12-Day New Zealand Tour: Exploring South Island Winter Landscapes
9 cities |
28 attraction(s) |
total distance 2017
km
TIPS
Day1
Day2
Day3
Day4
Day5
Day6
Day7
Day8
Day9
Day10
Day11
Day12
Day1: Auckland
2 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.
7
km
Day2: Auckland > Rotorua
4 attraction(s) ·
209 km
3
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.
7
km
4
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: Rotorua
2 attraction(s) ·
11 km
1
Whakarewarewa Thermal Village is a popular attraction where visitors can observe Maori traditional culture, admire the beautiful hot springs, and watch the breeding of kiwi birds.
11
km
2
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.
Day4: Wellington
2 attraction(s) ·
1 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.
1
km
Day5: Wellington
2 attraction(s) ·
2 km
1
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
2
Wildlife sanctuary with native species, including rare birds, lizards, frogs, plants & trees.
Day6: Christchurch
2 attraction(s) ·
1 km
2
The Canterbury Museum is located in the center of Christchurch, with a grand and distinct European architectural style. The museum has a diverse range of exhibitions, including New Zealand history, nature, Maori culture, art, etc. The Antarctic-related theme is particularly fascinating, showcasing vivid sculptures of emperor penguins and Coracle, a small boat used for survival during the shipwreck of 1907 on Disappointment Island. In addition, the museum has abundant specimens of birds from the South Pacific, showcasing the rich ecological diversity of our planet. Before July 2015, the special exhibition "Quake City" was open to the public, displaying the reconstruction and impact of Christchurch after multiple earthquakes since September 2010, providing a deeper understanding of the city’s history and development. The museum’s ticket prices are also very affordable, with only 10 New Zealand dollars for adults to enjoy the exhibitions. A visit to the museum will provide a deeper understanding of the history and culture of Christchurch.
Day7: South Island > Lake Tekapo
3 attraction(s) ·
14 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
John's Mountain Observatory is renowned for its stunning scenery and convenient location. It's just a 15-minute drive from Lake Tikapoo, making it an ideal spot for stargazing.
Day8: Lake Tekapo > Mount Cook Village > South Island
4 attraction(s) ·
64 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.
43
km
3
This 5-km. walking track in Mount Cook National Park leads to Hooker Lake & offers sweeping views.
20
km
4
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: Mount Cook Village > Queenstown
4 attraction(s) ·
188 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.
3
km
4
Attraction featuring a gondola to a panoramic restaurant/bar, hiking trails & a luge ride down.
Day10: Queenstown
2 attraction(s) ·
0 km
Day11: Queenstown > South Island > Te Anau
4 attraction(s) ·
179 km
4
Lake Te Anau is a famous lake in the Fiordland National Park in the southwest of the South Island of New Zealand, and is the second largest lake in the country after Lake Taupo. The lake is 55 kilometers long, covers an area of 344 square kilometers, and has an altitude of 210 meters. Lake Te Anau is also one of the largest glacier lakes in the southern hemisphere, with three huge fjords extending westward along its north-south axis, namely the North, Middle and South fjords. In addition, the lake has many small bays and estuaries. The maximum depth of Lake Te Anau is 417 meters, and the Waiau River originates here. The lake also breeds salmon and sturgeon, and is a popular tourist attraction.
Day12: South Island > Christchurch
2 attraction(s) ·
444 km
