This combined journey through Australia and New Zealand offers a seamless blend of iconic landmarks, cultural discovery, and natural wonders. Beginning in Sydney, explore world famous sights such as the Opera House and Harbour Bridge before sailing the harbour at sunset. Continue north to Queensland to encounter native wildlife at Currumbin, ride the Skyrail over rainforest canopies, and marvel at the Great Barrier Reef with snorkelling and semi submersible experiences. Melbourne provides a cosmopolitan pause, with laneways, the Great Ocean Road, and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade adding depth to your time in Australia.
From Melbourne, the journey crosses the Tasman to Queenstown, where alpine lakes and dramatic mountains set the stage for cruises on Lake Wakatipu and Milford Sound. Days here balance sightseeing with free time to explore Arrowtown, Wanaka, and the Skyline gondola. Christchurch follows with wildlife encounters and cultural visits before travelling to Rotorua. Here, geothermal valleys, Maori traditions at Mitai Village, and the glowworm caves of Waitomo create meaningful experiences. Auckland completes the journey with Sky Tower views and the All Blacks Experience.
Spanning vibrant cities, sacred landscapes, and vineyard regions, this itinerary blends relaxation with discovery. It is a journey where each destination adds to the story, leaving travellers with a lasting sense of connection to both Australia and New Zealand.
Arrive in Sydney with a private transfer to your hotel for a seamless start. Tonight, enjoy SkyFeast at Sydney Tower, dining on an extensive buffet as the revolving restaurant reveals changing harbour and skyline views. It is the perfect introduction to Australia’s most famous city, combining fine dining with unmatched scenery.
Overnight at Sydney
Accommodation: Vibe Darling Harbour or similar
Join a private guided tour of Sydney, visiting the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, The Rocks, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair and Bondi Beach. In the evening, step aboard the Captain Cook Sunset Dinner Cruise to admire illuminated landmarks while enjoying an elegant dining experience on the harbour.
Overnight at Sydney
Accommodation: Vibe Darling Harbour or similar
Transfer to the airport for your morning flight to Brisbane, followed by a city highlights tour including the South Bank waterfront and historic Town Hall. Continue onwards to the Gold Coast and feel the thrill of a jet boat ride across the waterways with high speed spins and slides framed by the skyline. This evening, enjoy a buffet style Indian dinner before settling into your Gold Coast accommodation.
Overnight at Gold Coast
Accommodation: Vibe Gold Coast or similar
Begin your day at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, meeting kangaroos, koalas and colourful birdlife. Continue on to Sea World to enjoy marine life exhibits, thrilling shows and family attractions before a buffet lunch. In the evening, wander through Surfers Paradise and round off the day with dinner at a local Indian restaurant.
Overnight at Gold Coast
Accommodation: Vibe Gold Coast or similar
Transfer to Coolangatta Airport for your flight to Cairns where you are met and taken directly to the rainforest. Begin with the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience showcasing dance, music and storytelling, then continue on an Army Duck tour through tropical landscapes. Pause for lunch before gliding above the canopy on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and finishing the day aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway, passing waterfalls and gorges.
Overnight at Cairns
Accommodation: Pacific Hotel Cairns or similar
Set out for a full day at the Great Barrier Reef on a Quicksilver cruise to Agincourt Reef. Spend time snorkelling among colourful corals and tropical fish or choose a scuba diving option for a deeper view. Non swimmers can enjoy the reef from the underwater observatory or on a semi submersible submarine tour. Morning and afternoon tea as well as a tropical buffet lunch are included, ensuring a relaxed and memorable day on the water.
Overnight at Cairns
Accommodation: Pacific Hotel Cairns or similar
Fly from Cairns to Melbourne where you are met and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, step inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground on a guided tour that reveals player areas, the media centre and the hallowed turf. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore the city using the heritage trams, which pass landmarks such as Federation Square and Flinders Street Station. The mix of sport, culture and relaxed city charm sets the tone for your stay in Victoria.
