A Taste of Australia and New Zealand's Wine and Wilderness Itinerary

Welcome to Melbourne, Australia's cultural capital. On arrival, you'll be transferred to your accommodation and have the remainder of the day at leisure. Explore the city's famous laneways, waterfront precincts, cafés, galleries, and vibrant dining scene as you ease into your Australian adventure.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Private airport transfer
• Explore Melbourne at leisure
• 2 nights in Melbourne

Suggested Accommodation:

Enjoy a small-group journey to Phillip Island, renowned for its wildlife and dramatic coastal scenery. Visit native wildlife reserves, meet kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, and emus, and take in spectacular ocean views at The Nobbies and Point Grant. This evening, witness the world-famous Penguin Parade as little penguins emerge from the ocean and waddle ashore to their burrows.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Phillip Island small-group tour
• Native wildlife encounters
• Penguins Plus viewing experience

Collect your rental vehicle and journey into the picturesque Yarra Valley, one of Australia's premier wine regions. En route, enjoy a VIP wildlife experience at Healesville Sanctuary, where you'll discover Australia's unique wildlife alongside an expert ranger.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Rental car collection
• VIP Healesville Sanctuary tour
• Wildlife encounters with koalas, kangaroos, & other wildlife
• 2 nights in Yarra Valley

Ready to make the journey yours? Enquire online to start planning your very own Australian experience.

Suggested Accommodation: 

Today enjoy the De Bortoli Locale Premium Experience, featuring a seasonal chef's menu showcasing local produce paired with premium Yarra Valley wines. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing amongst vineyards, cellar doors, and scenic countryside.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Lunch
• Wine pairings throughout lunch
• Explore Yarra Valley at leisure

Return your rental vehicle and fly north to tropical Queensland. On arrival in Cairns, collect your vehicle and travel to Port Douglas. Set between the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, Port Douglas offers a relaxed tropical atmosphere, palm-fringed beaches, and excellent dining.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Flight to Cairns
• Scenic transfer to Port Douglas
• 3 nights in Port Douglas

Suggested Accommodation:

Experience Australia's unique wildlife with a private tour at Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas. Hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, visit the koala enclosure, and learn about local conservation initiatives while exploring rainforest, wetland, and savannah habitats.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Private wildlife experience
• Koala encounter
• Kangaroo and wallaby feeding
• Conservation centre visit

Explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest on a full-day guided adventure. Cruise the Daintree River in search of crocodiles, walk beneath towering rainforest canopies, travel along the Bloomfield Track, and visit the spectacular beaches of Cape Tribulation where rainforest meets reef.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Lunch
• Daintree River cruise
• Cape Tribulation exploration
• Guided rainforest walks

Travel by boat to Green Island, a tropical coral cay surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef. Spend the afternoon enjoying included activities such as snorkelling, glass-bottom boat tours, and beach relaxation. After the day visitors depart, enjoy the island's peaceful atmosphere.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Green Island boat transfer
• Snorkelling equipment
• Glass-bottom boat experience
• 2 nights in Green Island

Suggested Accommodation: 

Venture beyond Green Island to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel amongst vibrant coral gardens, cruise in a semi-submersible, visit the underwater observatory, or simply relax and admire one of the world's most spectacular marine environments.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Lunch
• Outer Great Barrier Reef cruise
• Snorkelling experience
• Underwater observatory

Return to Cairns and fly south to Brisbane before continuing to Queensland's beautiful Sunshine Coast. Stretching from coastal villages to rainforest-covered hinterland, the Sunshine Coast offers a wonderful blend of beachside relaxation, scenic landscapes, and charming country towns.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Flight to Brisbane
• Rental vehicle collection
• 3 nights in Sunshine Coast

Suggested Accommodation:

Enjoy a relaxed day exploring the charming hinterland village of Montville. Browse boutique shops, art galleries, local cafés, and scenic lookouts overlooking the coastline and surrounding rainforest.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Explore Montville at leisure
• Sunshine Coast Hinterland scenery
• Boutique shopping and cafés

Experience a VIP day at Australia Zoo with exclusive behind-the-scenes access. Meet wildlife up close, enjoy private animal encounters, and learn from expert keepers during this immersive conservation-focused experience.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Australia Zoo Platinum Adventure
• VIP animal encounters with rhino & meerkats
• Exclusive behind-the-scenes access

