20 Day Australia and New Zealand Adventure Self Drive Tour Itinerary

Fly onwards to Sydney, Australia’s oldest and most iconic city, blessed with a stunning natural harbour, golden beaches, and a blissful climate. Set on one of the world’s most beautiful harbours, Sydney dazzles year-round with its vibrant energy and striking architecture, including the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. 

Settle in with a stroll along Circular Quay, where the Harbour Bridge anchors one end and the Opera House the other. It’s a perfect introduction to this unforgettable city and one of the most iconic walks you can take in Australia.

Accommodation: Sydney - 4 Nights

Enjoy a scenic kayak adventure through Sydney Harbour with breathtaking views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and exclusive waterfront homes. Departing from Rose Bay, paddle to picturesque Milk Beach where you can relax, take photos, go for a swim, and admire sandstone rock formations. From there, continue across the sparkling water to Shark Island for a laid-back picnic with stunning harbour views. This experience combines gentle adventure, iconic landmarks, and the natural beauty of Sydney’s world-famous coastline.

Included Meals: lunch

Discover the stunning Blue Mountains on a boutique small-group tour with a flexible, off-the-beaten-path itinerary. Start with close encounters at Featherdale Wildlife Park, then explore hidden lookouts, rainforest trails, and scenic valleys guided by local experts. Enjoy short walks, cultural insights, and a relaxed lunch in a charming village. See major highlights like the Three Sisters while avoiding crowds. Tracks require moderate fitness; not suitable for children under five. Each day’s itinerary is tailored to ensure the best possible experience.

Meals: Lunch

Enjoy a free day to explore Sydney at your own pace. Take a ferry to Manly for a relaxed beach escape or cruise to Taronga Zoo, where animals and visitors enjoy spectacular harbour views. Adventurers can climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge or walk the Bondi to Bronte coastal trail. Food lovers will enjoy the Sydney Fish Market—pile your plate with freshly caught seafood and dine by the water. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or culinary delights, Sydney offers something for everyone and is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Welcome to Melbourne! On arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation

Victoria's capital, Melbourne, sits on the Yarra River and around the shores of Port Phillip Bay and is very much about lifestyle. It is no huge surprise to residents that their city has been ranked as one of the world's most liveable cities. Melburnians love the city's vibrant energy, restaurants, fashion boutiques, café-filled laneways, cool bars, unbeatable galleries, spacious parks and village-like inner suburbs, each with its own special character. Melbourne has a population of 3.9 million people, is less than 200 years old and never sits still.

Accommodation: Melbourne - 4 nights

This Great Ocean Road day tour is a full day spent exploring this truly majestic stretch of diverse coastline to take in its amazing array of spectacular attractions. Experience the roaring surf, white sand beaches, rocky outcrops and towering cliffs. Make stops at numerous beaches, lookouts and other scenic spots to allow you an opportunity to take plenty of snaps, as well as to simply relax while enjoying the stunning views. 

Highlights include the wildlife at Great Otway National Park, the seaside town of Apollo Bay, Port Campbell National Park, the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.

Explore Melbourne's bustling heart and vibrant corners with a leisurely stroll through winding laneways filled with colorful murals and cozy cafes, where locals gather for their daily brews. Head towards expansive green spaces, perfect for a picnic or simply relaxing by the water. As evening falls, the city's dynamic energy draws crowds to its lively venues, offering everything from live music to unique performances. 

Creatives, food lovers, and sports enthusiasts alike flock here to enjoy Melbourne's diverse and ever-changing atmosphere.

Enjoy a full-day small-group tour from Melbourne to Phillip Island, beginning with close encounters at Moonlit Sanctuary, where you can meet koalas and hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies. Visit Cape Woolamai’s dramatic surf beach, then walk the Nobbies boardwalk for sweeping views of the rugged South Coast. As the sun sets, take your place in the special Penguin Plus viewing area for the famous Penguin Parade as hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore. A relaxed and memorable way to experience Victoria’s natural highlights.

New Zealand’s second-largest city and the gateway to the South Island, Christchurch sits on the very edge of the Canterbury Plains and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean.  On arrival you will be transferred from the airport to your accommodation.

Discover Christchurch’s charm with a visit to the vibrant Riverside Market, alive with boutique shops, eateries, and fresh local produce. For a more tranquil experience, enjoy a private punting trip along the Avon River. Glide past historic buildings and the Botanic Gardens in a classic flat-bottomed boat, a peaceful and elegant way to explore the Garden City.

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is part of UNESCO's Te Wāhipounamu (The Place of Greenstone) World Heritage region. Here in Mackenzie Country, you'll find Australasia's highest mountain - Aoraki / Mount Cook (3,724m) - nestled in the splendid Southern Alps.

Known to Māori as Aoraki or Cloud Piercer, this magnificent mountain is surrounded by over 150 peaks along with countless glaciers, ice and snow fields, mountain lakes and ranges.

