2 weeks in Australia & New Zealand: day-by-day itinerary

Day by day

1. Day 1

   Arrive in Sydney

   Sydney is one of the most sought after destinations in Australia - the harbour views of this city are some of the best in the world - the dining is world class. However, Sydney is also famous for golden beaches and a very energetic nightlife.

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

   • Optional extraSydney Opera House (opens in a new tab)
   • Optional extraSEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
   • RecommendedManly Beach (opens in a new tab)
   • Optional extraThe Rocks
2. Day 2

   Sydney City Tour & Bondi Beach

   Sydney is a great introduction to this beautiful city. Check out the historic Rocks precinct, visit the first church in Australia, the Observatory and the convict-built cottages. Travel around Circular Quay, see the magnificent Sydney Opera House. Take your time exploring the gorgeous Botanical Gardens - don't forget to sit on Mrs Macquarie's chair - the views are sublime.

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

   • Optional extraThe Essentials Sydney Tour (opens in a new tab)
   • Optional extraBridgeClimb Sydney (opens in a new tab)
   • Good to knowBondi Beach (opens in a new tab)
3. Day 3

   Fly to Tropical Port Douglas

   Now for a dramatic change of scenery! Transfer back to Sydney Airport for a domestic flight direct to Cairns. From Cairns, take another transfer to the Port Douglas area - a one hour's drive. Time to enjoy a stay in the tropical holiday town of Port Douglas.

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

4. Day 4

   Great Barrier Reef Sailing & Snorkelling

   Sail away to the Great Barrier Reef in the luxury catamaran. The Aquarius is a dedicated snorkel only vessel with a very personalised level of service. Cruise to the stunning tropical Low Isles. The marine life here is colourful and plentiful. Swim and snorkel in the playground of green turtles, parrotfish and fusiliers. Relax on the return trip back to Port Douglas.

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

   • HighlightSailaway Outer Reef Tour (opens in a new tab)
   • Good to knowGreat Barrier Reef
5. Day 5

   Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation

   Enjoy a tour of the Daintree National Park, a World Heritage-listed forest region. Step aboard a purpose-built craft for a cruise on the calm waters of the Daintree River. Cruise by riverbanks close enough to enjoy the overhead canopy of the rainforest. See if you can spot the vivid Ulysses Butterfly, Kingfishers and other wildlife. Get your camera ready for those magnificent crocodiles basking in the sun.

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

   • Optional extraDaintree Wanderer Tour (opens in a new tab)
   • HighlightDaintree Cape Tribulation 4WD Bloomfield Track Day Tour (opens in a new tab)
   • RecommendedWildlife Habitat
   • Good to knowDaintree National Park
6. Day 6

   Fly to Queenstown, New Zealand

   Fly to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. Either collect a rental car or be met by a driver at the arrival hall for transfer to your accommodation. Queenstown provides every variety of adventure imaginable - para-gliding, jetboating, bungy jumping and more. Take in the sights of the majestic mountains surrounding Queenstown. Enjoy a walk on the shores of Lake Wakatipu - the scenery is stunning!

   Stay: Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel

7. Day 7

   Queenstown Adventures

   Explore the Queenstown region today. Depending on the weather, you could also take a scenic flight to Milford Sound which includes a cruise in the fjord.

   Stay: Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel

   • HighlightParadise Discovery Tour
   • Optional extraMilford Sound Scenic Flights
   • Optional extraShotover Jet
   • Optional extraDart River Safaris
8. Day 8

   Drive to Fox Glacier via Haast Pass

   Take a 5.5-hour drive to Fox Glacier (or Franz Josef Glacier) via Wanaka and Haast Pass. Take plenty of breaks by stopping at key scenic sites on the way. Enjoy a short walk to the lovely Blue Pools near Makarora. Visit the Twin Falls just before you get to Haast Pass. The Shipwreck Cove walk is a definite must-do. In fact, you'll be travelling on one of the most scenic roads in New Zealand. Arrive in the Fox township by late afternoon. Stay for 2 nights to explore the glacier and other attractions.