Travel to Sydney, Australia's iconic harbour city. This evening, enjoy a sunset dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour, taking in spectacular views of the city skyline, harbour bridges, and waterfront landmarks.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast, dinner
• Flight to Sydney
• Sydney Harbour Sunset Cruise 
• 3 nights in Sydney 

Suggested Accomodation: 

Enjoy a free day to explore Sydney at your own pace. Visit the Opera House, stroll around Circular Quay, relax at Bondi Beach, discover historic neighbourhoods, or enjoy the city's renowned dining and shopping scene.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Explore Sydney at leisure
• Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens

Make it yours
Venture beyond Sydney on a Blue Mountains experience, combining breathtaking natural scenery with a journey on a beautifully restored heritage steam train.

Today enjoy a unique overnight experience at Taronga Zoo overlooking Sydney Harbour. Enjoy exclusive animal encounters, behind-the-scenes experiences, and unforgettable harbour views from your safari-style accommodation.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Taronga Zoo admission
• Exclusive encounters
• Sydney Harbour views
   

Fly across the Tasman Sea to Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. Known as the "City of Sails," Auckland combines beautiful harbours, volcanic landscapes, excellent dining, and a relaxed waterfront lifestyle.

Accommodation: Auckland – 4 Nights

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Flight to Auckland
• 4 nights in Auckland

Suggested Accommodation:

Join an eco-cruise into the Hauraki Gulf in search of whales, dolphins, seabirds, and other marine wildlife. Learn from onboard marine biologists while contributing to ongoing conservation and research initiatives.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Whale & Dolphin Conservation Cruise
• Marine wildlife encounters
• Onboard marine biologist guides

Make it yours
Elevate your Auckland stay with a three-course dining experience at Orbit 360°, combining exceptional cuisine with breathtaking 360-degree views from the top of the city.

Cruise to Waiheke Island for a gourmet food and wine experience. Sample boutique wines, fresh oysters, artisan foods, olive oils, and local delicacies while enjoying stunning island scenery.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Waiheke Island ferry transfers
• Gourmet food tastings
• Boutique vineyard visits

Discover one of New Zealand's most successful conservation projects on Tiritiri Matangi Island. Join a guided walk through native forest and open grasslands while searching for rare birds and learning about the island's remarkable restoration story.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Return ferry to Tiritiri Matangi Island
• Guided nature walk
• Conservation sanctuary visit

Collect your rental vehicle and travel south to Rotorua. Known for its geothermal activity and rich Māori heritage, Rotorua is home to bubbling mud pools, geysers, steaming lakes, and cultural experiences unlike anywhere else in New Zealand.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Rental car collection
• 2 nights in Rotorua

Suggested Accommodation:

Visit the National Kiwi Hatchery and learn about New Zealand's iconic national bird and important conservation efforts. Later, soar through ancient native forest on an exhilarating canopy tour featuring zip lines, suspension bridges, and elevated walkways.

Inclusions at a glance:

• National Kiwi Hatchery Tour
• Ultimate Canopy Tour
• Native forest zipline adventure

Make it yours
Finish the day with a traditional hāngī buffet dinner and experience the flavours and culture of Māori hospitality.

Explore Waimangu Volcanic Valley with a scenic walk and boat cruise across Lake Rotomahana. Continue to Napier, New Zealand's Art Deco capital, renowned for its architecture, wineries, and coastal setting.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Waimangu Volcanic Valley entry
• Lake Rotomahana boat cruise
• 3 nights in Napier

Approximate Distance: 220 km | 137 miles Total Driving Time: 2 hours 45 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

Travel by 4WD across dramatic coastal farmland to Cape Kidnappers. Visit the world's largest accessible mainland gannet colony and enjoy spectacular views of Hawke's Bay's rugged coastline.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Cape Kidnappers Gannet Safari
• 4WD coastal excursion
• Wildlife viewing opportunities
• Expert local commentary

Discover Hawke's Bay's celebrated wine region. Visit boutique wineries, sample award-winning wines, and enjoy local produce while exploring one of New Zealand's premier food and wine destinations.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Lunch
• Guided wine tour
• Multiple winery visits
• Wine tastings

