Flights from Christchurch (CHC) to Taipei (TPE)

About Taipei

Discover Taipei

Why visit Taipei?
Taipei is a vibrant city where modern towers, leafy hills, and traditional streets come together in a compact, welcoming setting. You will find a lively mix of culture, design, and city life, with something to explore at almost any hour.

What to expect
Expect efficient transport, clean streets, and distinct neighbourhoods, from the skyscrapers and malls around Taipei 101 to quieter alleys filled with small shops. Wide boulevards sit alongside narrow lanes, and green hills frame the skyline, giving the city a relaxed yet energetic feel.

Plan your trip
Taipei works well for a short city break or as a starting point for exploring the rest of Taiwan. With easy train and road links to coastal towns, hot spring areas, and mountain landscapes, you can combine your urban stay with day trips or longer journeys around the island.

Top sights in Taipei

Taipei 101

Ride to the observatory of this landmark tower for panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills.

National Palace Museum

Explore one of the world’s richest collections of Chinese imperial art and artefacts in a modern hilltop complex.

Elephant Mountain Hiking Trail

Walk a short but steep stair trail to classic viewpoints over Taipei 101 and the city skyline, especially striking at sunset.

Ximending pedestrian district

Stroll through colourful streets lined with fashion boutiques, themed cafés, and lively street performances.

Beitou hot spring area

Visit hot spring resorts, a geothermal valley, and quiet parks just a short metro ride from central Taipei.

Maokong Gondola

Glide above tea plantations and forested slopes in cable cars that link the city edge with scenic hilltop viewpoints.

Dadaocheng riverside

Wander historic streets and finish by the riverside park, where you can cycle or watch the sunset over the water.

Yangmingshan National Park

Escape into a highland park of walking trails, flower fields, and misty peaks close to the city limits.

Experience Taipei’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taipei Metro is the easiest way to move between major districts, with clear signage and frequent trains. Buses and taxis help you reach smaller streets, while public bike-share schemes offer a pleasant way to explore riverside paths and quieter neighbourhoods.

Local life & culture
In Taipei, daily life plays out in parks, alleys, and small squares, where residents walk, chat, and browse shops. Creative districts showcase design studios and galleries, while older quarters reveal low-rise buildings, traditional shopfronts, and a slower, more reflective pace.

Where to unwind
You can relax in city parks with shaded paths, ponds, and open lawns, or head into nearby hills for cooler air and walking trails. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for riverside paths, when the light is soft and the skyline views feel especially calm.

A taste of Taipei

Street food & local specialties
Taipei is known for its street-side snacks, with lanes and markets offering steaming bowls, skewers, and freshly made pastries. Different neighbourhoods have their own favourites, so you can sample a wide variety of flavours in a single evening.

Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find casual eateries in shopping centres and modern districts, where menus range from local comfort dishes to international favourites. Many places serve smaller plates, making it easy to share and try several dishes with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special meal, choose venues set high above the city or near riverfront promenades, where you can dine with skyline or sunset views. Hilltop areas and tower restaurants offer a memorable setting that pairs well with an evening walk before or after your meal.

Retail therapy in Taipei

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Taipei has modern malls where you will find international brands, local labels, cinemas, and dining all under one roof. These centres are popular meeting points, with landscaped plazas and indoor spaces designed for spending a relaxed afternoon or evening.

Markets & local crafts
Beyond the main shopping streets, smaller markets and side roads showcase independent designers and handcrafted items. Neighbourhoods such as Ximending, Dadaocheng, and areas around Taipei City Mall are good places to look for unique souvenirs and everyday items.

Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and some markets become livelier, with illuminated shopfronts and a steady flow of pedestrians. Many districts stay active into the late evening, and the metro makes it straightforward to move between different areas safely and comfortably.

Best time to visit Taipei

Spring (Chun Tian, March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Taipei brings mild temperatures of around 18–25°C (64–77°F) and fresh greenery across the city. Light showers are common, but the comfortable weather is ideal for walking between neighbourhoods and enjoying the hillsides as flowers begin to bloom.

Summer (Xia Tian, June to September, peak season)
Summer is warm and humid, with temperatures typically between 27–34°C (81–93°F). Longer daylight hours and school holidays create a busy atmosphere, and you can make the most of extended evenings along riverside parks, viewpoints, and rooftop terraces.

Autumn and winter (Qiu Dong, October to February, low season)
Autumn and winter are generally cooler, with temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F) in autumn and 13–19°C (55–66°F) in winter. Skies can be clearer, which suits city walks and hill trails, and the slightly quieter period allows for a more relaxed pace of exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions