*Tour Name: NewZealand & Taiwan Marvel (22 Days)
*Route: UK-Christchurch-Franz Josef-Queens Town-Te Anau-Dunedin-Omarama-Christchurch-Picton-Wellington-Rotorua-Auckland-Taipei-Central Taiwan-UK
FLEXIBLE HOLIDAYS: Choose from a wide variety of sightseeing options-there is something to suit all tastes and travel styles.
ICONIC SITES: Explore famous Milford Sound and the spectacular Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
TIME FOR YOU: Feel free to explore, with two nights in Rotorua and Queenstown to wine and dine where you choose.
SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL: Lunch is supplied through Eat My Lunch, an organisation that has given over 1 million lunches to Kiwi kids.
*Language: in English
*Departure date in 2020 (Saturday departure)
01FEB, 08FEB, 15FEB, 22FEB, 29FEB, 07MAR, 14MAR, 21MAR, 28MAR
04APR, 11APR, 02MAY, 09MAY, 13JUN, 11JUL, 08AUG, 22AUG, 29AUG, 05SEP
03OCT, 10OCT, 17OCT, 24OCT, 31OCT, 07NOV, 21NOV, 28NOV, 05DEC, 12DEC, 19DEC, 26DEC
*Download PDF Itinerary here:NewZealand & Taiwan Marvel! (22 Days)
*Contact us for latest information & better price! (terms & conditions applied)
Itinerary
Day 01, 02 / Saturday, Sunday
Departure flight from UK, will arrive before 4 p.m.
(Departing from all the other airports in UK, such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh…,etc and different routes are definitely possible!)
Day 03 / Monday: Welcome to Christchurch
On arrival before 4p.m. in Christchurch there’s time for relaxing or exploring. This evening, your holiday begins at a Welcome Reception with your Travel Director and fellow travellers.
*Accommodation: Ibis or the same level (3 stars)
*Meal: N/A
Day 04 / Tuesday: Christchurch-Franz Josef
Board the iconic TransAlpine train for one of the world’s great rail journeys. Pass through the lush pasture-land of the Canterbury Plains to the rugged gorges and ice-fed streams and lakes of the Southern Alps. Arrive at Arthur’s Pass and continue to Hokitika, home of New Zealand’s famous greenstone. Continue to Franz Josef Glacier.
*Accommodation: Scenic Franz Josef Glacier, Graham Wing or the same level (4 stars)
*Meals: Breakfast at hotel, 5 Dinners
Day 05 / Wednesday:Franz Josef-Queenstown
Drive over the spectacular Haast Pass, passing the 96-metre Thunder Creek Falls, and serene Lakes Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan. Stop at the town of Cromwell and enjoy delicious stone fruit. Next, you’ll visit the historic gold mining settlement of Arrowtown, where over seventy buildings from the gold-rush era are still beautifully preserved. You’ll arrive in Queenstown in time for an orientation tour.
*Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown or the same level (4 stars)
*Meals: Breakfast at hotel
Day 06 / Thursday: Queenstown free time
Explore New Zealand’s adventure capital today. There are jet-boat rides for thrill-seekers, and wine tours or intimate cafés for those who enjoy a more leisurely pace. Enjoy a peaceful cruise this evening across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue Highlight Dinner and an entertaining after-dinner show offering glimpses of high-country farm life.
*Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown or the same level (4 stars)
*Meals: Breakfast at hotel, Highlight Dinners
Day 07 / Friday: Queenstown-Te Anau
Travel the highway known as the Devil’s Staircase and along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to the town of Te Anau. On your journey to Milford Sound you’ll be awestruck by the native rainforests and rugged mountains of Fiordland National Park. Your cruise on the Sound provides views of cascading waterfalls, hanging glacial valleys, and towering Mitre Peak. Return to lakeside Te Anau, where this evening you can consider an optional experience visiting the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.
*Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel or the same level (4 stars)
*Meals: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner
Day 08 /Saturday: Te Anau-Dunedin
Journey through lush green sheep-grazing country on your way to Dunedin this morning. The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you please. Sit back and relax, or consider an optional experience. Perhaps ride the historic Taieri Gorge Railway, or take a wildlife cruise to spot penguins and Royal Albatross (optional experiences)
*Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City or the same level (3 stars)
*Meals: Breakfast at hotel
Day 09 / Sunday:Danedin-Omarama
Consider an optional experience to visit Larnach Castle (in Dunedin) this morning. Then set out for the historic town of Oamaru, with its elegant tree-lined streets and celebrated white limestone buildings. Later, follow the course of the mighty Waitaki River, passing monumental Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and the Benmore Dam on your way to Omarama.
