Sydney & New Zealand's South Island Ultimate Adventure - 10 Days

Day 3: Full-Day Wildlife, Waterfalls & Wine Tour

Say goodbye to the city and hello to quintessential Australian experiences with this full-day tour that takes you south of Sydney. Today you'll wind through Australia's oldest national park, take in spectacular coastal scenery along the Grand Pacific Drive, and then climb a sandstone escarpment to return via the forests and farmland of the picturesque Southern Highlands.

Along the way, you'll meet koalas and kangaroos with a private experience at Symbio Wildlife Park. You'll traverse the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge and pause for a local lunch (and maybe an ocean swim) at a seaside café. Then in the afternoon, wander through fragrant eucalyptus forest to view a tumbling waterfall, and sample some of the cool climate wines for which the region has developed a reputation. Finally, return to your accommodation in Sydney happy, tired, and ready to call it a day.

Day 4: Fly to Christchurch (New Zealand), Historic Tram Dinner

This morning you're hopping over to New Zealand's South Island. A private drive will drop you at the airport in time for your 3.5-hour flight to Christchurch / Otautahi. On arrival, collect a rental car and set out to explore the "Garden City." Christchurch features many majestic trees and extensive parks and gardens—the most notable being Hagley Park. Bordering the park, you'll find the botanical gardens and the Gothic revival building, which houses the Canterbury Museum.

Visitors to Christchurch / Ōtautahi today will witness a virtual rebirth of the city rebuilding following the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. The urban city center is full of new secrets, from modern architecture and immense street art to cocktail bars and bustling restaurants. Explore the city ahead of tonight's unique dining experience. You'll board a historic colonial-style dining tram for a moving four-course dinner. Journey along the inner city tram loop, taking in the regenerating central business district and the city's top landmarks, all while enjoying a memorable feast.

Day 5: Māori Cultural Food Tour, Drive to Lake Tekapo, Tekapo Springs Stargazing

Explore the cultural richness of Christchurch / Ōtautahi while savoring the city's diverse culinary offerings. This two-hour inner-city walking tour, punctuated with gourmet tasting stops, is an ideal way to explore the heart of Christchurch while connecting with its Māori traditions. You'll experience firsthand how Māori people share kai (food), a practice that fosters both communal bonding and cultural enrichment. Each stop reveals true Kiwi flavors and inspiring stories of modern-day Christchurch / Ōtautahi. Hear stories of ancestors gathering by the river banks, and taste the best contemporary cuisine.

After the tour, jump behind the wheel and head three hours south. You'll cross the vast Canterbury Plains, pass Beautiful Valley, and ascend Burkes Pass up to the high country plateau. Turquoise Lake Tekapo is New Zealand's highest large lake, and its color comes from fine rock particles suspended in the glacier-fed waters. This evening combines stargazing and relaxation at Tekapo Springs. Learn about the constellations in Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve as your guide combines astronomy and storytelling, then soak beneath the stars in a 99°F (37.5°C) hot pool.

Day 6: Cass Valley Backcountry Tour, Mount Cook Heli Hike

Journey through the high country wilderness of Mackenzie Country with a scenic 4WD tour this morning. This backcountry tour rolls across breathtaking landscapes, traveling through Glenmore Station, one of New Zealand's finest Merino wool providers, and incredible high country stations. You'll gain private access to the remote and remarkable scenery of the Cass Valley. Discover towering mountains, glaciers, river crossings, and incredible scenery while learning about the geology, ecology, and history that formed this part of New Zealand's South Island.

Return in time for this afternoon's half-day heli-hike up Aoraki / Mount Cook. Take an exhilarating helicopter ride to the mighty Haupapa / Tasman Glacier. Witness the amazing icebergs of the Tasman Lake, and fly past the famous Hochstetter Ice Fall and the east face of the peak before landing on the glacier. You'll explore this world of ice equipped with crampons, an ice ax, or walking poles. As your guide cuts steps in the ice, he or she will share fascinating tales and facts, such as how it flows and what makes the crevasses and sinkholes appear. 

Day 7: Drive to Queenstown, Skyline Gondola & Luge, Farm Tour & Dinner

Today's final destination is Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital, a three-hour drive south. Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in the Southern Alps, this ruggedly beautiful region offers hair-raising thrills, beautiful vineyards, and historic gold-mining towns. En route, you could pause at Lake Pukaki to take in spectacular views of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. "The Lord of the Rings" fans will love Twizel, a popular filming location. Stop at Omarama, the gliding capital of New Zealand, then climb Lindis Pass, one of New Zealand's highest roads, and into the Central Otago region.

Once in Queenstown, ride the Skyline Gondola, one of the steepest cable cars in the Southern Hemisphere. You'll climb over 1,400 feet (450 m) to Bob's Peak for top views of the Remarkables, Coronet Peak, and sparkling Lake Wakatipu. After, ride the two hilltop luge tracks. Later, board a leisurely cruise across the beautiful lake on the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamship. Arrive at the lakeside gardens of Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue dinner. Enjoy desserts and New Zealand cheese before the return trip, complete with a singalong from the ship's pianist.

Day 9: Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Full-Day Adventure

Today you'll experience the world-famous Milford Sound / Piopiotahi from the air and the water. From your glass-roofed bus, you can gaze up at the rocky mountains as you travel along Milford Road. Be mesmerized by the reflective Mirror Lakes, and quench your thirst with pristine glacial water at Monkey Creek. Travel through Homer Tunnel, carved out of solid rock. Marvel at The Chasm, a series of uniquely shaped rocks and potholes formed by the Cleddau River rushing into a dark narrow abyss. Finally, descend through the Cleddau Valley into Milford Sound / Piopiotahi.

Board a small boutique boat to enjoy views of Mitre Peak and towering cliffs. Cruise past rugged cliffs covered in magnificent native rainforest, with powerful waterfalls that tumble down into the fjord. Keep a look out for seals, dolphins, and penguins in the waters below. The return journey to Queenstown is equally rewarding. Board a 45-minute scenic flight and soar over the glacially carved valleys of Milford Sound / Piopiotahi and Fiordland National Park. Closer to Queenstown, enjoy a bird's-eye view of the rugged Central Otago region.

Day 10: Short Hike, Depart Queenstown

If you have time before your flight this morning, lace up your boots and hit a local trail. If you're feeling fit, take the Skyline Gondola to the top and hike the Ben Lomond, a steep two-hour return trek. For an easier, quick walk, Bob's Cove takes just 20 minutes along the lakeside. Then, it's time to say goodbye to New Zealand. Safe travels!