18-Day Australia &
New Zealand Highlights Tour
Experience two extraordinary countries in one seamless private journey.
A private 18-day Australia and New Zealand tour combining vibrant cities, remarkable wildlife, tropical islands, alpine landscapes, Māori culture and some of the Southern Hemisphere’s most iconic natural wonders.
From Auckland, Rotorua and Queenstown to Melbourne, the Great Barrier Reef and Sydney, every flight, transfer, accommodation stay and touring day is carefully planned around your interests, pace and travel style.
📅 Duration
18 Days
A carefully planned private journey combining the highlights of Australia and New Zealand.
🚐 Travel Style
Private Driver / Selected Flights
Travel with private guides and drivers, supported by carefully arranged domestic and international flights.
🗺️ Route
Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Mount Cook, Queenstown, Melbourne, Port Douglas & Sydney
A balanced route connecting New Zealand’s mountains and culture with Australia’s cities, wildlife, coastline and reef.
⭐ Best For
Travellers Wanting to Experience Both Countries
Ideal for couples, families and small groups wanting a personalised journey without joining a large coach tour.
Experience New Zealand your way with a custom private itinerary designed around your interests, pace and travel style. From private driver-guides and premium accommodation to scenic touring, activities and local support, we create seamless journeys across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Queenstown-Based Luxury Travel Specialists | TIA Member | 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist | Local Support
Your Australia and New Zealand Route
Click on maps to expand Tour Highlights
From Māori culture and glowworm caves to alpine peaks, scenic fiords, Australian wildlife, tropical rainforest and world-famous cities, this journey brings together many of the most memorable experiences in Australia and New Zealand.
Auckland | Waitomo Glowworm Caves | Hobbiton | Rotorua
Christchurch | Aoraki / Mount Cook | Queenstown | Milford Sound
Melbourne | Phillip Island | Great Ocean Road | Port Douglas
Great Barrier Reef | Daintree Rainforest | Kuranda Scenic Railway | Sydney | Blue Mountains
Travel from Auckland through the geothermal heart of New Zealand to the Southern Alps and Queenstown before continuing across the Tasman Sea to Melbourne, the Great Barrier Reef and Sydney.
This tour can also operate in reverse and can be adjusted around your international flights, preferred travel dates and available time.
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
Is This Tour Right for You?
This private Australia and New Zealand tour is ideal for travellers who want to experience the highlights of both countries without organising every flight, transfer, hotel and activity themselves.
It is a good fit if you want:
A personalised journey through Australia and New Zealand
Private transfers and touring rather than a large coach tour
Help coordinating domestic and international flights
A balance of famous landmarks and quieter local experiences
Accommodation selected around your preferred comfort level
A carefully paced route with support throughout your journey
NEW ZEALAND ITINERARY
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Welcome to New Zealand.
On arrival at Auckland Airport, your private driver will meet you and transfer you to your accommodation.
Known as the City of Sails, Auckland is surrounded by two harbours, volcanic landscapes, beaches and islands. Depending on your arrival time, you may like to explore the waterfront, enjoy dinner overlooking the harbour or simply relax after your flight.
Included:
Private Auckland Airport transfer
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Today you leave Auckland and travel through the rolling countryside of the Waikato region towards Rotorua.
Along the way, visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and glide quietly beneath thousands of tiny glowworms illuminating the cave ceiling.
Continue to Hobbiton Movie Set for a guided journey through the Shire, including Hobbit Holes, the Mill, the Party Tree and the Green Dragon Inn.
Your day finishes in Rotorua, the centre of New Zealand’s geothermal landscapes and Māori culture.
Included Activities:
Private touring from Auckland to Rotorua
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour -
Today is dedicated to experiencing the geothermal landscapes and Māori culture for which Rotorua is famous.
Visit colourful geothermal pools, steaming craters and bubbling mud at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.
In the evening, enjoy an immersive Māori cultural experience with traditional performances, storytelling and a hāngī-inspired dinner.
Included Activities:
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Māori cultural experience and dinner -
Today we arrange your private airport transfer and domestic flight from Rotorua to Christchurch.
