An Antipodean Discovery
SELF DRIVE TOUR
SYDNEY | KANGAROO ISLAND | ADELAIDE | AUCKLAND | BAY OF ISLANDS
Explore the most beautiful locations in Australia and New Zealand in pure luxury on this tour.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Southern Ocean Lodge ‘Australia’s acclaimed luxury wilderness lodge
- Private Guided Tour with a Maori Guide
- Flightseeing Tour around Bay of Islands
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Your Itinerary
Day 1-2 : UK - Sydney
Arrive in Sydney and make your own way to your hotel, the Shangri-La where you will stay for 3 nights. This sophisticated hotel is perfectly positioned between the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, with dramatic views of the harbour and the historic Rocks area. The health spa makes a calming retreat in which to relax and Altitude Restaurant and the stunning Blu Bar on level 36, the perfect vantage point for sunset cocktails.
Day 3 : Sydney Sightseeing Tour
This morning you will enjoy a half day sightseeing tour, a knowledgeable guide will show you round the must-see sights of this dynamic city including Sydney Old Town and the CBD before moving on to the southern shores of Sydney Harbour. The rest of the day is free for you to revisit your favourite spot from the tour.
Day 4 : Sydney Free Day
Today you have a free day to explore the surrounds of Sydney. Perhaps you will head for the Hunter Valley or Blue Mountains, or maybe stay closer to the city and visit the Zoo or Manley.
Day 5 : Sydney - Kangaroo Island
Depart Sydney and fly to the wonderful Kangaroo Island, known as Australia's Galapagos, famous for its incredible wildlife, you might spot wallabies, koala and of course kangaroos. Your hotel for 2 night is the stunning Southern Ocean Lodge for 2 nights. This iconic accommodation blends pristine nature, contemporary surrounds and superb fine dining, as well as a tailored itinerary of exhilarating experiences to create a very real sense of place.
Day 6 : Southern Ocean Lodge sightseeing
Today you will continue to explore the incredible Kangaroo Island. Visit Seal Bay, home to Australia’s third largest colony of Australian sea lions and discover the wonders of Kangaroo Island, the stunning landscapes and intriguing marine heritage.
Day 7 : Kangaroo Island - Adelaide
It's time to depart the wonderful Kangaroo Island and travel to picturesque Adelaide. Check in to the Mayfair Hotel, your home for the evening and the rest of the day is yours to explore the 'City of Churches'. Take in the elegance of the city in the spacious green parklands, or visit the bustling Adelaide central markets.
Day 8 : Adelaide - Auckland
Time to say goodbye to Australia, take an included transfer to the airport and fly to Auckland. On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel, the Sofitel Auckland where you will be staying for 3 nights. Spend the rest of the day exploring the City of Sails.
Day 9 : Auckland Sightseeing Tour
Embark on a full day tour of Auckland, where you will be shown the spectacular highlights of the city, including several active volcanoes, see the stunning harbour bridge and its sparkling blue waters and explore the suburb of Parnell restored in the old colonial style.
Day 10 : Auckland Free Day
Enjoy Auckland at your own pace today, discover the waterfront restaurants and boutique shopping or get out of the city and explore some of the magnificent volcanoes and geothermal activities that are close by.
Day 11 : Auckland - Bay of Islands
Collect your rental vehicle this morning then begin to make your way to the beautiful Bay of Islands. Upon arrival check in to your hotel, The Sanctuary @Bay of Islands, you will spend 4 nights in this boutiqye accommodation located in one of the few remaining untouched native rain in the area.
Day 12 : Bay of Islands
Discover the beauty of the Bay of Islands from the sky, this sightseeing flight offers you the opportunity to explore a little more of the coastline surrounding the Bay of Islands region. Fly north via the picturesque Kerikeri Inlet, to the Cavalli Islands, before wandering down the coast over Matauri Bay, Takou Bay, Tapuataehi Bay, Purerua Peninsula and over the inner and outer Bay of Islands before landing back on the Paihia waterfront. The rest of the day is free.
Day 13-14 : Bay of Islands
Now you are free to explore the region or alternatively take a tour to Cape Reinga (not included). The Bay of Islands is a subtropical micro-region known for its stunning beauty & history. For those that love beaches and water activities, it’s paradise. Embark on a voyage of discovery and enjoy the beauty of this area by joining a daily cruise, chartered yacht or sea kayak (not included). Consider heading to Tapeka Point, just north of Russell, where you’ll enter a maritime adventure playground with an abundance of wildlife including penguins, dolphins, marlin, whales, gannets and more.
Day 15-16 : Bay of Islands - Auckland - UK
This morning is the end of your wonderful adventure, check out of The Sanctuary and begin the scenic drive back to Auckland. Drop your car rental off at Auckland airport and board your flight back to the UK.