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Australia + New Zealand itinerary · by Michael Nees

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

Travellers visiting the Pacific often combine Australia and New Zealand in their travel itinerary. Distances in Australia are vast, so we recommend the use of domestic flights between key locations. When exploring Australia and New Zealand with an insider travel designer you'll be aware of the different seasons between the countries. Naturally this 3 weeks travel itinerary package 'down under' can be amended based on your travel interests. Stay at the right locations in Australia and make full use of the local tours in New Zealand. Experienced travellers will love this itinerary!

Highlights

  • Getting to know the hidden spots in Sydney with a local guide
  • Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and explore the lush Daintree Forest
  • Be amazed with the natural wonders of Kangaroo Island on a guided tour
  • Cruise the magic Milford Sound in the Fiordland National Park
  • Jet-boat up the Matukituki River into the Mt. Aspiring National Park
  • Kayak, walk and cruise the Abel Tasman National Park

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Arrive in Sydney

    Go through the arrival gates at Sydney Airport to meet your driver. You're about to explore one of the most beautiful cities in the world - stunning harbour views, golden beaches, exciting shopping, dining options galore and a vibrant nightlife.

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

  2. Day 2

    Sydney City Tour

    Take a guided tour from your city hotel - a great way to get a snapshot of Sydney! Begin with a drive around the historic Rocks precinct. Visit the first church in Australia, the Observatory and the cottages built by early convicts. Continue around Circular Quay, the Opera House and the Botanical Gardens. Sit on Mrs Macquarie's chair to absorb the views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

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

  3. Day 3

    Fly to Tropical Port Douglas

    Transfer back to Sydney Airport and take a direct domestic flight to Cairns (3 hours and 15 mins). Your Australia & New Zealand travel vacation package comes with airfares within Australia and to New Zealand. 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)

  4. Day 4

    Great Barrier Reef Sailing & Snorkelling

    Sail off in a luxury catamaran with a high level of service. Cruise The Great Barrier Reef, a kaleidoscope of marine life. Visit a stunning tropical island and snorkel in the playground of green turtles, parrot fish and fusiliers. Explore the tranquil waters off the Low Isles lagoon. Enjoy a fresh tropical fruit and seafood gourmet lunch on-board the Aquarius. Back on the island, take a guided walk to learn its fascinating history. Afternoon refreshments are served on the return back.

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

  5. Day 5

    Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation

    Get collected from your hotel for a drive through rich farm land towards the World Heritage forest region of the famous 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 rainforest. Seek out the vivid Ulysses Butterfly, Kingfishers and other wildlife. As you glide through silent backwaters, enjoy the sight of those magnificent crocodiles basking on the riverbanks.

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

  6. Day 6

    Fly to Uluru (Ayers Rock)

    A driver will transport you to Cairns airport. Take a domestic flight to Ayers Rock (either direct or via Alice Springs). Experience the powerful force of the real Australian outback. Here, the skyscrapers are made of rock and the best show in town is the million-star night-time display. This arid environment is home to unique animals, birds and reptiles. Wallabies, dingoes, emus, geckos and huge eagles are just some of the locals you're going to meet.

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

    • Optional extraSounds of Silence Dinner
    • Optional extraUluru Sunset Viewing Area
  7. Day 7

    Uluru & Kata Tjuta Guided Tour

    Tonight, guests can either join an outback tour or attend the Sound of Silence dinner.

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

  8. Day 8

    Fly to Adelaide

    Transfer back to Ayers Rock Airport and take a domestic flight to Adelaide in Southern Australia. Adelaide is a cosmopolitan city, renowned for its museums, art galleries and wine. This wine region is unique for its combination of rich European heritage and the fresh 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
  9. Day 9

    Kangaroo Island Day Tour

    Today you'll be treated to the highlights of South Australia's premier nature-based destination, Kangaroo Island. After pick-up from your hotel at 6:45am you'll be transferred to the Cape Jervis ferry terminal. Take a 45-minute ferry trip 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. After lunch, visit the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary to see koalas. Spend the afternoon at Flinders Chase National Park and walk around Remarkable Rocks to see New Zealand Fur Seals at play. Return to Adelaide in the evening.

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

    • HighlightOne Day Kangaroo Island Experience
  10. Day 10

    Fly to Melbourne

    Transfer from your Adelaide hotel to the airport to catch a domestic flight to Melbourne. A driver will meet you at the arrival hall. Melbourne is Australia's second largest city and known for its stately 19th-century buildings and tree-lined boulevards. At the centre of Melbourne is the modern Federation Square complete with plazas, bars, restaurants and cultural events along the Yarra River. In Southbank, the Melbourne Arts Precinct has a series of galleries displaying Australian and Indigenous art.

    Stay: QT Melbourne (opens in a new tab)

    • Optional extraQueen Victoria Market
  11. Day 11

    Melbourne & Phillip Island Penguins

    Seize the morning and taste your way around Melbourne's top foodie destinations. Take a shopping tour of the Queen Victoria Market or discover hidden secrets found in Melbourne's lanes. In the afternoon or evening, see Australian wildlife. A not-to-be-missed highlight is the Penguin Parade. Join a Wild Ocean Eco-Boat Tour, see the Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island Heritage Farm and Nobbies Centre.