On arrival, your driver will meet you and transfer you to your accommodation.
The remainder of the day is yours to explore Christchurch’s riverside centre, botanic gardens, restaurants, galleries and changing city landscape.
Included:
Private Rotorua Airport transfer
Domestic flight arrangements
Private Christchurch Airport transfer -
Today your private guide takes you through the heart of the South Island.
Travel across the Canterbury Plains before stopping in the country towns of Geraldine and Fairlie. Continue through Burkes Pass to the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd.
From Lake Tekapo, travel beside Lake Pukaki with beautiful views towards Aoraki / Mount Cook before arriving at Mount Cook Village.
Included Activity:
Private guided tour from Christchurch to Aoraki / Mount Cook
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Enjoy time this morning to experience the Aoraki / Mount Cook region.
Depending on the season and your interests, you may choose a Glacier Explorers boat trip, a scenic helicopter or ski-plane flight, a guided walk or time to enjoy the alpine scenery.
Later, travel through the Mackenzie Country, across the Lindis Pass and through the Central Otago landscape to Queenstown.
Included Activity:
Private guided tour from Aoraki / Mount Cook to Queenstown
Suggested Activities:
Glacier Explorers
Scenic helicopter or ski-plane flight
Hooker Valley Track
Stargazing experience -
Today is all about discovering Queenstown and its surrounding region with a local guide.
Your private tour can include historic Arrowtown, Lake Hayes, the Kawarau Bungy Bridge, scenic viewpoints, local tastings and selected Lord of the Rings filming locations.
The day will be shaped around your interests, with time for photos, local stories and a relaxed lunch stop.
Included Activity:
Everything Queenstown Private Tour
Suggested Evening Activity:
TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak with gourmet BBQ dinner and farm demonstration
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Travel privately from Queenstown through Te Anau and Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound.
The Milford Road is part of the experience, with alpine valleys, native forest, mountain scenery, waterfalls and carefully selected photo stops along the way.
At Milford Sound, join a scenic cruise beneath towering cliffs and waterfalls before returning to Queenstown.
A scenic flight back to Queenstown can also be added, subject to weather conditions.
Included Activities:
Private Milford Sound touring
Milford Sound cruiseOptional Upgrade:
Scenic flight or helicopter return to Queenstown
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Today we arrange your private airport transfer and international flight from Queenstown to Melbourne.
On arrival, your Australian driver will meet you and transfer you to your accommodation.
The remainder of the day is yours to begin exploring Melbourne’s laneways, restaurants, galleries, shopping districts and riverside precincts.
Included:
Private Queenstown Airport transfer
International flight arrangements
Private Melbourne Airport transfer
AUSTRALIAN ITINERARY
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Enjoy time to explore Melbourne before travelling to Phillip Island for one of Australia’s most famous wildlife experiences.
Each evening, Little Penguins emerge from the ocean and cross the beach to return to their burrows. Viewing platforms and boardwalks allow you to watch this remarkable natural event while protecting the penguins and their habitat.
Suggested Activity:
Phillip Island Penguin Parade
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Today, travel privately along one of Australia’s most spectacular coastal roads.
The Great Ocean Road winds past surf beaches, rainforest, seaside towns and dramatic limestone cliffs.
Highlights can include the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, coastal viewpoints and opportunities to look for koalas and other Australian wildlife.
Included Activity:
Great Ocean Road Private Tour
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Today we arrange your private airport transfer and domestic flight from Melbourne to Cairns.
On arrival, your driver will meet you and transfer you north along the scenic coastal road to Port Douglas.
Port Douglas is a relaxed tropical town and an ideal base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your own pace, with time to explore the marina, relax by the pool or dine at one of the town’s restaurants.
Included:
Private Melbourne Airport transfer
Domestic flight arrangements
Private Cairns Airport to Port Douglas transfer -
Spend a full day exploring the Great Barrier Reef on a diving trip from Port Douglas.
Cruise to carefully selected outer reef locations, where you can experience colourful coral gardens, tropical fish and the remarkable marine life of the Great Barrier Reef.
Certified divers can enjoy guided dives, while introductory diving may also be available for beginners. Snorkelling options can be included for any non-divers travelling with you.
