New Zealand North and South Island Winter Fantasy Tour
13 cities |
32 attraction(s) |
total distance 41870
km
TIPS
Day1
Day2
Day3
Day4
Day5
Day6
Day7
Day8
Day9
Day10
Day11
Day12
Day1: Auckland > South Island
4 attraction(s) ·
883 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.
7
km
2
Mission Bay, located near downtown Auckland, is one of the locals' favorite beaches. Visitors can experience the locals' way of life there. When the weather is good, people go to the beach to sunbathe and sometimes get food stolen by seagulls. The highly recommended Movenpick ice cream here, especially the freshly baked Waffle Cone, is delicious according to the author.
8
km
3
Rangitoto Island is a pristine volcanic island and a popular day trip destination among locals. The island is a nature reserve with over 200 native tree species and plants, including one of the world's largest Pohutukawa forests. As it is a volcanic island, it is covered with black volcanic rocks, making hiking the main activity on the island. The most famous trail leads to the summit, which takes about an hour, but offers a 360-degree view of Auckland. It is important to note that there are no food and beverage facilities on the island, so it is advisable to bring enough provisions. Additionally, the island is a pest-free area, so it is necessary to check belongings and ensure packaging is sealed, especially for food bags, to avoid bringing pests onto the island. Furthermore, it is essential to wear a comfortable pair of hiking shoes.
870
km
4
This 5-km. walking track in Mount Cook National Park leads to Hooker Lake & offers sweeping views.
Day2: Auckland > Matamata > Rotorua
4 attraction(s) ·
224 km
2
Picturesque sheep farm used for filming Shire scenes, with guided tours, a gift shop, cafe & inn.
58
km
4
Pools of colourful bubbling water are heated by volcanoes at this oft-visited natural attraction.
Day3: Rotorua
2 attraction(s) ·
3 km
1
Maori cultural center at a geothermal preserve with a dramatic geyser & crafts institute.
3
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: Wellington
1 attraction(s) ·
0 km
Day5: Wellington
1 attraction(s) ·
0 km
1
New Zealand's principal museum tracking native and colonial culture as well as natural history.
Day6: Christchurch > South Island > Lake Tekapo > Canterbury
4 attraction(s) ·
19065 km
3
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.
18879
km
Day7: Lake Tekapo > Mount Cook Village
2 attraction(s) ·
48 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.
48
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.
Day8: South Island > Arrowtown > Queenstown
6 attraction(s) ·
193 km
5
Attraction featuring a gondola to a panoramic restaurant/bar, hiking trails & a luge ride down.
3
km
6
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.
Day9: Queenstown > South Island
4 attraction(s) ·
43 km
3
Resort featuring skiing & sledding for all ages, plus restaurants, a shop with equipment & more.
29
km
Day10: South Island > Dunedin
3 attraction(s) ·
262 km
1
This 5-km. walking track in Mount Cook National Park leads to Hooker Lake & offers sweeping views.
242
km
2
This British railway station is steeped in history, with exhibitions inside and tourists able to take trains to the nearby coastal peninsula.
20
km
3
"Penguin Place" is a privately funded sanctuary aimed at saving the rare species, Yellow-Eyed Penguin, from global extinction. This adorable tailcoat gentleman is currently only found in natural reserves within New Zealand, with only around 5,000-6,000 in existence. Visitors are recommended to travel to Dunedin and join a local tour to Penguin Place to observe and admire these lovely creatures. The entire trip takes about 2 hours, and visitors can get up close and personal with the penguins using a unique hidden system and concealed tunnels. The best time to observe Yellow-Eyed Penguins is from 3pm until before dark.
Day11: Oamaru > South Island
2 attraction(s) ·
2 km
1
Attraction with a grandstand where visitors can observe blue penguins in the wild.
2
km
Day12: Christchurch > South Island
2 attraction(s) ·
206 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!
206
km
2
This 5-km. walking track in Mount Cook National Park leads to Hooker Lake & offers sweeping views.
