A Grand tour of Australia and New Zealand

Duration 25 days
Price guide
From
  PP
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Melbourne's skyline at dusk.
sydney-australia
Explore the best of Australia and New Zealand, from the unbeatable Whitsundays to the awe-inspiring mountains of Milford Sound and beyond, on an epic 25-day adventure.

Trip Highlights

  • Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge at twilight
  • Enjoy a private Sydney Harbour cruise
  • Fly over the Whitsunday's Heart Reef in a helicopter
  • Take to the skies by helicopter over Milford Sounds
  • Whale watch with a scenic flight over Kaikoura
  • Hike to summit of Mount Tarawera

Bespoke trips with Jacada

We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:

  • Luxury accommodation throughout
  • Privately guided tours
  • Private transfers
  • Meticulously selected experiences
  • Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Black and white illustration of two guides pointing to a building in the distance
  • Days 1ā€“4 Sydney
  • Days 4ā€“6 The Blue Mountains
  • Days 6ā€“9 The Whitsundays
  • Days 9ā€“11 Victoria and Melbourne
  • Days 11ā€“13 Mornington Peninsula
  • Days 13ā€“16 Queenstown and Wanaka
  • Days 16ā€“18 Kaikoura
  • Days 18ā€“20 Marlborough Sounds
  • Days 20ā€“22 Hawke's Bay
  • Days 22ā€“25 Rotorua
A Grand tour of Australia and New Zealand
Price guide
  PP
  • Days 1ā€“4 Sydney
  • Days 4ā€“6 The Blue Mountains
  • Days 6ā€“9 The Whitsundays
  • Days 9ā€“11 Victoria and Melbourne
  • Days 11ā€“13 Mornington Peninsula
  • Days 13ā€“16 Queenstown and Wanaka
  • Days 16ā€“18 Kaikoura
  • Days 18ā€“20 Marlborough Sounds
  • Days 20ā€“22 Hawke's Bay
  • Days 22ā€“25 Rotorua

Itinerary in detail

Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below youā€™ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.

Days 1ā€“4

Welcome to Sydney

The city ofĀ SydneyĀ on the east coast ofĀ AustraliaĀ is as idyllic is it appears from its instantly recognisable cityscape. It boasts a rich and intriguing history, famous beaches and iconic landmarks, with a diverse and friendly population, all spread around an elaborate shoreline of Port Jacksonā€™s yacht-filled inlets, bays and rivers.

Pubs, markets, modern restaurants, theatres and galleries old and new add an exciting, sophisticated cultural air, while the fine weather and surrounding natural wonders ofĀ New South WalesĀ make it a very outdoorsy place, and a great base from which to explore nearby beaches, mountainsĀ andĀ national parks.

Make it mine

Dreamtime Detour

Up high

On the water

aboriginal-elders-dreamtime

My Dreamtime ā€˜Ngurrumpaaā€™ Detour

Ngurrumpaa means ā€˜my relationship with my place and everything in my placeā€™. During this unique experience, youā€™ll connect with the spirit of traditional Aboriginal life and culture. In the company of Aboriginal elders and passionate guides, you explore several dimensions and historical layers in the East Coast. Get an insight into how Aboriginal people lived in Australia for millennia, learning about spiritual and meaningful sites in the East Coast of Australia, discover a broad scope of Aboriginal peopleā€™s skills and talents, taste real ā€˜bush-tuckerā€™ and connect to the ancient land.

Bridge Climb at twilight

Gather at the BridgeClimb office for a safety briefing and get kitted out with safety overalls before setting out on your ascent of this iconic landmark as the sun sets. In groups of up to 14 people, set out along catwalks, up ladders, and steadily to the summit of the world famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, 134m (440 feet) above Sydney Harbour.Ā The steady incline leaves you free to focus your attention on the view that encompasses 360Ā° of Sydney, including the ocean to the east, the mountains to the west and the harbour city surrounds.

Sydney Harbour cruise on the Emma Mei

Enjoy sailing through one of the most beautiful harbours in the world aboard the Emma Mei yacht. Your skipper will guide you through Sydneyā€™s intriguing history, explaining all about the city’s waters, luxury homes, leafy parks, beaches and iconic landmarks.

Days 4ā€“6

Exploring Wolgan Valley

Sat between two national parks, the Wollemi and Gardens of Stone, the Wolgan Valley is a beautiful area ripe for exploring. Head out on nature walks, horse riding, mountain biking and game drives in search of local wildlife, or get involved with the reserve’s conservation efforts. You can also learn about aboriginal and colonial history on heritage tours, hike into the surrounding mountains and experience the magnificent night sky around a campfire.

Days 6ā€“9

Island life in Whitsundays

A chain of 74 islands, four of which boast renowned luxury resorts, the Whitsunday Islands are found in the middle of the incomparable Great Barrier Reef just off the coast of Queensland. Surrounded by the natural wonders of this marine paradise, you couldnā€™t be better placed to explore this natural marvel.Ā The waves of its crystal-clear blue waters wash onto silver beaches beneath the warm sun. It comes as no surprise that these parts are celebrated as some of the finest beach spots in the country.

