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Combining New Zealand and Australia: Insider’s Guide to the Best Trip

The insider advice on this page is from one of Wendy’s Trusted Travel Experts for New Zealand and Australia: Sarah Farag of Southern Crossings.

A native New Zealander based in Auckland, Sarah works her superb connections—from sheep farmers to helicopter pilots—to open doors for her travelers. She can set you up with a driving itinerary and rental car with stops for scenic hikes, wine tastings, and whatever else you might enjoy, but for those times when you’d prefer not to worry about driving on the left-hand side of the road and to be able to lose your eyes in the country’s countless glorious vistas and navigate to its most charming hidden corners without having to keep your eyes on the road, she has the savviest private drivers at her beck and call. Sarah has pull not just with the country’s top luxury lodges, but also with its guesthouses and even private homes with chefs. And, as a mom of two teenage sons, she is especially tuned in to what families enjoy most. For those wanting to see more of the region, Sarah can add beach stops in Fiji and other South Pacific islands, or coordinate with Sydney-based colleague and fellow WOW Lister Stuart Rigg to include time in Australia.

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Combining countries

The Great Barrier Reef, seen from above. Photo: Tourism Whitsundays

Always book your trans-Pacific flights into one country and out of the other, so you don’t have to backtrack. It usually makes sense to start with New Zealand: Since you make up time flying from there to Australia and arrive just two hours after you departed, you can still fit a lot into your travel day.

If you have two-and-a-half weeks, you can go wine tasting on New Zealand’s Waiheke Island, explore Maori culture and geothermal features in Rotorua, scratch your adventure itch in Queenstown, enjoy Sydney’s harborside delights, take in Uluru and learn about Aboriginal culture in Australia’s Red Centre, and end your trip on a pristine Queensland beach near the Great Barrier Reef.

Wine lovers will need three weeks to cover the major regions in each country: Waiheke Island, Hawke’s Bay, and Central Otago in New Zealand, and the Barossa Valley, Mornington Peninsula, and Hunter Valley in Australia. Cap it all off with a few nights to detox on an island in the Great Barrier Reef.

Wildlife lovers will need a bit more time to get to the most remote spots. The mountains and rainforests of New Zealand’s South Island hold the last remaining wild populations of most of the country’s bird species, not to mention the marine life hiding along its rocky coastline. Australia’s top nature destinations are spread across the country, from Kangaroo Island in the south to Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory and Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef. Hone in on the creatures you most want to see, or expect to spend a good bit of time getting from place to place.

What to Do and See

The ultra-luxe Mt Isthmus private villa is near New Zealand’s Lake Hawea, an underrated lake most travelers skip. Photo: The Lindis Group

Most underrated places New Zealand’s Lake Hawea isn’t as well known as Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, or even neighboring Lake Wanaka. But it’s just as scenically impressive—if not more so—and you are likely to have the vast majority of it to yourself. It’s well worth stopping for a picnic when driving along the country’s west coast, but nowadays you can stay longer thanks to fabulous new options for an overnight, such as the ultra-luxe Mt Isthmus private villa or a cottage on Lake Hawea Station, a sheep and cattle farm focused on regenerative agriculture.

Australia’s Northern Territory can be tricky to work into a multi-country itinerary due to the time required to get there and get around (given the vast distances), but those who make it are treated to red-earth deserts, lush green watering holes, star-filled skies, uniquely Australian wildlife, and authentic Aboriginal experiences.

Most overrated place While Auckland is a thriving city in a beautiful location, New Zealand is all about getting out of the cities. Auckland is also a mini version of Sydney—so if that’s on your list, you can skip the former, or use it only as a base to explore the beautiful islands and beaches on its doorstep.

Hidden gems Both countries are known for their trekking routes, but they’re also a casual walker’s paradise, with countless shorter trails that you can easily enjoy on your own.

Blue Pools Track in New Zealand’s Mt. Aspiring National Park is an easy, three-kilometer track through beautiful beech forests and via an Instagram-worthy swing bridge suspended over the glacial Blue Pools and the Makarora River.

Sydney’s Bronte to Bondi coastal walk is one of the most scenic places to watch the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean and see Sydney locals going about their morning rituals (ocean swims, a before-work surf, beachside yoga, and flat white coffees in a trendy local café).

Don’t bother Hiring a campervan. They have become very overpriced, and now that many parts of both countries have banned “freedom camping”—the ability to park anywhere—they no longer offer the flexibility they once did. Campervans are also not particularly compatible with New Zealand’s winding roads, and many locals are quite opposed to the scenic obstructions when parked en masse in the height of summer.

Book one of the glass pods at The Lindis in the Ahuriri Valley and enjoy the twinkling skies from your outdoor hot tub. Photo: The Lindis Group

Cheap thrill There are countless places to enjoy star-studded Southern-Hemisphere skies —from New Zealand’s Southern Alps (the South Island’s Aoraki Mackenzie region is home to an International Dark Sky Reserve) to Australia’s vast outback. Time your stargazing right and you may even catch the spectacular Southern Lights (Aurora Australis).

If “cheap” isn’t a requirement for your stargazing, book one of the glass pods at The Lindis in the Ahuriri Valley and enjoy the twinkling skies from your outdoor hot tub with a flute of New Zealand sparkling wine in hand.

Bragging rights Sarah listens carefully to each traveler’s interests and employs her wide network of contacts to tailor special experiences that you won’t find online. She’s chartered a helicopter and hired a Department of Conservation ranger to take her travelers to parts of New Zealand where few others have ever set foot—including a natural hot springs with a secret location.

In Australia, she’s arranged a birthday party on Shark Island in Sydney Harbour with an Aboriginal welcome and smoking ceremony, didgeridoo players, dinner prepared by one of the city’s most acclaimed chefs, and a private fireworks display.

Prime Picnic Spot Take the ten-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland across the harbor to historic Devonport . Collect picnic provisions from any of the quaint local cafés before walking up the nearby extinct volcano of Mt. Victoria for panoramic views of the Auckland skyline, the sailboat-filled Waitemata Harbour, and across to volcanic Rangitoto Island.

Across the Tasman, Sydney’s waterfront Botanic Gardens are hard to beat for the picture-perfect picnic spot: a beautiful leafy setting with the harbor, opera house, and bridge as your backdrop.

Where to Stay and Eat

Best bang-for-your-buck hotels Auckland’s Hotel Britomart is the first in the country to earn five green stars from New Zealand’s Green Building Council; it gets another five stars for its service and elegance. All of the rooms are the same extremely compact size—but all exceptionally tasteful and considered—so you’re best off booking one from the least expensive Laneway category.

In Sydney, if your time is short, it’s possible to combine Sydney Harbour views, native Australian wildlife right outside your room, and dinner at one of the city’s hottest new restaurants in a single hotel stay, provided you book a room at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga , located within Sydney’s Taronga Zoo.

Qualia’s pavilions look out to the Whitsunday Islands, in the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. Photo: qalia

Best-value splurge lodges As accommodations go, New Zealand is best known for its small luxury lodges; one of the most charming is Pihopa Retreat in Nelson. Situated on the outskirts of Nelson, this wonderful boutique property offers six spacious and beautifully appointed suites among 5.5 acres of gardens; continental breakfast is included and dinners can be arranged by the delightful New Zealand owners, who live in the main house with their family.

Ten miles off the coast of Queensland, Australia, Qualia’s 60 ultra-luxe pavilions (what they call their standalone private villas) are nestled into the northern tip of Hamilton Island and surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef. You can fill your days here with snorkeling, scuba diving, flightseeing by helicopter or seaplane, spa treatments, or even a jaunt by private yacht to a secluded beach where you’ll be dropped off with Champagne and a gourmet picnic.

Restaurants the locals love Amisfield is a restaurant and winery on the outskirts of Queenstown, near Lake Hayes. Despite receiving a lot of press after the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited in 2014, the bistro’s team have kept their heads down and continue to serve delicious dishes with a lovely local flair—nothing too fancy or fussy, but reliably tasty. The place is always full of locals, which tells you something about its consistency of service and culinary excellence. If you have time for a long and lazy lunch, ask for the “Trust the Chef” option: Simply let them know of any dietary requirements, then sit back, relax, and they’ll bring a selection of dishes to your table.

Fratelli Paradiso is a lively neighborhood trattoria in Sydney’s trendy Potts Point, and a favorite with both locals and in-the-know visiting celebrities; Elton John never fails to enjoy a casual meal here when in town. Friendly waiters translate the blackboard menus as the chefs prepare their signature dishes—Calamari Sant’Andrea and delicious lasagnes—best enjoyed with a glass of wine from the extensive list of Italian and Australian labels. As locals would expect, it’s open seven days a week for all-day dining.

Dish to try Spring is whitebait season in New Zealand, when these tiny freshwater fish become one of the country’s most sought-after delicacies. They aren’t bought in the supermarket; locals have a “whitebait guy” they buy from. The fish are most often cooked with eggs to create omelet-style whitebait fritters, which can be found everywhere from New Zealand’s top restaurants to small roadside takeaway stalls. Four of the six whitebait species are endangered, so ask if what’s being served has been sourced sustainably.

Take a private boat into Dusky Sound, where your pilot will dive into the icy-cold waters for fresh crayfish to barbecue. Photo: Southern Crossings

Meals worth the splurge On New Zealand’s South Island, in a region inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Sarah can arrange for the ultimate indulgence in both fresh seafood and untouched scenery : A private helicopter takes you on a scenic flight—over rainforests, mountains, glaciers, and fjords—to a custom-built boat in Dusky Sound, one of Fiordland National Park’s most remote inlets. Here you can fish or hike the shoreline where explorer Captain Cook first came ashore in 1773, and where today dolphins, fur seals, and other wildlife abound. For lunch, your pilot will actually dive into the icy-cold waters, harvest a couple of crayfish from the sea floor, and barbecue them to be served with gourmet sides and New Zealand wine and beer.

In Australia’s dining capital of Melbourne, Attica serves innovative degustation menus that showcase local Australian produce such as salted red kangaroo and King George whiting in paperbark, as well as ingredients foraged by head chef Ben Shewry himself.

How to spend a lazy Sunday Farmers markets’ have made a big comeback in recent years and are held in most cities and towns across New Zealand on Sunday mornings. Head down for a delicious brunch freshly harvested by the farmers themselves, and ask the locals which coffee cart is the best. Don’t miss the markets in the waterside precincts of Wynyard Quarter (Auckland), Queens Wharf (Wellington), The Terrace (Christchurch), or Steamer Wharf (Queenstown). In Australia, there is Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market, the very tasty South Melbourne Market, and Hobart’s lively Farm Gate market.

As for your Sunday afternoon, if you’re in Auckland, catch the ferry across the Waitemata Harbour to Waiheke Island. Known affectionately as the Island of Wine and just 40 minutes from downtown, Waiheke is where locals go for a relaxed vibe, long lunches looking back across to the city, strolls past coastal sculpture, and beach walks.

For a lazy Sunday afternoon in Sydney, catch the ferry across the harbor to Manly , where you can enjoy a coastal stroll, a swim in the surf, and a sundowner with the locals by the water’s edge on Manly Wharf.

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Best Times to Go

September through May is the best time to combine New Zealand and Australia in a single trip. March and April bring T-shirt days and duvet nights, they’re less crowded than the peak Southern-Hemisphere summer months, and rates are a bit lower.

In October and November the gardens are lush, the countryside is vibrantly green in New Zealand’s North Island and still snow-capped in the South Island, and you get lovely spring weather in Australia.

Worst Times to Go

June, July, and August can get chilly in the region’s southern reaches, and many of New Zealand’s iconic hiking trails close over this period. That said, early August is ideal for heli-skiing and notching untracked runs on private ski fields after the local schools have returned from winter break; you can even combine a New Zealand alpine adventure with Australia’s Great Barrier Reef or a tropical stopover in Fiji.

Biggest Rookie Mistake

Trying to combine Australia and New Zealand in less than two weeks: Most of your time will be spent traveling rather than experiencing. If you can only get away for two weeks, don’t try to cover multiple regions in each country; instead, look at combining Sydney with New Zealand, for example, or Australia with Queenstown.

Can't-Miss Photo Ops

The views are grand at Craggy Range Winery in Hawke’s Bay (pictured), where you can look out over the vines planted at the foot of Te Mata’s dramatic jagged peak; for beautiful light and vines bursting with grapes, get your shot in the late afternoon during the Southern-Hemisphere spring or summer.

