New Zealand North and South Island 12 Days
11 cities |
25 attraction(s) |
total distance 2112
km
TIPS
Day1
Day2
Day3
Day4
Day5
Day6
Day7
Day8
Day9
Day10
Day11
Day12
Day1: Auckland
2 attraction(s) ·
2 km
1
Sky Tower, the tallest building in the southern hemisphere, was built in 1996. It stands at 328 meters tall and boasts multiple observation decks which offer a 360-degree view of Auckland. High-powered binoculars aid visitors in enjoying the view. Broadcast services in various languages and interactive technology can be found throughout the tower. There are also audio-visual exhibits to help visitors learn more about Auckland. Visitors with tickets can access the main observation deck at 186 meters and the Sky Deck at 220 meters. If you are not afraid of heights, you can opt for the glass elevator ride, which allows you to admire outside views as you ascend. There are two observation decks on the tower, both surrounded by glass floors. You can stand on them and look up at the blue sky or feel the thrill of the high altitude beneath your feet. The SkyWalk and SkyJump are two extreme sports offered on the tower that require courage and daring to attempt. Several restaurants can be found on the tower, allowing visitors to enjoy delicious food. At night, the view from the tower is breathtaking, with many considering it even more spectacular than during the day. Visit the Sky Tower and enjoy an unparalleled experience, while taking in the beautiful sights of Auckland.
2
km
2
At the highest point of Auckland Park, you can find the Auckland Museum. Here, not only various precious collections are displayed, but also there are daily Maori cultural performances (fees apply). We strongly recommend that you come and admire its style.
Day2: Rotorua
2 attraction(s) ·
5 km
1
Traditional Maori village offering a guided bush walk, cultural performances & a ground-cooked meal.
5
km
2
Polynesia Spa is located in the government garden. It is a historical mineral spring and can be reached within a 5-minute walk from the center of Rotorua. There are a total of 35 hot spring pools here, and visitors can also buy a variety of hot spring derived products. Among them, the mineral mud beauty and skincare products are very famous.
Day3: Taupo
2 attraction(s) ·
20 km
1
Taupo Lake is located in the central region of the North Island volcanic area, known for fishing and vacationing, and is the largest freshwater lake in New Zealand. It is situated behind the Tangariro Mountains, and the famous Huka Falls is also located here. Despite its peacefulness and clearness in the summer, it is actually a volcanic lake that had violent ancient volcanic eruptions. Today, Taupo Lake is one of the few remaining wild trout spawning sites in the world and the largest trout fishing center globally. You can hire a guide to fish for rainbow or brown trout or learn the skills of fly fishing. The trout you catch can be cooked for you at many local restaurants or hotels. Huka Falls is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in New Zealand and a great place to take photos. The sound of thunder, the magnificent spectacle of up to 220,000 liters of water per second cascading down from the cliff top. You can also take a jet boat ride to get here. In addition, the area has many other interesting sights, including the famous moon crater (Craters of the Moon), where you can see oddities such as geysers, mud pools, and hot steam vents. Moreover, various water activities are available here, such as jet boating, parasailing, fishing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, yachting, and seaplane sightseeing.
20
km
2
The Huka Falls are located in the Waikato region of New Zealand. With abundant water and spectacular scenery, it is one of the most popular natural landscapes in the area. The Waikato River mouth of the waterfall is 12 meters high and the water flow is 230 tons per second. Due to the effects of narrow passages and faults, the Waikato River appears light blue in color, like a beautiful gem. When the water flows impact the waterfall, the powerful force creates a foamy waterfall, which is very impressive. Therefore, locals call this beautiful waterfall "Huka", which means foam.
Day4: Wellington
2 attraction(s) ·
2 km
1
"Te Papa" is the nickname for the National Museum of New Zealand, located in the center of Wellington with a convenient location near the coast. The museum has been selected as one of the most popular museums in the southern hemisphere and represents the history and culture of New Zealand. The museum displays a rich collection of artifacts using high-tech and interactive exhibition methods for visitors. This museum is the best window to understand the history, geography and culture of New Zealand, and is well-liked by tourists from all over the world.
2
km
2
Wellington Botanic Garden, built in 1844, is a beautiful and tranquil place with local and exotic tree species. One of the oldest exotic trees in New Zealand can be found here, which is truly astounding. There are elegant ponds and flocks of ducks in the park, adding charm to the garden. In addition, there are the Begonia House, cafes, colorful flower and herb gardens, as well as gardens with Australian style and the award-winning Lady Norwood Rose Garden.
Day5: Picton
2 attraction(s) ·
36 km
2
Marlborough Sounds is formed by an ancient sunken river valley and the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by high mountains and towering trees. The region consists of three main water bodies: Queen Charlotte Sound, Kenepuru Sound, and Pelorus Sound, known for their beautiful landscapes and popular among tourists. There are 50 protected areas under the Ministry for the Environment that highlight the preservation of the ecological environment. The islands provide a perfect ecological habitat, with very few predatory animals, allowing for the existence of native wildlife.
Kayaking and hiking are popular activities in the area, and there are several campsites for tent camping. Visitors can also rent boats to experience the joy of boating. There are multiple trails that pass through pristine forests and beautiful beaches, as well as five mountain biking trails. Picton and Havelock are the two main towns in the area, with Picton located in Queen Charlotte Sound and Havelock in Pelorus Sound. From Wellington, one can take a large ferry to Picton, and it is also possible to drive there.
