Northern Taiwan
Taipei
Taiwan’s welcoming capital combines Qing-dynasty temples at Longshan and Dihua Street heritage merchants with modern design precincts and famous xiao long bao soup dumpling dining.
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East AsiaCountry Guide & Tailor-Made Journeys
Taiwan Holidays & Tours
Search direct and one-stop flights from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch to Taipei Taoyuan (TPE), ideal for culinary holidays, alpine rail, and scenic island circuits.
Taipei 101 and city skyline framed by forested mountains in Taiwan
A Guide to Taiwan
Compact and remarkably varied, Taiwan rises from subtropical coral coastlines and historic temple towns to forested mountain peaks approaching 4,000 metres. In Taipei, world-class imperial art collections at the National Palace Museum and bamboo-inspired Taipei 101 sit alongside lively evening night markets and traditional tea houses.
An efficient high-speed rail network and scenic coastal highways make it easy to circle the island, connecting the lantern-lit hillside alleys of Jiufen, the calm alpine waters of Sun Moon Lake, the ancient cypress forests of Alishan, and the historic capital of Tainan.
Key Cities & RegionsTaipei, Jiufen, Sun Moon Lake, Alishan & Tainan.
Best Time to VisitOctober to April
Primary GatewaysTaipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), Kaohsiung (KHH)
Cities & Regions
Places to go in Taiwan
Essential cities, cultural heartlands, and coastal regions
New Taipei
Jiufen, Shifen & The Northeast Coast
Perched on coastal hillsides overlooking the Pacific, the former gold-mining town of Jiufen features narrow stone staircases, traditional red-lantern tea houses, and dramatic coastal headlands.
Central Highlands
Sun Moon Lake & Alishan
Ringed by forested peaks in central Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake features lakeside cycling paths, Wenwu Temple, and hot spring hotels, while nearby Alishan is celebrated for high-mountain oolong tea and misty cedar forests.
Southern Taiwan
Tainan & Kaohsiung
Taiwan’s oldest city, Tainan, is the island’s cultural and culinary heart, home to Confucius temples, historic forts, and centuries-old family food stalls, just south of Kaohsiung’s harbourfront arts district.
Curated Experiences
Things to do in Taiwan
Tailor-made excursions and private local touring
01.
Explore the National Palace Museum with a specialist guide
View one of the world’s finest collections of imperial Chinese jade, porcelain, bronzes, and classical calligraphy in Taipei.
02.
Experience a traditional high-mountain oolong tea tasting in Jiufen
Learn the art of gongfu tea preparation in a hillside teahouse overlooking the northern coastline.
03.
Cycle the waterfront boardwalks of Sun Moon Lake
Follow dedicated lakeside pathways past temples and viewing pavilions surrounded by central mountain peaks.
04.
Sample Tainan and Taipei’s celebrated street food scene
Taste freshly steamed soup dumplings, beef noodle soup, gua bao, and mango shaved ice across Taiwan’s signature night markets.
Itinerary Styles
Culinary & Night MarketsCulture & MuseumsScenic Rail & LakesStopover Journeys
Curated Journeys
Sample Taiwan Itineraries
Tailor-made routes crafted by NZ travel specialists
Every itinerary is handcrafted to fit your preferred pace, accommodation style, and flight schedule from Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch. Explore our popular route frameworks below, or customise them in our interactive studio.
12 DaysBalanced Cultural & Scenic Pace
Option 1: 12-Day Taiwan Signature Highlights & Culture
Covers Taipei, Jiufen, Shifen & The Northeast Coast, Sun Moon Lake & Alishan, Tainan & Kaohsiung with private local guides
Indicative Trip InvestmentFrom $4,200 NZDper person (flights + land)
Journey Progression
Taipei➔Jiufen, Shifen & The Northeast Coast➔Sun Moon Lake & Alishan➔Tainan & Kaohsiung
Curated Inclusions & Style
•Coordinated international flights from Auckland (AKL) into Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), Kaohsiung (KHH)
•4-Star Premium Comfort stays with daily breakfast
•Private airport transfers, inter-city rail or domestic flights, and English-speaking local specialists
•Ideal seasonal window: October to April
Day-by-Day Overview
Days 1 to 3Taipei (Northern Taiwan)
Arrive in Taipei & Private Cultural Introduction
Arrive from Auckland (AKL) and transfer privately to your hotel in Taipei. Taiwan’s welcoming capital combines Qing-dynasty temples at Longshan and Dihua Street heritage merchants with modern design precincts and famous xiao long bao soup dumpling dining. Includes explore the national palace museum with a specialist guide.
Days 4 to 6Jiufen, Shifen & The Northeast Coast (New Taipei)
Discover Jiufen, Shifen & The Northeast Coast: Experience a traditional high-mountain oolong tea tasting in Jiufen
Perched on coastal hillsides overlooking the Pacific, the former gold-mining town of Jiufen features narrow stone staircases, traditional red-lantern tea houses, and dramatic coastal headlands. Enjoy experience a traditional high-mountain oolong tea tasting in jiufen with time tailored for private specialist-guided monument, palace, and temple visits and evening street-food walks, market tastings, and regional dining.
Days 7 to 9Sun Moon Lake & Alishan (Central Highlands)
Discover Sun Moon Lake & Alishan: Cycle the waterfront boardwalks of Sun Moon Lake
Ringed by forested peaks in central Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake features lakeside cycling paths, Wenwu Temple, and hot spring hotels, while nearby Alishan is celebrated for high-mountain oolong tea and misty cedar forests. Enjoy cycle the waterfront boardwalks of sun moon lake with time tailored for private specialist-guided monument, palace, and temple visits and evening street-food walks, market tastings, and regional dining.
Days 10 to 12Tainan & Kaohsiung (Southern Taiwan)
Tainan & Kaohsiung Signature Sights & Departure
Taiwan’s oldest city, Tainan, is the island’s cultural and culinary heart, home to Confucius temples, historic forts, and centuries-old family food stalls, just south of Kaohsiung’s harbourfront arts district. Enjoy sample tainan and taipei’s celebrated street food scene with time tailored for private specialist-guided monument, palace, and temple visits and evening street-food walks, market tastings, and regional dining.
12 DaysRelaxed Pace with Free Afternoons
Option 2: 12-Day Taiwan Boutique, Culinary & Leisure Journey
Slower-paced stays across Taipei, Jiufen, Shifen & The Northeast Coast, Sun Moon Lake & Alishan, Tainan & Kaohsiung
Indicative Trip InvestmentFrom $5,600 NZDper person (flights + land)
Journey Progression
Taipei➔Jiufen, Shifen & The Northeast Coast➔Sun Moon Lake & Alishan➔Tainan & Kaohsiung
Curated Inclusions & Style
•Coordinated international flights from Auckland (AKL) into Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), Kaohsiung (KHH)
•Boutique & heritage properties selected for $4,000 to $6,500 NZD / person
•Curated culinary walks, scenic excursions, and dedicated Wellington support desk care
•Planned for departure: Flexible dates
Day-by-Day Overview
Days 1 to 3Taipei (Northern Taiwan)
Welcome to Taipei & Neighbourhood Dining Walk
Touch down from Auckland (AKL) with a private transfer to a boutique property in Taipei. Settle in at an easy pace before experience a traditional high-mountain oolong tea tasting in jiufen.
Days 4 to 6Jiufen, Shifen & The Northeast Coast (New Taipei)
Boutique Stay in Jiufen, Shifen & The Northeast Coast & Local Experiences
Spend 3 nights based in Jiufen, Shifen & The Northeast Coast with flexible mornings, follow dedicated lakeside pathways past temples and viewing pavilions surrounded by central mountain peaks.
Days 7 to 9Sun Moon Lake & Alishan (Central Highlands)
Boutique Stay in Sun Moon Lake & Alishan & Local Experiences
Spend 3 nights based in Sun Moon Lake & Alishan with flexible mornings, taste freshly steamed soup dumplings, beef noodle soup, gua bao, and mango shaved ice across Taiwan’s signature night markets.
Days 10 to 12Tainan & Kaohsiung (Southern Taiwan)
Unrushed Tainan & Kaohsiung Stay & Homeward Connection
Spend 3 nights based in Tainan & Kaohsiung with flexible mornings, view one of the world’s finest collections of imperial Chinese jade, porcelain, bronzes, and classical calligraphy in Taipei.
Seasonal Planning
Best time to visit Taiwan
Best months: October to April
Autumn, winter, and spring (October to April) bring comfortable temperatures, lower humidity, and pleasant walking conditions across Taipei, Sun Moon Lake, and southern Tainan.
