18-Day Australia & New Zealand Highlights Tour
Iconic sights, seamless planning, and a privately arranged journey across two unforgettable countries
What’s the best way to experience Australia and New Zealand in one seamless journey?
Our 18-Day Australia & New Zealand Highlights Tour brings together two remarkable countries in one carefully planned journey.
Experience Australia’s vibrant cities, coastlines, wildlife and the Great Barrier Reef, then travel through New Zealand’s alpine landscapes, Māori culture, glowworm caves and scenic fjords.
We take care of the details, including accommodation, transfers, flights, touring days, activities and timing between each location, so your holiday feels smooth, relaxed and well planned.
With our local New Zealand knowledge and trusted Australian partners, we help shape the journey around your pace, interests and travel style.
Australia and New Zealand (Reversible)
Australia and New Zealand Highlights
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
New Zealand:
Auckland – Rotorua – Christchurch – Aoraki/Mount Cook – Queenstown – Milford Sound
Australia:
Melbourne – Great Ocean Road – Great Barrier Reef – Sydney
Travel Style:
Private Driver | Self-Drive Option | Scenic Trains | Boats | Domestic & International Flights
Accommodation Style:
Quality Hotels | Boutique Stays | Premium Lodges | Luxury Upgrades Available
What We Arrange For You
We take care of the details that make your Australia and New Zealand journey feel easy, including:
Route planning across both countries
Accommodation selected to suit your style, comfort level and budget
Private transfers between airports, hotels and key locations
Domestic and international flight arrangements where needed
Guided touring days with local insight and scenic stops along the way
Boats, scenic trains and special travel experiences
Activities and special experiences matched to your interests
Timing between each destination so the journey feels relaxed and well planned
Local recommendations for places to pause, explore, dine or enjoy the views
Flexibility to shape the itinerary around your travel dates, pace and preferences
A Real Client Experience
“We always had a dream to go to New Zealand and Australia and thanks to Kathy at New Zealand Private Tours it became a reality! My husband and I just spent 17 amazing day in New Zealand, 6 destinations and 10 days in Australia, 4 destinations, all perfectly orchestrated by Kathy. She set us up with private drivers and guides to take us to each. Had we tried to drive ourselves, we would have missed all the hidden gems along the way!
We stayed in incredible accommodations and the food was delicious. Thanks to Kathy and her wonderful staff, IT WAS PERFECT!”
John Rose
NEW ZEALAND ITINERARY
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Suggested activities for Auckland
Explore: Auckland
New Zealand's self-proclaimed "City of Sails" is the country's largest metro area. Resting between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, this urban paradise has something for everyone. Surrounded by native bush, rainforests, and an abundance of beaches, Auckland is a playground for both the city savvy and those with an eye for adventure. Central museums and galleries can be explored on foot.
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Travel to Waitomo Caves and then onto Hobbiton before arriving in Rotorua
Suggested activities
World Famous: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
In the heart of New Zealand, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire with a guided tour of Hobbiton, as featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. Hobbiton is located just outside of Matamata - in the heart of the lush Waikato farming region. Here you can visit such iconic Hobbit locations as Hobbit Holes, the Green Dragon Inn, the Mill, and the Party Tree, with a guide sharing behind-the-scenes tales and insight into the making of the films.
World Famous: Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Waitomo Glowworm Caves, take a 45-minute guided tour through impressive underground caverns and learn how stalactites, stalagmites and other limestone structures were formed over millions of years. Your tour includes a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto - glide silently along an underground river as you gaze at the twinkling glowworms overhead. After visiting Waitomo and Hobbiton, continue to Rotorua, arriving in the early evening.
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Suggested Activities for Rotorua
Nature: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Grounds
Wai-O-Tapu has pools of vibrantly coloured water caused by the natural minerals, an impressive geyser that plays daily. Some of the highlights include craters formed by acidic steam, the Devils Bath with its vibrant green yellow colour, Lady Knox Geyser that’s goes off everyday at 10.15am, and the Champagne pool which bubbles like Champagne.
Culture and Food: Te Pā Tū Cultural Tour and Hangi Dinner
Journey back in time to a Pre-European lifestyle experience of customs and traditions. Enjoy the night's festivities with the people of Tamaki Maori Village as you are treated to a banquet of succulent foods cooked the traditional Māori way. Discover the Māori village as it comes alive to the sound and activities of tribal songs, dances, myths, and legends and browse throughout the largest after-hours tribal marketplace in Rotorua. Includes a hangi buffet feast that has cooked slowly underground.
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Take a domestic flight to Christchurch.
Explore: Christchurch
New Zealand's garden city is steadily being transformed into a vibrant urban destination. Encompassing a large green belt, it's known for its wide tree-lined avenues and lush gardens. Christchurch is also known for many great restaurants, with the local delicacy being fresh-caught crayfish.
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Today you'll drive through the heart of the South Island, crossing the vast Canterbury plains. Catch your breath in Geraldine before continuing through Fairlie. Ascending Burkes Pass, you'll come to the picturesque lakeside town of Tekapo. Follow the road and take in the view of Aoraki Mount Cook (New Zealand's tallest mountain) from the shores of Lake Pukaki, known for its glacier-fed turquoise blue color. Continue along the lake to your final destination, Mount Cook Village.
