Must Do New Zealand, Australia and Fiji Itinerary

28 Days Must Do NZ, Australia & Fiji
1

Welcome to Auckland

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand

Relax you are now officially on holiday and everything has been taken care of! On arrival you will be transferred from the airport to your accommodation to freshen up and unwind. 

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. 

Make the most of some free leisure time in the 'City of Sails' - simply relax or take this opportunity to explore the many sights of Auckland

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night

Auckland Waterfront
Accommodation:
A contemporary hotel for the curious, the explorers and those who thrive on new experiences. Functionally chic, this contemporary hotel features 190 rooms and suites designed for all travellers, overlooking the vibrant Princes Wharf that is home to a stunning array of dining, entertainment and shopping experiences.
M Social Auckland

2

Rotorua via Waitomo Glowworm Caves

It’s hard to believe when you drive through the idyllic peaceful countryside of the Waikato, that hidden beneath its surface lies a labyrinth of Glowworm Cave networks that house formations and creatures that are simply out of this world. 

If you are interested in seeing galaxies of beautiful glowworms, then this small group personalized Spellbound Tour allows you to spend 40 minutes under glowworms. This tour is one of the most unhurried glow worm tours in New Zealand, with plenty of time for your eyes to adjust to the darkness - intensifying the effect of thousands of softly shining glow worms.

Sir David Attenborough on the BBC series 'Life in the Undergrowth' described the spellbound Cave as an “Astonishing Cave” And “one of natures most Magical Illuminations!” - This is an easy adventure everyone will enjoy.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 372 km | 232 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 Nights

Waitomo Caves
Accommodation:

Rotorua’s designer 5 star Boutique Hotel and Spa offers stylish luxury accommodation, with accommodation to suit most groups of travellers from hotel rooms to 2 bedroom family apartments situated amidst the exciting attractions and experiences Rotorua has to offer. With excellent facilities such as the restaurant, heated pool, gym and mineral bathing facilities. 

Regent of Rotorua

3

Hobbiton & Māori Cultural Evening

Setting off from Rotorua, travel through the lush farmland of the Waikato and King Country regions. You will journey to the emerald pastures and rolling hills of The Shire, where Hobbiton was brought to life on a private farm in Matamata. This idyllic village blurs the line between fantasy and reality. Set to the scale of a 3ft Hobbit you’ll feel like you’ve walked into a magical world of smoking chimneys. 

Te Po is Te Puia's authentic evening Māori cultural experience - a feast of food, culture and friendship. Enjoy a ritual welcome which will include a challenge by fierce warriors, then you can relax and enjoy a performance of songs, haka and poi dance before enjoying traditional food. Following dessert, you will be transported to enjoy the spectacular lighting of the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. Guests can wander around the illuminated natural attractions, including Pohutu geyser, while enjoying more Maori-inspired delicacies and a hot drink.

Approximate Distance: 70 km | 43 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour (each way)

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

4

Fly to Christchurch

Today you will return your rental vehicle to Rotorua Airport and fly to Christchurch where you will be transferred to your accommodation on arrival.

After checking in, why not step back to Edwardian times with a relaxing punting trip down the Avon River? It's a wonderful introduction to the "Garden City". Gliding gently along the river in a flat-bottomed boat, you will take in Christchurch's 'must-see' historic buildings and Botanic Gardens away from the hustle and bustle of the city streets.

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Punting on the Avon river
You will find The Distinction Hotel in the revitalised heart of Christchurch and Cathedral Square. Centrally located and a short stroll to the Botanical Gardens, New Regent Street, the Arts Centre, and Avon River. This luxury Christchurch hotel offers 179 elegant, air-conditioned hotel rooms including 3 floors of Superior Rooms and Suites.
Distinction Hotel Christchurch

5

TranzAlpine Rail Journey & Franz Josef Glacier

Climb aboard the TranzAlpine and travel via Arthur's Pass to Greymouth on the West Coast. This rail journey is truly something special. Enjoy thrilling vistas over deep gorges as you travel alongside the ice-fed Waimakariri River and traverse the mighty Southern Alps, where spectacular views of the chiseled alpine landscape will take your breath away at every turn. Ranked among the world’s top 6 train journeys, these tracks flow through some of New Zealand's most splendid countryside from the Southern Alps to Greymouth. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see natural grandeur on such a scale. 

On arrival in Greymouth collect your next rental vehicle and continue on to the west coast glacial village of Franz Josef.

