- 4.9/5 508 Latest reviews
- Destination: Australia, New Zealand
- Duration: 16 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Classic
About This Trip
Experience the highlights of Australia and New Zealand in just over two weeks on this classic journey. Milford Sound, the jewel of Fiordland, continues to amaze visitors with its dramatic, untouched landscapes. Be captivated by the Southern Alps, where snow-capped peaks and the stunning Franz Josef Glacier create a truly unforgettable spectacle. Dive into the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, where crystal-clear waters are alive with vibrant marine species, offering a magical underwater experience. From breathtaking natural landscapes to bustling cities like Sydney, Auckland, and Queenstown, embark on an extraordinary adventure across the lands down under!
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 7
Australia
Sydney: Sydney Opera House, Blue Mountains
Cairns: Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Fitzroy Island, Cape Tribulation
Melbourne: Phillip Island Wildlife Encounter, Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
8 - 16
New Zealand
Waitomo: Glowworm Caves
Rotorua: Te Puia Geothermal Park, Hell's Gate Mud Bath
Christchurch: TranzAlpine Train to Greymouth
Hokitika: Hokitika Gorge
Franz Josef: Franz Josef Glacier Nature Walk
Queenstown: Milford Sound
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Sydney
G’day! Begin your unforgettable Australia and New Zealand journey as you touch down at Sydney Airport. Meet your private driver holding a welcome sign for a seamless transfer to your hotel in the city center. Once checked in, take time to relax and recover from your flight, or set out for an initial exploration of this vibrant city at your own pace.
Start your Sydney adventure at Circular Quay, the lively heart of the harbor. Stroll through the historic streets of the Rocks to uncover the city’s rich history, admire the iconic architecture of the Sydney Opera House, or join an optional one-hour guided tour to gain deeper insight into this world-famous landmark.
- Sydney
- Day 2: Explore the Blue Mountains
Escape the busy streets of Sydney and embark on a scenic day tour to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains with your English-speaking driver. Marvel at the region’s deep forested valleys, stunning waterfalls cascading over rugged cliffs, and the abundance of colorful wildlife that calls this area home.
After roughly an hour’s drive, arrive at Lincoln’s Rock for sweeping panoramic views of the mountains and gorges—a prime spot for photographs and soaking in the scenery. Then, using your Unlimited Discovery Pass, take the Scenic Railway down to the floor of Jamison Valley and enjoy a refreshing stroll along the forested boardwalks. Conclude the adventure with the Skyway ride, offering a magnificent view of the famous Three Sisters rock formation, one of the park’s most iconic photo opportunities. Return to Sydney in the evening for an overnight stay.
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- Sydney
- Day 3: Arrival in Cairns
Get ready to explore North Queensland, home to sparkling turquoise waters, vibrant marine life, and lush rainforests filled with unique wildlife. Make your way to the airport today for a 3-hour flight to Cairns, the gateway to this tropical paradise. Upon landing, transfer to your hotel and settle in.
Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. You may choose to relax and enjoy the hotel’s facilities or begin exploring the city on your own. Take a stroll along the Esplanade Boardwalk, perfect for a gentle walk with ocean views, or cool off at the Lagoon. Alternatively, discover the local flavors at Rusty’s Markets, where a colorful array of tropical fruits awaits. Enjoy Cairns at your own pace!
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- Cairns
- Day 4: Fitzroy Island & Great Barrier Reef Adventure
Join a shared day tour to explore the Great Barrier Reef and Fitzroy Island! Begin early and make your way to the marina for a comfortable catamaran ride to the Sunlover Reef Cruises Pontoon, located on the edge of Moore Reef. Enjoy a variety of water activities to experience the vibrant marine world. Snorkel among colorful fish and coral, take a glass-bottom boat ride over the sparkling turquoise waters, or visit the underwater observatory if you prefer to stay dry.
Continue to Fitzroy Island and savor a delicious buffet lunch. Surrounded by dense rainforests and coral-fringed beaches, this tropical paradise is 97% National Park and hosts an array of wildlife. You may opt for an optional guided nature walk or rainforest tour to encounter some of its fascinating creatures. Return to Cairns in the evening, concluding a memorable and exciting day.
