New Zealand & Australia Grand Adventure

Walking distance from the hotel, you will meet the group to discover why Queenstown captivates travellers from around the world on this perfectly curated full-day tour. Your premium vehicle journey begins at an incredible observation point high above Lake Wakatipu, where arguably the best panoramic views in Queenstown unfold before you, showcasing the pristine lake stretching toward the dramatic Remarkables mountain range.

The adventure continues to Arthurs Point and the historic Shotover River, rich with gold mining heritage and home to the world's most exciting jet boat rides. Your exploration then leads to the enchanting township of Arrowtown, where time seems to have stood still among restored gold rush buildings. You can try your hand at gold panning, browse unique boutiques, or simply soak up the peaceful atmosphere of this perfectly preserved piece of New Zealand history.

Your day concludes in the renowned Gibbston Valley wine region, where you'll witness the world's first commercial bungy jump site before settling into a beautiful winery setting for wine tasting and a gourmet cheeseboard. The perfect finale to your Queenstown discovery is a scenic 30-minute cruise across Lake Wakatipu.  

Minutes from the hotel, meet the group to embark on one of the world's most spectacular day trips as you journey to Milford Sound, in the comfort of a premium touring van with just 15 guests for an intimate experience. Your early morning departure leads through picturesque Southland farming country to the charming lakeside town of Te Anau, where you'll pause for refreshments while preparing for entry into the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fiordland National Park.

The renowned Milford Road reveals its treasures gradually as your expert guide makes multiple stops for photographs and short walks among incredible granite mountains, glacier-fed rivers, and ancient rainforest.

Upon reaching Milford Sound itself, you'll embark on a nature cruise beneath towering peaks that rise vertically from the dark waters, exploring hidden waterfalls and searching for sea life, and native birdlife with the guidance of an expert onboard naturalist. The return journey allows time to reflect on this extraordinary wilderness experience, with the option to upgrade to a spectacular scenic flight over the Southern Alps back to Queenstown for the conclusion to your Fiordland adventure.

Pack your bags and get ready to experience one of the world's most scenic road journeys as you travel from Queenstown to Christchurch via Mount Cook. Your small-group tour through the heart of the South Island begins with the dramatic Kawarau Gorge and its famous suspension bridge, before entering the fruit and wine-growing region of Cromwell with its endless vineyards and the striking waters of Lake Dunstan.

The journey reaches new heights at Lindis Pass, one of only three alpine roads through the otherwise impassable Southern Alps, where you'll pause at 971 metres above sea level for breathtaking valley views. Continuing through the endless golden plains of the Mackenzie District, you'll spot celebrated Merino sheep before the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki emerge, framed dramatically by Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Southern Alps.

At Mount Cook National Park, you'll have a few hours of free time to explore walking tracks, visit the Visitor Centre, or take optional scenic flights with glacier landings while surrounded by New Zealand's highest peaks. Your day concludes with a visit to the world-famous Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo, where the turquoise lake and mountain backdrop create one of the most photographed scenes in New Zealand, before arriving in Christchurch for your 3-night stay.

Discover the resilient charm of Christchurch, the Garden City, through three unique perspectives that showcase both its natural beauty and innovative spirit. With your Christchurch Pass provides access to the city's most beloved attractions, today allows you to experience the city at your pace.  Board the tram which has 18 central stops and you can choose where and when to begin your day.  You can start with the spectacular Christchurch Gondola that carries you high above the city for stunning panoramic views across the Canterbury Plains to the distant Southern Alps, where walking tracks and a discovery ride reveal the region's fascinating geological story.

Experience the tranquil beauty of the city's heart with a peaceful 30-minute punt ride along the meandering Avon River, where your traditionally dressed punter guides you past the magnificent Botanic Gardens and through parklands that have been the city's green lungs for over 150 years.

Complete your Christchurch exploration aboard the heritage tram system, where restored tramcars from a bygone era carry you to key central city sites while providing entertaining commentary about the city's reconstruction and renaissance following the earthquakes. Your hop-on, hop-off pass allows you to explore at your own pace, discovering the innovative architecture, vibrant street art, and bustling markets that define modern Christchurch's creative spirit.

Meet the group to start your journey to the spectacular coastal town of Kaikoura for one of New Zealand's most extraordinary wildlife experiences, where a unique underwater canyon system brings deep-sea giants close to shore year-round. Your whale-watching adventure aboard a modern catamaran offers sightings of whales.

The 2.5-hour cruise combines education with adventure as expert guides share fascinating insights during the "World of Whales" presentation before taking you to where sperm whales, orcas, and other marine giants feed in the nutrient-rich waters. The modern vessel features air-conditioned cabins for comfort and expansive outdoor decks for optimal viewing, while the dramatic backdrop of snow-capped mountains meeting the Pacific Ocean creates an unforgettable setting for your wildlife sightings.

Leave the South Island behind as you fly north to Rotorua, where private transfers ensure a seamless arrival in New Zealand's geothermal wonderland and cultural heartland. Your comfortable accommodation the perfect base for exploring this unique region where the earth's volcanic forces create an otherworldly landscape of bubbling mud pools, steaming lakes and colorful mineral terraces.