October to December
Autumn Sunshine & Mild Temperatures
Dry, comfortable days around 22°C to 26°C with clear mountain views and pleasant evenings for night markets.
January to April
Cool Spring & Cherry Blossoms
Ideal season for Beitou and Sun Moon Lake hot springs, spring blossoms at Alishan, and Lantern Festival celebrations.
May to September
Warm Subtropical Summer
Lush high-altitude retreats in the central mountains and warm coastal conditions.
International Airfares
Compare Taiwan FaresFlights from New Zealand to Taiwan
Direct flights from Auckland via Brisbane or nonstop seasonal services, plus one-stop connections from Wellington and Christchurch.
Arrival hubs: Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), Kaohsiung (KHH)
Combine with Neighbouring Destinations
View all 12 destinations
Taiwan • 12 Days (11 Nights)
Choose Your Highlights in TaiwanToggle places to visit and allocate nights per stop
4 Stops • 11 Nights3n
2n
3n
3n
Best time: October to April
Calculated return: 2026-11-29
Transparent Cost EstimateNZD $4,260 / person
Total for Party (2 adults):NZD $8,520 (GST incl.)
Return Airfares
~NZD $1,450 / person from AucklandHandpicked Stays
~NZD $1,430 (11 nights 4-Star)Private Transport & Guides
~NZD $1,380(AC chauffeur & daily sights)SuperGold Cardholders receive $20 discount on booking service fee.
Bespoke Proposed Itinerary
Option 1: 12-Day Taiwan Signature Highlights & Culture
Covers Taipei, Jiufen, Shifen & The Northeast Coast, Sun Moon Lake & Alishan, Tainan & Kaohsiung with private local guides
Day-by-Day Schedule & Local Experiences:
Days 1 to 3
Taipei (Northern Taiwan)B / L / D
Arrive in Taipei & Private Cultural Introduction
Arrive from Auckland (AKL) and transfer privately to your hotel in Taipei. Taiwan’s welcoming capital combines Qing-dynasty temples at Longshan and Dihua Street heritage merchants with modern design precincts and famous xiao long bao soup dumpling dining. Includes explore the national palace museum with a specialist guide.
Handpicked Stay: 4-Star Heritage BoutiquePrivate Chauffeur & Local Specialist Guide
Days 4 to 6
Jiufen, Shifen & The Northeast Coast (New Taipei)B / L / D
Discover Jiufen, Shifen & The Northeast Coast: Experience a traditional high-mountain oolong tea tasting in Jiufen
Perched on coastal hillsides overlooking the Pacific, the former gold-mining town of Jiufen features narrow stone staircases, traditional red-lantern tea houses, and dramatic coastal headlands. Enjoy experience a traditional high-mountain oolong tea tasting in jiufen with time tailored for private specialist-guided monument, palace, and temple visits and evening street-food walks, market tastings, and regional dining.
Handpicked Stay: 4-Star Heritage BoutiquePrivate Chauffeur & Local Specialist Guide
Days 7 to 9
Sun Moon Lake & Alishan (Central Highlands)B / L / D
Discover Sun Moon Lake & Alishan: Cycle the waterfront boardwalks of Sun Moon Lake
Ringed by forested peaks in central Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake features lakeside cycling paths, Wenwu Temple, and hot spring hotels, while nearby Alishan is celebrated for high-mountain oolong tea and misty cedar forests. Enjoy cycle the waterfront boardwalks of sun moon lake with time tailored for private specialist-guided monument, palace, and temple visits and evening street-food walks, market tastings, and regional dining.
Handpicked Stay: 4-Star Heritage BoutiquePrivate Chauffeur & Local Specialist Guide
Days 10 to 12
Tainan & Kaohsiung (Southern Taiwan)B / L / D
Tainan & Kaohsiung Signature Sights & Departure
Taiwan’s oldest city, Tainan, is the island’s cultural and culinary heart, home to Confucius temples, historic forts, and centuries-old family food stalls, just south of Kaohsiung’s harbourfront arts district. Enjoy sample tainan and taipei’s celebrated street food scene with time tailored for private specialist-guided monument, palace, and temple visits and evening street-food walks, market tastings, and regional dining.
Handpicked Stay: 4-Star Heritage BoutiquePrivate Chauffeur & Local Specialist Guide