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- Cairns
- Day 5: Cape Tribulation & Daintree Rainforest Excursion
Recognized as one of the oldest tropical rainforests on Earth, the Daintree is a haven for nature enthusiasts, boasting untouched jungles that stretch endlessly and remarkable biodiversity with unique Australian plants and wildlife. Discover this enchanting landscape today on a join-in tour. Upon arrival at Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, take a driver-led walk along the trails to admire the rainforest’s wonders and immerse yourself in its vibrant ecosystem.
Next, enjoy a relaxing river cruise along the Daintree River, where you can admire the lush surroundings and keep an eye out for enormous saltwater crocodiles and other fascinating wildlife. Continue deeper into the forest to reach Cape Tribulation Beach, the extraordinary spot where the Great Barrier Reef meets the Daintree Rainforest. On the return journey to Cairns, treat yourself to a sweet delight at the Daintree Ice Cream Company and pause at Mount Alexandra Lookout to take in sweeping, breathtaking views of the region.
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- Cairns
- Day 6: Flight to Melbourne
Today, bid farewell to the tropical charm of Cairns and make your own way to the airport for your flight to Melbourne, Australia’s cultural hub. After a journey of around three and a half hours, arrive in this dynamic city and proceed independently to your hotel for check-in.
Spend the remainder of the day exploring Melbourne at your leisure. Wander through the beautiful Carlton Gardens and admire the grand architecture of the historic Royal Exhibition Building, or head to Melbourne Zoo to see native and exotic animals such as cuddly koalas, friendly kangaroos, graceful snow leopards, and majestic tigers.
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- Melbourne
- Day 7: Phillip Island Adventure & Penguin Parade
Enjoy a relaxed morning to explore Melbourne at your own pace. Queen Victoria Market, alive with vibrant colors and tempting aromas, is a wonderful place to begin. You may also visit the Koorie Heritage Trust to gain insight into Aboriginal culture, traditions, and contemporary art.
Around midday, meet your English-speaking driver and travel to Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, one of Australia’s top spots for close wildlife encounters. Take the opportunity to snap a photo with a koala or hand-feed freely roaming kangaroos and wallabies (additional cost applies). After about an hour’s drive, arrive at Phillip Island. Walk along the clifftop boardwalks at the Nobbies Centre to enjoy sweeping coastal views and watch seabirds glide overhead. The day’s highlight follows at the famous Penguin Parade, where you can observe little penguins returning to their nests from a premium underground viewing area. After this unforgettable experience, return to Melbourne for the night.
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- Melbourne
- Day 8: Flight to Auckland & City at Leisure
Depart Melbourne today on a three-and-a-half-hour flight bound for Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. Make your way to the airport to begin the next chapter of your journey in Aotearoa, famously known as the Land of the Long White Cloud.
After landing, you’ll be warmly welcomed by a local driver-guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to discover Auckland at your own pace—consider heading up Mount Eden for sweeping views over the city, or enjoy a delicious meal prepared with fresh local produce (at your own expense).
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- Auckland
- Day 9: Scenic Drive to Rotorua & Waitomo Glowworm Experience
Today’s journey leads you to Rotorua, with a memorable stop along the way to witness the magical glowworm phenomenon. The approximately four-hour drive is made comfortable as you travel in a private vehicle accompanied by your driver-guide, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery.
The glowworms native to New Zealand are tiny insects that illuminate the darkness, and the renowned Waitomo Glowworm Caves offer one of the finest displays in the country. During a guided one-hour visit, glide silently through the caves by boat and soak in the tranquil setting as countless glowworms sparkle overhead like a starry sky. Fans of The Lord of the Rings may also choose to add an optional Hobbiton Movie Set visit (additional cost) before continuing on to Rotorua, where you arrive later in the day.
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- Rotorua
- Day 10: Rotorua Geothermal Discovery & Relaxing Mud Spa
Located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, Rotorua is home to one of the planet’s most dynamic geothermal regions, marked by powerful geysers releasing steam, vividly colored crater lakes, and mineral-rich bubbling mud pools. Explore the area with your driver-guide as you visit Te Puia, one of Rotorua’s premier geothermal attractions. During a guided two-hour tour, admire the natural phenomena while learning about Māori traditions, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage. The park also features a Kiwi Conservation Centre, where you can observe New Zealand’s iconic flightless bird up close.
