Classic New Zealand & Australia Adventure - 19 Days

Highlights

• Climb the Sky Tower in Auckland for views of the city and its bustling harbors
• Find stalactites and stalagmites at the Waitomo Caves, and explore Hobbiton
• Visit Australia's east coast cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane & Gold Coast
• Fly into the heart of the outback and admire the Uluru monolith at sunset
• Cruise around Sydney Harbour with a scenic ride on a hop-on, hop-off ferry

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Auckland (New Zealand), Sky Tower Visit

Kia ora! Welcome to Auckland, where your driver will be waiting for you at the airport, ready to transfer you to your hotel. Take some time to relax before heading out to explore New Zealand's largest city, which sits on a narrow strip of land surrounded by the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. With two bustling harbors, it's not hard to see why Auckland is nicknamed the "City of Sails."

Standing at just over 1,000 feet (328 m), the Sky Tower is the highest skyscraper in New Zealand and offers panoramic views of Auckland. This afternoon, travel in a glass-fronted lift up to one of three viewing platforms for 360-degree views of the region with its ancient volcanoes, sunlit harbors, and city skyline. For greater thrills, choose the Sky Walk—an outside loop just over 600 feet (192 m) above ground, or take a "sky jump" for a controlled free-fall to the base. Inside, you could dine at Orbit Restaurant, Auckland's only 360-degree revolving dining experience.

Day 2: Drive to Rotorua via the Waitomo Caves

Collect a rental car and begin your road trip south of Auckland, through the rolling farmland and rich dairy pastures of the Waikato region, before arriving in the limestone hills of the Waitomo countryside. Here, the magic is found underground, in a network of caves. Explore this 30 million-year-old site spread across three levels when you travel deep underground. See stalactites and stalagmites, and hear about the caves' historical and geological significance. Then, hop into a boat and glide silently into the glowworm grotto—a galaxy of tiny lights.

After, continue inland to Rotorua, passing rural farm towns such as Otorohanga and Putaruru before the area's geothermal activity (and sulfur smell!) signals your arrival. The total drive time today is around three hours. Rotorua is a land of geothermal natural wonders set in the Pacific Rim of Fire, so venture out this afternoon to explore bubbling mud pools, fizzing geysers, and natural hot pools at one of the attractions or reserves near town.

Day 3: Drive to Auckland via Hobbiton

Leave the steaming vents and boiling pools of Rotorua behind as you return to Auckland via the emerald green landscapes famous for their role in "The Hobbit." Located in the Waikato region, the town of Matamata is home to the Hobbiton Movie Set. Explore the 12-acre (4.8 ha) Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, during a two-hour guided walk of the attraction. You'll visit the Shire's iconic Hobbit Holes and the Mill and stop at the Green Dragon Inn for a Southfarthing ale, cider, or ginger beer.

Day 4: Fly to Melbourne (Australia), Explore the City

After breakfast, drive to Auckland's airport for your 3.5-hour flight to Melbourne, the cultural capital of Australia. On arrival, a private driver will transfer you to your accommodation. Drop your bags and set out to get lost in Melbourne's back streets, laneways, and arcades. This cool and creative city is a paradise for lovers of fine food and wine and a gateway to unspoiled national parks, picturesque coastlines, and golden beaches.

This afternoon is yours to explore the city your way. Melbourne is famous for its laneway culture, so you could get lost seeking out local designers, quirky bars, and incredible street art. Or go on a gallery hop, starting with the unmissable National Gallery of Victoria, which features both national and Indigenous art. Later, venture down to the Yarra (Birrarung) River for a sunset stroll along the waterfront, where you'll find great bars and restaurants.  

Day 5: Full-Day Phillip Island & Penguins Plus Tour

Today, you'll embark on a day trip to Phillip Island to witness the evening ritual of the "Penguin Parade." Stop first at the Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park, where you can see endangered species, greet adorable kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, and koalas, and admire various colorful birds and reptiles. After two hours, you'll reach Phillip Island, famous for the cute wild penguins that waddle up the beach every night—but there's much more to explore on the small island.

