Epic Australia & New Zealand: Auckland, Queenstown, Sydney, Brisbane, Byron Bay & More - 21 Days

Highlights

• Learn about New Zealand's Indigenous Maori culture at Rotorua
• Road trip along Australia's eastern coast, from Brisbane to Sydney
• Take in the dramatic views of the Blue Mountains west of Sydney
• End with outdoor adventures in Queenstown, in the Southern Alps

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Auckland (New Zealand), America's Cup Sailing Experience

Welcome to Auckland! New Zealand's biggest city is located near the top of the North Island and is famous for its harbor setting, and is set on 52 dormant volcanic cones. Besides a bustling urban center with chic waterfront promenades, Auckland and its surrounding area is home to 26 regional parks featuring diverse landscapes. These include everything from tropical rainforests to rugged coastline and golden beaches, of which you'll get to explore a few. Your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. 

After you've had time to drop off your bags and freshen up from the journey, head out onto the water for a fun America's Cup sailing experience. The world's oldest sporting trophy and ultimate yachting regatta, America's Cup, has been held in Auckland several times. Take the helm of an America's Cup yacht, trim on the grinders, or sit back and enjoy the action as you sail through Auckland Harbour.

Day 2: Auckland City, Beaches & Bush

Travelers with a range of interests can enjoy a bit of everything today. Get to know Auckland City better in the morning and travel up the central thoroughfare, Queen Street, through Auckland's Central Business District, past the white spires of Auckland University, and through the inner city park known as the Auckland Domain. Continue through the picturesque suburb of Ponsonby, with its historic buildings, before heading over the Harbour Bridge to Auckland's North Shore. Stroll along a beautiful white-sand beach and continue up to the summit of Mount Victoria, with its stunning panoramic views of Auckland and historic Devonport.

After lunch, travel west from downtown Auckland to the city's largest regional park, the Waitakere Ranges. You'll transfer to the Arataki Centre, perched high on a ridge of the Waitakere Ranges, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Learn about the traditional Māori carvings before continuing to the lush rainforest, where you can walk along easy bush tracks among giant tree ferns and view New Zealand's native kauri trees. Continue to the west coast, with wild and rugged sea and beaches, including popular Piha, with its dramatic cliffs and black sands.

Day 3: Waiheke Island Adventures: Ziplining, Winery Tour with Lunch

Take a ferry across Auckland Harbour to Waiheke Island today, a rural playground that's part of Auckland city but feels quite different. Upon arrival, you'll be met at the harbor and transferred to the EcoZip Adventures site on Trig Hill for a zipline and guided hike experience. Zoom down three long ziplines, side-by-side with your friend or partner, into a stunning tract of original and regenerating native bush. It will be a thrilling experience but don't forget to enjoy the views!

After working up an appetite, visit one of Waiheke Island's many vineyards for a wine tasting and lunch. If time allows, after lunch, head toward Onetangi, a long north-facing beach, before making your way to your second vineyard to sample more wine. The final stop is at a picturesque vineyard overlooking the Hauraki Gulf for a final wine tasting. From here, you can opt to return to your hotel on the mainland or stay for dinner and get a later ferry back.

Day 4: Transfer to Rotorua via Waitomo Glowworm Caves & Hobbiton

Say goodbye to Auckland this morning as you board a luxury bus and travel south through the rural Waikato and King Country regions to the lakeside town of Rotorua, renowned for its Māori culture and geothermal attractions.

You won't go directly to Rotorua, though, as you'll first stop at some major Central North Island attractions, like the small Waikato town of Waitomo. Here you'll enjoy a 45-minute guided tour through the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. You'll discover the limestone caverns covered with stalactites and stalagmites, formed over 30 million years, and enjoy a short boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto, illuminated in electric blue by thousands of tiny glowworms.

