Active Family-Friendly Australia & New Zealand Private Tour

Though we have been big fans of the Four Seasons Sydney in the past, we freely admit the contemporarily designed 155-room, 5-Star Park Hyatt is our new favorite luxury property in Sydney. Set on the edge of Sydney Harbor, the hotel offers striking views facing the Sydney Opera House. Although most of the property’s rooms include private balconies with Opera views, please note that “standard” rooms do not offer this perk. Among the amenities here are 24-hour butler service, a very nice full-service spa, and a fitness center. We particularly like the hotel’s picturesque rooftop heated pool/sundeck – among the most amazing views in Sydney!

From a spectacular and secluded lakeside location, the solitaire lodge was one of New Zealand’s first luxury accommodation properties that provides breathtaking views over Lake Tarawera with a lush natural bush and volcanic landscape backdrop. Although it is itself secluded, it is conveniently only 20-minutes from Rotorua’s downtown. With only 9 rooms (!), it is truly an intimate experience for guests to relax, unwind, and enjoy this tranquil location. Activities include horseback riding, spa treatment services using thermal springs, walking trails, water sports, and a professional fishing guide to lead adventurous fishing experiences. The cuisine at the lodge is a true highlight, serving fresh, locally caught seafood and pickings from the restaurant’s own garden.

This is our favorite 5-star luxury property in the resort town of Queenstown. Eichardt’s Private Hotel is a small boutique property located in the lakeside historical district, with easy walking distance to many restaurants and shopping. This hotel includes 5 suites (each with a fireplace) and a 2-bedroom lakefront cottage—high touch, personal service besides Lake Wakatipu!

The sophisticated Park Hyatt in Auckland is quickly becoming one of the top hotel options in the city. We particularly love this property’s location on the water’s edge and giving guests stunning views over the Wynyard Quarter’s Lighter Basin and out to the Waitematā Harbour. With 195 guest rooms, it is a little on the larger spectrum but do not fret. The hotel is focused on providing high-touch service and a personal experience to all that stay here. The rooms are decorated in a classic style, with the idea of Maori wharenui (meeting house) in mind, while representing the indigenous culture in decor. The goal is to make guests feel like they are staying in a welcoming home versus a traditional hotel. The benefit of this hotel and its size are the facilities available such as four in-house restaurants serving fresh local ingredients ranging from three-course meals to afternoon tea, a day spa, an infinity pool, and a full fitness center.