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 2 Nights

Tranz Alpine Trai Journey
Rainforest Retreat is centrally located in the heart of Franz Josef Village , Secluded yet handy to every local activity. Nestled in six acres of idyllic native bush at the foot of precipitous mountains the Rainforest Retreat is a inviting place to stay. Each unit was built exclusively to embrace its beautiful, secluded, natural environment providing guests with choices of either forest floor or mid canopy bush views.
Rainforest Retreat

6

Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing

From Franz Josef Village fly over both the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, soaring first over the townships and then following the ice flow high up into the upper reaches. This 30-minute helicopter flight with an expert alpine pilot takes you over the twin glaciers of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, with a snow landing at the head of either one.

At the landing site above the icefalls, step out to marvel at the phenomenal glacial beauty of the crevasse-filled landscape below. Your helicopter tour soars above the magnificent carved valleys of the Southern Alps, and includes round-trip hotel transport to the tour base.

Helicopter Flight

7

Queenstown - Nature's Serene Haven

Take your time heading south today: you won't want to miss the spectacular scenery as it transforms from rugged coastal mountain ranges and mirror lakes to the winding Kawarau River Gorge. You will finally emerge into the lush green farmland surrounding Queenstown, your destination for tonight.

Queenstown, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the magnificent Southern Alps, is New Zealand’s most celebrated destination.  Offering a wealth of experiences to be enjoyed – from adrenaline activities through to superb golf, gourmet food, and wine tours or romantic hot air ballooning.

Approximate Distance: 350 km | 218 miles  Total Driving Time: 5 hours 

Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 Nights

queenstown Wharf
The Scenic Suites offers well appointed rooms in an enviable position, with just five minutes walk to the bustling town centre. The hotels elevated position gives commanding views over Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps. Featuring panoramic views of the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu, this streamlined hotel is a 5-minute walk from art at Milford Galleries and a 7-minute walk from Skycity.
Scenic Suites Queenstown

8

Milford Sound - Coach/Cruise/Fly

For the most engaging way to experience the riches of Fiordland National Park. This option includes three modes of transport (land, sea & air) making this the ‘holy grail’ of combination tours.

Coach: Board a luxury coach for a journey into beautiful Fiordland. The Road to Milford is one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives. The first part is relatively mild farmland, and then you’ll ease into a beech forest near the entrance to the Fiordland National Park. Look for the Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain and the Mirror Lakes and through the rough-hewn Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound.

Cruise: Enjoy a scenic cruise of the entire length of 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. The purpose-built cruise boat offers excellent viewing of waterfalls, rainforest, mountains, and wildlife with large windows, spacious decks, and comfortable lounges.

Fly: Experience the “Absolutely Stunning” scenery as you fly over Sutherland Falls and over beautiful Milford Sound and lakes Te Anau and Lake Manapouri on your way back to Queenstown.

Included Meals: Lunch

Milford Sound Cruise

9

Mount Cook National Park

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 snowfields, mountain lakes, and ranges.

Approximate Distance: 263 km | 164 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Mount Cook - 2 Nights

Mount Cook NationalPark

A stunning destination surrounded by the silent splendor of the Southern Alps and with spectacular views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the surrounding National Park World Heritage area. There is a selection of properties within the Terrace Road campus from Hotel to Chalet and Mountainview Motels - all budgets and standards can be catered for.

Hermitage Hotel Mount Cook

10

Hooker Valley Track & Stargazing Tour

Start your day with a walk up the beautiful Hooker Valley, providing breathtaking views of some of New Zealand's highest and most enthralling peaks. Enjoy a stunning 11 km (6.8 mile) trek along over mostly flat terrain (there are some rocky bits) to the terminal lake of the Hooker Glacier. The journey encompasses an Alpine Memorial and passes over the turbulent Hooker River by Swing Bridge to unsurpassed vistas of Aoraki Mount Cook's south face and the surrounding glaciers. Take in the unique features of this alpine world in the shadow of New Zealand's and Oceania's highest peak, standing at 3,754 metres (12,316 Feet).

Tonight enjoy a Star Gazing Tour - this area also has World Heritage status as a Dark Sky Reserve for the purity and lack of light pollution.

Mt Cook Hooker Valley

11

Mt Cook to Christchurch

Today continue your journey to Christchurch. You will pass by the charming 'Church of the Good Shepherd', which sits alone on its shores and the views to our highest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook are remarkable. After enjoying these amazing sceneries you will continue to your final destination of the day - Christchurch. 

