Embrace the dreamlike landscape of the Outback’s red sands and South Island’s rolling glaciers during your 15-day tour of Australia and New Zealand. Brimming with natural beauty, bask in the beauty of the Pacific, indulge in luxurious accommodations, and enjoy impressive views of white sand beaches. From ancient rainforest canopy to the Great Barrier Reef, freshwater lakes to magnificent waterfalls, you will find wonder in nature.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Sydney – Enjoy Your Australian Beginnings
Sydney is a city of movement that ebbs and flows with the tide. Beaches shimmer with opulent gold sand and turquoise water. Sailboats glide over the horizon. Your flight will land at Sydney Airport, where your private transfer will meet you upon arrival and escort you to your accommodations in the city. Your hotel may rise above Darling Harbour, providing you with gorgeous views of the waterfront and the emerald plants decorating the Royal Botanic Garden. After settling into the comforts of your accommodation, the remainder of the day is yours to explore the vibrant streets of central Sydney, at your preferred pace.
What's Included:
Day 2
Sydney – Explore Under the Sails of the City
Day 3
Uluru – Travel into the Great Red Outback
Day 4
Uluru – Witness a Morning to Watch
Day 5
Daintree National Rainforest – Uncover Beauty amongst the Trees
Day 6
Daintree National Rainforest – Delight In a Naturalist Point of View
Day 7
Lizard Island – Travel Under Treetops and Over White Sand
Day 8
Lizard Island – Edge the Great Barrier Reef
Day 9
Lizard Island – Travel to the Outer Reef
Day 10
Auckland – Experience the Difference of the North Island
Day 11
Taupo – Find the Colors of Cultural Landscape
Day 12
Taupo – Indulge In a Picture Perfect Setting
Day 13
Queenstown – Visit the Streets of Arrowtown
Day 14
Queenstown – Uncover the Icy Ground
Day 15
Queenstown – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Relish the ride of a lifetime with a helicopter tour over gorgeous Milford Sound in New Zealand, and landing on Mount Tutoko Glacier
- Explore the remote reaches of the Outer Reef system of the Great Barrier Reef in search of angelfish, sea turtles, and colorful coral
- Lounge in the warm sun and powder-white sand of a secluded tropical island halfway between Australia’s east coast and the Great Barrier Reef
- Experience the majestic atmosphere and breathtaking natural colors of the Red Desert landscape and borders of Uluru at sunrise and sunset
- Traverse the trails of Daintree National Rainforest with a naturalist guide to learn about the splendor of nature in the exotic flora and fauna
- Wander the trails of Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland to view the lavish forest and unique geothermal activity of geysers and mud pools in New Zealand
- Discover the charming culture of Sydney, as shaped by the seaside landscape during a private tour of the beaches and historic districts
- Enter into the concert hall and along the lesser-known galleries of the Sydney Opera House with a private tour of Australia’s iconic structure
- Witness the magnificent shores of Lake Taupo and the stunning power of the whitewater caused by Huka Falls
Detailed Description
The highlights of Australia and New Zealand emanate from the splendors of the land and sea, embodied in captivating culture and contemporary comforts. Your 15-day exploration takes you first to Sydney, Australia, where the iconic opera house overlooks the harbor waters. Your private transfer meets you at the airport and escorts you to a luxurious hotel in the heart of the city. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere blending with the unique beachside ambiance. Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens or spend time exploring Darling Harbour. The next day, your guide takes you on a half-day tour of the city’s sophisticated and exciting neighborhoods, from the historic Rocks District to Bondi Beach. Spend time wandering through the concert halls and theaters of the Sydney Opera House on a private tour.
Next, your private transfer meets you in the hotel lobby and escorts you to the airport for your flight to Uluru, located in the Red Centre. You travel from the airstrip to your stunning resort-style accommodation overlooking celebrated Uluru. In the evening, you can watch the colors shift across the rock face and learn about Aboriginal culture and art. Wake up before dawn to enjoy a sunrise tour around Uluru, to see the rock art and niches of the ancient monolith. In the afternoon, you continue to Kata Tjuta to traverse the trails before dinner beneath the stars, listening to the story of Dreamtime.
Transfer to Cairns, in northeast Queensland. Your private transfer leads you to a gorgeous lodge along the banks of the Mossman River. Wander the trails in search of butterflies or traverse the waters on a canoe before the day ends amidst the jungle canopy. Your naturalist guide meets you after breakfast and takes you on a half-day rainforest tour in search of the exotic flora and fauna of the region. The remainder of the day is yours to search for endemic animals hiding in the underbrush and canopy. Then, you have a scenic flight from Cairns Airport to the secluded shores of Lizard Island. The majestic resort stands alongside crystal clear waters.
The island is yours to explore; take to the edging coral reef with a snorkel and fins or trek to the top of Cook’s Look. You could also relax with a day at the resort spa. The following day, you step aboard a boat bound for the Outer Reef of the Great Barrier Reef to discover the wonders of the largest reef system in the world. Afterward, you fly from the east coast of Australia to Auckland, New Zealand. Your private transfer leads you to a stunning hotel on the waters of one of the city’s celebrated harbors. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the streets of the city and enjoy the fabulous museums depicting natural and cultural history across the North and South islands.
Your private transfer escorts you south towards the lakeside town of Taupo. Visit the erupting geysers and steaming landscape of the geothermal highlights at Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland before reaching Taupo. Board a catamaran to bask in the picturesque scenery of town with a half-day lake cruise. You also find wondrous Maori sculptures etched into the cliffs at Mine Bay. Next, you fly from Taupo to Queenstown on the South Island.
After settling into your fabulous lakeside hotel, you visit the charming antique streets of Arrowtown, which boomed in the late 19th century during a gold rush. You make your way to Milford Sound and the Fiordland National Park for an unparalleled tour of the marvelous landscape. Enjoy a helicopter ride around the cliffs, waterfalls, and bays before setting down on Mount Tutoko Glacier. Your private transfer meets you in the hotel lobby on the final day and escorts you to Queenstown Airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$3,745 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
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.84 stars based on 824 reviews.
Reviewed By Laura D.
Reviewed By Erica B.
Reviewed By Sarah L.
Reviewed By John M.
Reviewed By John C.
Reviewed By Chuck H.