Essence of New Zealand, Australia and Fiji Itinerary

Welcome to Auckland! Upon arrival, transfer to your accommodation and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure discovering the waterfront and city surrounds at your own pace.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Private airport transfer
• Explore at your leisure
• 2 nights in Auckland

Make it yours:
Take in panoramic views from the Sky Tower with a romantic dinner overlooking the city lights as they come to life at night.

Suggested Accommodation: 

Escape to Waiheke Island, renowned for its boutique vineyards, and stunning coastal scenery. Visit three premium wineries, enjoy tastings, and learn about the island’s history and culture during a guided scenic tour.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast, lunch
• Return Waiheke Island ferry
• Guided boutique winery tastings 
   

Collect your rental vehicle and journey north to the historic seaside town of Russell in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand’s first seaport and early capital, surrounded by sheltered bays, beaches, and coastal scenery.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Rental vehicle collection
• 2 nights in Russell

Approximate Distance: 255 km | 158 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 45 mins

Ready to make the journey yours? Enquire online or speak with a Travel Designer to personalise your perfect New Zealand escape.

Suggested Accommodation:

Cruise through the spectacular Bay of Islands to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Keep watch for dolphins and marine wildlife before stopping at Urupukapuka Island to swim, relax, or enjoy the island scenery.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast

• Dolphin viewing cruise experience

• Hole in the Rock & Cape Brett Lighthouse

• Otehei Bay stopover

Travel south to Warkworth and make a stopover in the charming village of Matakana, known for its artisan culture, vineyards, local produce, and beautiful coastal surroundings.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Matakana stopover
• Explore at your leisure
• 1 night in Warkworth

Approximate Distance: 190 km | 118 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 15 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

Journey to Waitomo and discover an ancient world 30 million years in the making, illuminated by thousands of glowworms. Continue to Rotorua and unwind at the Polynesian Spa, soaking up the geothermal atmosphere.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Guided tour of the Waitomo glow worm caves
• Polynesian Spa admission
• 2 nights in Rotorua

Approximate Distance: 400 km | 249 miles  Total Driving Time: 5 hours 15 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

Discover Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and learn about Māori culture, traditional arts, and the region’s volcanic history on a comprehensive guided tour.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Full-day geothermal and cultural tour
• Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
• Waimangu Volcanic Valley
• Lady Knox and Pohutu Geyser
• Māori cultural experiences

Travel through the Central North Island via Huka Falls and Lake Taupō before arriving in Napier, renowned for its Art Deco architecture and world-class wine region.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Guided Art Deco walking tour
• Huka Falls and Lake Taupō scenic stopovers
• Explore at your leisure
• 2 nights in Napier

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

Suggested Accommodation:

Spend the day discovering Hawke’s Bay’s acclaimed wine region. Visit four to five wineries, enjoy tastings, and savour lunch surrounded by rolling vineyards and beautiful countryside.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Lunch
• Guided Hawke’s Bay wine tour
• Wine tasting & cheese platters

Travel south to Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital city, celebrated for its arts scene, waterfront setting, world-class dining, and cultural attractions.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Explore at your leisure
• 2 nights in Wellington

Make it yours:
Ride the historic Wellington Cable Car for sweeping views over the harbour and city and explore the Botanic Garden at the top.

Travel Distance: 325km I 202 miles Travel Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

Enjoy a free day exploring Wellington’s galleries, museums, cafés, and harbourfront attractions at your own pace.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Explore at your leisure

Make it yours:
Visit Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum, to explore immersive exhibitions showcasing the country’s natural history, Māori culture, and national identity.

Return your rental vehicle and fly to Blenheim before transferring to the picturesque harbour town of Picton, gateway to the stunning Marlborough Sounds.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Rental vehicle return
• Domestic flight to Blenheim
• Private airport transfer
• 2 nights in Picton

Suggested Accommodation:

Cruise through the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds while sampling fresh local seafood paired with world-famous Marlborough wines.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Queen Charlotte Sounds/Totaranui cruise
• Seafood tastings
• Marlborough wine pairings

Board the Coastal Pacific, one of New Zealand’s most scenic rail journeys, travelling alongside rugged coastlines, dramatic mountain ranges, and the Pacific Ocean before arriving in Christchurch.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Private transfers
• Coastal Pacific rail journey
• 2 nights in Christchurch

Suggested Accommodation:

Travel to the French-inspired village of Akaroa and enjoy a scenic small-group harbour cruise searching for Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, penguins, and native birdlife.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Morning or afternoon tea picnic, lunch
• Crater rim scenic drive
• Wildlife harbour cruise
• French heritage village exploration

Hop aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine train through the Southern Alps to Greymouth. Upon arrival in Greymouth, collect your rental vehicle and continue to Franz Josef Glacier.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Private transfer to railway station
• TranzAlpine rail journey
• Rental vehicle collection 
• 2 nights in Franz Josef

Approximate Distance: 175 kms | 109 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

Spend the day exploring Franz Josef at your leisure, with opportunities to enjoy rainforest walks, scenic glacier viewpoints, and relaxing hot pools.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Explore at your leisure

Make it yours:
Opt for a helicopter flight and snow landing experience to get up close to Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.

Travel through Haast Pass and some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery before arriving in Queenstown, the country's adventure capital.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Scenic Haast Pass drive
• Optional Wānaka stopover
• Lake Wānaka
• 3 nights in Queenstown

Approximate Distance: 350 kms | 217 miles  Total Driving Time: 5 hours 

Suggested Accommodation:

Spend the day exploring Queenstown at your own pace. From adventure activities to gourmet dining, wineries, and scenic lake cruises, there is something for everyone.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Explore at your leisure

Make it yours:
Speed through Queenstown on an exhilarating jet boating experience and discover why it’s known as the adventure capital of New Zealand.

