South Pacific Vacation Packages: Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti

This lucky honeymoon couple from Canada had a full month for their Australia, New Zealand and Tahiti journey. So we selected one of our favorite South Pacific Vacation Packages. We sent them on an epic month-long journey guiding them through the highlights of the South Pacific experiencing the culture and landscape of New Zealand, Australia, and Tahiti.  They started in Auckland, where they walked along the harbour to adjust to their new time zone.  Then they traveled to Rotorua to spend some time learning about the indigenous Maoris of New Zealand.  Then onto Christchurch where they did some Punting on the Avon and traveled onto Arthur’s Pass for beautiful views of the Southern Alps and they traveled on one of the best train rides in the world, the Tranz Alpine Train.  And then they traveled to Queenstown to experience the jaw-dropping scenery of Milford Sound.  We then sent to them to beautiful Hamilton Island to experience the one and only Great Barrier Reef.  Next they stopped in Sydney to tour the city and see the iconic Sydney Opera House.  They then traveled west to the Red Center to see Uluru and they learned about the Anangu people of Australia. We finished their trip with a week-long cruise through the Tahitian Islands including stunning Bora Bora, where they experienced water colors they had never seen before.  Suggested Length: 31 Days

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1
Welcome to New Zealand! Begin your journey in the “City of Sails,” Auckland. Auckland often takes a backseat to the natural wonders at its doorstep, but it is a cosmopolitan and picturesque city with many opportunities to explore museums, nightlife, and native bush island destinations. You will have the day to recover from jet lag and explore Auckland.
4.5-star hotel in Auckland

Day 2
Today take a flight to Rotorua, New Zealand, the center of the North Island. Home of the best geothermal sites and the most accessible Maori cultural experiences, Rotorua and its many rewards are worth the visit. Relax this afternoon at the Polynesian Spa. This evening, enjoy the Te Pō cultural experience. It is a feast of cultural storytelling, entertainment and Māori kai (indigenous food). Feel the spirit of Te Puia at night and experience the Maori heritage – a living legacy of people, culture and place.
4-star hotel in downtown Rotorua

Day 3
Today is a full day cultural tour of Rotorua. Visit the coolest geothermal sites including boiling mud pools and a series of colourful hot springs at Wai-o-tapu. Then see the Lady Knox geyser erupt. Spend the afternoon experiencing Rotorua’s Maori culture and thermal activity and see how they are intricately entwined. This includes a visit to the wood carving school, art and craft gallery, Rotowhio Marae, weaving display, kiwi house and finally the Pohutu geyser. Then visit the Lakefront area to see the Maori War Canoe and learn more about Maori history and customs.
4-star hotel in downtown Rotorua

Day 4
Today fly to Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island. Though badly damaged by a major earthquake in 2011, Christchurch is rebuilding and still serves as the gateway for many locations on the South Island. Enjoy the scenery on your private transfer as it climbs into the Southern Alps and drops you at Arthur’s Pass where your home for the next 2 nights is the Wilderness Lodge, a 2,400 hectare nature reserve and high country merino sheep station in a spectacular mountain setting.
Arthur’s Pass Wilderness Lodge

Day 5
Today is yours to enjoy Arthur’s Pass and the many activities offered by the lodge. Naturalist guides will help you learn about high country life and explore nature in this special place the first Maori visitors called “Te Ko Awa a Aniwaniwa – Valley of the Mother of the Rainbows.” Optional activities include self-guided nature walks, sheep shearing, trout fishing, canoeing, and glacier walks.
Arthur’s Pass Wilderness Lodge

Day 6
This morning is at leisure to continue to explore the lodge and Arthur’s Pass. This afternoon, you will board the TranzAlpine train for one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. The train travels from one coast of New Zealand to the other through lush beech rain forest and the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Descend to the fields and farmland of the Canterbury Plains and end your journey this evening in Christchurch.
5-star hotel in Christchurch

Day 7
Hop a quick flight and arrive in Queenstown in the early afternoon and be escorted by private chauffeur directly to your hotel within walking distance of downtown Queenstown. A delight for scenery lovers and adrenaline junkies alike, Queenstown is the outdoor adventure capital of the country, if not the world. There are an endless supply of activities to fully experience the stunning natural landscape and to get your adrenaline flowing.
4.5-star hotel in Queenstown

