Discover the Whitsundays, Sydney, Queenstown, Taupo and the Bay of Islands
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
What's included
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Luxury accommodation throughout
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Full support from your Travel Concierge before, during and after your trip
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Privately guided tours
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Helicopter flight over Milford Sound
At a glance
Be whisked off on a journey of discovery as you visit some of the most beautiful beaches, mountains and lakes of Australia and New Zealand.
Your trip will begin in the Whitsundays where you will spend three nights at the beautiful qualia lodge. Admire the Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach from above as you take to the skies on an incredible helicopter ride. The Whitsundays are famous for their sunsets and a cruise around Hamilton Island will let you soak up the magnificent colours as the sky burns red and orange.
The next part of your journey takes you to Sydney where you will spend three nights exploring what the city has to offer. Enjoy a cruise around the city’s iconic harbour, take in a show and a tour of the Opera House, and leave the hustle behind and head out into the majestic Blue Mountains.
Bid Australia farewell and set your sights on New Zealand as you fly to Queenstown. Milford Sound is one of the South Island’s most magical sights and you’ll get to appreciate it from the best angle – from the air. A helicopter flight takes you along the length of the sound, past sheer cliffs and gushing waterfalls, before landing on Mt Tutoko glacier in the heart of Fiordland National Park. You will also have the opportunity to discover some of the wonderful wines produced in the region, with a private tour through Central Otago.
Your next stop is Huka Lodge near Lake Taupo, the perfect place to unwind for a few days. Go trout fishing, hiking, white water rafting or explore the nearby Huka Falls while enjoying the fantastic service of the lodge itself. A short flight will bring you to the Bay of Islands, where you’ll spend your last three night at Kauri Cliffs.
Example trip itinerary
Whitsundays
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel
Accommodation in the Whitsundays
- Two swimming pools
- Spa
- Gym
- Two restaurants
- Use of a private golf buggy
- Library
Sitting quietly on the secluded northern tip of Hamilton Island in the Great Barrier Reef, Qualia is an alluring expression of world-class luxury and design.
From the moment you arrive at this resort you will feel time slow down as you sink into the aura of calmness and tranquility, with every detail meticulously planned and no expenses spared to ensure a delight for all the senses and absolute relaxation.
The idyllic sun-drenched resort is set on 30 acres of elegant landscape with fabulous views, two swimming pools, impeccable service, and a private beach – making it one of Australia’s top beachside retreats.
Each of the 60 rooms offer uninterrupted views of sparkling waters, Whitsunday Islands or Australian bushland. Choose from a variety of suites with private decks, infinity pools, enormous bathrooms and floor to ceiling windows.
The resorts two restaurants offer fine dining and exquisitely presented cuisine. The service throughout the resort is attentive and personable and guests are given the use of a private golf buggy to get around the resort and island – a fun and easy way to explore.


The waves of its crystal-clear blue waters wash onto silver beaches beneath the warm sun. It comes as no surprise that the Whitsundays are celebrated as some of the finest beach spots in the country. The chain of 74 islands in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland is home to luxury resorts and the underwater wonders of a marine paradise.
Airlie Beach, in particular, is a great starting point, a coastal town from where you can set off on your adventures, exploring the hidden secrets of the region and the allure of the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy great snorkelling spots or scuba diving sessions amongst the coral, interacting with curious fish and other marine creatures. Or simply relax on a stylish cruise, cocktail in hand and camera at the ready.
The Whitsundays are renowned as a yachting destination, also operating as a hub for kayaking, sailing and powerboating. But it’s not all about the ocean. There are numerous rivers, creeks and streams that run through brilliant trails and walking routes. Because of its high number of uninhabited national parks, there is always the chance to go on nature tours and journeys and spot wildlife such as enormous saltwater crocodiles.

