Best of Australia & New Zealand Grand Tour
17 Days | Australia, New Zealand
Overview
The ultimate Australasia experience spanning 17 days across two extraordinary countries. From the iconic Sydney Opera House and Melbourne's laneways to Queenstown's adrenaline-charged landscapes, the serene majesty of Milford Sound, and Auckland's harbour city charm — this grand tour showcases the very best of both nations.
Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Sydney
Arrive at Sydney International Airport and transfer to your hotel overlooking Darling Harbour. Spend the afternoon at leisure — take a walk to Circular Quay for your first views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge glowing in the afternoon light. Join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at a harbourside restaurant.
Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Sydney CBD
Sydney Icons
Begin with a guided backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House, discovering its architectural genius and performance spaces. After lunch, gear up for the exhilarating Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, ascending to the summit for 360-degree views of the city, harbour, and ocean. End the day with a sunset ferry ride to Manly Beach.
Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Sydney CBD
Sydney at Leisure
A free day to explore Sydney your way. Choose from optional activities such as a Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, shopping in Paddington, or a day trip to the Blue Mountains. The vibrant neighbourhoods of Surry Hills and Newtown offer fantastic cafés and street art for those who prefer a relaxed urban exploration.
Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Sydney CBD
Sydney to Melbourne
Fly to Melbourne, Australia's cultural capital. Upon arrival, explore the famous laneways and arcades adorned with street art, starting with Hosier Lane and Degraves Street. In the afternoon, join a guided culinary tour through the Queen Victoria Market, sampling artisan cheeses, fresh produce, and local delicacies.
Accommodation: 4-star boutique hotel in Melbourne CBD
Great Ocean Road
Set out on one of the world's most scenic coastal drives — the Great Ocean Road. Pass through charming surf towns, stop at Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet, and walk through the lush Otway Rainforest. The day's climax is the Twelve Apostles, towering limestone stacks rising dramatically from the Southern Ocean.
Accommodation: 4-star boutique hotel in Melbourne CBD
Melbourne Culture & Cuisine
Explore Melbourne's thriving arts scene with a visit to the National Gallery of Victoria and Federation Square. Wander through the Royal Botanic Gardens and take a stroll along the Yarra River. The afternoon is free to explore the suburb of Fitzroy or St Kilda, or catch a match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground if available.
Accommodation: 4-star boutique hotel in Melbourne CBD
Melbourne to Queenstown
Fly from Melbourne to Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu with the Remarkables mountain range as a backdrop. After checking in, take the Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak for panoramic views and enjoy a thrilling luge ride back down. Explore Queenstown's lakeside restaurants for dinner.
Accommodation: 4-star lakeside hotel in Queenstown
Queenstown Adventure Day
A full day dedicated to adventure in Queenstown. Choose your thrill — options include bungee jumping at the original Kawarau Bridge, jet boating through the Shotover Canyon, or a scenic skydive with mountain and lake views. For a gentler pace, take a vintage steamship cruise on the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm.
Accommodation: 4-star lakeside hotel in Queenstown
Milford Sound Day Cruise
Depart early for Milford Sound, driving through the Homer Tunnel and past the Mirror Lakes of Fiordland National Park. Board a scenic cruise through the fiord, gliding beneath towering peaks, past cascading waterfalls like Stirling Falls, and keeping watch for dolphins, seals, and penguins. Enjoy lunch on board before returning to Queenstown.
Accommodation: 4-star lakeside hotel in Queenstown
Queenstown to Wanaka & Arrowtown
Take a scenic drive over the Crown Range to the picturesque lakeside town of Wanaka, known for its famous lone tree and relaxed atmosphere. Explore Puzzling World and enjoy coffee by the lake. Continue to the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown, where you can pan for gold and browse the charming heritage main street. Return to Queenstown in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: 4-star lakeside hotel in Queenstown
Queenstown to Rotorua
Fly from Queenstown to Rotorua in the North Island, the geothermal heartland of New Zealand. Visit Te Puia to see the thundering Pohutu Geyser and learn about Maori carving and weaving traditions. In the evening, experience an authentic Maori cultural evening with traditional songs, dances, and a hangi feast.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Rotorua
Rotorua & Hobbiton
Spend the morning at the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, marvelling at the Champagne Pool's vivid orange and green hues and the bubbling mud pools. In the afternoon, travel to the Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata for a guided tour through the lush Shire, visiting hobbit holes and ending with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Rotorua
Rotorua to Auckland
Depart Rotorua and travel north through the Waikato region's rolling green countryside to Auckland. En route, stop at the charming town of Cambridge, known as the town of trees and thoroughbreds. Arrive in Auckland and explore the bustling Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter waterfront precinct.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Auckland CBD
Auckland City & Harbour
Ascend the Sky Tower for breathtaking views over Auckland, the Hauraki Gulf, and the surrounding volcanic cones. Enjoy a harbour cruise past Devonport and Rangitoto Island, learning about Auckland's maritime heritage. In the afternoon, visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum for its impressive collection of Maori and Pacific Island artefacts.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Auckland CBD
Waiheke Island Day Trip
Take a scenic ferry to Waiheke Island, Auckland's island paradise known for its award-winning vineyards and olive groves. Visit two boutique wineries for tastings of world-class Syrah and Bordeaux-style blends, paired with a gourmet vineyard lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing on Oneroa Beach before catching the ferry back to the city.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Auckland CBD
Auckland Free Day & Farewell
A free day to explore Auckland at your own pace. Browse the eclectic shops of Ponsonby, visit the vibrant Otara Market for Pacific Island culture, or take a ferry to the charming seaside village of Devonport. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner celebrating an unforgettable journey across Australia and New Zealand.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Auckland CBD
Departure from Auckland
Enjoy a final breakfast before your transfer to Auckland International Airport. Reflect on 17 remarkable days spanning two incredible countries. Depart with lifelong memories of Australia and New Zealand's finest landscapes, cultures, and experiences.
What's Included
- 16 nights accommodation in 4 to 5-star hotels and lodges
- Daily breakfast and 5 dinners
- Airport transfers in all cities
- All intercity ground transportation and 3 domestic flights
- Sydney Harbour Bridge climb experience
- Sydney Opera House guided backstage tour
- Great Ocean Road full-day tour
- Milford Sound scenic cruise with lunch
- Hobbiton Movie Set tour
- Queenstown gondola ride and luge
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Meals not mentioned
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities
- Tips and gratuities
$6,499
per person (twin sharing)Need Help?
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