Let us drive you around Australia and New Zealand. No one can make the region come to life better than our local chauffeur. Travel in style with our qualified driver/guides in a chauffeur driven car or minibus. They can take you off the main route to experience the real life of the area, and introduce you to the places you would miss when you travel on your own. Combine an Autralia trip with a trip to New Zealand.
Travel in
style with our qualified driver/guides in a chauffeur driven car for Australia
New Zealand travel
This extensive 25 day tour of New Zealand and Australia covers all you would
want to see in these two great countries. It is a sample only, and we can
customize your private tour of New Zealand and Australia to meet your exact
needs.
A highlight of any vacation is finding unique places to stay. Of course, every region has its special customs, cultures and styles. Capture the flavor by discovering Australia and New Zealand in a most civilized manner with a local driver as your travel guide, offering insight and a wealth of specialized knowledge. All of the chosen accommodations are of outstanding character and charm, and some are of architectural or historical importance. If you don't see exactly what you want here, please ask. Our recommended itineraries are just a suggestion.
Day One Arrive Auckland (D) On arrival at Auckland International Airport
, you will be met by a representative and transferred by private vehicle to
your city accommodation. Auckland city, sprawling across the isthmus between
the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, is noted for its extensive parks and
beautiful gardens. The warm, sunny climate encourages sub-tropical growth of
all kinds. Unique to this city is a large number of extinct volcanic cones
thrusting sharply upward out of a sea of houses. The highest, Mount Eden, is an
ideal point to view this widespread metropolis, out across the Waitemata
Harbour to the east and the Manukau Harbour to the west. The beautiful
Waitemata Harbour gives Auckland a nautical flavour and is the largest and
busiest port in the country. In contrast, the Manukau Harbour, formed during
the same geological time as the Waitemata, is an area of mud flats and tidal
channels, protected by a difficult bar at its mouth. Although Auckland lost to
Wellington its position as seat of Government in 1865, it is still New
Zealand's trade capital and centre of greatest population. Dinner is included
this evening at your accommodation. Accommodation for two nights: Mollies
Boutique Hotel (Villa Suite)
Day Two Auckland (B) Full Breakfast is included this morning. This
morning you will be collected by your private driver for your city tour of
Auckland. See the best of New Zealand's biggest city on Auckland City
Highlights tour which includes: Queen Street, yacht marina, Mt. Eden with its
360 degree views, the domain and Parnell village, Paratai drive - the most
exclusive homes in Auckland and the waterfront. Visit the Auckland War Museum.
The collections of Maori Taonga (treasures) and South Pacific artifacts are the
most important in New Zealand. Scars on the Heart, the story of New Zealanders
at war, has powerful and realistic recreations of life on the front line, from
the New Zealand wars through to Gallipoli, and present peace keeping
activities. Sky Tower is the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere. Ride the
glass fronted lifts to the main observation deck where you can view Auckland
below you through glass floors panels or make your way to Sky Towers
outdoor observation deck to feel the breeze. You will then travel over
Aucklands harbour bridge to the North Shore and visit Devonport. Enjoy
time to wander the small village before returning to hotel. The afternoon is at
leisure. Dinner by own arrangements.