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

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Tekapo
You will find The Distinction Hotel in the revitalised heart of Christchurch and Cathedral Square. Centrally located and a short stroll to the Botanical Gardens, New Regent Street, the Arts Centre, and Avon River. This luxury Christchurch hotel offers 179 elegant, air-conditioned hotel rooms including 3 floors of Superior Rooms and Suites.
Distinction Hotel Christchurch

12

Fly to Melbourne Australia

Crowned "The World's Most Liveable City" for several years in a row, friendly Melbourne is the perfect place to begin your Australian self-drive adventure.

This compact, diverse metropolis is begging to be explored after settling into your comfortable accommodation. There are hidden charms around every corner, beautiful Botanic Gardens and chic city squares where you can soak up the atmosphere to your heart's content.

Lose yourself in cobbled laneways, admire the street art of Hosier Lane, take a tram to St Kilda beach or grab a bite to eat at Queen Victoria Market - it's the largest market in the Southern Hemisphere.

Accommodation: Melbourne - 3 Nights

Melbourne
Located in Melbourne CBD, Adina Apartment Hotel offers modern self-contained apartments. It features a swimming pool, a sauna and a fitness centre. All air-conditioned apartments feature Italian furniture and large windows with natural light. Each apartment includes a kitchenette or a full kitchen and spacious seating areas.
Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne

13

Famous Melbourne Lanes & Arcades Tour

Join this indulgent morning walk through Melbourne's beautiful back streets, and get orientated in the life of the city that locals love. Discover local designers and specialty retailers, that often are only found in the city. Some of the quirkiest cafes, independent designers, street art, architecture, and historical tales are found in these walkways, there is something for everyone, locals and visitors alike.

Morning tea is included before a restaurant lunch with a glass of wine. See over 30 stores on this casual stroll and return to those you like best in the afternoon: make a day of it in Marvellous Melbourne.

Included Meals: Lunch

Melbourne Laneways

14

Yarra Valley Vintages & Villages Tour

Discover a new realm in travel sophistication with the Luxe Bus "Vintages and Villages tour, your premium small group tour to the Yarra Valley. Travel in style and comfort in your luxury leather-seated Mercedes Benz through the renowned Yarra Valley for your unique, boutique tour, showcasing the cool climate wines and culinary dining the region is famous for. Enjoy a 2 course dining experience and a glass of wine while you take in the expansive views overlooking the Yarra Ranges.

Included Meals: Lunch

Yarra Valley Wine

15

Melbourne to Uluru (Ayers Rock) & Field of Light

Bid farewell to the city and fly to Australia's Red Centre for your first glimpse of magnificent Ayers Rock, or Uluru as it is also known.

Ayers Rock stands 348 metres above the ground and reaches over 700 metres underground. Uluru is also home to the World Heritage listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, which is of extreme importance to the local Aboriginal people.

The Magical "Field of Light"
Tonight enjoy the Field of Light Installation with a Star Pass. Marvel at this desert spectacle of 50,000 glass spheres of Bruce Munro's amazing Field of Light installation.

You will be welcomed at a raised viewing area for canapés and chilled sparkling wine to the sounds of a didgeridoo. As the sun slowly sets, the coloured lights of 50,000 glass spheres come to life before you. Created by internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro, this magical installation has to be seen to be believed.

Accommodation: Ayers Rock - 3 Nights

Uluru Ayers Rock

Emu Walk Apartments are just a short walk from Ayers Rock Resort centre. Each apartment is air-conditioned and has a TV with free-to-air channels, plus a balcony or veranda. All apartments are self-contained, with separate kitchen, living and bedroom areas. Emu Walk Apartments are close to Gecko’s cafe which offers gourmet pizzas, pasta and Mediterranean-style dishes.

Emu Walk Apartments

16

Kings Canyon & Outback Panoramas Tour

Travel to Kings Canyon - From Ayers Rock Resort, stopping for breakfast at Kings Creek Station along the way.

Climb to the rim of the canyon - Make the rocky climb to the rim of the canyon for marvellous views of Watarrka National Park. Follow the rim of the canyon stopping to look down into the canyon gorge at look-out points. Time permitting, you may choose to descend into the green oasis of the 'Garden of Eden'.

Circuit walk - The circuit walk takes approximately 3 hours to complete and is rocky and steep in parts. It is recommended for those with a good level of fitness. Alternatively, you may wish to take an easier, shorter walk to explore the boulder-strewn canyon floor.

