New Zealand's South Island & Australia
Iconic cities & spectacular scenery
So, you've always wanted to go to Australia and New Zealand, but you've thought how can I do both? Lucky for you, this incredible vacation package hits the bucket-list highlights in both countries! Road-trip from Christchurch to Queenstown in New Zealand, with stays in Mt. Cook, Dunedin, and Te Anau. Then, fly to Australia, where you'll experience stays in Sydney and Cairns, a cruise on the Great Barrier Reef, a tour of Kuranda Rainforest, and much more! Get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
You can find safety advice and alerts for Australia travel here.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Christchurch (CHC), out of Cairns (CNS)
- Automatic rental car for 7 days - includes unlimited mileage, insurance & GPS
- Pickup Christchurch Airport, drop-off Queenstown Airport
- 1 night in Christchurch at the Rendezvous Hotel or similar
- 1 night in Mt. Cook at the Hermitage Hotel or similar
- 1 night in Dunedin at the Distinction Hotel or similar
- Royal Albatross Centre admission
- Entrance to Larnach Castle
- 1 night in Te Anau at the Distinction Hotel and Villas or similar
- Te Anau Caves Cruise
- 2 nights in Queenstown at the Heritage Hotel Queenstown or similar
- Milford Sound Nature Cruise
- Skyline Gondola Ride
- One-way economy class flight from Queenstown (ZQN) to Sydney (SYD)
- Round-trip airport transfers in Australia
- 3 nights in Sydney at the Vibe Hotel or similar
- Half-day guided panoramic tour of Sydney & Bondi Beach
- Sydney Harbour Cruise with lunch
- One-way economy class flight from Sydney (SYD) to Cairns (CNS)
- 3 nights in Cairns at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel or similar
- Catamaran cruise on the Great Barrier Reef to Michaelmas Cay - includes snorkeling and lunch
- Kuranda tour with Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway & lunch
- Breakfast daily and 3 lunches
Helpful links for travel to New Zealand:
Great Ways to Explore
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Cruise through the twinkling Te Anau caves, home to tens of thousands of luminescent glowworms.
- Relax with a cocktail in The Rocks, a neighborhood of charming laneways near the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
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Take in breathtaking views from the Skyline Queenstown Gondola - the steepest cable car lift in the southern hemisphere!
-
Be prepared to spot amazing wildlife throughout your adventure!
-
Snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef and come face-to-face with tropical fish, green sea turtles, and more.
This once in a lifetime vacation has it all: scenery, culture, cuisine, and adventure! The first leg of your trip will be a self-drive journey through New Zealand. Pick up your rental car and venture to hotels in Christchurch, Mt. Cook, Dunedin, Te Anau, and Queenstown!
Feel an instant sense of awe as breathtaking landscapes like Mount Cook and Milford Sound come into sight. Explore the city of Christchurch, discover castles in Dunedin, and catch a thrill (and great photos) on a gondola ride through Queenstown! You'll also be treated to a cruise through the Te Anau Glowworm caves, on which your eyes will widen at the dazzling illumination given off by thousands of these bioluminescent insects! From piercing blue lakes, to sky-high mountains, New Zealand is a dreamland you need to see to believe.
The second half of your vacation will be spent in sunny Australia! Take a quick flight to the spectacular city of Sydney, where you'll enjoy an included Sydney Harbour Cruise, as well as a city tour with a stop at famous Bondi Beach! Your final stop will be in Cairns, known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef! Embark on a thrilling catamaran ride to Michaelmas Cay and snorkel your way through colorful coral and tropical fish. After your bucket-list excursion through the Great Barrier Reef, your last day will be filled with forest adventure. Join a guide on a tour to Kuranda, where you'll become immersed in lush nature and Aboriginal culture!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Christchurch (CHC), out of Cairns (CNS)
- Automatic rental car for 7 days - includes unlimited mileage, insurance & GPS
- Pickup Christchurch Airport, drop-off Queenstown Airport
- 1 night in Christchurch at the Rendezvous Hotel or similar
- 1 night in Mt. Cook at the Hermitage Hotel or similar
- 1 night in Dunedin at the Distinction Hotel or similar
- Royal Albatross Centre admission
- Entrance to Larnach Castle
- 1 night in Te Anau at the Distinction Hotel and Villas or similar
- Te Anau Caves Cruise
- 2 nights in Queenstown at the Heritage Hotel Queenstown or similar
- Milford Sound Nature Cruise
- Skyline Gondola Ride
- One-way economy class flight from Queenstown (ZQN) to Sydney (SYD)
- Round-trip airport transfers in Australia
- 3 nights in Sydney at the Vibe Hotel or similar
- Half-day guided panoramic tour of Sydney & Bondi Beach
- Sydney Harbour Cruise with lunch
- One-way economy class flight from Sydney (SYD) to Cairns (CNS)
- 3 nights in Cairns at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel or similar
- Catamaran cruise on the Great Barrier Reef to Michaelmas Cay - includes snorkeling and lunch
- Kuranda tour with Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway & lunch
- Breakfast daily and 3 lunches
Helpful links for travel to New Zealand:
-
Cruise through the twinkling Te Anau caves, home to tens of thousands of luminescent glowworms.