Suggested Activity:
Full-day Great Barrier Reef diving experience from Port Douglas
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Spend a full day exploring the ancient Daintree Rainforest and the tropical landscapes north of Port Douglas.
Travel through lush rainforest, visit scenic lookouts and discover the remarkable plants, wildlife and ecosystems of this World Heritage-listed region.
Depending on the final tour selected, the day may also include Mossman Gorge, a guided rainforest walk, a wildlife cruise on the Daintree River and time at Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the sea.
Suggested Activity:
Full-day Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation tour from Port Douglas
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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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Today, leave Port Douglas and travel to the tropical village of Kuranda.
Journey through the rainforest aboard the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, passing waterfalls, deep gorges and mountain scenery along the way.
Return by the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, gliding above the rainforest canopy with stops to explore scenic lookouts and rainforest boardwalks.
After the tour, continue to Cairns Airport for your domestic flight to Sydney.
On arrival, your private driver will meet you and transfer you to your accommodation.
Included:
Private transfer from Port Douglas
Kuranda Scenic Railway
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Domestic flight from Cairns to Sydney
Private Sydney Airport transfer -
Spend your final full day discovering Sydney.
Visit the Sydney Opera House to learn about its architecture, history and performance spaces, or enjoy a private city tour including the harbour, historic neighbourhoods, coastal viewpoints and Bondi Beach.
An Australian wildlife experience can also be included for travellers wanting to see kangaroos, koalas and native birdlife.
Suggested Activities:
Sydney Opera House Tour
Private Sydney sightseeing
Australian wildlife park
Sydney Harbour cruise -
Your Australia and New Zealand journey comes to an end today.
Your private driver will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to Sydney Airport for your onward flight.
After 18 days of Māori culture, alpine landscapes, scenic fiords, Australian wildlife, tropical islands, coral reefs and world-famous cities, you leave with unforgettable memories of two remarkable countries.
Included:
Private Sydney Airport transfer
Want to adjust the pace?
This itinerary is only a starting point.
We can reverse the route, add extra nights, upgrade your accommodation, slow down the travel days or include additional experiences to suit your interests.
The journey can also be extended with more time in New Zealand, Tasmania, the Australian Outback, Cairns, Brisbane or other parts of Australia.
FAQs
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This itinerary is a starting point and can be fully customised around your travel dates, interests, pace and preferred accommodation style.
We can add extra nights, change destinations, include more private touring or create a more relaxed or luxury-focused journey.
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Yes. The itinerary can operate in either direction.
We can begin in Sydney or Melbourne and finish in New Zealand, depending on your international flights, travel dates and preferred route.
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The itinerary requires domestic flights within both countries and an international flight between New Zealand and Australia.
We can arrange these flights as part of your complete itinerary. The final quote will clearly show which flights are included.
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This is a private, independently arranged itinerary rather than an escorted group tour with one guide for all 18 days.
It can include private drivers, local guides, private transfers, flights, cruises and selected free days. We will adjust the level of guiding to suit your preferred travel style and budget.
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Accommodation is selected around your preferences and budget.
We can include quality four-star hotels, boutique properties, premium resorts or luxury accommodation. During the planning process, we will discuss the style and location that best suits you.
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Yes. The itinerary can be adapted for families, couples, friends or small private groups.
Activities, room arrangements, travel times and the pace of the itinerary can all be adjusted around the ages and interests of your group.
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The tour can operate throughout much of the year, although the best timing depends on the experiences you would most like to include.
Because Australia and New Zealand have different regional climates, we will help choose the most suitable route and activities for your travel dates.
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As a general guide, this 18-day Australia and New Zealand tour starts from approximately NZD $18,000 per person, based on two people travelling and staying in quality accommodation.
The final cost will depend on your travel dates, accommodation style, flight prices, number of travellers, private touring and selected experiences.
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Contact us with your preferred dates, number of travellers and the experiences you are most interested in.
We will begin with a relaxed conversation about your plans before preparing a personalised itinerary and quote. Once you are happy with the arrangements, the itinerary can be secured with a deposit.