Day 1 Shanghai → Auckland ★Departure Day (Reference Flight: November 18 Shanghai - Auckland NZ288 14:15 - 06:40 +1)
All day
Today is the gathering day. Tourists are requested to gather at the International Departure Hall of Pudong International Airport three hours in advance according to the gathering time specified in the tour notice.
The tour leader will greet you with a yellow China-TravelNote flag, followed by a pre-departure briefing and check-in. We'll fly directly from Shanghai Pudong to Auckland, marking the beginning of this delightful photography trip through New Zealand's North and South Islands.
Day 2 Auckland → Hobbiton → Rotorua
·morning
After landing in Auckland in the morning, we followed the tour leader through customs. We were then met by a local Chinese tour guide and taken to the small town of Matamata.
Hobbiton, the Alexander family's sheep and cattle ranch outside the small town of Matamata, served as the filming location for the Shire, the home of the Hobbits in "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit." Even after filming wrapped, it's still called "Hobbiton." We wandered through the area, recreating classic scenes from the films with our cameras and experiencing the captivating charm of Middle-earth.
·afternoon
After wrapping up our Hobbiton shoot in good time, we headed to the Champagne Pools in Rotorua's southern suburbs after lunch. Located within the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Park, Champagne Pools is the park's most beautiful geothermal pool. The name comes from the large amount of carbon dioxide released, resembling the bubbles of champagne in a glass. The mineral-rich waters create a vibrant color, making them perfect for photoshoots.
·night
Arrive in Rotorua in the evening. After checking in, have dinner at your leisure. If time permits, you can visit the lakeside for some photography.
Day 3 Rotorua → Glowworm Caves → Hamilton → Auckland
·morning
After breakfast, we will drive about 3 hours to the world-famous [Blue Light Glowworm Cave]. Tourists can enter and see the blue light fireflies and magical caves unique to the Southern Hemisphere up close, and start their dreamy glowworm cave photography tour.
Tip: To protect the fragile glowworm ecosystem, New Zealand does not allow photography or camera equipment inside the caves. After years of hard work, China-TravelNote has obtained official photography permits from New Zealand. We can arrange for your group to bring their cameras and capture photos at several designated locations along the way.
·afternoon
After finishing the shoot, we returned to Auckland and stopped by Hamilton, where we visited Hamilton Gardens. Hamilton Gardens is themed around the relationship between people and plants and comprises five garden series: Chinese, English, Japanese, American, Italian, and even Indian. Each garden has its own unique design concept. Hamilton Gardens is like a miniature version of gardens from around the world. Each garden is small, yet sufficiently large to capture the unique characteristics of each country.
Arriving in Auckland in the evening, we climbed Mount Eden to capture the sunset. A 10-minute climb takes you to the summit, offering panoramic views of the Auckland city. The crater is known as the "mountain god's rice bowl." Twenty minutes after sunset, the blue hour begins, offering stunning views of the city skyline and the moon, shimmering in the eastern sky.
After dinner, check in to the hotel and rest.
Day 4 Auckland → Christchurch → Greymouth (Reference flight: 11.21 Auckland - Christchurch NZ535 11:00 - 12:25)
·morning
Today we will fly from the North Island to the South Island, from Auckland to Christchurch, and then drive to Greymouth on the west coast of New Zealand.
We will cross the Canterbury Plains along the way, enjoying the beautiful pasture scenery, and then cross Arthur's Gorge National Park, which is full of alpine canyons and primeval forests. We will enjoy lunch in the towns along the way.
·afternoon
Arrive in Greymouth in the afternoon and head to photograph the sunset on New Zealand's west coast. The tangerine afterglow casts a shadow over the surging Tasman Sea. Waves crash against the black reefs, creating a shimmering mist. In the distance, the silhouette of a solitary rock intertwines with the golden water.
As the sun sets we check into Greymouth.
Day 5 Greymouth → Hokitika → Lake Matheson
·morning
In the morning, you'll have some free time to photograph the charming town of Greymouth. After breakfast, you'll head south along Highway 6, one of the world's ten most beautiful roads. Highway 6 lives up to its reputation, weaving through forests and mountains along the west coast. You'll often pass by the vast ocean, lush native forests, and steep cliffs. Along the way, you'll photograph the town of Hokitika and its estuary, stopping for a break and lunch in a small town.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we'll cross Frans Josef Glacier and arrive in the small town of Fox. Afterward, we'll check into our hotel and head to Lake Matheson to photograph the sunset. New Zealand is dotted with lakes of all sizes, but Lake Matheson's location is unique, allowing for photos of both Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Its calm surface also allows for stunning reflections of these two of New Zealand's highest peaks. The hike around the lake takes about an hour and a half, is easy, and offers plenty of opportunities for photography.