After lunch, continue to the rural town of Matamata. A private farm here is famous as the shooting location for part of Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" trilogies. On a guided tour, visit the Hobbiton Movie Set, home to Bilbo, Frodo, and friends, and find out how the sets were created, and the farm was transformed to bring the fictional Shire to cinematic life. Many landmarks created just for the films remain, including Hobbit holes and the Green Dragon Inn, where you can even grab a drink. After the Hobbiton tour, continue on the last leg of the journey to Rotorua.

Day 5: National Kiwi Hatchery Tour, Te Puia & Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley

Get ready for a day of natural and cultural wonders around Rotorua. Start at the National Kiwi Hatchery to learn about New Zealand's national bird, the flightless kiwi. Here you can view the incubation and hatching technology at the largest kiwi hatching facility in New Zealand and learn more about the kiwi recovery program "Operation Nest Egg" from knowledgeable guides. Check out a nocturnal area to view kiwis in a more natural environment behind glass.

Continue to Te Puia, a multi-attraction cultural center, where you'll be greeted by your Māori guide for a guided walk through the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. Admire bubbling mud pools, mineral springs, silica formations, and shooting geysers. Return to Te Puia's model village and look through the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, which gives insight into Māori carving, weaving, customs, and history.

A 40-minute cultural performance will follow this in the beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. It will include a pōwhiri (traditional welcome), waiata (song), mōteatea (traditional chant), poi (women's dance with props), and haka (war dance).

Day 6: Fly to Wellington, Zealandia by Night Tour

Fly south today to New Zealand's capital, Wellington, located at the bottom of the North Island. Wellington's compact size makes it easy to walk around (when it's not blowing a gale, anyway!), and its cosmopolitan flavor gives it the sophistication of a big city. After dropping off your bags at the hotel, take a ride up the cable car to the Wellington Botanic Garden and the Carter Observatory for excellent views of the city and harbor. Or, stroll the city streets and stop for lunch at one of the many inner-city cafés, where you can soak up some of Wellington's famous café culture.

In the evening, experience one of Wellington's most important natural attractions close to the city center: Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary. Walk through the gates of the predator-proof fence and hear the evening birdsong that has been absent in mainland New Zealand for more than a century. Explore Zealandia by torchlight as your guide leads you in search of some of the more distinctive sights and sounds of New Zealand's native forest, which comes alive at night. You may even see some of the 130 little spotted kiwis that call Zealandia home, as well as wētā insects, glowworms, tuatara lizards, and more.

Day 7: Wellington Foodie Walking Tour 

Wellington is renowned for its excellent restaurants, and today you'll discover some of these for yourself. On a walking tour, your guide will introduce you to the city. You'll get to check out the behind-the-scenes at favorite Wellington haunts and sample little-known culinary treasures, and meet some of the people behind a selection of the city's best food. If you like a drop of wine, seek out some local wine from the nearby Wairarapa. If you're looking for indulgent snacks to take away with you, buy some Kapiti chocolate produced on the Kapiti Coast, just north of Wellington.

Day 8: Fly to Brisbane (Australia), Indigenous Live Theater Dinner Experience

Say goodbye to New Zealand for now (you'll be returning at the end of the trip!) as you fly to Australia. Your first port of call is Brisbane, the capital of the state of Queensland. Upon arrival, you'll transfer to your hotel for some rest after the journey. How you spend the rest of the day is up to you. This modern and diverse subtropical metropolis has a friendly, relaxed environment with theaters, museums, and international cuisine. There is always something to do: visit a park, walk along the river, or head to other outdoor areas, including South Bank Parklands or Queen Street Mall shopping precincts.

In the evening, get a fascinating introduction to Indigenous Australia during an interactive live theater dinner experience, celebrating the country's First Nations history and culture. Be transported back to 19th-century Australia and witness history come alive as two cultures clash for the first time. A First Nations troupe performs a riveting docudrama through Indigenous song and dance, telling the captivating story of over 60,000 years of history. During the performance, dine on a three-course traditional Australian meal with kangaroo and emu dishes. After, you'll get the chance to chat with the performers during a meet and greet.

