Summary
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Full Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1
Upon arrival into Sydney, after completing immigration and customs formalities, collect your baggage and proceed to the Arrivals Hall. Here you will be met by an Luxury Trips representative for your transfer to the Hyatt Regency Sydney where you will be staying for three nights.
Conveniently situated in Sydney’s central business district with Darling Harbour as its backdrop, Hyatt Regency Sydney is one of Sydney’s largest upscale hotel. Stay in any of its 892 well-appointed guestrooms nestled in the heart of the CBD near Sydney Harbour Bridge. Enjoy a great meal onsite with dining experiences including the rooftop bar, Zephyr and Sailmaker Restaurant.
Day 2
After breakfast, depart your hotel for an unforgettable Panoramic Sydney half day city sights tour with Mount’n Beach Safaris. On tour you’ll visit the historic Rocks area and hear early convict history. Enjoy magnificent views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. See the shopping heart of the city, QVB, Centrepoint. Visit Sydney’s trendy new district Oxford Street. Travel through elegant Paddington with its terrace houses before arriving at the Pacific Ocean. See the superb coast cliff walk around Tamarama and Bronte. Travel on to famous Bondi Beach. Visit the beachfront promenade, enjoy a coffee or cool drink (at own cost). See bronzed Aussie lifesavers and Sydney’s best panoramic view at Dover Heights. Return to Sydney via Double Bay, Kings Cross and Mrs Macquaries Point for a final magical viewpoint over the harbour before returning to the city centre. This tour will conclude at one of 2 Designated Drop off Locations – either Darling Harbour Region or Circular Quay Region.
Day 3
Departing the city, Australian Luxury Escapes takes on you on a guided tour showing you the historical Rocks precinct and the birth place of Australia. Viewing the convict built cottages, Australia’s first church whilst leaving the city. Travel North across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Australia’s shortest freeway, continuing west to your first stop at Featherdale Wildlife Park, home to some Australia’s favorite marsupials kangaroos, koalas Wallabies & Wombat – beating the crowd to get up close and personal with the amazing animals.
Later heading for the Blue Mountains National Park, entering a little known hidden clearing to enjoy some home style morning tea. Roam the area and seek out the wild kangaroos and birdlife that frequents National Park. Next stop is Kings Tableland with breathtaking view looks out over the Jamison Valley, getting a firsthand the ruggedness and beauty that the Blue Mountains are famous for.
Lunch today is at a local café in the heart of the Blue Mountains. After lunch you head to Wentworth Falls. Here you will be guided down a well worn path towards the falls and stunning views. Experience the local flora and fauna up close as your guide informs you of the incredible geology of the Blue Mountains and how they were formed. Next you reboard the vehicle and skirt around cliff drive towards the township of Katoomba. At Eagle Hawk lookout you will see the famous 3 sisters Rock formation and marvel at the stunning views of the Jamieson Valley. From here we continue around Narrowneck Plateau for more incredible vantage points.
Reboarding your vehicle to continue east towards Sydney. Sit back and relax on board your comfortable vehicle for the interesting drive back through Sydney’s western suburbs and across ANZAC Bridge before finally arriving back in the city around 5.00pm.
Day 4
After breakfast, you will be collected for your scheduled flight to Hamilton Island. Upon arrival, you will be met and taken to the Reef View Hotel where you will be staying for three nights.
This 4-star hotel features extremely spacious, well-appointed rooms, offering the perfect getaway for couples, families or groups of friends. All rooms feature a private balcony overlooking either landscaped gardens or the breathtaking vista of the Coral Sea. The hotel has its own swimming pool, lounge, restaurant, concierge and tour desk, complimentary guest access to the Hamilton Island Sports Club and use of non-motorized water sports.
Day 5
After breakfast, cruise through the Whitsunday Islands with Cruise Whitsundays enroute to Hardy Reef. Presentations will be made by a reef expert before arriving at the reef pontoon, this includes basic snorkelling instruction. Collect snorkelling gear and wetsuits on the pontoon then enter the water. Marvel at live coral formations and tropical fish. For a different perspective join a glass bottom boat, semi-submersible ride or walk downstairs to the underwater observatory. The pontoon features changing rooms, loungers and tables & chairs. A buffet lunch is served on board the vessel but can be taken on board the pontoon.
Day 6
Enjoy a full day excursion.
Walk up to the Hill Inlet lookout, chill out on Whitehaven Beach and go exploring. What an amazing day out! This day cruise allows you to spend more time exploring the wonders of Whitehaven Beach that any other cruise.
Whitehaven Beach is a definite ‘must see’ in the Whitsundays. The crystal clear waters and pristine white silica sand of Whitehaven stretch for over seven kilometres along Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 islands in the Whitsunday Islands National Park. Whitehaven is nature at it’s best. It is the most photographed beach in Australia and repeatedly voted one of the best beaches in the world.
