Essence of New Zealand Australia and Fiji Itinerary

Welcome to New Zealand - Short flight to Kerikeri

Welcome to New Zealand! On arrival into Auckland board the connecting flight to Kerikeri where you will be transferred to your accommodation in Paihia. 

The Northland town of Kerikeri has a long, colourful history. The area was home ground for the fearsome Maori chief Hongi Hika, who terrorised many tribes throughout the North Island in the early 1800s. Kerikeri now attracts visitors for its boutique wineries, shopping, galleries, and restaurants; those in search of life's more indulgent moments.

Accommodation: Paihia - 3 nights

Today is a day at leisure - Take the Short Passenger Ferry to the Historic Town of Russell in the Bay of Islands. This is a small, historic seaside village on a peninsula in the eastern Bay of Islands. Since the 1700s it has provided a haven for visitors, offering shelter and hospitality. Because of its relatively remote location it retains an island quality and a charm that reflects the tranquillity of earlier times. On a more relaxing note there are numerous waterfront cafes and restaurants, making this a great place to soak up the atmosphere and really enjoy a most memorable holiday.

Excursions available are...

A popular and fantastic way to explore the very top of New Zealand it includes return scenic flights over 90-mile beach and the east coast plus a 2.5hr vehicle tour in the area.

This tour consists of an initial 45-minute scenic flight heading up to the west coast and 90-mile beach before landing at the private airstrip. The tour guide will meet the plane to begin the vehicle tour visiting Cape Reinga lighthouse, Tapotupotu Bay and Te Paki Giant sand dunes for sand tobogganing before boarding your return flight to Paihia.

You have a private transfer back to Auckland today.  Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand, situated amongst a cluster of extinct volcanic cones, next to a large harbour that bustles with life, both on water and on land. The Auckland isthmus straddles a slim piece of land with coastline facing both the Pacific Ocean, and, on the wild West Coast, the Tasman Sea. Enjoy a stroll around the waterfront that is teeming with excellent cafes and restaurants from which to enjoy the sights of the The City of Sails. Drop off your rental car today. 
 

Some Activities and sightseeing options if you have time:

Approximate Distance: 225 kms | 140 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 

Accommodation: Auckland  - 2 nights

Known as 'New Zealand's Island of Wine', Waiheke Island just 45 minutes by ferry from Auckland, has become home to a dedicated group of award-winning wine producers. With a unique micro-climate and the winemakers' philosophy of "small is beautiful", Waiheke has produced some of New Zealand's most prestigious wines.

On this tour, you will visit three of Waiheke's top vineyards and sample a range of their wines. Along the way enjoy a commentated scenic drive, learning about the Island's history, geography, people and culture from your knowledgeable local guide.

Today collect your rental car and travel approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to Waitomo - Cave Country, and be amazed by Glowworms in the subterrean landscape. You'll continue on to geothermal Rotorua which is spectacular, the earths crust at its most exciting and accessible in the downtown parks and lake front, the smell of sulphur and sight of steaming vents invade the senses. Enjoy a day soaking up this magical place, at the Polynesian Spa. Voted as one of the top ten spas in the world.

Recommended excursions in and around Rotorua:

Approximate Distance: 225 km | 140 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 50 mins

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 nights

The tour starts with a pickup from your accommodation, leading through forests and farmland to New Zealand’s largest boiling mud pool. At Wai-O-Tapu, your guide showcases vibrant hot springs and volcanic features, including the Lady Knox geyser eruption at 10:15 am. Next, a short drive to Waimangu Volcanic Valley reveals the Mt. Tarawera eruption's impact on this geothermal park. Spend the afternoon exploring Rotorua’s Maori culture and geothermal wonders at Te Puia, the Lakefront area, Kuirau Park, and the serene lakes in the region, with views of Mount Tarawera.

View the mighty Huka Falls and the Wairakei Geothermal project before stopping at Lake Taupo, the largest in New Zealand. Continue across the Central Plateau to the Hawkes Bay region and Napier, often regarded as the world's Art Deco Capital.

