Sydney & New Zealand from south to north

Today, you’ll set off on your adventure Down Under. You’ll fly from your selected airport to Sydney, with connecting flights along the way.

Welcome to Australia!

It’s a long way down here, but it’s well worth it. Sydney is the perfect stopover on your way to New Zealand.

Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and driven to your hotel. If your room isn’t ready when you arrive, you can leave your luggage at the hotel and head out to explore the city.

You could start with a stroll down to Bennelong Point, where the city’s iconic Opera House is beautifully situated with the Harbour Bridge in the background.

West of the Opera House, you’ll find the historic neighbourhood of The Rocks, with its charming old buildings, cosy cafés, stylish shops, and galleries.

Take a seat at a café and order a “flat white” – one of the great coffee classics in both Australia and New Zealand. In fact, Australia and New Zealand have been debating since the 1980s which of the two countries can claim to have invented this popular coffee drink – and you can order one at virtually any café. While you sip, get used to the sound of the distinctive Australian accent as you watch the lively activity in the world’s largest natural harbour, with ferries, sailing boats, and perhaps even a large cruise ship gliding past.

When hunger strikes, Sydney is a true paradise for food lovers. Around Circular Quay, King Street Wharf, and Darling Harbour, you’ll find an abundance of restaurants, cafés, and bars offering wonderful views across the harbour.

After a good night’s sleep, spend the morning exploring the city.

Sydney is home to more than 5 million people and is a large, diverse metropolis with many fascinating neighbourhoods and suburbs, each with its own unique character. To give you a great introduction to the city, we’ve included a half-day guided city tour, taking you to some of Sydney’s most iconic attractions and beautiful coastal areas.

There are plenty of highlights. You’ll pass the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Royal Botanic Garden, The Rocks, Darling Harbour, Hyde Park, Chinatown, and Bondi Beach, among others. Here, you’ll have time to explore at your own pace – feel the sand between your toes, watch the energetic surfers, or enjoy a coffee overlooking the iconic beach.

The city tour starts at your hotel or a nearby pick-up point (see the details on your voucher) and ends at Circular Quay, from where you can easily continue your day’s adventures – perhaps with a visit to the Opera House, which is just a short distance away. You can also join a relaxing lunch cruise around Sydney’s beautiful harbour, departing from here.

Circular Quay is the city’s busy ferry terminal and a transport hub for ferries to the surrounding suburbs. For example, sail to Manly and enjoy a relaxing day at the beach, or visit Taronga Zoo, one of Australia’s best-known zoos. Here, you can see animals from all over the world – including Australia’s own unique wildlife, such as kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, and the quirky platypus.

You'll have the next few days to yourself in Sydney, giving you plenty of time to explore the city at your own pace. Perhaps there was something you wanted to see more of after the city tour, or maybe you would like to discover a completely different side of the city.

Sydney is home to several fascinating museums where you can delve into Australia’s history, culture, and natural world. At the Australian Museum, you can learn more about the country’s wildlife and nature, while the Museum of Sydney tells the story of the city. You can also admire modern art at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia or explore Australia’s maritime history at the Australian National Maritime Museum.

If you would rather spend the day outdoors, lace up your walking shoes and set off on the coastal walk from Coogee to Bondi. The approximately 7-kilometre route follows the coastline past cliffs, small coves, and some of Sydney’s popular beaches, offering spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean along the way.

Another option is the new Sydney Fish Market at Blackwattle Bay. Here, you can browse the stalls, sample fresh fish and seafood, and soak up the atmosphere along the waterfront.

You can also book various optional excursions in and around Sydney. Discover the city on foot or by bike with a local guide, for example, or venture beyond the city on a day trip to the Blue Mountains or Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine region.

However, you do not always need a packed itinerary to enjoy Sydney. Pick up a sandwich, find a bench in the Royal Botanic Garden, and enjoy the views of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour as the sun sets and life around the harbour continues.

See the optional excursions below. We recommend booking them together with your tour, as they may sell out.

Your taste of Australia is coming to an end, and it’s now time to fly on to New Zealand, where many new experiences await. The flight from Sydney to Christchurch takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes. Upon arrival, remember to set your watch again – as a general rule, two hours forward.

Christchurch – or Ōtautahi, as the city is known in Māori – is the South Island’s largest city, with around 400,000 inhabitants. It offers an interesting blend of history, modern architecture, and green spaces.

The city was badly affected by a major earthquake in 2011, which caused extensive damage. Since then, Christchurch has undergone extensive rebuilding, and today, historic buildings stand alongside modern architecture and creative urban spaces. The city is also known for its many parks and gardens, which have earned it the nickname ‘The Garden City’.