Spend the whole day experiencing all the wonders of the magnificent Whitehaven Beach area. Indulge in the ultimate experience of Whitehaven Beach; from the Northern end exploring the spectacular Hill Inlet, to the Southern – swimming, hiking, sunbathing, soaking up the sun. No other day cruise offered allows you so much time to explore the wonders of Whitehaven Beach. Begin your Whitehaven experience ashore at the Southern end where our crew will advise of the times for the day’s activities – including the trip to Hill Inlet at the Northern end of the beach and the walking tours. These will vary depending on conditions.
Enjoy a leisurely cruise, in our smaller Whitehaven based vessel, along the full length of Whitehaven and across Hill Inlet to the landing point. From here a guided walk following the path and history of the Whitsunday traditional owners, the Ngaro people, will lead you to the lookout and that picture postcard view! There are informative displays along the way that will provide an insight into the history, flora and stories of this picturesque area. A leisurely pace ensures all fitness levels are catered for, and guests take the time to enjoy this superb spiritual place. On return to the Southern end, your guide will let you know what time the departure for the walk to Solway Circuit and Chance Bay. The Guided Bushwalk to Solway Circuit Lookout (1.2km) is approximately 30 minutes walking at a steady pace, regularly stopping for commentary and picture perfect moments. Walk past impressive grasstrees, cycads and rock fern, with beautiful views over Solway Passage, Pentecost and Haslewood islands. Once at Solway Circuit, there is the option to continue on the walk to beautiful Chance Bay (6km return) and is a leisurely 90 minutes return. Walk through Whitsunday Island’s forest and woodlands to a secluded beach at Chance Bay. On arrival, you’ll have time to have a swim before the return walk. If you’re after the relaxing option; wander back to Whitehaven Beach to your own secluded stretch, laze on the beach or cool off in the azure waters for the afternoon.
Day 7
After breakfast, you will be collected for your scheduled flight back to Sydney. Upon arrival at the airport you will be met for your transfer to the Hyatt Regency Sydney where you will stay for one night.
Day 8
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Queenstown. Upon arrival, you will make your way to GO Rentals where you will pick up your rental car that you will use for the remainder of your trip. Make your way to Kinross Vineyard Cottages where you will stay for two nights.
Nestled within our Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer vines, and located halfway between Queenstown and Cromwell, our 14 spacious, self contained family and studio cottages offer an unforgettable base for your next family holiday, romantic retreat, meeting or event. Kinross is the laid back local for wine lovers. We are the exclusive cellar door for five local wine partners, offering wine sales and tastings. Accompanied by an excellent general store and cafe, Kinross is a local hub to enjoy all the best this spectacular wine region offers.
Day 9
Enjoy a full day of exploring.
A true adventure safari packed with goldmining history, thrilling 4WD river crossings and a great overview of the diverse scenery of the Queenstown / Arrowtown area. Visit the filming locations of Minas Tirith, Misty Mountains, the Pillars of the Kings (Argonath), the site of Isildur’s Fall, the Ford of Bruinen and more! The perfect tour for anyone that want the thrills of an off road adventure but also wants to discover Lord of The Rings filming locations.
The Wakatipu Basin tour takes you out of Queenstown towards The Remarkables mountain range, which was used as various mountains throughout the trilogy, including the Misty Mountains. Travel part of the way up this beautiful mountain range to a lookout point which provides a birds eye view over Deer Park Heights, used as the filming location for the refugees of Rohan and the Battle of the Wargs scenes.
Travelling from The Remarkables we head to the Kawarau Gorge, location of the worlds first commercial bungy operation and the filming location for the Pillars of the Kings. Leaving the Kawarau Gorge the trip heads to Arrowtown where the loss of The One Ring at Gladden Fields was filmed. From Arrowtown we travel up a historic gold mining road that follows the Arrow River, crossing the river at several points including the Ford of Bruinen filming site. Stop beside the river for refreshing morning or afternoon tea and the opportunity to try your hand at gold panning.
From Arrowtown we travel up Coronet Peak to the entrance of Skippers Canyon, offering spectacular panoramic views over the Wakatipu Basin and in to Skippers Canyon.
Later, enjoy an evening of stargazing from a gondola.
Explore the Milky Way and encounter neighbouring stars, nebulae and clusters. See the Southern Cross and famous constellations such as Orion and Great Hunter. Look into our past and catch a glimpse of the centre of the universe.
Day 10
Enjoy your overnight cruise aboard the Milford Sound Mariner Overnight Cruise.
