Handcrafted with Australia and New Zealand’s iconic wildlife and nature experiences, this adventurous two-week tour will unravel a continent’s ultimate landscapes and animals. Kangaroos hop across the evocative outback, and dolphins pirouette as penguins waddle. Alpine majesty contrasts coastal cliffs and the wild Australian bush, cockatoos inspire, and fjords impress an ancient world. Welcome to two countries that are packed with nature and wildlife.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Mungo National Park – Iconic Outback Experience
You will begin your adventure by landing in Australia and transferring directly into the Outback on a light aircraft flight that will lead you directly into the wilderness. After the light aircraft flight, you will spend today and tomorrow at a small Outback camp. Providing comfort and luxury in the wild, the camp is ideally situated for exploring the national park. Tonight, you can gaze up at the stars and appreciate the sky without any light pollution. Marsupials are regular visitors to the area, and you will probably see western grey kangaroos springing past. Cockatoos tend to light up the sky during the fading afternoon light, and most of all, you will appreciate the silence of the Outback.
What's Included:
Day 2
Mungo National Park – View Wildlife and Visit Aboriginal Communities
Day 3 - 4
Great Ocean Road – Coastal and Wildlife Extravagance
Day 5 - 6
East Gippsland – Australia’s Hidden Gem
Day 7
Queenstown – Traveling to Queenstown
Day 8
Doubtful Sound – Penguins, Dolphins, and Albatross
Day 9
Queenstown – Kayaking the Fjord
Day 10 - 11
Aoraki / Mt. Cook National Park – Alpine Bliss by Road, Trail, and Scenic Flight
Day 12
Akaroa – Swimming With Dolphins
Day 13
Christchurch – Hot Air Ballooning and Winery Lunch
Day 14
Christchurch – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Swim with wild dolphins on a thrilling experience in Akaroa Bay
- Surround yourself with wild kangaroos and koalas during two days of iconic outback experiences in Mungo National Park
- Savor the serenity of Doubtful Sound on a luxurious overnight cruise, where you can kayak in the realm of dolphins, seals, penguins, and albatross
- Travel the Great Ocean Road and absorb the breathtaking landscapes while encountering koalas and other rare wildlife along the way
- Hot air balloon above the Canterbury Plains and touch down to a winery lunch, which will prove to be a bucolic way to end your vacation in New Zealand and Australia
- Immerse yourself in East Gippsland, which is the most authentic Australian destination for wild wildlife encounters, both in the forest and along the coast
- Marvel at the vistas on a scenic flight over Mt. Cook, which is New Zealand’s highest mountain
- Marvel at up-close encounters with cockatoos, parrots, bearded dragons, emus, whipbirds, echidnas, and many other endemic species
- Hike in New Zealand’s dazzling alpine region, where a beautiful choice of trails creates a perfect destination for all levels of experience and ability
Detailed Description
Australia and New Zealand evoke images of a world before change. Kangaroos roam the Outback, hopping and boxing as sunset colors paint the sky. Dolphins and penguins share a glance in a fjord cut off from the world. Mountains stand majestic, enlivened by glaciers and fields of snow. Australia’s wildlife is truly wild, and New Zealand’s landscapes elevate wilderness to a new definition. On this adventurous two-week Australia and New Zealand tour, you will discover why. From coastal drama to experiences in the bush and intimate wildlife encounters to expressive aerial vistas, these two weeks will include the region’s incredible natural diversity and abundance.
With six days in Australia, you will transfer between four incredible ecosystems. First, you will travel to Mungo National Park, where the Outback will immerse you in silence and surreal wildlife impressions. There will be kangaroos, cockatoos, wallabies, and fascinating Aboriginal history. Next, you will venture to the Great Ocean Road, where coastal magnificence is complemented by koalas and other endemic species. East Gippsland is well off the beaten track, but it is the true jewel of Australia’s wildlife gems. Here, the rainforest and bush are packed with marsupials, unusual birds, strange reptiles, and echidnas. When you gaze at the views, you may notice that the coast provides a home for dolphins and seals. With wildlife trackers leading the way, you can encounter the complete array of Australian wildlife. From the Outback to bush to rainforest, you can travel through the iconic Australian landscapes in comfort and style.
Day seven will be a travel day as you are transferred to Melbourne for a flight to Queenstown. Doubtful Sound and the wonders of Fjordland National Park will fill the next two days with an overnight cruise and some majestic, close-up encounters with penguins, dolphins, seals, and hopefully albatross. You will be in the pure wilderness, and this theme will continue as you will are transferred to Aoraki / Mt. Cook National Park for two days of alpine brilliance that can be adjusted to your fitness. A scenic flight will then set the scene, and the hiking trails will evoke a land unchanged. Finally, you will culminate your Australia and New Zealand tour with an afternoon of swimming with dolphins in Akaroa before a hot air balloon ride above the Canterbury Plains grants you spectacular views. You will then touch down to a vineyard lunch. Okay, so the last part is not pure nature, but at a winery, you can admire the landscapes and wildlife while toasting to two weeks of remarkable encounters and experiences.
Starting Price
$5,700 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
The starting price is based on travel during the low season for a minimum of two travelers staying in shared 3-star accommodations. Please inquire for a custom trip quote based on your travel preferences and travel dates.
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