Visit Australia and New Zealand and discover the tastes and landscapes through the eyes of a local. Gourmet bush dining and night spotting, chef led journeys, Melbourne after dark and wine/spa country. A private experience behind the Southern Hemisphere’s largest Seafood Auction and fish and chips with Sydney siders. Meet the coffee roaster, the French baker and learn firsthand from Maori guides. Martinborough, Marlborough and Yarra Valley wine country are just some of the wine regions you’ll visit, all at a leisurely pace to savor and unwind.
This Australia and New Zealand vacation is 100% customizable. We understand your need for someone who listens, provide answers to help you plan, takes care of the arrangements, and makes your trip a perfect experience. We are Australia and New Zealand travel experts and are either from there or travel to the South Pacific every year. Contact us and tell us about your vacation requests. We'll match your travel style and time of year, to the hotels and experiences you will love.
Day 1 Tasmania
Begin you vacation in Tasmania. Arrive in Launceston on the island of Tasmania and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. Known for having some of the purest air, water, and wilderness in the world, Tasmania is an outdoor-lover’s dream as well as a food and wine lover’s dream, being famous for cool-climate wines and artisan foodmakers.
4-star hotel in Launceston
Day 2 Tasmania (D)
The morning is at your leisure today. Then, Craig's legendary private Quoll Patrol is a huge favorite for our travelers. A private tour where you have the chance to see the animals in their natural setting and to dine under the stars on “gourmet bush tucker” -- unique to Australia, with Australian wines. A photographic safari will give you the chance to capture the elusive platypus or Tasmanian Devil in the wild while dining on the best of the best that can be had out in the wilderness! No Tasmania vacation is complete without a day with Bushy!
4-star hotel in Launceston
Day 3 Tasmania (L,D)
Spend the rest of your Tasmania package exploring the famed Tamar Valley by private guide. Your guide will be the same authentic Aussie bushman that you saw the night before, whose expertise of food and wine can only be matched by his knowledge of the local flora and fauna. Enjoy an intimate and personalized day in the heart of high-yielding vineyard country showcasing orchards, scenic pastures and forests. Taste the diversity of the Tamar Valley Wineries— from family-run producers to state-of-the-art wineries. Enjoy lunch at famous Strathlynn Restaurant at Ninth Winery.
4-star hotel in Launceston
Day 4 Melbourne (D)
Take a short flight up to Melbourne today, and check into your stylish, contemporary hotel in the city center -- private airport transfers included. Tonight, you have a private tour of Melbourne after the sun goes down and the lights turn on. Panoramic views from the Skydeck, followed by a dinner at one of the hottest dining spots in the city, and finish with cocktails and soft jazz on a rooftop terrace overlooking Federation Square and the Southbank Promenade.
4-star hotel in downtown Melbourne
Day 5 Melbourne (L)
Today a chef will take you on a private journey through the Mornington Peninsula, including morning tea, lunch, all food and wine tastings, all produce, and a cooking class. Optional touring suggestions include golf, the Great Ocean Road self drive, helicopter flight to the Twelve Apostles, Yarra Valley wine tasting, hot air balloon flight over the city.
4-star hotel in downtown Melbourne
Day 6-7 Daylesford (B on day 7)
This morning you’ll pick up your automatic rental car and drive to the town of Daylesford. Your accommodations here are stunning -- the Lake House, a tranquil retreat along Lake Daylesford and the Wombat State Forest beyond, is home to a renowned restaurant with cutting-edge, modern Australian cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal and regional ingredients. The cellar is nothing to sneeze at, with 800-some interesting and edgy wines from around the world and around the corner. Optional recommended activities include: food and wine tours from farm gates, markets, cellar doors, provodores, country pubs, and wine bars to world class fine dining; hiking and animal-spotting; quirky arts shopping in town; or enjoy the spectacular spa.
The Lake House, an exclusive retreat
Day 8 Sydney (B)
Fly to Sydney today where you will be privately escorted to your downtown hotel. We’ll arrange dinner reservations for you each night that you’d like them. Sydney is iconic in every way -- the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, the zoos and lively neighborhoods, Darling Harbour and its array of quirky dining establishments -- all of it is delightful and worth thorough exploration. Your boutique hotel is perfectly situated to walk to all of these sights and restaurants.
