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Looking for a fresh and exciting way to gift memories instead of just material presents this holiday season? In New Zealand, experiences make for unforgettable gifts that create lasting memories for loved ones. Whether you're celebrating Christmas, birthdays, or just looking to treat someone special, an experience in Aotearoa is the perfect way to share something meaningful.
Here’s a curated New Zealand holiday bucket list with 12 unique experiences you can give as gifts, from soaring above the land in a hot air balloon to exploring the world-renowned glowworm caves. These experiences aren’t just about gifting; they’re about creating moments that will be cherished for years to come.
1. Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Canterbury Plains
Why it’s a great gift: New Zealand's landscape is breathtaking, and what better way to take it in than from the sky? A hot air balloon ride over the vast, scenic Canterbury Plains is an unforgettable experience.
- Provider: Ballooning Canterbury
- Experience Details: Float gently over the stunning plains at sunrise, with the Southern Alps in the distance. This is the perfect gift for those who appreciate nature and want to see New Zealand from a unique vantage point.
- How to Gift: Ballooning companies offer vouchers for flights, so you can surprise your loved one with a special, personalised gift.
- Check out Ballooning Canterbury
2. Glowworm Cave Tour in Waitomo
Why it’s a great gift: The magical glowworm caves of Waitomo are a must-see for anyone visiting New Zealand. Give the gift of exploring a subterranean wonderland where the ceilings twinkle with thousands of glowworms, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
- Provider: Waitomo Caves
- Experience Details: Take a boat ride through the dark caves while being surrounded by thousands of glowworms. It’s an enchanting experience that’s perfect for nature lovers or anyone in search of something unique.
- How to Gift: Gift vouchers for cave tours can be purchased online, and you can print or email them directly to the recipient.
- Explore Waitomo Caves Tours
3. Vineyard Getaway in Marlborough
Why it’s a great gift: New Zealand’s Marlborough region is renowned for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc. A vineyard getaway offers wine lovers the chance to indulge in wine tastings and stunning views.
- Provider: Marlborough Wine Tours
- Experience Details: Treat your loved one to a day (or weekend) of wine tasting at one of Marlborough's iconic vineyards, coupled with a relaxing stay at a nearby luxury lodge.
- How to Gift: Purchase a wine tour voucher or book a package for a romantic weekend getaway.
- Find Marlborough Wine Tours
4. Shotover Jet Ride in Queenstown
Why it’s a great gift: For adrenaline junkies, the Shotover Jet in Queenstown offers a high-speed, heart-pumping experience through narrow canyons and twisting rivers.
- Provider: Shotover Jet
- Experience Details: Zoom through the Shotover River's thrilling, narrow canyons in a jet boat, experiencing the excitement of hair-raising 360-degree spins.
- How to Gift: Give a voucher for an exhilarating adventure through the company’s online shop.
- Book a Shotover Jet Ride
5. Fiordland Cruise in Milford Sound
Why it’s a great gift: Milford Sound is one of the most picturesque places on Earth, with dramatic mountains, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear waters. A cruise through this stunning fiord is a must-do for anyone visiting the region.
- Provider: Southern Discoveries
- Experience Details: Board a luxury cruise and take in the grandeur of Milford Sound, known for its unparalleled beauty. Perfect for nature lovers and those looking to unwind amidst spectacular landscapes.
- How to Gift: You can easily buy tickets or gift vouchers for a Milford Sound cruise online.
- Book a Milford Sound Cruise
6. Auckland Harbour Bridge Bungy Jump
Why it’s a great gift: For thrill-seekers, the Auckland Harbour Bridge Bungy jump is an adrenaline-fueled adventure offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Provider: AJ Hackett Bungy Auckland
- Experience Details: Plunge into the Waitemata Harbour with a bungy jump from the Auckland Harbour Bridge. A real rush for anyone who loves pushing their limits.
- How to Gift: AJ Hackett offers bungy jump gift vouchers that can be gifted online.
- Gift an Auckland Bungy Jump
7. Maori Cultural Experience in Rotorua
Why it’s a great gift: Rotorua is the heart of Maori culture in New Zealand, and a cultural experience gives the gift of history, music, dance, and food.
- Provider: Tamaki Maori Village
- Experience Details: Experience a traditional welcome ceremony, learn about Maori history, and enjoy a feast (hangi) prepared in an underground oven.
- How to Gift: Tamaki Maori Village offers a range of experiences with gift vouchers for your recipient to redeem.
- Learn More About Tamaki Maori Village
8. Helicopter Ride Over the Southern Alps
Why it’s a great gift: Soar over the majestic Southern Alps, capturing aerial views of glaciers, alpine lakes, and snow-capped peaks.
- Provider: Glacier Helicopters
- Experience Details: A helicopter ride is the perfect way to see the remote beauty of the Southern Alps and surrounding glaciers.
- How to Gift: You can purchase a voucher for a scenic helicopter tour, giving your loved one the chance to experience New Zealand’s stunning landscapes from above.
- Book a Helicopter Ride
9. Whale Watching in Kaikoura
Why it’s a great gift: Kaikoura is known for its abundant marine life, and whale watching is one of the best ways to connect with New Zealand's rich sea life.
- Provider: Whale Watch Kaikoura
- Experience Details: Take a boat tour to see migrating sperm whales, dolphins, and other marine life in one of the world’s most famous whale-watching locations.
- How to Gift: Whale watching tours are available for purchase as gift vouchers.
- Whale Watch Kaikoura
10. Wine and Food Pairing Experience in Central Otago
Why it’s a great gift: For lovers of both fine wine and gourmet food, the Central Otago wine region offers exceptional wine and food pairing experiences.
- Provider: Chard Farm Winery
- Experience Details: Taste some of the world’s best Pinot Noir paired with local gourmet dishes. Enjoy the incredible vineyard setting while learning about wine production.
- How to Gift: Gift vouchers for wine tasting and dining experiences can be purchased directly through the winery.
- Visit Chard Farm Winery
11. Trekking the Routeburn Track
Why it’s a great gift: For those who love the great outdoors, a guided trek on one of New Zealand’s Great Walks—the Routeburn Track—is a must. This multi-day adventure offers stunning views of mountains, lakes, and forests.
- Provider: Ultimate Hikes
- Experience Details: Explore the breathtaking scenery of Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks over four days, with an experienced guide leading the way.
- How to Gift: Ultimate Hikes offers gift vouchers for guided walks, perfect for the hiking enthusiast.
- Book a Routeburn Track Walk
12. Scenic Flight Over Auckland’s Islands
Why it’s a great gift: Take a scenic flight from Auckland to see the stunning islands of the Hauraki Gulf, including Waiheke Island, Rangitoto, and Great Barrier Island.
- Provider: Helicopters Auckland
- Experience Details: A helicopter flight provides panoramic views of Auckland's iconic islands and the sparkling blue sea.
- How to Gift: Book a scenic flight experience with a gift voucher, so your recipient can choose when to go.
- Book a Scenic Flight
Wrapping Up Your Gift Experience
Giving an experience is more than just a present—it’s a way to create lasting memories and share special moments. Whether you’re gifting an adrenaline rush, a tranquil getaway, or a cultural adventure, New Zealand has so much to offer. Most experience providers offer easy-to-purchase gift vouchers, allowing you to give a gift that’s both exciting and thoughtful.
So, this holiday season, think beyond material presents and give the gift of adventure, relaxation, and exploration—because the best memories are the ones we create together.