The constantly changing hues of Uluru, or Ayers Rock, make it one of Australia’s most iconic photo-ops. Early morning and late afternoon best showcase the colors of this unique monolith—itself a sacred site of the local indigenous people—and the surrounding landscape.

The Souvenirs

Manuka honey, which New Zealand bees produce from the nectar of the native manuka plant. Maori traditionally used manuka for its healing properties, and some people use the honey today for medicinal purposes. In Australia, you can find honey made from eucalyptus, which is prized for is flavor, color, and high quality.

Pounamu, or greenstone, refers to several types of stone found in southern New Zealand that have long been used in carvings done by Maori artists. It is considered bad luck to buy pounamu for yourself, but it makes a wonderfully meaningful gift.

Must-have App

The MetService weather app for New Zealand is handy, with such a changeable climate and so many activities being weather-dependent (although Sarah monitors weather closely for her travelers).

Airport Intel

Auckland International Airport is not physically attached to Auckland Domestic Airport, which makes connecting flights a bit of a headache. While most airlines allow you to book flights with as little as one hour between them, this is almost impossible to make! Two hours is a realistic minimum connection time. For the smoothest logistics, Sarah can arrange for someone to meet you at the plane and for a private car to take you between terminals.

If your U.S.-Australia flights have you changing planes in Auckland, you’ll need to apply for an NZeTa (an Electronic Travel Authority) before you fly.

Do not bring honey or any fresh produce into New Zealand. The country’s unique ecosystem is fiercely protected by its border controllers, who will readily fine anyone bringing in such products.

Tipping Tip

Tipping is not expected in New Zealand or Australia, and is entirely discretionary as an appreciation of good service. All employees are paid full wages and therefore do not depend on gratuities for their income. However, a tip in the vicinity of 10% in recognition of excellent service has become the custom in cafés and restaurants.

Don’t Forget to Pack

Sunglasses and a hat. The sun is strong and the air particularly clear, so these two items are essential year-round.

Think in layers. The weather can change from sunny and hot to cool in a matter of hours, whether you are traveling in summer or winter.

Lots of personal touches...

Glad to be there in the fall..., so valuable to us....

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When is the best time to go to Australia?

Nov 27, 2023 • 7 min read

Plan the right time for your visit to Australia with this seasonal guide to what's happening through the year © davidf / Getty Images

As the sixth-largest country in the world,  Australia has landscapes that range from dry savannahs and scrubland to lush tropical rainforests.

Each season brings its own magic, depending on where you are and when. Summer can either mean comfortable temperate days, blistering desert heat, or days of extreme humidity and frequent rain. Similarly, winter can deliver both snow or sunshine, depending on your location – and preference.

In short, the best time to travel to Australia depends on what you plan to do . From festivals to whale watching and wildflowers, here’s a seasonal breakdown of what's happening through the year.

December to February is the best time for beach days and festival vibes

Thoughts of Australia often conjure summer scenes of clear skies, brilliant sunshine and the sparkling ocean. December to February brings the hottest months with the longest days. This is also the peak travel season, so come prepared for crowds and premium rates on accommodation, particularly during Australian school holidays (which typically run from late December to late January).

Incredible as they are, there are plenty of ways beyond the beaches to enjoy summer in Australia. As Australia’s tropical north bunkers down for the wet season (with some remote regions such as the Kimberley all but closing up business until “the Dry” returns) this is the time to head south for festivals, sports and sunshine. 

Big ticket events in January include the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne and Sydney Festival , a visual and performing arts festival. Also not to be missed are quirky regional events such as  Parkes Elvis Festival in rural New South Wales , timed to coincide with the King of Rock and Roll’s birthday. 

In February, the world’s second-largest Fringe Festival (after Edinburgh) takes over Adelaide , while the streets are lined with glitter and rainbows for Sydney ’s version of Pride: the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras . There are also countless outdoor music festivals (both ticketed and free) across the country during this time, particularly over the New Year’s holiday period.

March to May and September to November are the best months for multi-destination adventures across the country

The shoulder seasons of spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) can mean more rain in many areas, but much milder temperatures. This makes it easier to experience city and outback life in one trip. 

During these periods, you'll find relief from otherwise scorching outback temperatures, making it the ideal time to visit destinations in the Red Centre including Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park . Meanwhile  hiking routes , including Central Australia’s Larapinta Trail, South Australia’s Heyson Trail and Cathedral Gorge in Western Australia’s Purnululu National Park, are a lot more manageable in the cooler months.

If you’re visiting the Kimberley between March and May, you may also be rewarded with glimpses of the waterfalls at the tail end of the wet season.

However, it pays to be aware that schools take two-week breaks, usually at the beginning of April and the end of September. Many Australian families take holidays during these periods, which can affect the availability and cost of accommodations.

June to August is the best time to snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef or hit the slopes

The winter months of June through August are generally the cheapest time of year to travel throughout much of Australia, with fewer tourists and better deals on flights and accommodations in most areas.

There are exceptions to the rule, though. The drop in temperatures and drier weather drives tourism to iconic destinations such as Uluru, as well as Cairns , Darwin and the Kimberley. (It can also be cooler than many tourists expect, with temperatures in the Red Centre dropping below 0°C/32°F overnight. Pack accordingly.)

In Queensland , jellyfish – including the infamous Irukandji – are less prevalent during winter, which also means it’s an ideal time to snorkel or dive on the Great Barrier Reef .

If you’re planning to visit these areas, be prepared to jostle for accommodation as domestic travelers from the southern states also head north to escape the cold, with most school districts taking a two-week break at the start of July. 

However, it’s just as popular to head into the cold. While neighboring New Zealand is better known as a ski destination , Australia also has fantastic snow experiences to appease powder hounds. New South Wales’ aptly named  Snowy Mountains – roughly 490km (304 miles) from Sydney – is home to Perisher (the largest ski resort in the country) and the nearby Thredbo resort. In Victoria, you can hit the slopes 385km (239 miles) from Melbourne in Falls Creek or take to the steeper runs of Mt Hotham.

May to September is the time to experience Australia’s winter festivals

Winter doesn’t mean an end to the celebratory vibes. Instead, May to September is a flurry of activity in capital cities and regional hubs across Australia, with festivals to excite avid foodies, art aficionados, music lovers and more. 

The return of shorter days is kicked off by Alice Springs ’ Parrtjima Festival  in April. The free 10-night festival celebrates First Nations culture with interactive workshops and performances, and sees the MacDonnell Ranges transformed by an incredible light installation. 

Next up is Hobart ’s subversive Dark Mofo festival – timed to coincide with the winter solstice in June. It’s one of the country’s most fêted off-season events, with massive bonfires, live music and performance art taking over the Tasmanian city. Dark Mofo is on pause for 2024, but daring visitors can still partake in the annual Nude Solstice Swim and Winter Feast.

Also in June, Sydney’s Vivid Festival draws visitors by the thousands for its light projections and a program of thought-provoking presentations. Similarly, Melbourne’s  Rising Festival  and Adelaide’s Illuminate  both light up the long winter nights with bold projections and installations across the cities, alongside immersive free and ticketed events. Both are held annually between June and July. 

On the other side of the country, foodies tuck into the season’s best at Truffle Kerfuffle in Manjimup, WA, followed by the Cabin Fever food and culture festival in July in Margaret River . Finally, if you’re in the Northern Territory in August, you might want to add Darwin Festival  of arts and culture to your itinerary. 

May to November is prime time for whale watching

If you love marine wildlife, May through to November marks the best months to glimpse whales as they make their twice-annual migration along the coast. Starting from April, tens of thousands of these majestic mammals begin their journey north from their Southern Ocean feeding grounds. They breed and give birth in warmer waters along Australia’s shores, before returning south with their young. 

The coastlines of South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria are some of the best places to see southern right whales, while humpbacks and the occasional orca put on a show along the east and west coasts. Western Australia is the place to spot elusive sperm and blue whales.

Another phenomenon you may be lucky enough to see in Tasmania’s southern latitudes at this time of year is the aurora australis or southern lights. Popular places to witness the dancing colors include Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park , Bruny Island and the secluded Bathurst Harbour.

August to October is the best time to see rare and endemic wildflowers

We know what you’re thinking. Flowers, for spring? Groundbreaking. But thousands of Australia’s wildflowers bloom nowhere else on the planet. Case in point are the flowers of Western Australia’s southwest. There are more than 12,000 species, 60% of which are endemic to the region. The Indigenous peoples of this region, the Noongar, acknowledge six seasons of the year, and August to October marks the transition to Kambarang , the height of the flowering season. This is celebrated at Perth’s EverNow Festival in October.

Other notable places to experience the wildflower season include the Blue Mountains and Booderee National Park in New South Wales and Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park in South Australia. Victoria also boasts numerous spots including the Grampians (Gariwerd) , which is home to one-third of the state’s flora and where the flowering season is known locally as petyan . The Dandenong Ranges are also a popular stop, particularly for those wanting to experience wildflowers and a winery or two of the nearby Yarra Valley .

At this time of year, you’ll find countless regional flower festivals across the country, alongside larger celebrations. Two of the biggest are Canberra’s Floriade (the largest flower festival in the southern hemisphere, hosted September to October) and Toowoomba’s Carnival of Flowers in September.

This article was first published Mar 10, 2021 and updated Nov 27, 2023.

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16 must-see highlights in Australia and New Zealand

Friday, 23rd November 2018

Discover Australia and New Zealand’s ‘eight greats’ with our in-house Travel Writer, Will Gray…

Australia: Eight Greats

The kimberley.

The former pearl-fishing town of Broome is the gateway to this extraordinary plateau of rainforest-choked gorges and tropical savannah – home to abundant wildlife and the iconic, humbug-striped Bungle Bungles. Tours by land and expedition cruise are available to this compelling outback wilderness.

Slip back into the Dreamtime of the Anangu people as they guide you around sacred Uluru, then visit other outback wonders like Kata Tjuta.

Great Barrier Reef

Strung like emeralds on a turquoise necklace, there are over 900 islands on the Great Barrier Reef. Some you can stay on, but what better way to experience this mesmerising, technicoloured World Heritage Site than on a multi-day cruise that takes you to remote coral cays and reefs well beyond the reach of most visitors. Discover the World offers three-and four-night options from Cairns.

Kangaroo Island

A ‘Galapagos Down Under’, Kangaroo Island teems with native wildlife, from koalas, echidnas and kangaroos to penguins, possums and fur seals. You can visit in a day trip from Adelaide, but stay overnight if you can.

Boutique shopping and cafés galore, some great sporting and cultural events, plus nearby star sites like the Yarra Valley Winelands and the Great Ocean Road – a dramatic stretch of coast in Victoria where waves have sculpted 45m-high cliffs into sea stacks, arches and caves.

Almost a third of this mountainous, forest-clad island is protected in national parks and reserves – a paradise for wildlife, as well as hikers, bikers, kayakers, nature lovers and birdwatchers. Hobart adds a touch of colonial charm, while the Tassie wilderness has some stunning lodges.

One of the world’s great coastal cities, Sydney has instant ‘wow’ factor thanks to its stunning harbour, but also offers a wealth of attractions, from bridge climbs to cruises. Leaving Circular Quay, your boat slips past the Opera House before heading into the harbour’s upper reaches where palatial waterfront homes mingle with parks, beaches and marinas.

Birdwatchers get all-of-a-flutter in North Queensland’s tropical rainforest. It’s home to a quite staggering 430 species – best observed during a quiet, pigeon-stepping stroll along a forest boardwalk. River trips in search of saltwater crocodiles are also popular, as is a picnic on the white sands of Cape Tribulation.

Take me there: Start planning your Australia holiday

New Zealand: 8 Greats

Protruding from North Island like a giant ‘thumbs up’, Northland’s highlights range from the idyllic Bay of Islands and farflung Cape Reinga to the mysterious giant kauri trees of the Waipoua Forest. Glorious beaches and a subtropical climate make this a superb region for exploring, heading north from Auckland.

Rotorua & Tongariro National Park

Two of North Island’s must-see hotspots, Rotorua has boiling pools, geysers and deep-rooted Maori culture, while Tongariro boasts volcanoes and one of the world’s finest day walks.

Hawke’s Bay

There’s much to see and do in this area, from hot-air ballooning over orchards and vineyards to wine tasting, surfing, trout fishing and admiring the art deco architecture in Napier.