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

Join other qualia guests for a relaxing sunset cruise around the sheltered waters of Hamilton Island. The Whitsundays are famous for breathtaking sunsets. Take in the magnificent palette of colours as the sun sets into the horizon on this cruise of the local waters adjacent to Hamilton Island.
Whilst aboard qualia's luxury charter cruiser Atomic you will enjoy a selection of mouth-watering canapes and beverages as you take in a spectacular sunset over the Whitsunday Islands. You will be transfered from qualia's Long Pavilion to the Hamilton Island Marina where your Atomic charter awaits.
Transfer
Private transfer to Hamilton Island Airport
Flight
Flight from Hamilton Island to Sydney
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Sydney
Sydney
Accommodation in Sydney
- 155 rooms and suites
- Two restaurants
- Bar
- Spa
- Fitness centre
- Rooftop pool
The Park Hyatt is found in the historic district of The Rocks with views of the iconic Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Interiors are modern with a contemporary and clean design. Rooms have a neutral colour scheme of chocolate and cream, naturally-textured fabrics and soft lighting ensures rooms are bright and calm. Specially commissioned paintings and artwork from prominent Australian artists adorn the walls.
At the Dining Room, the hotel’s signature restaurant, diners are treated to spectacular vistas of the harbour while enjoying a French-inspired menu. The Living Room has a more relaxed atmosphere while The Bar is a stylish location in which to enjoy fine wine, cocktails and live music.
For those looking to relax and let go, indulge in a treatment at the spa or take a dip in the waters of the rooftop pool after working out at the fitness centre.
- 98 rooms and suites
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Spa
- Swimming pool
- Tennis court
The Langham enjoys a quaint location among cobbled streets and the old architecture of the historic Rocks district.
Rooms are spacious with high ceilings, large windows flooding them with natural light and letting in the warm Australian sunshine. Some rooms come with a balcony from which you can enjoy views of the iconic Sydney cityscape.
Stop by the sophisticated Palm Court bar for an expertly mixed cocktail and vistas of the Western Harbour, before enjoying dinner at Bistrot Remy, boasting a contemporary menu that makes the most of Australia’s finest produce. Guests can also enjoy a decadent afternoon tea served on fine Wedgwood china, along with a glass of champagne.
The underground spa is an oasis of calm while the health club, indoor swimming pool and tennis court are great for those who like to stay active while on holiday.
- 192 rooms and suites
- Two restaurants and a bar
- Swimming and vitality pools
- Fitness centre
- Yoga platform
- Spa
With its beautiful golden sandstone façade Sydney’s heritage-listed Department of Education building has reawakened as the luxurious Capella Sydney. The hotel boasts 192 rooms and suites spanning eight levels, and balances storied architectural features with modern design, celebrating Australia in both its aesthetic and ethos. In the rooms and public areas you’ll find carefully curated artworks, elegant furnishings and intriguing objet d’art.
When it comes to dining, take a table at Brasserie 1930 where the menu highlights small-batch growers and farmers and age-old cooking methods like curing, smoking and fermenting take centre stage. Named for the building’s original architect George McRae, McRae Bar invites you to enjoy the glamour of days gone by as you sip on refined cocktails looking out on Loftus Street.


The city of Sydney on the east coast of Australia 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 Jackson’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 of New South Wales make it a very outdoorsy place, and a great base from which to explore nearby beaches, mountains and national parks.


Enjoy a morning of sailing through one of the most beautiful harbours in the world aboard the Iluka yacht. Your skipper will guide you through Sydney’s intriguing history, explaining all about the city's waters, luxury homes, leafy parks, beaches and iconic landmarks.

The Sydney Opera House was conceived and largely built by Danish architect Jorn Utzon who in 2003 received the Pritzker Prize, architecture's highest honour. The citation stated that 'There is no doubt that the Sydney Opera House is his masterpiece. It is one of the great iconic buildings of the 20th century, an image of great beauty that has become known throughout the world – a symbol for not only a city, but a whole country and continent.'
On your private tour, you'll see inside the world's most recognisable sails - a work of art that came into existence against impossible odds - to become one of the busiest performing arts centres in the world. Working with new, rich audio-visual components, where images are projected onto the fabric of the building - the guide will take you on an emotional journey, engrossing you in a story to rival any opera plot with its dramatic twists and turns. Some 1,500 performances, from opera to circus, rock and cabaret, are staged each year to audiences of around 1.5 million

After leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the Sydney, stop at a wildlife park to meet some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife, arriving early to beat the crowds. Continue your journey into the Blue Mountains and walk through spectacular scenery. See the famous ‘three sisters’, take a stroll around Katoomba and visit our pick of the best remote lookouts before lunch.
Transfer
Private transfer to Sydney Airport
Flight
Flight from Sydney to Queenstown
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Queenstown
Queenstown
Accommodation in Queenstown
- 10 rooms
- Bar with tapas menu
- In-house spa treatments
With a history intertwined with the region’s gold rush, the building of Eichardt’s Private Hotel carries with it the understated and classic elegance of a bygone era. With sweeping views of Lake Wakatipu’s emerald blue waters and eminent mountain peaks, it is a gateway to Queenstown and the untouched wilderness beyond.
Choose from Eichardt’s lake view or mountain view suites, or the one- or two-bedroom apartments. For more privacy, or for those looking for a group getaway or family foray, there is the stand-alone three-bed Eichardt’s Residence which has a spacious kitchen, private dining area and sweeping balconies.
The hotel bar has been considered a town favourite since 1867, providing the perfect environment in which friends and colleagues can sit down for a refreshing cocktail or a refined vintage from the famed Otago wine region. For those feeling peckish, there are comprehensive tapas menus to suit every palate, with locally sourced seasonal ingredients. The bar also serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a cosy dining area with a fireplace.
From the hotel you can treat yourself to an extensive range of in-room spa treatments provided by a local spa, wander down to the lake edge or head into the heart of the action in bustling Queenstown.
- 16 rooms
- Spa
- Dining options
Sat on the shores of the deep Lake Wakatipu, Matakauri Lodge is a tranquil haven of serene blue waters and sweeping mountain landscapes. Snow-capped peaks reach towards the sky, providing a backdrop like no other to this incredible luxury establishment.
Modern, bright and with plenty of room, the 16 suites have been styled by the highly celebrated designer Virginia Fisher. Four suites are found in the main lodge section while others have been built in a native forest with alpine panoramas. All have their own private balcony, lounge area and decadent bathroom, not to mention the cosy fireplace. The sizeable Owner’s Cottage is an idyllic getaway for larger groups or families.
Boasting a menu that changes constantly with the availability of seasonal produce, the kitchen at Matakauri Lodge focuses on a clean and fresh experience for the palate. There are a number of settings in which to savour this modern New Zealand cuisine, from the privacy of your own patio to the property’s spacious courtyards.
Located near great pine thickets, the spa provides an exclusive space where you can rejuvenate and reinvigorate your body with completely personalised treatments. Fall in love with the heated pool, let off some steam in the sauna or enjoy a leisurely time in the hot tub.
Whether you arrive to the long, warm days of summer or to a winter wonderland of snow, there is always so much to do during your stay at Matakauri. Walks and hikes dominate the area, as do scenic horse riding trails and wine tours. Avid golfers will rejoice to know a PGA-rated course is nearby; The Hills is surely one of the most stunning and gorgeously isolated round of 18 you can play anywhere in the world.
- Nine private villas
- Dining room
- Private sun deck
Azur Lodge consists of nine private villas set on a hilltop overlooking the surrounding mountain ranges and Lake Wakatipu.
The open-plan villas feature a lounge, dining room and a bath tub which has been set into a bay window so you can enjoy the scenic views as you soak. There is also a private sun deck from which to gaze out across the wilderness.
Breakfast, afternoon tea and evening canapes are included, and there is the option to dine in the main lodge or in the privacy of your villa.
You are conveniently located just 20 minutes from the airport and five minutes from downtown Queenstown, so exploring this wonderful part of New Zealand couldn’t be easier.
- 12 rooms
- Gourmet cuisine
- Spa
- Fitness equipment
Often adorned with flowers beneath a clear blue New Zealand sky, the rustic yet elegant stone lodge of Blanket Bay sits perched upon the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The establishment is found in an typical South Island alpine setting of vast valleys and great mountains.
There is a luxury element found throughout all the the 12 residences, from the separate chalet cottages to the spacious lodge rooms and suites, both enjoying incredible views and plenty of natural light. There is a charming antiquity to the spaces, beautiful timber beams reaching up along the ceiling and refined wooden furnishing adding to the already classic atmosphere.
When it comes to wining and dining, there is no letting up of world-class service. The menu is forever changing, making the utmost of the kitchen’s access to locally-sourced ingredients and produce. What you will find are modern, innovative takes on classical dishes incorporating fresh fish, lamb and venison and an array of fruits and vegetables grown in the region.
Forget about your troubles at the spa, embracing the unbridled pleasures of the sauna and Jacuzzi. Ease away those aches and pains with a massage by a professional therapist, ideally after a hard workout in the fitness centre or a few laps in the heated pool.
There are few other places on earth with so many activities and adventures on offer, from the numerous hiking trails meandering up mountain ranges, fly fishing hotspots in the pools, runs, rivers and smaller mountain lakes, heli-skiing in winter, jet boating and kayaking. Tackle 4WD tours and vineyard and art trails. Horse riding enthusiasts will not be disappointed with the available tracks while golfers of any calibre will surely revel in the splendour and beauty of championship-standard Jack’s Point Golf Course.


