visiting (ACC: If you're a visitor injured in New Zealand). A domestic travel policy is mainly for cancellation, luggage and rental vehicle excess. See domestic travel insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Which activities count as adventure sports?
Each insurer has its own list. Activities such as skiing, snowboarding, bungy jumping, skydiving, mountaineering, white water rafting and scuba diving often appear in activity or exclusion lists, but whether they are covered as standard, need an add-on, or are excluded differs between policies.
Do I need extra cover for adventure activities?
Often. SafeTravel notes that many insurance companies don't cover adventure activities, and recommends checking your policy covers everything you plan to do and asking about extra cover if it doesn't.
Does ACC cover adventure activities in New Zealand?
ACC's no-fault scheme covers everyone, including visitors, who is injured in an accident in New Zealand. It does not cover illness, disrupted travel plans, or treatment costs overseas.
This page is general information, not financial advice, and does not take your personal circumstances into account. Cover, limits, excesses and exclusions differ between insurers and policies. The policy wording (and any policy schedule or endorsement) is what decides a claim, so read it — or ask the insurer — before you buy.
Sources
Official sources cited on this page, checked 30 September 2026.
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