Epic Australia & New Zealand Highlights Tour - 17 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Sydney (Australia), Sunset Dinner Cruise

Welcome to Australia! Your driver will meet you at the airport, where you will then be transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in Sydney. Often mistaken as Australia's capital (that would be Canberra), this city feels like the country's central metropolis. This is due to its iconic sights, historic neighborhoods, world-class culinary and nightlife scenes, prime waterfront location, and an array of pristine beaches. You'll have the remainder of the afternoon free to explore.

Visit Sydney's harbor and enjoy a drink at a waterfront bar amid stunning city views. If you're feeling adventurous, take a surf lesson at the famous Bondi Beach, or, for a calmer pastime, go swimming in the tranquil waters of Coogee. Travel to historic neighborhoods and lose yourself in the cobblestone laneways of The Rocks, or browse the markets, boutiques, cafés, and pubs of upscale Paddington, whose distinctive terraced houses date to the Victorian era. This evening, take a sunset cruise on Sydney Harbour, watching the different hues in the sky reflected on the water as you enjoy your meal.

Day 2: Sydney City Tour, Twilight Bridge Climb

The day starts with a visit to the iconic Sydney Opera House. Go inside this multivenue performance center and UNESCO World Heritage Site on a behind-the-scenes tour. Learn about its storied history and see its inner workings. Next, visit famous city sights Hyde Park, St Mary's Cathedral, and the Parliament House before ending up at Mrs Macquarie's Chair. This rocky sandstone outcropping features magnificent views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Continue through the harborfront suburb of Woolloomooloo, the nightlife district Kings Cross, and upscale Paddington. 

You'll reach Bondi Beach, one of the most visited beaches in Australia and a great surf destination. Stop here for a midmorning break, laze on the golden sands, or stroll along the coast. Afterward, you'll hop on a ferry for a cruise to Taronga Zoo. Located on the shores of Sydney Harbour, this huge zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, including tigers, gorillas, and koalas. After visiting the zoo, you'll have the remainder of the afternoon free to spend as you wish.

As evening falls, get ready to experience the thrill of a "skywalk" over the Harbour Bridge. Strap on your safety gear and harness to embark on a journey led by an expert climb leader, taking you 439 feet (134 m) above sea level. It's a steady and easy incline to the top of the bridge via a network of catwalks and ladders. During the climb, marvel at the incredible 360-degree views. From this vantage point, you'll see the Opera House to the east and the Blue Mountains to the west. Enjoy the sunset over the harbor and descend as Sydney's skyscrapers light up at night.

Day 3: Fly to Uluru, Sounds of Silence Dinner

In the morning, a private car will take you to the airport, where you'll catch a 3.5-hour flight deep into the Australian outback to Uluru (Ayers Rock). This massive sandstone monolith is perhaps the most famous natural landmark in the country. After the transfer to your hotel, you'll have time to settle in before heading out this evening. Tonight's experience is more than just a dinner. It's a spiritual discovery of the desert plains of the region, which are home to some of Australia's most sacred Indigenous sites.

Enjoy dinner under the star-studded, outback sky on a remote dune, where you'll enjoy views of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and the Uluru monolith. As the sun fades behind the dunes, your experience begins with a glass of sparkling wine. While enjoying the quiet of the outback desert, you'll feast on gourmet "bush food" that features native ingredients. After dinner, gather around the fire for stargazing as your Indigenous host discusses the significance of these constellations. When the evening winds down, you'll return to Ayers Rock Resort.

Day 4: Uluru Field of Light, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park & Camel Ride

Rise before dawn today to experience the spectacular art installation known as the Field of Light. Arriving in complete darkness, see 50,000 globes of light illuminate the desert before making your way up the hill to the Field of Light sunrise viewing platform. Enjoy a hot beverage as the sun rises and watch in awe as light floods the landscape behind Uluru and Kata Tjuta. The Field of Light will dim for the day as the natural light brightens the landscape. Then return to your Ayers Rock resort.

Late afternoon, transfer to the Camel Farm, where you'll enjoy a camel ride through the stunning dune country. After some instructions, climb on your camel and journey across the rugged desert landscape. Led by a skilled cameleer, learn about the region's rich history and unique flora. At dusk, stop at a dune offering magnificent views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Witness the colors of these rock monoliths change as the sun sets in the west. Later have an outback dinner before returning to your hotel. 

Day 5: Fly to Cairns, Spirit of Cairns Dinner Cruise

Say goodbye to the outback today as a driver picks you up from your hotel and drives you to the airport for your flight to Cairns, gateway to the 100-million-year-old Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Upon arrival, you'll transfer to your hotel and have the rest of the day to settle in and explore. Get your bearings with a stroll along the Esplanade, where you'll find a swimming lagoon, vibrant weekend markets, and plenty of great dining options.

This evening, board a sailing catamaran and enjoy the calm atmosphere of cruising on Trinity Inlet. Take in the sights and sounds of this tropical port city as the sun slowly sets. With a cocktail, admire the view as the sky transforms from blue to orange and, finally, black, filled with thousands of stars. Your journey takes you deep into Trinity Inlet and across the waterfront precinct of Cairns. Sit down to a delicious three-course set menu dinner featuring some of the region's best produce before returning to your hotel.

