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Australia + New Zealand itinerary · by Michael Nees

16 days in Australia & New Zealand: day-by-day itinerary

There are many differences between Australia and New Zealand. With this 16 days travel itinerary, you will visit some amazing scenic spots. As a special highlight, Kangaroo Island is included in this itinerary. Kangaroo Island is often overlooked for this part of Australia, but it really is a hidden gem. In fact, this pristine island is considered by many as the 'Galapagos of Australia'. For the New Zealand segment of this travel package, you'll begin with discovering the magic of the South Island. You will visit stunning places such as Milford Sound - an absolute 'must see'. Also, by taking a domestic flight to the North Island, you will save travel time and experience more of what New Zealand has to offer!

Highlights

  • Discover the special spots found in Sydney with a local driver-guide
  • Explore the Great Barrier Reef - go snorkelling or intro diving
  • The Daintree rainforest is so worth enjoying with a local guide
  • Kangaroo Island is an amazing place with stunning wildlife and scenery
  • Zipline and tree-hop your way through a New Zealand forest near Rotorua
  • Experience the local Maori culture with a guided tour or show
  • Take a must-do Milford Sound scenic cruise combined with a Milford Track day tour
  • Enjoy an exhilarating jet-boat ride up the Dart River guided by the locals

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Arrive in Sydney

    Meet your driver at the arrival gate at Sydney Airport. Get ready to explore one of the most beautiful cities in the world - there's so much to enjoy - stunning harbour views, golden beaches, the endless dining options and a vibrant nightlife.

    Stay: The Grace Sydney (opens in a new tab)

  2. Day 2

    Sydney City Tour & Bondi Beach

    Get to know Sydney by taking a guided city tour. See the historic Rocks precinct, explore the famous Opera House and wander through the beautiful Botanical Garden - you'll get to sit on Mrs Macquarie's chair to absorb views of both the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Note: the Opera House 'Backstage' tour can be arranged at 7am before your Sydney City tour.

    Stay: The Grace Sydney (opens in a new tab)

  3. Day 3

    Fly to Tropical Port Douglas

    Transfer back to Sydney Airport for a direct domestic flight to Cairns (3 hours and 15 mins). From Cairns, you'll be transferred to the lush area of tropical Port Douglas (1 hour drive away). Your accommodation is located within the perimeters of this popular holiday village - that way, you'll only have a short walk to most amenities and pick-ups for tours.

    Stay: Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel (opens in a new tab)

  4. Day 4

    Great Barrier Reef Sailing & Snorkelling

    Sail away in the luxurious Aquarius Catamaran. This is a dedicated snorkel-only vessel with no more than 20 people on-board. Cruise to the Low Isles Island in the Great Barrier Reef - swim and snorkel alongside green turtles and parrot fish. Explore the Low Isles lagoon, before returning to the comfort of the Aquarius to enjoy a great gourmet lunch. Take an informal guided walk around the island, before cruising back to Port Douglas.

    Stay: Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel (opens in a new tab)

  5. Day 5

    Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation

    A driver guide will collect you from your hotel for the Daintree Tour. The tour begins with a drive towards the World Heritage forest region of the Daintree National Park. Step aboard a personalised craft for a cruise on the Daintree River. Cruise close to riverbanks and under the overhead canopy of the rain forest. Seek out the vivid Ulysses Butterfly, Kingfishers and other wildlife. As you glide along the silent backwaters, get your camera ready - you won't believe the size of those magnificent crocodiles!

    Stay: Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel (opens in a new tab)

  6. Day 6

    Fly to Adelaide

    Transfer back to Cairns Airport and take a domestic flight to Adelaide in Southern Australia. Adelaide is a cosmopolitan city, renowned for its museums, art galleries and wine. In fact, what makes this wine region so unique, is a combination of European heritage and the vitality of the Barossa lifestyle. There are many hidden treasures and much to see, including historic churches, cottages and famous wineries.

    Stay: The Playford Adelaide (opens in a new tab)

    • Optional extraAdelaide Central Market
    • Optional extraAdelaide Botanic Garden
    • Good to knowAdelaide
  7. Day 7

    Kangaroo Island Day Tour

    It's time to enjoy the highlights of South Australia's premier nature destination, Kangaroo Island. After pick-up at 6:45am, you'll take a brief ferry trip to Penneshaw to visit the Seal Bay Conservation Park. A Park Ranger will take you on a beach walk to see Australian Sea-lions. Stop for lunch in a beautiful bush setting at Vivonne Bay Bistro, then visit the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary to see koalas. Explore Flinders Chase National Park. Return to Adelaide via Rex Air at 7:30pm.

    Stay: The Playford Adelaide (opens in a new tab)

    • HighlightOne Day Kangaroo Island Experience
    • Good to knowKangaroo Island
  8. Day 8

    Fly to Auckland, New Zealand

    Today, you're going to fly across to beautiful New Zealand! Transfer back to Adelaide Airport and fly from Adelaide to Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. Transfer from the airport to your Auckland city hotel.

