12 Days in New Zealand: Nature and Culture
12 cities |
23 attraction(s) |
total distance 1474
km
TIPS
Day1
Day2
Day3
Day4
Day5
Day6
Day7
Day8
Day9
Day10
Day11
Day12
Day1: Auckland
2 attraction(s) ·
4 km
1
Mount Eden, located in Auckland, is one of the hills formed by volcanic ejecta around a volcanic vent, and it is also the highest point of natural beauty in Auckland, which is stunning. The bottom of the volcanic cone is now a lush green space, which looks like a big cone-shaped bowl from afar, and the unique landscape is unforgettable. Climbing to the top of the mountain, you can enjoy a perfect panoramic view of Auckland, including the beautiful Sky Tower, the spectacular One Tree Hill, and the mysterious Rangitoto Island volcano. In addition to being able to enjoy these wonderful views for free, it is also very suitable for taking photos, capturing panoramic views of the surrounding area, especially when shooting the Sky Tower, it is incomparable.
4
km
2
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.
Day2: Waitomo District > Matamata
2 attraction(s) ·
67 km
1
Cave with a modern visitor centre & home to a population of glow worms found only in New Zealand.
67
km
2
Picturesque sheep farm used for filming Shire scenes, with guided tours, a gift shop, cafe & inn.
Day3: Rotorua
2 attraction(s) ·
10 km
1
Lake Rotorua is one of the largest lakes in central northern New Zealand's North Island and is one of the leading lakes within approximately 20 lakes. It covers an area of 80 square kilometers (31 square miles) and is a fascinating scenic spot. Located on the edges of the city, Lake Rotorua is a visual feast where you can choose to cruise around the small islands in the lake. For the best views, it's recommended to visit Grand Vue Rd, Kawaha Point, or Rotorua 3010, which are excellent locations for viewing the magnificent scenery of Lake Rotorua.
10
km
2
Maori cultural center at a geothermal preserve with a dramatic geyser & crafts institute.
Day4: Rotorua
2 attraction(s) ·
24 km
1
Pools of colourful bubbling water are heated by volcanoes at this oft-visited natural attraction.
24
km
2
Scenic redwood forest with trails for walking, biking & horse-riding, with toilet facilities.
Day5: 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.
Day6: Wellington
3 attraction(s) ·
3 km
1
Wellington Parliament Building, designed by Sir Basil Spence, is considered one of the most magnificent wooden structures in the South Pacific. It consists of a Gothic-style library, a British Renaissance Parliament House, and a circular office building shaped like a beehive. The building has been controversial but its unique style is widely praised.
1
km
2
At the BNZ Museum, you can learn about the development of banking in New Zealand over the past 150 years and explore the social and financial history of the country. Various exhibitions cover a diverse range of themes such as currency production, exchange rates, and the relationship between banks and the people. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a student of finance, you can find something of interest here. Come and experience the charm of the BNZ Museum and witness the fascinating intersection of finance and history.
3
km
3
Mount Victoria, located on the east side of Wellington, is called Tangi Te Keo in Maori language. It overlooks the entire city and has a lookout at the top, where you can enjoy the magnificent Wellington Harbor and the sea extending to the south, as well as the sight of the Cook Strait ferry entering the harbor. Climbing to the top of the mountain, you can also see the office of Seddon, the prime minister of New Zealand in the early 20th century, which has been preserved.
Day7: Wellington > Picton
2 attraction(s) ·
45 km
2
Day8: South Island > Kaikoura
2 attraction(s) ·
5 km
1
Up close & personal encounters with giant sperm whales, seals & dolphins aboard a tourist vessel.
5
km
2
Do you want to get close to the stunning scenery and wildlife of the Kaikoura Peninsula? Come try the Kaikoura Peninsula Trail! You can choose to spend half a day or a full day exploring the entire trail on foot. However, if time is limited, you can choose to only take a 25-minute walk to the Whalers Bay viewpoint and experience the first part of the trail. No matter where you are on the trail, you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery where the sea meets the mountains. For travelers who love photography and hiking, the Kaikoura Peninsula Trail is an absolute must-see.
Day9: Christchurch
2 attraction(s) ·
9 km
1
Christchurch's central cathedral was once the iconic building of the city, but it suffered damage in two major earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. Now, scaffolding has replaced the original elegant Gothic spire, and visitors can peek through the fence at the abandoned church. Although the cathedral's reconstruction plan is still uncertain, the square remains a place for locals to relax and unwind. The square's art leisure chairs, Western chessboard, inverted cone sculpture, colorful mural walls, street performances on weekends, and vintage trams parked on one side make the square filled with artistic atmosphere.
9
km
2
The South Pole Station, located near the airport, was built to manage research projects in Antarctica by New Zealand, the US, and Italy. It is also suitable as a science or knowledge center, ideal for children to visit. Here, you can learn about Antarctica's history and geology and view specimens collected underwater. You can also experience the "Antarctic Storm Room" and feel the cold of the ice continent. At the center, you can also ride an all-terrain vehicle and experience an outdoor adventure with the Hagglund Ride.
Day10: Lake Tekapo
2 attraction(s) ·
2 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.
Day11: Queenstown
2 attraction(s) ·
1 km
2
Attraction featuring a gondola to a panoramic restaurant/bar, hiking trails & a luge ride down.
Day12: Queenstown
1 attraction(s) ·
0 km
