Waimarino Adventure Park is a bit of an institution in Tauranga – providing family fun for Tauranga and visiting families for over 20 years . The Park provides the perfect day out where all members of the family will be entertained. Bring your togs, barbeque supplies or picnic and make a day of it with friends and family.

Your supreme pass gives you full access to all activities for an entire day. Have fun on the blob, rock climbing, kayaking, playing beach volleyball, challenging yourself on the low ropes course and so much more. The park is situated on the banks of the beautiful Wairoa River where you can enjoy any down time between activities under the palm trees.

Some of the highlights are:

• The Blob – the iconic activity, see how high you can fly after your friend jumps onto a giant inflatable pillow and makes you fly into the river
• The Hydro Slide – Launch down a 50 meter straight slide and launch yourself flying in the river
• Tarzan Swing and diving platforms all into the river
• The UFO – a floating trampoline provides hours of fun
• Kayaks, Stand up paddleboards, peddalo”s – so many ways to explore the river
• Plus heaps more!!!

Why is this Chuffed Worthy?

James from Chuffed has a rule in his family – only one visit to Waimarino a summer – of course his kids don’t like the rule as they would rather be there every week such is the fun kids have there. So whether you are local and have never visited or are from out of town we encourage you to have a fun day out at Waimarino. Your kids won’t want to leave…..

Anya and Frank founded Shamarra Alpacas, located 1 hours drive from Christchurch on the Banks Peninsula, in 2004 with a herd of 5 Alpacas. Today there are over 170. plus a team of passionate guides to share everything Alpaca with you on this hour long tour.

This fun and informative tour is a great experience that will engage the whole family. You’ll walk through the herd and come up close and personal with these gentle animals while they graze contently in the pasture. You’ll learn about the sustainable farming practices first hand. You also be able to feed the adults. The farm has absolutely stunning views of Akaroa Harbour so there are extensive photo opportunities everywhere you look.

At the end of the tour there is also an Alpaca shop, with collections of luxurious, natural 100% dye free alpaca knitwear available to purchase.

Why is this Chuffed Worthy?

We thought these creatures were super cute and for a fun and informative experience it is one you will remember! Amazing views, friendly animals and above all run by a passionate a couple who want to share what they love so much. We also love it’s location from Christchurch – far enough away to make it a enjoyable day out from the city whether you live there or are visiting and only being 20 minutes from Akaroa for some brunch or lunch.

Taupo’s Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings are possibly the largest of their type in the world and are a must-see attraction, only accessible by boat. Sail Barbary has been offering cruises to these carvings since 1982.

In 2010 they started the journey to being 100% sustainable. To create a real difference to their customers they converted from a noisy smelly diesel engine to an electric motor. So sit back and relax as you are taken through their journey along with commentary on the eco side of the lake, living within a Volcano and the cultural significance of the Maori Rock carvings.

The whole experience is both unique and authentic. Being at the carvings with no noise or smell is perfect!

Sail Barbary takes you right up close to the 14-meter high rock art. You’re guaranteed amazing photo opportunities as you experience one of life’s postcard moments. You can even BYO (Bring Your Own) food and beverages. Things really couldn’t get more Kiwi!

Soak up the sun or roll up your sleeves; you can take the wheel, help hoist the sails or just sit back and enjoy the view.  Sail Barbary is equipped for all conditions; if the wind dies down, Sail Barbary‘s eco-friendly electric engine kicks in, moving noiselessly through the water. When the wind is up, you can enjoy sailing without salty sea-spray and noisy outboard motors. Warm ponchos are supplied. Swimming is encouraged.

Why is this Chuffed Worthy?

We just love Sail Barbary’s commitment to sustainability and a totally authentic experience. The carvings are definitely an attraction all Kiwi’s should see once in their life but sailing there or by electric motor is the way to do it – no sound, no pollution – just silence. And the location really does justify that! Definitely an attraction Chuffed had to have onboard and it has proved to be popular as one of the favorites amongst Chuffed Gift recipients.

Want to see just what it takes to keep the stars of the International Antarctic Centre healthy and happy? We’ve got the exclusive tour just for you! This popular tour programme gives you the chance to see up close all the fascinating work done ‘backstage’ in the penguin habitat and penguin welfare centre.

Limited to just 8 visitors per tour, the exclusive pass takes you into the areas not accessible to other visitors. It is hosted by an Antarctic Guides, who will share their experience and expertise taking you through the daily routines and long-term goals of our penguin habitat and programme. You’ll see how a Penguin quarantine area works, learn about penguin feeding and husbandry and take your penguin knowledge to the next level!

This experience also includes general admission to the International Antarctic Centre, including the Storm Dome, Hagglund Ride, Penguin Rescue, Hd & 4D Theatres, and if you go Thursday-Monday, Huskies!

Why is this Chuffed Worthy?

The iconic International Antarctic Center is an award winning visitor experience and will open your eyes to the historical & modern day struggles of life on the ice. The Icey continent is extremely fascinating to us all. Unfortunately, most of us wont get to explore it, but this is the next best thing we reckon! 

Explore Oban and the surrounding bays in a modern mini-bus tour.

Unspoiled, incredibly beautiful, and steeped in stories, Stewart Island (known as Rakiura – glowing skies – by Maori) is well worth this informative introduction.  Local guides enjoy sharing their knowledge of the area on this mini-bus tour of the Island. You will have plenty of time to get off the bus for photo stops and short walks.

During your tour, there is plenty of time available for photo stops and short walks. Highlights include Lee Bay, the gateway to Rakiura National Park and stunning views of Paterson Inlet from Observation Rock.

