Ultimate Australia and New Zealand
Endless exploring in buzzing cities, charming villages and hidden reefs, Ultimate Australia and New Zealand takes luxury to the next level. A private helicopter tour over Milford Sound, a luxury cruise through Sydney Harbour and endless spa retreats are what are in store for you on this unrivaled itinerary. Escape to the Great Barrier Reef at qualia, an exclusive lodge set in the idyllic Whitsunday Islands. Stimulate your senses in Sydney, get outdoorsy in New Zealand and laze away on the islands. Combine the best that these two unique countries have to offer for one perfectly crafted luxurious journey.
Trip Type: Adventure, Cosmopolitan, Sun & Sand, Wildlife
Day By Day
Day 1 – Welcome to Taupo
Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.
Starting Accommodation: Huka Lodge
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 – Huka Lodge At Leisure
Within the lodge grounds, you can take a leisurely stroll in the gardens, or soak in the pool, enjoy a game of tennis or try a relaxing game of petanque. Should you be drawn further afield, there is an extensive variety of recreational pursuits and adventure experiences available.
Starting Accommodation: Huka Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – Huka Lodge At Leisure
If fishing is your choice, the Lodge can arrange a wide variety of fishing excursions. Heli-fishing offers a complete wilderness experience in some of the best trout fishing territory in the world. Lake Taupo offers wonderful trout fishing and swimming, and a boat can take you to the many isolated coves and bays fringing the edge of the great lake. Some may choose a quiet game of golf, enjoy horse trekking, sailing, river rafting, hunting or skiing.
Starting Accommodation: Huka Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 – Travel to Queenstown
Takeoff to Queenstown and continue on the next stage of your adventure.
Starting Accommodation: Matakauri Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 – Milford Ultimate Helicopter Excursion
Perfected over the years, the Milford Ultimate is Over the Top's trip of a lifetime. Relaxed and unhurried, you can make the most of each incredible environment your pilot takes you to. Leaving Queenstown, fly west over the high-country peaks of Queenstown toward the 'Main Divide' of the Southern Alps and into the World-Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park. The scenery unfolds dramatically with vast U-shaped glacier carved valleys rich with primeval beech forests. The Milford Ultimate includes four landings, each at diverse and pristine locations where you can sip the pure waters of an alpine lake; take in the majestic Milford Sound; stroll along uninhabited wild, yet beautiful, west coast beaches, see the blue ice on glaciers high in the Alps and the fiords' coastal rain forests. At each landing site, the helicopter will shut down for you to enjoy the quiet sound of the mountains. Perhaps a curious Kea, New Zealand's native parrot, will drop in to say hello. No two Ultimate trips are the same. Today's excursion includes a gourmet picnic hamper of delightful cheeses, cold meats, breads, salads and fruit (please advise of any dietary requirements ahead of time). Sip champagne and a selection of non-alcoholic beverages at a location far from where others may travel.
Starting Accommodation: Matakauri Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – Queenstown at Leisure
Enjoy time at leisure to explore the adventure capital of New Zealand. Set between the towering Remarkable Ranges and the bottomless Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown has it all. Originally settled by the gold miners and station owners, it is now home to adrenaline-filled adventures such as bungee jumping, the Canyon Swing, jetboating, rafting and amazing scenic helicopter flights. Take a more sedate gondola ride to Bob's Peak for great views or the 110-year-old steamer, The Earnslaw, as she cruises around Lake Wakitpu. You may wish to visit Milford or Doubtful Sound or the old gold mining town of Arrowtown. There are some interesting wineries, including Amisfield (great for lunch or early dinners), which is just outside the town. You will find all the souvenirs you need here for your New Zealand visit, including a 'Lord of the Rings' gift store. Queenstown is home to some superb restaurants that cater to all the desires of your appetite.
Starting Accommodation: Matakauri Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Travel to Christchurch
Takeoff to Christchurch and continue on the next stage of your adventure.
Starting Accommodation: Otahuna Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 – Christchurch City Garden Tour
Explore the garden city and the surrounding areas of Christchurch with a small group of guests in a deluxe mini-coach. Departing from your hotel, the tour heads through Christchurch and by the city's center. Next, the tour heads towards the Port Hills, which overlook Christchurch, and offer stunning views of the city, Canterbury Plains, Lyttleton Harbour and the distant Southern Alps. After dropping into Lyttleton Harbour, you will have time explore a private garden that has been growing since 1865 and includes a variety of exotic trees, shrub rhododendrons, camellias and a good variety of New Zealand native plants. Head over the crater rim to another private garden that is 15 years old; the garden has a strong New Zealand theme and a largely formal layout. Within the evergreen structure of totara hedges, there are many native New Zealand plants and hybrids of exotic varieties raised in this country. The tour then heads back towards Christchurch city, stopping for a relaxing lunch, then a visit to the botanical gardens. Here you will see exotic trees that are some of the largest, the tallest or the oldest of their kind in New Zealand. You will see spectacular color, intriguing sculptures and memorial plantings that celebrate local and international history. If time permits, a stop will be made at another public garden that is rich in history, color and tranquility. Your guide will drop you back at your accommodation at the end of the day, around 4pm.