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Suggested activities
Scenery: Heli or Ski Plane Flight
This Mount Cook helicopter tour or ski plane adventure is the ultimate way to see the Southern Alps. Traverse the Main Divide to the West Coast and view the magnificent landscape of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Track north along the Tasman Sea before recrossing the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps to the Tasman Glacier.
Nature: Big Sky Stargazing
Take a mesmerizing journey through the cosmos as you explore the wonders of New Zealand's night sky; home to planets, stars and a whole other world we only dream about. Our resident astronomy guides will take you on a 90-minute tour of the night sky through high powered telescopes along with discussing incredible features visible to the naked eye.
Scenery: Glacier Explorer
Cruise around the Tasman Glacial Lake and experience the enormity of NZ's largest glacier. The towering ice wall is really quite incredible, with an astonishing history.
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Suggested activities
Explore: Queenstown and surrounds
Celebrated as New Zealand's adventure capital, Queenstown offers far more than a fast-paced action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic, and scenic wonders.
Adventure: Arrowtown and Skippers Luxury 4WD Private Tour
Embark on an immersive journey through the historic charm of Arrowtown and the exhilarating adventure of Skippers Road on our luxury 4WD private tour. With the comfort and safety of our premium vehicle, you'll experience the thrill of this historic route like never before
World Famous: TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak including gourmet BBQ dinner and a farm tour
Enjoy a quintessential Kiwi experience – a delicious gourmet BBQ buffet meal and a farm demonstration in a stunning lakeside setting.
Take in the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and its surroundings as you cruise across the lake to the historic Walter Peak high country farm aboard the TSS Earnslaw Steamship.
After dinner, watch the farm dogs in action with a sheep-herding demonstration and say hello to the other farm animals.
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Suggested activities
Nature: Tour Cruise Tour 12 Hours
This full-day experience journeys to Milford Sound via road with photo stops in Te Anau and the Fiordland National Park. Next, take a Milford Sound cruise famous for its wildlife and epic waterfalls. The experience ends with a return road tour to Queenstown
Optional scenic flight return to Queenstown (this reduces the tour to 7.5 hours)
Nature: Fly Cruise Fly 4 Hours
Take a 30-minute scenic flight of the Southern Alps followed by a 90-minute boat cruise in Milford Sound. Then return to Queenstown by another scenic flight.
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Transfer to Melbourne via a 3.10 hour international flight for your Australian leg of the tour.
Suggested Activity
History and Shopping: Explore Melbourne
Melbourne is the cool, artsy capital of the state of Victoria. Renowned for its laneway art, cafes, bars, restaurants and museums, there is no shortage of things to do, see, eat and drink. On the opposite side of the city, the Docklands open-air entertainment precinct boasts a myriad of public artwork, family fun activities, and a variety of dining options lining the marina. Get there easily on the free City Circle tram, or wander over the Bourke Street footbridge.
Want to adjust the pace?
This itinerary is only a starting point. We can add extra nights, upgrade accommodation, adjust activities, or slow the journey down to suit your travel style.
AUSTRALIAN ITINERARY
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Suggested activities
Nature: The Penguin Parade
Phillip Island is home to the largest Little Penguin colony in the world. You can experience the magic of watching these amazing seabirds waddle home from the ocean to their burrows any night of the year from our viewing platforms and boardwalks.
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Suggested Activities
Nature: Great Ocean Road Private Tour
The Great Ocean Road is an iconic, must-do route that stretches along the south-eastern coast of Victoria, from famed surf capital Torquay, westward across to Allansford, just before the regional city Warrnambool. The Great Ocean Road tourist drive covers 243 kilometres of National Heritage listed area which hosts an abundance of awe-inspiring natural landscapes including the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge just to name a few. The road is also shouldered by the Great Otway National Park where you can explore rainforest walks, treetop walkways, waterfalls towering over fern-fringed pools and dramatic cliffs sheltering secluded beaches. Kennett River also hosts a rare opportunity to see koalas living in large numbers in their natural habitat, and is well worth the stop.
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Take a domestic flight to Hamilton Island.
Explore: Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island is one of the 74 tropical islands in the Coral Sea, between the Queensland coast and the Great Barrier Reef. It’s the largest inhabited island in the Whitsundays, situated 1,222 km north of Brisbane and 655 km south of Cairns. Hire a golf buggy and explore the island.
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Nature: Heart Reef & Whitehaven Scenic Flight and Beach Landing
Enjoy two hours of scenic views looking over the iconic picturesque Whitsundays. Beginning with a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef, Heart Reef, Hill Inlet, and the Whitsundays be amazed at the stunning views as you look down over the beaches and white sand. Landing on the gorgeous Whitehaven beach you will be greeted with a glass of bubbles and some spare time to explore the beach and relax before getting collected by your pilot and taken back to the hanger.
Want to adjust the pace?
This itinerary is only a starting point. We can add extra nights, upgrade accommodation, adjust activities, or slow the journey down to suit your travel style.