From the towering alpine ranges that envelop Queenstown, to its laidback lakeside sister Wanaka and the incredible Milford Sound, this is easily one of the most spectacular regions of the country. Seek out one of the endless thrills on offer here from skiing, white water rafting, canyon swinging, jet boating, mountain biking and bungy jumping, or slow down to the cosmopolitan pace of life in Queenstown and cool Wanaka and you’ll discover its flourishing arts scene, excellent vineyards, fine dining and quiet lakeside shores where you can take in the incredible scenery. And, of course, Milford Sound with its spectacular 1692m-high Mitre Peak (Rahotu in Maori) is unmissable.

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 we 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.

A relaxed one-hour drive over Queenstown Hill will bring you to Bannockburn in historic Central Otago. The first stop is Amisfield Estates for a 90-minute private behind-the-scenes tour with the winemaker, who will personally take you through the vineyard and winery to show you how they craft their award-winning wines from how they grow and harvest the grapes through to bottling. Continue on through Bannockburn’s rugged landscape to the Cellar Door at Mt Difficulty, located on famed Felton Road, to sample some more wines.
Heading back to Queenstown, stop in at a new boutique tasting room, Wet Jacket Cellar Door, which is located in a beautifully converted 150-year-old former wool shed. After enjoying the full range of Wet Jacket wines, which are only available here and in a few of the top restaurants in the country, duck around the corner for a late lunch at the multi-award winning Amisfield Bistro where William and Kate dined during their tour of New Zealand. Finally drive through Arrowtown, a historic gold mining town, before returning to your hotel.
Transfer
Private transfer to Queenstown Airport
Flight
Flight from Queenstown to Rotorua
Transfer
Private transfer to your lodge in Taupo
Taupo
Accommodation in Taupo
- 18 rooms
- Restaurant
- Pool
- Fly fishing
- Hiking
- Horse riding
- Kayaking
Since 1924, Huka Lodge has maintained the spirit of generous hospitality as was espoused by its charming founder, Irishman Alan Pye. Originally harbouring a reputation primarily as a trout fishing paradise, it is now known as an exceptional luxury retreat, and regarded among the best in the world.
The lodge sits upon the banks of the exceedingly picturesque Waikato River, its rushing waters on the literal doorsteps of 20 spacious junior suites.
The Owner’s Cottage enjoys a muted woodland palette and is upmarket and refined, white wooden beams arching over comfortable living spaces which are warm and rustic.
Constructed with strong cedar, heart timbers, stone and brick, The Alan Pye Cottage is a nod to early 20th-century architecture with a reinterpretation of contemporary design.
The kitchen at Huka Lodge upholds a tradition of generous cuisine, changing daily to accommodate all palates and preferences. Raw honey is collected from the numerous bee hives from the local breeding programme on the property, ideal for deserts as it’s not too sweet.
Outside the lodge, activities abound. Enjoy anything from white water rafting to the lodge’s gorgeous namesake of nearby Huka Falls. Traverse the horse riding trails or similarly embark along hiking trails through this volcanic region.