Abel Tasman National Park

Sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons and lush forests teeming with native birds all vie for attention along Abel Tasman’s crinkle-cut coast – one of New Zealand’s top sea kayaking locations and a fabulous place for a boat trip, some hiking or a snorkel with seals at Tonga Island.

Doubtful Sound

This majestic patch of Fiordland wilderness can be experienced on an overnight cruise from Deep Cove.

Tucked between forested hills and a vibrant harbour, New Zealand’s capital is packed with cafés, restaurants and galleries. Don’t miss the interactive museum Te Papa, which takes you on a journey through the country’s proud heritage. Zealandia: The Karori Sanctuary Experience is also nearby.

Visit the old gold-rush town of Greymouth, heli-hike the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers and find blowholes, fur seals and Pancake Rocks on this wild and rugged shore.

Southern Lakes

Whether you’re searching for action and adventure or indulgence and relaxation, this beautiful corner of South Island has it all – from jet-boating to genteel cruises. Queenstown is the main centre, but Milford Sound, Mt Aspiring and other scenic beauties are all easily accessible.

Take me there: Start planning your New Zealand Holiday

Feeling inspired?

For help and advice on planning your perfect Antipodean escape to either Australia or New Zealand or combining both, send an online enquiry or speak to one of our Travel Specialists today.

View: Australia Holidays   |   New Zealand Holidays

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The most beautiful places to visit in Australia and New Zealand

By Ash James

Photographer Ash James spent months travelling through Australia and New Zealand, photographing the coastline, wildlife and pockets of nature found across the two countries. These are his favourite corners he found on his travels.

'I first visited Melbourne in 2018, and was immediately drawn to the juxtaposition of old and new architecture in the city; beautiful Victorian buildings surrounded by modern skyscrapers. My girlfriend and I moved out there in 2019, and as I explored more of the surrounding countryside, I fell in love with the wildlife and vast green landscapes, and with driving the Great Ocean Road. Wanting to capture nature is what got me into photography in the first place. Now I love to shoot unusual compositions that best depict my personal experience of the subject captured – my favourite shot in this series is of the kangaroos jumping away from the camera in unison. Meanwhile, New Zealand is one of my favourite places I’ve ever photographed – I specifically remember being lost for words at some of the scenery I came across. The South Island is absolute top of my list of places to go back to next.'

Keep scrolling to see the most beautiful pictures of these pretty places to visit.

The prettiest places in Australia

The Twelve Apostles in Australia

Roadside Koala taken on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia

Travelling from Queensland to Melbourne, Australia

Sea Through the Trees taken in Portsea, Australia

Unseen at Twelve pictured at the Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone towers near the Great Ocean Road in Australia

Kangaroos in Woodlands Historic Park, Australia

The Morning Mist photographed on the Great Ocean Road, Australia

Up taken near the Great Ocean Road, Australia

Sophie Knight

Connor Sturges

Portsea Paraglider photographed near the Mornington Peninsula town of Porstea, just outside Melbourne in Australia

Heide – a tree pictured at the Heide Museum, an art museum in Bulleen, a suburb of Melbourne in Australia

Kangaroos in Woodlands Historic Park, over 700 hectares of parklands in Australia

Trees in Woodlands Historic Park, Australia

Stake Out – a fox in the trees photographed near the Twelve Apostles in Australia

A view from the window on route from Queensland to Melbourne, Australia

Sunrise, travelling from Queensland to Melbourne, Australia

The prettiest places in New Zealand

Fern Under taken in The Catlins, a rugged area of New Zealand's South Island

A beach in New Zealand's The Catlins

Mountain Cloud taken high above Queenstown in New Zealand

The moon in the Waikawa Valley, New Zealand

The sea in The Catlins, New Zealand

Mountains in Queenstown, New Zealand

Countryside near Queenstown, New Zealand

Forest Fern pictured in The Catlins, New Zealand

A jungle bridge in The Catlins, New Zealand

Nevis – the Nevis bungy jump highwire in New Zealand

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Admire the Sydney Opera House

We’ll take you on a guided tour around the sails of the Sydney Opera House, one of the most iconic sights in Australia. Enjoy an evening performance inside the grand Concert Hall, or board a helicopter for a panoramic view of the Opera House, along with other Sydney stars like the Harbour Bridge and Manly Cove.

Visit the Franz Josef Glacier

See the icy fingers of the Franz Josef Glacier with a guided ice walk or a thrilling scenic flight. When you take to the skies on our New Zealand trips, you’ll get a breathtaking view of the 12 kilometer glacier, along with Mount Cook and the soaring Southern Alps of the World Heritage Site park.

Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef

Board a high-speed catamaran and cruise the Coral Sea to the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest living structure and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. This remarkable coral reef can be seen from outer space, and we’ll sink beneath the waters to snorkel with a dazzling array of marine life.

Get lost in the gorgeous streets of Wellington

When you travel New Zealand with Trafalgar, we’ll take you along the Kapiti Coast to Wellington, New Zealand’s beautiful capital city. You’ll enjoy an exclusive guided tour of Te Papa Museum where you’ll learn about Maori culture, then spend time exploring Welly’s gems, like the Parliament buildings or the city’s coffee culture.

Enjoy a traditional Australian barbecue with a view on Uluru

Experience one of the world’s most unique dining experiences, with Uluru as your striking backdrop. You’ll enjoy a classic barbecue of steaks, lamb sausages and garlic prawns, while gazing at the ancient monolith as it’s dusty red walls change colors during sunset. As the sun disappears, turn your eyes to the skies for spectacular stargazing.

Our top 5 things to do in Australia & New Zealand

Our tours of Australia and New Zealand will reveal the wonders of Down Under, from the sunny Great Barrier Reef in Australia, to the icy Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand.

The International Antarctic Centre

Located in Christchurch, the International Antarctic Centre is one of the best attractions in New Zealand. There are scores of interactive experiences to show you what life is like in Antarctica, including a thrilling all-terrain vehicle tour and a wild Antarctic storm room. Immerse yourself in the 4D theater and meet the cheeky penguins.

Australian National Maritime Museum

Set in Sydney’s vibrant Darling Harbour, the Australian National Maritime Museum shares the country’s stories of the sea. You can explore three open vessels including a ship and a submarine, and various exhibitions that document the charting of Australia’s coastline and the sacred meaning of the sea to the Aboriginal Australians.

Museum of Sydney

The Museum of Sydney showcases the colonial and contemporary history of Sydney, though pictures, objects and digital media exhibitions. It was built on the ruins of Australia's first Government House dating back to 1788, and today houses a large display of convict artefacts recovered from over 25 archaeological digs.

Best museums in Australia & New Zealand

Our trips to Australia and New Zealand showcase the region’s top museums, from the interactive Antarctic Centre in New Zealand, to the open ships of the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Pavlova is made from chewy meringue shell with a soft marshmallow center, and topped with whipped cream and fresh fruits like strawberries, kiwifruit and passionfruit. There’s a rivalry between Australia and New Zealand over the true national origins of the dish, but both countries agree it’s a truly delicious dessert.

Seafood is a national specialty throughout New Zealand, but the best place to enjoy a meal of crayfish is Kaikoura, a seaside town on the South Island. Here, you’ll enjoy the freshest catch of the day, and the crayfish is boiled and served with a tangy dipping sauce.

Found in restaurants all over Australia, the parmigiana is one of the most beloved dishes in the country. It’s made from a breaded chicken breast slathered in tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, served with french fries and salad. It originated in Italy and was brought to Australia with a wave of Italian migrants.

Best food in Australia & New Zealand

Our tours of New Zealand and Australia will reveal their most beloved dishes, from fresh crayfish and chicken parmigiana, to the sweet meringue of pavlova.

What to pack for Australia & New Zealand

All climate clothing

The climates in the region range from the sweltering desert to the snowy alps, so you’ll need to pack some versatile layers to be prepared for all seasons.

Australia is the world’s largest island, while New Zealand is famed for its scenic roads. Bring some headphones to accompany your long journeys through the panoramic landscapes.

Versatile shoes

You’ll need a range of shoes for your journey, from flip-flops for the beaches, to hiking boots for the mountains, and even a formal pair for a night at the Sydney Opera House.

You’ll see some of the world’s most extraordinary sites in Australia and New Zealand, and you’ll need a camera to capture all the action.

Reef-safe sunscreen

Australia and New Zealand are known for their harsh sun, and you’ll need to bring a strong, reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin on your Pacific Island holiday.

Other worldwide regions we visit

Africa the Middle East

North and Central America

South America

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Combining Australia and New Zealand: questions to ask yourself

By Australia and New Zealand specialist James

You could go from the Red Centre’s desert panoramas to tropical Queensland, and follow it all up with the glaciers, sea cliffs and snowy mountain ranges of South Island. Or, embark on a wildlife-themed trip, going from the underwater wonderlands of the Ningaloo or Great Barrier reefs to New Zealand’s Kaikoura, one of the world’s best whale-watching destinations. Combining Australia and New Zealand in the same trip lets you experience wildly contrasting topographies and ecosystems within the space of a few weeks. And, thanks to constantly improving flight connections, it’s easier than ever to travel between the two.

It’s natural you might want to visit Australia and New Zealand in one go: they’re so close, and you’re already taking a long plane journey to get to either place. There are lots of ways to split your time between the two countries — this Australia and New Zealand Uncovered trip outline is just a starting point.

But, for a really fulfilling trip, there are a few things you’ll need to mull over.

How much time do I have?

Allow a minimum of three weeks. Any less than that, and I encourage you to focus on only one country.

Five weeks would give you time to see three different areas of Australia without feeling rushed — Sydney, Uluru/Ayers Rock and the Great Barrier Reef  is a popular grouping. Then, you could head over to New Zealand for a ten-day road trip through the South Island’s standout scenery.

When do I want to go?

This question determines where exactly you’ll go, so it needs to be considered upfront. It’s really about coordinating the optimum times to go to different areas of Australia  with the best time to travel to New Zealand .

I speak to many people who are set on cramming their visit into the Austral summer (December to March), to make the most of the Southern Hemisphere’s warmer weather. This works well for New Zealand, but there are a few caveats for Australia.

Anywhere in Australia south of Brisbane  enjoys warm weather and blue skies between December and March. But, this same period coincides with cyclone season in Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef. Visiting over the Christmas period can also rule out Kakadu National Park and the Northern Territory , which gets heavy rainfall at this time of year.

So, if you’re planning to travel between December and March, think about the breadth of what Australia has to offer. The Outback isn’t limited to Australia’s Top End. As long as you’re prepared for the baking sun, you can also experience the Outback in South Australia’s Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park   — a land of clefted sandstone foothills, lonely homesteads, behemoth rock formations and roaming emus.

You can find out more about ‘the Flinders’ (as it’s known) in our guide to South Australia’s landscapes and wildlife . And, as an escape from the Outback’s heat, you could always follow up the Flinders with a few cool glasses of wine in the vineyards of the Clare or Barossa valleys.

If you’re not wedded to a December–March travel period, consider timing your trip for October and November instead. You could catch the tail end of the fine weather in Queensland  in October, before moving on to a springtime Sydney. By the time you reach New Zealand in late October to early November, the days will be getting longer and becoming increasingly warmer.

If you want to see Australia’s Top End at its finest, go between May and September, but bear in mind that you’ll have less daylight in New Zealand at this time of year.

How many flights am I prepared to take?

You have lots of options for flying between and Australia and New Zealand. Flight times are relatively short (it’s three hours from Sydney to Auckland , the same amount of time it takes to fly from Sydney to Uluru).

You’re not restricted to the major gateway cities of Auckland, Sydney, Queenstown and Melbourne , either. You could, say, fly from Christchurch to Perth , combining the South Island’s scenic big hitters with time on the beaches and in the winelands of Western Australia’s Margaret River Region.

When combining Australia and New Zealand, I always try to cut down on empty transit time. This can even make you reconsider how much you want to fit in to your trip: how many days do you really want to spend hanging around airports?

You can also break up your flying. You might fly into Sydney, then swing across to Queenstown to start exploring the South Island, before flying to Melbourne to drive the Great Ocean Road . There’s nothing to say you can’t go to Australia twice.

Nor do you have to use Sydney as your starting point. Fly direct to Cairns from Singapore or Hong Kong. Start with the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, then hop down to Uluru/Ayers Rock, and culminate your Australia leg in Sydney before flying on to New Zealand.

How can I narrow down where I want to go?

This is a tough one — you have to accept you won’t see everything. Start by thinking about each country in isolation and having an honest conversation with yourself about what you really want to see in each.

