Active Family-Friendly Australia & New Zealand Private Tour

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Why You Should Go

This active private tour blends the most iconic Australian sites and wildlife with New Zealand’s otherwordly beauty. From our Lynch Family global travels, we feel both destinations boast unique, natural wonders and stimulating activities for all ages. For thrill-seekers, bridge climbs, white water rafting, and other exciting adventures await, including two helicopter excursions over Mt. Tarawera and the breathtaking Milford Sound (a Lynch Family favorite)! Integrated into this action-packed tour are relaxing thermal springs, tours of historical sites, and serene hikes through some of the most stunning, natural scenery in the world for the whole family to enjoy!

Best Travel Time: Fall Winter

*All of our comprehensive private tour itineraries are inclusive of all luxury accommodations, private guide/driver throughout, daily meals as specified, INTERNAL flights/rail /private transfers as needed, & all taxes/service fees.

Helicopter Flying Past Mitre Peak
Milford Sound

Sample Itinerary

15 Days

Each private luxury tour is custom to the wishes of each client. This itinerary is a sample. Partnering with our long-established relationship with United Airlines, our sister company, TRAVNET, may provide competitive Polaris/Business Class international airfare, along with mileage points conversion.

1

Day 1

Fly to Sydney
Through our sister company, premium air provider TRAVNET, we may assist with your international airfare, as well as with mileage points conversion.

Meals:
Accommodations: —

Aerial View of Sydney Harbour in Sydney, Australia
Sydney, Australia
2

Day 2

Arrive Sydney
Upon arrival in Sydney, you will be privately transferred to the Park Hyatt Sydney. Following check-in, climb the Sydney Bridge and take in the magnificent views of the city at 440 feet above the harbor!

Meals:
Accommodations: Park Hyatt Sydney

Famous travel destination for many travelers is Sydney, Australia
Sydney Harbour Bridge
3

Day 3

Sydney Private Touring
This morning, you will visit the koalas, kangaroos, and colorful birdlife on a walking tour of the Taronga Zoo before continuing on to the Sydney Opera House. Here, enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour beneath its iconic white sails and admire the history and architecture of one of the most famous Performing Arts centers in the world. Next, explore The Rocks area to learn about Australia’s early convict history and visit the Central Business District and Macquarie Street with its unique sandstone architecture. Conclude the day with a magnificent sunset at Mrs. Macquarie’s Point!

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Park Hyatt Sydney

Sydney Cove, Australia
Sydney Opera House
4

Day 4

Blue Mountains Private Tour
Following breakfast at the Park Hyatt Sydney, start on your 9.5-hour excursion to the Blue Mountains National Park. Seek out the diverse wildlife, including wild kangaroos, on your way to the breathtaking Wentworth Falls. While learning about Aboriginal history, you will visit Eagle Hawk Lookout to take in the incredible view of the Three Sisters rock formation. Finally, you will embark on a short walk underneath the shade of tall eucalyptus trees at Leura Cascades.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Park Hyatt Sydney

BM 3 Sis close sun morning
Three Sisters Rock Formation
5

Day 5

Coogee to Bondi Walk
Today, you will spend the morning walking along the picturesque Coogee Promenade and Cliff Walkway. After this approximately five-hour walk with scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and sandstone cliffs, soak up some sun on Bondi Beach and enjoy the ocean breeze. You will return to Sydney for a Private Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise in the evening. On board, take the opportunity to swim, fish, or kayak in the harbour and savor a three-course meal with regional ingredients and refreshments.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Park Hyatt Sydney

Gordons Bay,  Sydney, Australia
Coogee Promenade
6

Day 6

Fly Sydney/Rotorua 
Upon arrival in Rotorua, you will be transferred to the Solitaire Lodge. Take the remainder of the evening to enjoy the luxury amenities of the lodge at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Solitaire Lodge

524373-executive-suite-solitaire-lodge
Solitaire Lodge
7

Day 7

Mt. Tarawera Tour + Fishing
Start your day with a private excursion to the Tarawera Thermal Springs of Lake Tarawera. After a refreshing soak and breakfast, you will depart the lodge via helicopter for an aerial tour of Mount Tarawera, the site of New Zealand’s largest eruption. Fly over the beautiful Tarawera Falls and take in the stunning scenery of the Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu geothermal reserves. Upon your return to the Solitaire Lodge, spend the afternoon onboard a catamaran on Lake Tarawera. This experience is tailored to all skill levels, fish for rainbow trout on the lake’s calm waters. Enjoy a specially prepared meal of fresh fish afterward!

