Day 1 Shanghai → Auckland (Searching for Dopamine)
All day
Tourists are requested to arrive at the International Departure Hall of Terminal 2 of Shanghai Pudong International Airport 3 hours in advance to gather and depart for Auckland, the world's "City of Sails", New Zealand's North Island.
Full refund in case of visa rejection:
This itinerary is a group visa to New Zealand, valid for a single trip, and includes group visa services. Documents must be submitted to the designated email address on China-TravelNote approximately 21-30 days before departure. If there are no document issues, visas will be issued within a week of departure. In the event of a group visa rejection, a full refund will be offered. For details, please see "Fees Included - Visa" section.
Day 2 Auckland → Hobbiton → Rotorua (Movie Dopamine)
·morning
After arriving in the morning, the tour guide will lead the tourists to start the Auckland city tour:
Devonport is a must-see when visiting Auckland. The Mount Victoria Lookout, located next to Devonport, is a great spot for panoramic views of the city. From the top, you can overlook the entire city, including the Sky Tower, the tallest tower in the city.
The endless "City of a Thousand Sails," the endless blue sea. At Westhaven Pier, thousands of beautiful, unique, yet immaculately clean sailboats sway in the harbor.
Afterward, head to Hobbiton, a filming location for "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit," a truly immersive and magical journey! Step onto lush green meadows, bathe in a leisurely stream, and experience a fairytale-like world surrounded by charming huts. Each igloo holds a unique story and decoration, making visitors feel like they've been transported to a film set.
·afternoon
After lunch, we'll depart for Rotorua. Upon arrival, we'll check in and then head to Hell's Gate. Here, you can experience a natural volcanic mud bath, relaxing your body and mind, relieving travel fatigue and allowing the minerals to purify your skin.
*For safety reasons, the volcanic mud bath experience is limited to 20 minutes per person.
Special note: Since tourists are tired from the flight the night before, the rest of the time is for them to rest and adjust.
·night
Free dinner and return to the hotel to rest.
Day 3 Rotorua Day Tour (Forest Dopamine)
·morning
After breakfast, we started a pleasant day in Rotorua. When we came to New Zealand, a farm experience tour was a good choice.
Agrodome Farm is New Zealand's largest tourist ranch. The ranch primarily houses sheep, beef and dairy cattle, red and sika deer, llamas, mules, horses, and ostriches. Privately owned, the ranch offers traditional New Zealand farm performances, including sheep shearing and sheepdog demonstrations, among the largest of its kind. Visitors can experience authentic ranch life and participate in a variety of outdoor activities.
At Agrodome Farm, tourists can enjoy tractor rides, feed sheep and alpacas along the way, and sample honey and kiwi juice from the organic orchard (depending on the season). Wandering through the idyllic farm under the bright sunshine, enjoying the blue sky and white clouds, and interacting closely with the various animals, Agrodome Farm offers tourists a natural, green experience.
·afternoon
Specially arranged* farm lunch experience, enjoy the comfortable life in New Zealand.
Afterwards, head to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. Hailed as "one of the most surreal places in the world," the palette-like champagne pools are like a dream, and steam billows from them, reminiscent of a fantasy world. This geothermal wonderland is centered around the active Taupo Volcanic Area, with a three-kilometer walking trail leading to various interesting attractions.
Visit the redwood forest at the right time and enjoy a light hike inside. Inside the redwood forest, towering trees rise from the ground, one close to the other, surrounding visitors like a citizen of Lilliput.
Afterwards, you can relax at your own leisure if you have enough time.
Day 4 Rotorua → Taupo → Napier (Retro Dopamine)
·morning
After breakfast, we will head to Lake Taupo. The lake water flows out from the northeast of the lake through the Waikato River, and you can enjoy the panoramic view of the lake and mountains.
Huka Falls is known as "New Zealand's most beautiful waterfall." A glacial waterfall, it boasts a gentle drop, yet its thunderous roar is breathtaking and breathtaking. Its vibrant, mint-blue color is truly striking.
