(19 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, Queenstown, Canterbury, Sydney, Ayers Rock, Daintree Rainforest, Great Barrier Reef & Lizard Island
Experience the best of Australia and New Zealand on this luxurious tour, including sophisticated cities, stunning landscapes, soft adventure activities, fascinating cultures, and acclaimed food and wine.
Begin in Auckland, a stylish, attractive city of harbors, islands, beaches and volcanic hills. With your private guide, learn about the city's distinctive Polynesian-infused culture and visit the city's most interesting neighborhoods and attractions.
Next, transfer with your private driver-guide to Rotorua and tour the region's many cultural and natural highlights, such as Maori rock carvings, geothermal pools and waterfalls. Also, attend a sheep show, a local tradition. Continue to Taupo, set in an enchanting landscape of forests, lakes and volcanoes. Stay at the Huka Lodge, the first luxury lodge in New Zealand and still one of the finest, with excellent food, superb facilities and a lovely riverfront setting.
While there, enjoy a private boat ride on the lake and the opportunity for fly-fishing
Next, fly to Queenstown, an upscale resort town on the edge of Lake Wakatipu surrounded by the high peaks of the Southern Alps. From there, you will be driven to nearby Glenorchy and for three nights at Blanket Bay, one of New Zealand's most acclaimed lodge resorts with stunning views from its chalet-style buildings. One day, take a spectacular private helicopter flight over the Alps to Milford Sound, one of New Zealand's most famous and dramatic scenic attractions. Another day, take a jetboat safari on the Dart River.
Continue to Canterbury for two nights at an exclusive high-country retreat that is also a working sheep station at the base of the Southern Alps. Tour the farm and also enjoy a tour of Arthur's Pass National Park.
Next, fly to Sydney, Australia's most sophisticated city, set on one of the world's most beautiful harbors. During comprehensive private city touring, enjoy food and craft markets,
galleries, museums, unique shops, and fine restaurants in Sydney’s vibrant neighborhoods such as Surry Hills, Woolloomooloo and Paddington. Walk through the beautiful Sydney Botanic Gardens, explore the historic Rocks district, stroll along Bondi Beach, and drive past exclusive homes and yacht clubs in Double Bay and Vaucluse. Touring will also include a private cruise around Sydney Harbor. One night, enjoy a performance at the iconic Sydney Opera House.
Continue to Ayers Rock (Uluru), surrounded by vast blue sky and red earth in Australia’s beautiful Red Centre. Stay at a luxury safari-style property, and enjoy comprehensive touring of the region. With your expert private guide, enjoy comprehensive touring in the region. Learn about Aboriginal bushtucker cuisine and legends of the Dreamtime. Tour the base of Ayers Rock and view Aboriginal rock art in caves and waterholes (billabongs). Walk through the Olgas (Kata Tjuta) and nearby sand dunes. Take desert walks and learn about the unique flora and fauna in the Outback. One night, dine under the stars while an astronomer points out the southern constellations in the clear desert night sky and a didjeridoo musician drones in the background.
Next, fly to Tropical North Queensland for a stay at the decadent Silky Oaks
Lodge. While there, enjoy a private tour with a naturalist of the Daintree Rainforest—the world’s oldest living rainforest and a protected World Heritage site.
Continue to Lizard Island, one of Australia’s most unique resorts. Enjoy the luxurious surroundings and ample time for snorkeling or scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef. Or simply enjoy scenic walks on the island and relaxing spa treatments.
Itinerary Overview
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| Day 1 |
Arrive Auckland
Private arrival transfer to hotel for 1 night. Private city tour |
| Day 2 |
Auckland - Rotorua - Taupo
Private transfer to Taupo for 2 nights with touring of Rotorua en route |
| Day 3 |
Taupo
Private half-day cruise including fishing |
| Day 4 |
Taupo - Queenstown - Glenorchy
Private transfer to airport for flight to Queenstown. Private transfer to lodge for 3 nights |
| Day 5 |
Glenorchy & Milford Sound
Private morning Milford Sound helicopter tour |
| Day 6 |
Glenorchy
Morning Dart River safari |
| Day 7 |
Queenstown - Christchurch - Canterbury
Private transfer to airport for flight to Christchurch. Private transfer to country retreat for 2 nights |
| Day 8 |
Canterbury
4WD farm tour in morning. Afternoon tour of Arthur's Pass National Park |
| Day 9 |
Christchurch - Sydney
Private transfer to airport for flight (not included in cost) to Australia. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights |
| Day 10 |
Sydney
Full-day private city tour |
| Day 11 |
Sydney
Private harbor cruise in morning. Evening dinner and performance at Sydney Opera House |
| Day 12 |
Sydney - Ayers Rock (Uluru)
Private transfer to airport for flight to Ayers Rock. Arrival transfer to lodge for 2 nights. Private afternoon tour |
| Day 13 |
Ayers Rock
Full-day private touring of local cultural and scenic attractions |
| Day 14 |
Ayers Rock - Cairns - Daintree Rainforest
Private transfer to airport for flight to Cairns. Private transfer to Daintree Rainforest for 2 nights |
| Day 15 |
Daintree Rainforest
Private morning tour with naturalist guide |
| Day 16 |
Daintree - Lizard Island
Transfer and flight to Lizard Island for 3 nights |
| Days 17 & 18 |
Lizard Island
At leisure for visits to Great Barrier Reef, island walks, spa treatments, swimming and relaxation |
| Day 19 |
Depart Cairns
Transfer and flight to Cairns for onward flight |
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Hotels
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| Auckland: |
Mollies of Auckland |
| Taupo: |
Huka Lodge |
| Glenorchy: |
Blanket Bay Lodge |
| Canterbury: |
Grasmere Lodge |
| Sydney: |
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney |
| Uluru (Ayers Rock): |
Longitude 131 |
| Daintree Rainforest: |
Silky Oaks Lodge
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| Lizard Island: |
Lizard Island Resort
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Cost
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| $26,800 |
Per person (double occupancy) |
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All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.
Call us at (800) 214-8144 for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.
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