Discover Central Otago’s acclaimed wine region on a full-day tour, visiting boutique vineyards and sampling gourmet local produce surrounded by spectacular alpine scenery.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Lunch
• Guided food and wine tour
• Historic Arrowtown stopover
• Old Cromwell stopover (time permitting)

Travel to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park, surrounded by pristine lakes, mountains, and untouched wilderness.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Scenic Southland drive
• Explore at your leisure
• 3 nights in Te Anau

Approximate Distance: 175 kms | 109 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

Experience one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders with a cruise through Milford Sound beneath towering cliffs, waterfalls, and the famous Mitre Peak.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Lunch
• Coach transfers
• Milford Sound nature cruise
• Fiordland National Park scenery

Venture deep into the remote wilderness of Doubtful Sound, often referred to as the ‘Sound of Silence’, and discover pristine fiords, waterfalls, dolphins, seals, and penguins.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Lunch
• Scenic Doubtful Sound cruise 
• Dolphin, Fur seal and Crested penguin sightings
  
   

Travel through South Otago’s rolling countryside to Dunedin, renowned for its Scottish heritage, Victorian architecture, and unique wildlife.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Explore at your leisure
• 2 nights in Dunedin

Make it yours:
Raise a glass to local heritage with a guided brewery tour, featuring award-winning beer tastings and fascinating insights into 141 years of brewing history.

Suggested Accommodation:

Cruise the Otago Harbour and discover one of New Zealand’s premier wildlife regions, home to albatross, fur seals, penguins, and other marine species.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Otago peninsula wildlife cruise
• Fur seal and Royal albatross viewings

Travel north via the famous Moeraki Boulders and Waitaki Valley to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, part of the UNESCO-listed Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage area.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Moeraki Boulders stopover
• Lake Pukaki 
• Explore at your leisure
• 2 nights in Mount Cook

Approximate Distance: 320 kms | 200 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours

Suggested Accommodation: 

Explore New Zealand’s largest glacier lake by boat, cruising among icebergs and gaining a unique perspective of the Tasman Glacier.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Hooker Valley Walking Track
• Tasman Glacier boat tour
• Glacial lake & iceberg scenery

Travel through the Mackenzie Basin and Lake Tekapo before arriving in Christchurch for your final night in New Zealand.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Lake Tekapo stopover
• Church of the Good Shepherd
• 1 night in Christchurch

Approximate Distance: 332 km | 206 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

Return your rental vehicle and fly to Sydney, settling into Australia’s most iconic harbour city. This evening, enjoy a harbour dinner cruise at twilight, with spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Dinner
• International flight to Sydney
• Private airport transfer on arrival 
• Twilight dinner cruise
• 2 nights in Sydney

Suggested Accommodation: 

Experience one of Australia’s most iconic adventures with a guided climb to the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views across the harbour and city skyline.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Sydney Harbour bridge climb
• Guided bridge tour
• Time to explore Sydney at your leisure

Fly to Tropical North Queensland and transfer to Port Douglas. Later, enjoy an immersive wildlife experience featuring iconic Australian animals in natural habitats.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Private airport transfers
• Domestic flight to Cairns
• Wildlife Habitat admission
• 3 nights in Port Douglas

Suggested Accommodation: 

Spend a full day exploring one of the world’s most remarkable natural wonders. Snorkel among colourful coral gardens and abundant marine life on three Great Barrier Reef sites.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Morning and afternoon tea, lunch
• Full-day Great Barrier Reef cruise
• Guided snorkelling experience

Discover the ancient Daintree Rainforest on a half-day guided excursion featuring a wildlife cruise on the Daintree River and a walk through Mossman Gorge.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Afternoon tea
• Daintree River wildlife cruise
• Mossman Gorge guided walk 
• Rainforest swim

Today you will be transferred to Cairns and fly to Brisbane, Queensland’s riverside capital, known for its subtropical lifestyle, vibrant cultural scene, and outdoor dining precincts.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Private airport transfers
• Domestic flight to Brisbane
• Explore at your leisure
• 1 night in Brisbane

Suggested Accommodation: 

Today marks the start of your island escape. Fly to Fiji and transfer to Denarau, the gateway to the stunning islands of the Mamanuca and Yasawa groups.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Private airport transfers
• International flight to Nadi
• 4 nights in Port Denarau

Suggested Accommodation: 

Enjoy a free day exploring Viti Levu or simply relax and embrace Fiji’s laid-back island lifestyle.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast 
• Explore at your leisure

Make it yours:
Enhance your stay with a relaxing sunset cruise around Port Denarau, where golden skies, gentle island breezes and authentic Fijian hospitality create an unforgettable evening.

Cruise through the crystal-clear waters of the Mamanuca Islands, visit a traditional Fijian village, snorkel colourful reefs, and spend time on idyllic Modriki Island.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast, lunch
• Full-day on South Sea Island
• Traditional Fijian performance
• Snorkelling, paddleboarding and kayaking opportunities

Enjoy a final day in paradise. Relax by the pool, indulge in a spa treatment, or choose from a range of optional island and water-based activities.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Explore at your leisure

Make it yours:
Discover the highlights of Nadi on a guided half-day tour, exploring vibrant local markets and relaxing in natural thermal mud baths.

Vinaka Vakalevu! Transfer to Nadi International Airport for your onward journey, taking with you unforgettable memories of New Zealand’s spectacular landscapes, Australia’s iconic experiences, and Fiji’s tropical island paradise.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Private airport transfer

Inspired by what you’ve seen? Let’s create a multi-country journey that’s uniquely yours.

Speak with a Travel Designer to start planning your personalised escape.