Australasian Adventure
Embark on an enlightening Australasian adventure sampling the iconic lodges of Australia and New Zealand. In the process, discover the earthly and zoological eccentricities of the region and acquaint yourself with both aboriginal and Maori cultures found uniquely in this enchanting part of the world. This 18-day private journey combines a luxury vacation with a cultural education. Travel at a world-class leisurely pace escorted point-to-point by private drivers and guides.
Suggested Itinerary-at-a-Glance: 
Day 1: Arrive Sydney / Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Day 2: Sydney / Four Seasons Hotel Sydney (B)
Day 3: Sydney / Four Seasons Hotel Sydney (B)
Day 4: Ayers Rock / Longitude 131° (B,D)
Day 5: Ayers Rock / Longitude 131° (B,L,D)
Day 6: Kangaroo Island / Southern Ocean Lodge (B,D)
Day 7: Kangaroo Island / Southern Ocean Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 8: Kangaroo Island / Southern Ocean Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 9: Melbourne / Park Hyatt (B,D)
Day 10: Palliser Bay / Wharekauhau Lodge (B,D)
Day 11: Palliser Bay / Wharekauhau Lodge (B,D)
Day 12: Palliser Bay / Wharekauhau Lodge (B,D)
Day 13: Taupo / Huka Lodge (B,D)
Day 14: Taupo / Huka Lodge (B,D)
Day 15: Bay of Islands / The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs (B,D)
Day 16: Bay of Islands / The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs (B,D)
Day 17: Bay of Islands / The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs (B)
Day 18: Depart Auckland
DAYS 1, 2, 3 - Arrive SYDNEY / Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Bid a "G'day" to Australia as you arrive in Sydney to start your journey. Located in the cosmopolitan Rocks District, the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney enjoys incredible views of the famous Harbor Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Your accommodations for the next three nights
will offer exquisite views of the Sydney's iconic skyline, harbor and landmarks. The rooms and suites situated on the hotel’s 34 floors all have a Honduran mahogany, and silk fabrics enhance the luxurious contemporary decor. Italian marble and limestone finishes are the highlight of the resplendent baths, most of which include a separate glass shower and deep soaking tub. While in Sydney enjoy walking tours of historic points of interest around the vibrant city. You will find a variety of cafes, boutiques and galleries on the cobblestone streets of the cosmopolitan Rocks District. The Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney Aquarium and several theaters, museums, and zoos are also easily reached from the hotel by ferry, by foot, or in the comfort of a private car.
DAYS 4, 5 - AYERS ROCK / Longitude 131°
Next, ready yourself for the outback as you fly to Ayers Rock where you can connect with the spectacular landscape, ancient culture and mystical ambiance of Australia's central red heartland. Longitude 131° lies at the gateway of the World Heritage wildernesses of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. The lodge is eco-friendly and romantically serene, with luxurious tented accommodations and spectacular views of the sun rising and setting over Uluru (Ayers Rock). Time at Longitude 131° is spent learning about the stunning landscape and culture of the traditional owners, or exploring the stunning flora and fauna with the camp’s expert guide. Optional tours from which to choose are available ~ such as scenic helicopter flights, Harley rides, camel rides, and hiking in the Valley of the Winds. Sunrise walks, sunset walks and visits to Uluru and Kantju Gorge, Kata Tjuta and Walpa Gorge are also available, as is a visit to the Mulgara Gallery featuring indigenous art. Soulful encounters with aboriginal artists and historians, and breathtaking sunrises over Ayers Rock are among the many bushland wonders to be experienced.