Sitting on the Waikato River, Huka Lodge is the perfect place to relax and enjoy your beautiful natural surroundings. Go trout fishing, hiking, white water rafting or explore the nearby Huka Falls. Of course, you can simply choose to unwind at the lodge itself and enjoy delicious food and drink and unwind in the pool.
Transfer
Private transfer to Taupo airport
Flight
Flight from Taupo to Bay of Islands
Transfer
Private transfer to your lodge
Bay of Islands
Accommodation in Bay of Islands
- 22 suites
- Two-bedroom Owner's Cottage
- Restaurant
- Living room
- Indoor and outdoor swimming pool
- Tennis courts
Located within 6,000 acres near Matauri Bay, The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs enjoys uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean and native forest.
22 suites are located within guest cottages dotted around the grounds, with each cottage housing two suites. Guests will have the feeling of staying in a private home, with a spacious bedroom and living area, open fireplace and oversized bath tub. There are suites specially designed for families that feature a large private balcony.
The Owner’s Cottage is perfect for families or groups with two en-suite bedrooms, each with their own fireplace, a living room and a beautiful private infinity pool and outdoor Jacuzzi.
In the main lodge you’ll find the dining room where chefs create a mouthwatering menu using locally sourced produce. Breakfast, pre-dinner drinks and dinner are all included with a stay at Kauri Cliffs. Guests can also choose to dine on the verandah overlooking the ocean, or enjoy a truly unique dining experience with a picnic on a secluded beach or by a waterfall.
A day spa is set within the native Totara Forest and there is a fitness centre with indoor lap pool and Jacuzzi, as well as an outdoor swimming pool and two tennis courts.


The Bay of Islands encompasses 144 islands dotted between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula. Take to the sparkling waters and paddle through its turquoise inlets in a sea kayak, try your hand at deep-sea fishing, discover the underwater world on a diving excursion, or head into the maritime playground to swim with dolphins. Back on dry land, explore the many walking trails that wind their way through verdant forests and past secluded beaches, and set aside some time to relax in the quaint seaside towns.

The Kauri Cliffs Golf Course was designed and built by renowned American golf course designer David Harman. The par 72 Championship Course measures 7,119 yards or 6,510 metres and offers five sets of tees. Ranked #39 in the world by Golf Digest's Top 100 golf courses in the world, it has 15 holes that view the Pacific Ocean, with six played alongside dramatic plunging cliffs. Other holes wind through the marsh, forest and farmland - making this a unique golfing experience. The onsite golfing complex also includes a world class practice range, putting and chipping greens, a golf shop and locker rooms.