Starting Accommodation: Otahuna Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 – Travel to Sydney
Takeoff to Sydney and continue on the next stage of your adventure.
Starting Accommodation: The Langham, Sydney
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 – Sydney In Style Tour and Sydney At Leisure
Depart from your Sydney hotel to discover the fabulous city of Sydney. You will travel through the business district and shopping areas, see Darling Harbour and the vibrant China Town and drive along Oxford Street with its trendy terrace houses and boutique fashion shops. See Centennial Park, a 220-hectare urban parkland in Eastern Sydney. Reaching the coastline, see Bronte and Tamarama, then go on to explore the famous Bondi Beach. Spend 30 minutes walking the promenade or enjoying a coffee overlooking the beach.
From here, continue along the coastal drive past Macquarie Lighthouse to the Southern Headland of Sydney Harbour. Visit Watsons Bay before following the harbor foreshore towards Sydney City. You pass some of Australia's most exclusive waterfront suburbs where harbor mansions may be seen. Drive through Vaucluse, Double Bay before reaching the colorful Kings Cross. Head through Woolloomooloo and see the famous Harry's Cafe De Wheels. Visit Sydney's Botanical Gardens and enjoy some spectacular Harbour Bridge and Opera House views. Return to Sydney's CBD via Saint Mary's Cathedral, historic convict buildings, State Parliament House and the historical quarter of the 'Rocks.' Visit Sydney's Observatory Hill for amazing views over Sydney Harbour to the Blue Mountains. Drop off back at your Sydney hotel, restaurant or other city location.
It is no surprise that when the British first arrived in Sydney they named the area Botany Bay. Even today, with a population of over 4 million people and a reputation for fun rather than flora, one is still surrounded by bush land in this bustling city. Native Waratah wind their way through the historic Rocks area, palm trees frame long stretches of pristine beach, and Eucalyptus embrace the endless and beckoning bays of Sydney Harbour.
It is Sydney's man-made wonders, however, that draw most visitors. The Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge are the most photographed icons on the continent. Choose a Seaplane Safari experience and enjoy a bird's eye view of the Opera House's signature sails. See the Harbour Bridge up close and personal by climbing the metal monolith to enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the glittering vista below with BridgeClimb as you climb to the top. Whether it is an early morning visit to the largest fish market in the southern hemisphere, or your very first surfing lesson on Bondi Beach, in this vibrant metropolis you will find no lack of energetic escapes and dynamic distractions.
There are many ways to enjoy the harbor: on a small luxury motor cruiser or sailing yacht, or ferries that take you to Taronga Park Zoo or Manly and the harbor suburbs. Take the Darling Harbour Rocket that connects Circular Quay to Darling Harbour where there are many restaurants and attractions such as The Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife World, The IMAX Theater and the Naval Museum. For a more leisurely afternoon, take a walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens and Hyde Park, or learn about Australia's National Gemstone, the Opal, at Altmann; Cherny or The National Opal Collection, right in the heart of the city on Pitt Street.
Starting Accommodation: The Langham, Sydney
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 – Travel to Hayman Island
Takeoff to Hamilton Island and continue on the next stage of your adventure. Upon arrival in Hamilton Island, you will take the luxury launch to Hayman Island.
Starting Accommodation: InterContinental Hayman Island Resort
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 – Hayman Island At Leisure
Welcome to Paradise! Hayman Island offers a range of activities and excursions for you to do as much, or as little, as you want during your stay. Activities incur a charge, which is to be paid direct to Hayman at time of stay. We recommend pre-booking activities to avoid disappointment, as some options do fill up during peak times.
Air Whitsunday has serviced the needs of Hayman guests for over 35 years and is the largest seaplane operator in the Southern Hemisphere and the longest established seaplane operator in Australia. The seaplane pilots are among the most experienced in Australia and are dedicated to ensuring guests have a safe and memorable experience. Limited numbers on the aircraft and exclusive use of glass bottom vessel inside the coral suspended Hardy Lagoon in the Great Barrier Reef, ensure small groups and dedicated service from your pilot.
Helireef Helicopters allow you to experience the best scenic views over the Great Barrier Reef, world famous Heart Reef, breathtaking Whitehaven Beach and the Whitsunday Islands. Your experienced pilot will provide informative in-flight commentary via private headsets. With Helireef's small exclusive numbers, you are always in the best seat of the house to experience maximum viewing and excellent photographic opportunities. Their modern fleet comprises the popular 3-seater R44 for intimate picnics to the 6-seater Bell 206 Longranger, providing the ultimate luxury touring experience.
