Bucket List South Pacific Islands Vacation: Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti

Bora Bora

Overwater Bungalow | Full-Day Lagoon Safari

Pictured: Views of Mt Otemanu from an overwater bungalow

Day 1: Paradise in Bora Bora

Welcome to the islands of Tahiti! Arrive in Bora Bora, immediately recognizable by Mount Otemanu’s dramatic basalt peak rising from the ocean.

This spectacular half-atoll, half-mountain is surrounded by pristine lagoons and smaller islands that ancient Polynesians called “Parapora” or “firstborn,” believing it was the first island created after Raiatea. After a scenic boat cruise, arrive at your luxurious resort—your home away from home for the coming days.

Overnight: Bora Bora (InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa)

Day 2: Lagoon Bliss

Wake to gentle waves lapping the shore and enjoy a delicious breakfast before taking a morning dip in the crystal-clear lagoon. Spend this day in complete relaxation—lounge on pristine beaches, swim in turquoise waters, read a favorite book, or glide across the lagoon on a paddleboard.

Overnight: Bora Bora (InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa)

Day 3: Lagoon Safari Adventure

Experience an exhilarating full-day lagoon safari with opportunities to swim alongside reef sharks and gentle giant manta rays. Visit Bora Bora’s most photographed motu (small reef islet), Motu Tapu, capturing unforgettable moments with your camera before enjoying a delicious BBQ lunch in paradise.

Overnight: Bora Bora (InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa)

Day 4: Island Leisure

Another day at leisure awaits before continuing your epic bucket list vacation. Embrace the unhurried pace of island life as you choose your perfect blend of relaxation and gentle exploration.

Overnight: Bora Bora (InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa)

Auckland + Waiheke Island

Wine Tour | All Blacks Rugby Experience

Pictured: Wine tasting on Waiheke Island

Day 5: Auckland, City of Sails

Fly via Tahiti to Auckland, New Zealand’s “City of Sails.” While often overshadowed by the natural wonders at its doorstep, Auckland offers cosmopolitan charm with excellent museums, vibrant nightlife, and native bush island destinations. Use today to recover from jet lag while exploring this picturesque harbor city.

Overnight: Auckland (QT Auckland)

Day 6: Waiheke Island Wine Country

Take a scenic ferry to Waiheke Island, the renowned “island of wine.” Visit three of Waiheke’s premier vineyards to sample exceptional wines while enjoying commentated scenic drives that reveal the island’s fascinating history, geography, and culture. Your knowledgeable guide includes art gallery stops throughout this perfect day of wine and culture before returning to Auckland for dinner.

Overnight: Auckland (QT Auckland)

Day 7: All Blacks Rugby Experience

Spend the morning wandering vibrant Auckland, exploring Britomart’s shops and enjoying coffee or wine along the bustling Viaduct Harbour. This afternoon, immerse yourself in the legendary All Blacks Experience with a 45-minute guided tour revealing what it takes to become an All Black.

Learn the story and feel the passion behind the famous haka up close, then test your rugby skills against the All Blacks and Black Ferns in hands-on interactive challenges.

Overnight: Auckland (QT Auckland)

Rotorua

Wai-o-tapu Thermal Valley | Volcanic Helicopter Tour | Lake Taupo Hike and Cruise

Pictured: Cathedral Rock

Day 8: Rotorua, Geothermal Capital

Fly to Rotorua, the heart of New Zealand’s North Island and home to the country’s most spectacular geothermal sites and accessible Maori cultural experiences. This unique destination offers incredible natural and cultural rewards worth every moment of your visit.

Overnight: Rotorua (On the Point)

Day 9: Maori Culture and Geothermal Wonders

Embark on a comprehensive cultural tour of Rotorua’s most captivating sites. Witness bubbling mud pools and vibrant hot springs at Wai-o-tapu, then watch the Lady Knox geyser erupt in spectacular fashion.

The afternoon reveals how Rotorua’s Maori culture and thermal activity are intricately intertwined through visits to the wood carving school, art galleries, Rotowhio Marae, weaving displays, kiwi house, and the mighty Pohutu geyser. Conclude at the Lakefront area to see the impressive Maori War Canoe while learning about ancient customs and history.

Overnight: Rotorua (On the Point)

Day 10: Mount Tarawera Helicopter Adventure

Depart from Rotorua Lakefront for an extraordinary helicopter journey over Mokoia Island and the stunning Crater Lakes District. Fly over the Tarawera outlet watching for spawning trout before the river transforms into the mighty Tarawera Falls.

Land on Mount Tarawera’s summit, a dormant volcano whose 1886 eruption was New Zealand’s largest in living memory. Your pilot guides a 15-minute summit walk among deep volcanic rifts with views stretching to distant national parks and volcanoes. The return flight follows the 17-kilometer volcanic rift line to Waimangu Volcanic Valley’s Steaming Cliffs and Inferno Crater, then continues over the vibrant Artist’s Palette and bubbling Champagne Pool at Wai-O-Tapu.