Make it mine

View from above

Reef cruise

heart-reef-great-barrier-reef-whitsundays-australia

Heart Reef and Whitehaven helicopter flight

Experience the best views of the Whitsundays with a helicopter trip over Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, Heart Reef, Great Barrier Reef and various islands.

MV Savannah private charter

A private charter round the outer reef is an experience not to be forgotten. You’ll board the MV Savannah early in the morning and cruise for approximately two hours to a specially selected location on the outer ribbon reefs. Typically the visibility is excellent, the marine life abundant and the coral amazing as you immerse yourself in this extraordinary natural wonder. Guests are encouraged to relax and enjoy the reef and gorgeous vessel. Lunch is served by your very own chef.

Days 9ā€“11

Magical Melbourne

Melbourne sits at the end of Port Phillip Bay, split by the winding Yarra River, with its suburbs reaching out around the shoreline. With handsome Victorian-era architecture, museums, galleries, theatres, green parks, and an innovative art and nightlife scene, this is undoubtedly Australiaā€™s cultural heart. Itā€™s also a city known for a collective obsession with coffee, the aromas of roasting beans fill the air, with hip cafes and delis at every turn, and love of sport, especially Australian rules football, cricket, horse racing and motorsport.

Day on the Great Ocean Road

great-ocean-road

Enjoy a day out on the Great Ocean Road. Known as the worldā€™s most inspiring coastal drive, the Great Ocean Road stretches 550 km along the southern coast of Victoria. You follow its winding trail through the lush Otway rainforests, to the breathtaking, windswept drama of the Shipwreck Coast. Get an insight into Australian surfing culture at Bells Beach, with rugged cliffs and big waves. Discover seaside villages such as the popular townĀ ofĀ Lorne, where you can stroll on the stunning beach before stopping at Kennett River where high in the trees is a colony of wild koalas.Ā Head inland through the towering forests, your first stop, the Twelve Apostles, the central feature of the spectacular Port Campbell National Park.Ā There will also be time to go to Loch Ard Gorge and hear stories from your guide about the tragic and romantic shipwreck whilst marvelling at the landmark.

Days 11ā€“13

Unwind on Mornington Peninsula

Spend the next couple of days relaxing at the serene Jackalope Hotel, where you’ll find an outdoor pool and a fantastic art gallery for your viewing pleasure.Ā The Mornington Peninsula has long been a beloved destination for coastal getaways and cozy winter retreats. In the warmer months, you’ll find inviting swimming and surf beaches, along with seaside restaurants and local markets.Ā For thrill-seekers, the region offers adventure gardens, marine activities, and iconic attractions.

Days 13ā€“16

Picturesque Queenstown

Queenstown is one ofĀ New Zealandā€™s most picturesque towns, sitting on the tip of the crystal clear Lake Wakatipu. Itā€™s a bustling hub of international and local visitors come to seek out one of the endless thrills on offer here from skiing, white water rafting, canyon swinging, jet boating, mountain biking and bungy jumping. But Queenstown is not just a gathering point for adrenaline junkies, slow down to the cosmopolitan pace of life and youā€™ll discover its flourishing arts scene, excellent vineyards, fine dining, international-standard golf courses and quiet lakeside shores where you can take in the incredible scenery.

Make it mine

Over the falls

Raise a glass

Helicopter experience: Milford Sound and Mt Tutoko

Explore Milford Sounds stunning fiord from the air. Fly the length of Milford Sound past sheer cliffs and gushing waterfalls, out to the Tasman Sea where you’ll land on a wild West Coast beach. In Milford, enjoy a short nature walk and gain that iconic Mitre Peak photo. Enjoy an exhilarating flight past spectacular rivers, valleys and mountains with blue-green ice falls, and land upon Mt Tutoko glacier in the heart of Fiordland National Park.

Central Otago wine tour

Drive over Queenstown Hill to Bannockburn in historic Central Otago. The first stop is Amisfield Estates for a private behind-the-scenes tour with the winemaker, who will show you how they craft their award-winning wines. Continue through Bannockburnā€™s rugged landscape to the Cellar Door at Mt Difficulty to sample more wines.Ā Heading back to Queenstown, stop in at boutique tasting roomĀ WetĀ Jacket Cellar Door, which is located in a 150-year-old former wool shed. Finally drive through Arrowtown, a historic gold mining town.

Days 16ā€“18

Quaint Kaikoura

With the swelling Pacific Ocean on one side and the snowcapped Kaikoura Range on the other ā€“ Kaikoura is a quaint peninsula village that is a base for discovering some of New Zealandā€™s best wildlife. It is a remote coastal community midway between Christchurch and Blenheim famous for and even named after its crayfish ā€“ in Maori, ā€˜kaiā€™ means food and ā€˜kouraā€™ is crayfish.