Upon arrival in Christchurch, you’ll be greeted with the friendly ‘kia ora’, a traditional Māori greeting that is also used to say hello and will quickly become part of your vocabulary in New Zealand. You’ll be met at the airport and driven to your hotel, with the rest of the day free to spend as you wish.

For example, take a stroll through the Botanic Gardens or along the Avon River, which winds its way through the city centre. The area around The Terrace and Oxford Terrace is a great place to end the day with dinner or a glass of wine. Restaurants, cafés, and bars line the river, and nearby you’ll also find Riverside Market – a vibrant indoor food hall offering local produce and small eateries serving dishes from different parts of the world.

In Christchurch, we’ve also included an approximately three-hour city tour with a local guide, giving you a great introduction to the city and its surroundings.

Along the way, you’ll learn about Christchurch’s history and development, and how the 2011 earthquake helped shape the city you see today. Your guide will show you historic buildings, modern architecture, and some of the creative urban spaces created as part of the rebuilding process.

The tour passes, among other places, the Botanic Gardens before continuing to Mona Vale, a charming park with beautifully maintained gardens, mature trees, and a historic manor house.

From there, the tour will head up into the Port Hills to the historic Sign of the Takahe building. Here, you’ll enjoy wonderful views over Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains, and on clear days, you may be able to see the Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana) on the horizon.

From the Port Hills, the tour follows winding roads past the Sign of the Kiwi and Governors Bay to the harbour town of Lyttelton (Ōhinehou), nestled among the hills beside the natural harbour. From here, you’ll drive through the Lyttelton Tunnel and continue to the coastal suburb of Sumner, where the wide beach and distinctive Cave Rock await, before returning to Christchurch.

You’ll have the rest of the day to explore at your own pace. For example, you could board the historic tram, which travels through the city centre and stops at several of Christchurch’s attractions. Alternatively, experience Christchurch from the water on a peaceful boat trip along the Avon River, gliding through leafy surroundings and beneath small bridges.

The day is yours, so you can explore at your own pace. Perhaps you’d like to discover some of the neighbourhoods and areas you were introduced to on yesterday’s city tour, relax in one of the city’s cafés, or visit Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, where you can admire both New Zealand and international art.

You can also choose to add an optional excursion and spend the day discovering some of the rich wildlife along the east coast of the South Island.

In Akaroa, you can take a nature cruise through the beautiful bay, where you may be lucky enough to spot the rare Hector’s dolphins, as well as seals and little penguins.

You can also head north to Kaikōura, where you’ll set out on a whale-watching cruise with the chance to see sperm whales. Dolphins and seals also live in these waters, so keep an eye out for the many seabirds, including albatrosses.

Today offers an exciting sightseeing transfer as you travel across the South Island from Christchurch to Franz Josef on the wild west coast.

From Christchurch, you’ll travel west across the Canterbury Plains and onwards towards the mountains. One of the first stops of the day is Castle Hill (Kura Tāwhiti), known for its striking limestone formations. This distinctive landscape has been featured in film productions including Narnia and is reminiscent of the dramatic scenery from The Lord of the Rings.
Here, you’ll have time to walk among the enormous rock formations.

The journey then continues into the Southern Alps and on to Arthur’s Pass Village. Here, you can choose to take the approximately one-hour walk to the 131-metre-high Devil’s Punchbowl Falls or stay in the small mountain village and perhaps enjoy a cup of coffee.

On the way west, you’ll stop at Otira Gorge Lookout, also known as Death’s Corner, which offers views of the mountain landscape and the Otira Viaduct. Keep an eye out for the kea, New Zealand’s alpine parrot, which lives in the area.

Gradually, the mountains will fall behind you and you'll reach the South Island’s west coast and the Tasman Sea. Lunch is included along the way.

In Hokitika, you’ll have some time to explore independently, perhaps taking a stroll along the black-sand beach or browsing some of the town’s arts and crafts shops. The town is particularly known for pounamu, New Zealand’s distinctive jade, which holds great significance in Māori culture.

You’ll then continue to Hokitika Gorge, where a short walk through dense native forest will lead you to the gorge’s turquoise-blue waters.

At the end of the day, you’ll arrive in Franz Josef, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel and have the evening to yourself.

The Franz Josef Glacier was formed over tens of thousands of years from snow that fell high in the Southern Alps and was gradually compressed into ice. In Māori, the glacier is known as Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere – the tears of Hine Hukatere. Legend has it that Hine Hukatere lost her beloved in the mountains, and that her tears froze into ice and formed the glacier.

Like many other glaciers around the world, Franz Josef has been affected by climate change and has retreated significantly over recent decades. It is therefore no longer possible to walk directly onto the ice from the valley floor, but you can still experience the glacier from viewpoints and walking trails, or from the air on a helicopter tour.