Day 6: Great Barrier Reef Overnight Sail (Day 1)

Take a two-day sailing trip along the Great Barrier Reef for a true bucket list experience. In the morning, set sail to Cairns' outer reefs. Midday, you'll arrive at the first location with shallow coral gardens, reef walls, and deeper coral bombie fields to explore. All sites will provide a vast diversity for all levels of experience, whether you choose to dive or snorkel. See coral gardens with an unbelievable amount of marine life, including turtles, small reef sharks, playful clownfish, colorful reef fish, and schooling pelagic (open sea) fish. In the afternoon, move to a different location for more diving exploration.

As the sun sets over the Great Barrier Reef, relax on deck. Depending on the time of year, dinner will be served before or after the night dive. The night dive starts just after sunset and is an absolute must-do on an overnight trip. Nighttime brings out another world of underwater creatures. From sharks and hunting red bass to sleeping turtles, dazzling luminescence and glowing corals are seen under UV flashlights. After the dive, get back on deck, relax, and take in the galaxy of stars with all lights dimmed for a spectacular view. 

Day 7: Great Barrier Reef Overnight Sail (Day 2)

Get up before dawn to watch the sunrise over the Coral Sea. A continental breakfast will be served on deck, and you'll have the entire morning to enjoy the warm tropical water as you snorkel or scuba dive. Besides a lunch break, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy a mix of both activities. Try to get that perfect selfie with a turtle, read a book in a hammock, or work on that tropical tan.

Come midafternoon; it's time to make your way back to Cairns, which can take 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the location chosen for the voyage. This is also a great time to catch some sleep, mingle with the other passengers or take in the mountainous rainforest landscapes as you return to the port.

Day 8: Fly to Auckland (New Zealand), Sky Tower Dinner

Bid farewell to Australia as you catch a five-hour flight to Auckland. Located on New Zealand's North Island, the country's largest city is known as the "City of Sails" for the plentiful sailboats and ships that line its multiple harbors. You'll be picked up from the airport on arrival and taken to your hotel.

You've got the remainder of the day to explore Auckland's happening center, wandering along its chic waterfront promenades. Auckland and the surrounding area are home to 26 regional parks with diverse landscapes, from tropical rainforests to rugged coastlines and golden beaches. If you have time, you could head out of the city for a hike, a tour at a nearby vineyard, a soak in thermal springs, or visit a black-sand surf beach.

For the ultimate dinner with a view, reserve a table at Orbit 360°. Dine at the top of the Sky Tower, which rotates once every hour for panoramic views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf. The restaurant focuses on local and seasonal produce, with meat and seafood dishes highlighting New Zealand's cuisine in a three-course set menu.

Day 9: Full-Day Auckland Bush & Beach Tour

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby this morning for a day of sightseeing in and around the city. You'll start on Queen Street, walking through the central business district, and past the University of Auckland, before heading over the bridge to the North Shore. Continue through the trendy suburb of Ponsonby, with its historic buildings and numerous cafés and restaurants. Here you can wander on one of the white-sand beaches, have a waterside coffee, then climb to the summit of Mount Victoria to look down on the city and historic Devonport.

After a busy morning, enjoy a short break before traveling around 18.6 miles (30 km) from downtown to the city's largest regional park, the Waitakere Ranges. Head to the Arataki Centre perched high on a ridge and admire the panoramic view from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. See and learn about the traditional Māori carvings before walking on easy walking trails in the lush rainforest among giant tree ferns, and spot the country's famous kauri trees. Finally, explore the wild coast by strolling on its stunning black-sand beaches.

Day 11: Rotorua's Geysers, Lakes & Māori Heritage Tour, Te Pā Tū Māori Feast

Rotorua is known for its geothermal activity, situated on a lake of the same name. On this tour, you'll explore geysers, bubbling mud holes, steaming vents, and sulfurous pools while learning how volcanic activity below ground creates this spectacular show above the surface. Rotorua's lakes and rivers are popular for trout fishing, so grab a pole to see if you get a bite. As this area is known for its Māori culture, your guide can recommend opportunities to learn more about the food, music, dance, and traditions important to the Indigenous people.

Tonight you are invited as a manuhiri (guest) at Te Pā Tū (Tamaki Māori Village) for a three-course feast and celebration of dancing, music, and storytelling. An opening ceremony kicks off the festivities while you're served kai horotai (appetizers). Listen to stories and songs and watch dance performances in the forest amphitheater, then follow your Māori guide to your three-course hākari (feast). 

Day 12: Hell's Gate Visit, Fly to Queenstown, Walter Peak Farm Dinner

Start this morning off with a soothing experience at the Hell's Gate geothermal park. After a guided or self-guided interactive geothermal walk, soak in warm mud and acidic sulfur waters as you experience the healing properties that local Māori have used for over 800 years. Follow this up with a cleansing sulfur spa that gently exfoliates your skin. Relaxed and refreshed, you'll be ready to say your goodbyes to the North Island. Head to the airport by taxi to catch your short flight to Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in the Southern Alps. 

