Days/Nights
18D - 17N
Reveiews
Activity level
High
BOOK NOW
Your trip in a nutshell
Itinerary
Day - 1
Auckland Arrival
Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand's "City of Sails," a metropolitan hub celebrated for its stunning harbour location and mild climate. Complete airport formalities and transfer to your hotel. Settle in and prepare for the adventures ahead in this city that blends urban life with natural beauty. Overnight at the hotel.
Day - 2
Waitomo Glow Worm Caves & Rotorua
After breakfast, depart for Rotorua, driving through the North Island's lush scenery. Stop in the Waitomo region for today's highlight: a guided tour through the famous Waitomo Glow worm Caves. Marvel at the spectacular limestone formations and take an enchanting underground boat ride beneath a cavern roof studded with millions of tiny, luminous glow worms. Check in upon arrival in Rotorua.After breakfast, depart for Rotorua, driving through the North Island's lush scenery. Stop in the Waitomo region for today's highlight: a guided tour through the famous Waitomo Glow worm Caves. Marvel at the spectacular limestone formations and take an enchanting underground boat ride beneath a cavern roof studded with millions of tiny, luminous glow worms. Check in upon arrival in Rotorua.
Day - 3
Geysers, Mud Pools, and Farm Life
Begin the day at Te Puia Thermal Reserve, a landscape shaped by geothermal power. Witness the majestic Pohutu Geyser erupting high into the air, alongside boiling mud pools, all generated by the thinness of the earth’s crust here. Afterwards, enjoy an authentic New Zealand experience at the Agrodome Sheep Show & Farm Tour, featuring expert sheep dog demonstrations and a close look at the region's agricultural stars.
Day - 4
Auckland City Tour & Sky Tower
Check out and depart for the drive back to Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. Upon arrival, embark on a City Orientation Tour to explore the main highlights and landmarks. Conclude the day by ascending the iconic Sky Tower, the Southern Hemisphere's tallest freestanding structure, for stunning 360-degree views of the city skyline and harbours before checking into your hotel.
Day - 5
Christchurch & International Antarctic Centre
Fly from Auckland to Christchurch, the Garden City. Upon arrival, head directly to the International Antarctic Centre. Here, you will experience interactive exhibits, a simulated snowstorm, and learn about the unique and extreme environment of the frozen continent and the spirit of polar exploration. Check in to your hotel for your overnight stay in Christchurch.
Day - 6
Tranzalpine to Franz Josef Glacier
Board the world-renowned Tranzalpine Train for a spectacular journey through the majestic Southern Alps to Arthur's Pass. Afterwards, continue by road, passing through Hokitika—a quaint town known for greenstone—with a beautiful photo stop. The long drive concludes as you arrive in Franz Josef, where you'll check into your hotel amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the glacial region for a well-deserved rest.
Day - 7
Wanaka's Illusions and Queenstown Bound
Depart Franz Josef and proceed through New Zealand's scenic South Island. Make a brief stop at the famous Mrs. Jones Fruit Stall near Cromwell for fresh, seasonal produce and local treats. Upon arrival in Wanaka, enjoy a visit to Puzzling World, a fascinating attraction featuring the world’s first 3D Great Maze and quirky, mind-bending Illusion Rooms. The journey concludes as you drive to your hotel in Queenstown.
Day - 8
Milford Sound Fiord Cruise
Begin an early, full-day excursion to the spectacular Milford Sound (approx. 12 hours). The scenic drive takes you through the dramatic Eglinton Valley and the impressive, man-made Homer Tunnel. Once at the fiord, enjoy a cruise surrounded by towering cliffs and glacial waterfalls, viewing the iconic Mitre Peak and the stunning Bowen Falls. Return to Queenstown in the evening after this immersion in Fiordland National Park.
Day - 9
Queenstown Thrills: Peak to River
Ascend to Bob's Peak via the Skyline Gondola, enjoying expansive, breathtaking views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding mountains. Follow this with the excitement of the Luge Ride. Later in the day, experience an exhilarating, high-speed Jet Boat Ride (30 mins) through the area's pristine river canyons, combining the best of the city's alpine and water adventures.
Day - 10
Flight to Melbourne Arrival
After breakfast, transfer to Queenstown airport for your flight across the Tasman Sea to Melbourne. Upon arrival, you will land in Australia's second-largest city, a renowned global hub for arts, diverse culture, and sports. Meet your driver, transfer to your hotel, complete check-in, and enjoy an evening at leisure, preparing for the Australian exploration ahead.
Day - 11
City Tour, Cricket, and Penguin Parade
Start with a Melbourne City Orientation Tour and a visit to the MCG Ground, where you can feel the aura of sitting in the stands of one of the world's best cricket venues. In the late afternoon, proceed to Phillip Island. At sunset, gather at Summerland Beach to witness the renowned Penguin Parade, where the charming Little Penguins come ashore in groups after a day of fishing.
Day - 12
Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles
Embark on a long, full-day tour of the iconic Great Ocean Road (approx. 417 km round trip). The route culminates at the stunning Twelve Apostles in Port Campbell National Park. These dramatic limestone pillars, carved by waves and wind over 20 million years, rise up to 45 meters high from the Southern Ocean, presenting an unforgettable geological spectacle. Return to Melbourne late evening.
Day - 13
Flight to Cairns & Kuranda Skyrail
Fly from Melbourne to Cairns, the popular gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding lush rainforests. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Later in the day, take the Kuranda Skyrail for a scenic journey, enjoying a bird's-eye view of the World Heritage Rainforest. Stop at Barron Falls and Red Peak stations for exploration, followed by time in Kuranda Village and its famous markets.
Day - 14
Big Cat Green Island Cruise (Great Barrier Reef)
Enjoy a full-day excursion on the Big Cat Green Island Cruise to one of the natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef. Spend five and a half hours on the beautiful Coral Island. Experience the underwater magic without getting wet via the Semi Submarine and the Glass Bottom Boat ride before returning to the hotel for a relaxing evening.
Day - 15
Sydney Arrival & Bondi Beach
Fly from Cairns to Sydney, Australia's cosmopolitan Olympic City set on the beautiful harbour. Upon arrival, proceed directly to the world-famous Bondi Beach, one of the country’s most recognized stretches of sand, to soak up the coastal atmosphere. Later, transfer to your hotel, complete check-in formalities, and enjoy dinner.
Day - 16
Opera House, Harbour Cruise & Skyline Views
After breakfast, take a guided tour of the iconic Opera House from the inside. Then, visit the Sydney Tower Eye Observation Deck for commanding, 360-degree views of the cityscape and harbour. As evening approaches, embark on a picturesque Sydney Harbour Cruise, utilizing the open-air Star Deck or enormous picture windows to capture all the action from the water.
Day - 17
Blue Mountains & Australian Wildlife
Embark on a full-day excursion starting at Featherdale Wildlife Park to encounter Australia’s unique native animals, including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats. Enjoy photo opportunities and hand-feed the kangaroos. Later, travel to the majestic Blue Mountains, known for their stunning natural beauty, waterfalls, and breathtaking vistas, enjoying scenic rides before returning to Sydney.
Day - 18
Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast before the scheduled transfer to the airport. Depart for your flight back home, concluding your extensive and unforgettable 18-day journey across the iconic landscapes and cities of New Zealand and Australia.
Sightseeing's