For lunch, head to the popular McDonald's Taupo restaurant and experience the thrill of enjoying a burger inside a 1943 DC-63. Originally in service with Air New Zealand from the 1950s to the 1970s, the aircraft was retired in October 1984. McDonald's purchased it in 1990 and, after renovations, officially welcomed guests from around the world.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we drove to the small town of Napier. Tourists will often see the word 1931 on the streets. It turns out that in 1931, the town experienced a major earthquake that damaged many buildings. However, it was subsequently rebuilt in a style that incorporates simplified classical, Spanish mission, and Art Deco styles. This colorful town feels retro yet not outdated.
Next, embark on a Classic Car Tour (4 people per car). A driver, dressed in Art Deco attire, will provide engaging English commentary as you stylishly drive through Napier and the surrounding area. Learn about the earthquake that devastated the city, hear stories of those who led the reconstruction efforts, and discover the Art Deco style. En route, you'll stop at the majestic Napier Civic Theatre. This unique experience, only available through the Art Deco Trust, allows you to admire its beautiful interior. Then, travel to Ahuriri, where you'll visit the National Tobacco Company Building, one of New Zealand's most photographed buildings.
Then, step back in time as you drive through the residential suburb of Mareva in a classic car. Built entirely on land lifted from the sea by the 1931 earthquake, this suburb is filled with 1930s-style houses. Return to the Art Deco Centre or your hotel in central Napier.
At sunset, head to Bluff Hill Lookout. While enjoying the sunset over the town, you can also visit a nice little garden on the top of the hill.
·night
After a free dinner, check in to the hotel and rest.
Day 5 Inner Nippon → Wellington (City Dopamine)
·morning
After breakfast, drive to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand.
·afternoon
Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour of Wellington, including the famous beehive-shaped Parliament Buildings and the Wellington Peak Tram, a landmark that takes you from the Central Business District to the Kelburn Lookout and the Botanic Gardens. From the observation deck, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Te Whanganui Atala, Wellington Harbor, and the city. The cable car passes through three beautifully illuminated caves. At the terminus, you'll find the Cable Car Museum and the Botanic Gardens.
Check in at the same place as Jay Chou, the classic landmark Old Bank in the city center (the order of the tour can be adjusted according to the route).
Afterwards, you'll have free time at leisure on Cuba Street. Located in the heart of Wellington, Cuba Street is a vibrant street steeped in history, vibrant architecture, and vibrant colors. Walking along this street, tourists will experience a unique atmosphere and distinctive cultural scene. The street boasts a diverse array of art galleries, small theaters, trendy shops, and cafés. Visitors can discover the works of local artists and admire a diverse range of art forms, from paintings to sculptures, photography, and handicrafts.
Day 6 Wellington → Picton → Blenheim (Ocean Dopamine)
·morning
After breakfast, proceed to Weta Workshop.
Tourists who have seen the "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films are likely familiar with their backgrounds. Both films were filmed in New Zealand, and this is where the action begins. Weta Workshop is a film special effects and prop production company, and its numerous films and TV series have garnered a huge following! Tourists can not only experience the production process of the film's special effects, but also see many of the props and equipment used in the production.
In addition to the guided tour, you can also participate in handicrafts with different themes and make a small prop by yourself, which is very fun (depending on the actual situation. If it cannot be arranged, there will be no additional refund)!
·afternoon
After lunch, board the 1:30 PM Blue Bridge Ferry to New Zealand's South Island. The ferry sails across the Cook Strait between Picton and Wellington, connecting the North and South Islands. This 92-kilometer crossing takes 3.5 hours and is considered "one of the world's most beautiful waterways."
Arrive at the port town of Picton around 17:00, and then take a bus to Blenheim to check in.
·night
Upon arrival in Blenheim, enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel and then check in to rest.