Upon arrival, a driver will pick you up and take you to your Queenstown hotel, where you'll have the afternoon at leisure to explore. Known as the world's adventure capital, you can enjoy high-adrenaline activities, including skydiving, bungee jumping, and ziplining. There are also hiking trails, mountain-biking routes, and a downhill luge track. Visit Central Otago's vineyards and historic gold-mining towns. Get a feel for the city from the Skyline Gondola high above. At the top, there's a restaurant and bar with panoramic views of Queenstown, Coronet Peak, and the Remarkables mountain range. 

You'll board the historic vintage steamship known as the TSS Earnslaw this evening to cruise across Lake Wakatipu. Stop at the Walter Peak High Country Farm, where you can sit down to a barbecue dinner featuring rotisserie-cooked meats, seasonal vegetables, and salads, followed by dessert and New Zealand cheeses. After some demonstrations of high country life on the farm, step back on board the steamship and join a singalong with the ship's pianist. Watch the lights of Queenstown come into focus as you sail back to town.

Day 13: Shotover River Canyon, Nevis Bungee & Onsen Evening

This morning starts with an exhilarating ride through Shotover River Canyon in a high-speed jet boat that seems to defy gravity. Be prepared to get wet as your jet navigates through 46 miles (75 km) of rapids and narrow twists and turns. Next, enjoy a rugged 35-minute 4WD drive through the backcountry to Nevis Bungee. On arrival, you'll be harnessed up and board a six-person shuttle to travel to the Bungee Pod. At 439 feet (134 m) above the rugged Nevis River, experience a breathtaking rush as you free-fall for 8.5 seconds.

After an exciting day, relax in a hot tub under the stars this evening. Based on the Japanese bathing tradition, this onsen (thermal spa) offers cedar-lined steaming pools on a cliffside overlooking the Shotover River. Enjoy an hourlong soak accompanied by a drink and snack as you take in the alpine scenery. The water temperature averages 101.3°F (38.5°C), but one of the summer pools is kept cold for those who relish the thought of an icy plunge. Return to your hotel completely revitalized.

Day 14: Full-Day Trip to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi 

Today you'll join an experienced guide for a trip to the natural wonder of Milford Sound / Piopiotahi. The journey there following Milford Road hugs the shore of Lake Wakatipu, passing through Southland farmland to Te Anau. Then, you'll drive through the remote Fiordland National Park, where you can admire glacier-carved valleys, blue lakes, and native bush as you cross the Southern Alps.

Once you've arrived in Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, you'll head out on a two-hour small boat nature cruise on the fjord, where you'll see pristine waterfalls and might spot fur seals, penguins, and, if you're lucky, dolphins. A specialist nature guide will be on hand to provide commentary and lead you to lesser-known spots. At the end of the day, you'll fly 45 minutes back to Queenstown in a fixed-wing aircraft, enjoying a birds-eye view of the fjord and the surrounding peaks along the way. After touching down in Queenstown, you'll be dropped off at your hotel.

Day 15: Transfer to Franz Josef / Waiau, Take a Glacier Heli-Hike

Leaving Queenstown with your private driver, take in the scenery of massive mountain peaks and crystal-clear blue lakes. Cut across the Haast Pass to the other side of the Southern Alps, and you'll see the landscape change dramatically. Wind your way past dense rainforest, steep coastlines, and dramatic waterfalls. Finally, your journey ends in the village of Franz Josef / Waiau, your base for exploration of the area. Get settled in at your hotel and prepare yourself for a real adventure.

In the afternoon, experience a combination of an exhilarating helicopter ride, jaw-dropping scenery, and a 2.5-hour heli-hike through magnificent glaciers. After your pre-trip safety briefing, head to the helicopter pad, where your pilot will whisk you away over stunning landscapes. Take in the full panoramic majesty of Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Land high up on the glacier, where your guide will help you get ready before you set off to slide through crevasses, navigate between ice towers, and squeeze through ice caves. 

Day 16: Take the TranzAlpine Train to Christchurch, Tram Dinner

Meet your driver as you head north through Hokitika's historic gold mining region. Known for its distinctive greenstone (pounamu), this seaside town has a rich history dating back to the 1860s. Reach the coast and take in the sea views, or pick up a souvenir at one of the many craft shops. Continue on to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast, where you'll board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train. You'll travel east to west across the South Island through Arthur's Pass National Park.

From the comfort of your train car, see dense beech forests, steep river valleys, and the snowcapped peaks of the Southern Alps before arriving in Christchurch. A driver will meet you at the train station and take you to your hotel. Tonight you'll have the option to enjoy an elegant dinner in a historic tram that makes the rounds of central Christchurch's top attractions. Sit back and relax as you take in the views of the Botanic Gardens, the Canterbury Museum, and the Avon River / Ōtākaro from your window-side table. Enjoy a gourmet meal on the final night of your trip. 

Day 17: Depart Christchurch

Your great Australia and New Zealand adventure concludes today. When the time comes, your driver will take you to the airport to catch your departing flight. Safe travels!

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