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Essential Taiwan Adventure

New Tour

12 days

Discover the wonders of Taiwan on a 12-day adventure! Begin with Taipei’s vibrant night markets and scenic Elephant Mountain before immersing yourself in the traditions of the Atayal community in Leshui Village. Experience the breathtaking Taroko National Park, sunrise canoeing at Mystery Beach, and the serene Sun Moon Lake with an electric bike tour and tea workshop. Explore the bustling cityscapes of Kaohsiung and the historic charm of Tainan. Wrap up your journey with panoramic views from the spectacular Taipei 101!

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

12 days

Starts

Taipei

Ends

Taipei

Range

Essentials

Tour Guide

Escorted by a bi-lingual adventure leader

Group Size

Min 3 / Max 16

Minimum age

18 (maximum age 55)

Maximum age

55

Departs

April - November

Hotel Rating

Hostel dorm accommodation

Countries

Taiwan

Arrival Transfer

No

Departure Transfer

No

Meals included

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 2
Per Person From
NZD$6,885.00
Deposit From
Final payment
NZD$1,000.00
$12,770.00

Tour Highlights

Taipei – Enjoy a hike up Elephant Mountain for stunning city views, savour local delicacies on a food tour, and celebrate with a farewell dinner at the famous Din Tai Fung
Yilan – Experience the Tribal Life with the Atayal community in Leshui Village and enjoy a magical sunrise canoeing experience at Mystery Beach
Hualien – Discover the stunning landscapes of Taroko National Park, with its gorges, waterfalls, and hiking trails
Kaohsiung – Explore the Fo Guang Shan Monastery, visit the Pier 2 Art Centre, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the city’s night market
Tainan – Discover the historic Anping Old Fort, explore the lively Shennong Street, and experience the local flavors at Tainan's bustling night market
Sun Moon Lake – Cycle around the scenic lake and visit a tea plantation for a hands-on workshop

Included

1 breakfast, 1 lunch & 2 dinners inclusive of Din Tai Fung farewell dinner
11 nights hostel dorm rooms (room upgrade available on request)
Entrance fees to all included sites
Escorted by a local English/bilingual adventure tour leader
All transportation via public transport and private transfers
Sightseeing in Taipei, Taroko National Park, Kaohsiung & Tainan
Leshui Village Experience
Sunrise Canoe Experience in Yilan
Cycle tour of Sun Moon Lake
Tea Plantation Tour & Workshop
Taipei 101 Observatory Admission Ticket

Not Included

International flights and visa
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Optional activities
Airport transfers

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome

Welcome to Taiwan! Make your way to the hostel or contact us to arrange an arrival transfer.

At 2 PM, meet your Adventure Leader and fellow travelers in the hostel lobby for a welcome meeting. Afterwards, the fun kicks off with a hike up Elephant Mountain, offering breathtaking views of Taipei's skyline. In the evening, enjoy a food tour through one of Taipei’s lively night markets. Then, opt to unwind at a local pub with the group or relax back at the hostel.

Overnight: Taipei
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - Taipei City Tour

This morning, immerse yourself in Taipei’s rich culture and history with a guided tour of its most iconic landmarks. Begin the day at the impressive Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall and the serene Longshan Temple, where your Adventure Leader will share fascinating insights into the city’s heritage.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Taipei at your own pace. Indulge in local delicacies, visit fascinating museums, or shop to your heart’s content. Alternatively, unwind at Beitou Hot Spring (closed on Mondays), a lush valley easily reached by metro. Here, you’ll find a charming museum and the chance to experience the soothing thermal waters.

Overnight: Taipei

Day 3 - Leshui Village

Taipei - Yilan. Start your day early as we journey to Yilan, with a stop at Leshui Village for an immersive Tribal Life Experience with the Atayal community. Here, you’ll connect with local Indigenous culture, learning about their ‘Atayal gaga’ (belief system), tribal totems, and the ancestors of the rainbow. Our hosts will share insights into the Atayal way of life, offering a unique glimpse into their traditions and heritage.

Upon arrival in Yilan, the evening is yours to enjoy as you wish. Relax at the hostel, or venture into the town to explore at your own pace.

Overnight: Yilan

Day 4 - Sunrise Canoeing in Yilan

Yilan - Hualien. Rise early for an unforgettable sunrise canoeing experience at Mystery Beach in Yilan. Paddle through the Pacific waters as the first rays of light illuminate the horizon - a magical way to start your day.

Afterwards, board a scenic train bound for Hualien, the gateway to the stunning Taroko National Park. Enjoy breakfast and lunch onboard as breathtaking landscapes roll by your window. Upon arrival, take some time to relax and settle into the hostel.

For those feeling adventurous, the afternoon offers an optional whale-watching excursion. Please note: This activity is weather-dependent and can be booked and paid for locally.