   Stay: Distinction Fox Glacier Te Weheka Hotel

   • Good to knowBlue Pools Walk
   • RecommendedShip Creek
   • RecommendedLake Matheson
9. Day 9

   West Coast to Greymouth

   The West Coast region is one of the most sparsely populated parts of the country. In fact, there are very few towns on the 600 km of coastal road between Karamea and Jackson Bay. However this area is visually quite stunning, with native forest and beaches. At Ross, stop at the goldfield walkway and have a picnic by the shores of Lake Ianthe. A visit to the White Heron colony near Whataroa is highly recommended. Have a coffee at the town of Hokitika - famous for New Zealand Pounamu (Jade) and the gold rush from 1860-80.

   Stay: Oak Lodge Homestay

   • HighlightFlying Fox Helihike
   • Optional extraWhite Heron Sanctuary Tour
   • RecommendedRoss Goldfield Walkway
   • RecommendedHokitika
10. Day 10

    Great Coast Road to Abel Tasman

    The Great Coast Road is Lonely Planet's Top 10 Coastal Drives in the world. This area serves to connect Greymouth and Westport. Travel along the Paparoa National Park, home to the world's smallest penguin. Try your hand at underground rafting at Charleston or go caving at Fox River. Visit the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki. Highway 6 will take you through the dramatic Buller Gorge. This section of the trip is crammed with great photo opportunities.

    Stay: Tasman Village Cottage

    • Good to knowPaparoa National Park
    • RecommendedPunakaiki Pancake Rocks
    • RecommendedCape Foulwind
11. Day 11

    Abel Tasman National Park

    New Zealand's smallest National Park, the Abel Tasman, is located in the Nelson-Tasman region. Golden beaches sit within sheltered coves - sparkling green waters stretch from Kaiteriteri to Collingwood in the Golden Bay. No visit to this region is complete without a walk along the beautiful coastal track. Remember to bring a few supplies and suitable hiking gear. Visit nearby Marahau, then take a short drive from Motueka to Kaiteriteri Beach - a favourite holiday spot with a beautiful beach.

    Stay: Tasman Village Cottage

    • HighlightAbel Tasman Charters Taranui
    • Optional extraR&R Kayaks
    • Good to knowAbel Tasman National Park
12. Day 12

    Fly to Rotorua

    Domestic flight to Auckland and travel to the heart of the North Island and to some of New Zealand's finest landscapes. The Lake Taupo region is the jewel of New Zealand's volcanic heartland. It is an area extremely rich in Maori tradition. Between Taupo and Rotorua, you'll get a great choice of thermal areas to visit. This afternoon, arrive in Rotorua, the very heart of Maori culture.

    Stay: Parkside Boutique Lodge

13. Day 13

    Rotorua Geothermal & Maori Culture

    Today will be full of exciting adventures in Rotorua. Visit the volcanic areas and hot pools around the town. Kick back and enjoy a traditional Hangi concert or a boat trip. For an adrenaline rush, go Ziplining through the forest. For something more laid-back, go fishing on the lake. You can start the morning with a scenic flight over Rotorua and Tarawera. Take a soak in one of nature's hot springs. A trip to an original Maori Village (Ohinemutu) and an evening Hangi concert with dinner is included in your itinerary.

    Stay: Parkside Boutique Lodge

    • HighlightRotorua Canopy Tours
    • RecommendedHobbiton Movie Set
    • RecommendedWaimangu Volcanic Valley
    • RecommendedWai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
    • Optional extraVolcanic Air Scenic Flight
    • Good to knowPolynesian Spa
14. Day 14

    Departure Day

    Depending on your flight departure, you still have some time in the morning to relax. Auckland is only a good 3-hour drive away. You can extend your stay to another location.

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