This afternoon, check out Woolamai Beach to watch the die-hard surfers. Then, head to the dramatic western corner of the island to enjoy magnificent views of Bass Strait and the Nobbies, home to Australia's largest colony of fur seals. Finally, it's time for the Penguin Parade. As evening falls, stroll over to the Penguin Plus viewing platform at Summerland Beach to witness the waddling phenomena. Watch the adorable little penguins come ashore in their tuxedos as they hurry off to find their burrows. Return to Melbourne in the evening.

Day 6: Visit St. Kilda & Luna Park

Take it easy this morning, then get ready for a day of old-fashioned fun by the seaside. Jump on a tram at Flinders Railway Station in central Melbourne and ride out to the beachfront suburb of St. Kilda, where you can play on the beach, cycle down the promenade, or cool off with ice cream by the water. Once you've had enough fun in the sun, make your way to Luna Park Melbourne. This amusement park has all the classic rides and games, with something for the young and young at heart.

Day 7: Fly to Uluru, Field of Light Dinner

Uluru (Ayers Rock) is an unmissable experience and the spiritual heart of Australia's outback and desert plains. Today, you'll catch a three-hour flight to Ayers Rock airport, dropping you close to the country's most recognized natural wonder and into the home of the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara tribes, the traditional landowners of the area. This spectacular UNESCO-listed site has many natural springs, waterholes, rock caves, and ancient paintings to discover. Upon arrival, a driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

This evening, experience the spellbinding Sounds of Silence dinner and the once-in-a-lifetime Field of Light art installation. Sitting on a remote dune beneath the star-studded outback sky with breathtaking views of Uluru monolith, watch the sun fade behind the dunes while enjoying a glass of sparkling wine and canapés. Then savor mouthwatering "bush food" made with native ingredients while enjoying the quiet of the desert. Take a self-guided visit through the special installation, which features 50,000 sparkling globes by artist Bruce Monroe. End the night with stargazing.

Day 8: Free Day in Uluru

Today is yours to explore Uluru and surrounds your way. You could see the sunrise over Australia's iconic rock and experience the tranquility of predawn in the outback. Witness first light appear over the arid desert plains of the Red Centre as you enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. Even if you're not a morning person, the incredible sight of the morning sun igniting Uluru a fiery bright red is worth the early wake-up call. Plus, it's worth rising before dawn with the desert heat to squeeze in a morning adventure.

Then, in the late afternoon, you could embark on a drive around the rock, a distance of 6 miles (10 km), hike to a waterhole, and view ancient Indigenous rock paintings. Or take a picnic dinner and enjoy the sunset while viewing the 36 red rock domes of Kata Tjuta, followed by a special stargazing experience beneath the southern night sky.

Day 9: Fly to Brisbane, Explore the City

After breakfast, take a private transfer to the airport for your three-hour flight to Brisbane, the sub-tropical capital of Queensland. On arrival, another driver will take you to your accommodation. Check in then venture out to explore the rapidly evolving cosmopolitan city. Start with a walk along the Brisbane River—either exploring the beautiful City Botanic Gardens toward the hip Howard Smith Wharves area or on the other side of the river at South Bank. Take a dip at Australia's only inner-city human-made beach, then submerge yourself in culture at QAGOMA galleries.

You could also check out downtown Brisbane's mix of elegant old buildings, modern skyscrapers, and tranquil parks. Browse the heritage arcades and stores on Queen Street Mall, the city's shopping hub. Admire the former Treasury Building, and take a free tour up the clock tower of Brisbane City Hall for a bird's-eye view of the city. You can find almost every cuisine in Brisbane. For dinner, seek out Middle Eastern-inspired Gerard's Bistro, indulge with wood-fired pizza and fresh pasta at Julius Pizzeria, or try contemporary Chinese at Donna Chang in the CBD.

