Essence of New Zealand, Australia and Fiji Itinerary

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand

Relax you are now officially on holiday and everything has been taken care of! On arrival you will be transferred from the airport to your accommodation to freshen up and unwind. 

Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand, situated amongst a cluster of extinct volcanic cones, next to a large harbour that bustles with life, both on water and on land. The Auckland isthmus straddles a slim piece of land with coastline facing both the Pacific Ocean, and, on the wild West Coast, the Tasman Sea. Enjoy a stroll around the waterfront that is teeming with excellent cafes and restaurants from which to enjoy the sights of the The City of Sails. 

Accommodation: Auckland - 2 Nights

Known as 'New Zealand's Island of Wine', Waiheke Island just 45 minutes by ferry from Auckland, has become home to a dedicated group of award-winning wine producers. With a unique micro-climate and the winemakers' philosophy of "small is beautiful", Waiheke has produced some of New Zealand's most prestigious wines.

On this tour, you will visit three of Waiheke's top vineyards and sample a range of their wines. Along the way enjoy a commentated scenic drive, learning about the Island's history, geography, people and culture from your knowledgeable local guide.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Collect your rental vehicle this morning and make your way north to Russell. Nestled in the Bay of Islands, Russell is a charming town steeped in history and natural beauty. Surrounded by stunning coastlines, lush hills, and crystal-clear waters, it was New Zealand's first seaport, first European settlement, and the nation's first capital. Today, Russell is a popular holiday destination, offering a mix of historic landmarks, scenic views, and relaxing beaches, making it a perfect base for exploring the Bay of Islands. Its rich past and tranquil atmosphere make it a must-visit location.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 255 km | 158 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 45 mins

Accommodation: Russell - 2 Nights

Cruise out through the Bay's pristine Islands, see the historic Cape Brett lighthouse and majestic Motukōkako, the Hole in the Rock, and hope for a lucky drip from above as you pass underneath it.

The Bay of Islands is home to a variety of marine mammals, native birds and other wildlife. Keep a lookout out for dolphins during your cruise today. You cruise includes a stop off on Urupukapuka Island. Here you will have time to relax, take a walk, go for a swim or enjoy a bite to eat and drink from the fully licensed café.

Included Meals: Breakfast

During your drive to your accommodation near Warkworth today stop off in the village of Matakana. Matakana is an area of remarkable beauty and diversity. It has become the home of artists, writers, craftspeople and others seeking lifestyle changes. Recent development has given a new face to the locality. On Saturday the vibrant farmer's market is a focal point for locals and growers to meet. Matakana is surrounded by an area of diverse attractions - beautiful white beaches, Goat Island marine reserve, Tawharanui Park bird sanctuary, native forest with Kawau Island and the majestic Little Barrier directly offshore. Slow down and enjoy what Matakana has to offer...

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 190 km | 118 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Warkworth - 1 Night

Today you will travel to Waitomo. Discover an ancient world 30 million years in the making. Experience the serene ambience as you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights. The glowworm is unique to New Zealand, making the Waitomo Glowworm Caves an absolute must-do. See thousands of these tiny creatures as they radiate their unmistakable luminescent light in a subterranean world.

You'll continue on to geothermal Rotorua which is spectacular, the earths crust at its most exciting and accessible in the downtown parks and lake front, the smell of sulphur and sight of steaming vents invade the senses. Enjoy a day soaking up this magical place, at the Polynesian Spa. Voted as one of the top ten spas in the world.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 400 km | 249 miles  Total Driving Time: 5 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 Nights

Departing  from your accommodation you will travel through forestry and farmland to New Zealand's largest boiling mud pool. Your guide showcases a series of colorful hot springs and volcanic features at Wai-O-Tapu, where you will witness the Lady Knox geyser eruption. 

From here explore Waimangu Volcanic Valley, where your will learn about the Mt. Tarawera eruption that opened this spectacular geothermal park. 

Spend the afternoon experiencing Rotorua's Māori culture and geothermal activity with a guided tour of Te Puia, including the wood carving school, art gallery, Rotowhio Marae, weaving display, kiwi house, and Pohutu geyser. 

Next, visit the Lakefront area to see the Māori War Canoe and learn about Māori history and customs, followed by a short visit to Kuirau Park to view a recent geothermal eruption site. Finish the day at the tranquil lakes of the volcanic region, with views of Mount Tarawera and insights into its history.