Day 9: Australia Zoo Full-Day Guided Tour

Australia is home to some genuinely iconic wildlife, and if you don't have the time to see it all in the wild, Australia Zoo is an ideal place worthy of a visit. Make a day trip here today; it's located on the Sunshine Coast, about an hour's drive south of Brisbane. This zoo was made famous by Steve and Terri Irwin and is now a living legacy of Steve and his wildlife conservation efforts. Home to over 1,200 native and exotic species and Australia's unique fauna, there's much to learn from your tour guide.  

Day 10: Pick Up Rental Car, Drive to Byron Bay, Optional Yoga

The next leg of your journey in Australia will be self-driving, so pick up your rental car and prepare for road-tripping adventures along the coast. You'll head south to the New South Wales border and the beautiful town of Byron Bay. You have two options for this drive: the longer, windy, but scenic route through the hinterland or the easy, direct route via the glitzy Gold Coast. 

If you choose the scenic route, leave early to drive these often narrow country roads. Your first stop is Cedar Creek Falls, then continue to the top of Tamborine Mountain, to the town of the same name, and explore the busy hub of local businesses known as Gallery Walk. Drop into the historic St. Bernard's Hotel for a pub lunch with epic mountain views. Continue to Natural Bridge, then jump back in the car and cross over the border from Queensland into New South Wales. From here, you'll wind your way out of the rainforest and through farmland and cane fields to the country town of Murwillumbah. It's only another hour to Byron Bay.

If you choose the direct route, stop just south of Brisbane. The Chung Tian Temple is a surprising hidden treasure. Stroll through the grounds and visit the art gallery before continuing along the motorway to the famous Yatala Pie Shop for lunch. Check out Surfers Paradise Beach once on the Gold Coast and enjoy a stroll down Cavill Avenue, the "Glitter Strip," which starts at the iconic Surfers Paradise sign. If there's time, check out Coolangatta, at the opposite end of the Gold Coast, to see its clear waters and world-class surf breaks.

Finally, arrive in the afternoon at Byron Bay, Australia's most easterly point. If you need to move your body after all that time driving, join a yoga class. The town is renowned for its alternative lifestyle, and you'll find many places to practice yoga and meditate if you like.

Day 11: Drive to Coffs Harbour

Your road trip continues today with a 148-mile (239 km) drive to Coffs Harbour. Head south along the Legendary Pacific Coast Drive and stop at Ballina, a popular holiday destination along the Richmond River that offers family-friendly beaches and other attractions. Walk along Ballina's historic riverfront trail, stop at the various museums, or grab a coffee at one of the many cafés.

Continue along the Pacific Highway toward South Grafton. If you're not in a rush, make time to stop in Yamba, at the mouth of the Clarence River. The town has a relaxed feel, with many cafés, restaurants, and heritage walks to landmarks, including the Yamba Lighthouse, built in 1880.

Rejoin the Pacific Highway and travel through Ulmarra on the Clarence River. The town's appeal lies just one block west of the highway: the buildings on River Street and Coldstream Street reflect the town's past as a 19th-century riverport. Continue your drive until you reach Coffs Harbour. As you drive this final section of your journey, you'll see the many beaches that make this a popular holiday destination. If time permits, stop at Sapphire Beach, Emerald Beach, Sandy Beach, Woolgoolga Beach, or Corindi Beach to soak up the sun and enjoy the coastal views. 

Day 12: Drive to Port Macquarie

After a chilled-out night in Coffs Harbour, continue your road trip 99 miles (160 km) to Port Macquarie. South of Coffs Harbour and stretching from the coast to the New England National Park is the Nambucca Valley, with a laid-back village feel and great fishing. If time permits, visit Nambucca Heads, with its assortment of restaurants and taverns. The town is also a creative haven, with museums and markets selling locally made arts and crafts. One of the best ways to see the Nambucca River is to take a river cruise, where you can enjoy a Devonshire morning tea or a barbecue lunch while taking in the sights.

Continue along the road to South West Rocks, at the mouth of the Macleay River. It's a year-round swimming destination, so take a break to cool off. The area has a rich heritage with some key landmarks just a short drive away, like Trial Bay Gaol, built in the 1880s, or Smoky Cape Lighthouse, one of the oldest and tallest lighthouses in New South Wales.