Day 10: River Cruise to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Free Time in Brisbane

Today, you'll visit the world's largest koala sanctuary, home to more than 130 koalas. After breakfast, venture down to the Brisbane River and board a cruise headed upstream toward Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Listen to commentary as you pass by glistening skyscrapers and transition into the peaceful suburbs. Once at Lone Pine, you'll have three hours to cuddle a koala, take photos with marsupials, and catch keeper talks like the popular Birds of Prey show. Discover the Platypus House, hand-feed kangaroos, and wallabies, and watch a sheepdog show.

After, take a return relaxing 75-minute cruise back to the city. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Brisbane at your own pace. You could spend more time at South Bank and the Cultural Center, head into the city and go shopping along Queen Street Mall, or catch any sights you missed yesterday. For something different, catch the ferry out to Eat Street Northshore, a permanent street food village set within shipping containers. 

Day 11: Day Cruise to Moreton Island

Moreton Island boasts crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and pristine natural habitats. Take a day cruise to the world's third-largest sand island and spend your day lazing in the sun, join a guided walk across the island, or snorkel at the Tangalooma Wrecks to see colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and friendly dolphins. Choose to pack your day with activities—such as sandboarding down giant dunes or quad biking across the desert—or relax on the tropical beaches and swim at your leisure.

Day 12: Drive to the Gold Coast, Visit Surfers Paradise & Burleigh Heads

Today, you'll pick up a rental car and drive an hour south to the sunkissed Gold Coast, a coastal city with 43 miles (70 km) of beaches. Head into the heart of Surfers Paradise, one of Australia's most iconic family holiday destinations. This surfside suburb is renowned for its glittering strip of skyscrapers, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife juxtaposed with the surrounding pristine coastline and reliable swell. Sink your toes into the sand or climb the Q1 building. At around 1,110 feet (333 m) tall, it's one of the tallest buildings around the globe.

Continue south toward Burleigh Heads, a laid-back local beach suburb. Take a surf lesson or watch locals ride waves from the hill. Embark on a small hike through the bushland reserve of Burleigh Heads National Park. It'll take you to the mouth of Tallebudgera Creek, a calm slice of coastal paradise where you can lay down a towel. Down this end of the Gold Coast, you could also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for feathered, furry, and scaly native animals. End the day at a surf club with a beer and views of the ocean.

Day 13: Visit Dreamworld Theme Park

Unleash your inner thrill-seeker today at Dreamworld. The Gold Coast is famous for its many thrilling theme parks, and today, you'll be visiting Australia's largest amusement park. Gear up for heart-stopping adrenaline rushes on famous rides like the Giant Drop, a 375-foot (115 m) freefall, or the Claw, which simulates weightlessness. It's not all crazy thrills through; for a less intense experience, conquer your fear of heights on the Tower of Terror or make friends with characters from DreamWorks films like "Kung Fu Panda" and "Madagascar."

Dreamworld also has a section with wildlife where you can come face-to-face with tigers, koalas, and other more exotic animals. In the afternoon, you could escape the heat and make a splash at neighboring WhiteWater World. Here, you'll find thrilling waterslides and refreshing wave pools. 

Day 14: Aquaduck City Tour & River Cruise, Free Time

This morning, you'll gain a new perspective on the Gold Coast when you board the Aquaduck Safari. Operating since 1996, this city tour is now considered a Gold Coast icon. Departing from the heart of Surfers Paradise, you'll board the amphibious 'Duck' to begin a land tour of the city. You'll then drive into the Gold Coast canal network for a thrilling cruise. Boat past jaw-dropping waterfront mansions and enjoy views of the Gold Coast waterways and its photogenic landmarks.

After, find somewhere for lunch then spend the afternoon at the beach or exploring the sights of Surfers Paradise. You could go shopping along Cavill Avenue, a popular tourist strip home to international brands and souvenir shops, or browse local stalls at the lively Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets. You could visit the quirky Ripley's Believe It or Not! museum, or go indoor sky diving at iFly. Then after dark, explore Surfers' famous nightlife scene with live music, bars, and nightclubs.