Day Three Auckland Waitomo - Rotorua (BD) Full Breakfast is
included this morning. This morning, travel with your private driver/vehicle
and leave the city via the southern motorway and cross the Bombay Hills, before
descending into the fertile farmlands of the Waikato Plains. Pass the tall twin
stacks of the coal burning electric power station at Huntly. Travel through
Ngaruawahia, home of the Maori King, continuing to the large inland city of
Hamilton, the principal centre for perhaps the most productive agricultural
and dairying district in New Zealand. Drive through the provincial farming
centres of Te Awamutu and Otorohanga, before turning off the main road at
Hangatiki to drive the short distance to Waitomo. Your guided tour will take
you through over 250 metres of stunning underground scenery commencing with the
impressive Cathedral with its amazing acoustics. The tour then proceeds along a
low narrow passage to the Tomo, a deep limestone shaft. Other magnificent cave
formations are viewed including the Banquet Chamber, the Pipe Organ and the
Catacombs. The highlight of the tour is an unrivalled boat trip through the
spectacular Glowworm Grotto. The roof sparkles with the lights of
glowworm larvae as you glide silently through the grotto with the tiny lights
also reflecting off the water. This afternoon leave Waitomo and pass through
the farming centre of Kihikihi. Leaving the King Country, drive to Arapuni the
site of one of the numerous dams which have been constructed on the Waikato
River. Travel to Putaruru which, although small, is one of the main timber
milling centres in this rapidly expanding forestry region. Continuing, pass
through the Fitzgerald Glade and cross the heavily forested Mamaku Range to
Lake Rotorua and the thermal area. Rotorua is the centre of an extensive
thermal region and geysers, bubbling mud pools and steaming, sulphurous lakes
give evidence of nature's frightening yet fascinating power. Rotorua and the
surrounding lakes provide some of the world's best trout fishing. The Maori
culture contributes greatly to the attractions of this holiday city. Here you
can enjoy the culture and entertainment of our native Maori people. Enjoy
pre-dinner cocktails & Dinner this evening at your lodge. Accommodation for
three nights: Treetops Lodge (Lodge Room)
Day Four Rotorua (BD) Breakfast is included this morning This morning
join your full day Cultural Eco Tour (small tour). Travel through forestry and
farmland to NZ's largest boiling mudpool and see the Lady Knox geyser erupt.
Visit Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland which lays claim to be New Zealand's most
colourful volcanic area. Colours of every tint and hue are displayed in pools,
lakes, craters, steam vents, mineral terraces and even the tracks you walk on.
The self guided walk takes you through stunning geothermal activity. Features
include: Primrose Terraces - over a hectare of naturally tinted, remarkably
formed terraces, exquisite in their delicate lacework pattern. The largest
in the Southern Hemisphere since the world famous Pink and White Terraces;
Champagne Pool - unique in the world, a fifth of a hectare of bubbling, hissing
water, with a beautiful ochre-coloured petrified edge; and Bridal Veil Falls -
a cascade of mineral water over a deep, terraced silica formation, changing
color from glistening white and lemon to emerald green. Travel onto Waimangu
Volcanic Valley which was created by the eruption of Mount Tarawera. Enjoy
a guided sightseeing walk through the valley of l,craters, steaming cliffs, and
lakes. Spend the afternoon experiencing Rotoruas Maori culture and
thermal activity and see how they are intricately entwined. First a guided tour
through Te Puia, Rotoruas premier cultural attraction. This includes a
visit to the wood carving school, art and craft gallery, Rotowhio Marae,
weaving display, kiwi house and finally the Pohutu geyser. Next we visit the
Lakefront area and Ohinemutu Point to learn more about Maori history and
customs. A short visit to Kuirau Park to view a recent eruption site. Then
finishing the day visiting the pristine and tranquil lakes of our amazing
volcanic region, including views of Mount Tarawera with explanation of volcanic
and Maori history. Enjoy pre-dinner cocktails & Dinner this evening at your
lodge.
Day Five Rotorua (BD) Breakfast is included this morning Today is at
leisure - activities include scenic flights including guided walks at White
Island, off road monster 4WD & bush safari trips, or relax in the
Polynesian spa pools. Enjoy pre-dinner cocktails & Dinner this evening at
your lodge.