Return to Ayers Rock Resort - After lunch (own expense).

Kings Canyon

17

Aboriginal Sunrise Tour & Sounds of Silence Dining

Experience the tranquillity of the pre-dawn land under a canopy of stars. Watch the amazing transformation of colours and life as the desert awakens with Uluru and Kata Tjuta as your backdrop. Watch the distant domes of Kata Tjuta come into view and enjoy a traditional Aussie breakfast. Once the sun is up, enjoy a guided tour at the base of Uluru. First stop is Kuniya where you'll take a short walk to the Mutitjulu waterhole.

This evening your journey begins on a lone sand dune. Here you enjoy sparkling wine and a selection of delectable canapés. Dining under the sparkling outback sky as the sun sets, you feast on a BBQ buffet of authentic Australian delicacies complemented by some of Australia's quality wines. Stargazing Attention then turns to some of the world's best stargazing. In winter, guests gather around a campfire to savour a special treat of hot mulled wine.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Sounds of Silence Dinner

18

Fly from Ayers Rock to Cairns

You will be transferred to the airport and fly to Cairns. 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.

Sun-seekers and locals alike flock to Cairns Esplanade's swimming lagoon on the city’s foreshore. There are picnic areas, birdwatching viewpoints, free barbecues and fitness equipment along the boardwalk, perfect for unwinding after your flight.

Accommodation: Cairns - 3 Nights

Palm Cove
Accommodation:

201 Lake Street offers a blend of hotel rooms and fully self-contained apartments. When you're not discovering the tropical paradise around you, take advantage of our modern guest amenities, including a 20-meter lap pool with a wading area, barbecue facilities, and more for ultimate relaxation.

201 Lake Street

19

Cruise the Great Barrier Reef

Today you will meet the magnificent sea life of the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Go snorkeling with the most beautiful fishes and turtles you've ever seen! Even diving is a great opportunity which can be arranged. Or you can simply relax and enjoy the sun with a cool breeze. When it's time for lunch, there enjoy a delicious hot & cold buffet.

Passions of Paradise holds an exclusive permit for several unique snorkel and dive sites. They pioneered this site in 1995, and have been snorkeling and scuba diving the area ever since. This means no crowds from other boats, and the coral is in magnificent condition. Sea turtles are extremely common and you are also likely to see giant trevally, small black tip reef sharks, bat fish, and hundreds of varieties of colourful reef fish.

Included Meals: Lunch

Snorkeling Great Barrier Reef

20

Full Day Daintree & Cape Tribulation Trip

On this small-group full-day Daintree Rainforest tour, you will explore all the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation region has to offer. Sit back and relax in comfort in a custom-built 4WD air-conditioned vehicle while listening to informative and entertaining commentary by your local naturalist guide.

Spot crocodiles on a Daintree River cruise, learn about flora, fauna and the history of the Daintree on a guided boardwalk tour, take a 4WD ride through a World Heritage-listed rainforest on the rugged Bloomfield Track, savour a traditional Aussie barbecue, sample traditional 'Aussie' billy tea, damper and tropical fruits in the company of wallabies.

Cape Tribulation

21

Fly From Cairns to Sydney

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.

Settle in with a stroll along Circular Quay. With the Harbour Bridge at one end and the Opera House at the other, is there any more iconic place to begin your Australian dream vacation?

Accommodation: Sydney - 4 Nights

Sydney

Featuring a swimming pool, fitness centre and a sauna and overlooking beautiful Cockle Bay, Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney, Darling Harbour is located in Sydney CBD and offers self-contained accommodation. Located in Sydney’s entertainment hub of King Street Wharf, Adina Apartment Hotel is less than 3 minutes’ walk from Sydney Aquarium and Wildlife World. Chinatown is a 5-minute walk away and Sydney’s city centre is just 10 minutes' walk away.

Adina

22

Explore Sydney at Leisure

Enjoy some free time to discover Sydney in-depth, at your own pace.

Take a ferry to Manly for a laid-back beach day, or cruise to Taronga Zoo, where both animals and visitors alike can enjoy jaw-dropping harbour views. Adventurers can climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge or tackle the Bondi to Bronte walking trail along the rugged sandstone cliffs. Foodies will love visiting the Sydney Fish Market, where you can pile your plate high with freshly caught & cooked seafood and take your haul outside to eat on the pier.