- Relax with a cocktail in The Rocks, a neighborhood of charming laneways near the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
-
Take in breathtaking views from the Skyline Queenstown Gondola - the steepest cable car lift in the southern hemisphere!
-
Be prepared to spot amazing wildlife throughout your adventure!
-
Snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef and come face-to-face with tropical fish, green sea turtles, and more.
This once in a lifetime vacation has it all: scenery, culture, cuisine, and adventure! The first leg of your trip will be a self-drive journey through New Zealand. Pick up your rental car and venture to hotels in Christchurch, Mt. Cook, Dunedin, Te Anau, and Queenstown!
Feel an instant sense of awe as breathtaking landscapes like Mount Cook and Milford Sound come into sight. Explore the city of Christchurch, discover castles in Dunedin, and catch a thrill (and great photos) on a gondola ride through Queenstown! You'll also be treated to a cruise through the Te Anau Glowworm caves, on which your eyes will widen at the dazzling illumination given off by thousands of these bioluminescent insects! From piercing blue lakes, to sky-high mountains, New Zealand is a dreamland you need to see to believe.
The second half of your vacation will be spent in sunny Australia! Take a quick flight to the spectacular city of Sydney, where you'll enjoy an included Sydney Harbour Cruise, as well as a city tour with a stop at famous Bondi Beach! Your final stop will be in Cairns, known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef! Embark on a thrilling catamaran ride to Michaelmas Cay and snorkel your way through colorful coral and tropical fish. After your bucket-list excursion through the Great Barrier Reef, your last day will be filled with forest adventure. Join a guide on a tour to Kuranda, where you'll become immersed in lush nature and Aboriginal culture!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to Christchurch!
Get ready for the vacation of a lifetime! Upon arrival in Christchurch, pick up your rental car and head to your first hotel.
Settle in, then spend the rest of your day exploring the area!
Check-in - Rendezvous Hotel Christchurch
Rendezvous Hotel Christchurch is close to many top attractions, including Cathedral Square, Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Botanic Gardens, and more! Guests can expect free WiFI, complimentary toiletries, television, and more. The hotel has a restaurant and bar on the ground floor, and room service is also available. A gym and sauna are available for all guests to use. Nearby New Regent Street is a great place to explore the many shops, bars, and restaurants in the area.
Day 2. Christchurch - Mt. Cook
Today, drive southwest towards Geraldine and Fairlie until you reach Lake Tekapo. Feel free to visit the famous Good Shepherd Church along the way! Your final destination for the day is Aoraki National Park, Mount Cook. Check into your hotel, then explore this stunning glacial area!
Check-in - The Hermitage Hotel Mount Cook
Nestled in Mount Cook National Park, this beautiful hotel offers majestic mountain views, comfortable rooms, and stylish decor. Check-in with the friendly 24-hour reception team, then walk up to your room. Open the door and find free WiFi, flat-screen TV, plush bedding, and luxurious bath amenities. Many rooms feature a balcony or patio with stunning scenic views! Once you're all settled in, stroll around the hotel's gorgeous grounds or inquire about hiking and biking. When you work up an appetite, treat yourself to a delicious meal at the onsite restaurant, which boasts great food and panoramic views.Â
Day 3. Mt. Cook - Dunedin
Take one last look at Mount Cook before you drive southeast through Twizel and Omarama towards Dunedin. During your journey, feel free to stop in Oamaru, known for its Blue Penguin colony!
