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 relaxing retreats are what are in store for you on this unrivaled itinerary. Escape to the Great Barrier Reef at Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort, set amid the breathtaking beauty of the Whitsunday Islands. Stimulate your senses in Sydney, tingle your taste buds in the Barossa Valley, 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: Rosewood Matakauri
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: Rosewood Matakauri
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: Rosewood Matakauri
Meals: Breakfast, 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: Park Hyatt Sydney
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 – Sydney Harbour and City Tour
Enjoy a full day of exploring Sydney from both land and water. After being picked up from your hotel, you will begin the first portion of the land tour in the birthplace of Australia, The Rocks. Here, you'll learn about the settlement of Australia and the early days of life in Sydney. Weave around the back streets of The Rocks, under the Harbour Bridge and on to Walsh Bay, the recently developed theatre district. Continue to the Botanic Gardens to take in the beautiful views of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Government House, and Kirribilli House. You will then explore Woolloomooloo, Kings Cross, Paddington, and Woollahra, before beginning the descent to Double Bay.
From Rose Bay, commence your Sydney Harbour Cruise as you board the luxury motor cruiser, Iluka. After a short briefing, begin your 4-hour cruise past some of Sydney's most iconic landmarks. A gourmet lunch is included, featuring an assortment of fresh seafood, delicious salads and barbecue with local beer and wine. After arriving back in Rose Bay, start the second half of your Sydney discovery by road. Take in the colonial architecture as you make your way to Vaucluse House and Watsons Bay before arriving in Bondi Beach. Take a short walk along the coast before returning to your Sydney hotel.
Starting Accommodation: Park Hyatt Sydney
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11 – Sydney at Leisure
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: Park Hyatt Sydney
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 – 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 Great Barrier Reef
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 Great Barrier Reef
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14 – 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 Great Barrier Reef
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15 – Travel to Adelaide Hills
Takeoff to Adelaide and continue on the next stage of your adventure. Upon arrival in Adelaide you will be transferred to Adelaide Hills.
Starting Accommodation: Sequoia Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 16 – Barossa Valley Tour
If you enjoy Australian wines or would like to sample a few, then a day in the renowned Barossa Valley will be one of the highlights of your visit to South Australia. Begin a personalized small-group journey that includes a city orientation before traveling through the scenic Torrens Gorge to the Barossa Valley. If time permits, a stop will be made at a local bakery to taste the best of the fine German pastries.
Starting Accommodation: Sequoia Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 17 – Sequoia Lodge at Leisure
Your stay at Sequoia includes complimentary on-site experience and activities. Some tours and excursions are offered on a rotating schedule and may not be offered or available during your stay. This is just a sample of some of the experiences you may be able to enjoy:
Sunrise Yoga: join a local practitioner for a bespoke session overlooking the Piccadilly Valley.
Guided Nature Walk: connect with the land during the walk along the Heysen Trail, up to long ridge look-out, with sweeping views of Adelaide and the Mount Lofty Ranges. Be sure to look out for wallabies and kangaroos.
Star Gazing: from dusk until midnight, gaze into the stars that light up the Piccadilly Valley, with Sequoia’s private telescope located in the lounge.
Maker & Somm: join the House Sommelier and a local South Australian based winemaker for an exclusive wine tasting and sensory experience.
Le Nez Du Vin: learn about the aromas from nature through ‘The Nose of the Wine’ kit designed by Jean Lenoir. Join this experience, led by one of the lodges sommeliers.
These are some examples of daily rotating activities, with additional optional activities being available, though some charges will apply. Full details will be provided at time of stay, with times and durations.
Starting Accommodation: Sequoia Lodge
Meals: Breakfast
Day 18 – Depart Adelaide
Ahead of your flight you will be transferred to Adelaide airport by private vehicle.
Meals: Breakfast
Included Activites
Pricing
Package Level: Luxury |
| Pricing for this package is on request. Please call a Swain Destinations Specialist to customize this journey. |
Terms and Conditions
Please note that Huka Lodge will be closed between May 2024 and November 2024. During this time an alternate accommodation will need to be arranged. Please reach out to one of our travel consultants for alternative options.