Day 7 Blenheim → Kaikoura (Wine Dopamine)
·morning
A perfect trip wouldn't be complete without time for a winery visit! Marlborough is New Zealand's largest winemaking region, known for its refreshing Sauvignon Blanc with a long finish. The region boasts 65 wineries and 290 vineyards.
After breakfast, we'll head to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, home to two outstanding exhibitions. We'll first explore the Sky Riders exhibition, showcasing Sir Peter Jackson's collection of World War I aircraft and replicas. A series of immersive scenes, co-produced by the internationally acclaimed Wingnut Films and Weta Workshop, recreate historical moments from World War I aviation.
Afterward, we'll begin our winery exploration, immersing ourselves in the heart of Marlborough's renowned "Golden Mile." We'll then proceed to Alan Scott Family Winery, where we'll enjoy a wine tasting and a guided tour by the winery's steward. Alan founded Scott Winery in 1990, making it Marlborough's first independent winery. The Scott family winemakers have successfully established themselves in a competitive market. Visitors will stroll through the vineyards, explore the state-of-the-art facilities, and learn about the winemaking process, from vine to bottle.
After the visit, enjoy a winery lunch with Alan Scott Family Winemakers in the picturesque Marlborough vineyards. Led by internationally renowned chef Matt Heath and his talented team from Picton Food Cartel, tourists are invited to enjoy a fine alfresco dining experience.
·afternoon
After lunch at the winery, we will drive to Kaikoura and then go to the Peninsula Trail to encounter wild baby seals (about 3-5 kilometers of hiking, about 2 hours).
·night
At sunset, go to Kaikoura Lookout to enjoy the beautiful sunset overlooking the entire town and the bay.
Day 8 Kaikoura → Christchurch (Flower Dopamine)
·morning
After breakfast, embark on an extraordinary whale-hunting excursion (approximately 3-4 hours) with the local Kaikoura Whale Watching Company. With luck, you might even spot rare Dusky and Hector's dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, and other animals. Sperm whales, blue whales, humpback whales, southern right whales, and killer whales leisurely spout and prance across the surface. As the current slowly shifts, everyone on board holds their breath, eager to see the whales emerge from the water. (If the whale-watching excursion is canceled due to weather or force majeure, the fees are refundable. However, wildlife sightings are unpredictable, so whale sightings cannot be guaranteed. If no whales are sighted, there is no refund.)
·afternoon
After lunch, we headed to Christchurch and sank directly into a sea of pink, heading straight for Cherry Blossom Avenue. Cherry blossom season in New Zealand occurs in late September and early October each year. Immersed in the pink blossoms, these romantic colors made it seem as if boundaries vanished, as if I had stepped into the world of Hayao Miyazaki's comics.
Explore Christchurch Gardens. Surrounded by the Avon River, the gardens boast over 10,000 native and imported plant species. Ten themed gardens are organized according to plant species and purpose, including the Herb Garden, Water Garden, and Rhododendron Garden. The Rose Garden is the heart of the botanical gardens. In spring, the banks of the Avon River are covered in lush greenery, shaded by poplars, sycamores, weeping willows, and scattered among the flower beds. It's easy to appreciate the close relationship and interdependence between the flowers and trees and the local people.
What's a perfect way to enjoy spring without enjoying a rafting trip on the Avon River? Drifting along the gentle waves of the Avon River, boatmen dressed in Edwardian style gracefully paddle a long oar. Tourists recline on soft cushions and spend 30 minutes navigating a three-dimensional landscape, enjoying 360-degree views.
Day 9 Christchurch → Tekapo → Twizel (Gourmet Dopamine)
·morning
After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll along New Regent Street, the heart of Christchurch. This colorful Spanish-style street is lined with cafes and boutiques, and you can even take photos with the passing trams.
Don't miss the Christchurch River Markets, whether you're looking for shops, food, shopping, or just checking out a photo opportunity. It's the perfect place for everything, with a wide variety of delicious food! It's also a truly photogenic spot! Tourists can enjoy snacks and take photos that will look just like Instagram and Xiaohongshu!