Day Six Rotorua Christchurch (BD) Breakfast is included this
morning. This morning you will transferred by private vehicle to Rotorua
Airport, where you will connect with your scheduled domestic flight to
Christchurch (flight not included). On arrival into Christchurch you will be
meet and transferred to your accommodation. Christchurch, "The Garden
City" has many well-tended parks, reserves and squares but the civic
love of beauty is often more apparent in the fresh lawns and burgeoning gardens
of the suburban streets. The pioneering folk of an earlier era took thought for
the future when they planted seedlings which have grown into mighty oaks and
elms, soaring poplars and graceful willows which are seen in every part of the
city. Much of the charm of this city starts and finishes with the beautiful
Avon River which runs through the suburbs and the city itself and provides an
almost rural atmosphere in the heart of the city. The Town Hall on the banks of
the river, is a striking example of the city's progressive approach to new
architectural ideas, and is a nice contrast to the many earlier colonial
buildings. Dinner is included this evening. Accommodation for two nights:
Huntley House (Garden Suite)
Day Seven Christchurch (BD) Breakfast is included this morning. This
morning you will be collected by your private driver, for your city tour where
you will discover why Christchurch is known as the 'Garden City'. Enjoy the
charm of the award winning gardens, the tranquillity of the historic buildings
which blend gracefully with the modern. See Cathedral Square, Mona Vale and the
University of Canterbury, the Avon River and Hagley Park. Travel to the
Sign of the Takahe, a historic roadhouse and enjoy magnificent views of the
Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps and the city of Christchurch. Dinner is
included this evening.
Day Eight Christchurch Mount Cook (BD) Breakfast is included this
morning. This morning, travel with your private driver/vehicle and travel
across the fertile Canterbury Plains, noted for grain crops, to Ashburton -
chief town of central Canterbury. In the distance, to the west, are the
snow-capped Southern Alps. At the Orari River the road turns westward to
Geraldine and over undulating sheep country to Fairlie and Burkes Pass, gateway
to the high plains of the MacKenzie Country. Pass through scrub and tussock
country past Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki, following the Tasman River to the
Hermitage Hotel. The hotel is nestled in beech forest at the foot of the
mountains, with Mount Cook eight kilometres away in the distance. Dinner is
included this evening. Accommodation for one night: Hermitage Hotel (Aoraki
Wing Room)
Day Nine Mount Cook Queenstown (B) Breakfast is included this
morning. This morning rejoin your driver and leave Mount Cook. Follow the
Tasman River and the shoreline of Lake Pukaki into the Mackenzie Country.
Beyond the scrub and tussock of the high plains, travel over the Lindis pass
and follow the Lindis River through Tarras and on to Cromwell. Many parts of
the old Cromwell now lay at the bottom of the newly created Lake Dunstan, part
of the Clyde Dam project. From here follow the Kawarau River through rugged
mountainous country into Queenstown. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu
Queenstown is a year-round alpine resort that caters for all interests. It
enjoys a magnificent setting amid steep mountain ranges and pockets of native
bush with the jagged peaks of the Remarkables Range rising from the
lake. The town is compact enough to travel around on foot and features over 100
restaurants. The lake was scooped out by glacial action thousands of years ago.
A mysterious phenomenon causes the lake to vary several inches in depth every
few minutes, giving credence to a Maori legend of an ancient Taniwha (demon)
still breathing beneath the surface. Accommodation for three nights: Sofitel
Hotel (Deluxe Lakeview Room)
Day Ten Milford Sound Day Trip (B) Breakfast is included this morning.
This morning lift off in your personal helicopter and enjoy the spectacular
flight to Milford Sound. Remote, mysterious and uniquely New Zealand, Milford
Sound is a spectacular reminder of the forces of nature that shaped this land.
Formed thousands of years ago during the ice ages, Milford Sound is the
northernmost fiord in Fiordland National Park and is, without doubt, the
most dramatic. Here in this place of unparalleled beauty, you will find
cascading waterfalls, luxuriant forests and the towering pinnacle of Mitre
Peak, rising one full mile to the sky. No matter what the fiord's mood,
shrouded in mist or with sun glistening on deep waters, it will inspire you. On
arrival at Milford, take in a relaxing cruise on the Sound. Experience the
stunning mountain scenery, waterfalls and unique wildlife from the comfort of
your luxury vessel. Your pilot will meet you after the cruise and fly you back
to Queenstown with a remote snow landing enroute. Return to your hotel.
Day Eleven Queenstown (B) Breakfast is included this morning. Today you
will be collected from your hotel by your driver where you will enjoy full day
local sights. Firstly explore this vibrant township of Queenstown. See the Mall
which is Queenstown's main shopping area and a popular spot for café's
and restaurants. The city's historic stone library was built in 1877 and St
Peter's Anglican Church in 1932. Queenstown Gardens - a pleasant walk along the
beach from town - has gardens, lawns and recreation areas. Then travel to the
Skyline Gondola where you will be whisked up 450 metres to Bobs Peak.