Descend to the hidden Orakei Korako valley for a one-hour self-guided exploration of hot springs, erupting geysers, massive silica terraces, and a unique thermal cave before your scenic return flight over farmland and the Paeroa mountain range.

Overnight: Rotorua (On the Point)

Day 11: Lake Taupo Hike and Cruise

Experience the Taupo region’s stunning K2K trail, hiking from Kinloch to Kawakawa Bay along beautiful lakeside terrain. Reach the collection point to enjoy lunch and rest your legs before a scenic cruise back to Lake Taupo marina. Discover stunning wetlands, secluded swimming beaches, and sweeping lake views during the hike, then enjoy the comfortable return journey in style.

Overnight: Rotorua (On the Point) | Meals: Lunch

Abel Tasman National Park

Private Boat Excursion

Pictured: Te Koi – The Lodge at Bronte

Day 12: Abel Tasman National Park Arrival

Fly from the North Island to the serene top of the South Island and transfer to Te Koi Lodge in Abel Tasman National Park. This luxury lodge offers the ultimate escape—charm and natural beauty set amidst luscious gardens on a secluded point overlooking the stunning Waimea Estuary waters.

Overnight: Abel Tasman (Te Koi Lodge)

Day 13: Private Boat Adventure

Experience everything Abel Tasman offers from the comfort of your private boat. Choose to relax onboard or take kayaks for paddling adventures, swim in pristine waters, snorkel over the marine reserve, or disembark for bush walks through native forest. Enjoy a delicious lunch before repeating your favorite activities.

Overnight: Abel Tasman (Te Koi Lodge) | Meals: Lunch

Day 14: Lodge Leisure Day

Spend this day at leisure enjoying your lodge’s natural beauty, or venture into Nelson to discover vibrant restaurants, art galleries, and artisan colonies that make this sunny city such a delightful destination.

Overnight: Abel Tasman (Te Koi Lodge)

Queenstown + Doubtful Sound

Overnight Fiordlands Cruise

Pictured: Aerial view of Doubtful Sound

Day 15: Welcome to Queenstown

Take a quick flight to Queenstown, arriving in early afternoon for private chauffeur transfer to your hotel within walking distance of downtown. This stunning destination delights scenery lovers and adrenaline junkies alike as the outdoor adventure capital of the world, offering endless activities to experience dramatic natural landscapes.

Overnight: Queenstown (Blanket Bay)

Day 16: Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

Transfer to Manapouri to begin your extraordinary Doubtful Sound overnight cruise. Escape to secluded Pātea Doubtful Sound deep within Fiordland National Park. This unique overnight experience immerses you completely in wilderness unlike any day cruise.

Journey through dramatic landscapes as you approach one of New Zealand’s most remote and pristine fiords, where towering granite walls rise from dark waters and cascading waterfalls echo through the silence, and board your floating home for the night.

Overnight: Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

Day 17: Wake to Pristine Wilderness

Wake to the stillness of pristine Doubtful Sound, where the almost cathedral-like silence is broken only by distant waterfalls and bird calls. Enjoy breakfast aboard your vessel before arriving back around midday. Continue your journey back to Queenstown, carrying the peaceful wilderness experience with you.

Overnight: Queenstown (Blanket Bay)

Day 18: Queenstown at Leisure

Spend today exploring at your own pace—take the scenic gondola ride to Bob’s Peak for breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and surrounding mountains, or enjoy a relaxed wine tour through nearby Central Otago region, sampling world-renowned Pinot Noir.

Overnight: Queenstown (Blanket Bay)

Sydney

Long Lunch Cruise | Opera House Tour | Private Walking Tour

Pictured: Sydney Harbour at sunrise

Day 19: Arrive in Sydney

Bid farewell to New Zealand as you fly across the Tasman Sea to iconic Sydney. This magnificent harbor city offers endless photo opportunities with its glistening Opera House, Harbour Bridge, vibrant neighborhoods, and stunning waterfront settings.

Check into Capella Sydney, where a heritage-listed Department of Education building has been transformed into a luxury accommodation benchmark. This architectural icon welcomes guests inside for the first time, balancing storied heritage features with contemporary design while celebrating the Australian panorama through its interiors and experiences.

Overnight: Sydney (Capella Sydney)

Day 20: Sydney Harbour Long Lunch Cruise

Embark on an extraordinary long lunch cruise on Sydney Harbour. Enjoy unlimited beverages as you cruise past world-famous landmarks, including the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, while learning harbor history from your crew.

Your progressive dining experience includes stops at renowned restaurants for appetizers and entrees, followed by desserts and cheese platters onboard. This comprehensive afternoon showcases all of Sydney Harbour’s beauty in one magnificent journey.