DAYS 6, 7, 8 - KANGAROO ISLAND / Southern Ocean Lodge
Head south to Adelaide and on to Kangaroo Island. Southern Ocean Lodge, a unique and exclusive travel experience, will be your home for the next three nights. The elegant, contemporary lodge is situated at the top of an isolated cliff on a rugged stretch of coast, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows command incredible panoramic views of the Southern Ocean and the pristine wilderness of Kangaroo Island. Kangaroo Island is considered a “zoo without fences” with 21 national and conservation parks on the island and prolific wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, seals, sea lions, echidnas, and a wide variety of birdlife. Exceptional guided adventures are included in your stay with a range of activities allowing you to personalize your itinerary. Enjoy nature, heritage or culinary tours of the island, visit Seal Bay, fish on the beach, hike and trek, and discover the beauty of “Australia’s Galápagos”.
DAY 9 - MELBOURNE / Park Hyatt
This morning, bid farewell to Kangaroo Island as you make your way to the charming city of Melbourne by way of short flights, again connecting via Adelaide. Melbourne is a maze of hidden laneways, opulent bars, exclusive restaurants and off-the-beaten-track boutiques. For a quick "take" on the city, you might visit Federation Square this afternoon - where creative and café culture meet - or enjoy a sunset beer on the St. Kilda promenade. Here, you will overnight for one glorious evening at Melbourne's Park Hyatt, an exclusive sanctuary in the heart of the city.
DAYS 10, 11, 12: PALLISER BAY / Wharekauhau Lodge
This morning, board your 3.5 hr non-stop flight to Wellington, New Zealand ~ at the bottom of New Zealand's beautiful, sub-tropical North Island. New Zealand’s population is only just over four million people, making it one of the world’s least crowded countries to explore. If you seek peace, luxury, and tranquility, New Zealand is ideal. Its people are warm and friendly, and its lakes, wild rivers, lush forests, and dramatic seaside settings evoke awe.
Your driver will greet you upon arrival in Wellington, and you will travel south to Wharekauhau Lodge in Palliser Bay. Located in the beautiful Wairarapa wine region, Wharekauhau Lodge consists of 5,500 acres of private land made up of ancient forests, tranquil lakes, rivers, farmland, and the rugged coast. This luxurious whitewashed hideaway was established in the 1840s as a sheep station and remains one of the grandest cattle and sheep farms in New Zealand. Named for the Maori word meaning “place of knowledge”, Wharekauhau Lodge embodies the grandeur of Edwardian times and provides guests with a blissful, country-meets-coastal retreat. You will appreciate the awe-inspiring vistas of Palliser Bay and the sheep-dotted pastures.
Spend two full days here, touring the grounds, walking or mountain biking, visiting a nearby picturesque historic fishing village and seal colony, or relaxing at the spa. Wharekauhau's working sheep station tour is not to be missed. In a comfortable 4-wheel drive vehicle, explore the farm bordered by the Rimutaka Ranges and Pacific Ocean. This classic working sheep station features all the activities that have created New Zealand’s legendary farming heritage including sheep shearing demonstrations, sheep dogs in action, and delightful daily farm events. Every season breathes new life and magic across Wharekauhau, highlighted by the arrival of 10,000 Spring lambs and the seasonal muster to shear the flock. Participate in this delightful experience to get a real feel for what ‘station-life’ in New Zealand is really all about.
In the evening, savor delicious, creative, personalized, and photogenic cuisine. Executive Chef Marc Soper creates sumptuous country breakfasts, festive poolside barbeques, and delightful canapés prior to his stellar four-course dinners inspired by Pacific Rim cuisine and local produce. With the Martinborough and Marlborough wine regions in such close proximity, the Wharekauhau cellar is nothing short of impressive and provides excellent pairings for meals.
DAYS 13, 14: TAUPO / Huka Lodge
This morning, following a short flight from Wellington to Rotorua in the geothermal-volcanic zone of New Zealand, travel overland the short, scenic distance to Taupo, one of New Zealand's finest recreational playgrounds and trout fishing capital of New Zealand. Irishman Alan Pye, in the 1920's, realized his dream to establish a fishing lodge on the reaches of the Waikato River just above Huka Falls. Before long, the fame of Huka Lodge spread to every corner of the world. For the next two days, create your own adventure around this serene world-class lodge with just about any activity imaginable - from fly fishing, golf, water skiing, jet boating, horseback riding, sailing, to mountain biking.