This tour is in a modern air conditioned minibus and highly suitable for a short family introduction to the island.

Why is this Chuffed Worthy?

Since you won’t be taking your car to Stewart Island, we wanted to find a tour for our customers that provided an insight to the island and it’s best accessible bits. And this appeared to fit the bill so we were happy that they were keen to be part of the Chuffed offering

Opened in 2019, this experience is based at at the Sky City Precinct in Auckland and is designed to give you the most in-depth appreciation of what it is like to be a New Zealand All Black.

The experience itself is a 90 minute state-of the art guided encounter that showcases the All Blacks through the latest innovation and technology. This full sensory and interactive experience allows New Zealanders to celebrate and understand New Zealand’s rugby heritage, achievements and culture.

We thought the best way to highlight the best parts of the experience was to take the words of  Ed Burak, the All Blacks Experience designer as to what her thought the top  highlights are for visitors:

1. The Haka – take in the full force of the Haka through a 4 metre high screen experience that draws you in from the first moment. As close as you will come to facing the real thing.
2. Test your rugby skills – In a hands on interactive zone you’ll be able to match your kicking, passing, lineout and accuracy skills against those of actual All Blacks – and discover where your talents truly lie.
3. New Zealand’s Rugby Story – you’ll immerse yourself in the history, culture and people that have made the All Blacks such an icon in New Zealand and the world
4. Legends of the Game – Hear directly from past and present legends of the game and discover their stories, moments and matches.
5. Performing under pressure – through the use of technology and innovation you will get insights and direction from coaches and players to understand what it is like to perform under pressure in a high performance team
6. Black Ferns, Maori All Blacks and All Blacks Sevens – this experience is not just about the All Blacks – but a homage to all those that wear the black jersey and represent New Zealand with dignity, strength and skill to be the best of the best.

Why is this Chuffed Worthy?

We think it’s great there is now an experience where New Zealander’s can go and really get a in-depth understanding of our national game and it’s importance in the cultural identity of New Zealanders. So when All Blacks Experience approached Chuffed and asked if they can be part of our gift packages we thought it was a perfect fit. We also like the fact it is in a central Auckland location so you can wrap a day of exploring the CBD around a visit to the All Blacks Experience. So all in all, we think this is a perfect family activity,

Dive head-first into a world of creativity with Weta Workshops two tours – the Weta Cave Workshop Tour and the Miniature Effects Tour .

Guided from start to finish you’ll gain epic 2 hour insight into Weta Workshop’s creativity for blockbuster films & hit television shows.

What to expect:

Explore props, costumes, and cool stuff

From The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit to Avatar and District 9: learn about props, costumes and creatures created for your favourite films. Interact with cool stuff from our creative departments and catch an artist at work on our tour stage.

Enter our world of miniatures and modelmaking

Discover the filmmaking technique of miniature effects and learn how they are built for hit TV and film productions. Wander through monumental miniatures from Thunderbirds Are Go and see how we fit an entire island, cityscape and mansion under one roof!

Explore the Wētā Cave retail store

A cavern of creativity in its own right! Explore our retail shop full of collectables, books, swords, games, merchandise and more, and a look through our mini-museum.

Why is this Chuffed Worthy?

Weta Workshop is one of Chuffed’s most popular recipient choices. And we love have having this option which demonstrates and inspires people on how little old New Zealand can deliver on the world stage! So from our point of view – this is an exceptional experience. And the kids will love it!

Experience the best views of New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction, Huka Falls with Huka Falls River Cruise.

This experience departs and returns to Aratiatia Dam, approximately 15 minutes drive north of Taupo.

Why is this Chuffed Worthy?

Dave & Ange Kilmister have owned & operated Huka Falls River Cruise for over 20 years, and love combining their passion for the natural environment with tourism. The backbone of the business remains family after all those years, with the environment & community always at the forefront of the business also. We love the gentle, relaxing nature of this activity, and feel this couples well with the impressive natural power of Huka Falls to showcase this stunning part of NZ. It is a safe, warm & fun experience that you & the family will never forget!

Nestled amongst the rolling hills, crystal clear waters and snow-capped peaks of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, the home of gentle adventure and serene relaxation is emerging. Why not lose your mind & come to your senses at LandEscape Wanaka!

The LandEscape Farm hot tub experience includes spring-fed wood-fired hot tubs set in magnificent locations around the farm. Incredible scenery by day, dazzling stars at night. Sunsets like you have never seen paint the sky, the full moon explodes from the mountains, lenticular clouds arc overhead while lambs frolic beside you.

Established on a private farm 10 minutes from Wanaka, each tub is positioned for your viewing pleasure, with its own unique outlook of Wanaka’s majestic mountains, farms and valleys for as far as the eye can see. Enjoy a daytime soak to relax & breathe in all of this natural beauty!

Why is this Chuffed Worthy?

The Deaton family have owned their slice of rural paradise near Wanaka since the 1990’s. Refusing to succumb to the growing pressure to subdivide their property, and acknowledging the land wasn’t viable as a working farm, the Deaton’s embarked on a much bolder vision for the land! Driven by their passion for renewable energy, Rik, Juliet & family have developed a scattering of Hot Tub sites across their property, along with a network of E-Bike trails in what they call their ‘ Rustic Phase’. Watch this space, as in years to come the progress at LandEsacape farm will blow your mind, as it has ours! 

Catch some waves in Raglan with a family surf lesson. This coastal town with its magnificent black sand coastline is an absolute surfing mecca. Raglan offers world-class surf breaks and some of the most consistent surf in the country. With a bit of help from your instructor you’ll be riding the waves like a pro in no time.