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Suggested activities
Adventure: Great Barrier Reef Full Day Adventure
Spend a full day exploring the Great Barrier Reef, the World Heritage-listed wonder off the Queensland coast.
Beyond the Whitsundays, your destination is Reefworld, a multilevel reef facility permanently moored 39 nautical miles from shore at spectacular Hardy Reef. Snorkel, swim, dive and explore – an undersea encounter with this amazing ecosystem is unforgettable. Or if you’d rather stay dry, experience the reef from the underwater observatory or take a ride in a semi-submarine. After a sumptuous buffet lunch, you’ll have more time to explore before you head back to shore with lifelong memories of this epic Australian icon. -
Take a domestic flight to Sydney.
Suggested Activity
History and Shopping: Explore Sydney
Sydney is Australia's largest city, home to beautiful beaches such as world-famous Bondi Beach, iconic buildings, historic landmarks, acclaimed restaurants, and a vibrant culture. From the breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour to the tranquillity of the Royal Botanic Garden, the city is a delight for everyone. If you're looking for a holiday adventure, planning a honeymoon, or searching for a fun-filled getaway, Sydney is a great destination.
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Suggested Activity
Nature: Blue Mountains Private Tour
The World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains is a wilderness area showcasing ancient rock formations, vast canyons and waterfalls plummeting into valleys below. The breathtaking views over the region stretch to the hazy blue horizon, while the historic village towns nestled amongst the rainforest are dotted with tea rooms, cellar doors and breweries hosted by local producers. There is no shortage of adventure in the Blue Mountains with the rugged sandstone escarpments, underground caves and deep canyons providing the perfect playground for rock climbing, abseiling, canyoning and more. Of course, relaxation is also on the cards with a number of resorts, boutique guesthouses and day spas throughout.
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Suggested Activity
Nature: Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park
Explore Australia’s largest private collection of native animals and bird life at Featherdale Wildlife Park. Located 40 km from Sydney’s CBD see unique wildlife in a natural bush setting.,you will have the chance meet and hand feed their roo family with Featherdale’s special kangaroo food! For an additional cost you can meet and interact with a Koala and learn more about this fascinating creature.
Culture: Sydney Opera House Private Tour
You’ve seen the outside but that’s only half the story. Beneath our magnificent sails lies incredible spaces and stories. Learn about the controversial history, unforgettable performances and exciting future of the Sydney Opera House. Walk through and see the House up close and personal. Each perspective brings a unique and breathtaking experience.
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It’s time to say goodbye to your Australia and New Zealand holiday.
Is this tour right for you?
This tour is ideal if you want to experience the highlights of both Australia and New Zealand in one well-planned journey, without having to work out all the details yourself.
We take care of the planning, from your route and accommodation to private transfers, flights, touring days, activities and the timing between each location. Everything is carefully arranged so your journey feels smooth, relaxed and thoughtfully planned from start to finish.
It suits travellers who want a personalised itinerary with local guidance and the confidence of knowing the important details have been handled properly. We help balance famous icons with quieter local moments, scenic touring days and experiences that suit your interests and comfort level.
This is a wonderful option if you want to combine New Zealand’s alpine landscapes, Māori culture and scenic fjords with Australia’s coastlines, wildlife, reef experiences and great cities, without joining a large coach tour or trying to piece everything together on your own.
FAQs
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This itinerary is a starting point and can be customised to suit your travel dates, pace, interests and accommodation style. We can adjust the route, add extra nights, upgrade accommodation, include more private touring, or change activities depending on what you would most like to experience.
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Yes. This 18-day journey combines highlights from both countries, including New Zealand’s alpine landscapes, Māori culture, glowworm caves and scenic fjords, along with Australia’s cities, wildlife, coastlines and the Great Barrier Reef.
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This tour is ideal for travellers who want to experience both Australia and New Zealand in one well-planned holiday without having to piece together flights, transfers, accommodation, activities and touring days themselves. It suits couples, families, small groups and travellers wanting a personalised itinerary with local guidance.
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Yes. We can help arrange the internal and trans-Tasman flights required as part of your itinerary, including flights between New Zealand and Australia, as well as domestic flights within each country where needed.
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Accommodation is flexible and selected to suit your preferences and budget. We can include quality hotels, boutique stays, premium lodges or luxury upgrades, depending on the style of journey you would like.
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This tour can include private guided touring, private transfers, self-drive sections, flights, boats and selected local experiences. We will shape the travel style around your comfort level, budget and how much guidance you would like along the way.
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We take care of the planning so the journey flows properly. This includes the route, accommodation, transfers, flights, touring days, activities and timing between each location. With local New Zealand knowledge and trusted Australian partners, we help create a smoother, more personal holiday than simply booking separate pieces online.
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Yes. The itinerary can usually be adjusted to start in either Australia or New Zealand, depending on your international flights, travel dates and preferred route.
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As a general guide, this tour starts from around NZD $18,000 per person, based on two people travelling and staying in quality accommodation.
The final price will depend on your travel dates, accommodation style, number of travellers, flights, private touring, and the activities or special experiences you would like included.