    Stay: Grand Millennium Auckland

    • Good to knowAuckland
  9. Day 9

    Waitomo Caves & Drive to Rotorua

    This morning, collect your rental car and start travelling to the Waitomo Caves (3 hours) - it's time to see the architectural beauty of stalactites. We have included the Ruakuri Cave tour, a walk through a dry cave (about 2 hours). If you want more adventure, go Black Water Rafting or do the Black Labyrinth tour by floating through the caves on a rubber tube. Alternatively, abseil through the darkness! End the day's adventure with a relaxing drive through the rural countryside to Rotorua (2.5 hours).

    Stay: Regent of Rotorua

    • HighlightRuakuri Cave Tour
    • Optional extraWaitomo Black Labyrinth
  10. Day 10

    Rotorua Geothermal & Maori Culture

    Plan for a full day in Rotorua. Visit the volcanic areas and hot pools around Rotorua. Take a sightseeing boat trip, then enjoy a traditional Hangi concert in the evening. Consider a Zipline adventure through the forest or relax by the lake with your fishing rod. A scenic flight over Rotorua and Tarawera is also an option. For some of the afternoon, soak in one of nature's hot springs or have a relaxing massage. If you are a keen Lord of the Rings fan, then a visit to the Hobbiton Village is a must-do.

    Stay: Regent of Rotorua

    • HighlightRotorua Canopy Tours
    • Optional extraMitai Maori Village
    • Optional extraVolcanic Air Scenic Flight
    • Optional extraHobbiton Movie Set
  11. Day 11

    Rotorua Geothermal Wonders

    Rotorua and the Lake Taupo region is famous for geothermal activity. Located within the Pacific Rim of Fire, these areas of bubbling mud pools, clouds of steam, and natural hot springs, are nature's wonderland. There are key thermal sites you should visit today.

    Stay: Regent of Rotorua

    • Optional extraOrakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave
    • Optional extraWai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
    • Optional extraWaimangu Volcanic Valley
    • RecommendedHuka Falls
    • Good to knowLake Taupo
  12. Day 12

    Fly to Te Anau / Fiordland

    Drop-off your rental car at the airport. Take a domestic flight to Queenstown or Invercargill (we will check the best flight connections for you). Collect another rental car outside the airport terminal carpark. We recommend the Southern Coastal route via Riverton and Tuatapere - here, the scenery is rugged, untamed and beautiful. The villages are small - classic New Zealand heartland! After arrival in Te Anau you might want to go for a late afternoon walk at the famous Kepler Track.

    Stay: Dock Bay Lodge

    • RecommendedRiverton
    • RecommendedKepler Track
  13. Day 13

    Milford Sound Cruise & Walk

    Look upon Te Anau as the gateway to the Fiordland National Park, New Zealand's hiking capital. Fiordland features a variety of unique wildlife, including penguins. Waterfalls cascade hundreds of metres into enormous fiords. The fiord cliffs rise vertically, and waterfalls are giant canons of power. Join a guided tour into Milford Sound - this includes a nature cruise in the fjord. You can opt for short walks with the nature guide or a guided morning walk on the famous Milford Track.

    Stay: Dock Bay Lodge

    • HighlightMilford Coach, Cruise & Walk
    • Optional extraMilford Track Guided Walk
  14. Day 14

    Drive to Queenstown

    Today, you'll have a very short 2.5 hour drive from Te Anau to Queenstown. Therefore, you will have plenty of time for more Fiordland walks or alternatively, action time in Queenstown. Queenstown is the Adventure Capital of New Zealand, with every variety of outdoor adventure you can imagine. Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the Queenstown scenery is stunning! Queenstown also has some of New Zealand's best boutique vineyards and is famous for Pinot Noir.

    Stay: Hidden Lodge Queenstown

    • Good to knowQueenstown
    • Optional extraArrowtown
    • Optional extraShotover Jet
  15. Day 15

    Dart River Safari & Paradise Tour

    As one of New Zealand's top destinations, Queenstown is a very busy place in the peak seasons. So if you're looking for a bit of tranquility, drive out from Lake Wakatipu to the village of Glenorchy. The scenery here will thrill you! Glenorchy is the starting point for the famous Dart River Safaris. This is a guided jet-boating trip and sightseeing trip which features Lord of the Rings location areas. For something extra special, consider a private 4WD farm tour with a local guide. We guarantee, you'll get an authentic experience of New Zealand's farming world.

    Stay: Hidden Lodge Queenstown

    • HighlightDart River Safaris
    • HighlightParadise Discovery Tour
  16. Day 16

    Departure Day

    Return your rental car to Queenstown airport and depart to Sydney. You may want to spend some more time either in New Zealand or Sydney. We can arrange this for you, so please feel free to.

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