The Pacific Ocean provides a stunning backdrop to Hawke's Bay, framed to the south by the dramatic Cape Kidnappers and the Tukituki hills. From natural disaster was born a celebration of early twentieth-century architecture - Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Stripped Classical buildings pepper Napier, Hastings, and the region's small towns. Explore celebrated vineyards, the supreme Cape Kidnappers golf course, architecture, birdlife, and Maori culture.

This afternoon enjoy an expertly guided Art Deco Tour, of the remarkable building following the 1931 earthquake in Napier.

Approximate Distance: 217 km | 135 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hrs 40 minutes 

Accommodation: Napier - 2 nights

Embark on a delightful wine-tasting journey through breathtaking landscapes, accompanied by fellow enthusiasts. Explore four esteemed wineries, indulging in a cheese platter amidst vineyard grounds, weather permitting.

Sample approximately 30 wines, including popular varieties like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay, alongside unique selections like Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. Bask in the sun, savoring each sip while fostering a shared love for the region's exquisite wines.

Renowned for its eclectic, arty atmosphere, Wellington is a real kiwi cultural treat and numerous galleries and character-filled shops line its colourful streets. The Museum of New Zealand 'Te Papa' is full of national treasures and sits beside the water in the downtown area of the city centre - well worth a visit. Wellington is also famous for having some the New Zealand's best restaurants - gourmet dining experiences here are truly world class. Culture, cuisine and scenic beauty abound in New Zealand’s iconic capital.

Travel Distance: 320km I 200 mi Travel Time: 4 hr 15 min

Accommodation: Wellington - 2 nights

Finding things to do in Wellington is blissfully easy. Nestled as it is between mountains and the seaside, the city prides itself on having a little bit of everything - from hiking to sailing, from adventure to relaxation. Wellington is also the beating heart of New Zealand's art and culture scene, meaning it's a hive of creativity and home to some of the best attractions in the entire country. From art galleries to the National Museum - wellington has a little of everything!

Sit back and enjoy New Zealand hospitality, the three hour journey across Cook Strait which connects New Zealand's North and South Islands is one of the most scenic in the world. Disembark the Interislander in Picton - Gateway to the Marlborough Sounds where you will be transferred to your accommodation.

Picton is a waterfront village snuggled between the hills and the sea at the top of the South Island New Zealand's gateway to the glorious Marlborough Sounds Maritime Park. It is in the sunny Marlborough region, famous for its visits from Captain Cook in the 1700s, its fine wines, green-lipped mussels, sandy beaches, popular boating centre and the Queen Charlotte Sound.

Accommodation: Picton - 2 nights

Guests can immerse themselves in the mesmerizing Marlborough Sounds aboard the exclusive afternoon Seafood Odyssea Cruise, departing from Picton. As they traverse Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui, they'll savor local treats such as salmon and Greenshell mussels, perfectly complemented by Marlborough sauvignon blanc.

Aboard the well-appointed catamaran, they'll unwind while learning about the region's seafood industry from the knowledgeable crew. They'll also delight in the picturesque landscapes and keep an eye out for indigenous wildlife like seals, dolphins, and various bird species.

Winding down the rugged East Coast of the South Island, the Coastal Pacific showcases both towering mountains and surging ocean, the train ventures along the Kaikoura Coast on the edge of the South Island and gets breathtakingly close to both the surging Pacific and the soaring Kaikoura Ranges. 

Christchurch is New Zealand’s second-largest city and the gateway to the South Island, Christchurch sits on the very edge of the Canterbury Plains and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean. 

Accommodation Christchurch - 2 nights

A day tour to Akaroa, the only settlement attempted by the French in New Zealand, passes through the beautiful landscapes of the Banks Peninsula. Your journey will lie through the beautiful Banks Peninsula on a high summit route which gives glorious views of farmlands, Akaroa Harbour.

From the main wharf in Akaroa boats depart for your Nature Cruise, you may see Hectors Dolphins, little blue penguins, NZ fur seals and local bird life. You will have an opportunity to wander around the charming 175 year old French harbour side village of Akaroa with its museum of settlers' history, art and craft shops and studios before enjoying lunch at an award winning cafe.