As evening approaches, prepare for one of New Zealand's most enchanting experiences at the Redwoods Nightlights, where 34 exquisite lanterns designed by world-renowned artist David Trubridge float magically between 9 and 20 metres above the forest floor. This award-winning walk spans 700 metres across 28 suspension bridges and 27 platforms, creating an ethereal journey through one of the world's most beautifully planted forests.

The 40-minute illuminated walk transforms the towering California Redwoods into a cathedral of light and shadow, where each handcrafted lantern creates patterns inspired by nature while celebrating sustainability and artistic vision on this magical evening experience.

You will be picked up at your hotel to immerse yourself in the living culture of New Zealand's indigenous Māori people at Te Puia, where authentic traditions blend seamlessly with spectacular geothermal activity in the heart of a active volcanic valley. Your guided experience begins with a traditional welcome ceremony before exploring the steaming landscape where geysers shoot skyward and colorful mineral pools bubble with earth's ancient energy.

The cultural highlight of your day is the powerful haka performance and traditional hangi feast, where food is cooked slowly underground using natural geothermal heat in a method unchanged for centuries. As you savour this unique culinary experience, passionate cultural ambassadors share stories of Māori traditions.

Your evening concludes with the ultimate relaxation at the world-famous Polynesian Spa. Your open-time ticket ensures you can make your way there when you are ready with just a short walk to the spa (taxis are also available), where natural hot springs have been providing therapeutic benefits for over 130 years. Choose from a variety of mineral pools with different temperatures and healing properties.

Embark on a magical journey from Rotorua to Auckland with an unforgettable stop in the Shire, where the rolling green hills of the Waikato countryside transformed into Middle-earth for Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. Your tour takes you deep into the heart of the 12-acre Hobbiton Movie Set, where 44 hobbit holes remain exactly as they appeared in the films, complete with gardens, fences, and the famous Party Tree.

Your expert guide brings the movie magic to life as you explore this perfectly preserved film set, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and filmmaking secrets while you wander past Bag End, the Mill, and the double-arched bridge. The tour concludes at the Green Dragon Inn, where you can raise a glass of specially brewed beverages while overlooking the tranquil lake and rolling hills that convinced Peter Jackson this was the perfect location for the Shire.

Continuing to Auckland, New Zealand's largest city and economic heart, you'll settle into your comfortable 3-star accommodation for two nights. Auckland's sophisticated urban energy = cosmopolitan dining scene and unique position straddling two harbours, makes it one of New Zealand’s most vibrant cities.

Venture into one of New Zealand's most extraordinary natural phenomena as you journey south from Auckland to the mystical Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Your small-group tour begins with a scenic 2.5-hour drive through the rolling Waikato countryside, where your guide provides fascinating insights into the unique geology and ecology that created this underground wonderland.

Upon arrival at Waitomo, you'll have time to explore the visitor centre at the historic Homestead before beginning your one-hour guided cave exploration. Your expert guide explains the fascinating lifecycle of the glowworms and the geological processes that carved these limestone caverns over millions of years, while pointing out incredible stalactite and stalagmite formations that decorate the underground chambers.

The magical climax of your cave experience is the silent boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto, where you'll glide beneath thousands of tiny lights that twinkle like stars in the darkness above.

Begin your day with a pick-up at your hotel for your flight to Melbourne, Australia. Cross the Tasman Sea as you bid farewell to New Zealand and arrive in Melbourne, the sophisticated cultural heart of the continent. Your private transfer ensures a seamless arrival at your centrally located hotel in Melbourne, perfectly positioned for exploring this fascinating city.

Your introduction to Melbourne begins with a comprehensive walking tour that unveils the city's rich layers of history and culture, starting at the magnificent Treasury Building where gold rush prosperity shaped the city's destiny. You'll discover architectural gems including the World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building, the gothic grandeur of St Patrick's Cathedral, and the iconic yellow facade of historic Flinders Street Station, while exploring the famous laneways where vibrant street art creates an ever-changing outdoor gallery.

The perfect complement to your city exploration is a serene river cruise along the peaceful Yarra River, where you'll drift past the Royal Botanic Gardens and historic riverside mansions while learning about Melbourne's long-standing love affair with river sports. This tranquil journey reveals the city's softer side as you encounter native wildlife and carefully curated displays of Australian flora.

Journey to the pristine wilderness of Wilsons Promontory, mainland Australia's southernmost point and one of the continent's best-kept natural secrets. Your adventure begins with breathtaking panoramic views from Norman or Glennie Lookout before choosing your preferred hiking experience through this diverse ecosystem where pristine beaches meet lush rainforest and granite peaks.

Whether you challenge yourself with the ascent of Mount Bishop for sweeping coastal vistas, explore the verdant rainforest walk to Lillypilly Gully, or enjoy expansive ocean views from Pillar Point, each trail reveals unique glimpses of this remarkable sanctuary. The highlight of your day is relaxing at world-famous Squeaky Beach, where the distinctive white sand literally squeaks beneath your feet as you stroll along this pristine coastline.

