TAIWAN - EXPERIENCES ALL YEAR

For New Zealand travellers looking for a destination that feels rich, welcoming, easy to explore and genuinely different, Taiwan deserves a place high on the list. Compact in size but full of contrast, Taiwan brings together ancient temples, mountain landscapes, night markets, coastal towns, modern cities and one of Asia’s most enjoyable rail networks.

It is a destination that rewards every style of traveller. You can spend your morning wandering through a historic district, your afternoon travelling by high-speed train, and your evening sampling dumplings, beef noodle soup and bubble tea at a lively night market. Whether you are planning your first visit to Asia or returning for a deeper cultural experience, Taiwan offers something memorable all year round.

A destination shaped by culture and history

Taiwan’s story is layered, fascinating and visible almost everywhere you go. In Taipei, the capital, visitors can move between the old and new with ease. The city’s skyline is defined by Taipei 101, but its soul is found in temples, markets, museums and neighbourhoods where tradition remains part of daily life.

A highlight for many visitors is the National Palace Museum, home to one of the world’s most significant collections of Chinese art, ceramics, calligraphy and historical objects. It is the sort of place where you can spend a few hours or a full day, depending on how deeply you want to explore. For travellers interested in history, this is one of Taiwan’s essential stops.

Taipei also offers atmospheric heritage areas such as Dadaocheng, where old trading streets, tea houses, fabric shops and restored buildings give a sense of the city’s mercantile past. Nearby temples such as Longshan Temple show Taiwan’s living spiritual traditions in action, with worshippers, incense, offerings and intricate architecture creating a powerful sense of place.

Further south, Tainan is often described as Taiwan’s oldest city and is a must for travellers who love history, food and slow wandering. Former forts, old temples, narrow lanes and traditional snacks make Tainan one of the most rewarding places in Taiwan to explore on foot. Sites such as Anping Fort and Chihkan Tower help tell the story of Taiwan’s early trading history, while the city’s food scene gives visitors another reason to linger.

Taiwan by train: one of Asia’s easiest journeys

One of the great pleasures of travelling in Taiwan is how easy it is to move around. For New Zealand travellers used to planning around cars, airports and long distances, Taiwan’s train network can feel wonderfully simple.

The Taiwan High Speed Rail runs along the western side of the island, connecting major cities including Taipei, Taichung, Tainan and Kaohsiung. This makes it possible to build an itinerary that includes several regions without feeling rushed. You can fly into Taipei, spend time in the capital, then continue south by train for food, history, art and warmer weather.

The regular rail network opens up even more possibilities. Taiwan’s coastal and mountain routes are part of the experience, not just a way to get from one place to another. Travellers can look out over rice fields, coastline, river valleys and small towns as the island reveals itself through the window.

For rail enthusiasts, or anyone who enjoys slower scenic travel, the Alishan Forest Railway is a standout. This historic mountain railway climbs from Chiayi toward the Alishan area, passing through forested landscapes and heritage railway towns. Alishan is famous for sunrise views, tea country, misty forests and cool mountain air. It is a beautiful contrast to the energy of Taipei and the warmth of the south.

A rail-based Taiwan itinerary can be as simple or as ambitious as you like. Some travellers may choose a Taipei, Taichung, Tainan and Kaohsiung route using the high-speed rail. Others may add the east coast, mountain rail journeys, hot spring towns or smaller local lines. Either way, Taiwan is a destination where the journey itself becomes part of the holiday.

Something to see in every season

Taiwan is not a one-season destination. There is something to enjoy year-round, which makes it a great option for travellers planning around school holidays, shoulder seasons or flexible airfares.

Spring is a beautiful time for flowers, fresh greenery and comfortable sightseeing. Cherry blossoms can be seen in mountain areas such as Alishan, while cities are pleasant for walking, markets and temple visits.

Summer brings warmth, energy and a more tropical feel, especially in the south. It is a good time for coastal scenery, island escapes, night markets and longer evenings, although travellers should be prepared for humidity and occasional rain.

Autumn is one of the most appealing times to visit, with milder weather and excellent conditions for food, culture, rail journeys and outdoor sightseeing. It is a lovely season for exploring Tainan, Kaohsiung, Sun Moon Lake and the east coast.

Winter is also rewarding, particularly for those who prefer cooler city travel. Taipei’s museums, tea houses, hot springs and food scene make it an easy winter escape, while southern Taiwan often remains pleasantly mild. Hot spring areas such as Beitou, just outside central Taipei, are especially appealing during the cooler months.

This year-round appeal makes Taiwan particularly useful for travellers who want Asia without needing to rely on one narrow travel window.

Food, markets and everyday Taiwan

No Taiwan journey is complete without food. Night markets are part of the country’s identity and are often where travellers have their most memorable moments. From Taipei’s Raohe and Ningxia markets to local markets in Tainan and Kaohsiung, the food is varied, affordable and full of personality.

Expect steaming dumplings, scallion pancakes, oyster omelettes, fried chicken, pepper buns, shaved ice, bubble tea and regional specialities that differ from city to city. For many visitors, Taiwan’s food culture is one of the strongest reasons to return.

Tea is another essential part of the experience. Taiwan is known for high mountain teas and oolong, and travellers can visit tea houses in Taipei or head into scenic growing areas such as Maokong or Alishan. Sitting down for tea after a day of sightseeing is a gentle reminder that Taiwan is best enjoyed at a thoughtful pace.

Getting there from New Zealand

Taiwan is well connected for New Zealand travellers, with strong options through airline partners including China Airlines, EVA Air and Air New Zealand.

Air New Zealand offers travel options between New Zealand and Taipei, including non-stop services from Auckland to Taipei, with domestic connections available from Air New Zealand-served airports around New Zealand. This makes Taipei an accessible gateway for travellers beginning their journey in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown or other regional centres.

China Airlines, Taiwan’s flagship carrier, also provides flight options between Auckland and Taipei, making it a natural choice for travellers who want to connect directly into Taiwan and beyond. As a Taiwan-based airline, China Airlines offers a smooth introduction to the destination before you even arrive.

EVA Air is another excellent Taiwan-based airline option, with services available between New Zealand and Taipei. Known internationally for its service and strong Asian network, EVA Air gives travellers another flexible way to reach Taiwan or combine Taiwan with onward travel through Asia.

As schedules and seasonal availability can change, the Target Travel team can help compare routing, travel dates, cabin options and connection points to find the best fit for your holiday.

Why Taiwan belongs on your travel list

Taiwan is easy to underestimate, but that is part of its charm. It is not as large as some Asian destinations, nor as familiar to many New Zealand travellers as Japan, Thailand or Singapore. Yet that is exactly what makes it so rewarding.

It offers culture without being overwhelming, history without feeling static, food that is both accessible and adventurous, and trains that make exploring simple. It is modern, safe, friendly and full of local character. You can visit for a week and see the highlights, or stay longer and discover mountain villages, coastlines, islands, temples, hot springs and hidden food streets.

For travellers seeking a destination with depth, variety and year-round appeal, Taiwan is a wonderful choice. Whether you are drawn by culture, history, scenic rail travel or simply the pleasure of discovering somewhere new, Taiwan is ready to surprise you.

Talk to Target Travel about planning your Taiwan holiday with China Airlines, EVA Air or Air New Zealand.