25 days in Australia, New Zealand & Fiji: day-by-day itinerary

Day by day

1. Day 1

   Arrive in Sydney

   Go through the arrival gates at Sydney Airport to meet your driver. Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities in the world with stunning harbour views, golden beaches, exciting shopping, dining and a vibrant nightlife.

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

   • Optional extraSydney Opera House (opens in a new tab)
   • RecommendedThe Rocks
2. Day 2

   Sydney City Tour & Bondi Beach

   Take a guided city tour around the historic Rocks precinct. Continue around Circular Quay, the Opera House and the magnificent Botanical Gardens. Sit on Mrs Macquarie's chair to absorb the excellent harbour views.

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

   • HighlightThe Essentials Sydney Tour (opens in a new tab)
   • HighlightBondi Beach (opens in a new tab)
   • Optional extraBridgeClimb Sydney (opens in a new tab)
3. Day 3

   Blue Mountains Day Tour

   The dramatic Blue Mountains have great bush walking trails. See Australia's first church and remnants of the past. Stop at Featherdale Wildlife Park and fall in love with Australia's Kangaroos and Koalas. Continue west to the Blue Mountains National Park then onward to Kings Tableland. After lunch at the charming village of Leura, take a 2-hour hike to the famous Three Sisters Rock Formation to enjoy nature at its best.

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

   • HighlightBlue Mountains High Country Eco Tour (opens in a new tab)
4. Day 4

   Fly to Tropical Port Douglas

   After transfer back to Sydney Airport, take a direct domestic flight to Cairns (3 hours and 15 mins). From Cairns, transfer to the Port Douglas area (1 hour drive away). Your accommodation is located in the tropical holiday town of Port Douglas.

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

5. Day 5

   Great Barrier Reef Sailing & Snorkelling

   Sail off in the luxurious Aquarius Catamaran, a dedicated snorkel-only vessel. Cruise to a stunning tropical island on the Great Barrier Reef. Swim and snorkel in the playground of green turtles and parrot fish. Explore the tranquil waters of the Low Isles lagoon then stop for a seafood gourmet lunch back on the Aquarius. Take a guided stroll around the island then take a relaxing cruise back to Port Douglas.

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

   • HighlightAquarius Sail & Snorkel Low Isles (opens in a new tab)
6. Day 6

   Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation

   Take a guided tour toward the World Heritage listed forest region of the Daintree National Park. Step aboard a personalised craft for a cruise on the mirrored waters of the Daintree River. Cruise under the overhead canopy of the rainforest to seek out the vivid Ulysses Butterfly and Kingfishers. Get your camera ready for those magnificent crocodiles.

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

   • HighlightDaintree Wanderer Tour (opens in a new tab)
7. Day 7

   Fly to Uluru (Ayers Rock)

   Transfer back to Cairns airport and take a domestic flight to Ayers Rock (either direct or via Alice Springs) to experience the real outback of Australia. The skyscrapers are made of rock and the night sky is spectacular. Wallabies and dingoes are just some of the locals you're likely to meet.

8. Day 8

   Uluru & Kata Tjuta Guided Tour

   Join a guided tour for a visit to the Kata-Tjuta (Olgas) and a walk into Walpa Gorge. Spend time in the Aboriginal Cultural Centre, before continuing onto the base of Uluru (Ayers Rock) to hear the dreamtime stories of the Anangu People and see Anangu rock art. Take a guided walk to the Mutitjulu Waterhole.

   Stay: Voyages Sails in the Desert Hotel (opens in a new tab)

   • HighlightUluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (opens in a new tab)
9. Day 9

   Fly to Adelaide

   Return to Ayers Rock Airport for a domestic flight to Adelaide in Southern Australia. Adelaide is renowned for its museums, art galleries and famous wineries. The wine region is unique for its combination of rich European heritage and the fresh vitality of the Barossa lifestyle.

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

   • Optional extraAdelaide Central Market
   • Optional extraAdelaide Botanic Garden
10. Day 10

    Kangaroo Island Day Tour

    Kangaroo Island is South Australia's premier nature-based destination. At 6:45am be transferred to the ferry terminal for a short ferry ride to Penneshaw to visit the Seal Bay Conservation Park. A Park Ranger will accompany you to see Australian Sea-lions. Enjoy a two-course lunch in a beautiful bush setting at Vivonne Bay Bistro, then visit the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary to see koalas. Spend the afternoon at 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
11. Day 11

    Fly to Queenstown, New Zealand

    Fly from Adelaide to Queenstown, the Adventure Capital of New Zealand. Collect a rental car or be driven to your accommodation. Queenstown is surrounded by majestic mountains and stunning scenery, and provides a huge variety of outdoor adventure. Enjoy a perfect combo of sophisticated dining, shopping and adventure.

    Stay: Hidden Lodge Queenstown

12. Day 12

    Milford Sound Scenic Flight & Cruise

    The ultimate way to experience the vastness of New Zealand's dramatic alpine scenery is by taking a scenic flight connection between Queenstown and Milford Sound. In Milford Sound, take a Scenic Cruise in a spacious and modern boat to see the vastness of the fjords. See dolphins and penguins at play and witness the power of cascading waterfalls. Fly back to Queenstown in the early afternoon.

