When thinking about a gift for someone in New Zealand or who might be visiting, there are tonnes of things to do in and around Auckland. For starters, there are lots of dive experiences on offer. Probably the most fascinating of these is a dive on the ill-fated Rainbow Warrior. The serene setting gives little away of the violent story behind the sinking of this anti-nuclear protest vessel in the mid-1980s. If your gift recipient is a keen deep-sea diver with many hours of diving under their belt, HMNZS Waikato and Tui wrecks are a must-do. These expeditions can be chartered to suit the gift receivers plans, so they have the freedom to choose their dates or times. These are large dive sites and the ships have been cut into sections to give easy and full access to the vessels. On the other hand, if your gift recipient is a beginner, certified diving lessons will get them up to speed and into the water in no time at all with 2 dive experiences to hone their new skills.
The Maori name for New Zealand is Aotearoa, which means land of the great white cloud. So, for a gift that makes the most of a sunny day, surfing lessons are also a great way to get into the swim of things. This is an activity that the whole family can do together or a perfect gift for that active someone who’s always said they’d like to try surfing. New Zealand’s surf beaches are fantastic, and this experience is the way for kids and kids-at-heart to test their surfing talents under the wing of professional instructors.
Auckland has several islands off its eastern coastline and the largest of these is Waiheke. Known for its delicious wine and foodie experiences, lovers of a good drop can spend days touring the island, stopping in for cellar door tastings as they go. Best to have a designated driver though, who knows the ropes and will not only take your gift recipient to the top vineyards but also the top lookout spots. The island is beautiful, with rolling green hillsides surrounded by spectacular ocean views. Spectacular views come in plentiful supply in New Zealand. The country is famous for its mountainous terrain. Auckland has some excellent walking trails with amazing vistas for hikers to enjoy along the way. And for those who collect quirky facts, it’s also the home of Baldwin Street, the world’s steepest street with a 38°gradient - a good one for cyclists to avoid!
Lake Taupo sits at the centre of the North Island. This is a magical place with steaming thermal craters, the rushing waters of Huka Falls and the Waikato River and much calmer waters of Lake Taupo itself. You can choose to see the area at your own speed but gifting a cruise of the lake will take your gift recipient to Ngātoroirangi, Taupo's famous Maori rock carving and other sculptures based on Maori culture. On a sunny day, the colours of the lake are like the bright blues and greens of New Zealand’s Paua shell. Rivers and hidden freshwater pools are also a big hit with those who like to try their fishing. Fly fishing for trout is big in these parts but there are all types of fishing adventures to be had. Or you can thrill your family or friend with an action-packed thermal rafting experience that will have them racing down the shallows only to stop for a leisurely soaking in the warmth of the thermal waters. These are just a few of the ways to spend the days at Lake Taupo. Whatever you decide, it’s sure to be fun and informative as you learn from the locals and gain new insights into the Maori culture and the power and beauty of New Zealand’s geothermal region.
Leaving Lake Taupo, the road can take you to the romantic wine-growing region of Napier. The vineyards are spread throughout the hills and valleys by the coast and make for wonderful chauffeur driven experiences of the area. New Zealand’s capital of Wellington is at the south-east point of the island. From here a ferry ride will take you to the South Island and the striking town of Picton, where more adventures begin. The excitement of Queenstown and its adrenaline-packed adventures on Lake Wakatipu and vibrant nightlife. The glorious world-heritage Glacier Country with its ice and snow-covered trails of the breathtaking Franz Josef and Fox glaciers and the green sea and friendly fur seals, dolphins and whales of Kaikoura are among the million highlights that make up New Zealand.
