Exceptional Australia and New Zealand

The land down under and the land of the long white cloud offer once in a lifetime opportunities, sensational scenery, unforgettable encounters and some of the world's best food and wine. This epic journey sees you travel through New Zealand before heading to Australia to explore the south and east coast.

Waiheke Island, Rotorua, Kaikoura, Queenstown, Sydney, Whitsundays, Cairns and Uluru
18 nights private tour from $18,800 Per Person
Exceptional Australia and New Zealand
Journey highlights
  • The most luxurious and exclusive way to discover the highlights of the Antipodes

  • With spectacular weather, this itinerary is a great option for Christmas vacations, either just for a couple or for a family with children over 6

  • Discover the marine giants of New Zealand with a whale watching trip in Kaikoura

  • Enjoy the abundant seasonal produce the Kiwis are so proud of, and so famous for

  • Exceptional itinerary:A harmonious blend of authenticity and superlative luxury, our Exceptional Journeys are designed for the discerning traveller, providing unparalleled insider access and exclusive luxury private experiences
Our tailor made journeys include:
  • Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
  • Private international airport transfers in destination
  • Your own private, English-speaking local guides
  • Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
  • Entrance to must-see local sites
  • Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
  • Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support

When to visit

  • J
  • F
  • M
  • A
  • M
  • J
  • J
  • A
  • S
  • O
  • N
  • D
Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit

As you are combining Australia and New Zealand, the weather patterns vary. To get the most out of the destinations of both countries, the best time to visit is between April and October but it is still well worth a visit the rest of the year.

Itinerary

Day 1-3

Waiheke Island, Auckland and the Coromandel, New Zealand

On arrival in Auckland catch a short ferry across the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island.

A stones throw from Auckland but a world away in pace, Waiheke offers the perfect respite after a long international flights.  Spend the time exploring the islands main town - a hub for artists or take to the coastline to enjoy sensational walks. The main draw of Waiheke is however the food and wine and a plethora of artisan suppliers and wineries litter this small island.

Accommodation: The Boatshed ( 2 nights )
Day 3-5

Rotorua, Central North Island, New Zealand

Fly south to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Famous for its bubbling craters and mud-pools, the town of Rotorua offers a variety of experiences form traditional spas to adventurous mountain biking, the world-famous movie set of Hobbiton is nearby as is the largest freshwater lake in New Zealand, Lake Taupo. We have included an evening experience at Te Puia, were you will enjoy a guided tour of the geothermal landscape learning about the geology and Maori history of the area before witnessing a traditional Maori performance.

Accommodation: Solitaire Lodge ( 2 nights )
Day 5-7

Kaikoura, Canterbury and the West Coast, New Zealand

Next, fly across the Cook Straight to the vastly different South Island. Start in Kaikoura, famed for being the home to a wide variety of marine mammals including sperm and minke whales as well as orcas. Here we have included a shared whale watching cruise, but there is also the option to take a scenic flight, and make sure to sample some of the regions freshest seafood including Kaikoura’s namesake, crayfish.

Accommodation: Hapuku Lodge ( 2 nights )
Day 7-10

Queenstown, Central Otago and the Southern Lakes, New Zealand

Your last stop in New Zealand will be the adventure capital of Queenstown. Spend a few days here exploring the region. Take a cruise along Lake Wakatipu in a vintage steamboat along with accompanying BBQ lunch (included), soar above the clouds on a helicopter trip to the nearby Sounds or glaciers, go jet boating or just take in the stunning alpine scenery. Dare to plunge from the highest bungee jump in New Zealand or enjoy a thrilling 4WD out around Mt Aspiring National Park – the options in New Zealand’s adventure capital are endless.

Accommodation: Eichardt’s Private Hotel ( 3 nights )
Day 10-13

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

The next destination on your grand tour of the antipodes is Sydney. Spend a few nights here exploring the historical Rocks District, littered with boutique shops, cafes and wine bars or head to the beautiful botanical gardens full of wild flora and fauna. During your time in the cosmopolitan city of Sydney we have included an iconic cruise around the harbor. Explore hidden bays and coves as you enjoy this scenic cruise allowing you to discover the city from a different angle. 

Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Sydney ( 3 nights )
Day 13-16

Whitsunday Islands, Queensland, Australia

From Sydney, fly north to the paradise island of Hamilton in the heart of the Whitsundays on the Great Barrier Reef. Spend your days swimming in the crystal-clear reef or head out on snorkeling adventures to outer islands. Visit Whitehaven Beach and learn how to sail or take a boat out for the weekend. With a multitude of accommodation options on Hamilton Island, this defines the true Australian island experience.

Accommodation: Hamilton Island Beach Club ( 3 nights )
Day 16-17

Cairns, Queensland, Australia

Next fly to the tropical city of Cairns for one night before continuing your journey to the red center.

Accommodation: Crystalbrook Riley ( 1 night )
Day 17-19

Uluru, Northern Territory, Australia

From the palm trees and golden beaches of Queensland, fly west to the arid plains of the Red Center and the monolithic rock known as Uluru. The outback is where you will witness true Aboriginal sentiment. Learn about the cultural significance of Ayers Rock on a guided tour around the base of Uluru or head to the skies and enjoy a scenic flight over neighboring Kata Tjuta. Enjoy an iconic Table 131 dinner under the stars at Uluru where you will enjoy a traditional Australian feast accompanied by a didgeridoo performance (included). The perfect way to end your outback experience.

Accommodation: Longitude 131 ( 2 nights )
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itinerary is a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you.
Call us on 212 372 7009 to start planning your holiday.

Price Guide: (Per Person based on double occupancy and excludes international flights)

Departing Price from*
  • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
  • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
  • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
Deposit from * Enquire
December 2024 $21,500 $5,400 plan your trip
January 2025 $21,500 $5,400 plan your trip
February 2025 $21,500 $5,400 plan your trip
March 2025 $20,200 $5,000 plan your trip
April 2025 $20,200 $5,000 plan your trip
May 2025 $20,200 $5,000 plan your trip
June 2025 $18,800 $4,700 plan your trip
July 2025 $18,800 $4,700 plan your trip
August 2025 $18,800 $4,700 plan your trip
September 2025 $20,200 $5,000 plan your trip
October 2025 $20,200 $5,000 plan your trip
November 2025 $21,500 $5,400 plan your trip
  • December 2024
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $21,500
    Deposit from*
    $5,400
  • January 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $21,500
    Deposit from*
    $5,400
  • February 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $21,500
    Deposit from*
    $5,400
  • March 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $20,200
    Deposit from*
    $5,000
  • April 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $20,200
    Deposit from*
    $5,000
  • May 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $20,200
    Deposit from*
    $5,000
  • June 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $18,800
    Deposit from*
    $4,700
  • July 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $18,800
    Deposit from*
    $4,700
  • August 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $18,800
    Deposit from*
    $4,700
  • September 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $20,200
    Deposit from*
    $5,000
  • October 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $20,200
    Deposit from*
    $5,000
  • November 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $21,500
    Deposit from*
    $5,400
  • plan your trip

Why Scott Dunn for Luxury Tours?

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  • We listen to your travel goals and craft unique trips that are personalized to you.
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