As I touched on earlier, the beauty of Australia and New Zealand is that despite their proximity, they’re scenically very distinct. In only a matter of weeks, you can go from shaking the dust off your boots in the Outback to strapping on crampons and walking on a glacier.

If you really don’t know where to start with New Zealand, opt for a classic South Island road trip . This is where you’ll find not only alpine panoramas, winelands and fjords, but also year-round whales, dusky dolphins, fur seals and more in Kaikoura .

With Australia, think about its varying ecosystems and which ones particularly appeal to you. The great knuckle-like, rust-red monolith of Uluru exerts a magnetic pull on some; others are less enthralled. The Great Barrier Reef  often sits near the top of many Australia wish lists, but, if you’ve previously visited extensive coral reefs in other parts of the world, you might want to try something new.

When it comes to the cities, I usually argue the case for including Sydney, Melbourne and New Zealand’s capital Wellington . But, in my book, you can skip over Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest city: it shares many of the same characteristics of Sydney (a glittering marina and shiny high-rises). It’s also possible to fly directly from Sydney to Wellington.

However, if you’re an avid birdwatcher, Auckland might come higher up your list. You might, say, be intrigued by the possibility of visiting one of the predator-free island reserves off Auckland’s coast.

If viewing wildlife is important for you, you might wish to spend longer in Australia — New Zealand doesn’t have the standout species nor the zoological variety of Australia.

However, it’s a rewarding destination if you’re especially drawn to marine life or birdlife, as our guide to observing New Zealand’s wildlife explains. There are several places to see the reclusive kiwi, for example, from a hatchery in Rotorua to the untamed Stewart Island in New Zealand’s far south.

Australia also has much to offer beyond its koalas, kangaroos, and other headline species: the Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia is brimming with sea turtles, reef sharks, and in some places, the rare dugong. And, Kangaroo Island in South Australia is worth the extra journey time. Nicknamed the Australian Galapagos, its wildlife (including echidnas, wallabies and koalas) thrives in the island’s unspoiled environment and the guides here are second to none.

You might also think about not duplicating experiences. If you plan to drive the Great Ocean Road, stopping off at its coves and beaches, perhaps you can afford to forget the beaches of New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula.

Instead, think about what can’t be replicated by each country. I’m a fan of the Grampians , a waterfall-sluiced mountain range in Victoria, but they pale into comparison to New Zealand’s Southern Alps or the North Island’s volcanoes.

In short, it’s about combining the best of both places, according to your personal interests.

Finally, try not to do too much. It’s tempting to squeeze as much as you can into a combined Australia and New Zealand trip, but you’ll have a better experience if you’re not just careering around both countries, spending a night here and a night there.

If witnessing the geothermal showground of Rotorua is a priority for you, don’t just limit your experience to one geothermal park. Stay for three days and mountain bike among the spurting fumaroles of Whakarewarewa Forest Park, one of the best places to go cycling in New Zealand . Or, explore the Inferno Crater Lake of the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, which is ringed with a champagne shade of silica terracing.

Similarly, if you’re visiting Uluru, I urge you to escape the crowds thronging Ayers Rock Resort and spend a day visiting Mount Conner, an immense flat-topped monolith set on a private cattle station. It’s the Outback as it was meant to be seen — without another soul in sight. You can find out more about the lure of Mount Conner in our blog about experiences you might not know existed .

Start planning your trip to Australia and New Zealand

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Start thinking about your experience. These itineraries are simply suggestions for how you could enjoy some of the same experiences as our specialists. They’re just for inspiration, because your trip will be created around your particular tastes.

Further reading

• What to do in Australia: our highlights guide
• What to do in New Zealand: our highlights guide
• Self-drive holidays in Australia: beyond the Great Ocean Road
• New Zealand self-drive holidays: 3 great routes
• A world beyond Sydney: 3 road trips around New South Wales

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14 Days Australia and New Zealand

Sample itinerary.

Following is a sample itinerary that can be customized just for you.

14 Days Australia and New Zealand offers a wonderful look at the highlights of these two countries in a manageable timeframe. The adventure begins in the lively metropolitan city of Sydney, Australia, before moving on to Queensland’s Far North for an exploration of the Great Barrier Reef and the Port Douglas area. Fly south to discover the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne before leaving Australia for Queenstown, New Zealand. Enjoy time spent exploring Queenstown and the rugged and beautiful Doubtful Sound before flying to Rotorua, located in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island. Learn about this culturally rich and geothermally active area then travel north via the world famous Waitomo Glow Worm Caves to Auckland, “The City of Sails.”

Trip at a Glance

Day 1: Arrive Sydney, Australia, explore / 2 nights: Sydney

Day 2: Full day to discover Sydney

Day 3: Fly to Cairns, travel to Port Douglas / 3 nights: Port Douglas

Day 4: Full day Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Day 5: Full day to explore Port Douglas

Day 6: Fly to Melbourne, explore / 2 nights: Melbourne

Day 7: Full day to discover Melbourne

Day 8: Leave Australia, fly to Queenstown, New Zealand / 3 nights: Queenstown

Day 9: Full day to explore Queenstown

Day 10: Full day Doubtful Sound Tour

Day 11: Fly to Rotorua, explore / 2 nights: Rotorua

Day 12: Full day Geothermal and Cultural Tour

Day 13: Full day Tour to Auckland via Waitomo Caves / 1 night: Auckland

Day 14: Depart Auckland, return to U.S.A

Trip Highlights

• Explore the metropolitan city of Sydney
• Enjoy a beach day in Port Douglas
• Spend a day exploring the Great Barrier Reef
• Discover the cosmopolitan, foodie city of Melbourne
• Head to New Zealand and explore the beautiful city of Queenstown; partake in the outdoor adventure available in the surrounding area
• Cruise dramatic and breathtaking Doubtful Sound
• Immerse yourself in the Maori culture and stunning geothermal activity of Rotorua
• Explore the famed Waitomo Caves

Day 1 – Arrive in Sydney, Australia, explore

Gidday and welcome to Sydney! This cosmopolitan, travel friendly city is the perfect place to begin your adventure. With beautiful beaches, a magnificent harbor, a location on the doorstep of world-renowned national parks and a flourishing food and wine scene, Sydney is an explorer’s paradise. Spend the afternoon taking in this spectacular city.  2 nights: Sydney.

Day 2 – Full day to discover Sydney

Spend today continuing to explore Sydney, a city brimming with life, action and history. We look forward to working with you to tailor your time in Sydney to best suit your interests.

Day 3 – Fly to Cairns, travel to Port Douglas

This morning you will board a flight for Cairns. An hour’s drive north of Cairns via a spectacular coastal road is the seaside town of Port Douglas. Nestled against the Coral Sea and bordered by rainforest, the Far North region of Queensland offers beautiful white sand beaches, ancient tropical rainforests and prime access to the Great Barrier Reef.  3 nights: Port Douglas.

Day 4 – Full Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Enjoy a full day exploring the incredible natural beauty, diversity, and ecology of the Great Barrier Reef, a World Heritage Site. The world’s largest reef system, the Great Barrier Reef encompasses 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands spanning 2,600 kilometres. The reef supports a spectacularly wide diversity of life and truly is a must see wonder. The day will include a scenic cruise to and from the reef with a number hours spent on the reef itself, with the opportunity to experience the reef from both above and below the surface of the water.

Day 5 – Full day to explore Port Douglas

Enjoy a full day exploring the seaside town of Port Douglas and the surrounding area. Spend a relaxing day at the beach, or consider a guided tour of the beautiful and ancient Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation area. We look forward to working with you to customize your free day in Port Douglas.

Day 6 – Fly to Melbourne, explore

Travel to the lovely, laid back city of Melbourne today. This cosmopolitan city on the banks of the Yarra River is home to a thriving food and wine scene, a rich art culture, and a proud Australian and Aboriginal history and culture. Spend the afternoon exploring Melbourne’s appealing and charismatic neighborhoods, wander her laneways and enjoy her quiet parks.  2 nights: Melbourne.

Day 7 – Full day to discover Melbourne

Spend the day discovering this wonderful city. We look forward to helping you choose activities to make the most of your time in Melbourne.

Day 8 – Leave Australia, fly to Queenstown, New Zealand

This morning you will depart Australia for Queenstown, New Zealand, where the next leg of your adventure awaits. Located in the Central Otago District in the heart of the South Island, Queenstown sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by a beautiful mountain range, appropriately named The Remarkables. Queenstown is known as the Southern Hemisphere’s premier four-season alpine and lake resorts and is the perfect setting for adventurers and leisure seekers alike.  3 nights: Queenstown.

Day 9 – Full day to explore Queenstown

Spend the day today discovering Queenstown and the surrounding area. For thrill seekers, adventure activities are abundant in Queenstown. Those seeking a more relaxed day will enjoy exploring the city and the beautiful surrounding area. We are excited to work with you to find Queenstown activities that best suit your interests.

Day 10 – Full day Doubtful Sound Tour

Depart Queenstown this morning for a full day guided tour of breathtaking Doubtful Sound. Travel by coach to the shores of Lake Manapouri where you will board a boat for a cruise across the lake followed by a coach trip over Wilmot Pass to reach isolated Doubtful Sound. This isolation makes the rugged and wild Sound a very special and untouched wilderness area. This vast and rugged fiord is home to dramatic peaks, verdant rainforest and twisting, hidden inlets. Keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin. Return to Queenstown at the end of the day.

Day 11 – Fly to Rotorua, explore

Board a flight today for Roturua. Located in the heart of the North Island, Rotorua is home to a unique volcanic landscape, abundant natural hot springs and a strong living Maori culture. One of New Zealand’s most loved destinations, the area offers abundant options for outdoor activities and adventure. This city has one of the world’s most lively fields of geothermal activity and sits squarely on the Pacific Rim of Fire. It is also the ancestral home of the Te Arawa people who settled here more then 600 years ago and their presence offers visitors numerous cultural experiences.  2 nights: Rotorua.

Day 12 – Full day Geothermal and Cultural Tour

Enjoy a two-part full day guided tour today focusing on Rotorua’s spectacular geothermal activity and rich cultural history. The morning will be spent experiencing the incredible geothermal activity and stunning volcanic landscapes of the area. In the afternoon visit the Government Gardens and learn about Lake and Mount Tarawera and the stunning 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera at Rotorua’s Buried Village. Finish the day with a relaxing walk in a magnificent Redwood Forest.

Day 13 – Full day Tour to Auckland via the Waitomo Caves

This morning board a coach tour bound for Auckland. Enjoy the journey through rich farmland and learn about the history and geology of this beautiful landscape as you travel through it. Stop at the world famous Waitomo Glow Work Caves to experience a guided tour through the long galleries and lofty chambers of the caves to view stalactites formed over thousands of years. Be amazed by the natural light display as you travel beneath the lights of thousands of glow worms suspended from the cave ceilings. On completion of your tour continue on to Auckland.

Auckland is the largest and most populous city in the country, with 31 percent of the country’s population. Auckland has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world and the melting pot of European, South Pacific and Asian cultures and strong indigenous Maori heritage brings an abundance of experiences for travelers. Auckland’s waterside location has fostered the locals’ love affair with the sea, earning it the name “City of Sails.” 1 night: Auckland.

Day 14 – Explore Auckland, return to the U.S.A this evening

Enjoy the early part of the day exploring Auckland.  Let us assist you in choosing the right activities to maximize your day in the city.  This evening your Australia and New Zealand adventure will come to an end as you depart Auckland bound for the U.S.A.

Following is a sample of accommodation options. Uniquely New Zealand has many hidden treasures in addition to these to share with you.

Park Hyatt – Positioned on the beautiful Sydney Harbor, Park Hyatt Sydney offers a luxury accommodation experience with views of both the Sydney Opera House and the Harbor Bridge. The hotel boasts 24-hour butler service, a day spa with rooftop pool and sundeck, two excellent restaurants, a bar and a gallery featuring commissioned art from renowned artists. 155 guest rooms and suites are available.

Four Seasons Hotel– The luxurious Four Seasons Sydney is located on the footsteps of Sydney’s iconic Harbor Bridge and Opera House and near the city’s vibrant shopping and business centers. Club rooms, guest rooms, and suites are available, all with stunning views. Enjoy the stunning outdoor pool, spa services, and fine dining in one of the hotel’s two restaurants and bar.  See image.

