Luxury Tours in New Zealand and Australia

A trip to Australia and New Zealand is, for many, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so you’ll want to make sure that you choose an itinerary that lets you immerse yourself in the best these destinations offer. Our Highlights tour, which includes the opportunity to explore four exciting cities and their surrounding areas, is ideal for the first-time visitor and even for those travelers who haven’t taken the time to truly explore the countries’ enticing urban areas.

Begin with four days in stunning Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand. Settled by the Maori in the 14^th century, this sprawling urban area boasts a warm-temperate climate that visitors love. Known as the “City of Sails”, Auckland is home to more yachts per capita than any city in the world. While there, enjoy a plethora of water sports, pretty beaches, and visit Viaduct Basin, twice the host of the America’s Cup. But don’t miss Auckland’s cultural side as well, which includes the wonderful Auckland Art Gallery, the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra, and plenty of theater and other visual and performing arts.

 Next, fly to Adelaide, where you’ll spend nine days exploring the capital city of South Australia. Known for its lovely beaches and consistently ranked one of the “Most Livable Cities in Australia”, Adelaide is a center for education, government, and finance as well as a place where visitors can enjoy everything from an exciting sporting event – like Australian football, basketball, or cricket – to a concert or play in a grand venue. Each March, the city also hosts the Adelaide Festival of the Arts, considered one of the world’s premier arts events.

 Travel from Adelaide via airplane for a five-day stay in the amazing city of Melbourne, home to some 4 million Aussies. You’ll want to be sure to immerse yourself in the food and wine scene in this gastronomically-diverse city and take time to explore neighborhoods like Chinatown, Flinders Quarter, the Docklands, and the Yarra precinct. Check out Aboriginal cultural sites, ooh and aah at the artwork in the National Gallery of Victoria, and photograph the animals at the nearby Werribee Open Range Zoo. Melbourne is also a shopping mecca and ideal for some high-energy retail therapy. Browse the shops of local couturiers like Yeojin Bae, J’Aton and Gwendolynne for the best in today’s upscale fashions.

Finally, you’ll make your way to stunning Sydney, where you and your traveling companions will be awed by sights like the spectacular Sydney Opera House and experiences that might include climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, an unmatched, exhilarating vacation event you’ll never forget.  Explore Aboriginal culture at the Australian Museum, take in a sporting event at Sydney Olympic Park, play a round or two of golf, visit the bucolic Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, and be sure to save some time for Sydney’s golden-sand beaches, where you can swim, sail, kayak, or even try your hand at surfing Australia’s spectacular waves. Shop the public markets, participate in a kite festival, and be sure to take some time to hobnob with the locals, who are always happy to share the name of their favorite café or the best place to hang ten.

Tour Overview

Day 1 – Arrive Auckland

Days 2 to 5 – Auckland  At leisure; additional sightseeing tours available

Day 6 – Depart Auckland, arrive Adelaide

Days 7 to 15 – Adelaide At leisure; additional sightseeing tours available

Day 16 – Depart Adelaide, arrive Melbourne

Days 17 to 20 – Melbourne At leisure; additional sightseeing tours available

Day 21 – Depart Melbourne, arrive Sydney

Days 22-25 – Sydney At leisure; additional sightseeing tours available

Day 26 – Depart Sydney for home