Overnight at Melbourne
Accommodation: Vibe Melbourne or similar
Journey along the spectacular Great Ocean Road, stopping at Split Point Lighthouse, the Memorial Arch and seaside towns such as Lorne and Apollo Bay. Spot koalas and native birds in Kennet River before continuing through lush rainforest walks. Arrive at Port Campbell National Park to see the Gibson Steps, Loch Ard Gorge and the dramatic Twelve Apostles. Optional scenic helicopter flights are available for those seeking a bird’s eye view. Return to Melbourne in the evening.
Overnight at Melbourne
Accommodation: Vibe Melbourne or similar
Begin with a city highlights tour including St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parliament House, Fitzroy Gardens and Captain Cook’s Cottage. After lunch, travel to Phillip Island to see the rugged coastline, visit the Koala Conservation Centre and enjoy scenic stops at the Nobbies. As evening falls, witness the famous Penguin Parade as hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore to their burrows, a truly unforgettable natural spectacle. Return to Melbourne late evening.
Overnight at Melbourne
Accommodation: Vibe Melbourne or similar
Depart Melbourne and fly across the Tasman to Queenstown, where a private transfer brings you to your hotel. The afternoon is free to relax or explore the alpine town before boarding the historic TSS Earnslaw for a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu. At Walter Peak High Country Farm enjoy a traditional barbecue dinner featuring local produce, followed by a farm demonstration and time to stroll the lakeside gardens before returning by steamship.
Overnight at Queenstown
Accommodation: Scenic Suites or similar
ravel by coach through Fiordland National Park, with stops for photos at alpine passes, waterfalls and mirror lakes. On arrival, board a comfortable vessel for a nature cruise on Milford Sound. Glide beneath towering cliffs and past cascading waterfalls while looking out for seals and dolphins. A picnic lunch is served on board before returning by coach to Queenstown, taking in more spectacular scenery along the way.
Overnight at Queenstown
Accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown or similar
Discover the charm of Arrowtown with its preserved gold rush streets and Chinese settlement before continuing to Lake Hayes and Kawarau Gorge. Stop in Wanaka for lakeside views and time to explore before returning via the Crown Range. In the evening ride the Skyline Gondola up to Bob’s Peak, take three thrilling luge rides and finish with a buffet dinner at Stratosfare Restaurant, enjoying views across Queenstown and the Remarkables.
Overnight at Queenstown
Accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown or similar
Depart Queenstown on a private coach journey through the South Island’s striking landscapes. Travel via the Lindis Pass and Mackenzie Country with time to stop at Lake Tekapo for photos and a meal break. Pass through the Canterbury Plains before arriving in Christchurch, a city that blends English heritage with modern innovation. This relaxed transfer day offers sweeping scenery and a comfortable way to link two key regions.
Overnight at Christchurch
Accommodation: Sudima Christchurch or similar
Spend the morning at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, home to kiwis, tuatara and a variety of rare native birds. Continue to the International Antarctic Centre to experience interactive exhibits, a simulated Antarctic storm and encounters with huskies and little blue penguins. In the afternoon fly north to Auckland, where you are transferred to your hotel and can enjoy a relaxed evening in New Zealand’s largest city.
Overnight at Auckland
Accommodation: Sudima Auckland City or similar
Travel south to Rotorua with a stop at Waitomo to explore the magical Glowworm Caves. Walk through limestone chambers before gliding by boat through the Glowworm Grotto, where thousands of tiny lights shimmer like stars. On arrival in Rotorua, the evening is spent at Mitai Māori Village. Witness a powerful cultural performance, see warriors paddle a traditional waka and enjoy a feast cooked in a hāngī earth oven, a true taste of Māori heritage.
Overnight at Rotorua
Accommodation: Sudima Lake Rotorua or similar
Discover Te Puia, where the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute preserves the skills of master carvers and weavers. Walk through Whakarewarewa Valley to see bubbling mud pools, steaming vents and the impressive Pōhutu Geyser erupting high into the air. In the afternoon, unwind at the Polynesian Spa’s Pavilion Pools, soaking in mineral waters from natural springs while taking in calming lake views, the perfect balance of culture and relaxation.
