Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Australia – Sydney – Hamilton Island – Brisbane – New Zealand – South Island
100% customisable for you
Your adventures in Australia and New Zealand start today, so charge up your tablet and make sure you have plenty of films downloaded for the flight. Head to the airport and speed through security for your flight to Sydney – most routes take around 23 hours, stopping in the Middle East or Asia, or you can fly direct to Perth in around 17 hours, and fly to the east coast from there.
Upon landing, a private driver will be waiting to transfer you to your first accommodation: three nights in a centrally-located hotel in the heart of the city, near Hyde Park. After getting used to your new surroundings, take a stroll around this green oasis – Australia’s oldest public park – before grabbing a bite to eat.
Rise and shine, it’s your first full day in Sydney. After tucking into breakfast, we’ve arranged a guided architecture tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House. Journey into the minds of its architects, Jorn Utzon and Peter Hall, and hear how engineers, builders and artists created Australia’s most famous building.
Later, the day is yours to play with. Lose yourself in nature at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, admire the collection of indigenous paintings at the Art Gallery of New South Wales or hop aboard a scenic 30-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf.
Chug past Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and the Prime Minister’s residence, before arriving at the suburb of Manly, where stunning golden beaches rub shoulders with surf shops, cafés and restaurants, and pretty coastal walks boast views of the Pacific Ocean.
After a delicious lunch overlooking Sydney Harbour, we’ve arranged a leisurely sightseeing cruise for unbeatable views of the city’s iconic landmarks. As you sail along its coastline, you might even spot a penguin or seal bobbing around. The cheerful crew love to rave about the city’s history and what makes it so special, so feel free to ask as many questions as you like – they’re sure to have great suggestions of things to do and see in Sydney after your ride.
Say goodbye to Sydney, because you’re heading to Hamilton Island for a three-night stay in a tropical oasis, complete with coral-fringed beaches and lush rainforest trails. This morning, you’ll be privately transferred to the airport for a short two-and-a-half-hour flight, and on landing, another driver will take you to your hotel that overlooks the sparkling sea.
Located just off the Queensland coast in the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island is the largest inhabited island among the 74 that make up the Whitsunday archipelago. Unwind on a terrace or balcony with a cooling drink in hand as you acclimatise to your new surroundings, ready for exploring tomorrow.
Today’s all yours to explore this beautiful island. Most people get around by foot or in golf buggies, so you won’t bump into many cars or buses (more likely some of the island’s free-roaming wallabies).
Quiet roads wind up to stunning viewpoints of the azure sea and sun-drenched beaches that are the starting point for trips to the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest collection of coral reefs. From windsurfing and private catamaran cruises to paddleboarding and kayaking in shallow waters (look out for peaceful swimming green turtles) there’s plenty to do.
Afterwards, check out the boutique shops for resort-ready fashion, and dine in laidback waterfront eateries or upscale restaurants with local seafood menus and Asian-inspired dishes.
Always wanted to try snorkelling? You’re in luck – this idyllic island is blessed with some of the best snorkelling spots in the country. Today’s adventure is a snorkelling trip with a local crew, who’ll take you to the best areas depending on the weather and tide times. One of the bays has pristine coral, full of underwater valleys, caves and passages, where you can marvel at hordes of different colourful fish and creatures.
Fancy seeing this stunning island from the skies? We can also arrange a seaplane tour over the archipelago that soars above the Great Barrier Reef, including Heart Reef and pristine Whitehaven Beach (don’t forget your camera). Keep your eyes peeled for whales, sharks and rays as they glide below in the ocean.
Goodbye, island life, it’s back to the mainland today: your next destination is Brisbane, also known as Australia’s ‘Sunshine Capital’. After breakfast, you’ll be privately transferred to the airport for an hour-and-a-half flight, and, after landing, to your centrally located hotel for a three-night stay. For the rest of the day, settle into your new surroundings and take a stroll around the neighbourhood. Come dinner, your local Concierge can recommend their favourite spots for a bite to eat, whatever you’re in the mood for.
The next couple of days are yours to explore the city famous for its year-round sunshine, subtropical climate and laidback, outdoorsy lifestyle – and as the upcoming host for 2032’s Olympic and Paralympic Games, of course.
During your stay, visit Fortitude Valley for some of the city’s best boutiques and restaurants. Spend lazy afternoons under the jacaranda trees at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha or New Farm Park, before heading to the Brisbane Powerhouse – a former 1920s power station home to contemporary art, festivals, restaurants and performance venues.
We’ve also arranged a half-day city tour with a local guide, which can be tailored to your interests.
Today, you’re flying to Queenstown in New Zealand for the next leg of your adventure, so be up and at ’em for your private transfer to the airport (flights take around three-and-a-half hours). On arrival, pick up your rental car and make the spectacularly scenic 50-minute drive to the tiny settlement of Glenorchy, for a three-night stay in a secluded cottage on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
Film buffs might recognise this magical landscape from the Lord of The Rings trilogy and The Chronicles of Narnia, with the shimmering lake, dense beech forests and cloud-shrouded mountain peaks.
Over the next two days, explore Glenorchy and its surroundings at your own pace. Adventurous types might enjoy jet boating on the Dart River or hiking a section of the scenic Routeburn Track towards the snow-capped mountains of the Southern Alps. For more laidback (but no less exciting) activities, take a walk around the beautiful Glenorchy lagoon along the boardwalk, or if you’re a Middle Earth fan, check out iconic filming locations near Paradise, around a 30-minute drive away.
