Experience New Zealand in Spring and Summer: Scenic Mountain Trains, Magical Fjords, and Glacier Hiking

Text provided by Qidou Travel Network; Photos by Phoenix Travel

New Zealand, a natural paradise in the Southern Hemisphere, has seasons opposite to those in Taiwan in the Northern Hemisphere. Currently in spring and summer, the South and North Islands’ unique geological wonders and cultural charm attract countless travelers from around the globe to this outdoor classroom of nature every year.

Phoenix Travel’s “Mountain Trains, Magical Fjords, and Glacier Hiking 9+1 Day Tour” will take travelers on a journey through the classic highlights of both the South and North Islands of New Zealand. The itinerary includes a long domestic flight from Queenstown to the North Island (with fares twice that of Christchurch to Auckland), saving you eight hours of driving. It also features a carefully curated two-night stay in Queenstown, allowing you to immerse yourself in the town’s scenic beauty. Additionally, new activities such as Treetop Walk and the Blue Pool Secret Spot have been added so you can enjoy spectacular views all in one trip.

Known as a "living geography classroom," New Zealand is world-renowned for its stunning and diverse landscapes and geological features. The fjords of Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boast breathtaking lakes and mountains—definitely a sight to behold in person！

Phoenix Travel will take you to the “Magical Fjords,” a place fewer than 60,000 people visit each year. It is three times longer and ten times larger than the well-known Milford Sound, yet this protected secret spot remains far from crowded. Enjoy the serene waters aboard a cruise, where tranquility refreshes the soul. Alongside birdsong and the distant sound of waterfalls, you may also spot bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and the adorable Fiordland crested penguins. Wildlife is right at your fingertips, and this area is also a favorite new hidden gem among European and American travelers.

After the fjord adventure, head to Queenstown, a resort destination loved by locals. In this paradise that offers both activity and relaxation, you can take a scenic gondola up Bob’s Peak for panoramic lake and mountain views, and even enjoy dinner at the summit with breathtaking scenery all around. Outdoor enthusiasts can opt to pay extra to join jet boating or bungee jumping experiences for an adrenaline rush in the south.

Queenstown is surrounded by Lake Wakatipu, which has the unique feature of its water level rising and falling every six minutes, with an average fluctuation of over 7 centimeters. The scenic beauty of mountains and water is most extraordinary when viewed from the lake, especially aboard the famous vintage steamship, offering sweeping views of the majestic mountains and shimmering waters—truly worth the experience.

To experience the New Zealand lifestyle, be sure to visit a lakeside farm. Don’t miss the super-popular sheep shearing shows, sheepdog herding, and feeding adorable lambs—get involved in every activity. Plus, savor authentic Kiwi barbecue cuisine and treat your taste buds to the flavors of New Zealand.

Departing from Queenstown and en route to Westland Tai Poutini National Park, you’ll pass through Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. Phoenix arranges a hike through the Hector Forest Trail and a visit to the newly developed Blue Pool Secret Spot. Beneath the suspension bridge lies deep blue water, often attracting visitors in summer for a refreshing dip and to breathe in the New Zealand forest’s essential oils. A must-do is glacier hiking. Phoenix Travel emphasizes hiring local expert guides who lead travelers wearing snowshoes, wool socks, raincoats, and other gear as you slowly approach the glacier’s edge. There, you’ll see a striking contrast between moraine rocks and the glacial ice’s deep blue hues—especially the massive ice chunks breaking off from the glacier’s terminus and drifting in the river, creating a truly majestic and spectacular scene.

Next, experience a brand-new attraction—the Treetop Walk. Transparent suspension bridges take you through towering, upright forests, offering a unique perspective on woodland scenery. Later, take a scenic mountain train through plains, fields, canyons, and tunnels, enjoying a dynamic moving picture of New Zealand’s landscape from your train window.

Arrive in the poetic Christchurch, where a punt ride along the Avon River is an absolute must. Along the way, willows sway, greenery abounds, and pedestrians stroll leisurely. As the Southern Hemisphere’s sunlight bathes the streets and lawns, the scenery is simply enchanting.

A natural wonder worth mentioning is the “Waitomo Glowworm Caves.” To witness this global spectacle, you’ll embark on an underground river adventure, taking a small boat through limestone caves along an underground river, quietly gliding into a natural underground lake. It’s hard to imagine the sudden burst of brilliant blue light before your eyes. New Zealand glowworms are unique—in their larval stage, they dangle from the cave ceiling and secrete semi-transparent silky threads with glowing tips to attract other small insects, resembling a starry sky. This leaves travelers with unforgettable memories of their New Zealand journey.

More related information
Recommended Itinerary: New Zealand ~ South and North Island Mountain Trains, Magical Fjords, Glacier Hiking 9+1 Days
https://www.travel.com.tw/TOU/TOU0010/4ALPAKLCHC

Phoenix Travel
Toll-Free Phone: 0800-089-789
Official Website:www.travel.com.tw
Phoenix Fan Page:https://www.facebook.com/phxtours/

Phoenix LINE@ Online Consultation:
Taipei Store ID: @JDG5584L   Taoyuan Store ID: @xat.0000186109.s8m　　
Hsinchu Store ID: @xat.000019304.f5y Taichung Store ID: @xat.0000193383.goh
Tainan Store ID: @xat.0000193768.q4v Chiayi Store ID: @xat.0000192504.omk
Kaohsiung Store ID: @xat.0000193769.2kl