The Rotorua Tour features a "fun" day to view Maori culture and unique thermal activity. There are 
many major attractions to choose from including: Whakarewarewa, Rainbow Springs, the Buried Village, Agrodome Farm Show, beautiful gardens, art galleries, hot natural thermal pools, sheep-shearing demonstrations and wildlife experiences. For lunch, enjoy fine food and a scenic setting at a beautiful lake near Rotorua.
You may optionally experience a private geothermal and/or Maori cultural tour of Taupo. Enjoy Huka's signature scenic helicopter flight over Huka Falls, the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station region and geysers of Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, Mt. Tauhara, Maori rock carvings and the northern shores of Lake Taupo ~ after which you may board the Waianiwa, a stylish 50ft twin-diesel launch, to cruise Lake Taupo. You can also acquire unique insight into the tribal heritage of local Maori. As a direct descendant of the high chief of the local Ngati Tuwharetoa tribe, your local guide Te Ori Oaju will share with you the spiritual significance and legends surrounding the Taupo area and its geothermal activity from his Maori perspective. You will have an opportunity to meet his extended family.
DAYS 15, 16, 17: BAY OF ISLANDS / The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs
This morning, privately transfer by private vehicle to AKL/Auckland airport to board a short flight to New Zealand's Bay of Islands. The picturesque Bay of Islands is an area on the far northeast coast of the New Zealand's North Island, consisting of 144 islands. This is the point at which Maori and subsequently, Europeans first arrived and settled in New Zealand. The bay has many interesting historic towns.
Continue on to the Cavalli Islands. The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs on Matauri Bay is nestled in a native forest overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Every cottage-style suite offers its own private porch, bedroom with sitting area, and fireplace. The Northland's location provides a bounty of fresh ingredients used to produce the culinary delights prepared daily, and Kauri Cliff's culinary team includes some of New Zealand's most talented chefs.
The Lodge offers a number of local scenic tours from which to choose. For example, for a leisurely day, you might visit the quaint whaling village of Russell. From Paihia Wharf, take a short ferry ride to Russell, New Zealand's original capital. Visit the museum, climb Flagstaff Hill and have lunch on the waterfront or at glorious Omata Estate Vineyard. Or, visit the historic Treaty House in Waitangi where the pact between the Maori leaders and Queen Victoria was signed in 1840. The lovely grounds, museum, Maori meetinghouse and world's largest war canoe make this a unique trip.
Or, for something more dramatic, explore Cape Reinga and Northland by both air and four-wheel drive. You will see some of the most stunning scenery New Zealand has to offer including Ninety-Mile Beach and Cape Reinga – where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean and Tapotupotu Bay. Here you will begin your 4WD drive down Te Paki Stream and through the giant sand dunes of Ninety-Mile Beach.
Or ~ simply indulge in two full days of leisure, from golfing to tempting Spa services at this lovely New Zealand coastal retreat.
DAY 18: Depart AUCKLAND
Today, your beautiful Australasian adventure comes to an end, as you embark upon your journey homeward bound. This morning, you will be transferred to the local airport for your short flight returning to the country's capital city Auckland. Upon arrival, your private guide will greet you for a private city tour including Auckland's Harbor Bridge and a scenic drive around Auckland’s great harbor. Proceed through the affluent residential areas of the eastern suburbs to the summit of Mt. Eden, an extinct volcano cone, for panoramic views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf. Then continue on to Parnell Village with its fascinating colonial style shops, boutiques and arcades. At the end of your tour, your will be returned to AKL airport to check in for your evening flight and to bid a fond farewell to friendly Kiwi country!
in association/Ker & Downey
Your personal itinerary can be arranged to suit your special interests.
