Famous for its immense mountains and lush green landscapes, New Zealand plays host to some of the best outdoor activities in the world. Give the gift of adventure with a Bedford Worldwide Ltd gift certificate and instantly book using state-of-the-art reservation technology, it couldn't be simpler to experience the best of New Zealand!
Looking for the perfect gift for someone travelling to New Zealand? We have gift vouchers for all the popular categories of experiences from bungy jumping to more relaxing winery tours. An experience day out is the perfect way to try out top experiences with family and friends.
The Island country of New Zealand is located in the south-west Pacific Ocean. Made up of an estimated 600 Islands, New Zealand is often grouped into its two largest, the North (Te Ika-a-Māui) and the South Island (Te Waipounamu).
History and Culture Tours
If you’d like to experience Māori culture away from the rugby field the best place to observe and learn is on a marae (Māori tribal meeting ground). On a guided tour of a marae, you will experience singing, speeches, carving and even a traditional hāngī meal cooked in earth ovens. Whether you are visiting on holiday or simply watching a game of Rugby, it is clear that Māori tradition and history is a cherished and celebrated part of New Zealand’s identity.
North Island
The North Island is home to around 75% of the New Zealand population and an impressive flora and bird population. In the north, you’ll find New Zealand's largest city, Auckland. At Bedford Worldwide Ltd we have plenty of Auckland activity gifts readily available. Popular sites and destinations include the sky tower, Waiheke Island and Waitemata Harbour.
Hobbiton Experiences
South of Auckland you’ll find the Waikato region. For the Hobbit lovers, there should be no need to convince you to add Waikato, home of the Hobbiton movie set, to your itinerary.
Adventure Tours
Other unique experiences in Waikato include a boat tour through the glow worm caves. If you love to see a new country on two wheels, Waikato is known as New Zealand's cycling heartland. You’ll find river, mountain and cycling tracks graded from one (easiest) to five (hardest) throughout the region.
In the Waikato region and almost in the centre of the North Island you’ll find Taupō. Lake Taupō has a surface area of 616 square kilometres, almost the same size as Singapore! The magnificent body of water was created nearly 2,000 years ago and is now a popular place for fishing, skiing, sailing and kayaking. A Taupō kayaking tour is worth it just to experience the Māori rock carvings only visible on the water. Just north of Taupō, you’ll find Huka Falls, New Zealand's most visited attraction, with over 220,000 litres of water plummeting over the edge every second!
Wildlife Tours
To the east of Waikato is the Bay of Plenty. Aptly named by James Cook in 1769, the Bay of Plenty boasts hectares of citrus fruit crops, kiwifruits, avocados and vineyards. The Bay also supplies some of the best fresh seafood in New Zealand. If you’re a wildlife lover you’ll enjoy spotting both bottlenose and common dolphins in the Bay of Plenty. Visit in the summertime and you can even swim with these gorgeous mammals. If surfing is more your style then enjoy visiting one of New Zealand's best surf spots, Mount Maunganui.
Rotorua Day Trips and Spa Experiences
The Bay of Plenty is also home to Rotorua. Famous for its mud baths, thermal springs and showcasing Māori culture, Rotorua is the ideal place for a relaxing getaway. Rotorua is described as a geothermal wonderland with extraordinary volcanic attractions and landscapes around every corner. Apart from its relaxing hot springs and spas, Rotorua is also an adventure seeker paradise. From ziplining to white water rafting, you name it, you can do it.
Winery Tasting and Vineyard Tours
Heading further south of the Bay of Plenty and we’ll find New Zealand wine country, Hawke’s Bay. If you're already salivating then you better brace yourself. Home to over 30 cellar doors, Hawke’s Bay is an internationally recognised wine region specialising in cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah and delicious chardonnays. Hawke’s Bay is the first stop on the famous New Zealand wine trail, and with its flat terrain is a popular place for bicycle wine tours.
Museums and Galleries
On the southern tip of the North Island, we come to New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. Named ‘the coolest little capital in the world’ by Lonely Planet, Wellington is the creative haven of New Zealand. Bursting with love for the arts, Wellington has plenty of museums, galleries and theatre shows to enjoy while you’re in town. Indulge at the local restaurants, night markets, food trucks and breweries.
South Island
At last, we’ve made our way to New Zealand’s South Island. A huge 32% larger than its neighbouring North Island, the South Island is home to only 23% of the population. Known for its pure natural landscapes, the South Island boasts Fjord-like mountain ranges, crystal clear lakes and rugged coastlines.
On the top of the South Island, you’ll find Nelson Tasman. It’s no wonder why kayaking trips are popular in the area. Nelson Tasman is blessed with white sandy beaches and water so clear you’re convinced it’s fresh. Keep your eyes peeled for seals, dolphins and sea birds who will join you on your paddle. Make sure to visit Abel Tasman National Park while in Nelson Tasman, the small national park is a relaxing coastal paradise not to be missed.
Adventure Experiences
Christchurch, the South Islands largest city, is located in central Canterbury. Christchurch is known for its diverse landscapes with access to glaciers, majestic alps, a volcanic peninsula and the Pacific Ocean. Some of the most unique and incredible experiences are found in Christchurch and surrounds. Visit the Tasman Glacier by boat and witness the magnificent icebergs for yourself. If you need to warm up after your glacier adventure we recommend hitting up Christchurch Adventure Park. Grab a mountain bike and take a chairlift over the southern alps and explore the southern hemisphere’s largest mountain bike park.
Adrenaline Activities
South of Canterbury and the West Coast is Otago. Otago is home to New Zealand's adventure capital, Queenstown.
An adrenaline-seeking haven, Queenstown has all the experiences to get your heart pumping. Choose from bungy jumping, skydiving, paragliding, heli-skiing and terrifying giant swings. If you want to dial the adrenaline down a notch or two you can try jet boating, skiing, ziplining and river rafting. The small, beautiful tourist town comes to life at night with amazing lake-side restaurants and bars to sit back and relax in after a big day of adventure. There is no doubt that Queenstown is a must-see destination when visiting New Zealand.
Whether you’re visiting the North or South Island you’ll be amazed at the natural beauty of New Zealand. A Bedford Worldwide Ltd gift voucher can help a loved one have a New Zealand experience they’ll remember for the rest of their lives. All vouchers are valid for three years. Surprise the lucky recipient with a fun experience they'll remember for a long time.