Day 15: Fly to Sydney, Explore the City

It's time to swap the relaxed Gold Coast for the buzz of inner-city Sydney. Make the 45-minute drive to the airport in Coolangatta in time for your 90-minute flight south. On arrival in Sydney, a private transfer will take you to your accommodation. Often mistaken as Australia's capital city, Sydney is a vibrant coastal city with plenty to see and do. The rest of the day is yours to explore Sydney's iconic sights, historic neighborhoods, and world-class culinary scene.

You could start your explorations with a visit to Sydney's iconic harbor. Soak up views of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge over a drink at a waterfront bar, like the Opera Bar, to get your bearings. Then, explore the Royal Botanic Gardens and get your science and culture fix at the Powerhouse Museum, Maritime Museum, or the Sydney Observatory. Then go to the famous Bondi Beach for a swim before returning to the city for dinner.

Day 16: Hop-On, Hop-Off Harbor Cruise, Visit Taronga Zoo

Travel like the locals do today. Sydney is a city set around the curves of its expansive bay, so the best way to explore is via the water. You'll have a full-day pass for the hop-on, hop-off Harbour Explorer. This special ferry has combined the best waterfront destinations into an easy-to-follow timetable. Your pass gives you the freedom to flexibility to hop on and hop off as you like while zipping around the city and taking in the local sights.

At some point today, hop off at the Taronga Zoo. This 52-acre (21 ha) zoo is home to over 5,000 animals from more than 350 species. Here, you'll encounter some of the country's most recognizable marsupials and native animals alongside African lion cubs, Sumatran tigers, giraffes, gorillas, and Asian elephants. Plus, its incredible location overlooking the magnificent Sydney Harbour is a bonus! Take a look at the timetable to find daily keeper talks and shows.

Day 17: Free Time in Sydney, Sunset Dinner Cruise

Today, you can relax your pace of exploration. If you didn't make it to Bondi Beach on the first day, you might like to venture east today. You could follow the famous clifftop walk from Bondi to Coogee, a 3.7-mile (6 km) coastal walk with dazzling views. It usually takes two to three hours. Start at Sydney's famous Bondi Beach and pass the Art Deco Bondi Icebergs swimming club, admire 2,000-year-old traditional Indigenous rock carvings at Marks Park, grab a coffee at Tamarama Beach, walk past the heritage-listed Waverly Cemetery, see Gordons Bay and finish at Coogee Beach.

Return to the city ahead of this evening's sunset cruise. You'll step aboard a vessel ready to watch Sydney light up like a sunset painting in progress. Watch as the harbor's aquamarine colors give way to the warm orange hues, then switch to a deep twilight blue as the stars arrive. Your dinner cruise will explore the heart of the harbor, passing by the famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge, while you feast on a delicious modern Australian meal.

Day 18: Free Day in Sydney

Your final full day in Australia is yours to discover Sydney at your own pace. In the morning, consider making your way down to the BridgeClimb to reach the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge—440 feet (134 m) above sea level—for an uninterrupted panorama of the city and its surroundings. Soak up the world around you from the top while your climb leader captures your photo. After completing your BridgeClimb, stop by the visitor center located at the base to learn more about the history, preservation, and celebration of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

In the afternoon, experience the peace and tranquility of the Royal Botanic Garden, which houses 8,000 plant species across 94 acres (38 ha). Or head to one of many museums like the Nicholson Museum to see the largest collection of antiquities in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere. When you get hungry and thirsty from all the sightseeing, take yourself out for a special meal to mark your last night on vacation.

Day 19: Depart Sydney

All good things come to an end, and sadly, it's time to say goodbye to your brilliant vacation in New Zealand and Australia. This morning, a private driver will collect you for a transfer to Sydney's airport in time for your departing flight home. Safe travels!

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