Amora Jamison – In the heart of the city, the award winning hotel, Amora Jamison combines space, style and warmth, with 415 stylish guest rooms ranging from Deluxe King Rooms to Jamison Club Suites, most overlooking the harbour and city below. A good night’s sleep is the key to a great stay and at Amora where the beds are renowned for their comfort. The warm and earthy tones are accentuated by lovely furnishings, and enhanced by extensive in-room amenities, marble bathrooms and the latest in-room entertainment options ranging from Internet access and computer game consoles.

Adina Apartment Hotel, Sydney Harborside – Well situated on King Street Wharf by Darling Harbor, Adina Apartment Hotel offers an excellent harborside experience. The hotel is just a short walk from some of Sydney’s main attractions including Madame Tussauds, Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, the Sydney Zoo, the Sydney Harbor and the Central Business District. Stay in one of 114 well-appointed one bedroom apartments, two bedroom interconnecting apartments or studio rooms. Adina is well suited to families and features a heated swimming pool as well as an onsite restaurant and bar.

Port Douglas

Peninsula Boutique Hotel – This adult only Port Douglas luxury accommodation offers a boutique style hotel experience, enjoying a beachside location overlooking Four Mile Beach and the ocean beyond. The hotel offers 34 modern, one bedroom beachfront apartments complete with kitchenette. Guests enjoy private balconies and an assortment of heated pools. In house dining is available in the hotel’s licensed restaurant.  See image.

  Martinique on Macrossan – The Martinique is set in a quiet location right on the main street of Port Douglas, just a short walk to Four Mile Beach and all of the shops, restaurants and action that Port Douglas has to offer. The hotel offers 19 modern, one bedroom apartments with private balconies and kitchenettes. A heated salt water swimming pool is available for guest use. No children under age 16.

Silky Oaks Lodge – Silky Oaks Lodge is one of Australia’s premier luxury eco lodges located a short 15 minute drive from Port Douglas. Spectacularly situated on the Mossman Gorge, Silky Oakes offers accommodation in a number of unique treehouse suites set above the gorge. Dining highlighting fresh, local produce is available in several on site restaurants and the lodge’s spa offers an array of relaxing body treatments.

Langham Hotel – The Langham, situated on Melbourne’s Southbank Promenade, offers sweeping vistas of the Yarra River and Melbourne skyline. The hotel offers a range of guest rooms, club rooms and suites in addition to the option of the hotel apartment and the hotel presidential suite. Guests can expect exciting epicurean adventures in the hotel’s interactive restaurant and the opportunity to pamper themselves in the hotel’s award winning day spa and beautiful indoor pool.  See image.

Lyall Hotel – The Lyall is a luxury Melbourne Hotel offering spacious suite accommodation in South Yarra. The Lyall offers 40 suites of contemporary design that range in size, each with its own private terrace. Bistro Lyall provides an elegant yet relaxed setting in which to dine. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner inside or al fresco on the terrace. Enjoy a visit to the Lyall Champagne Bar and experience a service from the in house spa during your stay.

Alto Hotel on Bourke – Alto Hotel on Bourke is an environmentally rated boutique apartment hotel in Melbourne’s Central Business District. The hotel is located within easy walking distance to public transportation and many of the city’s highlights. The Alto offers a range of accommodation options, from guest rooms to studio, one, two, and three bedroom apartments. Apartments are outfitted with fully equipped kitchens and the ground floor of the hotel houses a cozy lounge.

New Zealand

Matakauri Lodge – Matakauri Lodge is an alpine lakeside retreat situated on Lake Wakatipu and only seven minutes from Queenstown. The main lodge offers accommodation in twelve luxurious guest rooms and suites; four suites are located within the main lodge with the remaining suites located in outlying cottages overlooking the lake. Each suite offers a private porch and open fireplace. The Owner’s Cottage features four suites in a freestanding residence – it is ideal for families, couples or friends travelling together. Enjoy fine dining on site, a dip in the infinity pool, and a luxury spa experience.

Queenstown Country Lodge – Queenstown Country Lodge is located in New Zealand’s Southern Lakes region, a rural setting close to Queenstown. The Lodge is set on 11 acres of secluded gardens and farmland and surrounded by mountains. Accommodation is available in 5 beautifully appointed guest rooms with pastoral views. Enjoy meals at the lodge and easy access to the area’s highlights.   See image.

The Dairy Hotel – This private luxury hotel is a quiet escape located in the center of Queenstown. Situated just a one minute walk from the Queenstown town center, The Dairy greets guests with an open fire in the communal lounge, an outdoor spa, delicious cooked breakfasts and home made afternoon teas. 13 guest rooms are available, each with a different view of Queenstown and the surrounding area.

The Glebe – The Glebe offers luxurious apartments and penthouse suites in a downtown Queenstown location. Choose from a variety of accommodation options, including one, two, three, and four bedroom apartments. The eight Penthouse Suites are spacious and luxurious, many featuring balconies and sunny terraces with views over the lake and village.

Treetops Lodge – Treetops Lodge offers the ultimate in luxury accommodations nestled in 2,500 acres of 800 year old native forest. Accommodations are available in two private and secluded villas, the spacious Lodge accommodation, the lavish and private Owners Retreat, and the luxury boutique Pheasant Cottage. Treetops is a family friendly retreat offering a range of outdoor, spa, and dining experiences.

  Black Swan – The Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel & Spa offers luxury accommodation on the edge of Lake Rotorua in a garden setting. The eight luxurious rooms are beautifully appointed with lake and garden views. Enjoy fine dining on site with a Pacific Fusion theme.  See image.

  Regent of Rotorua – This boutique hotel offers stylish accommodation in Rotorua with a restaurant and bar on site. Accommodation options include a range of guest rooms, studio rooms, boutique suites and two bedroom suites (which work well for families). Enjoy an outdoor heated swimming pool, thermal mineral pool and spa.

Langham – Situated near upper Queen Street, this classic hotel is located within walking distance of the city’s waterfront, the Auckland Domain and other key attractions. The hotel’s 411 guest rooms, suites and club rooms offer luxurious accommodation and the hotel spa provides a full range of services. Enjoy meals in one of the hotel’s two on site restaurants.

Hotel De Brett – Hotel DeBrett’s iconic building has been stylishly reinterpreted into a 25-room luxury boutique hotel. Every room is individually designed and complemented with eclectic furniture and New Zealand art and photography. At street level the colorful Cornerbar places an emphasis on local craft beers and boutique wines.

Heritage – Set within one of the city’s most recognizable historic landmark buildings, the Heritage offers a luxury hotel experience with a range of accommodation types available including one and two bedroom suites. Hectors Restaurant, located in the hotel’s dramatic seven-story atrium, offers a locally sourced menu. Guests enjoy use of the hotel’s beautiful rooftop swimming pool.  See image.

14 Days Australia and New Zealand 

Following are guided touring suggestions that would work with your 14 Days Australia and New Zealand itinerary on days when activities have not yet been suggested. These options can be private, small group or large group. For a more personalized experience we suggest at least a small group tour, which are usually 12 or fewer people. Some touring options are half day and many require a full day.

Sydney, Australia

Sights of Sydney Introductory Tour – This half-day private touring experience has guests travelling around the harbor city in a vintage Australian car – a 1964 EH Holden. Discover the “off the beaten path” areas of Sydney that locals love to visit. This tour is led by a passionate Sydney local who will show you the city’s, beach, bushland and shore. Hear insider tips and tales about this stunning harborside city.

Sydney Harbor Cruise –Treat yourself to a Sydney Harbor lunch cruise on board a 52-foot power boat. Your captain and host will recount Sydney’s rich history and share stories of Sydney Harbor as you take in views of the city, Sydney Harbor Bridge, and the Sydney Opera House. Enjoy a BBQ lunch with regional wines and beers while you relax on deck and take in the beautiful surroundings.

Climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge – The Bridge Climb is an iconic Sydney attraction. Enjoy a guided journey to the top of the Sydney Harbor bridge, travelling along the outer arch of the Bridge on catwalks and ladders all the way to the summit, 134 meters above Sydney Harbor. A half day tour, the Bridge Climb can be undertaken either during daylight hours or at twilight, for a truly unique experience.

Guided Bike Tour with Bonza, Sydney – This half-day sightseeing tour of Sydney with morning and afternoon departures introduces visitors to Sydney’s highlights by bike. See the city’s sights and some of her hidden gems, while expert guides ensure that you get the most out of your Sydney experience. Stop for a quick drink at a warm friendly pub at the halfway point before continuing on to take in all of Sydney’s stunning sights.

Guided Rocks Walking Tour, Sydney – The Rocks Village holds a unique place in Sydney’s colonial history – on this rocky peninsula in 1788 a fleet of British ships moored in Sydney cove. The ships carried a human cargo of convict exiles doomed to live out their prison terms in this alien land. Today the Rocks Village has retained its unique heritage qualities nestled as it is beneath Sydney’s Harbor Bridge. This guided walking tour allows visitors to experience the Rocks living history with a team of friendly and enthusiastic guides.

VIP Pass for Taronga Zoo, Sydney – Enjoy a fully escorted, behind the scenes tour of Taronga Zoo’s unique Australian animal collection in a small and personalized group. Get “up close and personal” with hand-raised native animals at Taronga’s Education Center and learn about the local wildlife. The tour includes a round trip ride on the Sky Safari cable car where visitors will discover way Taronga is known as “the Zoo with a View.”

Visit the Iconic Sydney Opera House – Take a look inside one of the world’s most recognizable structures and experience this piece of architecture and engineering with a knowledgeable and experienced guide. The Opera House is a work of art that came into existence against strong odds to become one of the busiest performing arts centers in the world. Learn the engrossing story and history of this Sydney icon where live performances take place every day.

Boutique Wildlife Tour, Sydney – Just 90 minutes south of the city is the pristine bushland of the Southern Highlands. This afternoon and evening tour takes guests to this beautiful native bushland in search of the animals that make Australia so unique. Small, personalized groups travel in luxury 4WD vehicles to the Southern Highlands and, with the help of knowledgeable and passionate Naturalist Guides, search for kangaroos, koalas, wombats, emus, possums and more.

Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef Snorkel and Coral Viewing, Port Douglas – Enjoy the thrill of a beautiful and exhilarating Great Barrier Reef Cruise. Half or full day cruises allow you to soak up the peace and tranquility of this idyllic setting. Enjoy an unforgettable snorkeling experience in either the Outer Reef or the protected coral cay of Low Isles, which is closer to Port Douglas. Learn about the living entity that is the Great Barrier Reef from knowledgeable guides. Relax on a sunny, sandy beach in the Low Isles, join the guided snorkel tour, lounge on deck or take a trip in a glass bottom boat. All snorkeling gear and snorkeling instruction included.

Scuba Dive the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas – Experience some of the best diving in the world in the clear outer reef water of the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs, northeast of Port Douglas and on the very outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Fantastic diving experiences are available for both the seasoned and novice diver.   Certified divers can enjoy up to 3 dives on a day dive excursion, including drift and wall dives while. However, no experience is required to enjoy the thrill of scuba diving under the safe control and supervision of highly qualified instructors. With a wide variety of spectacular dive sites available, each day the best three sites of the day are chosen according to weather and tidal conditions. All dives are guided with a pre-dive briefing on the sites, equipment, and safety procedures.

Port Douglas, Australia

Daintree Forest / Cape Tribulation Tour, Port Douglas – Escape the crowds and experience a true 4WD Daintree Wilderness Adventure on this full day tour of the oldest continuous rainforest on the planet.  The day begins with a Wildlife Cruise on the Daintree River and stunning scenery. Observe native and migratory bird life and butterflies and immerse yourself in some of the world’s most pristine rainforest. Swim in a crystal clear rainforest stream before embarking on an interpretive guided walk in the heart of the Daintree Forest. The complexity and diversity of this unique forest is immense.

Jungle Surf the Daintree Rainforest, Port Douglas – Travel deep into the heart of the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest continuous rainforest on the planet. Those with an adventurous spirit will have the opportunity to partake in a Jungle Surfing experience through the canopy of the rainforest, zipping along above the forest floor. Enjoy a wildlife spotting cruise on the return journey, spotting crocs, snakes and eagles while learning more about this beautiful and historic part of Australia.

Sea Kayak from Port Douglas – Explore one of Tropical North Queensland’s most unspoiled and uncrowded coastal environments via a safe and fun sit-on-top guided kayak tour out of Port Douglas. This reef and island area is home to a vast array of wild life – look down through the clear water to see inquisitive sea turtles and colorful fish. Tours include a safety briefing and instruction session.