    Stay: Hidden Lodge Queenstown

    • HighlightMilford Sound Scenic Flights
    • HighlightMilford Sound Scenic Cruise
    • Optional extraShotover Jet
13. Day 13

    Drive to Fox Glacier via Haast Pass

    Drive 5.5 hours to Fox Glacier (or Franz Josef Glacier) via Wanaka and Haast Pass. Stop at key scenic sites on the way. Take a short walk to the beautiful Blue Pools near Makarora, visit the Twin Falls and the Shipwreck Cove walk along the West Coast main road. Take your time to explore on one of the most scenic roads in New Zealand.

    Stay: Distinction Fox Glacier Te Weheka Hotel

    • RecommendedLake Matheson Loop Walk
    • Optional extraWaiatoto River Safari
14. Day 14

    Fox Glacier Helicopter Flight

    Nestled among the rainforest foothills of the Southern Alps, the Fox Glacier township provides quality accommodation and services. Access to Fox Glacier is provided by local companies offering guided walks, heli-hikes and scenic flights. Fox Glacier is famous for Lake Matheson's stunning mirror images of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Visit Gillespie Beach and walk the boardwalk through the lagoon.

    Stay: Distinction Fox Glacier Te Weheka Hotel

    • HighlightThe Helicopter Line Fox Glacier
15. Day 15

    West Coast to Greymouth

    The West Coast has very few towns between Karamea and Jackson Bay but this area has stunning native forest and beach scenery. Explore the goldfield walkway at Ross and stop for a picnic by the shores of Lake Ianthe. A visit to the White Heron colony near Whataroa is a definite highlight. Stop at Hokitika, famous for New Zealand Pounamu (Jade).

    Stay: Breakers Boutique Accommodation

    • Optional extraWhite Heron Sanctuary Tour
16. Day 16

    Great Coast Road to Abel Tasman

    The Great Coast Road is Lonely Planet's Top 10 Coastal Drives in the world and connects between Greymouth and Westport. Travel past ancient limestone cliffs of Paparoa National Park and stop on the way for underground rafting at Charleston or caving at Fox River. Visit the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki. Continue on Highway 6 through the dramatic Buller Gorge.

    Stay: Kina Beach Vineyard

    • RecommendedPunakaiki Pancake Rocks
    • RecommendedCape Foulwind
17. Day 17

    Abel Tasman National Park

    Within the beautiful Nelson-Tasman region lies the Abel Tasman National Park, a paradise of golden beaches and azure waters. Take a hike through the park on one of the coastal tracks. Visit nearby Marahau and Kaiteriteri Beach, a favourite holiday spot with a superb swimming beach.

    Stay: Kina Beach Vineyard

    • HighlightAbel Tasman Charters Taranui
18. Day 18

    Fly to Rotorua

    Fly from Nelson to Rotorua. Between Taupo and Rotorua, there are a number of recommended thermal areas, such as Orakei Korako, Waiotapu and the Waimangu Valley. Rotorua is the capital of Maori culture. Try some mountain biking, join a farm tour or fly by helicopter to an extinct volcano.

    Stay: Regent of Rotorua

19. Day 19

    Rotorua Geothermal & Maori Culture

    Spend a full day in Rotorua. Visit the hot pools around the town, zipline through the forest or go mountain biking. A scenic flight over Rotorua and Tarawera is part of your morning activity. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Maori hangi concert.

    Stay: Regent of Rotorua

    • HighlightMitai Maori Village
    • RecommendedWaimangu Volcanic Valley
    • RecommendedWai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
    • Optional extraVolcanic Air Scenic Flight
    • Optional extraRotorua Canopy Tours
    • Optional extraHobbiton Movie Set
20. Day 20

    Waitomo Caves & Drive to Auckland

    Take a 2-hour drive to nature's underground park, the Waitomo Caves. Choose a caving option. We have included the 2-hour Ruakuri Cave tour, but you might prefer the more active 3-4 hour Black Water Rafting, which includes swimming and walking through the cave. Continue on to Auckland.

    Stay: Novotel Auckland Airport

    • HighlightRuakuri Cave Tour
21. Day 21

    Fly to Fiji - Mamanuca Islands

    Most travellers usually depart from New Zealand in the morning via Air New Zealand and arrive in Nadi in the early afternoon. This ensures a smooth transfer out to one of the beautiful offshore island resorts. Transfer from the Airport to the ferry terminal is included in your package. Arrive to a world of stunning beaches, a balmy climate and relaxed island atmosphere. The Fijian people are incredibly friendly and the sheer natural beauty of Fiji will provide a sense of calm and wellbeing. Stay 4 nights.

22. Day 22

    Fiji Island Resort Day

    The choice of accommodation in Fiji is huge. Many resorts and hotels are located on the largest 2 islands of Fiji, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, while others are on smaller islands containing a small number of resorts or even a single resort. The facilities vary greatly, with some offering Day Spas, fully equipped gyms, lagoon-style pools and modern rooms.

23. Day 23

    Fiji Relaxation & Exploration

    Enjoy the resort facilities and explore the island. Some resorts have Day Spas, fully equipped gyms, huge lagoon-style pools and modern rooms with all the modern conveniences. Others cater for those wishing to escape the modern way of life. The recommended time to travel is in the cooler months between April to October.

24. Day 24

    Fiji Dolphin Watching & Cultural Show

    Today go on a Dolphin and Whale watching tour. Enjoy an evening cultural show where you may be invited to dance with the locals.

25. Day 25

    Departure Day

    Transfer back to Nadi airport and fly back to Auckland or Sydney. Depending on your other international flight departures, we may need to adjust this flight. You can also extend your stay to another location.

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