View the mighty Huka Falls and the Wairakei Geothermal project before stopping at Lake Taupo, the largest in New Zealand. Continue across the Central Plateau to the Hawkes Bay region and Napier, often regarded as the world's Art Deco Capital.

The Pacific Ocean provides a stunning backdrop to Hawke's Bay, framed to the south by the dramatic Cape Kidnappers and the Tukituki hills. From natural disaster was born a celebration of early twentieth-century architecture - Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Stripped Classical buildings pepper Napier, Hastings, and the region's small towns. Explore celebrated vineyards, the supreme Cape Kidnappers golf course, architecture, birdlife, and Maori culture.

This afternoon enjoy an expertly guided Art Deco Tour, of the remarkable building following the 1931 earthquake in Napier.

Approximate Distance: 220 km | 137 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 

Accommodation: Napier - 2 Nights

This tour is ideal for both casual enthusiasts and wine aficionados, offering a chance to connect with fellow wine lovers and savor the exceptional wines of Hawke's Bay. Discover the passion behind each bottle and learn about the region's unique growing conditions. Create unforgettable memories and take home outstanding wines. Enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the region's finest winery restaurants, followed by a delightful afternoon of wine tasting in the sun, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Visit four to five wineries and indulge in a cheese platter in the enchanting grounds of Ngatarawa Vineyard, nestled beside a tranquil lily pond.

Included Meals: Lunch

Renowned for its eclectic, arty atmosphere, Wellington is a real kiwi cultural treat and numerous galleries and character-filled shops line its colourful streets. The Museum of New Zealand 'Te Papa' is full of national treasures and sits beside the water in the downtown area of the city centre - well worth a visit. Wellington is also famous for having some the New Zealand's best restaurants - gourmet dining experiences here are truly world class. Culture, cuisine and scenic beauty abound in New Zealand’s iconic capital.

Travel Distance: 325km I 202 miles Travel Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Wellington - 2 Nights

Finding things to do in Wellington is blissfully easy. Nestled as it is between mountains and the seaside, the city prides itself on having a little bit of everything - from hiking to sailing, from adventure to relaxation. Wellington is also the beating heart of New Zealand's art and culture scene, meaning it's a hive of creativity and home to some of the best attractions in the entire country. From art galleries to the National Museum - wellington has a little of everything!

Return your rental vehicle to Wellington Airport and fly to Blenheim. Vineyards embrace Marlborough's central town of Blenheim with rows of changing colours through the seasons. On arrival you will be transferred to the nearby town of Picton.

Picton is a waterfront village snuggled between the hills and the sea at the top of the South Island New Zealand's gateway to the glorious Marlborough Sounds Maritime Park. It is in the sunny Marlborough region, famous for its visits from Captain Cook in the 1700s, its fine wines, green-lipped mussels, sandy beaches, popular boating centre and the Queen Charlotte Sound.

Accommodation: Picton - 2 Nights

Relax and enjoy the stunning Marlborough Sounds at the top of New Zealand's South Island with the exclusive Seafood Odyssea Cruise. As you cruise through the Sounds, sample fresh local seafood including Regal Salmon and Greenshell mussels paired with Marlborough wine for the definitive wine and food match while taking in the natural views of the Queen Charlotte Sounds/Totaranui.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Winding down the rugged East Coast of the South Island, the Coastal Pacific showcases both towering mountains and surging ocean, the train ventures along the Kaikoura Coast on the edge of the South Island and gets breathtakingly close to both the surging Pacific and the soaring Kaikoura Ranges. 

Christchurch is New Zealand’s second-largest city and the gateway to the South Island, Christchurch sits on the very edge of the Canterbury Plains and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean. 

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation Christchurch - 2 Nights

A day tour to Akaroa, the only settlement attempted by the French in New Zealand, passes through the beautiful landscapes of the Banks Peninsula. Your journey will lie through the beautiful Banks Peninsula on a high summit route which gives glorious views of farmlands, Akaroa Harbour.

From the main wharf in Akaroa boats depart for your Nature Cruise, you may see Hectors Dolphins, little blue penguins, NZ fur seals and local bird life. You will have an opportunity to wander around the charming 175 year old French harbour side village of Akaroa with its museum of settlers' history, art and craft shops and studios before enjoying lunch at an award winning cafe.