Day6: Christchurch
2 attraction(s) ·
4 km
1
Christchurch has a 300,000 square meter green land located by the Avon River, which is the most pleasant place in the city. Over ten thousand species of plants display a colorful array of colors in different seasons, bringing endless surprises to visitors. Whether it's the elderly, children, couples, or friends, taking a stroll in the botanical garden or enjoying a cup of coffee in the cafe is very pleasant. The visitor information center is located between the botanical garden and the Canterbury Museum and provides timely answers to any visitor questions. Come here and experience the atmosphere of the garden city!
4
km
Day7: Lake Tekapo
3 attraction(s) ·
4 km
1
There is a lake called Lake Tekapo in the central part of South Island, New Zealand, managed by Canterbury. The lake is 27 kilometers long, 6 kilometers wide, with an area of 87 square kilometers and an elevation of 700 meters. The average depth of the lake is 69 meters, with a maximum depth of 120 meters. It has strong evaporation capacity and a storage capacity of 6 cubic kilometers.
2
km
2
The Church of the Good Shepherd is a historic church constructed by renowned architect Benjamin Woolfield Mountford in 1935. This church features a unique Gothic wood and stone building and is the only one of its kind in New Zealand. It is located on the shores of Lake Tekapo and surrounded by stunning natural scenery amidst towering mountains. Due to its unique architecture and charming environment, many couples choose to hold their weddings here, making it one of the most famous tourist attractions in New Zealand.
3
km
3
On a small hill by the shore of Lake Tekapo, there is an observatory which becomes the best place for stargazing at night. Standing on the summit, you can overlook the milky blue Lake Tekapo and the jewel blue Lake Alexandrina. There is also a small restaurant on the mountain where coffee accompanied by mountain views and starry skies makes people feel extremely comfortable.
Day8: Lake Tekapo > South Island > Mount Cook Village
3 attraction(s) ·
63 km
1
There is a lake called Lake Tekapo in the central part of South Island, New Zealand, managed by Canterbury. The lake is 27 kilometers long, 6 kilometers wide, with an area of 87 square kilometers and an elevation of 700 meters. The average depth of the lake is 69 meters, with a maximum depth of 120 meters. It has strong evaporation capacity and a storage capacity of 6 cubic kilometers.
53
km
2
Popular with trekking enthusiasts, this 12,218-ft. peak offers forested trails to glacial views.
10
km
3
The Cook Islands National Park is located in the southeast of the South Alps, New Zealand. It is one of New Zealand's most famous and oldest national parks, adjacent to the West District National Park, the Aspyling Mountain National Park, and the Fjord National Park. There are nearly 20 mountains here that are over 3,000 meters high, including New Zealand's highest peak - Mount Cook, with an altitude of 3,753 meters. In addition, there are more than 360 magnificent glaciers here, the longest of which is the Tasman Glacier, which is up to 27 kilometers long. If you are passionate about outdoor activities such as climbing, skiing, mountaineering, hiking, and river rafting, the Cook Islands National Park will be a perfect destination. However, if you just want to appreciate the wonderful natural scenery or experience the peaceful environment, visiting this national park is also an unmissable opportunity.
Day9: South Island > Queenstown
4 attraction(s) ·
201 km
1
Popular with trekking enthusiasts, this 12,218-ft. peak offers forested trails to glacial views.
199
km
3
Lush, lakefront peninsula with a waterfront trail & alpine vistas, plus an ice rink & skate ramps.
2
km
4
Nestled in a glaciated valley, New Zealand's third largest lake is shaped like a lightning bolt and boasts stunning scenery. The northern end is where the Dart River merges into it, while the Kawarau River flows into the lake mouth after originating from Queenstown. It is surrounded by high mountains, with the highest peak being Mount Earnslaw at 2,819 meters above sea level. The towns around the lake include Queenstown, Kingston, Glenorchy, and Kinloch, the center of New Zealand's outdoor activities. Bungee jumping, a worldwide sensation, originated here. One of the activities by the lake is a cruise on the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship to see the lake views. In the early 20th century, the Earnslaw mainly provided transportation for goods to the ranches on the lake shore. Today, it is still well-preserved and takes tourists to the Walter Peak sheep farm for a stunning view. All of these towns quietly nestled along the lake are worth a visit.
Day10: Queenstown > South Island
3 attraction(s) ·
75 km
Day11: Dunedin
2 attraction(s) ·
1 km
1
This British railway station is steeped in history, with exhibitions inside and tourists able to take trains to the nearby coastal peninsula.
1
km
2
Dunedin's first church was built in 1862 and is New Zealand's first church. The church is designed and built in Gothic style by the famous architect Robert Arthur Lawson. Its main tower is 56 meters high and is one of the iconic buildings around the square. From 1991 to 1992, the church underwent a comprehensive renovation. The internal lobby, bell tower, nave, pulpit, sanctuary, organ, St. Andrew's ambulatory, windows, tapestries, and Morey hall all have unique features and beauty. The spires of the church are clustered together to form a magnificent decoration, making the tower of the church resemble a crown.
Day12: Dunedin > Christchurch
2 attraction(s) ·
311 km