Today’s adventure is a drive to Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland National Park, where you’ll spend two nights at a charming hotel. The spectacular drive takes around three hours, past wide-open plains crisscrossed with streams and flanked by the dramatic Eyre Mountains. After arriving, check out the picturesque town and grab a bite to eat, before enjoying some R&R, ready for exploring tomorrow.
Te Anau (meaning ‘the cave of swirling water’ in Maori) is just a two-hour drive away from the otherworldly beauty of Milford Sound, a spectacular fiord with inky water, plunging waterfalls and misty-topped mountains. It’s also home to rare wildlife including Hector’s dolphins and Fiordland crested penguins. Prefer a hike? The Milford Track winds through ancient rainforests, past photo-worthy waterfalls and valleys carved by glaciers. Another must-see is the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, where you can take an underground boat ride and gaze at the sparkling glowworms above as you drift along.
Next up is two nights in the Catlins, about a two-and-a half hour’s drive away on the southeastern corner of the South Island. Hunker down for a two-night stay in a cottage on a private nature reserve, where you can experience its wild landscape of rugged cliffs, deserted beaches, river valleys and ancient forests. Get an early night, as you’ll be rising bright and early for an adventure in nature tomorrow...
At dawn, a local guide will take you on a nature walk. Spot hoihos (yellow-eyed penguins), fur seals bobbing in the ocean and native birds including tuis, bellbirds and mohua. At your own pace, explore the Cathedral Caves at Waipati Beach, the Purakaunui Falls (a thundering three-tiered waterfall) and Curio Bay, where at low tide, a Jurassic-era fossilised forest is uncovered. Want to see some Hooker’s sea lions (who doesn’t)? Take a stroll to the lighthouse at Nugget Point and see them dozing on the islets known as ‘nuggets’.
Fuel up on a hearty breakfast this morning because you’re heading north to Wanaka, a four-hour drive away, for a two night-stay in a charming cottage near Lake Wanaka. The Otaga region’s vast open plains, river gorges and rugged landscapes attract keen hikers and mountain bikers, while its scenic wineries are famed for producing the best pinot noir in the world.
Once you’ve settled into your accommodation, explore the relaxed lakeside town for the rest of the day. Stroll along the waterfront, peruse the local shops or enjoy a glass of local wine in one of the town’s independent bars. When hunger strikes, there’s no shortage of excellent eateries in the area (consult our Dossier for a list of our favourites).
During your stay, hop aboard a boat trip to Mou Waho Island, for a guided nature walk to the summit of Tyrwhitt Peak. After a 20-30 minute climb to the top, there’s a hidden glacial lake and magnificent panoramic views. Along the way, look out for cheeky wekas, (also called Maori Hens), curious flightless birds who love to steal shiny objects.
Today, take a 30 to 45-minute boat ride from the marina to Mou Waho Island – located in the middle of Lake Wanaka – for a guided nature walk to the summit of Tyrwhitt Peak. After a 20-minute climb to the top, admire a hidden glacial lake and magnificent panoramic views as far as the eye can see. Along the way, look out for cheeky weka rails (also called Maori Hens), which are curious flightless birds who love to steal shiny objects...
After a bright and early breakfast, drive north to Twizel for a two-night stay in a charming guesthouse. It’s the largest town in the Mackenzie Basin region, famed for New Zealand’s highest mountains, largest glaciers, glacial turquoise lakes, golden tussock grasslands and starry skies. The journey only takes about one hour and 40 minutes, so once you’ve settled in, there’s plenty of time for adventure or relaxation.
Twizel is the gateway for exploring the breathtaking Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park – where its mighty mountain rises to 12,220ft (Aoraki in Maori means ‘cloud piercer’). Just under an hour’s drive away from Twizel, take your pick from the park’s world-class walking trails, such as the Hooker Valley Track and the Sealy Tarns Track (both feature jaw-dropping views). As well as thrilling adventure sports and outdoor activities, the region is a hotspot for stargazing. Visit the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve for stellar views of the Milky Way, try your hand at astro photography or learn about Maori astronomy and culture during its Dark Sky Experience, featuring interactive multi-media displays.
It’s your last full day in New Zealand and you’re heading to Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city, for an overnight stay. The drive takes around three-and-a-half hours, following the Waitaki River almost to the coast before turning north.
Christchurch blends charming heritage buildings, modern architecture, art spaces, eye-popping street art and a buzzing food and drink scene – perfect for celebrating the end of your trip.
A devastating earthquake struck in 2011, destroying half the buildings in the centre. Despite this tragedy, it’s since been rebuilt into a vibrant city: check out the small Quake City museum to discover how the natural disaster has reshaped it today.
Nicknamed the ‘Garden City’, Christchurch has an abundance of green space, so be sure to visit the Botanic Gardens for a stroll and admire its exotic and native plants. Another must-see is the Christchurch Art Gallery, which features local and international art.
Sadly, your epic adventure has come to an end. Take one final stroll around the city to soak up the atmosphere before dropping your hire car at the airport and catching your flight home. The journey time to the UK is about 30 hours, including one or two connecting flights.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire now
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire now
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire now
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