Aboriginal Culture Walk in Daintree Rainforest, Port Douglas – This fascinating and exclusive full day tour of the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation explores a pristine world heritage rainforest area while providing great insight into the area’s Aboriginal culture, tradition and heritage as well as the distinct ecosystems of the area. Learn how to hunt for local seafood and about the medicinal purposes of native plants. Guests are welcomed with a traditional “smoking” ceremony. This ceremony is conducted by Aboriginal people with specialized cultural knowledge.

Chillagoe Caves & Outback Day Tour, Port Douglas  – Enjoy a full day spent exploring the ancient Chillagoe Caves and experience Australia’s spectacular Outback landscape. Begin the day with a 4WD adventure, ascending the McAllister Ranges before heading west over dirt tracks, keeping an eye out for the area’s wildlife including myriad bush birds, kangaroos and frilled neck lizards. At Mareeba Wetlands enjoy morning tea and a boat cruise as you learn about this fragile ecosystem with its diverse water birds and the Rare Gouldian Finch breeding program. Travel on to the Australian Outback, taking in wallabies, emus and other wildlife along the way. Pass through historic towns and rich rolling hills before arriving at Chillagoe Township. Learn about the history of the region’s copper smelters and enjoy an Outback Pub lunch before commencing the renowned Chillagoe Cave Tour. Explore the limestone labyrinths that are the fossilized remains of ancient coral reefs, created some 400-420 million years ago. Enjoy an afternoon refreshment at Mt Uncle Distillery on your way back to the east coast.

Melbourne, Australia

Hidden Secrets, Melbourne – Enjoy a guided walk with local guides (with morning, afternoon and evening departure options) through Melbourne’s beautiful lanes and arcades. You will discover local designers and specialty retailers, many of whom are only found in the city. A recount of Melbourne’s captivating history and an introduction to her amazing architecture will inspire locals and visitors alike. Morning walks focus on exploring Melbourne’s lanes and arcades while afternoon walks have a special emphasis on Melbourne’s unique architecture. Evening walks pay special attention to Melbourne’s food culture, making stops at a number of restaurants to sample local food and wine.

Melbourne Bike Tour – Get your bearings in this cosmopolitan city while you explore by bike, allowing you to see more in a few hours than many visitors manage to see in days. With a local expert, take in Melbourne’s trendiest streets, parks, shops, cafes, hidden laneways and multicultural neighborhoods. You don’t need to be a frequent or strong cyclist – this is a sightseeing tour requiring some riding with frequent stops to chat and explore.

Extraordinary Wildlife Experience, Melbourne – Experience a full day spent viewing and interacting with wild koalas and kangaroos (and more!) in their natural habitats on this small group eco-tour, led by an experienced wildlife guide. On your tour, located within easy reach of the city, also keep an eye out for parrots, fairy-wrens, emus, honeyeaters, possums, wallabies and lizards, which your wildlife guide will help you find and understand.

Philip Island Penguin Tour, Melbourne – Recognized as a world leader for environmental conservation, Philip Island’s sandy and rocky shorelines teem with wildlife. The northern side of the island is home to a variety of birdlife while the south side is home to pristine sandy beaches. Visit the Koala Conservation Center, stop to see the Nobbies rock formations overlooking the infamous Ball Strait, and finally take in the evening parade of Little Penguins, returning home for the night. Large coach and small group tours are available, departing Melbourne in both the morning and afternoon and returning late in the evening.

Yarra Valley Wine Tour, Melbourne – One of Australia’s leading wine making areas, the Yarra Valley is a short drive from Melbourne, making it an ideal place to visit in a day. The wines of the Yarra Valley are dominated by Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Merlot in the red varieties and Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc in the white varieties. Tours to the Yarra Valley wine region can be done in a half-day or full day group tour or with a private guide at a time that suits.

Great Ocean Road Tour, Melbourne – Recognized as one of the most beautiful drives in the world, the Great Ocean Road stretches 550 km along the southern coast of Victoria – this full day tour will provide a wonderful introduction to this wild area of Australia. Travel its highlights and you will discover some of the Australia’s most inspiring scenery. Discover seaside villages and beautiful beaches before heading inland through towering forests towards Port Campbell National Park to experience the unique sea stack sculptures of the Twelve Apostles. Throughout the course of the day see koalas and other unique Australian wildlife in their natural habitat.

Queenstown, New Zealand

Dart River Wilderness Safaris, Queenstown – This tour takes visitors on an exhilarating 1 ½ hour jet boat journey through the Dart River’s braided river system – taking in the dramatic scenery of snow capped mountains, ancient native forest, waterfalls and glacial valleys. Your safari includes an easy 30-minute guided trail walk where you will encounter ancient native beech forests and unique flora and fauna. Journey by 4WD coach via a scenic back-road route and stop to view scenery that has formed the epic backdrop for many international films, including Lord of the Rings.

Paradise Tour, Queenstown – This personal small group tour takes you through the spectacular Paradise Valley with opportunities to take short walks in this impressive landscape. The mountain views are outstanding as you travel around the edge of Lake Wakatipu – find out why this tour is called the “Queensland Lord of the Rings Tour.” Visit Dart River Valley in Paradise, the ultimate photography location. In the afternoon visit a High Country Station – a true New Zealand experience on a 15000 acre organic sheep and cattle farm. Visitors have the option to experience a jet boat ride returning to Queenstown.

High Country Discovery Tour, Queenstown – This half-day 4WD tour provides exclusive access to Mt Earnshaw Station, a 130-year-old working farm set in the spectacular alpine environment of the Paradise Valley. See sheep being shorn at an operational woolshed before moving on to view a number of Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movie locations. A visit to Glenorchy village, established in 1864, completes this tour.

Routeburn Track One-Day Guided Hike, Queenstown – Hike a portion of the world famous Routeburn Track set among towering ancient beech trees and blankets of moss and fern. This portion of the track climbs gradually, skirting the thundering Routeburn River, before arriving at the rich grassland of Routeburn Flats, then continues through more alpine forest and a vast alpine meadow to the Harris Saddle, some 1300 metres above sea level. High up in the clear mountain air a 360-degree view looks out along the Hollyford Valley to the Tasman Sea.

Wine Touring, Queenstown – Enjoy full or half day guided wine tours from Queenstown, with great scenery, gourmet food and the finest wine. Visit quieter parts of Central Otago and immerse yourself in the culture of wine, food and beautiful open spaces that people so often miss on a short visit to Queenstown. The principal varieties are Pinot Noir, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, all producing excellent and award winning wines.

4wd Photograph Safari, Queenstown – Join award-winning photographers for an unforgettable photographic experience of some of the most amazing scenery in the world.   They’ve scouted out the best “off the beaten track” landscape photography locations and have created four incredible 4WD photo safaris suitable for all levels of photography. From a half-day photographing the lush Paradise Valley (a film maker’s favorite) to a full day in the rugged Nevis Valley, your guides will take you to the best locations at the best time of day and provide expert tuition to help you capture incredible images whilst there.

Queenstown Scenic Flights – New Zealand is a land of spectacular contrasts, and Queenstown’s landscape changes from the woven greens and golds of the plains to jagged, snow-capped Alps in just minutes. There are a wide variety of flights to provide insight into this spectacular region. Fly in the latest helicopters available, with interpretive excursions that incorporate Queenstown, Milford Sound and the Fiords of southern New Zealand.

AJ Hackett Bungy, Queenstown – The world’s first commercial bungy jump opened at the Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown in 1988. Twenty-eight people that day paid to leap off the 43 metre bridge with a bungy cord attached to their ankles. Now, just over 500,000 people from all around the world have jumped from the four sites AJ Hackett Bungy operates around Queenstown. The latest bungy site, Nevis Highwire opened in July 1999 and is the highest jump in New Zealand.

Queenstown Combos – These combos range from sightseeing outdoor experiences to total ’full on’ adventure packages and give you far better value than individually purchased trips.

Kawarau River Combos – the mighty Kawarau River is a great place to get an introduction to adventure, Queenstown style. From options of jetboating to rafting to a gondola ride, the Kawarau Combos are a great option for everybody.

Shotover River Combos – Get familiar with the Shotover River. Set amongst the rugged beauty and unspoiled grandeur of Skippers Canyon, this river is famous for its gold and adventure. Options range from jetboating, rafting and canyon swings to Gondola ride.

Fly Fishing, Queenstown – Access pristine, out of the way fishing grounds via power boat, 4WD vehicles and helicopter for wilderness fly fishing. The Queenstown area offers some of the world’s best dry-fly fishing in unbelievable clear water, which is habitat for brown and rainbow trout. The prime fly fishing season is October through May with spin and troll fishing available in the lakes all year.

7 Best Australia & New Zealand Itineraries

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Fitzroy Island, Australia

From the rugged Outback and iconic Uluru to the vibrant Great Barrier Reef, the dramatic fjords of Milford Sound, and rich Māori traditions, our best Australia and New Zealand itineraries offer an incredible array of natural wonders, indigenous cultures, and unique experiences for you to enjoy.

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a culture vulture, a wildlife aficionado, or a discerning traveler seeking luxury and adventure, our tours are carefully crafted to a wide range of interests and personalized to connect to your specific preferences.

Find inspiration for your epic journey, which will unveil the mesmerizing color changes of Uluru, the vibrant marine life of the Great Barrier Reef, or the rich indigenous heritage for which these countries are known.

1. Oceania Trip of a Lifetime: Best Australia & New Zealand Tour

2. epic highlights tour of australia & new zealand, 3. an intimate wildlife tour of australia & new zealand, 4. photography expedition tour to australia & new zealand, 5. a romantic getaway tour to new zealand & australia, 6. new zealand & australia tour for families with teenagers, 7. an eclectic australia & new zealand tour: nature, culture, & gastronomy, plan your australia & new zealand trip with a destination expert.

Photo © Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree

Length: 22 Days

Places Visited: Sydney, Melbourne, Kata Tjuta, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Daintree National Rainforest, Port Douglas, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef, Christchurch, Rotorua, Auckland, Waiheke Island, Waitomo

Why we recommend this sample itinerary:

On our Oceania Trip of a Lifetime: Best Australia and New Zealand Tour , you will be treated to an unparalleled luxury experience that showcases the diverse natural wonders and rich cultural heritage of Australia and New Zealand.

Whether a discerning traveler looking for an immersive and comprehensive experience of natural wonders or eager to take part in rich cultural heritage, you can witness mesmerizing Uluru, snorkel the vibrant Great Barrier Reef, or enjoy Australia's iconic Outback and tropical landscapes. In New Zealand, behold the spectacular scenery of Milford Sound's fjords, take a helicopter tour over Franz Josef Glacier, and walk through ancient rainforests to learn about Māori traditions.

Expert Tips for Discerning Travelers

The Three Sisters rock formation in Blue Mountains National Park, Australia

Length: 20 Days

Places Visited: Sydney, Uluru (Ayers Rock) & Kata, Cairns, Port Douglas, Melbourne, Phillip Island, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Rotorua, Waitomo, Auckland, Waiheke Island

The Epic Highlights Tour of Australia and New Zealand will propel you into stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. In Australia, witness mystical Uluru, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, and learn about Aboriginal Dreamtime legends, while New Zealand promises to wow you with Milford Sound’s dramatic scenery, a helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier, and opportunities to connect with Māori traditions.

Embark on a luxurious adventure with cultural experiences and stunning natural scenery as you explore the breathtaking outdoors coupled with exclusive accommodations and unforgettable experiences, from sailing Sydney Harbour to enjoying an effortless journey through massive caves. Revel in immersive cultural encounters and up-close adventures in striking natural wonderlands.

Length: 18 Days

Places Visited: Melbourne, Kangaroo Island, Uluru, Cairns, Auckland, Wellington, Kaikoura, Stewart Island

An Intimate Wildlife Tour of Australia and New Zealand provides passionate wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventurous travelers with the opportunity to experience incredible wildlife. Get up close with kangaroos and koalas on Kangaroo Island, snorkel the colorful Great Barrier Reef, take a hot-air balloon ride over Uluru, and spot rare kiwis on Stewart Island.

From the Outback to lush rainforests and marine wonderlands, you will be immersed in diverse landscapes with expert naturalist guides as you uncover the South Pacific’s remarkable natural treasures.

Photographers capturing sunrise on the North Narrabeen coast near Sydney, Australia

Length: 13 Days

Places Visited: Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Sydney, Blue Mountains, Melbourne, Uluru

Whether you are an avid photographer or a hobbyist, our meticulously crafted Photography Expedition Tour to Australia and New Zealand will take you on a dream journey through stunning landscapes and iconic sights. From the whimsical Hobbiton movie set to dramatic Milford Sound, remarkable scenes lie primed for the lens.