Rated as one of the top six scenic train journeys in the world, the famous TranzAlpine Train will take you deep into the heartland of the South Island… a coast to coast journey through some of the world’s most extreme and beautiful scenery. The Tranz Alpine winds its way over massive viaducts and through spectacular gorges and river valleys, tracking slowly across the country's greatest mountain range, the Southern Alps. It stops in the heart of the Southern Alps at Arthur’s Pass before descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth. From Greymouth collect your rental car and travel to Franz Josef - this is Glacier Country.

Approximate Distance: 381 kms | 237 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 45 mins

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 2 nights

Together with the Fox Glacier 20 kilometres (12 Miles) away, Franz Josef Glacier is unique in the fact that it is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. These huge valleys of ice tumble down from the Southern Alps into green, lush rainforest – only 200m (656 ft) from sea level. 

Whatever you choose, get ready to experience the most spectacular glacier environment anywhere in the world.

Excursions available in and around the Franz Josef area:

After your scenic flight your driving days do not get much better than this. As you farewell the beech forests of the Mt Aspiring National Park and traverse the Haast Pass - be prepared to view lakes and rivers coloured like rare jewels - emerald and sapphire hued, intensified by the contrast of the surrounding mountain and tussock clad hillsides.

Continue past Wanaka,a stunning lakeside town - situated perfectly in the north basking sunshine.You could wake every day in Queenstown for a year and not repeat the same activity. Queenstown is the centre of adventure in New Zealand, there truly is something here for everyone.

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

Accommodation: Queenstown - 3 nights

Although celebrated as New Zealand's 'adventure capital' Queenstown offers far more than a fast-paced action-packed holiday. Head down the Gibbston Valley wine trail to sample some of the region's best Pinot or catch a ride on the 100 year old Steamship - the TSS Earnslaw - to Walter Peak Station for dinner and a farm tour. Browse the waterfront cafes and have lunch at Michelin star chef Josh Emett's 'Rata.' - but if you do really want the adrenaline rush Queenstown is known for, take your pick from the Shotover Jet, Nevis Bungy, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge or Heli-ski. 

Recommended Excursions in Queenstown:

Venture into the heart of Central Otago where you will taste some of New Zealand's finest wines, in surroundings of unmatched scenic beauty and historical interest. The tour takes in four to five outstanding vineyards from the Gibbston, Bannockburn and Alexandra areas, includes wine tastings, a tour of New Zealand's largest wine cave and excellent local cheeses.

For lunch we relax in one of the regions excellent restaurants. The Big Picture is a new wine and food experience including, fine cuisine, an Aroma Room and a virtual flight over Central Otago with a virtual meeting of the regions leading winemakers.

The drive from Wanaka to Te Anau will take three and half hours, but there is plenty to enjoy along the way. We highly recommend staging your Fiordland National Park activities from Te Anau as a base (Queenstown to Milford becomes a 12hr return highway trip that needs to be to avoided!) Some of the sightseeing along the way are beautiful - Lakes Wakatipu and Manapouri and the Manapouri Dam. The Te Anau Wildlife Centre (take the opportunity to identify some of the numerous native birds visitors may only see on your walks and hikes)

Approximate Distance: 228 kms | 142 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours

Accommodation: Te Anau - 3 nights

This excursion to Milford Sound is a journey to one of the world's greatest natural wonders - Fiordland National Park - a world heritage area. A vast remote wilderness with snow capped mountains, glacial lakes and valleys, fiords, waterfalls and dense forests. The journey to Milford from Te Anau and Queenstown is magnificent. Enjoy a 2 hour 30 minute nature cruise of the Milford Sound viewing the spectacular waterfalls and famous Mitre Peak. Grand, brooding, serene and wild, Milford Sound draws visitors from all over the globe to cruise its length. Luxuriant rain forest clings to sheer rock walls washed with waterfalls. In the foreground stands Mitre Peak, a majestic presence dominating the skyline. Hanging valleys, alpine lakes and cloud-piercing summits hidden from the road.

Deep in the heart of Fiordland lies the vast and beautiful Doubtful Sound. The name came by way of the pioneer Captain James Cook who expressed his uncertainty as to whether the inlet was navigable under sail. This sound is home to a number of impressive waterfalls and small islands and is the second longest of the South Island’s fiords. Doubtful Sound is an untouched, serene and mysterious place that is often referred to as the ‘Sound of Silence’. Fur seals, bottle nose dolphins and penguins are likely to be seen on your cruise.