You'll have the day to yourself in Franz Josef, a small, charming town surrounded by rainforest and mountain peaks. Here, you’ll find cafés, restaurants, and small shops, as well as a relaxed atmosphere.

The area offers several excellent walks of varying difficulty. We recommend the Franz Josef Glacier Walk, which leads to a viewpoint with spectacular views of the glacier and the surrounding mountains. The walk is easy and approximately a 1.5 km return from the Franz Josef Glacier Car Park. From here, you can also take the short Peters Pool Track, which is approximately a 1 km return and leads to the small Peters Pool, where the glacier can be reflected in the water on clear days.

Franz Josef is approximately 4.5 km from the car park by the glacier. You can walk there along a relatively flat route, or take a taxi one way or both ways.

You can also visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre, where you can see the rare rowi kiwi and learn more about the area’s wildlife and the efforts to protect this endangered bird.

If you’d like to experience the glacier up close, you can add a helicopter tour with a landing on the ice. You can also choose a heli-hike, combining a helicopter flight with a guided walk directly on the glacier – naturally, with the right equipment.

Today brings another scenic sightseeing transfer as you leave Franz Josef and set off for Queenstown (Tāhuna).

One of the first stops of the day is Lake Matheson (Te Ara Kairaumati), known for its mirror-like reflections. On calm, clear days, you can see Aoraki/Mount Cook, Mount Tasman, and the surrounding mountain peaks reflected in the lake’s dark waters. You’ll have time to take a walk along the lake and enjoy the scenery.

The tour then continues south along the West Coast and onwards through Haast Pass, with stops at the 28-metre-high Thunder Creek Falls and the Blue Pools in Mount Aspiring National Park. Here, an approximately 3-kilometre walk takes you through beech forest and across suspension bridges to the clear blue and turquoise waters.

There’s also a stop at Lake Wānaka, where you can see the famous ‘That Wānaka Tree’, standing in the lake with the mountains as its backdrop.

The final part of the day’s tour will follow the scenic Crown Range to Queenstown (Tāhuna), where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel.

You'll have the day to explore Queenstown at your own pace, in what is known as New Zealand’s adventure capital. It was here that the world’s first commercial bungy jump was launched, and if you’re in the mood for a little action, you can try jet boating, skydiving, white-water rafting, and paragliding, among other activities. There’s also plenty to enjoy if you prefer a more leisurely pace, with magnificent scenery, wine, and excellent food experiences.

Queenstown has a charming and compact centre, where shops, galleries, cafés, and restaurants sit side by side, particularly around Shotover Street. From the centre, you can also follow the lakeside along Marine Parade and continue through Queenstown Gardens.

If you’d like to see the town from above, you can take the gondola up to Bob’s Peak. From here, you’ll have wonderful views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu (Wakatipu Waimāori), and the mountain range known as The Remarkables. At the top, you’ll find both a café and a restaurant, and if you fancy a little more speed, you can try the popular luge track – a kind of toboggan run where you race down the hillside in a small cart.

From Bob’s Peak, you can also lace up your walking boots and continue towards the Ben Lomond Saddle or all the way to the summit of Ben Lomond. The hike through the alpine landscape takes approximately 5–6 hours there and back from Bob’s Peak, and considerably longer if you start from the town itself. Remember to wear sturdy footwear, bring warm clothing and plenty of water, and check the weather forecast before setting off, as conditions can change quickly in the mountains.

You can also choose from a range of optional excursions, depending on what you’d like to experience – see the options below.

In other words, there’s more than enough to keep you busy in and around Queenstown – the real challenge will probably be deciding what to do.

You’ll set off early, as one of the highlights of the tour awaits – a cruise on the spectacular Milford Sound (Piopiotahi). But before you reach the fjord, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive through some of the South Island’s most beautiful landscapes.

From Queenstown, you’ll travel along Lake Wakatipu and onwards through the dramatic landscape of the Devil’s Staircase. You’ll pass the small town of Te Anau before continuing into Fiordland National Park, where mountains rise up around you. Along the way, you’ll drive through the broad glacial valley of Eglinton Valley, past Mirror Lakes, and onwards through Hollyford Valley and the dense rainforest. There will be several stops along the way, giving you the chance to take in the views and capture some photos.

The drive then continues through the Darran Mountains and the impressive Homer Tunnel. As you emerge on the other side, the landscape opens up once again, and particularly after rainfall, you may see countless waterfalls cascading down the steep mountain slopes.

At Milford Sound, you’ll board the boat for a cruise of approximately two hours through the fjord. Along the way, you’ll see the steep cliff faces, waterfalls and rainforest from the water, and if you’re lucky, you may spot dolphins or New Zealand fur seals. On board, a nature guide will share stories about the area’s natural environment and history.