Included Meals: Lunch

Rated as one of the top six scenic train journeys in the world, the famous TranzAlpine Train will take you deep into the heartland of the South Island… a coast to coast journey through some of the world’s most extreme and beautiful scenery. The Tranz Alpine winds its way over massive viaducts and through spectacular gorges and river valleys, tracking slowly across the country's greatest mountain range, the Southern Alps. It stops in the heart of the Southern Alps at Arthur’s Pass before descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth. From Greymouth collect your rental car and travel to Franz Josef - this is Glacier Country.

Approximate Distance: 175 kms | 109 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Franz Josef Village - 2 Nights

Together with the Fox Glacier 20 kilometres (12 Miles) away, Franz Josef Glacier is unique in the fact that it is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. These huge valleys of ice tumble down from the Southern Alps into green, lush rainforest – only 200m (656 ft) from sea level. 

Franz Josef Village offers a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere, with plenty to explore for nature lovers and adventure seekers. While the Franz Josef Glacier is the star attraction, the village itself is the perfect base to enjoy the surrounding landscapes. You can wander through nearby rainforest tracks that offer stunning views of the glacier or visit scenic viewpoints. For a more leisurely experience, unwind at the local hot pools, soaking in the natural beauty of the area. Whether you're after glacier views or simply a peaceful retreat, Franz Josef has something for everyone.

After your scenic flight your driving days do not get much better than this. As you farewell the beech forests of the Mt Aspiring National Park and traverse the Haast Pass - be prepared to view lakes and rivers coloured like rare jewels - emerald and sapphire hued, intensified by the contrast of the surrounding mountain and tussock clad hillsides.

Continue past Wanaka,a stunning lakeside town - situated perfectly in the north basking sunshine. You could wake every day in Queenstown for a year and not repeat the same activity. Queenstown is the centre of adventure in New Zealand, there truly is something here for everyone.

Approximate Distance: 350 kms | 217 miles  Total Driving Time: 5 hours 

Accommodation: Queenstown - 3 Nights

Although celebrated as New Zealand's 'adventure capital' Queenstown offers far more than a fast paced action-packed holiday. Head down the Gibbston Valley wine trail to sample some of the region's best Pinot or catch a ride on the 100 year old Steamship - the TSS Earnslaw - to Walter Peak Station for dinner and a farm tour. Browse the waterfront cafes and have lunch at Michelin star chef Josh Emett's 'Rata.' - but if you do really want the adrenaline rush Queenstown is known for, take your pick from the Shot over Jet, Nevis Bungy, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge or Heli-ski.

Venture into the heart of Central Otago where you will taste some of New Zealand's finest wines, in surroundings of unmatched scenic beauty and historical interest. The tour takes in four to five outstanding vineyards from the Gibbston, Bannockburn and Alexandra areas, includes wine tastings, a tour of New Zealand's largest wine cave and excellent local cheeses.

For lunch we relax in one of the regions excellent restaurants. The Big Picture is a new wine and food experience including, fine cuisine, an Aroma Room and a virtual flight over Central Otago with a virtual meeting of the regions leading winemakers.

Included Meals: Lunch

The drive from Wanaka to Te Anau will take three and half hours, but there is plenty to enjoy along the way. We highly recommend staging your Fiordland National Park activities from Te Anau as a base (Queenstown to Milford becomes a 12hr return highway trip that needs to be to avoided!) Some of the sightseeing along the way are beautiful - Lakes Wakatipu and Manapouri and the Manapouri Dam. The Te Anau Wildlife Centre (take the opportunity to identify some of the numerous native birds visitors may only see on your walks and hikes)

Approximate Distance: 175 kms | 109 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Te Anau - 3 Nights

This excursion to Milford Sound is a journey to one of the world's greatest natural wonders - Fiordland National Park - a world heritage area. A vast remote wilderness with snow capped mountains, glacial lakes and valleys, fiords, waterfalls and dense forests. The journey to Milford from Te Anau and Queenstown is magnificent. Enjoy a 2 hour 30 minute nature cruise of the Milford Sound viewing the spectacular waterfalls and famous Mitre Peak. Grand, brooding, serene and wild, Milford Sound draws visitors from all over the globe to cruise its length. Luxuriant rain forest clings to sheer rock walls washed with waterfalls. In the foreground stands Mitre Peak, a majestic presence dominating the skyline. Hanging valleys, alpine lakes and cloud-piercing summits hidden from the road.

