Australia and New Zealand Highlights
One morning you’re waking to the gentle sound of waves on a sunny island in the Great Barrier Reef. A few days later, you’re soaring over the dramatic fjords of New Zealand’s South Island in a helicopter. This is not your average trip to Australia and New Zealand—it’s a journey designed entirely around you.
At a Glance
- 3 nights Melbourne
- 4 nights Sydney
- 3 nights Great Barrier Reef
- 3 nights Queenstown
- 2 nights Wellington
- 2 nights Auckland
Trip Highlights
Bucket List, Elevated
Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef from a private helicopter-access pontoon, then touch down on Whitehaven Beach for a sparkling wine picnic with no one else in sight.
Special Access
You’ll feel like a local after hunting down Melbourne’s hidden gems on a private walking tour. In nearby Yarra Valley, you’ll enjoy insider access to both iconic and under-the-radar wineries.
Unique Stays
Relax at qualia (pictured), a serene adults-only retreat on Hamilton Island with Coral Sea views and a world-class spa. Later, unwind at Azur Lodge in Queenstown, where private villas overlook picture-perfect mountain views.
Insider Tip
Corinne, Owner and Founder
For a great urban stroll in Sydney, take an Uber to Coogee Beach and walk the coastal trail to Bondi Beach. The trail is mostly paved and hugs the coastline as it connects a series of beaches. It’s a wonderful way to take in the spectacular scenery without breaking a sweat. Reward yourself with lunch at Bondi Beach as you watch the surfers!
Suggested Itinerary
The itinerary below is just one example of what we can create. At Down Under Endeavours, we use 25+ years of hands-on expertise to design bespoke adventures inspired by you. Get in touch to make your dream trip a reality!
Melbourne + Yarra Valley
City Walking Tour | Wine Tasting Tour
Pictured: Hot air balloon over Yarra Valley
Day 1: Welcome to Melbourne
Begin your journey in Australia’s cultural capital, where historic laneways meet bold street art and rooftop bars hum with life. After a private airport transfer, spend the afternoon exploring the city’s renowned café culture or unwind with a view of the skyline.
Overnight: Melbourne (Park Hyatt Melbourne)
Day 2: The City Behind the Scenes
Join a local Melbourne guide to uncover the city’s creative core—from quirky shops and vintage boutiques to hidden murals and coffee haunts. This insider’s walking tour brings the city’s character to life.
Overnight: Melbourne (Park Hyatt Melbourne)
Day 3: Raise a Glass in Wine Country
Travel into the lush Yarra Valley, known for its cool-climate wines and rolling green vineyards. Sip, swirl, and savor a wide range of delectable wines and gourmet pairings in a landscape that feels worlds away.
Overnight: Melbourne (Park Hyatt Melbourne)
Sydney
Private City Tour | Backstage at the Opera House | Harbour Cruise
Pictured: Sydney Harbour at sunset
Day 4: Hello, Sydney
Touch down in Sydney, a city defined by its glistening harbour, iconic architecture, and laid-back sophistication. Settle into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening along the waterfront.
Overnight: Sydney (QT Sydney)
Day 5: Coastal Icons and Urban Charm
Explore Sydney’s contrasts in utmost luxury with a private guide: surf beaches and cliff walks, modern art galleries and historic neighborhoods, fresh seafood markets and hole-in-the-wall coffee shops.
Overnight: Sydney (QT Sydney)
Day 6: Backstage at the Opera House
After a day of leisure, step behind the curtain at the Sydney Opera House with a guided tour, followed by a pre-show dinner and tickets to an unforgettable live performance.
Overnight: Sydney (QT Sydney)
Day 7: Evening on the Water
Board a luxury cruiser for a harbour-hopping culinary journey. Enjoy elegant courses at Sydney’s famed waterside restaurants, all while gliding past the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House as the sun dips low.
Overnight: Sydney (QT Sydney)
Great Barrier Reef
Helicopter Tour to Reefworld and Whitehaven Beach
Pictured: Scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef
Day 8: Paradise in the Whitsundays
Fly to Hamilton Island and settle into qualia, a secluded resort perched above turquoise waters. Let the stillness wash over you as you arrive in one of the world’s most spectacular island settings.
Overnight: Hamilton Island (qualia)
Day 9: Reefs and Remote Beaches
Time to explore the legendary Great Barrier Reef! Take a private helicopter flight over the famous Heart Reef, snorkel over vivid coral at Reefworld, then toast the moment with a picnic on Whitehaven Beach’s powdery white sands.
Overnight: Hamilton Island (qualia)
Day 10: Slow Island Living
Spend the day exactly how you want—whether that’s sailing among the Whitsunday Islands, enjoying a spa ritual, or relaxing poolside with an ocean breeze and a cool drink in hand.
Overnight: Hamilton Island (qualia)
Queenstown + Fiordlands
Milford Sound Cruise | Scenic Flight
Pictured: Milford Sound
Day 11: Postcard Views in Queenstown
Fly across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand’s adventure playground. Set beside a glacial lake and surrounded by dramatic peaks, your luxury lodge in Queenstown offers an unbeatable mix of serenity, luxury, and thrill.
Overnight: Queenstown (Azur Lodge)
Day 12: Into the Fjords
Take a scenic drive to Milford Sound, then board a boat to cruise beneath sheer cliffs and plunging waterfalls. Cap it off with a scenic flight back over the Southern Alps—breathtaking from every angle.
Overnight: Queenstown (Azur Lodge)
Day 13: Choose Your Own Adventure
Today is yours to explore Queenstown at your own pace. From bungee jumping and jet boating to vineyard lunches and lakeside strolls, there are endless activities to choose from. Or simply enjoy the view from your lodge—Queenstown makes doing nothing feel like a luxury.
Overnight: Queenstown (Azur Lodge)
Wellington
Lord of the Rings Studio Tour | Private Museum Tour
Pictured: Wellington, New Zealand’s quirky capital
Day 14: Welcome to Wellington
Arrive in New Zealand’s capital, a harbor city known for its creativity, culture, and quirky charm. Check in and explore local neighborhoods filled with art galleries, wine bars, and boutique shops.
Overnight: Wellington (QT Wellington)
Day 15: Movie Magic and Maori Culture
Visit Weta Workshop for a behind-the-scenes look at the special effects studio behind Lord of the Rings and other classics. Then enjoy a privately guided tour of Te Papa Museum’s rich cultural exhibits.
Overnight: Wellington (QT Wellington)
Auckland + Waiheke Island
City and Surrounds Tour | Private Wine and Art Tour
Pictured: Wine tasting on Waiheke Island
Day 16: Touch Down in Auckland
Fly to the “City of Sails,” where sailboats bob in volcanic harbors and multicultural neighborhoods buzz with energy. Spend the evening exploring on your own or relaxing before tomorrow’s adventures.
Overnight: Auckland (Hotel DeBrett)
Day 17: Nature at Your Doorstep: Volcanoes to Rainforest
Join a small-group tour through Auckland’s scenic contrasts—urban lookout points, coastal drives, black sand beaches, and ancient rainforest trails in the Waitakere Ranges.
Overnight: Auckland (Hotel DeBrett)
Day 18: Island Escape to Waiheke
Sail to nearby Waiheke Island for a full-day private tour that combines art studios, cultural landmarks, and vineyard lunches in an idyllic landscape.
Overnight: Auckland (Hotel DeBrett)
Day 19: Home Sweet Home
It’s time to head to the airport, but the memories you’ve made won’t be leaving anytime soon. From reef to rainforest, laneways to luxury lodges, this journey will stay with you long after you’ve returned.
About this vacation
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