It's now or never—experience New Zealand’s mountains, seas, and lakes this summer!

By Qidou Travel Network | Photos by Phoenix Travel

In Taiwan’s late autumn, it’s the start of New Zealand’s scorching summer. If you’re not a fan of the cold, now is the most comfortable time to experience New Zealand’s pristine natural scenery. Join Phoenix Travel and board Air New Zealand, known for its spacious seating, on a deep dive into New Zealand’s classic destinations. With two long-haul domestic flights connecting the North Island, the capital, and the South Island, you’ll have ample time to leisurely explore the diverse landscapes and rich culture.

Ride a high-speed elevator up Auckland Sky Tower
After more than ten hours of flying, your first stop in Auckland, New Zealand, should be the Sky Tower—the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere and the 12th tallest in the world. Take the high-speed elevator to the observation deck for panoramic views of Auckland. Next, head to Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Aquarium to greet the adorable little penguins, unique sharks, eels, flounder, and schools of shimmering tropical fish, officially kicking off your classic New Zealand adventure.

Spot rainbow trout in Rotorua and experience Māori culture

Rotorua is an important gathering place for Māori tribes and has been a renowned tourist destination since the 19th century. The unique rainbow trout of New Zealand can be found at the Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park. Here, you’ll find crystal-clear ponds, streams, and wild bushland, where you can observe not only rainbow trout but also a variety of native flora and fauna.

After meeting the rainbow trout, a deeper dive into Māori culture is a must in Rotorua. Did you know? When a Māori presses their nose against yours three times, don’t be surprised—this is the traditional Māori greeting, called the hongi. Māori blend traditional rituals, language, songs, and performances to help visitors understand their culture and heritage. While enjoying a traditional Māori hangi feast at your hotel, you can also watch a cultural performance featuring traditional instruments, dances, and costumes, offering an engaging introduction to Māori culture.

Travel between the real and magical world of Hobbiton

Matamata’s “Hobbiton Village” gained fame thanks to *The Lord of the Rings* and *The Hobbit* trilogies. Back then, the New Zealand military even assisted in building 44 hobbit holes, an arch bridge, a mill, and Bag End on these lush green hills for the films. With a local expert guide leading the tour, the movie scenes come vividly to life. The surrounding sparkling clear streams and swaying poplar trees add to the enchanting atmosphere.

Dunedin’s rich Scottish charm

After experiencing the vibrant urban and cultural life of the North Island, it’s time to fly to the South Island and visit Dunedin, the most Scottish-style university town. It’s home to New Zealand’s only Larnach Castle, where you can enjoy a taste of opulent living and enjoy breathtaking views of the Otago Peninsula from the castle’s rooftop. Don’t miss Dunedin Railway Station, acclaimed as the most beautiful in New Zealand. Also, check out Baldwin Street, recognized by the Guinness World Records as the steepest street in the world—a real test of your leg strength. In the evening, head to a local Scottish restaurant to recharge with some hearty Scottish cuisine.

Marvel at the stunning peaks of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Tasman Glacier

In spring and summer, follow the Mount Cook scenic route to Lake Tekapo first. The sapphire glacial lake is set against a dreamy backdrop of purple lupines. Stand in front of the Church of the Good Shepherd by the lake, gaze at Aoraki/Mount Cook and the tranquil waters, and bask in the golden sunlight—it’s pure bliss. In the afternoon, visit New Zealand’s largest glacier, the Tasman Glacier, for a unique glacial experience. Guided by experts, walk to the glacier’s edge, then take a boat ride across the sapphire glacial lake. Listen to the thunderous sounds of melting ice crashing into the water, and even scoop up a sip of 500-year-old glacial ice water. You’ll be amazed by nature’s wonders.

Queenstown, the gem of New Zealand’s South Island

Nestled against the Southern Alps and located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is a stunning lakeside and mountain town, renowned as a world-class honeymoon destination. Thanks to its dry continental climate, crisp air, and abundant sunshine, Queenstown boasts a uniquely captivating landscape that makes you want to stay longer. Especially in the early morning, when soft sunlight filters through the mist along the breathing Lake Wakatipu, cycling along its paths brings a sense of tranquility, freshness, and happiness.

In Queenstown, you can also take a vintage steamboat cruise on the lake, visit a New Zealand farm to see lambs being fed, or take a cable car up to Bob’s Peak for panoramic views of the town. If you’re up for adventure, try skydiving, paragliding, skiing, rock climbing, or ice climbing to invigorate your body and mind. With a perfect mix of activities, Queenstown truly is a traveler’s favorite resort.

Take a boat tour of Milford Sound, the world’s 8th wonder

New Zealand’s Milford Sound was formed over two million years ago when massive glaciers thousands of meters thick shifted, leaving behind deep valleys. When seawater flooded in, it created the dramatic landscape of steep cliffs and cascading waterfalls. British writer Rudyard Kipling called it the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”

There are 14 fjords in Fiordland National Park, but only two are currently open to visitors. Milford Sound is the largest and best-preserved of all, showcasing New Zealand’s most pristine natural beauty. Towering cliffs line the fjord, with countless waterfalls cascading like heavenly rivers into the sea. The highest, the Bowen Falls, drops 160 meters. Cruising through the deep fjord, you’ll be surrounded by flowing waterfalls and drifting clouds—an unforgettable, picturesque wonder.

Boat through an active glowworm cave and observe glowworms

After enjoying the grandeur of nature, shift gears to experience another magical side of New Zealand’s wildlife. At Lake Te Anau, New Zealand’s second-largest lake, explore the famous limestone formations. Take a boat ride through underground rivers in limestone caves, and in the serene underground lake, admire New Zealand’s unique glowworms. The cave glows like a starry diamond sky—a true paradise.

Take a scenic alpine train to Christchurch, the Garden City
After soaking in New Zealand’s rich natural landscapes, unwind in Christchurch, the South Island’s Garden City, by punting along the Avon River for a romantic escape. Taking the TranzAlpine scenic train from Arthur’s Pass to Christchurch offers another memorable travel experience. The journey takes you through rolling mountains, valleys, rivers, and plains, with breathtaking natural scenery that’s both captivating and uplifting.

Christchurch retains the elegant cultural charm of New Zealand’s South Island, with its British-style architecture and parks. When exploring the city by electric cart, you might momentarily think you’re in England. There’s also the Cardboard Cathedral, built with NZ$170 million, supported by 104 paper tubes each 6.5 meters long and 60 cm in diameter. When sunlight filters through the stained-glass roof, the solemn atmosphere is infused with new vitality.

New Zealand is a treasure trove of travel experiences, worthy of slow exploration and appreciation. Visit this pristine paradise in its most comfortable season.

More related information
★ New Zealand North & South Island Tour. Fjords. Glacial Cruise. Hidden Lodge – 13 Days
Departure Dates & Prices:https://goo.gl/igNwL9
◆ Fly comfortably with Air New Zealand to the most beautiful country in the world
◆ Includes two long domestic flights (Auckland–Dunedin; Queenstown–Auckland) to save on long drives
◆ Two nights in Queenstown to fully enjoy the lake and mountain scenery
◆ Limited-time offer: one Wi-Fi router per room for seamless sightseeing updates

For details, please contact:
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