In this module we’re looking into Adventure Tourism the cornerstone of Aotearoa’s Identity

Adaptive Adventure Tourism Experiences

One of the biggest misconceptions about disabled people is the idea that people with disabilities avoid challenge. That they prefer to play it safe, stick to low-risk activities, and stay within what’s considered “comfortable.”

That assumption is wrong.

Adventure — real, demanding, adrenaline-filled adventure — is something many disabled people actively seek when they travel. Across Aotearoa and internationally, disabled travellers are climbing mountains, skydiving, surfing, biking, hiking, paddling, and testing themselves physically and mentally in powerful ways.

Just like any other traveller, they want challenge. They want intensity. They want to feel capable, alive, and pushed.

This module reframes who adventure tourism is for — and the role you play in enabling it.

Challenging the ‘soft adventure’ myth

There’s a persistent belief that disabled people only want “soft” adventure. Gentle activities. Low impact. Minimal risk.

There’s nothing wrong with those experiences — but they are not the full picture.

The same assumption is often made about older travellers. Yet seniors are zip-lining, kayaking, hiking alpine routes, and travelling specifically for challenge. Adventure is not defined by age, and it’s not defined by disability.

Adventure tourism has never worked well with assumptions. In this industry, assumptions lead to poor decisions and real risk. The moment you assume someone can’t do something, you risk excluding them from an experience they may be entirely capable of participating in.

Adaptive adventure requires the same mindset as good guiding: curiosity, respect, and flexibility.



Let adaptive advisors guide you toward best practice, and be part of the movement to create a tourism industry that truly welcomes everyone.

  • The foundations of adventure tourism are already well established:

    • Clear safety parameters

    • Robust systems

    • Well-maintained equipment

    • Skilled, competent staff

    Adaptive adventure does not replace these foundations — it builds on them.

    What changes is awareness. A willingness to adapt. A commitment to problem-solving without compromising safety, quality, or experience.

    Adventure always involves risk. That risk is part of its appeal. But when working with people whose bodies or senses function differently, the goal is not to eliminate risk through exclusion — it’s to manage it through planning.

    That may involve working directly with the customer to understand:

    • How risk presents itself

    • What adjustments are needed

    • How equipment interacts with adaptive gear

    • How the environment affects temperature, balance, grip, fatigue, or sensory input

    Sometimes it’s extra padding. Sometimes it’s a modified briefing. Sometimes it’s a longer transition time. None of these are unusual in adventure operations — they’re simply applied with greater awareness.

    Adapting Aotearoa Architect Jezza Williams of MakingTrax often states:
    What matters most is not assuming. Not assuming fragility. Not assuming inability. Not assuming your systems won’t work or can’t adapt.

    When uncertainty exists, take a cautious approach — but don’t default to “no.”
    Start from the position that participation is possible, then work backwards.

  • Every activity has non-negotiables.

    • Weight limits.

    • Medical exclusions.

    • Environmental thresholds.

    These are not about disability — they’re about safety. Disabled customers understand this and expect it to be applied consistently.

    The problem arises when assumptions replace facts.

    Understanding what physical strength, motor skills, or cognitive engagement is genuinely required allows decisions to be made based on reality, not fear. And often, small adjustments unlock participation without changing the activity itself.

    This is where adaptive adventure sits — not as a compromise, but as an extension of good practice.


  • Adaptive adventure is about enabling meaningful challenge in ways that are safe, dignified, and enjoyable.

    Sometimes that requires adaptive equipment.
    Sometimes it involves a support person.
    Sometimes it’s simply a different instructional approach or a small route adjustment.

    The most effective tool you have is information.

    Clear communication before arrival allows customers to assess their own capacity and prepare accordingly. Confidence is built long before the experience begins. This is why Access Guides are covered in a dedicated module — because inclusion starts with clarity.

    Nature-based tourism is a strong environment for adaptive adventure. Yes, access can be inconsistent. Terrain is variable. Conditions change. But challenge does not equal exclusion.

    Some people want assistance. Some don’t.
    Your role is not to decide for them — it’s to offer the option.



  • When embedding adaptive adventure into your operations, treat every participant like a new descent or new route:

    • New conditions

    • New considerations

    New opportunities to learn

    Success depends on:

    • Your team’s skills

    • Your planning

    • Your openness to learning from customers

    Lived experience is not a complication — it’s a resource.

    Choose creativity over complexity. Don’t jump straight to specialist gear if adapting existing systems achieves the same outcome. Harnesses, seating, rigging, and procedures can often be modified effectively.

    And if you’re unsure, don’t guess. Adaptive advisory services exist specifically to help operators navigate this space safely and professionally.

  • There are still persistent myths within the industry:
    That disabled people can’t afford adventure travel

    • That they’re too fragile

    • That they’re too risky

    • That they’re not interested

    None of these are true.

    Disabled travellers are not a single group. They are as diverse as any other market. They travel for challenge, connection, freedom, and joy — the same reasons anyone does.

    Working collaboratively with customers doesn’t just build trust. It improves your product. It strengthens your operation. It creates better experiences for everyone.

    Things won’t always go perfectly. That’s part of adventure. Learn from it. Share knowledge. Improve systems. Keep moving forward.

  • Adventure belongs to everyone.

    When you make space for more people to participate — safely, respectfully, and meaningfully — you enable experiences that change lives. People return home with stories they never thought they’d be able to tell.

    That’s not about charity.
    That’s not about lowering standards.

    That’s good adventure tourism.
    And it’s good hospitality.

    For operators wanting to take next steps in this space, engaging with experienced adaptive advisory services — iJezza Williams — ensures decisions are grounded in lived experience, industry knowledge, and real-world application.