Enjoy the breathtaking views which extend almost 360 degrees from Coronet Peak
around to the Remarkables and on to Cecil and Walter Peaks on the other side of
Lake Wakatipu. This afternoon, travel to Gibbston Valley vineyard and
enjoy a guided wine cave, giving you the unique opportunity to learn about the
history of this special region, and to taste a selection of the finest New
Zealand wines in the unique ambiance that the Wine Cave provides. The Gibbston
Valley wine cave offers enthusiasts a chance to better appreciate the boutique
wines produced by this award-winning winery and an opportunity to commemorate
the revolutionary spirit of Central Otago's expert winemakers. Blasted out of
the solid schist rock of the Central Otago mountains, the Gibbston Valley Wine
Cave provides the perfect natural environment to mature their award-winning
wines. Experience the feeling of travelling underground 76 meters into the
Central Otago hillside within New Zealand's largest and most innovative wine
cave. During your cave tour, youll taste three Gibbston Valley wines
before making your way to the restaurant to enjoy a platter lunch, glass of
wine followed by coffee/tea. Following lunch, travel past the Kawarau Bridge
and view the bungy jumpers, then continue to Arrowtown. Stroll through this
picturesque town and village that has retailed its old world charm and shop at
leisure. Return to Queenstown.
Day Twelve Depart Queenstown (B) Breakfast is included this morning. At
leisure until transferring to Queenstown Airport by private vehicle and
connecting with your Australian flight to Australia SYDNEY ARRIVAL On arrival
you will be met & transferred to your hotel by private transfer. Your
suggested accommodation at: FOUR SEASONS HOTEL. Sydney, capital city of New
South Wales, is the major gateway to Australia. Sydney is a maritime city,
its natural harbour unsurpassed in beauty. Houses crowd to the land's edge
interrupted by sheer rocky cliffs and preserved bushland and the striking forms
of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House stand sentry to the city. Sydney has an
international flavour. The numerous nationalities which have settled here
contribute to a varied and fascinating blend of restaurants, shops and night-
life. This afternoon will be free at leisure.
Day Thirteen SYDNEY Breakfast at
your hotel this morning Harbour Day Sailing will collect you at your hotel;
Experience Sydney's true beauty onboard a Luxurious harbour vessel. Encounter
many wonderful places of interest whilst travelling at your own pace. Soak up
the sun and the fresh air. Cruise under Sydney Harbour Bridge and view the
Opera House, Circular Quay and the Rocks. A great spot or taking a few
photographs. After your sailing on Sydney Harbour you will be met by your
private driver guide to commence your half day city sights of Sydney We travel
to the charming Rocks area, where you take a stroll around the historic
area, with its quaint old cottages, pubs & churches. Rejoin the vehicle
& travel along Macquarie St, the seat of government for NSW, the Mint &
Hyde Park Barracks. Travelling past St Marys Cathedral, you visit Mrs
Macquaries Chair for an unsurpassed view of Sydney Harbour, the Opera
House & Bridge. Continuing along the shores of Sydney Harbour, you travel
through Kings Cross, Double Bay & Rose Bay. Passing by the up market real
estate, we pause briefly for morning tea in the beautiful Sydney Harbour
National Park. We then travel further to South Head, with its breathtaking
views of Sydney Harbour & the city. Take a short stroll along the cliff
tops & rejoin the vehicle to continue to Bondi Beach & Centennial Park
returning to your hotel where your tour ends.
Day Fourteen SYDNEY (B) Breakfast at your hotel this morning Australian Wild
Escapes private driver guide will collect you at your hotel for the
following 4WD Blue Mountains touring (private charter); This fantastic
Ecotour begins at your hotel & the historical Rocks area of old Sydney.