Afterwards, return for dinner and rest.
Day 6 Lake Matheson → Lake Wanaka
All day
After breakfast, we'll depart for Lake Wanaka to capture panoramic views of the lake and the "lonely tree." Located in the Otago region of New Zealand's South Island, Lake Wanaka's crystal-clear blue waters are accentuated by the surrounding mountains. Even more captivating is the solitary and breathtaking presence of a single willow tree dotting the water.
After the filming, we will have dinner and stay in Wanaka town.
Day 7 Lake Wanaka → Glenorchy → Queenstown
·morning
I got up early and headed to Lake Wanaka again to take pictures of the Wanaka Tree (a lonely tree) at sunrise.
We then headed to Glenorchy, Middle-earth, to take photos of the iconic Seven Trees. Afterward, we hiked the Glenorchy Loop, fully immersing ourselves in the tranquility and purity of New Zealand. The scenery was breathtaking, with vibrant colors cascading through the pristine forest, making us feel like we were walking through a movie set.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we will travel along Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown. We will take the Aerial Cable Car to the top of the mountain to take in panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown at sunset, and night. We will then enjoy a sumptuous seafood buffet at the mountaintop restaurant. We will stay in Queenstown that night for two consecutive nights.
Day 8: Free day at leisure in Queenstown
All day
Today you will have free time in Queenstown and can freely take photos of the streets of Queenstown.
Of course, you can also choose to participate in Queenstown's special self-funded projects:
New Zealand-style challenges such as bungee jumping (reference price NZ$250), skydiving (reference price NZ$319-NZ$499), etc.
Head to Milford Sound, the eighth wonder of the world (reference price NZ$640/adult).
Sign up for a trip on the TSS steamship, a ship with over 100 years of history and unique to the Southern Hemisphere (reference price: lunch NZ$175/adult, dinner NZ$189/adult).
Warm reminder: Self-funded projects are in short supply during the peak season, so it is recommended to book in advance if necessary; the prices displayed on the above interface are for reference only, please refer to the actual local prices for specific details.
Day 9 Queenstown → Lake Pukaki → Lake Tekapo
All day
Today, we'll travel along the central route of New Zealand's South Island to Lake Tekapo, passing through Lake Pukaki. Nestled among the towering mountains of Canterbury, Lake Pukaki is the largest lake flowing north to south in the northern Mackenzie Basin. Known for its distinctive blue color, it's often nicknamed "Blue Milk Lake." This season, the lake area is ablaze with lupines, creating a rare backdrop for your creative work. Furthermore, from here, you can overlook Mount Cook, often called the "Southern Alps."
Later, we visited Lake Tekapo, where the lakeside was ablaze with spring flowers. The enchanting beauty of Lake Tekapo, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and the Church of the Good Shepherd on the lakeside, created a picturesque scene.
This is one of the most famous starry sky photography spots on Earth and is also a world dark sky reserve. At night, our photography leader will arrange for starry sky teaching and photography at Shepherd's Church.
Day 10 Lake Tekapo → Christchurch → Auckland → Shanghai (Reference flights: 11.27 Christchurch - Auckland NZ568 18:40 - 20:05; 11.27 Auckland - Shanghai NZ289 22:40 - 06:55 +1)
·morning
In the morning, we will drive up Mount John to take a bird's-eye view of Lake Tekapo. This is the place where lupines and wildflowers are in full bloom in the entire lake area. We will stop here and take as many photos as we want.
·afternoon
After lunch, we returned to Christchurch and enjoyed some free time at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Founded in July 1863, the gardens are largely situated within the Avon River. Spring and summer, when the gardens are in full bloom, offer excellent photography opportunities.
Go to Christchurch Airport in time to catch a flight back to Auckland, and then transfer to an international flight back to Shanghai.
Day 11 → Shanghai★ Disbandment Day
All day
We landed in Shanghai after a direct flight from Auckland, concluding our unforgettable New Zealand spring photography trip. We said goodbye to each other at the airport and remembered to hand in our homework when we got home.