Day 8
You’re off on a luxury glass-roofed coach along the Milford Road to a day cruise in one of the most beautiful places on earth — Milford Sound within the Fiordland National Park. Travel the spectacular Milford Road through impressive alpine scenery with time for photo stops and short walks along the way. On reaching Milford Sound, board a nature cruise of the fjord for a leisurely itinerary that allows plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. View spectacular waterfalls, rainforest and towering peaks; plus, keep an eye out for fur seals, dolphins and penguins. The ride home is a treat; a scenic flight over the Fiordlands and back to Queenstown.
4.5-star hotel in Queenstown

Day 9
This morning embark on a cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the vintage steamer TSS Earnslaw. Arrive on the far side of the lake where you are treated to a tour of Walter Peak Farm, a working sheep station. This afternoon, fly to Auckland for an overnight at an airport hotel.
Auckland airport hotel

Day 10
Bid farewell to the Kiwis as you fly over the Tasman Sea to the “West Island” (as Kiwis sometimes refer to Australia). After connecting in Brisbane, hop a flight to the beautiful Hamilton Island. Hamilton is part of the Whitsundays, considered Australia’s British Virgin Islands, with a series of hilly green islands dotting the calm turquoise waters.
4-star resort in the Whitsundays

Day 11
Its time to explore one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef. A short cruise from Hamilton Island, Reefworld allows you to appreciate the Great Barrier Reef with a range of activities both in and out of the water. Explore the easy to follow snorkeling trails, or take a guided snorkeling tour with an experienced reef guide. For those that don’t want to get wet, tour the reef aboard a semi-submersible or be intrigued by the fish life in the underwater observatory. This will be a highlight of your trip!
4-star resort in the Whitsundays

Day 12
Day at leisure to enjoy Hamilton Island. Perhaps play a round of golf at the island’s new course, or enjoy a private picnic on one of the world’s most beautiful locations, Whitehaven Beach. Take a hike on one of the island trails, go for a quad bike ride, or cuddle a koala at the wildlife sanctuary.
4-star resort in the Whitsundays

Day 13
Today you’re on to spectacular Sydney–a world-class city that offers style and sophistication. Fringed by numerous bays and beaches and presided over by the glistening Opera House, Sydney unveils a great photo opportunity at every turn. With its Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, the zoos and lively neighborhoods, Darling Harbour — Sydney is delightful and worth thorough exploration.
4-star hotel in downtown Sydney

Day 14
Today is a great introduction to the city as you join in a small group Panoramic Sydney tour. You’ll see the The Rocks Historic District (Old Town of Sydney) and hear about the early convict history. Then enjoy magnificent views of the Opera House, see Sydney Harbour Bridge, and visit the shopping heart of the city including the Queen Victoria Building and Centrepoint Tower. Also visit Sydney’s trendy shopping district, Oxford Street and elegant Paddington with its terrace houses. Leave the CBD to visit Sydney’s famous beaches; see Tamarama, Bronte and of course, Bondi. Return to Sydney via Sydney Heads lookout, Watsons Bay, Kings Cross & Mrs Macquaries Point for unsurpassed views of the Harbour Bridge & Opera House.
4-star hotel in downtown Sydney

Day 15
Today is yours to explore Sydney at your leisure. Take a self-guided walking tour of The Rocks Historic District, a ferry to Manly Beach, or shop the boutiques of Paddington. Save your energy for the evening, however, because you’ll have a guided tour of Sydney Opera House and a performance of the opera, ballet, or theatre at the Sydney Opera House. Intermission drink — also included.
4-star hotel in downtown Sydney

Day 16
Transfer to the airport where you will catch your flight to Ayers Rock/Uluru. After settling in, catch your first glimpse of “The Rock” as you learn about the importance of the Uluru to the aboriginal culture from an aboriginal guide.
4-star hotel near Uluru

Day 17
This morning, travel away from the crowds to a secluded sand dune to watch the spectacular sight of sunrise over Uluru and Kata Tjuta. This tour is designed to introduce you to the natural and cultural landscapes of this remarkable region. Enjoy a traditional bushman’s breakfast while our guide shares stories of the aboriginal history and culture.
This evening you will depart one hour before sunset bound for the Uluru sunset viewing area. You will then be transferred to an outdoor dining venue, where you’ll have an unforgettable dinner under the stars.
4-star hotel near Uluru