Scenic whale watching flight

Whale watching by from the air offers a unique perspective and the opportunity to view whales and dolphins in their natural environment, experiencing the true magnitude of some of the worldā€™s largest animals, and offering a fabulous view for photographers. This scenic flight lasts for around 30 minutes.

Days 18ā€“20

Around Marlborough Sounds

The Marlborough Sounds is made up of three main bodies of water ā€“ the Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus. Large areas of these ancient sunken river valleys, flooded with the Pacific Ocean, are only accessible by sea and getting out on the emerald green waters is a great way to take in their splendor. Among them there are over 50 nature reserves with numerous sanctuaries to protect the unique native wildlife. The region draws travellers keen to kayak through its inlets, hike or mountain bike the endless trails, or head out on a fishing excursion where youā€™re more than likely to come across a friendly pod of dolphins.

Make it mine

Cook's footsteps

Private charter

Queen Charlotte Track

Step ashore at Ship Cove, in the footsteps of explorer Captain Cook, for our this rightly popular 15km (9 miles) walk. Through magnificent virgin forest youā€™ll emerge at the ridgeline to breathtaking views of Cook Strait and Resolution Bay, before descending to the sheltered shoreline of Endeavour inlet.

Chartered boat through the Marlborough Sounds

Enjoy an exclusive charter in beautiful Marlborough Sounds aboard the 75-year-old Kauri classic launch called Tutanekai. Explore Queen Charlotte Sound with Pete and Takutai, a Maori family who will share with you stories of the area and also do some shell fish gathering and eating on board. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the beautiful Ship Cove surrounded by virgin bush – Captain Cook’s favourite anchorage in the South Pacific.

Days 20ā€“22

Golden Hawke's Bay

The North Islandā€™s wine country is one of New Zealandā€™s warmest, driest regions with golden colours stretching across arid plains. The scene here is made up of vineyards and orchards laden with fruit, fertile farmlands that sweep to the perfect waves on the coast and laidback seaside settlements.

Sunrise at Te Mata Peak, Napier, Hawkes Bay

Progressive winery dinner

Wine glass at a vineyard in Marlborough, New Zealand

Take a scenic drive through the vineyards as you learn about the region and its wines before enjoying a full interactive wine tasting alongside gourmet platters at Vidal Estate. Take in the breathtaking panoramic views from Te Mata Peak while enjoying a glass of bubbles as the sun sets from 399m above sea level (overlooking the glimmering lights of the Twin Cities in winter).Ā Proceed to Craggy Range or Elephant Hill for the main course served with wine. Finish the evening at the countryā€™s oldest and grandest winery the Mission Estate for dessert and dessert wines.

Days 22ā€“25

Volcanic Rotorua

Steaming mud pools, erupting geysers and Maori traditions all make Rotorua and Taupo a special area to visit ā€“ one that is distinctively unique to the rest of New Zealand.Ā Youā€™re likely to smell the sulphur-rich geothermal playground of Rotorua before seeing it, with its endless volcanic pools bubbling throughout the city. This destination is one of the most popular tourist spots in the North Island thanks to its unique thermal activity and multitude of activities. Explore and wander around the assortment of geothermal parks, or take inspiration from the locals and while away the hours soaking in the mineral-rich hot pools.

Make it mine

Geothermal highlights

Hot pools

Crater hike

Discovering Rotorua

Meet with your Maori guide for a tour that combines the most colourful and active geothermal area with breathtaking scenery, and forest walks. This is all intertwined with Maori stories, legends, history and songs.

Solitaire Lodge: Hot pools experience

This excurĀ­sion starts with a 15-minute priĀ­vate launch and takes you to the other side of Lake Tarawera and near to the site of the now lost pink and white TerĀ­races. GeotherĀ­mal activĀ­ity in this area yields natĀ­ural therĀ­mal pools and a hot stream with bath temĀ­perĀ­aĀ­ture bathing – a speĀ­cial outĀ­doors expeĀ­riĀ­ence.

mount-tarawera-rotorua-new-zealand

Solitaire Lodge: 4WD and hike to summit of Mt Tarawera

Your guide from the indigenous Ngati Rangitihi tribe, the Kaitiaki or ā€˜Guardians of the Mountainā€™, will drive you by private vehicle to the foot of the magnificent Mount Tarawera. There you will ascend part of the Maunga by 4WDrive, before beginning a hike to the 1111m Summit. Along the way, your guide will delight you with stories of the 1886 volcanic eruption and the areaā€™s colourful Maori legends including the tale of the mysterious Phantom Canoe. Enjoy lunch on the peak followed by the descent into the crater.

“Once in a lifetime trip to India‌”

Jacada Travel (as well as their partner in India, Banyan Tours) put together an extraordinary three week tour of India for my wife and I. We've been back home for two weeks now and I still can't stop thinking about what an amazing experience we had. Our guides, particularly Sameer who was with us in Rajasthan, were really able to…

Published 06th April 2023 on Trustpilot
Donald Taylor

Why book with Jacada

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Personalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.

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Authentic experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.

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Positive Impact

We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.

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