A packed lunch, as well as coffee and tea, are included for you to enjoy along the way. You can spend time both inside and outside the boat, so remember to bring clothing suitable for Fiordland’s changeable weather.

After the cruise, you’ll travel back towards Queenstown, stopping at several points along the way while your guide tells you about the area and the landscapes you pass through.

Today brings another scenic sightseeing transfer as you travel from Queenstown back to Christchurch via Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain at 3,724 metres.

From Queenstown, the tour will pass through Kawarau Gorge and continues past the fruit orchards and vineyards around Cromwell. You'll then cross Lindis Pass, stopping briefly at the viewpoint, which sits at an altitude of 971 metres.

The tour continues through the Mackenzie Basin to the small town of Omarama, where there is time for a break and the chance to buy something to eat. If you’re feeling hungry, why not try the town’s popular creamy chicken pie?

The next stop is turquoise Lake Pukaki (Pūkahaki), from where you can enjoy views of Aoraki/Mount Cook on clear days. From here, you'll continue into Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where you’ll have approximately 2½ hours to explore at your own pace. Spend the time walking one of the area’s shorter trails, or simply take in the views of the snow-capped peaks and glaciers. There will be opportunities to buy food and drinks during today’s tour.

After your time in the national park, the tour will continue to Lake Tekapo (Takapō), where you can enjoy views across the turquoise waters and visit the small Church of the Good Shepherd on the lakeshore.

From here, the tour then continues across the Canterbury Plains towards Christchurch, where you’ll arrive in the late afternoon.

It’s time to say goodbye to New Zealand’s beautiful South Island. You’ll be driven to the airport and will fly to Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau) on the North Island.

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and, with around 1.7 million inhabitants, is home to approximately one-third of the country’s population. The city is beautifully situated between the two large harbours of Waitematā and Manukau, surrounded by water, green volcanic hills, and islands of all shapes and sizes. The many sailing boats along the waterfront and in the bays around the city have fittingly earned Auckland the nickname ‘City of Sails’.

You’ll be met at the airport and driven to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to start exploring the city at your own pace. For example, visit Viaduct Harbour, where restaurants, cafés, and bars line the waterfront, creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere, particularly in the evening.

In Auckland, we’ve also included an approximately three-hour city tour with a local guide, who will show you some of the city’s different neighbourhoods and tell you about Auckland’s history, culture, and everyday life.

You’ll be picked up at your hotel in the morning and driven through central Auckland, passing Queen Street, the university and the green park known as The Domain, which is situated in an ancient volcanic crater. The tour then continues through the charming neighbourhood of Ponsonby and across Harbour Bridge to the North Shore, with views of Waitematā Harbour and the volcanic island of Rangitoto.

In Devonport, you’ll experience its historic architecture and some of the area’s beautiful viewpoints before continuing to Westhaven Marina, where sailing boats sit side by side with Auckland’s skyline and Harbour Bridge in the background.

You’ll be back at the hotel around midday, with the rest of the day free to spend as you wish.

You could, for example, visit Auckland’s 328-metre-high Sky Tower and enjoy 360-degree views of the city and harbour, head to the beach at Mission Bay, or walk up Mount Eden (Maungawhau), where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset over the city.

You'll also have the option of extending the city tour with a wine excursion including lunch or experiencing Auckland from the water on board a sailing boat during a relaxing dinner cruise. Read more below.

You'll have the day to explore Auckland at your own pace and decide how you would like to spend it. If you would like to discover more of the city, you could visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum (Tāmaki Paenga Hira), where you can learn more about New Zealand’s history, Māori culture, and natural environment, or take a walk to Mount Eden (Maungawhau), one of the area’s many dormant volcanoes, offering wonderful views across the city.

You could also take the ferry to Waiheke Island (Te Motu-arai-roa), known for its vineyards, secluded coves, and relaxed island atmosphere. We offer an optional excursion here, including a wine tasting and lunch.

If you would like to experience a completely different side of the North Island, we recommend our full-day excursion to Hobbiton and Rotorua. You will visit Hobbiton’s lush film set before continuing to the Rotorua area, which is known for its volcanic and geothermal activity. At Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, you will experience a colourful landscape of bubbling mud pools, hot springs, and steam rising from the ground. This excursion adds an extra dimension to your tour and offers fascinating insight into the geothermal forces that have helped shape New Zealand.

See the optional excursions below.

It’s time to say goodbye to New Zealand. You’ll be collected from your hotel and driven to the airport, where you’ll fly to your selected airport with connecting flight(s) along the way. 

You’ll arrive at your selected airport after an unforgettable tour filled with experiences ranging from vibrant Sydney in Australia to New Zealand’s magical natural landscapes.