NZ South Island Self Drive Itineraries

Discover the cultural and natural highlights of New Zealand and Australia on an epic 23-day adventure. Start off on New Zealand’s North Island with a Maori feast in Rotorua; then head south to cruise through majestic, wildlife-rich fjords. Queenstown—the adventure capital of the world—will serve up a healthy dose of adrenaline before we fly to Australia and eat our way through Melbourne on a walking lunch. Go behind the scenes at the Sydney Opera House, and dive in to explore the Great Barrier Reef on a snorkeling excursion. Wrap up your adventure in Queensland by spending an afternoon with members of Australia's Indigenous community.

New South Wales offers a unique playground for an adventurous family holiday. Hike the Blue Mountains and explore one of the worlds most ancient cave systems, then soar above over the aboundant green of the Hunter Valley in a sunrise balloon exprience - to some of the most accessible whale watching there is at Port Stephens. With time in Sydney to play or relax - your stay at Taronga Zoo's Snore and Roar is going to be a night like no other!

See the highlights and contrasts of Australia's East Coast with three nights in each of Melbourne, Cairns and Sydney. Take in the delights of Melbourne - not just city cool, with Philip Island and the Great Ocean Road included. Head to Cairns for time at the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree, before heading to Sydney staying in beautiful Darling Harbour. This trip is bound to be the start of a great Australian love affair. 

What a chance to journey to a landscape remote and sacred, soaring natural monuments to this ancient part of the world. Experience the desert night skies, the stars and the culture of the Red Centre.  The traces of red dust on your vehicle, the sights and sounds of the outback will leave you spellbound by this remarkable land, its places and its people.

Wildlife abounds in Tasmania - with world class experiences to observe some of these endemic species at close range. In the Tamar be astounded by the daytime activities of platypus and echnida, watch rafts of Little Blue Penguins come ashore. Enjoy being out on the water at Freycinet and the Tasman Peninsula and marvel at the abundance of gannets, albatross, sea eagles and maybe even a pod of dolphins. The Tasmanian Devils at the marvellous Unzoo will be a highlight.

Take a thrilling journey to the heart of the Red Centre, sacred homeland of indigenous Australians for over 50,000 years. A sunrise trek round the base of Ayers Rock, a bone-4WD safari to Palm Valley Oasis, and breathtaking hikes among the giant rock formations of Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon. Can there be a more exciting introduction to the great Aussie Outback?