12-Day New Zealand Adventure: Nature
16 cities |
29 attraction(s) |
total distance 3101
km
TIPS
Day1-2
Day3
Day4
Day5
Day6
Day7
Day8
Day9
Day10-11
Day12
Day1-2: Auckland
4 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
The University of Auckland was founded in 1883 and is recognized as New Zealand's most influential research university. Its research and academic work accounts for more than 70% of the country's output, which has made it a rapidly developing and internationally renowned institution. As of 2006, there were over 3,000 doctoral students on campus. The campus is surrounded by beautiful parks, and it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between what is part of the university and what is a public park.
2
km
3
This beautiful garden was originally privately owned by a wealthy old lady who loved roses. Before her death, she made a will and donated the rose garden to the government.
3
km
4
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.
Day3: Waitomo District > Matamata > Rotorua
3 attraction(s) ·
126 km
1
Cave with a modern visitor centre & home to a population of glow worms found only in New Zealand.
67
km
2
The Alexander family's cattle and sheep ranch outside of the town of Matamata in New Zealand was used as a filming location for the movies "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit", and is nicknamed "Hobbiton". Director Peter Jackson spent 9 months here constructing a 1.5 kilometer road, 37 Hobbit holes, a mill, and a double-arched bridge to create the scenery for the Shire, the home of the Hobbits. He even stayed on the farm. Today, it has become a popular tourist destination for "The Lord of the Rings" fans, who can learn about sheep farming in New Zealand, participate in demonstrations on sheep shearing, bottle-feeding baby lambs, and other farm activities. 44 of the Hobbit holes are now open for visitors, with local guides leading groups every 15 minutes. The Hobbiton area is open 7 days a week and is a must-see destination for "The Lord of the Rings" fans.
59
km
3
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: Rotorua
2 attraction(s) ·
31 km
1
Pools of colourful bubbling water are heated by volcanoes at this oft-visited natural attraction.
31
km
2
Traditional Maori village offering a guided bush walk, cultural performances & a ground-cooked meal.
Day5: Picton > Blenheim > Marlborough District
4 attraction(s) ·
118 km
1
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.
36
km
Day6: Kaikoura
2 attraction(s) ·
1 km
1
Kaikoura is a globally renowned portal to New Zealand's ocean wildlife. With over 5,000 fur seals calling it home, the seal colony here is highly praised and even recognized by TripAdvisor as the 3rd most popular landmark in New Zealand. It is thanks to New Zealanders' long-standing commitment to wildlife conservation and appreciation that Kaikoura has become such a beautiful scene. When you visit Kaikoura, you can personally experience the peaceful coexistence between New Zealanders and the wildlife, and witness the unspoken emotional exchange between humans and ocean creatures.
1
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.
Day7: Christchurch > South Island > Wellington > South Island
4 attraction(s) ·
1310 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!
175
km
Day8: Twizel > Mount Cook Village
2 attraction(s) ·
54 km
1
During the filming of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," there was an exciting scene showing a group of warg riders arriving at the elven valley of Rivendell while chasing a dwarf expedition. This scene was shot on a farm near Lake Pukaki in the Mackenzie region of New Zealand. The entire film crew also resided in this area during filming. Nowadays, these farms are open to tourists, and visitors can participate in various fun farm activities such as farming, fishing, biking, or enjoying a peaceful lakeside dinner by driving to Braemar Station.
54
km
2
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: Wanaka
2 attraction(s) ·
19 km
1
From the shore of Lake Wanaka, magnificent views of the town of Wanaka can be enjoyed, and there are a variety of activities to choose from on the lake and along its banks. Wanaka is a unique place full of vitality and a sporty atmosphere, where visitors can try cycling, water skiing, surfing, mountain climbing, running, off-road motorbiking, winter snowboarding or skiing, or simply stroll along the beautiful lake and experience the natural scenery here.
19
km
2
This world brings joy to both adults and children, filled with a strange and psychedelic atmosphere. Here, you can collect many visual tricks that are "seen but unseen", and even the bathroom presents a dazzling 3D image. There is also an interesting ancient Roman toilet, although you cannot use it for real, it is still a fun photo spot. The Hall of Following Faces is also very interesting, and viewing it from different angles can bring unexpected surprises. In addition, there is a large wooden maze where you can spend over an hour and walk five kilometers to complete it. Besides, there are many intellectual games in the cafeteria, suitable for visitors of all ages to play together.
Day10-11: Queenstown
4 attraction(s) ·
22 km
1
Kawarau Bridge Bungee Center is a famous outdoor adventure destination located in Queenstown, known as the birthplace of bungee jumping. The center provides free bungee jumping history short film for all visitors to understand the origin and development of bungee jumping. The famous Kawarau River flows slowly under the bridge, you can choose to challenge bungee jumping with water or without water, and the staff will adjust the bungee rope according to your needs. Welcome to come!
20
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.
2
km
Day12: Te Anau > South Island
3 attraction(s) ·
220 km
1
Fiordland National Park is a beautiful protected area located in the southwest corner of New Zealand's South Island. Conservation efforts began in 1904 and it was established as a national park in 1952. In 1990, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the largest national parks in the world. Here, you can admire cascading waterfalls, ancient rainforests, and granite peak formations that reach several hundred meters high. Due to the valuable mineral resource "greenstone" found here, it is also known as the "jade city".
The Anduin River from the film "The Lord of the Rings" is actually the Waiau River. This river flows through the area between Te Anau and Manapouri, and it was used by the Fellowship of the Ring to travel south. The towering mountains surrounding the river represent the harsh environment of southern Isengard in the movie. The Fangorn Forest scenes were shot along the Takaro Road, where a remote-controlled camera was attached to a rope high above the trees to capture the scene of Aragorn walking through the forest.
If you want to visit the Fangorn Forest for yourself, you can head out to the Takaro Road. In Te Anau, you can take a jetboat tour of the Waiau River, cruise through Milford Sound on a boat tour through the magical misty mountains, or explore breathtaking scenery along the Kepler Track.
116
km