In the evening, explore Hualien at your own pace. Be sure to taste regional specialties like Hualien Yam, Taro, or bamboo rice!

Overnight: Hualien
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 - Taroko National Park

Spend the day uncovering the natural wonders of Taroko National Park, renowned for its dramatic gorges, cascading waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails. This full-day adventure will take you through one of Taiwan’s most stunning landscapes.

Visit the majestic Baiyang Waterfall, and take in the striking beauty of Taroko Gorge with its towering cliffs and lush surroundings. Be sure to have your camera ready for countless breathtaking views! Afterwards, return to Hualien in the late afternoon. The evening is yours to relax or further explore the city.

Overnight: Hualien

Day 6 - Captivating Kaohsiung

Hualien - Kaohsiung. Today, we journey south to Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second-largest city, via a scenic local train ride along the south coast. While the journey takes a few hours, the views along the way are nothing short of breathtaking.

After arriving and checking in, you’ll have some time to break for lunch before we head to the Fo Guang Shan Monastery. As the center of Buddhism in Taiwan, this remarkable site features a museum, thousands of holy statues, and a 40-meter-high Big Buddha statue.

In the evening, you'll have free time to explore downtown Kaohsiung at your own pace.

Overnight: Kaohsiung

Day 7 - Kaohsiung to Tainan

Kaohsiung - Tainan. Today, enjoy a tour of the highlights of Kaohsiung, including the Pier 2 Art Centre, a unique space for art exhibitions housed in old storage warehouses, and the stunning Sanfeng Temple. This 300-year-old temple is known for its traditional architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

In the afternoon, we’ll take a high-speed train to Tainan, reaching our next destination in under an hour. Once we arrive and check in, head out to explore Shennong Street. This lively area is perfect for soaking in the local vibe and getting a feel for Tainan’s culture before settling in for the night.

Overnight: Tainan

Day 8 - Tainan City Tour

This morning, join your Adventure Leader for a half-day city tour to explore Tainan! With over 100 religious sites, Tainan is a city steeped in culture and tradition. One of the key highlights of today is the Anping Old Fort, a historic site dating back to the 1600s.

After your tour, enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city at your own pace. In the evening, opt to visit the bustling Tainan night market, where you can sample local specialties like eel noodles, steamed sticky rice, and milkfish.

Overnight: Tainan

Day 9 - Sun Moon Lake

Tainan - Sun Moon Lake. Today, we’re heading to one of Taiwan’s most iconic destinations, Sun Moon Lake, by private coach. After checking in, get ready for an exciting electric bicycle tour around the lake, one of Taiwan’s top highlights. The 32km route will take you through scenic views of the stunning alpine lake, the Central Mountain Ranges, Wenwu Temple, and the Ci’en Pagoda.

Afterward, settle in at the hostel and unwind for the evening. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can head out to explore more of the surrounding area on foot.

Overnight: Sun Moon Lake

Day 10 - Tea Making & Time at Leisure

This morning, we'll visit a tea plantation near Sun Moon Lake. Here, enjoy a guided tour with the plantation staff, learning about the tea-making process, followed by a hands-on workshop where you’ll create your own unique tea blend and choose your preferred flavours.

The afternoon is free for you to explore the lakeside at your own pace. For a stunning view, you can take the ropeway over the area, or if you're feeling adventurous, rent a kayak and explore the lake from the water (additional cost). Alternatively, for a more relaxing afternoon, unwind at one of the lakeside spas.

Overnight: Sun Moon Lake

Day 11 - Back to Taipei

Sun Moon Lake - Taipei. This morning, we’ll head back to Taipei by bus, arriving in the early afternoon. No visit to Taipei is complete without stopping by the iconic Taipei 101. As a grand finale, we’ll take you up to the observatory for breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

In the evening, we’ll celebrate the end of your Taiwan adventure with a farewell dinner at the famous Din Tai Fung restaurant, where you’ll enjoy their renowned dumpling soup, marking the perfect end to your trip.

Overnight: Taipei
Meals: Dinner

Day 12 - Goodbye

Today marks the end of your Taiwan adventure. Make your own way to the airport for your onward journey, or contact us to book a departure transfer.

For those extending their stay, post-night accommodation is available upon request. Additionally, an optional day tour to Yehliu, Jiufen, and Pingxi is available. If you’d like to join this tour, simply let us know when you book.

Whatever you choose to do next, we hope your time in Taiwan was unforgettable. Safe travels!

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of their own room, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room.

2025
Twin/Double
Single
17 Apr - 28 Apr
$6,885
$7,845
15 May - 26 May
$6,885
$7,845
24 Jun - 5 Jul
$6,885
$7,845
11 Sep - 22 Sep
$6,885
$7,845
17 Oct - 28 Oct
$6,885
$7,845
6 Nov - 17 Nov
$6,885
$7,845

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