Farther along the road, visit Crescent Head, a seaside village southeast of Kempsey. Its surfing beach is well known, but this is just one of the many fine attractions in the village. Nearby is the Hat Head National Park and many other beautiful beaches, such as Back Beach, Goolawah, Delicate Nobby, Main Beach, and Racecourse Beach. After exploring all the natural attractions today, take the Hastings River Drive exit to Port Macquarie.

Day 13: Drive to Sydney

Enjoy the final leg of your road trip through New South Wales today, with the drive from Port Macquarie to the state capital, Sydney (239 mi / 385 km). If time permits, discover the waterways of the twin towns of Forster and Tuncurry. One Mile Beach is located in the residential area of Forster and is extremely popular with surfers and families. The northern end provides access to Bennett's Head Lookout, where you can enjoy 360-degree views of the area. It also boasts Giant Sandhill, famous for sand sliding and boarding, and dolphins can regularly be seen surfing the waves. Cross the bridge at Wallis Lake and visit Myall Lakes National Park and trendy Blueys and Boomerang beaches.

Continue in the direction of Newcastle, perhaps stopping off at Port Stephens on the way, with its many beautiful beaches. Birubi Point, Fingal Beach, and One Mile Beach are the most popular. Little Beach and the foreshores of Nelson Bay are good family spots for calmer waters. In Newcastle itself, check out Merewether Beach and Merewether Ocean Baths. Make the final push to Sydney and continue through Sydney's northern suburbs of Wahroonga, Pymble, and Chatswood. Travel south on the Bradfield Highway across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and into the city center, admiring the famous views.

Welcome to Sydney! Often mistaken for Australia's capital (that would be Canberra), this city feels like the country's central metropolis because of its iconic sights, historic neighborhoods, world-class culinary and nightlife scenes, prime waterfront location, and an array of pristine beaches (well over 100). After dropping your bags at the hotel, visit Sydney's iconic harbor and enjoy a drink at a waterfront bar. You've earned it after your epic road trip!

Day 14: Guided Bike Tour of Sydney & Opera House Tour

Stretch your legs on a morning bike tour that takes you to the city's iconic sights and many more that are off the beaten path. Your local guide will provide expert commentary and historical perspectives on the landmarks and areas you visit. Highlights include the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, Royal Botanic Garden, Hyde Park, the ANZAC War Memorial, Chinatown, Sydney Tower, Parliament House, Queen Victoria Building, Museum of Contemporary Art, and over 30 more great attractions. An extra treat is that halfway through the tour, you'll make a pit stop at a local pub for a quick pint before getting back on the road.

In the afternoon, continue your exploration on a one-hour guided tour of one of the masterpieces of 20th-century architecture and one of Australia's most famous landmarks: the Sydney Opera House. The dramatic building was the brainchild of Danish architect Jørn Utzon. Construction began in 1959 and was completed in 1973 by an Australian design team. Take a peek inside this global icon and UNESCO World Heritage Site to see its inner workings. 

Day 15: Day Trip to the Blue Mountains

Get out of the city today and into nature on a full-day tour of the Blue Mountains. Stop at Calmsley Hill, a working farm home to kangaroos and koalas, where you can sip on tea as you wander the grounds. Visit one of a range of stunning outlooks of the Jamison Valley, admiring the beautiful vistas. Arrive at Eaglehawk Lookout, a remote point away from the crowds, where you can enjoy views of the famous Three Sisters.

After lunch, visit one of Australia's most famous lookouts: Govetts Leap. You can choose to pause to savor a beverage amid the native flora at the Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens, where you'll enjoy sweeping views before returning to the city.

Day 16: Climb the Harbour Bridge, Afternoon Sydney Harbour Cruise

Adventure-seekers will love the opportunity to climb Sydney's iconic Harbour Bridge, a thrilling activity that also affords breathtaking views across the city. Your experienced climb leader will take you 439 feet (134 m) into the air. Look east to the Sydney Opera House and west to the Blue Mountains. At the end of the climb, receive a photograph of your group, a personalized certificate, and a cap.