On this exclusive, private Bay of Islands sightseeing tour you will visit the historically important towns of Kerikeri, and Waitangi. On this private guided Bay of Islands tour your personal driver-guide, a local Kaumatua (Maori elder) with old family connections in the area, will recount first hand stories of the rich history of Maori and European engagement in this historical area.
The historic town of Russell is steeped in the early history of New Zealand - an early Maori settlement, European whaling port and where New Zealand’s Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between Maori chiefs and the British Crown which established a British Governor of New Zealand, recognized Māori ownership of their lands, forests and other properties, and gave the Māori the rights of British subjects.
Transfer
Private transfer to Kerikeri airport
Flight
Flight from Bay of Islands to Auckland
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.
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Be whisked off on a journey of discovery as you visit some of the most beautiful beaches, mountains and lakes of Australia and New Zealand. Your trip will begin in the Whitsundays where you will spend three nights at the beautiful qualia lodge. Admire the Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach from above as you take to the skies on an incredible helicopter ride. The Whitsundays are famous for their sunsets and a cruise around Hamilton Island will let you soak up the magnificent colours as the sky burns red and orange. The next part of your journey takes you to Sydney where you will spend three nights exploring what the city has to offer. Enjoy a cruise around the city’s iconic harbour, take in a show and a tour of the Opera House, and leave the hustle behind and head out into the majestic Blue Mountains. Bid Australia farewell and set your sights on New Zealand as you fly to Queenstown. Milford Sound is one of the South Island’s most magical sights and you’ll get to appreciate it from the best angle – from the air. A helicopter flight takes you along the length of the sound, past sheer cliffs and gushing waterfalls, before landing on Mt Tutoko glacier in the heart of Fiordland National Park. You will also have the opportunity to discover some of the wonderful wines produced in the region, with a private tour through Central Otago. Your next stop is Huka Lodge near Lake Taupo, the perfect place to unwind for a few days. Go trout fishing, hiking, white water rafting or explore the nearby Huka Falls while enjoying the fantastic service of the lodge itself. A short flight will bring you to the Bay of Islands, where you’ll spend your last three night at Kauri Cliffs. | Whats included?
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Days 1-4 |
Whitsundays |
Flights & transfers
Private transfer to your hotel |
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Accommodation in the Whitsundays
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Qualia - $$$$$
Sitting quietly on the secluded northern tip of Hamilton Island in the Great Barrier Reef,...
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Three nights in the Whitsundays The waves of its crystal-clear blue waters wash onto silver beaches beneath the warm sun. It comes as no surprise that the Whitsundays are celebrated as some of the finest beach spots in the country. The chain of 74 islands in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland is home to luxury resorts and the underwater wonders of a marine paradise. Airlie Beach, in particular, is a great starting point, a coastal town from where you can set off on your adventures, exploring the hidden secrets of the region and the allure of the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy great snorkelling spots or scuba diving sessions amongst the coral, interacting with curious fish and other marine creatures. Or simply relax on a stylish cruise, cocktail in hand and camera at the ready. The Whitsundays are renowned as a yachting destination, also operating as a hub for kayaking, sailing and powerboating. But it’s not all about the ocean. There are numerous rivers, creeks and streams that run through brilliant trails and walking routes. Because of its high number of uninhabited national parks, there is always the chance to go on nature tours and journeys and spot wildlife such as enormous saltwater crocodiles. |
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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. |
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Hamilton Island sunset cruise Join other qualia guests for a relaxing sunset cruise around the sheltered waters of Hamilton Island. The Whitsundays are famous for breathtaking sunsets. Take in the magnificent palette of colours as the sun sets into the horizon on this cruise of the local waters adjacent to Hamilton Island. Whilst aboard qualia's luxury charter cruiser Atomic you will enjoy a selection of mouth-watering canapes and beverages as you take in a spectacular sunset over the Whitsunday Islands. You will be transfered from qualia's Long Pavilion to the Hamilton Island Marina where your Atomic charter awaits. |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Hamilton Island Airport |
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Flight from Hamilton Island to Sydney | |
Private transfer to your hotel in Sydney | |
Days 4-7 |
Sydney |
Accommodation in Sydney
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Park Hyatt Sydney - $$$$$
The Park Hyatt is found in the historic district of The Rocks with views of the iconic Opera...
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The Langham Sydney - $$$$$
The Langham enjoys a quaint location among cobbled streets and the old architecture of the...
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Capella Sydney - $$$$$
With its beautiful golden sandstone façade Sydney’s heritage-listed Department of...
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Three nights in Sydney The city of Sydney on the east coast of Australia 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 Jackson’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 of New South Wales make it a very outdoorsy place, and a great base from which to explore nearby beaches, mountains and national parks. |
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Sydney Harbour cruise on the Iluka Enjoy a morning of sailing through one of the most beautiful harbours in the world aboard the Iluka yacht. Your skipper will guide you through Sydney’s intriguing history, explaining all about the city's waters, luxury homes, leafy parks, beaches and iconic landmarks. |
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Sydney Opera House tickets and private tour The Sydney Opera House was conceived and largely built by Danish architect Jorn Utzon who in 2003 received the Pritzker Prize, architecture's highest honour. The citation stated that 'There is no doubt that the Sydney Opera House is his masterpiece. It is one of the great iconic buildings of the 20th century, an image of great beauty that has become known throughout the world – a symbol for not only a city, but a whole country and continent.' On your private tour, you'll see inside the world's most recognisable sails - a work of art that came into existence against impossible odds - to become one of the busiest performing arts centres in the world. Working with new, rich audio-visual components, where images are projected onto the fabric of the building - the guide will take you on an emotional journey, engrossing you in a story to rival any opera plot with its dramatic twists and turns. Some 1,500 performances, from opera to circus, rock and cabaret, are staged each year to audiences of around 1.5 million |