Later in the day, treat yourself to a soothing experience at Hell’s Gate, the country’s only geothermal mud bath facility. Valued by local Māori for generations for its healing properties, the warm mud is known to help relieve muscle tension and joint discomfort. Immerse yourself in the outdoor mud pools, allow the mineral-rich mud to cleanse your skin, and finish with a calming soak in the sulfur spa to leave you feeling refreshed and renewed.
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- Rotorua
- Day 11: Journey to the Scenic South Island
Today, continue your New Zealand adventure by flying to Christchurch on the South Island, a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure lovers alike. Your driver-guide will escort you to the airport for this short flight. After approximately one and a half hours in the air, arrive in Christchurch and proceed independently to your hotel to settle in.
Christchurch blends striking landscapes with a strong sense of history and culture. Spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace. You may hop aboard the historic tram to pass key sights like the Botanic Gardens, enjoy sweeping panoramic views from the city gondola, or head to the International Antarctic Centre for an engaging and entertaining visit.
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- Christchurch
- Day 12: Scenic Rail Journey and West Coast Drive
After a pleasant breakfast at the hotel, make your own way to the railway station to board the TranzAlpine, widely regarded as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Setting off from Christchurch, this five-hour ride carries you across the Southern Alps to Greymouth on the West Coast. Large panoramic windows offer uninterrupted views of snow-dusted peaks, forest-filled valleys, and peaceful lakes glimmering in the daylight. Keep your camera ready to capture the stunning surroundings.
On arrival in Greymouth, meet your private driver-guide and continue by road toward Hokitika. Stop at Hokitika Gorge to take in its vivid blue waters, striking limestone formations, and dense native forest. Wander along the walking paths, soak in the natural beauty, and snap memorable photos from the viewing deck or suspension bridge. End the day with an overnight stay in Hokitika, a charming coastal town known for its long beachfront and beautiful sunsets.
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- Hokitika
- Day 13: Franz Josef Glacier Valley Exploration
Travel farther south this morning as you depart Hokitika and journey to Franz Josef. Join a three-hour guided nature walk through the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier Valley. Wander beneath towering podocarp forests, follow glacial-fed rivers and streams, spot native wildlife, and learn about the unique ecosystem from an enthusiastic local guide. The walk concludes at a scenic lookout offering impressive views of the mighty Franz Josef Glacier.
The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. You may choose to relax at your hotel and recharge for the days ahead, or opt for an optional kayaking experience on Lake Mapourika (additional cost). Known for its calm waters and mirror-like reflections of surrounding peaks, this peaceful lake is a hidden treasure and best appreciated from the water.
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- Queenstown
- Day 14: Scenic Drive to Queenstown
Set off with your driver-guide toward Queenstown, renowned as New Zealand’s hub for adventure. The drive spans just over five hours, with scenic pauses along the way to stretch and take in the fresh mountain air. A highlight en route is Lake Matheson, located about 30 minutes from Franz Josef and famous for its mirror-like reflections of the surrounding mountain ranges. Continue on to Wanaka for lunch (at your own expense), where striking lake scenery, charming cafés, and a lively atmosphere await.
Journey further south to Arrowtown, a historic settlement dating back to the gold rush era. Wander its quaint streets and discover stories from the past through well-preserved heritage buildings. Arrive in Queenstown by late afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace—whether relaxing in your room or treating yourself to a lakeside dinner (at your own expense). Take in the vibrant spirit of Queenstown and unwind.
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- Queenstown
- Day 15: Milford Sound Scenic Excursion & Cruise
Set out on a shared day trip to explore Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring natural landscapes. Located within the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park, this dramatic fjord has been sculpted over hundreds of millions of years by shifting tectonic plates and ancient glaciers. Towering cliffs, serene waters, and dense rainforests rich in native flora and wildlife create an unforgettable setting.
The journey from Queenstown, taking around four hours, is a highlight in itself, offering spectacular scenery and photo stops at scenic spots like Mirror Lakes. Arriving at Milford Sound around midday, step aboard a cruise to soak in the majestic views in all weather conditions. Enjoy informative commentary about the region’s natural and cultural history, and keep an eye out for dolphins and fur seals along the way. After this memorable experience, travel back to Queenstown for the night.
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- Queenstown
- Day 16: Farewell Queenstown & Homeward Journey
At the scheduled time, your private driver will collect you from the hotel and transfer you to the airport for your onward flight. As your journey comes to an end, depart New Zealand with wonderful memories of Aotearoa to treasure long after you return home.
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