This overnight cruise through the heart of Fiordland provides astonishing views and the ultimate Milford Sound experience. You’ll start by departing from the Milford Sound wharf in the late afternoon before cruising through Milford Sound accompanied by our specialist nature guide. They’ll explain the history and geology of the area and be on hand to answer your questions. This cruise style is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife – you’re bound to encounter seals and, if you’re lucky, maybe dolphin and penguins too. The Milford Mariner then anchors in a sheltered cove. From here you can join the guide and explore in the vessel’s tender craft (small boat) or kayaks. If you prefer, you can simply relax on deck and soak in the beauty of this amazing place. If you’re feeling brave there’s always the option of refreshing swim too. As evening falls, you’ll enjoy a delicious carvery buffet in the dining saloon – a feast prepared freshly by our on-board chef. Then it’s time to relax in the company of your fellow traveler, indulge in some star-gazing and story-sharing or simply retire to your private cabin. The next day you’ll be able to dig into a hearty breakfast before heading back out to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting) and exploring more of the fiord.
Day 11
Continue on your way to Regent of Rotura where you will stay for two nights.
An oasis of understated hip contemporary elegance and comfort amidst the exciting attractions and experiences Rotorua has to offer. Step out of the calm of your gorgeous room or suite and stroll to the vibrant restaurant zone or lakefront area or simply stay in, relax and savor our luxury facilities.
Enjoy a visit to the Polynesian Spa.
Relax in the privacy of a hot mineral private pool. The Deluxe Private Pools (38.5˚C) offer panoramic views over Lake Rotorua (4 pools available). The pools are filled with soothing alkaline mineral water leaving your skin soft and supple. Conveniently, each pool has a heated changing room and a shower. Your own space in a special place – savor this private thermal experience.
Day 12
Enjoy a full day of exploring Rotura.
Redwoods Treewalk
Redwoods Treewalk is a 600-metre long, eco-tourism walk in the heart of Rotorua’s Redwood Forest. Consisting of a series of 23 suspension bridges, traversing 22 majestic Redwood trees that are more than 117-years-old. The height of the walkway ranges between 6 m and 20 m, allowing an elevated view of the forest below.
White Island Active Volcano by Helicopter Tour
Walk to the edge of an active crater lake, over hot streams, past steaming volcanic vents and colorful sulfur formations before viewing the ruins of this privately owned volcano’s long abandoned mining ruins. This somewhat lunar experience on New Zealand’s only permanently active offshore volcano is awesome and combined with helicopter fights above our lakes district and the Bay of Plenty is a unique and surreal lifetime experience.
Maori Village Tour
Journey to an authentic Maori village nestled in Rotorua forest and be formally welcomed into the sacred grounds, where amidst crackling village fires you will discover Maori art forms, ancient rituals and Maori traditions. Let us share our thrilling song and dance, and then enjoy a 3 course meal with your Maori hosts.
Day 13
Drive to Pacific Harbor Villas where you will stay for the next two nights.
Pacific Harbour Lodge is an attractive Tairua accommodation option for those wanting an island style holiday. Our well-appointed chalets are set among lush vegetation on the shores of the spectacular Tairua Harbour. We have a wide range of on-site facilities, a restaurant and cafe, and even a day spa for luxurious treatments. We are located close to many of New Zealand’s top attractions and some of the country’s most spectacular scenery, including Hot Water Beach, Cathedral Cove, Whitianga, and a plethora of white sandy beaches and marine reserves.
Day 14
Enjoy a full day in Coromandel Peninsula.
Enjoy the following tour:
Sea Kayaking Day Tour
For the more adventurous folks out there we have designed an unforgettable full day tour. Our modern sea kayaks allow us to explore beaches, islands, caves and blowholes that others simply can’t get to. This coastline was made for kayaking. When conditions allow, this trip explores the grand volcanic coast seen on the Cathedral Cove & Remote Coast tours and much more… Be prepared for a great day exploring magnificent coastline, islands and caves. Discover the underwater world snorkeling the Marine reserve and try kayak sailing with the wind on your back.
Day 15
On the way back into Auckland, stop at the Sky Tower to see the beautiful views. A truly captivating experience awaits visitors to Auckland’s Sky Tower. At 328 metres, it is the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand and offers breathtaking views for up to 80 kilometres in every direction.
Return home, taking with you the sights, sounds, and memories of an incredible vacation!
Included / Not Included
Included
- Luxury Trip’s local reps available 24/7 while traveling;
- Services of local guides and staff;
- Air/ground transfers as specified;
- Accommodation taxes, applicable tourism levies and all relevant Value Added Government Sales Tax (GST)
- All accommodation as specified;
- Excursions/activities as specified;
- Luxury Trip’s final documentation.
Excluded
- Meals, drinks, laundry, entrance fees, porterage, tours/excursions and transfers not specified;
- Any scheduled flights and related taxes not specified;
- Cancellation, baggage and medical insurance;
- Staff gratuities;
- Any new gov. taxes, levies, fuel or industry increases which are beyond our control;
- Any items of a personal nature or anything not specifically stated as included;
- International airfare