Plan a flower-filled journey

1. Best time to travel - Summer (December-February): The weather is warm and suitable for outdoor adventures such as skydiving, hiking, and sea fishing. - Autumn (March-May): The South Island's maple leaves turn golden. Arrowtown, Wanaka, and other places offer stunning autumn scenery, fewer crowds, and beautiful views, making them ideal for photography and slow travel. - Winter (June-August): Queenstown's ski season begins, making it suitable for skiing and hot spring experiences. 2. Must-see attractions and experiences 1. Queenstown - Adventure Paradise: 4,500-meter high-altitude skydiving (from ¥1850), Kawarau River rafting, and tandem paragliding (from ¥831). - Natural scenery: Take a cable car overlooking Lake Wakatipu, and a Milford Sound cruise (including lunch for ¥688). - Autumn exclusive: Arrowtown Autumn Festival (mid-to-late April), with maple leaves lining the streets, creating a cinematic atmosphere. 2. Lake Tekapo - Starry Secret: An International Dark Sky Reserve, where the Milky Way is clearly visible at night. Professional stargazing experiences are recommended. - Autumn recommendation: Lupin flowers bloom by the lake (summer), and in autumn, snow-capped mountains and golden vegetation are reflected in the lake. 3. Rotorua - Geothermal wonders: Visit the active volcanic geothermal park and experience boiling mud and geysers. - Maori culture: Traditional dance performances at the Maori cultural village, and experience Hangi stone oven cuisine. 4. Hobbiton - A must-see for movie fans: The filming location of "The Lord of the Rings," which has an even more fairytale-like atmosphere under the autumn sun. 5. Fox Glacier - Glacier hiking: Take a helicopter directly to the glacier and hike to explore the blue ice crevasses (from ¥1799). 3. In-depth cultural experiences - Maori culture: Immerse yourself in traditional dance and crafts in Rotorua or at the "Minecraft" offline event (Shanghai). - Art and history: Learn about New Zealand's diverse culture at the Wellington National Museum and the Auckland Art Gallery. 4. Practical tips 1. Visas and transportation - Electronic visas are convenient and it is recommended to apply 1 month in advance. - Self-driving or joining a small group of 10 people is recommended for the South Island (with a daily mileage of 200 km, the journey is relaxed). 2. Accommodation and discounts - Autumn off-season travel offers great value for money, and platforms such as Trip.com often offer discounts (such as ¥500 off purchases of ¥2500 or more). - For high-end accommodation, choose five-star hotels in Queenstown and Lake Tekapo, some of which include hot springs and stargazing experiences. 3. Clothing and equipment - There is a large temperature difference between day and night, so a windproof jacket and warm layers are essential. Bright clothing is recommended for autumn photos. 5. Recommended itinerary reference - Classic 7-day route: Auckland → Rotorua (geothermal + culture) → Queenstown (adventure + fjord) → Lake Tekapo (stargazing). - 10-day in-depth autumn tour: Christchurch → Lake Tekapo → Arrowtown → Wanaka → Queenstown → TranzAlpine scenic train.