Heading westwards across the coastal plain we make our way to the Great
Dividing Range of Australia. It is here we leave the average Blue
Mountains tourist behind & enter the National Park to unlock a piece of
Australia We visit an ancient Aboriginal site & outstanding lookouts;
examine rock formations & the unusual plants & wildlife that abound the
area. From the quaint little village of Leura we skirt around Cliff Drive to
Katoomba where you will find yourself looking out over the magnificent
Jamieson Valley (Australias Grand Canyon) & the Three Sisters.
We enjoy a delicious lunch including a selection of fine Australian wines with
a cheese platter under the canopy of the Australian bush. Before returning to
Sydney we drop into a hidden valley where we roam the area, seeking out the
many kangaroos that graze in the wild (conditions permitting). Reluctantly we
leave the National Park passing through the Olympic 2000 site, arriving
at your hotel around 5.30pm.
Day Fifteen SYDNEY HAYMAN ISLAND (B) Breakfast at your hotel this
morning Private transfer to Sydney airport. Fly Sydney to Hamilton Island (own
arrangements). Connect with the launch transfer to Hayman Island. Hayman is an
international standard resort complex offering the ultimate in luxury
accommodation and service. Set in 13 hectares of tropical gardens and set
around a giant swimming pool lagoon and freshwater pools, Hayman offers superb
cuisine and a variety of water sports, tennis, fitness and spa centre. Your
suggestion accommodation: HAYMAN ISLAND RESORT GREAT BARRIER REEF
DAY Sixteen and Seventeen HAYMAN ISLAND AT LEISURE. (B) Enjoy
breakfast daily. These days are free to explore beautiful Hayman Island.
Day Eightteen HAYMAN ISLAND
HAMILTON ISLAND CAIRNS DAINTREE (B) Enjoy breakfast this
morning. Connect with the launch to Hamilton Island. Connect with your flight
to Cairns (own arrangements). Upon arrival in Cairns you will be transferred to
your accommodation in the Daintree. Your suggested accommodation: SILKY OAKS
LODGE The Daintree and Cape Tribulation is a pristine region of lush
tropical rainforests, deserted white beaches, sleepy rivers and breathtaking
natural beauty preserved by World Heritage listing for future
generations. A naturalist's paradise, the region brings the natural wonders of
the reef and rainforest together and is recognised for its superb wildlife and
eco-tourism.
Day Nineteen DAINTREE (B) Breakfast at your hotel this morning Australian
Wild Escapes will collect you at your hotel for your private 4WD tour; travel
through the rich farming areas toward the World Heritage Listed forest region
of Cape Tribulation. We step aboard our own personalised craft for a cruise on
the mirrored smooth waters of the Daintree River. We cruise close to riverbanks
and under the overhead canopy of the rainforest seeking out the vivid
Ulysees Butterfly, Kingfishers and various other wildlife. The cruise takes
us through silent backwaters where crocodiles can normally be seen basking
banks Arriving on the northern side of the river we enjoy a home-style morning
tea at Thornton Beach before returning to our vehicle and making our way
towards Cape Tribulation and the Coral Sea. Just before we get there we stop at
the outstanding panoramic picture postcard view at Alexandra Range Lookout.
From here you'll have a spectacular view of the mouth of the Daintree River.
Lunch is a special treat today, deep under the Rainforest canopy. We enjoy a
delicious lunch with a chance and is a unique opportunity to enjoy quality
food, whilst bathed in the serenity of the Tropical Rainforests. Our last stop
and final lasting impression will be at one of the magical boardwalks. This is
a specially constructed rainforest and mangrove walk, which will allow our
guide to immerse you in the secrets of the rainforest. You may even get the
chance to spot a brightly coloured Southern Cassowary. Fallen fruit and
fruit on low branches is the mainstay of its diet so you may well see one
ruffling through the undergrowth. You will be back at your accommodation late
afternoon.
Day Twenty DAINTREE CAIRNS AYERS ROCK (B)Breakfast at your
hotel this morning Private transfer from your hotel to Cairns airport. Fly
Cairns to Ayers Rock (own arrangements). On arrival to Ayers Rock, you will be
met and transferred to your hotel by a representative from Longitude 131.