Overnight: Sydney (Capella Sydney)

Day 21: Sydney Opera House Behind the Scenes

Visit the iconic Sydney Opera House with an exclusive behind-the-scenes small group tour. Venture backstage through corridors to rehearsal spaces, step into the orchestra pit, and enjoy breakfast in the exclusive Green Room where performers prepare. Cap off this special day with dinner followed by a performance at this architectural masterpiece.

Overnight: Sydney (Capella Sydney)

Day 22: Sydney Neighborhoods Walking Tour

Journey through Sydney’s vibrant neighborhoods on your private walking tour led by a homegrown local. Visit iconic landmarks including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and historic Rocks district before immersing yourself in surf culture at Bondi, Tamarama, and Bronte Beaches.

Explore Aboriginal art and coastal photography at Bondi’s galleries, capture stunning harbor vistas at Dudley Reserve, and discover luxurious harborside suburbs. Engage with local makers at weekend markets and feast on fresh seafood in Manly during this captivating day that captures Sydney’s essence through history, culture, beach vibes, art, and culinary delights in true Aussie style.

Overnight: Sydney (Capella Sydney)

Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Remote Luxury Lodge with Optional Excursions

Pictured: Sunrise camel tour at Uluru

Day 23: Red Centre Arrival

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Uluru (Ayers Rock) and check into Longitude 131°, Australia’s most celebrated luxury camp. Sixteen tented pavilions dot the red-rust dunes of the Central Desert, each offering connection with the outback landscape and heritage while providing a glamorous base for exploring the incredible Red Centre.

Discover vibrant Aboriginal artworks alongside explorer relics, contemporary Australian dining, and friendly staff ready to share stories. After settling in, catch your first glimpse of “The Rock” while learning about Uluru’s profound importance to Aboriginal culture from an Aboriginal guide.

Overnight: Uluru (Longitude 131)

Days 24-25: Uluru Desert Experiences

Spend these two days at the resort enjoying everything the Red Centre offers. Choose from sunrise tours of Uluru, private dinners overlooking Kata Tjuta, hiking experiences through ancient landscapes, or simply relax and absorb the profound desert atmosphere—do as much or as little as your heart desires.

Overnight: Uluru (Longitude 131)

Lizard Island

Luxury Resort on the Great Barrier Reef

Pictured: Scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef from Lizard Island

Day 26: Lizard Island Arrival

Rise early for another unique view of the rock before boarding your spectacular scenic flight to Cairns over the Great Barrier Reef. Soar over 125 miles of one of the world’s most magnificent natural wonders, marveling at the reef’s vastness and countless shades of blue and green before landing on the exclusive Lizard Island Resort and settling into your Beachfront Suite.

Overnight: Great Barrier Reef (Lizard Island Resort)

Days 27-28: Paradise on the Great Barrier Reef

Your days are entirely yours to design the perfect experience. Whether seeking adventure, relaxation, or both, Lizard Island offers the ultimate luxury. At the northernmost resort island on the Great Barrier Reef, enjoy easy access to world-class snorkeling and diving, explore 24 private beaches for secluded white sand and turquoise waters, or request gourmet picnic baskets for romantic beach dining. The resort’s world-class spa, exceptional cuisine, and hidden relaxation spots complete your paradise experience.

Overnight: Great Barrier Reef (Lizard Island Resort)

Brisbane

Australia Zoo | Culinary Tour

Pictured: Story Bridge and Brisbane skyline at night

Day 29: Welcome to Sunny Brisbane

Fly to Brisbane for your trip’s vibrant finale! This dynamic city offers an exciting cultural scene with attractions like South Bank Parklands, featuring riverside walks, museums, and the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. The city’s outdoor lifestyle showcases numerous parks, gardens, and nearby beaches providing perfect opportunities for relaxation and adventure.

Overnight: Brisbane (Emporium South Bank)

Day 30: Australia Zoo Wildlife Adventure

Experience the quintessential Australian wildlife adventure at Australia Zoo, founded by the legendary Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin. This remarkable facility runs one of the world’s largest wildlife conservation programs, with all proceeds supporting wildlife projects and conservation efforts across Australia. Meet incredible animals while contributing to their protection and Steve Irwin’s lasting legacy.

Overnight: Brisbane (Emporium South Bank)

Day 31: Brisbane Culinary Exploration

Conclude your adventure with an extraordinary culinary journey through Brisbane. Begin with welcome bubbles at Southside on Fish Lane, followed by a lavish East Asian banquet, an urban micro-winery tour, and tastings at your choice of renowned distillery or brewery for an unforgettable final day celebration.

Overnight: Brisbane (Emporium South Bank) | Meals: Lunch

Day 32: Journey Home

After transfer to the airport, board your flight back to the US, carrying incredible memories of three extraordinary destinations and once-in-a-lifetime experiences across the South Pacific.