Australia and New Zealand offer unsurpassed natural beauty and lots of history. Mother Nature’s work in Australia, the world’s sixth-largest country and smallest of the seven continents, includes Ayers Rock, where the Aboriginals lived, Daintree National Forest, the Great Barrier Reef and Sydney, ranked as one of world’s best cities based on its quality of life. Across the Tasman Sea lies New Zealand, a low-key paradise that offers attractions ranging from Victorian-era villages to caves, fjords and other natural wonders you can explore to breathtaking wildlife and delicious food, fresh from the farm or the ocean. Whatever your pleasure may be, you’ll find plenty to enjoy on your expedition to the southern hemisphere.
Language
English
Time Zone
Western Australia: GMT +8
South Australia: GMT +10:30
Eastern Australia: GMT +11
New Zealand: GMT +13
Currency
Australian Dollar (AUD)
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Average Temp
59° F
Australia & New Zealand Expedition
From Kata Tjuta to Mt. Aspiring
Inspire Your Expedition with Our Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Arrive in Sydney
Private transfer to hotel
Half-day tour:
- Sydney Harbor lunch cruise
- Private “Rocks” walking tour
Accommodations: Park Royal Darling Harbour
Meals: Breakfast
Day 2 – SYDNEY – BLUE MOUNTAINS
Choice of full day private excursion:
- Hunter Valley Wine tour OR
- Blue Mountains National Park tour
Accommodations: Park Royal Darling Harbour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 – SYDNEY / AYERS ROCK – KATA TJUTA
Private transfer to airport for flight to Ayers Rock
Kata Tjuta Domes tour:
- Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)
- Walpa Gorge
- “Sounds of Silence” Dinner
Accommodations: Sails in the Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 – AYERS ROCK – ULURU
- Sunrise Trek around the base of Uluru
- Dot painting workshop (supplement applies)
- Sunset Camel trek
Accommodations: Sails in the Desert
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 – AYERS ROCK / CAIRNS / PORT DOUGLAS
Private transfer to airport for flight to Cairns
Private transfer to Port Douglas
Accommodations: Pullman Sea Temple Port Douglas
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 – PORT DOUGLAS – GREAT BARRIER REEF
Transfer to Port Douglas Marina for boat to Low Isles
Full day shared excursion:
- Snorkeling (equipment included)
- Coral viewing
- Glass bottom boat
Accommodations: Pullman Sea Temple Port Douglas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 – PORT DOUGLAS
Choice of full day private excursion:
- Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail Rainforest Cableway OR
- Daintree National Park, Cape Tribulation & Mossman Gorge OR
- Whitewater rafting on Barron River
Accommodations: Pullman Sea Temple Port Douglas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 – PORT DOUGLAS / CAIRNS / AUCKLAND, NZ
Transfer to airport for flight to Brisbane or Sydney to
connect with flight to Auckland
Private transfer to hotel
Accommodations: Hotel Grand Windsor
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 – AUCKLAND
Private full day tour:
- Victorian Village of Parnell
- Mt. Eden Volcano – panoramic views
- Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Sea Life Aquarium
- Auckland Museum
- Devonport Marine Village
Accommodations: Hotel Grand Windsor
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 – AUCKLAND / WAITOMO / ROTORUA
Private transfer to Waitomo Caves
- Glow-worm caves tour OR
- Blackwater rafting (supplement applies)
Private transfer to Rotorua
Accommodations: Pullman Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 – ROTORUA
Choose between two full day excursions:
Option 1 (shared):
- Scenic Drive – volcanoes, geysers, mud pools, hot springs
- Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland – Lady Knox Geyser
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley – flora & fauna
- Mt. Tarawera
Option 2 (private):
- Te Puia Thermal Reserve
- Māori Arts & Crafts Institute
- Rainbow Springs Nature Park (shared)
- National Kiwi Hatchery Tour
- Government Gardens
Evening: Traditional Māori Hāngi dinner
Accommodations: Pullman Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 – ROTORUA / QUEENSTOWN
Private airport transfer for flight to Queenstown
Private transfer to hotel
Accommodations: The Rees Hotel Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 – QUEENSTOWN
Choose between two full day excursions:
Option 1 – Private tour of Queenstown area:
- Arrowtown – historic gold-mining town
- Bob’s Peak – Skyline Gondola with views of Lake Wakatipu
- Gibbston Valley Winery – wine-tasting & lunch
Option 2 – Shared guided walk
- Routeburn Track – approx. 10 miles between Hollyford & Dart Valleys
- View beech forests, waterfalls, native birds, mountain peaks & rock faces
Accommodations: The Rees Hotel Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 14 – QUEENSTOWN – MT. ASPRING NATIONAL PARK OR WALTER PEAK
Choose between two full day shared excursions:
Option 1 – Mt. Aspiring National Park:
- Dart River Wilderness – Jet boat tour
- Greenstone trails, Māori legends
Option 2 – Mt. Nicholas:
- Spirit of Queenstown cruise to Mt. Nicholas High Country Farm on Lake Wakatipu
- Walking & 4WD tour of Merino Sheep Farm
Accommodations: The Rees Hotel Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 15 – QUEENSTWON – MILFORD SOUND
Milford Sound Nature Cruise (shared):
- Waterfalls & Wildlife including Seals, dolphins & penguins
Scenic single-engine flight back to Queenstown:
- Snowcapped peaks, glaciers, lakes, fjords
Accommodations: The Rees Hotel Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 16 – QUEENSTOWN / NELSON
Private airport transfer for flight to Nelson
Private afternoon scenic drive:
- World of Wearable Arts Museum
- Hoglund Handblown Art Glass
- Neudorf Vineyard
Accommodations: Heritage Rutherford
Meals: Breakfast
Day 17 – NELSON – ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK
Choose between two excursions:
Option 1: Abel Tasman Cruise & Walk (shared):
- Cruise into Tonga Island Marine Reserve past Split Apple Rock & Seal Colony
- Tonga Quarry Beach – hike Bark Bay Waterfall Trail
- Medlands Beach
Option 2: Abel Tasman Kayak Tour (shared):
- Double Kayak from Kaiteriteri Beach
- Blue Penguins & other sea birds
Accommodations: Heritage Rutherford
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 18 – NELSON / AUCKLAND / HOMEWARD BOUND
Private transfer to airport for flight to Auckland or Christchurch to connect with flight home
Meals: Breakfast
Starting at $13,000 per person
(two travelers, double occupancy, airfare not included)
Itineraries are customized to travelers’ interests and preferences.
Final prices will vary based on dates of travel and number of travelers.
Thank you for orchestrating a perfect vacation. Costa Rica is a beautiful country with very kind and friendly people. We appreciate all you have done and will certainly use you again for future travels.
Karen & Craig S.
Armonk, NY
When to go:
Best times are from September to November & March to May
What to eat:
Barbecue, Meat Pies, Vegemite (AU) or Marmite (NZ) (yeast extract spread)
What to pack:
Long & short-sleeved shirts & t-shirts; trousers, jeans, shorts, skirts; jacket, sweater & rain jacket; layering & waterproof clothing; shawl or scarf; swimwear; comfortable walking & hiking shoes; sunscreen, sunglasses, hat; insect repellent; camera equipment; universal adapter