Overnight at Rotorua
Accommodation: Sudima Lake Rotorua or similar
Travel back north on a scenic coach journey from Rotorua to Auckland, passing rolling farmland and rural towns along the way. In the afternoon, visit the Sky Tower for panoramic views across the city and its harbours, then step into the immersive All Blacks Experience. This guided journey brings to life the history, culture and spirit of New Zealand’s legendary rugby team, blending sport with Māori tradition to provide a memorable finale to your journey.
Price & Availability
All bookings are subject to availability at the time of your request. Once we receive your booking enquiry, we’ll confirm availability within 24 hours.
Prices are quoted in Australian Dollars (AUD). If your package includes services priced in other currencies, currency conversion will be processed at midnight (AEST) each day. Please be aware that due to the constantly changing nature of exchange rates and supplier pricing, all package prices are subject to change until full payment is received and booking is confirmed.
Self-Guided Packages – Terms & Conditions
Our Self-Guided Packages are designed for travellers who want the freedom to explore independently, without the hassle of planning every detail. Each package follows a tried-and-tested itinerary that includes a combination of pre-booked services, such as accommodation and transport, and optional group tours or private experiences. You’ll have the flexibility to discover each destination at your own pace, with the confidence of having essential logistics taken care of and access to local support if needed.
Accommodation Flexibility
We understand that every traveller has different needs, so our itineraries offer flexibility in accommodation. You can choose from a range of hotels, from 3-star options to luxury 5-star properties, in most locations. If your first-choice hotel is not available at the time of booking, we will offer you an alternative of similar standard, quality, and location.
Travellers are welcome to customise their accommodation preferences before confirming their booking. If you’re unsure about the best options for your travel style, our team is happy to recommend alternatives.
Booking On Request
All packages are offered on request basis. In most cases, a deposit may be required before we can secure accommodation and services.
Once we receive your deposit and booking enquiry, we aim to confirm your package within 24 hours (longer if weekends or public holidays apply).
If your preferred travel dates are not available, we’ll suggest the closest alternatives or offer a full refund of your deposit.
Dynamic Pricing
Many of our accommodation providers and local suppliers use dynamic pricing models, which means prices fluctuate depending on factors such as demand, travel seasons, and availability.
Our listed “from” prices represent the lowest available rates based on low season travel with full availability. When you request a quote for your preferred travel dates, we’ll provide an accurate, up-to-date price based on availability at the time of quoting.
Prices may vary between the time we provide a quote and when you confirm your booking. Should there be any price differences, we will notify you before final confirmation and payment.
Itinerary Order & Availability
The order of your itinerary, including accommodation, tours, and transport, may be adjusted to secure the best availability and ensure a smooth travel experience. While we strive to follow the proposed itinerary as closely as possible, changes may be necessary, particularly during peak travel periods or when bookings are made close to your departure date.
For bookings made well in advance and outside of peak seasons, itinerary changes are uncommon. Any adjustments will be communicated to you in advance and are made with the aim of maintaining or improving the overall experience.
The final itinerary—including the order of your activities and accommodations—will be confirmed after your booking is secured.
Payment Terms
• A deposit may be required to secure your booking.
• Full payment is due no later than 45 days prior to your scheduled arrival date.
• If additional deposits are required by certain hotels or service providers, we will advise you at the time of confirmation.
• Your booking is not confirmed until full payment is received.
• Payments can be made via direct deposit, credit card, or other approved methods (merchant fees may apply).
Changes & Cancellations
• Your deposit is non-refundable once your booking is confirmed.
• Changes to your booking are permitted up to 45 days prior to departure, subject to availability and supplier approval. Additional fees may apply depending on the nature of the change.
• Cancellations within 45 days of arrival will incur a 100% cancellation fee, unless otherwise stated in your booking confirmation.
• Any rail tickets and flight tickets included in your package are non-refundable once issued and confirmed. These are subject to airline and supplier policies, which may include strict cancellation and amendment terms.
• We recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking to protect against unforeseen changes or cancellations.
Additional Information
• Please review visa requirements, health advice, and local regulations for your chosen destination prior to travel.
• We recommend allowing extra time for processing visas or travel documentation, especially during busy travel seasons.
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all bookings to cover unexpected events, including illness, cancellations, or delays.
If you’d rather chat, give one of our Travelcation Experts a call today to begin crafting your bespoke holiday experience.