12-Day New Zealand Adventure in August
9 cities |
26 attraction(s) |
total distance 3114
km
TIPS
Day1
Day2
Day3
Day4
Day5
Day6
Day7
Day8
Day9
Day10
Day11
Day12
Day1: Auckland
3 attraction(s) ·
32 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
The Auckland Museum is located in Auckland Domain Park and is a comprehensive museum of Gothic architecture, with a rich collection of historical and cultural relics. The museum has three floors. The first floor mainly displays Maori culture, including Maori handicrafts, meeting places, and daily items, as well as Pacific Islander art. The second floor exhibits various animal and plant specimens, with the most eye-catching being the remains of the moa bird. The third floor displays the history of the two world wars, including the weapons used and the soldiers who died for their country. The marble walls of the Hall of Memories are inscribed with the list of heroes of World War II, while World War I has only the dead. The museum also has a magnificent memorial to fallen soldiers, where a solemn mourning ceremony is held every April 25th. The museum also has the most comprehensive collection of Maori culture and New Zealand history, as well as three daily Maori performances. The museum's exterior is magnificent, with exhibits mainly featuring traditional art and culture of Pacific Islander indigenous peoples, including Maori totem sculptures and architecture, as well as various treasures. The museum offers views of Auckland's iconic landmarks such as the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Sky Tower, and container port, and is one of Auckland's must-see attractions.
30
km
3
Waiheke Island is an island in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand, about 17.7 kilometers from Auckland. It is the most populous island in the archipelago and has the highest population density in New Zealand. The ferry takes about 40 minutes to reach and is known as the "wine island" with vineyards of all sizes where visitors can tour and taste wine. Other tourist attractions on the island include alpaca farms, beaches, hiking trails, boutique shops, archery, kayaking, and high-flying zip lines. Cars and circular island buses are available for rent on the island, and a $10 all-day bus pass allows unlimited rides on the island's public transportation on the same day. The famous Chinese poet Gu Cheng also lived on the island and left behind well-known poems.
Day2: Rotorua
2 attraction(s) ·
1 km
1
Active geothermal area known for shooting geysers & bubbling mud pools with a viewing deck & events.
1
km
2
New Zealand's largest geyser, with many daily eruptions, set in a geopark with viewing decks.
Day3: Rotorua > Taupo
2 attraction(s) ·
41 km
1
Pools of colourful bubbling water are heated by volcanoes at this oft-visited natural attraction.
41
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) ·
1 km
1
New Zealand's principal museum tracking native and colonial culture as well as natural history.
1
km
2
Opened in 1902, the country's only running cablecar offers panoramic city views & a history museum.
Day5: Wellington
2 attraction(s) ·
4 km
1
Wildlife sanctuary with native species, including rare birds, lizards, frogs, plants & trees.
4
km
2
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.
Day6: Christchurch
3 attraction(s) ·
8 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
3
Attraction recounting the 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquakes via personal stories & hands-on exhibits.
Day7: South Island > Wellington
2 attraction(s) ·
568 km
Day8: Queenstown
3 attraction(s) ·
15 km
2
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.
13
km
3
Skiing & snowboarding mountain with varied trails & terrain parks, plus cafes & an on-mountain bar.
Day9: South Island
1 attraction(s) ·
0 km
Day10: Queenstown > Arrowtown > South Island
3 attraction(s) ·
53 km
Day11: Wanaka
2 attraction(s) ·
57 km
1
A solitary, crooked crack willow tree sits alone on Lake Wanaka, backdropped by the Southern Alps.
57
km
2
Aspiring National Park is a national park located in the southwestern part of the South Island of New Zealand, also known as Mount Aspiring National Park. It is situated in the Southern Alps, at the border of the Otago and West Coast regions. The park features stunning alpine scenery, glaciers, valleys, and high mountain lakes, with the highest peak reaching 3,033 meters, making it one of New Zealand's famous mountains. Hiking, mountaineering, and skiing are popular activities in the park.
Day12: Christchurch > South Island
2 attraction(s) ·
41 km
2