Balancing natural wonders like the mystic Blue Mountains and Uluru at sunrise with urban gems such as a Sydney Harbour cruise and bridge climb, the itinerary is curated to maximize lighting and perspectives so you can check off wish-list photography locales while savoring immersive cultural experiences.

Couple at Milford Sound in New Zealand

Length: 17 Days

Places Visited: Bay of Islands, Napier, Queenstown, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Sydney, Fraser Island, Melbourne, Hawke’s Bay

A Romantic Getaway Tour to New Zealand and Australia will plunge you into stunning natural landscapes and iconic experiences. As a couple, you will savor luxurious privacy sailing the azure waters of the Bay of Islands on a private yacht, helicoptering over jaw-dropping alpine vistas, and staying in a beachfront villa on Fraser Island.

Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge and cruise misty Milford Sound with opportunities to intimately connect. Adding to the romance are indulgent treats like a wine tour through Hawke's Bay vineyards and a sunset flight over the sacred Uluru monolith.

Melbourne, Australia

Length: 16 Days

Places Visited: Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Greymouth, Wanaka, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Sydney, Melbourne

For an epic multi-generational adventure across the breathtaking landscapes of Australia and New Zealand, take a look at our New Zealand and Australia Tour for Families with Teenagers . The itinerary blends experiences like walking on the Franz Josef Glacier, cruising through mystic Milford Sound, and climbing the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Connect with your loved ones as you explore glowworm caves, learn about traditional Māori culture, and discover locations from famous movies.

Covering the highlights of both countries, this tour will enable you to maximize your time creating unforgettable memories amidst the South Pacific's striking natural scenery, wildlife, and culture.

The Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia

Places Visited: Melbourne, Daintree National Park, Sydney, Blenheim, Queenstown, Rotorua, Auckland, Uluru

Immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes, cultures, and experiences of the two countries with our An Eclectic Australia and New Zealand Tour: Nature, Culture, and Gastronomy as it blends iconic sights with off-the-beaten-path adventures for an enriching, multifaceted travel experience.

From the vibrant cities of Melbourne and Sydney to the otherworldly beauty of Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, as well as the breathtaking fjords of Fiordland National Park and the rich Māori culture in New Zealand, you will experience a wide range of natural wonders and cultural highlights. Hot-air balloon over the Atherton Tablelands, whale watch in Kaikoura, and wine taste in renowned regions like Marlborough and Waiheke Island.

Vineyard in the Marlborough region of New Zealand's South island

No matter your interests or travel style, our Australia and New Zealand itineraries offer the perfect blend of breathtaking natural scenery, immersive cultural experiences, and luxurious comfort.

From witnessing Uluru's mystical color changes and snorkeling the vibrant Great Barrier Reef to the intimate tranquility of cruising through Milford Sound's misty fjords, each journey promises to leave you spellbound by the region's staggering beauty and rich heritage.

As you plan your trip, find more inspiration in our Australia and New Zealand travel guide or explore greater possibilities with more Australia and New Zealand Tours .

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Australia or New Zealand: Which Should You Visit?

Last updated on March 7th, 2024 at 12:42 pm

Australia and New Zealand are both fantastic Oceania countries. Time permitting, it’s a solid plan to visit both nations on the same trip given their close proximity. But for many people, limited time or budgetary constraints may force a choice. Both countries offer excellent getaways, so the Australia or New Zealand debate comes down to your personal interests and preferences.

Upon careful comparison, one is likely better suited over the other for your trip. I’ll break down specific comparisons between Australia and New Zealand in various categories like city getaways, culture, wildlife, landscapes and wineries. This should make the decision of which to choose easier for you!

Bell is originally from Australia, and I spent a year living there (We got married at the Melbourne courthouse nearly 20 years ago!). I’ve subsequently made five separate visits to Australia since residing there, returning on average every 3-4 years, including a recent 2023 trip. I previously wrote this in-depth article on great tips for planning a trip to Australia .

During my recent trip, I included a visit to New Zealand afterwards, which had been on my bucket list. The previous time I traveled to Australia in 2019, I combined Japan and covered a 12 day Japan itinerary including Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone/Mt. Fuji and Osaka- which has become a popular article on this website. There are indeed some interesting contrasts between New Zealand and Australia beyond subtle accent differences. Let’s break it down by category!

Australia or New Zealand: A Quick Comparison

In a nutshell, Australia wins for lovers of city getaways as both Sydney and Melbourne are bigger than New Zealand’s largest city of Auckland. New Zealand wins for landscapes, with higher mountains compared to Australia.

Australia wins for wildlife, with more diversity compared to New Zealand. However, that also has pros and cons since New Zealand does not have poisonous snakes.

New Zealand wins for culture in my opinion. Maori culture is more incorporated into everyday New Zealand life compared to Aboriginal culture in Australia – in many places, particularly big cities.

Here’s a more in depth breakdown of these differences, to help you plan your vacation to Australia or New Zealand!

Big City Lovers: Australia wins

Australia is home to around 25 million people. It’s a highly urbanized country with around 60% of its population living in its four largest cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane. Just over 5 million people reside in New Zealand. Nearly 5 million residents call Sydney and Melbourne home, meaning each city houses almost the entire population of New Zealand.

Auckland, New Zealand is the fifth largest city in Oceania after Australia’s four biggest cities

Home to 1.7 million people, Auckland is the only city with more than 1 million people in New Zealand. Wellington, the nation’s capital, is the second largest city, and is home to around 542,000 people. From sports to concerts and general entertainment, dining and nightlife, there are fewer options in New Zealand compared to Australia. Albeit, Auckland is a lovely city with great restaurants, bars, museums, nightlife and a scenic waterfront.

Sydney, Australia

Sydney, Australia is considered by many to be one of the world’s most beautiful cities. The Sydney Opera House is one of the most iconic structures in the southern hemisphere, and a magnificent showpiece of Sydney Harbor. The Sydney area is also home to world class beaches, like Bondi Beach, Manley Beach and Coogee Beach. I wrote this article on great Sydney pubs and restaurants to visit.

Melbourne, Australia

Australia’s second-largest city rests along the Yarra River of Victoria. Melburnians are proud of being the sports and arts capital of Australia. Melbourne is home to the Australia Open every January, one of the four tennis grand slam tournaments. The Australian Grand Prix Formula One race takes place in Melbourne each March. It also hosts Australia’s most important horse race each November, the Melbourne Cup – which is the Kentucky Derby of the nation. The Melbourne Cricket Ground seats over 100,000 and is the largest stadium in the southern hemisphere, playing host to the Australian Football Grand Final every September. Here’s great things to do in Melbourne from sports to arts.

Diversity of Culture: New Zealand wins

This one is debatable because it can depend on where you travel in New Zealand or Australia. While Australia does have diversity in its cities, 90% of the population of the nation is of European white origin. The Australian government recently held an Australian Indigenous Voice referendum, for the First Nation Aboriginal people to have a constitutionalized greater say in the country’s parliament. Unfortunately, the majority of Australians voted against “the Voice” constitutional referendum in a recent nationwide election in October 2023, so it did not pass.

Native Maori are more incorporated in New Zealand’s Culture Compared to Australia

In New Zealand, a “Voice” is a reality for native Maori people. All signs and announcements in New Zealand are in both English and Maori. Simply put, the Maori are more a part of New Zealand’s culture than Aboriginals are in mainstream day-to-day Australian life. I noticed this immediately upon arrival at Auckland International Airport. This is not to say that all the colonized issues have been sorted out.

Australian cities like Melbourne and Sydney have diverse populations from around the world, like smaller (and cleaner) versions of New York City. This contributes to fantastic diversity in restaurants and entertainment. Auckland is similarly diverse, like a smaller version of Sydney and Melbourne. You can find just about any global cuisine in these cities.

For those that think Australia and New Zealands cultures are the same, with different accents, visitors to both will notice that simply is not the case. New Zealand is also more socially left compared to Australia, similarly to how Canada is more left compared to the United States.

New Zealand is only around a 3 and 1/2 hour flight from east coast Australian cities. Australians enjoy visiting New Zealand, and visa versa. This also makes combining the two nations possible if you have time. Hawaiian Airlines has direct flights between Sydney and Honolulu, and Auckland and Honolulu, which I recently flew. Speaking of diverse destinations, read my article on ways to save money on a Hawaii vacation .

Abundance of Wildlife: Australia wins

Australia is home to diverse native wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, emus, wombats, wallabies, dingos, echidnas and platypus. Indigenous Australian bird species include magpies, galahs, kookaburra, Rainbow lorikeets, Sulphur-crested cockatoos, Australian king parrots, frogmouths and honeyeaters.

Kangaroos are ubiquitous in Australia, similar to deer in the United States. I’ve encountered kangaroos on golf courses not far outside Melbourne. We recently saw many kangaroos in the majestic Grampians National Park in Victoria. Koalas are more difficult to see in the wild, but you can often see them at Australian wildlife preserves, which are typically well run.

Australia is a wonderful destination for bird watching. Pink galahs are a beautiful bird frequently seen in Australian parks and even towns and cities. Kookaburra are another cool bird, but don’t let their cute stocky looks fool you. We recently witnessed a Kookaburra swoop in to steal a meat pie right out of the hands of an older lady who was sitting on a picnic table in the Grampians National Park .

New Zealand has less native wildlife compared to Australia. But that also means there are fewer predators and poisonous species in New Zealand. New Zealand is not known to have snakes or any other large land predators, aside from humans. The iconic Kiwi bird is the most famous indigenous New Zealand species. Kiwis are so beloved that Kiwi is also the nickname for New Zealanders.

Magnificent Landscapes: New Zealand wins

There are many good reasons Lord of the Rings was filmed in New Zealand. Visitors to the North Island can even visit the charming Hobbiton Movie set tour. Tongariro National Park features seemingly otherworldly topography, making it the idyllic spot for “Mount Doom.” In reality, visitors can ski and hike atop active Ruapehu Volcano, among three active volcanoes.

New Zealand’s South Island (Te Waipounamu) is especially spectacular, famous for its mountains, lakes and glaciers. A significant highlight of the Southern Alps is Fiordland National Park, featuring steep-sided Milford Sound. Abel Tasman National Park is popular for ocean kayaking, hiking trails and its golden beaches.

The Southern Alps line the length of the South Island and are home to Aoraki (Mt. Cook). At 12,218 feet, Aoraki is the tallest mountain in New Zealand. That’s nearly 5,000 feet higher than the tallest peak in Australia, which is Mount Kosciuszko at 7,310 feet (2,228 meters) tall.

Visitors can fly into Queenstown and base themselves there. It’s a short drive to Fiordland National Park, which can be explored by rental car or taking a tour. Queenstown is also popular for adventure sports like bungee jumping and skiing.

Australian Landscape Highlights

Australia is a huge country, with a bounty of fantastic natural wonders gracing its coasts, hinterland, outback and national parks. Uluru (Ayer’s Rock) is a magnificent monolith sandstone located in the Northern Territory. The “red center” is also a sacred site to aboriginal Australians. The Great Barrier Reef in Queensland is world-famous for diving and snorkeling.

Australia has magnificent landscapes from the 12 Apostles in Victoria to the Daintree Rainforest in northern Queensland, to the rugged coast of western Australia. But New Zealand gets the slight edge here – also because its most significant highlights are closer together than Australia’s.

Wineries: Tie

Both Australia and New Zealand have excellent wineries. Australia produces excellent chardonnay and shiraz. New Zealand produces world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and Pinot Noir. Tasmania also produces some of the world’s best pinot noir. Wineries are ubiquitous in both countries.

Australian Wineries

Many of Australia’s best wineries are located around the southeast of the country, from South Australia to New South Wales. Adelaide is a great base for exploring the nearby Barossa Valley. The Yarra Valley is only around a 90-minute drive outside Melbourne. And the Hunter Valley is just a few hours drive from Sydney. I’ve enjoyed visiting all three of these wine regions over several visits to Australia.

New Zealand Wineries

The North Island’s most famous wineries are located on Waiheke Island, in Hawke’s Bay and Martinborough in the Wairarapa. Waiheke Island is just a short ferry ride from Auckland , making it an excellent day trip. While on Waiheke Island , you can take a winery tour, rent a car, or avail of public buses to enjoy the wineries and beautiful scenery. It’s a unique island, dotted with both palm trees and vineyards.