4-star hotel in downtown Sydney
Day 9 Sydney (L)
A relaxed private food & wine tour of Sydney’s world-famous Fish Market Auctions and the rest of the best of the city’s foodie scene is the plan of the day, including the foodie stops along Queen Street, Woollahra, and gourmet luncheon at the award-winning Catalina’s in Rose Bay. Optional upgrade: Enjoy a scenic seaplane flight from Rose Bay over the city today, or a scenic helicopter flight tonight.
4-star hotel in downtown Sydney
Day 10 From Australia to New Zealand
A private transfer takes you to the airport this morning for two short flights to the North Island of New Zealand and the start of the New Zealand Wine Trail, Hawke’s Bay. You’ll get plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sunshine and delicious red and white wines of this vineyard region. Your accommodations are in the heart of Napier, the largest town in Hawke’s Bay, and home to several good restaurants and charming art deco architecture.
3.5-star hotel in downtown Napier
Day 11 Napier - New Zealand Wine Trail (L)
A tour today through the vineyards and food-makers of Hawke’s Bay by private guide takes you to premium sites, allowing you to sit back, relax, and enjoy Kiwi hospitality. Customized to your interests, you’ll talk to wine personalities who are passionate about crafting world class wines. Enjoy a gourmet luncheon at a winery, plus tastings, a fantastic day out for food and wine lovers.
3.5-star hotel in downtown Napier
Day 12 Martinborough - New Zealand Wine Trail
Drive a few hours today through rolling green hills to Martinborough, the smallest destination on your list but not the smallest in reputation. Visit the Wine Centre in the heart of the village and explore local wineries. Your accommodations this evening are in a historic country cottage, perfectly restored and oozing with sophisticated charm.
4-star cottage outside Martinborough
Day 13 Martinborough (L)
An exclusive tour for up to four passengers only, today’s Food and Wine Producers Tour of the region around Martinborough takes you on a relaxed and personal experience. You’ll go where few visitors can, up close, meeting innovative people dedicated to being the very best with premium boutique brands. Your three-course tasting lunch will be paired with wines, possibly from the very vines you can see from your table.
4-star cottage outside Martinborough
Day 14 Wellington
A two-hour drive brings you to the capital city this morning, Wellington. Wellington is filled with cafés, museums, and art; theatre performances and galleries abound. Late this morning, you have a private tour of the National Museum, Te Papa, located minutes from your hotel. You’ll see all of the museum’s major artworks, Maori treasures, the world’s only discovered colossal squid, and other highlights with a private guide.
3.5-star hotel in downtown Wellington
Day 15 Wellington
Spend the morning on a foodie’s half-day wine tour that we have arranged for you, exploring the culinary treasures of this city. Meet chefs and indulge in some of New Zealand’s icon foods. In the afternoon, you’ll board the InterIsland Ferry to the South Island, with access to the premium onboard lounge
3.5-star lodge in Blenheim
Day 16 Blenheim
The Marlborough Wine Region -- the official capital of New Zealand wine and the quintessential New Zealand sauvignon blanc. Enjoy a range of wine tastings (including famous Cloudy Bay) along with gourmet treats before heading out to experience a stunning cruise through the Marlborough Sounds. Visit a greenshell mussel farm and taste them -- freshly steamed -- matched perfectly with a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. May we make a dinner reservation for you tonight at Herzog’s acclaimed restaurant?
3.5-star lodge in Blenheim
Day 17 Depart
A private transfer takes you to the airport this morning to enjoy a scenic flight over the Cook Strait and the North Island back to Auckland, where you’ll board your international flight back home fro your Australia and New Zealand vacation.
Contact us for tailor-made Tasmania vacations. Visit Australia and New Zealand in March for harvest season. We also specialize in Tasmania packages, Australia New Zealand vacations, Fiji Tahiti and South Africa vacations.