Included Meals: Lunch

Deep in the heart of Fiordland lies the vast and beautiful Doubtful Sound. The name came by way of the pioneer Captain James Cook who expressed his uncertainty as to whether the inlet was navigable under sail. This sound is home to a number of impressive waterfalls and small islands and is the second longest of the South Island’s fiords. Doubtful Sound is an untouched, serene and mysterious place that is often referred to as the ‘Sound of Silence’. Fur seals, bottle nose dolphins and penguins are likely to be seen on your cruise.

Included Meals: Lunch

Venturing south, we journey through the rich, fertile farming landscapes of South Otago before arriving in the distinctly Scottish city of Dunedin. Majestic Victorian architecture dots the city centre, but one of the main attractions is the rare wildlife that lives here. Dunedin is home to rare yellow-eyed penguins as well as the world’s only accessible mainland colony of Northern Royal Albatross. These princely ocean adventurers are thrilling to see up-close. Experience Dunedin your way with an afternoon of free time. 

Accommodation: Dunedin - 2 Nights

Today cruise the length of the Otago Harbour. Experience an unforgettable half-day cruise and peninsula tour and explore Careys Bay historic fishing village, Port Chalmers’ busy wharves and the harbour’s beautiful bays, hills, farmland and forest. 

Enjoy Monarch’s fascinating Wildlife Cruise around Taiaroa Head and the surrounding coastline of dramatic cliffs. Watch the NZ Fur seals play and swim near their breeding colonies, out at sea you can spot rarely seen ocean birds including other albatross species and petrels, and you may see penguins, dolphins and other marine mammals.

On your way North today don't miss the Moeraki Boulders dotted across Koekohe Beach. These 65-million-year-old natural wonders are up to two metres tall. You'll head inland and follow the Waitaki Valley until in meets up with the basin of the Mackenzie Country. 

Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is part of UNESCO's Te Wāhipounamu (The Place of Greenstone) World Heritage region. Here in Mackenzie Country you'll find Australasia's highest mountain - Aoraki / Mount Cook (3,724m) - nestled in the splendid Southern Alps.

Known to Māori as Aoraki or Cloud Piercer, this magnificent mountain is surrounded by over 150 peaks along with countless glaciers, ice and snow fields, mountain lakes, and ranges.

Approximate Distance: 320 kms | 200 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours

Accommodation: Mt Cook Village - 2 Nights

Experience the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake and its icebergs, in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. A unique guided experience departing Aoraki/Mount Cook village. Board your MAC boat, and explore the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake, where you will discover the ever-changing ice face of the Glacier and icebergs, making each trip different from the last due to changing winds and currents. Knowledgeable guides, enhance your experience with their expertise and passion for this amazing alpine environment. Have you ever been alongside, discovered or touched an iceberg?

Included Meals: Breakfast

Today continue your journey to Christchurch your final destination. Enjoy the turquoise blue Lake Tekapo. Here you can take the opportunity to enjoy the majestic scenery of the Southern Alps and view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd. After enjoying these amazing sceneries you will continue to your final destination of the journey.

Included Meals: Breakfast 

Approximate Distance: 332 km | 206 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Today depart Christchurch and fly onwards to Sydney, the oldest and grandest of Australia's big cities. Blessed with a glorious natural harbour, golden beaches and a blissful climate, this incredible metropolis makes a stunning final destination on your Contrasts of Australia Tour.

Sydney Harbour Dining Cruise
Tonight's Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Harbour shows off Sydney in style. Sparkling wine in hand, enjoy spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge as you dine. Step aboard the beautiful Southern Swan or the magnificent Soren Larsen and set sail on this twilight dinner cruise like the early settlers all those years ago. There is no better way to end the day than this sublime Sydney Harbour dinner cruise.

Included Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Sydney - 2 Nights

BridgeClimb is an experience that will never be forgotten on one of the world's most modern wonders, The Sydney Harbour Bridge. The BridgeClimb experience begins with a comprehensive briefing and safety demonstration to prepare you for the Climb of Your Life. The exhilaration and personal satisfaction achieved by reaching the top of the Bridge is rewarded by the breathtaking view that lies before you as you scale up the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There is no adventure like it in the world ...no view like it ...no feeling like it!

Included Meals: Breakfast

Today you will be transferred to the airport where you will fly to Cairns and on arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation in Port Douglas

With its close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, Cairns is a haven of scuba diving, snorkelling, reef cruises, fishing, rainforest walks, native bird and wildlife watching.

