New Zealand Winter Discovery 12 Days
11 cities |
24 attraction(s) |
total distance 1840
km
TIPS
Day1
Day2
Day3
Day4
Day5
Day6
Day7
Day8
Day9
Day10
Day11
Day12
Day1: Auckland
3 attraction(s) ·
7 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.
3
km
Day2: Waitomo District > Auckland
2 attraction(s) ·
160 km
1
Cave with a modern visitor centre & home to a population of glow worms found only in New Zealand.
160
km
2
Day3: Rotorua
2 attraction(s) ·
9 km
1
Agrodome is located in a rural area not far from the center of Rotorua, offering a variety of fun rural experiences such as New Zealand's highest bungee jumping, sheep shearing performances, milking cows, tasting honey and fresh juices, as well as enjoying typical New Zealand rural scenery.
9
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.
Day4: Taupo
2 attraction(s) ·
20 km
1
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.
20
km
2
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.
Day5: Wellington
3 attraction(s) ·
4 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.
2
km
Day6: Wellington > Picton
2 attraction(s) ·
45 km
2
Day7: Kaikoura
1 attraction(s) ·
0 km
1
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.
Day8: Christchurch
3 attraction(s) ·
7 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
The cardboard cathedral in Christchurch, New Zealand is a transitional Anglican church that was opened in August 2013. It was designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, who won the Pritzker Prize in 2014, and can accommodate 700 people. The design features unique materials and structures, including 60cm (24-inch) diameter cardboard tubes, wood, and steel. The altar stands at 21 meters (69 feet) high, and the roof is made of polycarbonates and eight shipping containers. This building is an excellent example of modern architecture that attracts a large number of visitors.
Day9: Greymouth > South Island
2 attraction(s) ·
49 km
1
Punakaiki, located about 50 kilometers north of Greymouth, boasts natural pancake rocks, which were formed by the long-term impact and erosion of seawater and showcase the magical work of nature. Visitors can enjoy the spectacular pancake rocks and blowholes in Punakaiki village for free, which were formed by sedimentation and crustal movement in the seabed about 30 million years ago. To the south is Paparoa National Park, known for its limestone karst landforms. Over the years, small marine organisms and sand layers alternated and were buried on the seabed, forming layers of hard limestone and soft sandstone. After natural weathering, hundreds of columns finally emerged between the cliffs, forming a spectacular scene resembling giant layers of pancakes. According to scientists, the formation of pancake rocks dates back about 35 million years ago, when the sea level and temperature were suitable for the growth of shellfish and other marine organisms. Due to earthquakes, mudslides, floods, and other reasons, marine organisms died and were deposited, forming limestone and shale. As a natural wonder on the west coast of New Zealand, pancake rocks will eventually be reclaimed by the sea as it continues to erode and dissolve the offshore rocks.
49
km
2
Day10: South Island
1 attraction(s) ·
0 km
1
7.5-mi.-long glacier accessible by an 8-hour hike or by helicopter for guided tours at the top.
Day11: South Island > Queenstown
4 attraction(s) ·
216 km
1
7.5-mi.-long glacier accessible by an 8-hour hike or by helicopter for guided tours at the top.
213
km
3
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.
2
km
4
Lush, lakefront peninsula with a waterfront trail & alpine vistas, plus an ice rink & skate ramps.
Day12: Queenstown
1 attraction(s) ·
0 km