    Stay: QT Melbourne (opens in a new tab)

  12. Day 12

    Fly to New Zealand - Te Anau

    After your time in Australia head over to New Zealand for the second part of your vacation. Fly from Melbourne to the Adventure Capital of New Zealand - Queenstown. Collect your rental car and drive to Te Anau/Fiordland, which is about 2 hours away. If you prefer a transfer service we can arrange this as well.

  13. Day 13

    Milford Sound Cruise & Walk

    Today, enjoy a tour of the beautiful Milford Sound. Your local guide will meet you at the accommodation. During the drive into Milford Sound (takes about 2 hours), you will be stopping at key scenic sites. After the scenic cruise in Milford Sound you'll have the opportunity to do some local guided walks into the Fiordland National Park.

    Stay: High Leys Lodge

    • HighlightMilford Coach, Cruise & Walk
    • HighlightMilford Sound Scenic Cruise
  14. Day 14

    Drive to Wanaka

    Travel via Queenstown to Wanaka.

  15. Day 15

    Wanaka Adventures

    Wanaka is located on the shore of sparkling Lake Wanaka. Adventure and lifestyle tour options are endless. From sky diving, jet boating, horse trekking to wine tasting and fine food. The Wanaka River Journey tour is the ideal combo and includes a guided walk through an ancient forest and a jet-boat ride down the Matukituki River. There are plenty of hiking trails and walks in the area as well!

    Stay: Wanaka Haven

    • HighlightWanaka River Journeys
    • Optional extraLake Wanaka Cruise & Island Nature Walk
    • Optional extraRob Roy Glacier Guided Walk
  16. Day 16

    Drive to Fox Glacier

    Take a 4 hour drive to Fox Glacier (or Franz Josef Glacier). Travel via Wanaka and Haast Pass. Stop at key scenic sites on the way. Take a short walk to the beautiful Blue Pools near Makarora. Just before you reach Haast, visit the Twin Falls. Take the lovely Shipwreck Cove walk along the West Coast main road. Take your time to explore on one of the most scenic roads in New Zealand. The terminal face of Fox Glacier is only five kilometres from the Fox township, so a late afternoon walk is possible.

    Stay: Distinction Fox Glacier Te Weheka Hotel

    • RecommendedLake Matheson
    • HighlightThe Helicopter Line Fox Glacier
  17. Day 17

    West Coast to Greymouth

    The West Coast region is one of the most sparsely populated parts of the country. There are few towns on the 600 kms of coastal road between Karamea and Jackson Bay. It is a visually stunning area of native forest and beaches. At Ross, explore the goldfield walkway and stop for a picnic by the shores of Lake Ianthe. A visit to the White Heron colony near Whataroa is a must-do. Stop at Hokitika for a coffee then visit the local museum. Hokitika is famous for Pounamu (Jade) and the gold rush from 1860-80.

    Stay: Breakers Boutique Accommodation

    • RecommendedPaparoa National Park
    • RecommendedPunakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
    • Optional extraWhite Heron Sanctuary Tour
  18. Day 18

    Great Coast Road to Abel Tasman

    The Great Coast Road is one of Lonely Planet's Top 10 Coastal Drives and connects between Greymouth and Westport. Travel by the ancient limestone cliffs of Paparoa National Park, home to the world's smallest penguin. Stop on the way to go underground rafting at Charleston or caving at Fox River. Visit the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki. Continue north on Highway 6 through the dramatic Buller Gorge.

    Stay: Kina Beach Vineyard

    • RecommendedWorld of Wearable Arts
    • RecommendedWheelie Fantastic Cycle Tours
  19. Day 19

    Abel Tasman National Park

    The beautiful Nelson-Tasman region contains New Zealand's smallest National Park, the Abel Tasman National Park. Golden beaches and azure waters stretch from Kaiteriteri to Collingwood in Golden Bay. Walk at least one of the inland tracks through the centre of the park. Visit nearby Marahau, then take a short drive to Kaiteriteri Beach - a popular holiday spot with a beautiful swimming beach.

    Stay: Kina Beach Vineyard

    • HighlightAbel Tasman Charters Taranui
    • Optional extraAbel Tasman Kayaks
    • Optional extraAbel Tasman Aqua Taxi
  20. Day 20

    Fly to Rotorua

    Discover the heart of the North Island and its stunning landscapes. The Rotorua and Lake Taupo region is situated in New Zealand's volcanic heartland and is rich in Maori tradition. There are a number of recommended thermal areas to visit - Orakei Korako, Waiotapu and the Waimangu Valley. Arrive in Rotorua in the afternoon, considered to be the capital of Maori culture. Do some mountain biking, join a farm tour or fly by helicopter to a spectacular volcano.

    Stay: Regent of Rotorua

  21. Day 21

    Departure Day

    Your Australia and New Zealand travel journey comes to an end today. Travel to Auckland and depart for Sydney in the afternoon. Note, we can adjust the schedule subject to your international flight out of Sydney.

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