*Accommodation: Heritage Gateway Hotel or the same level (3 stars)
*Meals: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner
Day 10 / Monday:Omarama-Christchurch
Journey through the awe-inspiring Aoraki/ Mt. Cook National Park this morning. See majestic Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo, and stop to view the famous Church of the Good Shepherd. Later, traverse the fertile Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
*Accommodation: Ibis in Christchurch or the same level (3 stars)
*Meals: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner
Day 11 / Tuesday: Christchurch-Picton
Travel along the rugged Pacific Ocean coast this morning to Kaikoura, where sperm whales can often be seen not far from shore (an optional whale-watching flight is available). Pass the pink-tinged ponds of the Lake Grassmere Salt Works, then travel to pretty seaside fishing village of Picton. Tonight enjoy dinner at your hotel.
*Accommodation: Picton Beachcomber Inn or the same level (3 stars)
*Meals: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner
Day 12 / Wednesday: Picton-Wellington
Cruise tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound, then cross the Cook Strait to Wellington on the North Island. Take a city tour before enjoying some free time. Later, visit Te Papa Museum of New Zealand, where you’ll have time to explore the many fascinating exhibits.
*Accommodation: Travelodge Wellington or the same level (2 stars)
*Meals: Breakfast at hotel
Day 13 / Thursday: Wellington-Rotbrua
Your special packed lunch today won’t only be wholesome, it will also feed a Kiwi child who may otherwise go without, through the charity ‘Eat My Lunch’. Travel along the scenic Kapiti Coast through lush dairyfarming country to Tongariro National Park and snow-capped Mt. Ruapehu. Panoramic views of Lake Taupo will unfold around every corner. View mighty Huka Falls and pass the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station. Enjoy an evening of fun and laughter and gain an insight into traditional Māori culture followed by a Hangi Highlight Dinner at the Tamaki Māori Village.
*Accommodation: Ibis Rotorua Hotel or the same level (3 stars)
*Meals: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Highlight Dinner
Day 14 / Friday: Rotorua Free Time
Relax or explore Rotorua at your own pace. Perhaps you might visit Rainbow Springs Nature Park to observe the native fauna of New Zealand, including the country’s iconic kiwi. (optional experiences)
*Accommodation: Ibis Rotorua Hotel or the same level (3 stars)
*Meals: Breakfast at hotel
Day 15 / Saturday: Rotoruna-Auckland
This morning, explore the Waitomo Glowworm Grotto by boat, and walk through towering limestone caverns. Later, you’ll follow the noble Waikato River into Auckland. Take an orientation tour of the city before joining your Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner.
*Accommodation: VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites or the same level (4 stars)
*Meals: Breakfast at hotel, Farewell dinner
Day 16 / Sunday: Farewell from Auckland, fly to Taipei
Your holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast. You will have plenty leisure time before the flight to Taipei. (20:30-05:45/CI 54)
*Accommodation: N/A (on flight)
*Meals: Breakfast at hotel
Day 17 / Monday: Welcome to Taiwan!
Our chauffeur driver will greet you at the airport (TPE) arrival hall, then transfer you to the hotel in central Taipei.
Depends on the arrival time, of course you are free to take a rest at hotel, walking around nearby, or we recommend you to spend the night visiting the spectacular XiangShan, in Chinese means elephant mountain. This is one of the best place affording the night view of Taipei 101 along the hiking trail. You will need only within 30 minutes to get to the lookout. For dinner, the most well known traditional food or snacks can be found at night markets! A big part of Taiwanese culture and foodies will be able to experience local cuisine at reasonable prices from friendly locals. We recommend you taste the unique flavours of their traditional recipes such as Giant Fried Chicken Steak, Tempura, Bubble Tea, Oyster Vermicelli, Oyster Omelet, Fried Buns and of course, the notorious Stinky Tofu.
*Accommodation: Taipei Garden Hotel or the same level (5 stars)
*Meals: N/A
Day 18 / Tuesday: Taipei－Nantou (Puli－Sun Moon Lake)
To be picked up (08:00-08:30) at the hotel lobby in Taipei City, we will drive (3 hr approx.) to Puli: a small town at the geographical heart of the island. The town is famous for its “four Ws”: weather, water, women, and wine.