Travel south to Wellington, New Zealand's vibrant capital city. Nestled between hills and harbour, Wellington is known for its arts scene, cafés, museums, and creative culture.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Scenic drive to Wellington
• Capital city culture and cuisine
• 2 nights in Wellington     

Approximate Distance: 320 km | 199 miles Total Driving Time: 4 hours

Suggested Accommodation: 

Experience Zealandia after dark on a guided wildlife tour. Search for kiwi, tuatara, glowworms, and native birds within this remarkable urban eco-sanctuary.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Zealandia Night Tour
• Guided wildlife experience
• Glowworm viewing
• Kiwi spotting opportunities

Make it yours
Enhance your day with a visit to Te Papa, where interactive exhibits, Māori treasures, and fascinating national stories provide a deeper understanding of New Zealand before your Zealandia adventure.

Travel to remote Stewart Island, one of New Zealand's most untouched wilderness destinations. With most of the island protected as national park, this is a haven for native wildlife, walking tracks, and pristine landscapes.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Flight to Stewart Island
• Pristine wilderness and native birdlife
• 3 nights in Stewart Island

Suggested Accommodation:

Explore the predator-free sanctuary of Ulva Island with an expert nature guide. This evening, venture into the darkness in search of Stewart Island's famous wild kiwi population.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Ulva Island guided walk
• Wildlife and birdwatching
• Evening kiwi spotting tour
   

Enjoy a free day to discover Stewart Island at your own pace. Walk coastal tracks, enjoy birdwatching, explore the village, or simply relax and soak up the island's peaceful atmosphere.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Free day at leisure
• Native birdlife and coastal scenery
   

Travel to Dunedin, often referred to as the “Edinburgh of the South”. Known for its Scottish heritage, Victorian architecture, and vibrant wildlife, Dunedin offers a fascinating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Flight and travel arrangements
• Scenic transfer to Dunedin
• 2 nights in Dunedin 

Suggested Accommodation:

Discover one of New Zealand’s richest wildlife regions on a comprehensive Otago Peninsula tour. Search for yellow-eyed penguins, sea lions, fur seals, and royal albatross while enjoying a scenic wildlife cruise.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Otago Peninsula wildlife tour
• Wildlife cruise
• Royal Albatross viewing
• Penguin and seal encounters

Travel north along the coast, stopping at the famous Moeraki Boulders. Continue to Oamaru and this evening enjoy a premium viewing experience of the world's smallest penguins returning ashore after sunset.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Moeraki Boulders visit
• Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony Premium experience
• 1 night in Oamaru

Approximate Distance: 120 km | 75 miles Total Driving Time: 1 hour 45 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

Travel through Canterbury to the charming French-inspired harbour village of Akaroa. Nestled within an ancient volcanic crater, Akaroa offers beautiful harbour scenery, boutique shops, excellent dining, and abundant marine wildlife.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Scenic drive through Canterbury
• 2 nights in Akaroa

Approximate Distance: 330 km | 205 miles Total Driving Time: 4 hours

Suggested Accommodation: 

Experience one of New Zealand's most memorable wildlife encounters. Cruise Akaroa Harbour and swim alongside the rare Hector's Dolphin in its natural environment.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Dolphin swimming cruise
• Marine wildlife encounters
• Expert local crew

Travel to Christchurch, New Zealand's vibrant Garden City. This evening, enjoy a memorable dinner aboard the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant as you travel through the city's historic centre.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Christchurch heritage tram pass
• Four-course dining experience
• 3 nights in Christchurch

Suggested Accommodation: 

Explore Christchurch and the nearby Waipara wine region. Enjoy wine tastings, lunch at a vineyard, and panoramic views from the Port Hills overlooking the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Lunch
• Christchurch sightseeing
• Waipara wine region tour
• Wine tastings

Enjoy your final full day in New Zealand. Visit the Botanic Gardens, explore Riverside Market, punt along the Avon River, or simply relax and reflect on your journey.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Free day at leisure
• Explore Christchurch's gardens, cafes, and river precincts
• Riverside Markets

Make it yours
Add some excitement to your day with a thrilling zipline adventure, a scenic helicopter experience, or a privately guided tour highlighting Christchurch’s hidden gems and local stories.

Your Australia and New Zealand adventure comes to an end today. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, taking home unforgettable memories of spectacular landscapes, unique wildlife, and world-class food and wine experiences.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Private airport transfer
• Journey concludes in Christchurch