This afternoon visit Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas is an award-winning attraction that provides visitors to get up close to a range of iconic Australian animals in their recreated natural environments. Consisting of four unique habitats, rainforest, wildlife, savannah and woodlands, visitors are able to wander at their own leisure or join a guided wildlife tour. Guests can hand feed wallabies and kangaroos, cuddle and have their photo taken with a koala and walk the world's first "Predator Plank" over crocodile filled waters.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Port Douglas - 3 Nights

Snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most incredible experiences a person can enjoy. With much of the reef's colour and marine life visible within a couple of metres of the water's surface, snorkelling offers all swimmers, regardless of their skill level, the opportunity to see this diverse eco-system up close. Float effortlessly over rich, colourful coral gardens teeming with life from the cute and playful clownfish to the graceful beauty of the green turtle. Giant clams, stingrays, maori wrasse, cods and colourful parrotfish, are just some of the hundreds of species you will encounter during your visit.

Included Meals: Lunch

Visit the Daintree River and Mossman Gorge, and enjoy an afternoon tea in between. The Daintre is the oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest in the world. Board a cruise along the tidal reaches of the Daintree River for an hour, looking out for all manner of creatures, including the estuarine crocodile, snakes, birds, frogs, and more. Then it's off to Mossman Gorge National Park, here we conduct an interpretive walk along an elevated boardwalk so we can have a closer look at the rainforest canopy and perhaps in for a swim.

Today you will be transferred to the Cairns airport where you will fly from Cairns to Brisbane - on arrival transfer to your accommodation.

Life in Brisbane revolves around the outdoors. As the capital of Australia's Sunshine State, Brisbane invites you to kick off your shoes, grab your mates and enjoy the food, art and adventure on offer. With almost 300 days of sunshine per year, Brisbane is the perfect spot to spend lots of time enjoying the outdoors with your family and friends. Conveniently wedged between the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast offers endless possibilities for exploring - think Sophisticated galleries, subtropical beaches, cool-climate vineyards.

Accommodation: Brisbane - 1 Night

Welcome to Viti Levu, Fiji
Covering an area of 10,400 sq km, Viti Levu or Great Fiji is the largest of the Fijian islands. Roughly circular in shape with a mountainous interior, Viti Levu is thought to be the oldest of Fiji's 300 plus islands. 

On arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation at Denarau. Only 20 minutes drive from Nadi International Airport, Port Denarau Marina is Fiji's premier marina facility. As the hub of the integrated Denarau Island Resort, Port Denarau Marina is the gateway to exploring the idyllic sun drenched tropical isles of Fiji's Western Division. Port Denarau Marina is walking distance to several international hotels, offering a vast array of recreational pursuits including an international 18 hole golf course - not to mention, being part of the largest retail/restaurant complex in the Nadi area.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Denarau - 4 Nights 

Covering an area of 10,400 sq km, Viti Levu or Great Fiji is the largest of the Fijian islands. Roughly circular in shape with a mountainous interior, Viti Levu is thought to be the oldest of Fiji's 300 plus islands. While many tourists use Viti Levu as a base camp when exploring the rest of Fiji, what they don't realize is that this island has its own unique charms and sights. What Viti Levu lacks in idyllic beaches, it more than makes up for with its many interesting places to see and tons of activities to enjoy.

Included Meals: Breakfast

This full-day cruise includes a Fijian Village visit and time ashore the Modriki Island from the Tom Hanks movie "Cast Away". Explore the crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches and lagoons of the Mamanuca Islands. This 15-metre yacht offers a stable and comfortable cruise through the islands. Landing at Modriki island guests can go ashore and explore the deserted island, sunbathe on the soft sand and snorkel the colourful coral reefs. After Modriki we head to Yanuya Island. Visit a traditional Fijian Island Village where we will be welcomed ashore with a Kava ceremony, then have a chance to explore the village and meet the locals.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

When you stay at Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, you will be treating yourself to a fantastic beachside location, a short distance from Nadi Town and the bustling marina that is the gateway to the beautiful islands of the South Pacific. The following activities are available: 18 Hole Golf Course, Fishing trips, Jet skiing, Kayaking, Mountain bike riding, Parasailing, Sailing, Scuba Diving, Sea kayaking, Village tours, Water Skiing.

Included Meals: Breakfast

"Moce Manda" Goodbye and Bon Voyage! Today transfer to Nadi Airport from your outbound flight

We are sure you will enjoy the 39 Day Essence of New Zealand, Australia and Fiji Itinerary and our promise is to make your travels throughout as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a memory card full of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon in Oceania. 

Included Meals: Breakfast