Within an hour away (by drive), Sun Moon Lake, which is located in the middle of Taiwan and situated 762 meters above sea level in the lofty mountains of Central Taiwan. We will take bus firstly stop at the famous Wenwu Temple, also known as Literature-Warrior Temple, dedicated to the Military Saint of Guangong.; Ita Thao , the origin of Thao people and continues to convey the history of this aboriginal tribe in Taiwan; and CiEn Pagoda, erected by Chiang Kai-Shek (former president) to commemorate his mother. The Xuanzang Temple (Holy Monk Shrine), the place said to be housing the relics of the eminent monk Xuanzang, who contributed greatly to Chinese culture and the spread of Buddhism in China. Last, enjoy the mountain, lake view at Xiangshan Visitor Center at Sun Moon Lake area. Check-in hotel, enjoy natural hot spring!
*Accommodation: Fleur De Chine Sun Moon Lake– Mountain View or the same level (5 stars)
*Meals: Breakfast at hotel
Day 19 / Wednesday: Nantou (Sun Moon Lake)－Chiayi (Alishan)
Say goodbye to beautiful Sun Moon Lake, we will focus on in deeper mountain & forest area today by walking tour. Approximately 3 hours away (by drive), located at an altitude of over 2,100 meters, Sister Ponds in Alishan are in fact two individual alpine ponds and there is a sad story behind the scenic ponds. Walking pass through Shouzen Temple, The Sacred Tree (in Chinese: Shenmu) is one of the most notable attractions with an age over 3,000 years. The hiking trail will bring you to experience unique the train (Alishan Forest Railway) for indulging in mysterious giant trees.
*Accommodation: Nice Prince Hotel in Chiayi or the same level (5 stars)
*Meals: Breakfast at hotel
Day 20 / Thursday: Chiayi－Taipei
Today, 30 min (approx.), we are going to Southern Branch of National Palace Museum: a stunning collection of national treasures and artefacts. In comparison to the National Palace Museum in Taipei which boasts an impressive collection of artefacts from China, the Southern Branch of the museum displays pieces from all over Asia including Japan, Korea and beyond.Current exhibits employ motifs including goods such as textiles, ceramics and tea, as well as references to Buddhism and Islam, to highlight the shared heritage of the world’s most populous continent.
*Accommodation: Taipei Garden Hotel or the same level (5 stars)
*Meals: Breakfast at hotel
Day 21 / Friday: Explore Taipei-free time (morning & night)
Chiufen Village & Northeast Coast Tour (afternoon)
Enjoy the morning at your leisure. Maybe walk around the ‘’Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall’’ a national monument, erected in memory of a former President of this country. The landmark, surrounded by a park, stands at the east end of Liberty Square. The National Theatre and National Concert Hall flank the structure on the north and south. All these buildings offer a stunning example of neo-classical Chinese architecture!
Or why not pay a visit to the Taipei National Palace Museum: a world-class museum hosts an eclectic collection of artworks and artefacts. It is designed in the style of a Northern Chinese palace that houses nearly 700,000 pieces that span 8,000 years of Chinese history, sharing its roots with the Palace Museum in the Forbidden City in Beijing, as during the Chinese Civil War the collection had to be evacuated to Taiwan to protect it from the risk of destruction. We highly recommend you to visit as it offers the world’s most comprehensive collection of ancient Chinese artefacts! *Note: Entrance ticket fee is not included!
In afternoon, your destination is the former gold mining village of Chiufen, where a picturesque setting of old homes clinging to steep mountainsides will enchant you. Meander past the cosy teahouses of Chiufen Old Street, a narrow, cobbled street that offers glimpses into the past. Along the way we will stop at several locations where postcard views can be enjoyed, such as the Yin-Yang Sea (Bay of Two Colours).
(Estimated start from 13:00-13:30 at hotel)
*Chiufen Village (80 min)
*Nanya Rock Formations
*Bay of Two Colors (pass by)
*Jinguashi 13 Ruins (Remains of the 13 Levels)
*Accommodation: Taipei Garden Hotel or the same level (5 stars)
*Meals: Breakfast at hotel
Day 22 / Saturday: Fly back to UK from TPE airport
One or few extra day tours (or free time) in Taiwan will be a perfect option. Please refer to optional experiences or talk to your agent.Our chauffeur driver will meet & greet you at the hotel lobby, then transfer you directly to the airport.
*Note: All UK passport holders must apply NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before travel to New Zealand. This will cost NZD$47 (An NZeTA request $12+International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) $35).Travelling to Taiwan does not need to apply any VISA in advance.
*You may also like:
Classic & Popular Tours (departs from & return to UK)
Multiple Days Tours in Taiwan
Day Tours in Taiwan
Australia + Taiwan two countries tour (22 Days)