However you choose to spend your day, Sydney is guaranteed to win your heart.

Sydney Royal Botanics

23

Sydney Bridge Climb to the Summit

BridgeClimb is an experience that will never be forgotten on one of the world's most modern wonders, The Sydney Harbour Bridge. The BridgeClimb experience begins with a comprehensive briefing and safety demonstration to prepare you for the Climb of Your Life.

The exhilaration and personal satisfaction achieved by reaching the top of the Bridge is rewarded by the breathtaking view that lies before you as you scale up the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There is no adventure like it in the world ...no view like it ...no feeling like it!

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb day or night

24

Hunter Valley Boutique Wine Tour

Relax, get away from the city, and enjoy some fabulous wine and food in Australia's oldest wine-growing region. Just 2 hours north of Sydney, the Hunter Valley combines world-renowned wines with gourmet local produce and stunning countryside - all the makings for a fabulous, relaxing day.

This tour concentrates on the smaller, boutique wineries in this stunning area, where regional variations are even more prominent and the passion of the wine-makers is obvious. These wineries help bring the wine-making process to life, and you will enjoy private tastings with those for whom wine-making is their greatest passion.

Included Meals: Lunch

Hunter Valley

25

Fly to Fiji, Transfer to Serenity Island Resort

Welcome to Viti Levu
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 transferredfrom Nadi Airport to Vuda Marine and then board a boat to Serentiy Island.

Serenity island is a island within the Mamanuca Islands of Fiji in the South Pacific. The Island is home to one resort, Serenity Island Resort. Serenity Island Resort offers a perfect blend of convenience and seclusion, located just a short boat ride away from Viti Levu, Fiji's main island. This 48-acre tropical haven is the nearest private island to the mainland, making it easily accessible via a quick journey to and from Vuda Marina.

Included Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Serenity Island - 3 Nights 

Serenity Island

Serenity Island Resort blends timeless elegance and Fijian style design. Set against the backdrop of a tropical island, we provide the perfect island escape for romance, adventure and relaxation. Enjoy succulent seafood and delicious international favorites at the onsite restaurant as you take in stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Guests have the option to work out in the gym, or Indulge yourself at our Serenity Spa, with both an outdoor and indoor treatment area overlooking the beach. 

Serenity Island Resort

26

Serenity Island Resort at Leisure

Escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the serenity of our private beaches, offering crystal-clear waters, modern amenities, and daily entertainment. Whether you prefer to unwind in peaceful solitude or dive into exciting activities, we’ve got you covered. Feed baby turtles, hop on a boat to feed the fish, or explore the vibrant underwater world through snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Take a leisurely stroll around our 48-acre island—it can be completed in just 20 minutes or savored over two hours of relaxed 'Fiji time,' guided or on your own adventure.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Fiji Island

27

Enjoy Another Free Day to Relax or Explore

Known as the soft coral capital of the world, Fiji offers some of the best diving and snorkeling experiences on the planet. With its clear, warm waters, vibrant marine life, and stunning beaches, it’s a paradise for underwater enthusiasts. Home to around 1,000 species of fish and hundreds of types of coral and sponges, Fiji promises a truly unforgettable diving adventure. Stop by the water-sports shop to gear up for snorkeling or book a diving excursion. If relaxation is what you seek, set aside your daily worries and embrace the island’s tranquil pace. Unwind in a beachside hammock, enjoy a soothing afternoon massage, or bask in the sunshine as you float in calm waters. Take a romantic walk along the beach, reconnect with your inner self, and create lasting memories with loved ones. This is your moment to escape, recharge, and savor the magic of Fiji.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Massage

28

Farewell From Nadi

Vinaka Vakalevu!

After the most amazing trip, today you will be transferred to Nadi Airport to meet your onward flight

We know you will enjoy your holiday and our promise is to make your travels as enjoyable, hospitable and hassle-free as possible. On this final day of your holiday, we say farewell and Vinaka vakalevu (thank you very much). You'll be departing today from Fiji with a library full of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your South Pacific holiday!

Included Meals: Breakfast

Fiji Islands Cocktail

Profile picture for user Elizabeth
What Elizabeth says about this tour: This trip has all the Must-Do's - starting with 11 days of the highlights of New Zealand, 13 days in Australia - and the most relaxing trip ending - blissful Serenity Resort in Fiji. Sit back and relax we have thought of everything on this South Pacific trip of a lifetime.
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