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Solitaire Lodge

Water boiling in Champagne Pool – Wai-O-Tapu, New Zealand
Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Reserve
8

Day 8

Full-Day Rotorua Activities
Today, you will get to experience Grade 5 rapids in an action-packed white water rafting adventure! Glide over the world’s largest commercially rafted waterfall before disembarking and continuing on to the Redwoods Mountain Bike Complex. Here, bike along over 140 km of scenic woodland tracks catered to all levels of experience.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Solitaire Lodge

raft caught in new zealand’s tutea falls
White Water Rafting
9

Day 9

Drive Rotorua/Waitomo Cave + Fly Auckland/Queenstown
Following breakfast at the Solitaire Lodge, you will begin your private transfer to Auckland Airport for your flight to Queenstown. En route, you will stop at the Rakuri Cave at Waitomo for a 3-hour rafting and abseiling experience. As you float down the underground river, the glowworms above shine like stars in the dark cave! Upon arrival in Queenstown, you will check-in at Eichardt’s Private Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Eichardt’s Private Hotel

New Zealand Glow Worms in Waipu Cave
Waitomo Glowworm Cave
10

Day 10

Milford Sound Private Tour
This morning, start your day with a 4-hour excursion to the Milford Sound, which includes a 40-minute, scenic helicopter ride each way. Admire the picturesque views of the Southern Alps as you land and depart the helicopter for your 2-hour Mitre Peak Cruise. Aboard this luxury vessel, you will be taken on an exploratory nature tour, sailing past waterfalls, rainforests, and wildlife. After your cruise, you will return to Eichardt’s Private Hotel via helicopter. In the afternoon, you will also visit Kawarau Bridge, considered the most famous bungee leap in the world!

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Eichardt’s Private Hotel

New Zealand Fiordland
Helicopter over the Fiordland
11

Day 8

Dart River Wilderness Tour
Today, embark on an exhilarating jet boat tour of the world-renowned Mt. Aspiring National Park. This 3-hour experience takes you down the Dart River and through an ancient beech forest. As you glide along the braided river, your guide will recite Maori legends about the area’s rich history.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Eichardt’s Private Hotel

Jetboat
Dart River Jet Boat
12

Day 12

Wanaka + Mou Waho Island Tour
Following breakfast at Eichardt’s Private Hotel, you will begin your excursion to Wanaka. En route, visit the historic precinct of Cromwell for eclectic arts and crafts or Mrs. Jones’ Fruits Stall to taste local fruits, honey, and wine. Upon arrival in Wanaka, drive up the Crown Range for a breathtaking view of the pristine lake and one of the most famous trees in the world: the Wanaka Tree! Following your tour, you will be transferred to Mou Waho Island for a 30-minute boat cruise. Afterward, enjoy a scenic one-hour nature walk through the nature reserve to the serene lake on the highest point of the island.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Eichardt’s Private Hotel

Wanaka Tree, Lake Wanaka at sunrise, New Zealand
Wanaka Tree, Lake Wanaka
13

Day 13

Fly Queenstown/Auckland
This morning, you will be transferred to Queenstown Airport for your flight to Auckland. Upon arrival, you will check-in at the Park Hyatt Auckland to spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Park Hyatt Auckland

auckland1
Park Hyatt Auckland
14

Day 14

Waiheke Island Private Tour
Following breakfast at the Park Hyatt Auckland, make your way down to Auckland Wharf for a ferry service to Waiheke Island where you will visit an array of premium winemakers. Here, ride a zipline high above the island and take in the views of the vibrant vineyards and the surrounding sea. Continue on to Fort Stony Batter, a WWII Coastal Defense Fortress recently opened to the public. On this private tour, you will be guided through the fort’s top-secret underground passages!

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Park Hyatt Auckland

Waiheke Island Winery
Waiheke Island Vineyards
15

Day 15

Fly Auckland/Home
Following breakfast, you will be privately transferred to Auckland Airport for your flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

Auckland City Skyline
Auckland, New Zealand

Hotels

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!

Park Hyatt Sydney

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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.

Solitaire Lodge

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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 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!

 

Eichardt’s Private Hotel

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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.

Park Hyatt Auckland

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For our fishing enthusiast clients, we recommend Huka Lodge in Taupo, located on the banks of the trout-filled Waikato River. Located on 17 acres of rolling green lawns, this 26 suite property also boasts two exceptional private retreats: the Owner’s Cottage and Alan Pye Cottage. A special experience here is the variety of picturesque nooks (over 20 indoors and outdoors) around the property for private dining as well as enjoying a fine wine selection from around the world. Executive Chef, Paul Froggatt, leads a passionate kitchen team dedicated to sourcing the finest, freshest, local, seasonal produce and using this to present a series of unique menus. The outdoor activities at Huka are endless and include, wilderness walks, traditional fly-fishing, luxury cruising on Lake Taupo, and scenic helicopter flights.

Request Custom Itinerary

1

Thank you for your interest in Kipling & Clark. We look forward to serving you!


Please note we specialize in global private luxury travel, including private guides and drivers throughout,

high-quality accommodations, inclusive of safari lodges and ryokans, in-country rail/air, and all taxes/service fees.


Dependent on destination and seasonality, our comprehensive private tour costs are upward of USD 5K-6K per couple per day.

                                         (312) 351-3121

                            rlynch@kiplingandclark.com



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Location

Overview

Australia
Temperature
Highs: High 70’s
Lows: Mid 50’s
Area
7.69 MILLION SQ KM
2.97 MILLION SQ MILES
Capital
Canberra
Population
25.6 Million
Language
English & Tamil
Currency
Australian Dollar
New Zealand
Temperature
Highs: High 60’s
Lows: Low 50’s
Area
268,670 SQ KM
103,733 SQ MILES
Capital
Wellington
Population
4.8 Million
Language
English & Maori
Currency
New Zealand Dollar

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