Or for those that want to keep their feet on the ground, there are plenty of walking tracks and look outs. Dolphin Point is a 90 minute/2.5 mile walk, and one of the best places to watch the sunrise or sunset. The Whitsunday lookout is a one mile walk, over some rough terrain, but offering great views over Hayman marina and the best sunset views looking back over the Whitsunday Passage. In summary the Hayman walks are a great way to enjoy the beauty of the Hayman's national park surrounds and breathtaking views.
Starting Accommodation: InterContinental Hayman Island Resort
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 – Hayman Island At Leisure
The Hayman Island Activities Centre has 6 championship-size tennis courts comprising of 5 Artificial Grass and 1 Hardcourt. The tennis facility is adjacent to the golf range and Hayman Fitness Centre which has a wide variety of Technogym Cardio equipment, cable machines, free weights and other holistic equipment. The Activities Center has qualified instructors to provide Yoga, Personal Training and Tennis tuition in either group or individual format.
Or, enjoy a relaxing day at Spa Hayman with a comprehensive selection of health and spa programs presented by professional therapists. Featuring 13 individual treatment rooms, including a romantic couple's room, beachfront ocean view massage pavilions, two separate relaxation lounges, a relaxing hydrotherapy area, Vichy, sauna, steam rooms and change rooms, a spa orientation program, a state-of-the-art hair salon incorporating special occasion make-up and Pevonia Botanica product.
Starting Accommodation: InterContinental Hayman Island Resort
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14 – Travel to Wolgan Valley
Takeoff to Sydney and continue on the next stage of your adventure. Upon arrival in Sydney you will be transferred to Wolgan Valley.
Starting Accommodation: Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 15 – Wolgan Valley At Leisure
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is nestled between the scenic Wollemi National Park and the Gardens of Stone National Park. The Wolgan River twists and turns through the valley, creating a stark contrast of soft rolling hills and jagged sandstone cliffs. The World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains rise against the horizon, providing a breathtaking backdrop that can't be found anywhere else. Three types of villas are available to guests that feature private pools, crackling wood fireplaces and landscaped gardens. The resort draws inspiration from its homestead roots, incorporating traditional design with modern amenities and natural elements. The large windows open up to the 4,000 acres of conservation reserve area; the resort is dedicated to protecting the endangered Australian wildlife that is native to the valley. One&Only Spa is located on site where calming mists from the mountains soothe the senses and nature is harvested for holistic oils, massages and body rituals. Enjoy a guided nature walk through Blue Mountain trails, take a horseback ride across the homestead, try your hand at archery or explore the quaint antique shops nearby. Your stay includes gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, all non-alcoholic beverages, a selected range of regional wines and beer with meals and two on-site nature-based activities per person per day. Special (dietary or otherwise) requirements can be accommodated with notice prior to arrival. It is strongly recommended that any additional activity and spa requirements are pre-booked prior to arrival to avoid disappointment.
Starting Accommodation: Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16 – Wolgan Valley At Leisure
Take the day to explore more of Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley. Constructed from wood and stone materials and designed in Federation-style, each of Wolgan Valley's Heritage Villas has a private aspect, offering those it shelters stunning views of the valley beyond. A private pool features its own deck surrounded by a garden of native plants and shrubs, and a spacious veranda adjoins it. Inside, a central, double-sided fireplace of local sandstone separates the bedroom from the lounge. Great attention to detail has been paid to ensure the fixtures and fittings are reminiscent of the Federation period; right down to the last hinge, light switch and glass blown shade. Warm, earthy tones and thick, neutral linens, are complemented by locally-crafted wooden furniture that typifies the lodge's timeless style and elegance.
Starting Accommodation: Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17 – Travel to Sydney
Depart Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley for your transfer back to Sydney. Leaving the rugged landscape behind, head past the quaint villages and towns, connecting with the picturesque Bells Line Road and into Sydney.
Starting Accommodation: The Langham, Sydney
Meals: Breakfast
Day 18 – Depart Sydney
Ahead of your flight, you will be transferred from your accommodation to Sydney International Airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Included Activites
Pricing
Package Level: Luxury |
Please note all prices listed are approximations and subject to current rate of exchange adjustments. Each itinerary can be fully customized to your interests and needs.
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| Twin Share |
| 2/1/2023 - 3/31/2023 | $21,625 |
| Single Traveler |
| 2/1/2023 - 3/31/2023 | $40,395 |
Add internal air to this package from $495* |
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Terms and Conditions
Prices are per person, twin/double share in USD. All highlighted savings are reflected in the price. Price does not include airfare unless otherwise stated. Travel may be limited to certain days of the week. Hotels and tours remain subject to availability. Cancellation penalties and other booking or alteration restrictions may exist. Please note blackout dates may apply to Christmas, New Year and local special event periods. Pricing may increase over Holiday and special event periods and may not be reflected in price grid. Prices indicated remain subject to change without notice. Prices are not guaranteed until full payment is received and processed. CST #2012413-20 See our full Terms and Conditions:
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