In the afternoon, you'll arrive in Dunedin, the largest city in the Otago Province! Check-into your Dunedin accommodation and settle in. While in Dunedin, you may enjoy included admission to the Royal Albatross Centre and Larnach Castle.
Check-in - Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Elegant and contemporary, this former 1930s post office boasts modern amenities, luxurious rooms, onsite dining, and much more! It's center-city location offers easy access to the very best of Dunedin. Upon arrival, check-in with the friendly 24-hour reception team and admire the lobby's stylish decor. Then, head up to your room, where you'll find crisp air conditioning, comfy bedding, free WiFi, flat-screen TV, kitchenette facilities and more!
Once you get settled, lace up your sneakers and work all your stresses away in the fitness center! Work up an appetite? Treat yourself to a delicious meal at onsite Parcels Restaurant, or unwind with a drink at Post Bar.
Day 4. Dunedin - Te Anau
Today, depart Dunedin and explore Fiordland National Park! Gawk at incredible scenery as you journey to Te Anau.
Get ready for a unique experience this afternoon! Embark on an amazing tour of the Te Anau Caves, which are home to tens of thousands of glowworms! Ride a small boat through beautiful streams illuminated by these little insects!
Check-in - Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
Overlooking sparkling Lake Te Anau and the breathtaking Fiordland ranges, this luxurious hotel boasts elegant decor, relaxing amenities, and comfortable rooms. After checking in with the friendly staff, open the door to your room, where you'll be greeted with a garden or lake view. Relax in your plush bed, surf the web on the hotel's free WiFi, or watch satellite TV!
Unpack your swimsuit and make a splash in the heated pool, or steam your stresses away in the sauna. Why not treat yourself to a decadent massage? When it's time to eat, consider a meal at the onsite Mac Kinnon Room Restaurant, which offers delicious New Zealand cuisine and panoramic views of Lake Te Anau.
Te Anau Caves Cruise
Check in at Real Journeys office to embark in a cruise taking you to the other side of the lake. You will visit along with your guide the cave system which houses tens of thousands of glow-worms. At the end of tour, you will ride on a small boat to the end of the underground stream where you’ll be guided by the glare of the luminescence irradiated by these little insects.
Day 5. Te Anau - Queenstown
Check out of your Te Anau hotel and prepare for your journey to Queenstown.
On the way, make magical stops at must-see points of natural beauty! Pass Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat, Gunn Lake, Homer Tunnel, and the Chasm before reaching the one and only Milford Sound. Enjoy an included nature cruise through Milford Sound, and keep your eyes peeled for amazing marine life!
Check-in - Heritage Queenstown
Heritage Queenstown features beautiful views of the surrounding area, including Lake Wakatipu. Guests will enjoy comfortable rooms stocked with fluffy bathrobes, free WiFi, television, and more. Mackenzies Restaurant and Bar serves dishes that feature fresh, local ingredients. Guests can dine outside on the balcony or by the fire, depending upon the season. The hotel also features a pool, sauna, jacuzzi, and gym. Heritage Queenstown is located just a 5 minute drive from the center of town.
Day 6. Queenstown
Nothing like a day at leisure in Queenstown! Spend today however you please, but be sure to use your included tickets for the Skyline Gondola! You may want to go in the morning, so you have as much time as possible at the top of Bob's Peak. Sit back, relax, and take in the views!
Make the most of your last night in New Zealand! This evening, treat yourself to a memorable last night dinner.
Day 7. Queenstown, NZ - Sydney, AU
Drop off your rental car and say goodbye to New Zealand. Today, you'll be headed for Australia!Â
Upon arrival in Sydney, you'll be transferred to your luxurious accommodation. Check-in, get settled, then spend the rest of the day exploring on your own!Â
Transfer to Queenstown airport
Fly to Sydney!
Transfer to Sydney hotel
Check-in - Vibe Hotel Sydney
Vibe Hotel Sydney is conveniently located near Hyde Park, World Square, and the Queen Victoria Building. Guests can expect well-appointed rooms that include free WiFi, television, complimentary toiletries, and coffee/tea making facilities. There is an onsite restaurant open for all-day dining, featuring a great wine list and delicious menu. The hotel also features a pool, sauna, and fitness center. Vibe Hotel Sydney is about a 5 minute walk from Oxford Street, where the city comes alive day and night!