Throughout your wilderness adventure, you'll see native Australian wildlife including emus, kangaroos and wombats roaming freely in their natural habitat, while your expert guide shares insights into the unique ecology and conservation efforts protecting this pristine environment.  

Across from the hotel, you will meet the group to escape to the sophisticated pleasures of the Yarra Valley, Victoria's premier cool-climate wine region where rolling vineyard hills produce some of Australia's most celebrated wines.

Experience the richness of the valley's thriving wine industry through carefully curated tastings at prestigious family-owned cellar doors including Yering Farm, Soumah of Yarra Valley, and Greenstone Vineyards. Each venue offers unique insights into their winemaking philosophy and the opportunity to sample exceptional wines that showcase the region's distinctive cool-climate terroir.

The culinary highlight of your day is an exquisite à la carte lunch at the renowned Balgownie Estate, where each perfectly prepared course is paired with premium wines while you overlook rolling vineyard hills that stretch to the horizon. This sophisticated dining experience perfectly captures the Yarra Valley's reputation as one of Australia's finest food and wine destinations.

Rise early for one of the world's most spectacular coastal drives along the legendary Great Ocean Road. Make your way around the corner to the centrally located pickup point departing around 6:30 a.m. for this full-day odyssey. Wind through picturesque coastal towns including Anglesea, Lorne, and Apollo Bay in southwest Victoria, keeping watch for native wildlife including kangaroos and listening for the distinctive songs of kookaburras, king parrots, yellow robins and fairy-wrens. Explore the natural resort town of Apollo Bay. Journey through Great Otway National Park to witness towering centuries-old eucalyptus trees, ancient ferns, magnificent wetlands and diverse bird species in their natural habitat. The crescendo of your adventure awaits at the magnificent Twelve Apostles, where limestone pillars rise majestically from the Southern Ocean and the historic Loch Ard Gorge reveals stories of shipwrecks along this treacherous coastline. Return to Melbourne at around 6:30 p.m. with time to reflect on your incredible photographic memories over dinner.

Today offers complete freedom for you to explore Melbourne's countless attractions using your included vouchers or choosing from an array of optional experiences.

Bid farewell to Melbourne as you take the short flight north to Sydney, where Australia's most iconic city welcomes you with its perfect blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication. Upon arrival, seamless transfers deliver you to your hotel, perfectly positioned for three nights of exploring.

Your Sydney adventure begins with a private walking tour led by a passionate local expert who reveals the city's fascinating stories and hidden corners. Marvel at the architectural genius of the Opera House with its distinctive shell-like design, wander through the historic cobblestone streets of The Rocks where Sydney's convict story began and discover the vibrant atmosphere of Darling Harbour where entertainment and dining create a perfect waterfront playground.

Your knowledgeable guide shares insider tips on the best restaurants and cultural hotspots that only locals know, while the optional dinner cruise offers the perfect introduction to Sydney Harbour's legendary beauty.  

Meeting at the centralized departure point close to your hotel before you venture into the mystical Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just 90 minutes from Sydney. Your tour begins with intimate wildlife encounters at a specialized park, where you can hand-feed gentle kangaroos and capture perfect photos with cuddly koalas.

Journey deeper into this ancient landscape to witness the legendary Three Sisters rock formation, while your guide shares the spiritual significance of these sacred lands. The thrilling Scenic World adventures await, where you'll descend into pristine rainforest valleys aboard the world's steepest railway, soar between cliff tops on the spectacular Skyway suspended 270 metres above ancient ravines and glide serenely into the Jamison Valley on the peaceful Cableway.

After a gourmet lunch featuring regional Blue Mountains specialties, discover hidden waterfalls and secret lookouts away from tourist crowds, breathing the pure mountain air perfumed with native botanicals and learning about the unique ecology of this temperate rainforest ecosystem. Your return to Sydney as twilight paints the mountains in golden hues provides the perfect conclusion to this mystical mountain adventure.

Embrace the ultimate Sydney experience with your 24-hour Big Bus hop-on, hop-off pass that connects all the city's iconic attractions Start your day at Circular Quay, where the Opera House and Harbour Bridge create the world's most recognizable urban skyline, before venturing to Mrs Macquarie's Chair for the perfect panoramic photograph of these architectural icons.

The freedom of your hop-on, hop-off pass allows you to explore at your own pace, perhaps spending the morning in the historic Rocks district browsing weekend markets and heritage buildings, then continuing to Darling Harbour for lunch with harbour views. The afternoon might take you to the trendy eastern suburbs, where the coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee.

Your final full day in Sydney offers endless possibilities, from exploring the Royal Botanic Gardens to discovering the vibrant neighbourhoods of Paddington and Surry Hills with their boutique shopping and café culture. As evening approaches, consider returning to Circular Quay for sunset views of the harbour, where the golden light transforms the Opera House and Harbour Bridge into a magical scene.

Your private transfer to Sydney Airport ensures a comfortable and stress-free departure, with time to browse for last-minute Australian souvenirs or simply relax while processing the amazing diversity of experiences you've collected across two remarkable nations.