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Private Blue Mountains tour After leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the Sydney, stop at a wildlife park to meet some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife, arriving early to beat the crowds. Continue your journey into the Blue Mountains and walk through spectacular scenery. See the famous ‘three sisters’, take a stroll around Katoomba and visit our pick of the best remote lookouts before lunch. |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Sydney Airport |
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Flight from Sydney to Queenstown | |
Private transfer to your hotel in Queenstown | |
Days 7-10 |
Queenstown |
Accommodation in Queenstown
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Eichardt’s Private Hotel - $$$$$
With a history intertwined with the region’s gold rush, the building of Eichardt’s Private...
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Matakauri Lodge - $$$$$
Sat on the shores of the deep Lake Wakatipu, Matakauri Lodge is a tranquil haven of serene...
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Azur Lodge - $$$$$
Azur Lodge consists of nine private villas set on a hilltop overlooking the surrounding...
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Blanket Bay - $$$$$
Often adorned with flowers beneath a clear blue New Zealand sky, the rustic yet elegant stone...
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Three nights exploring Queenstown, Wanaka and Milford Sound From the towering alpine ranges that envelop Queenstown, to its laidback lakeside sister Wanaka and the incredible Milford Sound, this is easily one of the most spectacular regions of the country. Seek out one of the endless thrills on offer here from skiing, white water rafting, canyon swinging, jet boating, mountain biking and bungy jumping, or slow down to the cosmopolitan pace of life in Queenstown and cool Wanaka and you’ll discover its flourishing arts scene, excellent vineyards, fine dining and quiet lakeside shores where you can take in the incredible scenery. And, of course, Milford Sound with its spectacular 1692m-high Mitre Peak (Rahotu in Maori) is unmissable. |
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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 we 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. |
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Private Central Otago wine tour A relaxed one-hour drive over Queenstown Hill will bring you to Bannockburn in historic Central Otago. The first stop is Amisfield Estates for a 90-minute private behind-the-scenes tour with the winemaker, who will personally take you through the vineyard and winery to show you how they craft their award-winning wines from how they grow and harvest the grapes through to bottling. Continue on through Bannockburn’s rugged landscape to the Cellar Door at Mt Difficulty, located on famed Felton Road, to sample some more wines. Heading back to Queenstown, stop in at a new boutique tasting room, Wet Jacket Cellar Door, which is located in a beautifully converted 150-year-old former wool shed. After enjoying the full range of Wet Jacket wines, which are only available here and in a few of the top restaurants in the country, duck around the corner for a late lunch at the multi-award winning Amisfield Bistro where William and Kate dined during their tour of New Zealand. Finally drive through Arrowtown, a historic gold mining town, before returning to your hotel. |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Queenstown Airport |
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Flight from Queenstown to Rotorua | |
Private transfer to your lodge in Taupo | |
Days 10-12 |
Taupo |
Accommodation in Taupo
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Huka Lodge - $$$$$
Since 1924, Huka Lodge has maintained the spirit of generous hospitality as was espoused by...
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Two nights at Huka lodge Sitting on the Waikato River, Huka Lodge is the perfect place to relax and enjoy your beautiful natural surroundings. Go trout fishing, hiking, white water rafting or explore the nearby Huka Falls. Of course, you can simply choose to unwind at the lodge itself and enjoy delicious food and drink and unwind in the pool. |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Taupo airport |
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Flight from Taupo to Bay of Islands | |
Private transfer to your lodge | |
Days 12-15 |
Bay of Islands |
Accommodation in Bay of Islands
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The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs - $$$$$
Located within 6,000 acres near Matauri Bay, The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs enjoys uninterrupted...
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Three nights in the Bay of Islands The Bay of Islands encompasses 144 islands dotted between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula. Take to the sparkling waters and paddle through its turquoise inlets in a sea kayak, try your hand at deep-sea fishing, discover the underwater world on a diving excursion, or head into the maritime playground to swim with dolphins. Back on dry land, explore the many walking trails that wind their way through verdant forests and past secluded beaches, and set aside some time to relax in the quaint seaside towns. |
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Kauri Cliffs: Golf The Kauri Cliffs Golf Course was designed and built by renowned American golf course designer David Harman. The par 72 Championship Course measures 7,119 yards or 6,510 metres and offers five sets of tees. Ranked #39 in the world by Golf Digest's Top 100 golf courses in the world, it has 15 holes that view the Pacific Ocean, with six played alongside dramatic plunging cliffs. Other holes wind through the marsh, forest and farmland - making this a unique golfing experience. The onsite golfing complex also includes a world class practice range, putting and chipping greens, a golf shop and locker rooms. |
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Private Bay of Islands Historic Tour On this exclusive, private Bay of Islands sightseeing tour you will visit the historically important towns of Kerikeri, and Waitangi. On this private guided Bay of Islands tour your personal driver-guide, a local Kaumatua (Maori elder) with old family connections in the area, will recount first hand stories of the rich history of Maori and European engagement in this historical area. The historic town of Russell is steeped in the early history of New Zealand - an early Maori settlement, European whaling port and where New Zealand’s Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between Maori chiefs and the British Crown which established a British Governor of New Zealand, recognized Māori ownership of their lands, forests and other properties, and gave the Māori the rights of British subjects. |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Kerikeri airport |
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Flight from Bay of Islands to Auckland |