12-Day New Zealand Itinerary: Explore the North and South Islands

New Zealand is calling! This 12-day itinerary will take you on a journey through this beautiful country! Don't miss out on this comprehensive guide, save it now! -------- 🛤️Itinerary: DAY 1: Shanghai → Auckland. Fly with Air New Zealand, a Star Alliance member, and enjoy international movies and fine wines. DAY 2-3: Auckland → Christchurch → Lake Tekapo → Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park → Wanaka → Arrowtown → Queenstown. Enjoy hiking, helicopter glacier tours, stargazing, and more. DAY 4-5: Free time in Queenstown. Visit popular restaurants and attractions. DAY 6-7: Queenstown → Dunedin → Oamaru → Akaroa. Visit cathedrals and historic train stations, and see the Moeraki Boulders and little penguins returning to their nests. DAY 8: Christchurch → Kaikoura. Go whale watching and see sperm whales and dolphins. DAY 9-10: Christchurch → Auckland → Rotorua → Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Visit the America's Cup Village and Hobbiton, and enjoy a seafood feast. DAY 11: Auckland → Shanghai. Free time during the day to explore the City of Sails. DAY 12: Arrive in Shanghai and end your wonderful New Zealand trip. -------- Must-visit attractions: Hobbiton ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: 501 Buckland Rd, Hinuera, Matamata 3472, New Zealand - Opening hours: 9:00 am–5:00 pm - Duration: 3–4 hours - This is a recreation of the Middle-earth wonders from The Lord of the Rings, as if you have stepped into a fantasy movie! Waitomo Glowworm Caves ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: 39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Caves 3977, New Zealand - Opening hours: 8:30 am–5:00 pm - Duration: 2–6 hours - The cave is filled with thousands of glowing green lights, creating a dreamlike world that you won't want to miss! Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: Waterfront Rd, South Hill, Oamaru 9400 - Opening hours: 10:00 am–6:30 pm - Duration: 2–3 hours - Here, you can see blue penguins in their natural habitat up close and experience their cuteness and agility. -------- Travel essentials: New Zealand travel checklist🧳 📞 Prepare a SIM card to stay connected. 🔌 Don't forget a plug adapter, as New Zealand uses a different plug type. 🪪 Make sure you have all your documents, including your visa and passport. 👕 If you're visiting New Zealand in January, don't forget a warm coat. 🔋 Bring a charger and power bank to keep your devices charged. 🎒 A comfortable backpack is important for a relaxing trip. -------- Discover the beauty of New Zealand! Remember to like and save this post, and start your dream trip!