Day 8. Sydney
Recharge with a delicious breakfast, then embark on an unforgettable tour of Sydney! Spend half the day sightseeing with a knowledgeable guide who will bring you to the historic Rocks, the world-famous Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and more! Strut down Sydney's trendy Oxford street, admire the terrace houses in Paddington, then visit the one and only Bondi Beach. Hang out on the beachfront promenade and treat yourself to an ice cream cone!
In the afternoon, you'll climb aboard an unforgettable lunch cruise through Sydney Harbour. See the city's iconic sites from a unique perspective, and snap some breathtaking photos!Â
After a delicious lunch and a fun cruise, you'll have the rest of the day to spend however you please.Â
Half-day guided panoramic tour of Sydney w/ Bondi Beach
Get swept up in the action of this half-day tour of magnificent Sydney! You'll be taken through the historic Rocks area and learn about its convict history. You'll also experience stunning views of the world-famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge! Enjoy the ride as you're taken through the heart of the city, where the Queen Victoria Building is home to fantastic shopping. Oxford Street is a trendy new district in Sydney that you'll pass through! From there, you'll be taken to world-renowned Bondi Beach! Here, you'll have time to enjoy a stroll along the shoreline as you absorb the stunning scenery around you. Return to the city center via Mrs. Macquarie's Chair for one final look at the harbour, with a view you won't soon forget!
Day 9. Sydney
Ahh, another day in sunny Sydney! Today is completely yours to spend at leisure. You may want to revisit your favorite sites from yesterday's tours, or discover new ones!Â
Walk the streets of Sydney and take in the city like a local. Sip a flat white at a trendy coffee shop, then hang out in Hyde Park.
Ready for some fun? Consider visits to the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Taronga Zoo, famous for its koala exhibits!
Day 10. Sydney - Cairns
Say "see ya" to Sydney! Today, you'll be transferred to Sydney Airport for your flight to Cairns. Get ready to come face-to-face with the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef!
Upon arrival in Cairns, enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel and settle in. Spend the afternoon exploring on your own!
Transfer to Sydney airport
Fly to Cairns!
Transfer to Cairns hotel
Check-in - DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Become immersed in peace and luxury at this rainforest oasis! Boasting a unique central rainforest atrium, DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns offers modern comforts in a stylish atmosphere. Check-in with the 24-hour reception team, then head up to your room. Find free WiFi, crisp air conditioning, flat-screen TV, plush bedding, and much more!
Once you're all settled in, unpack your swimsuit and make a splash in the sparkling outdoor pool! Take a stroll through the lush garden, then treat yourself to a delicious meal at the onsite restaurant. Too cozy to leave your room? Order room service 24/7! Don't worry about eating too much; you can always work it off in the fitness center.
Day 11. Cairns
Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! Spend the day sailing through the Great Barrier Reef on an amazing catamaran cruise. Enjoy stunning views, snorkeling, tropical cuisine, and more!
Catamaran Cruise on the Great Barrier Reef to Michaelmas Cay - includes snorkeling and lunch
Great Barrier Reef, here you come! Set sail on a catamaran cruise to Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef. This stunning national park also serves as a sanctuary for migratory seabirds! Rich with a myriad of marine life, you can expect to see brightly colored fish and green sea turtles swimming through the waters of this endless coral reef. Enjoy an unforgettable day of tropical cuisine, snorkeling, and wildlife exploration!Â
Day 12. Cairns
Today, you'll unleash your wild side on an excursion to Kuranda Rainforest. This lush land will allow you to see koalas, discover natural beauty, and immerse yourself in ancient village life. For an extra thrill, take a ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, which runs above the Barron Gorge National Park!
Kuranda Rainforest Village tour with lunch
Set off for the Kuranda Rainforest Village for a day of intrigue and discovery! Escorted by a multi-lingual private guide, you will enjoy a private transfer from your hotel to Tjapukai Aboriginal Culture Park, where entry is included. After a visit to the park, you will board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda. Once there, you will get some leisure time in Kuranda Village. After, you will ride the Scenic Railway from Kuranda to Freshwater station where a private transfer back to your hotel will be waiting.
Day 13. Depart Australia
Squeeze all your souvenirs into your luggage, then hop in a transfer to Cairns Airport. Spend your flight home replaying wonderful memories and dreaming about your next adventure!