New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay is arguably the nation’s finest wine region. Its scenic landscape features a blend of majestic mountains, rugged ocean coast and pastoral plains. Its 91 wineries excel in Te Awanga Chardonnay and Bordeaux blend production. Hawkes Bay’s signature reds include rich Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends, among its Bordeaux blends.

Visitors can enjoy excellent wines and beautiful scenery at vineyards in both Australia and New Zealand . So I have to rate winery visits at a tie between these two countries. Ultimately, it’s going to come down to individual wineries and personal preferences in this category.

Australia and New Zealand are both fantastic destinations to visit. With a quality itinerary, visitors will have an amazing time in both countries. But depending on your interests, one can offer more than the other. Australia is generally preferable over New Zealand for city escapes and wildlife viewing in National Parks. New Zealand is generally better for jaw dropping landscapes and diversity of native culture. Both countries offer great local wine, and fantastic memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Have questions about planning a trip to Australia or New Zealand? Leave a comment below or email me at alex(at)wanderlustmarriage.com and I can assist you!

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Alex Kallimanis is an award winning travel journalist and travel planner who has visited 67+ different countries, including all 27 European Union countries across all continents except Antarctica. He has resided around the world, living in countries like Australia, the Netherlands and Ireland for over 7 years combined. Currently residing in the Tampa, Florida, area with his wife Bell, he still spends much of his time in Europe as a dual Greek citizen. Alex is a graduate of the University of Central Florida with a bachelor of arts degree in history, and was the president of Phi Alpha Theta (Honors History Society) during his senior year there. Alex is an avid enthusiast of sports, spas, delicious food, the outdoors, craft beverages, history and culture.

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2 thoughts on “ Australia or New Zealand: Which Should You Visit? ”

Both of those places seem so beautiful! I have never been , but they are deffinately on top of my list!

Thanks for commenting Bred. Glad to hear both countries are on your travel list. You’ll have a great time when you visit. Let us know if you have any questions. Happy travels!

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Morning Rundown: IDF tanks reach central Rafah as strike outrage grows, rancher and cattle killed by lightning, backlash against Richard Dreyfuss' remarks at 'Jaws' event

Australia and New Zealand sending planes to evacuate nationals from New Caledonia's unrest

SYDNEY — The Australian and New Zealand governments announced Tuesday they were sending planes to evacuate their nationals from  violence-wracked New Caledonia .

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed Australia had received clearance from French authorities for two flights to evacuate citizens and other tourists from New Caledonia amid violent unrest that has beset the French Pacific archipelago , where indigenous people have long sought independence from France.

“We continue to work on further flights,” Wong wrote on the social media platform X on Tuesday.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said 300 Australians were in New Caledonia.

New Zealand also announced it was sending a plane Tuesday to evacuate 50 of its nationals from Noumea, the Pacific island’s capital, in the first in a series of proposed flights to bring its citizens home.

“New Zealanders in New Caledonia have faced a challenging few days — and bringing them home has been an urgent priority for the government,” Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said.

“In cooperation with France and Australia, we are working on subsequent flights in coming days.”

At least six people have died and hundreds more have been injured in New Caledonia since violence erupted last week following controversial electoral reforms passed in Paris.

Some 270 rioters had been arrested as of Tuesday, and a 6 p.m.-6 a.m. curfew was in effect for the archipelago of about 270,000 people.

France has sent in over a thousand security personnel, with hundreds more due to arrive Tuesday, as it tries to quell the unrest and restore control.

Armed clashes, looting, arson and other mayhem turned parts of the capital, Noumea, into no-go zones. With columns of smoke billowing into the sky, hulks of burned cars littered roads, businesses and shops were ransacked and buildings became smoking ruins.

There have been decades of tensions between indigenous Kanaks seeking independence and descendants of colonizers who want to remain part of France.

The unrest erupted May 13 as the French legislature in Paris debated amending the French constitution to make changes to New Caledonia voter lists. The National Assembly in Paris approved a bill that would, among other changes, allow residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years to cast ballots in provincial elections.

Opponents fear the measure will benefit pro-France politicians in New Caledonia and further marginalize Kanaks, who once suffered from strict segregation policies and widespread discrimination.

The Associated Press

Exploring Australia & New Zealand

Travel from Australia’s spectacular Great Barrier Reef and the storied Outback to sophisticated Sydney, from New Zealand’s towering Mount Cook and breathtaking Milford Sound to high-spirited Queenstown and nautical Auckland.

• Experience the best of Sydney with a catamaran cruise, a visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park, and an up-close view of the iconic Opera House.
• Witness the mesmerizing sunrise over Uluru (Ayers Rock) and delve into Aboriginal culture through a dot painting experience with a local artist.
• Dive into the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef with swimming and snorkeling at Mossman Gorge and a day-long excursion to explore its colossal beauty.
• Be immersed in Maori culture with a traditional hangi dinner in Rotorua, complemented by visits to Mount Cook National Park and Milford Sound’s fjords.

Day 1: Depart U.S. for Sydney, Australia Day 2: En route to Sydney Day 3: Arrive in Sydney Day 4: Sydney Day 5: Sydney Day 6: Sydney | Uluru (Ayers Rock) Day 7: Uluru (Ayers Rock) Day 8: Uluru | Cairns Day 9: Cairns | Great Barrier Reef Day 10: Cairns Day 11: Cairns | Christchurch, New Zealand Day 12: Christchurch Day 13: Christchurch | Mount Cook National Park Day 14: Mount Cook Day 15: Mount Cook | Queenstown Day 16: Milford Sound Day 17: Queenstown Day 18: Queenstown | Rotorua Day 19: Rotorua Day 20: Rotorua | Auckland Day 21: Auckland Day 22: Depart for U.S.

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How to visit Australia without flying: Holland America launches new Grand Voyage

The long-haul flight can be enough to keep some U.S. travelers from visiting Australia . But a new Holland America Line itinerary will offer an alternate route.

The cruise line’s Grand Australia and New Zealand voyage will sail round-trip from San Diego, California in 2026, taking guests down under and back over 93 days.

"Our Grand Voyages are renowned for connecting guests with the world's most fascinating places while sailing roundtrip from the United States," Beth Bodensteiner, the line’s chief commercial officer, said in a news release . "Our team crafted this itinerary to show guests the parts of Australia and New Zealand they expect to visit, but also included frequently asked for, but rarely visited, ports throughout Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands."

When is Holland America’s Grand Australia and New Zealand voyage?

The cruise will depart on Jan. 4, 2026 aboard the line’s 1,432-guest Zaandam ship.

Where will the cruise sail?

The ship will visit 44 ports in 10 countries. Passengers will make their way to Hawaii first before heading to the South Pacific. The ship will then visit Australia – almost circling the country – and New Zealand, followed by Tonga and French Polynesia on the way back to San Diego.

The itinerary features two days of scenic cruising at the Great Barrier Reef and four late-night departures in Adelaide, Australia and the French Polynesian islands of Moorea, Raiatea and Huahine. Guests will also stay overnight in six ports, including Honolulu, Sydney and Auckland, giving them ample time to explore.

Short vs. long cruises: Which one is right for you?

How much does the cruise cost?

The cruise currently starts at $17,699 per person based on double occupancy, according to Holland America’s website . Travelers who book by June 16, 2025 can get perks like a Surf Wi-Fi package, airport transfers in San Diego, a 3% pay-in-full discount and more thrown in (though they vary by stateroom category).

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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American Airlines' Latest Sale Has Discounted Flights to Australia and New Zealand — When to Book

Escape winter by flying to the Southern Hemisphere for as low as $770 roundtrip.

Prasit photo/Getty Images

American Airlines has discounted several flights to Australia and New Zealand this winter — the perfect time to visit when it’s summer in the Southern Hemisphere.

“Together with Qantas, we offer you a seamless, more rewarding travel experience to Australia and New Zealand,” American shared on its website . “Explore Australia’s Outback and New Zealand’s Fiordland. Visit world-famous Sydney Opera House or iconic Hobbiton.”

The sale, which ends on Tuesday, May 28, has the following nonstop routes to Auckland and Brisbane up for grabs:

• Los Angeles (LAX) to Auckland (AKL): $770
• Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) to Auckland (AKL): $770
• Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) to Brisbane (BNE): $970

The eligible sale flights will be operated by either American or Qantas and already include government taxes and fees in the ticket price. Travelers with American Airlines miles can also book these same flights for as low as 35,000 miles one-way or 70,000 miles round-trip.

Even better, there are plenty of available travel dates for later this year and into 2025, making this a great way for travelers to get to Australia or New Zealand on a budget. Sale flights to Auckland are available between January 28 and February 28, while flights to Brisbane can be booked for travel between October and December 4 and from January 28 to March 29. 

However, other travel dates and routes are available at higher prices, according to American. For instance, travelers can also fly between Los Angeles (LAX) and Sydney (SYD) this fall for $1,054 or Dallas (DFW) and Sydney (SYD) for $1,485. 

American Airlines operates a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to operate some of its longest flights, and its economy seats are configured in a 3-3-3 configuration. Travelers may have the opportunity to upgrade to premium economy seats or business class after booking, which can help make the 17-plus hour flight more comfortable.

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World’s best airline for 2024 revealed

The wait is over – the winner of the world’s best airline for 2024 has been revealed, with two Aussie carriers scraping into the top ten.

Horror Singapore flight didn’t ‘suddenly’ drop

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Qatar Airways is the world’s best airline, according to AirlineRatings.com.

The Doha-based carrier nabbed the prestigious Airline of the Year title for 2024, having nudged out last year’s winner, Air New Zealand, for the top spot.

Qantas and Virgin Australia/Atlantic came 9th and 10th, respectively.

The judging panel, which consists of five editors, consider a range of criteria that include safety and product rating, fleet age, profitability, serious incidents, passenger reviews from several sources, innovation and forward fleet orders.

Between the judges there’s more than 100 years of industry experience.

“In our objective analysis Qatar Airways came out number one in many key areas although it was a very close scoring for the top 10,” AirlineRatings.com editor-in-chief Geoffrey Thomas said in a statement.

“The passenger reviews however scored Qatar Airways ahead of all airlines and its consistency and high standard of service delivery came through in the feedback.”

Coming in second on the Top 25 list is Korean Air followed by Cathay Pacific Airways.

Air New Zealand fell back to spot four while Emirates secured fifth place followed by Air France/ KLM, All Nippon Airways and Etihad Airways.

In 2023, both Qantas and Virgin Australia secured sixth and seventh spot, but this year they fell back to ninth and 10th spot respectively.

Meanwhile, Qatar Airways also picked up Best Business Class for the fifth year running and Best Catering and Air New Zealand won Best Economy Class .

Singapore Airlines won Best First Class , while Virgin Australia won Best Cabin Crew .

Best-in-Flight Entertainment and Best Premium Economy went to Emirates .

It is the ninth year that Emirates has won the entertainment awards. It was one of the first to introduce seat-back videos for economy passengers back in the early 1990s.

According to Airlineratings.com.au it has led the field ever since and today the system has 6,500 channels “making it a clear winner for Best Inflight Entertainment”.

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Qantas picked up Best Lounges, while Etihad Airways picked up Best Environmental Airline for the third year running.

Qatar Airlines’ success comes as the group reported a strong financial performance for the first half of 2023/2024.

It reported a net profit of QAR 3.736 billion ($A1.537 billion) which represents an increase of 113.8 per cent compared to the same period last year 2022/2023. The Group’s total revenue for first half of fiscal year 2023/2024 increased to QAR 40.126 billion ($A16 billion)), up 7.4 per cent compared to the same period last year 2022/2023.

A Sydney pilot has revealed the area with the worst turbulence in the world in a clip that has gone viral with two million likes.

It’s considered the home of country and the place where Taylor Swift started her career - but there’s so much more to this US city. Here’s why Aussies can’t get enough of it.

An Emirates flight attendant has revealed a swanky secret chamber where crew members relax during long-haul flights, including a surprising detail.

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Macron heads to riot-hit New Caledonia as Australia, New Zealand evacuate tourists

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Hong Kong national security police arrested six people across the city on Tuesday under a new security law for alleged seditious intent, including a pro-democracy barrister already behind bars.

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Meet Jacob Zuma, former president shaking up South African election

Six years after South Africa's scandal-plagued former president Jacob Zuma was pushed out of office, he is backing a new party against his longtime political home the African National Congress (ANC) in Wednesday's national election.