Day 18
Rise early again today for another unique view of the rock. See Uluru from the back of a camel. Enjoy this memorable experience as you bid farewell to the Red Center. Fly back to Sydney and stay in an airport hotel as you prepare for your next experience.
4-star Sydney Airport Hotel

Day 19
Depart Sydney for same day arrival into Papeete, the capital of Tahiti, the largest and most populated of the French Polynesian islands. Often called the “Island of Love,” it is the largest of the 118 islands and atolls that comprise French Polynesia.
4-star hotel in Papeete

Day 20
Spend the day touring the island of Tahiti and learning the history of the Society Islands. This evening you’ll embark on a Paul Gauguin cruise. This luxurious yet casual, ultra-deluxe vessel will be your home for the next week. With an endless choice of things to do, from relaxing poolside with a book to playing the slots in the casino, you will never be bored.
Aboard a luxury Paul Gauguin cruise

Day 21
Raiatea –You will have the day to explore the island that was once the cultural, religious, royal and political heart of Polynesia. Ancient Polynesians built maraes (meeting houses or temples) of stone in many sizes. The maraes provided a physical space for the spirit of the gods to occupy during ritual ceremonies, as did the carved wooden tikis for which the region is famous. Be sure to visit Taputapuatea, a national monument and the most important marae in the Society Islands.
Aboard a luxury Paul Gauguin cruise

Day 22
Taha’a — Motu Mahana, an islet adjacent to Taha’a, is our very own South Seas paradise featuring white sand beaches with swaying palms, crystal-clear waters and gentle breezes. As an exclusive Paul Gauguin event, guests will spend a full day exploring this idyllic, isolated island, and relaxing with a delicious barbecue lunch and Polynesian entertainment featuring strolling musicians and singers.
Aboard a luxury Paul Gauguin cruise

Day 23
Bora Bora — Immediately recognizable by the basalt tombstone of Mount Otemanu rising from the ocean, this half-atoll, half-mountain is surrounded by a spectacular lagoon and a series of smaller islands. Ancient Polynesians called it Parapora, or “firstborn,” because they thought it was the first island created after Raiatea.
Aboard a luxury Paul Gauguin cruise

Day 24
Bora Bora — Explore more of this magical isle on your own or on a choice of optional shore excursions. Choose from several, like a jitney tour on “Le Truck,” or a 4-wheel-drive safari, or a glass-bottom boat ride. We will set sail before dinner, enjoying a relaxing evening onboard.
Aboard a luxury Paul Gauguin cruise

Day 25
Moorea — Covered in an abundance of fresh fruits and flowers, spectacular mountain peaks, peaceful multi-hued lagoons and palm-fringed beaches – Moorea’s awesome beauty is unsurpassed. During your visit, you might wish to shop for local crafts, embark on a dolphin-watching expedition with a marine biologist and witness these fascinating animals in their amazing natural habitat, or try out some of the local pineapples – said to be the most delicious in all of French Polynesia.
Aboard a luxury Paul Gauguin cruise

Day 26
Moorea — Explore more of this peaceful oasis. Perhaps you will choose to trek on the “Trails of the Ancients” or snorkel one of the world’s most beautiful lagoons. At the end of the afternoon, we cruise to our homeport in Papeete, docking for the night.
Aboard a luxury Paul Gauguin cruise

Day 27
After disembarking, cap off your epic journey with a return to Moorea via a short ferry ride for a few nights in one of Tahiti’s famed overwater bungalows.
4-star resort Moorea

Day 28-29
Days at leisure on Moorea. This island has lots of options for exploring on land. The volcanic peaks, reflected in the tranquil waters of Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay, rise like a sharks jaw from the islands basaltic base. Take a circle island tour, a 4WD safari tour, go horseback riding or hiking. Or continue to enjoy the beautiful waters on a catamaran cruise, a jet ski, or glass bottom boat tour.
4-star resort Moorea

Day 30
Today ferry back to Papeete and head to the airport for our flight home.

About this vacation
Cost Per Person

Does not include the cost of airfare


Based on
31 day stay
2 travelers

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