Your suggested accommodation: LONGITUDE 131o AYERS ROCK RESORT Experimental
travel is about providing a unique opportunity, allowing guests to be
personally affected by their travel experience, be it spiritual, cultural or
educational. Longitude 131 offers a true 'safari' experience in Central
Australia and is a unique way to experience the desert, surrounding eco system,
Aboriginal culture and expansive views of Uluru. Uluru national park,
450 kilometres south-west of Alice Springs, encompasses just a small portion of
the vastness of central Australia. The spectacular Ayers Rock (Uluru) and the
Olgas dominate the open barren landscape of sand plains and mulga woodland
rising up out of what is now a buried mountain range. These magnificent peaks
are of great significance to the region's tribal Aborigines and visitors to the
park are able to see the many sights and cave paintings that form an important
part of central Australian Aboriginal mythology.
Did you know? The Outback town of Silverton near the New South Wales/ South Australia border has featured in more than 140 films and commercials including Mad Max 2 , Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Razorback, Young Einstein, and A Town Like Alice. |
Day Twenty one AYERS ROCK AT LEISURE A touring programme is included in
your package stay at Longitude. Please discuss touring options with your hotel
concierge.
Day Twenty two AYERS ROCK - MELBOURNE You will
be transferred to Ayers Rock airport today by a representative from Longitude
131. Fly Ayers Rock to Melbourne (own arrangements). Upon arrival in Melbourne
meet your driver and transfer to your hotel. Melbourne is the capital of the
state of Victoria and Australia's second largest city. It is the country's
fashion and cultural centre and is often referred to as the 'Garden State' due
to the magnificent parks and gardens throughout the city. The wonderfully
preserved Victorian architecture of Melbourne gives the city a special
charm, reminiscent of the great cities of Europe. Your suggested accommodation:
LANGHAM HOTEL
Day Twenty three MELBOURNE (B) Enjoy full breakfast. This morning is free at
leisure. Australian Wild Escapes will collect you at your hotel (early
afternoon). Enjoy a short city sights tour. From your hotel your tour will take
you southeast of the city to the rugged southern coastline. Tour Phillip Island
and visit the Koala Conservation Centre to see a protected Koala colony.
Walk in nature reserve bush land and wetlands to see Wallabies and birdlife in
the wild. Penguins come ashore each evening at dusk. Boardwalks enable
the visitor to gain close contact with the penguins in the dune area. Enjoy a
fish and chip dinner at the Jetty Restaurant in the township of Cowes at
Phillip Island. Return to Melbourne inland, arriving at your hotel late
evening.
Day Twenty four MELBOURNE (B) Enjoy full breakfast.
Meet your driver guide from Epicurean for your full day private charter. With a
rich history stretching back to the first settlers, the Yarra Valley is
not only one of Australia's oldest wine producing regions, but also one
of the most diverse, containing large commercial enterprises and small boutique
producers. Less than an hour's drive east of Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is
home to over 40 wineries and is best known for its success with pinot noir,
fine chardonnays and also cabernet sauvignon and shiraz varietals. The Yarra
Valley offers a unique food and wine experience, with many wineries
specializing in the foods of the region at the cellar door and adjacent
restaurants. Experience a private tasting in the Trophy Room at family owned
De Bortoli Winery. Visit the Produce Store at Yering Station, showcasing
produce from the Yarra Valley region and taste at the cellar door of local
wineries. Visit Domaine Chandon Australia, ideally located in this world
renowned wine-growing region. Producing premium quality Methode Traditionnelle
sparkling wines from the classic Champagne grapes, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and
Pinot Meunier, Domaine Chandon is dedicated to producing quality Austrailan
wines.
Day Twenty five MELBOURNE DEPARTURE (B) Enjoy full breakfast. Meet
your driver and transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Ask for prices.
Call 1-800-221-2474 9AM - 6PM Mon-Fri Eastern Time or (516) 248-2042 outside USA/Canada Although we have provided as much information as possible on our website, we are happy to answer your questions directly on the phone. Sometimes, it is just easier to speak to one of us. We are awaiting your call.
Call (800) 221 - 2474 or email