This Evening Stargazing: Discover the wonders of the universe at Mt Cook with expert-led stargazing in the world’s largest Dark Sky Reserve.

Approximate Distance: 311 km | 193 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Mount Cook - 2 Night

Experience the thrill of a helicopter flight over the stunning Ben Ohau mountain range and the majestic peaks of the Southern Alps. Enjoy a unique view of Aoraki / Mount Cook and take in the incredible alpine landing spot, allowing you to soak in the spectacular natural beauty. Take advantage of this unforgettable opportunity to witness the grandeur of Aoraki / Mount Cook from a unique and privileged perspective.

Take your time heading south this afternoon: you won't want to miss the spectacular scenery as it transforms from rugged ranges and mirror lakes to the winding Kawarau River Gorge. You will finally emerge into the lush green farmland surrounding Queenstown, your destination for tonight.

Approximate Distance: 241 kms | 150 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins 

Accommodation: Queenstown - 3 Nights

 This Morning: Start your day with a Gondola ride, taking you 480m up over Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob’s Peak. Enjoy spectacular views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter and Cecil Peak, and, of course, Queenstown.

This Evening: TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet Dinner BBQ. Cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. Sit back, relax and enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner prepared in front of you at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour before reboarding the Earnslaw for a sing-along by the piano as you sail back to Queenstown.

World famous as the ultimate jet boat experience, Shotover Jet has thrilled almost 4 million people since 1965, and now it’s your turn!

The spectacular Shotover Canyons. With high-performance, V8 twin engine boats designed specifically for the stretch of the river, we take you through our Canyons; riding the rapids and performing thrilling, gravity-defying stunts within a hair’s breadth of the awe-inspiring cliff faces. The boats are made for speed, travelling at up to 90 kilometres an hour in as little as 10 centimetres of water.

A unique combination of beauty and power, it’s an experience like no other, blending pristine natural landscape with wall to wall canyon action from start to finish. Hold on tight for our famous 360 degree spins!

Te Anau is a region of remarkable natural beauty, where pristine forests and lakes set the scene for several Lord of the Rings filming locations. Embrace the outdoors with activities like scenic flights, fly fishing, kayaking, sailing, or horse riding—each offering a unique way to connect with this stunning landscape. 

Glowworm Caves: A must-do experience is the cruise across Lake Te Anau to the glowworm caves. Wander through winding limestone passages, past cascading waterfalls and whirlpools, before reaching a silent grotto illuminated by thousands of glowworms—a magical, star-like display hidden deep underground.

Approximate Distance: 290 km | 180 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Te Anau - 2 Nights

Embark on a full-day guided walk to the spectacular Lake Marian, a hidden alpine gem tucked in a hanging valley surrounded by towering peaks. Begin with a scenic drive from Te Anau along the iconic Milford Road, with photo stops in Fiordland National Park. 

The hike starts gently alongside waterfalls and continues through lush forest filled with fuchsia, ribbonwood, and beech trees. Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch at a scenic spot before reaching the breathtaking lake. If weather conditions change, alternate short walks in the beautiful Hollyford Valley will be explored.

Moody, Dramatic and Stunning - Milford Sound is simply breathtaking. Home to some of the most awe-inspiring fjord scenery in the southern hemisphere, it is famed for the striking views of Mitre Peak towering at the fjord's head. These iconic vistas have captured the imagination of many, inspiring countless paintings, postcards, posters and even pictorial postage stamps, making it one of the most celebrated natural landscapes in the world. Whatever the fiord's mood, teeming with rain or with sun glistening on deep water, it will inspire you.

Approximate Distance: 117 km | 73 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 47 mins

Accommodation: Milford Sound - 2 Nights

Explore the stunning beauty of Milford Sound on this guided kayaking adventure, paddling a large loop through one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes. Take in breathtaking sights including the towering sea cliffs, the majestic Mitre Peak, and distant views of Pembroke Glacier. Stop for a relaxing lunch surrounded by dramatic scenery, then continue past waterfalls, watch for wildlife, and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring atmosphere of this natural wonder.

Queenstown is an ideal destination for those who appreciate both nature and culture. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast looking for tranquil lakeside walks or someone who loves to wander through local art galleries and boutique shops, this town has something for everyone. Stroll along the waterfront, take in stunning views, and discover the charm of Queenstown's lively streets. It's also perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a relaxing spot to unwind or explore at a slower pace while enjoying the fresh air and scenic surroundings.

Approximate Distance: 290 km | 180 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Queenstown - 1 Night

After an amazing trip, return your rental vehicle to Queenstown airport prior to your onward flight.

Today we say farewell. There may be time for some last minute excursions or shopping before you head home. We know you will enjoy your New Zealand holiday and our promise is to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a camera full of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon in Aotearoa, New Zealand.