Venturing south, we journey through the rich, fertile farming landscapes of South Otago before arriving in the distinctly Scottish city of Dunedin. Majestic Victorian architecture dots the city centre, but one of the main attractions is the rare wildlife that lives here. Dunedin is home to rare yellow-eyed penguins as well as the world’s only accessible mainland colony of Northern Royal Albatross. These princely ocean adventurers are thrilling to see up-close. Experience Dunedin your way with an afternoon of free time. 

Accommodation: Dunedin - 2 Nights

Today cruise the length of the Otago Harbour. Experience an unforgettable half-day cruise and peninsula tour and explore Careys Bay historic fishing village, Port Chalmers’ busy wharves and the harbour’s beautiful bays, hills, farmland and forest. 

Enjoy Monarch’s fascinating Wildlife Cruise around Taiaroa Head and the surrounding coastline of dramatic cliffs. Watch the NZ Fur seals play and swim near their breeding colonies, out at sea you can spot rarely seen ocean birds including other albatross species and petrels, and you may see penguins, dolphins and other marine mammals.

On your way North today don't miss the Moeraki Boulders dotted across Koekohe Beach. These 65-million-year-old natural wonders are up to two metres tall. You'll head inland and follow the Waitaki Valley until in meets up with the basin of the Mackenzie Country. 

Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is part of UNESCO's Te Wāhipounamu (The Place of Greenstone) World Heritage region. Here in Mackenzie Country you'll find Australasia's highest mountain - Aoraki / Mount Cook (3,724m) - nestled in the splendid Southern Alps.

Known to Māori as Aoraki or Cloud Piercer, this magnificent mountain is surrounded by over 150 peaks along with countless glaciers, ice and snow fields, mountain lakes, and ranges.

Approximate Distance: 295 kms | 183 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 35 mins

Have you ever been alongside, discovered or touched an iceberg?

Experience the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake and its icebergs, in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. A unique guided experience departing Aoraki/Mount Cook village by bus to the beautiful Tasman Valley followed by a 1/2hr gentle alpine walk. Board our MAC boat, and explore the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake, where you will discover the ever-changing ice face of the Glacier and icebergs, making each trip different from the last due to changing winds and currents.  Knowledgeable guides, enhance your experience with their expertise and passion for this amazing alpine environment. 

Today continue your journey to Christchurch your final destination. Enjoy the turquoise blue Lake Tekapo. Here you can take the opportunity to enjoy the majestic scenery of the Southern Alps and view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd. After enjoying these amazing sceneries you will continue to your final destination of the journey 

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

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Today depart Christchurch and fly onwards to Sydney, the oldest and grandest of Australia's big cities. Blessed with a glorious natural harbour, golden beaches and a blissful climate, this incredible metropolis makes a stunning final destination on your Contrasts of Australia Tour.

Sydney Harbour Dining Cruise

Tonight's Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Harbour shows off Sydney in style. Sparkling wine in hand, enjoy spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge as you dine. Step aboard the beautiful Southern Swan or the magnificent Soren Larsen and set sail on this twilight dinner cruise like the early settlers all those years ago. There is no better way to end the day than this sublime Sydney Harbour dinner cruise.

Accommodation: Sydney - 2 Nights

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

Experience a fantastic 360 degree panorama of Sydney when you ascend to the bridge's summit. Your knowledgeable guide will entertain you with tales of the bridge's amazing history and construction as you tick a true Sydney must-do off your bucket list.

Today you will be transferred to the airport where you will fly to Cairns and on arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation in Port Douglas

Tropical Port Douglas

With its close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, Cairns is a haven of scuba diving, snorkelling, reef cruises, fishing, rainforest walks, native bird and wildlife watching.

This afternoon visit Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas is an award-winning attraction that provides visitors to get up close to a range of iconic Australian animals in their recreated natural environments. Consisting of four unique habitats, rainforest, wildlife, savannah and woodlands, visitors are able to wander at their own leisure or join a guided wildlife tour. Guests can hand feed wallabies and kangaroos, cuddle and have their photo taken with a koala and walk the world's first "Predator Plank" over crocodile filled waters.