After this active adventure, relax in the afternoon on a harbor cruise. Many of the city's most famous sights and neighborhoods surround the harbor. Besides the urban skyline, with its shimmering skyscrapers, you'll also pass national parks, golden beaches, and secluded bays. Relax on the deck and marvel at the stunning views with a refreshing drink as you listen to commentary from your smartphone.

Day 17: Fly to Queenstown (New Zealand), Skyline Gondola Ride

Wave goodbye to Australia today and fly back to New Zealand, to Queenstown this time, in the Southern Alps of the South Island. The small city on the shores of Lake Wakatipu is known as the country's adventure sports capital. Here you can enjoy hair-raising thrills, including skydiving, bungee jumping, jet-boating, and ziplining.

The best way to orient yourself in Queenstown is to ride the Skyline Gondola high above the city. You'll do just that after dropping your bags off at your hotel. At the top is a restaurant/bar offering panoramic views of Queenstown and out to Coronet Peak and The Remarkables mountain range. There are also hiking trails, mountain-biking routes, and a downhill luge track to consider.

Day 18: Jet-Boat Adventure & Inflatable Kayak River Safari

Get a taste of Queenstown's adventure activities today. Your full-day tour begins in the morning with a transfer north into the wilds of Mount Aspiring National Park. Upon arrival, you'll hop in a jet boat for an adrenaline-pumping ride down the glacier-fed Dart River. Feel the excitement as you zip along this shallow waterway at high speeds while your daredevil captain performs exhilarating spins. After the thrills, you'll stop on the riverbanks for a stroll and to appreciate the surroundings. The unspoiled wilderness features snowcapped peaks, glaciers, and alpine lakes. 

Return to the water and continue more leisurely in an inflatable canoe. Paddle along a beautiful downstream route as your guide shares their insights into the geology and history of the Dart River's sparkling channels. You'll break again at an ancient beech forest for a picnic lunch. After, venture into the wilderness and hike to hidden streams, rock pools, and granite river gorges like the dramatic Rockburn Chasm. Continue downstream to a settlement aptly named Paradise, from where you'll return overland to Queenstown.

Day 19: Day Trip to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi with Cruise

Explore the wilds of Fiordland National Park today on a full-day tour to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi. You'll travel in a bus with panoramic windows and a glass roof for the best views. As spectacular as the destination, the journey on Milford Road is an inspiring experience. From Queenstown, the road follows the shore of Lake Wakatipu and weaves through the farmland of Southland to Te Anau. From here, your journey continues into the heart of Fiordland, with many scenic highlights, including glacier-carved valleys, blue lakes, and native bush, as you cross the Southern Alps.

In Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, join a two-hour small boat nature cruise on the fjord and see waterfalls, fur seals, penguins, and sometimes dolphins. Enjoy fun and informative commentary from your guide and plenty of off-the-beaten-track visits. It often rains here, but whether it's sunny or wet, the views of Milford Sound / Piopiotahi and its iconic Mitre Peak are spectacular.

Day 20: Cruise to Walter Peak Farm & Gourmet Barbecue Lunch

Today you'll take it easy on a cruise across the breathtakingly beautiful Lake Wakatipu from central Queenstown aboard the historic steamship TSS Earnslaw. Stop at the Walter Peak High Country Farm on the other side of the lake from the city, where you can savor a gourmet barbecue meal lakeside while soaking up the alpine scenery and colonial-era atmosphere of the homestead. After you've eaten, wander the beautiful gardens or admire the skill of sheepdogs at work during a farm demonstration.

Day 21: Depart Queenstown

As your tour concludes, it's time to say goodbye to New Zealand (again) today. Depending on your departure time, there may be time to take a final stroll along Lake Wakatipu's shorefront promenade or do some souvenir shopping. Queenstown Airport is just a short drive from the city, and you can enjoy some spectacular lake and mountain views right after taking off. Safe travels!

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