·afternoon
After lunch at the Riverside Market, we will go to Tekapo.
Head to the town center to explore Lake Tekapo and admire the pristine lake and the snow-capped Southern Alps from the windows of the famous Shepherd's Church and the altar of the Border Dog statue.
Then we will go to the small town of Twizel and stay overnight.
·night
After dinner, follow the local guide to find a dimly lit open space and watch the starry night view of the southern hemisphere with your naked eyes.
Day 10 Twizel → Mount Cook → Wanaka → Queenstown (Mountain Dopamine)
·morning
After breakfast, drive to Mount Cook.
Along Highway 80, we pass Lake Pukaki, one of the South Island's most beautiful lakes. On clear days, the waters of Lake Pukaki blend with the light to create a variety of colors, sometimes milky white, sometimes pale green, earning it the nickname "Milk Lake." Tourists stop at the Tapataya Mahaka Peter Viewpoint for a classic photo of Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki.
After entering Mount Cook National Park, a special 25-minute Tasman Glacier Helicopter Flight is offered, including a mountain or snow landing. The aircraft will fly close to a steep ridge, followed by a rapid climb. This thrilling and exciting maneuver will get your heart racing. Once you recover and gaze down, you'll be captivated by the breathtaking beauty of Mount Cook and the surrounding peaks. After landing, you'll exit the helicopter and have time to explore the mountain and take photos. (No age restrictions. If canceled due to weather conditions, a refund of RMB 900 per adult and RMB 700 per child will be issued.)
·afternoon
Lunch was served at Highland Salmon Farm. The salmon here is rich and plump, and tourists can enjoy the beauty of the warm spring weather here.
Afterwards, we'll drive to the small town of Wanaka. Here, you'll find Lake Wanaka, New Zealand's fourth-largest lake, and a photo stop at a solitary tree. Surrounded by the majestic Southern Alps, Lake Wanaka offers a tranquil escape, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in this secluded paradise.
·night
Afterwards, we headed to Queenstown and enjoyed [Vietnamese rice noodles at Saigon Kingdom Restaurant], a great choice for those with a thirst for food in Asia.
Day 11: Free time in Queenstown (Free Dopamine)
All day
Recommendation 1: [Mildford Sound Day Tour with Lunch] (Requires a full day)
Milford Sound is a famous scenic spot on New Zealand's South Island, recognized as one of the Eight Wonders of the World. "Sound" means deep fjord. It's a deep valley carved by glacial water during the Ice Age. Surrounded by mountains, the deep glaciers are now submerged by the sea. The fjord is a scene of undulating peaks and majestic waterfalls, nestled among the peaks and granite cliffs. It's also a playground for seals, seagulls, and dolphins, but you'll need luck to see them! Milford Sound, covering 8,000 square kilometers, is a New Zealand national park. Its most captivating natural wonders are the glacially carved canyons. Two million years ago, massive glaciers carved deep valleys into the mountain sides. This is the fascinating Fiordland National Park and Heritage Area. A trip to New Zealand without visiting Milford Sound would be a profound regret.
Recommendation 2: [Skydiving]
Known as the "Adventure Capital of the World," Queenstown is the birthplace of tandem skydiving in New Zealand and a dream destination! The drop zone is nestled at the foot of the renowned Remarkables Mountains, surrounded by sheep farms and offering stunning scenery.
In addition, there are many exciting activities in Queenstown and its surrounding areas, such as canyon swings, bungee jumping, paragliding, steamboats and Glenorchy, etc. Tourists can book them according to their preferences.
Day 12 Queenstown → Auckland → Shanghai (Lazy Dopamine)
·afternoon
Today is a morning without morning call. Tourists can continue to enjoy half a day of free activities in Queenstown and take the flight back to Auckland in the afternoon.
·night
In the evening, take an international flight back to Shanghai.
Day 13 Shanghai (dopamine aftertaste)
·morning
Arriving in Shanghai early in the morning, the trip ends.