Accommodation: Port Douglas - 3 Nights

So you'd like to take the plunge! With an Introductory Dive on the outward journey to the Reef, instructors assess the suitability of potential introductory divers and you'll be required complete the necessary paperwork which includes a medical questionnaire, then you'll be able to experience the excitement of scuba diving whilst under very close supervision of an instructor. Once at the Reef, it's out to the dive deck and ready to gear up! The Great Barrier Reef is more about shallow scuba diving and your dive may take you as deep as 12 metres (40 feet).

Visit the Daintree River and Mossman Gorge, and enjoy an afternoon tea in between. The Daintre is the oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest in the world. Board a cruise along the tidal reaches of the Daintree River for an hour, looking out for all manner of creatures, including the estuarine crocodile, snakes, birds, frogs, and more. Then it's off to Mossman Gorge National Park, here we conduct an interpretive walk along an elevated boardwalk so we can have a closer look at the rainforest canopy and perhaps in for a swim.

Today you will be transferred to the Cairns airport where you will fly from Cairns to Brisbane - on arrival transfer to your accommodation.

Life in Brisbane revolves around the outdoors. As the capital of Australia's Sunshine State, Brisbane invites you to kick off your shoes, grab your mates and enjoy the food, art and adventure on offer. With almost 300 days of sunshine per year, Brisbane is the perfect spot to spend lots of time enjoying the outdoors with your family and friends. Conveniently wedged between the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast offers endless possibilities for exploring - think Sophisticated galleries, subtropical beaches, cool-climate vineyards.

Accommodation: Brisbane - 1 Night

Welcome to Viti Levu, Fiji

Covering an area of 10,400 sq km, Viti Levu or Great Fiji is the largest of the Fijian islands. Roughly circular in shape with a mountainous interior, Viti Levu is thought to be the oldest of Fiji's 300 plus islands. 

On arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation at Denarau

Only 20 minutes drive from Nadi International Airport, Port Denarau Marina is Fiji's premier marina facility. As the hub of the integrated Denarau Island Resort, Port Denarau Marina is the gateway to exploring the idyllic sun drenched tropical isles of Fiji's Western Division. Port Denarau Marina is walking distance to several international hotels, offering a vast array of recreational pursuits including an international 18 hole golf course - not to mention, being part of the largest retail/restaurant complex in the Nadi area.

Accommodation: Denarau - 4 Nights 

Covering an area of 10,400 sq km, Viti Levu or Great Fiji is the largest of the Fijian islands. Roughly circular in shape with a mountainous interior, Viti Levu is thought to be the oldest of Fiji's 300 plus islands. While many tourists use Viti Levu as a base camp when exploring the rest of Fiji, what they don't realize is that this island has its own unique charms and sights. What Viti Levu lacks in idyllic beaches, it more than makes up for with its many interesting places to see and tons of activities to enjoy.

This full-day cruise includes a Fijian Village visit and time ashore the Modriki Island from the Tom Hanks movie "Cast Away". Explore the crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches and lagoons of the Mamanuca Islands. This 15-metre yacht offers a stable and comfortable cruise through the islands. Landing at Modriki island guests can go ashore and explore the deserted island, sunbathe on the soft sand and snorkel the colourful coral reefs. After Modriki we head to Yanuya Island. Visit a traditional Fijian Island Village where we will be welcomed ashore with a Kava ceremony, then have a chance to explore the village and meet the locals.

The resort grounds offer you plenty of island fun and relaxation. Here with family? You can try out our new gym, practice your swing at our Denarau Island Golf & Racquet Club, or treat yourself to a soothing massage at our hotel spa. Together, you can make a splash in our four climate-controlled lagoon pools, featuring the resort’s whitewater tunnel slide, or visit our private beach with white sands and beautiful views. Six unique on-site restaurants offer you delicious meals throughout the day.

"Moce Manda" Goodbye and Bon Voyage! Today transfer to Nadi Airport from your outbound flight

We are sure you will enjoy the 39 Day Essence of New Zealand, Australia and Fiji Itinerary and our promise is to make your travels throughout as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a memory card full of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon in Oceania.