South Pacific Bucket List: Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji
You have it on your bucket list! Travel to Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji with this ultimate bucket list vacation.
So many times, we have people tell us that Australia, New Zealand and Fiji are on their bucket list. So if you have the time, we have you covered. So when a couple from Boston told us they had 30 days for these three countries, we planned the South Pacific Bucket List vacation, sending them to Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji.
We started them at the beautiful qualia Resort on Hamilton Island which stunning views out the ocean. They enjoyed an sunset cruise and did a four hour tour with a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef, a snorkel trip and ending a the incredible Whitehaven Beach with champagne. They even stopped at the little wildlife habitat on the island for a VIP experience.
Then on their South Pacific Bucket List: Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, they flew to the other side of the country to Perth, where they enjoyed a walk around Kings Park. And then traveled to Exmouth, the jumping off point for Ningaloo Reef, a fringing reef on the west side. There they were able to snorkel with Whalesharks, the gentle giants of the sea.
Next they traveled back to the center of the country to lovely Adelaide. During their stay, they did a private wine tasting tour of the Adelaide Hills area. From there did a quick 45 minute flight to the small town of Port Lincoln to do a very special 3 day private wildlife and marine life tour, including cage diving with the Great White Sharks and snorkeling with sea lions. They finished their stay in Australia with 3 fabulous nights in Sydney, including a private foodie tour of the city, and a private evening harbour cruise.
Continuing their South Pacific Bucket List: Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji vacation, they traveled to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital, where they stayed a wonderful lodge outside of town. They took a scenic helicopter ride around the stunning Milford Sound with a picnic lunch and spent a day of adventure with white water rafting amid Queenstown’s gorgeous scenery. From there, they picked up a rental car and traveled to Te Anau for an overnight cruise on the serene world famous, Doubtful Sound, where they watched dolphins play.
Then it was back to Queenstown and through to Wanaka on their South Pacific Bucket List: Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji vacation, where they simply enjoyed the views to the lake. From there, they continued their scenic drive to Lake Moeraki, where they got to see penguins and did some hiking.
After that they, continued up to Greymouth and hopped on the scenic Tranz Alpine Train across the Southern Alps to Christchurch. Then, they traveled to Rotorua to learn about Maori culture and take in the fascinating geothermal sites.
Finally, they stopped for some real relaxation in the sunny Mamanuca Islands in Fiji. They stayed at Tokoriki Island Resort, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, white sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. Here, they experienced the ultimate relaxation after their exciting tour through Australia and New Zealand. They were welcomed with warm Fijian hospitality and had plenty of time to lounge on the beach.
Accommodation
- 4 Nights qualia
- 2 Nights Duxton Hotel Perth
- 2 Nights MantaRays Ningaloo Reef
- 2 Nights Mayfair Hotel
- 3 Nights Port Lincoln Hotel
- 3 Nights Radisson Blu
- 3 Nights Azur Lodge
- 1 Night Doubtful Sound Cruise
- 1 Night Edgewater Wanaka
- 2 Nights Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
- 1 Night The Mayfair Christchurch
- 2 Nights Black Swan Lakeside
- 4 Nights Tokoriki
Touring
- Sunset Cruise Hamilton Island
- Best of Both Worlds Great Barrier Reef
- VIP Experience Hamilton Island Wildlife
- Full Day Deluxe Whaleshark Encounter
- Private Wine Tasting Tour Adelaide Hills
- 3 Day Private Wildlife and Marine Life Tour
- Private Foodie Tour Sydney
- Private Sydney Harbour Cruise
- Shotover River Whitewater Rafting
- Scenic Helicopter Flight and Lunch Milford Sound
- Indigenous Evening Experience
Transportation
- Private Airport Transfers
- 7 Days Rental Car
- Tranz Alpine Train
Insider Tip
Shannon, Sales and Marketing Champion and Luxury Travel Consultant
While in Perth, be sure to wander through Kings Park, it is as big as Central Park in NYC. I highly recommend using one of their aboriginal guides for a tour.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive around midday in Port Douglas, your access point to the Great Barrier Reef. Travel by private transfer to your luxurious resort, qualia. Your spacious suite includes a plunge pool with views to the ocean.
qualia Resort
Day 2
Today is your day for total leisure and enjoying your beautiful room at qualia. Relax and catch a massage at the spa.
qualia Resort
Day 3
Today is your rock star day as you head out to the Great Barrier Reef. Experience the best of Reefworld and world famous Whitehaven Beach in one unforgettable day. Your tour includes a 60 minute scenic flight, 90 minutes at Reefworld for snorkeling and 1 hour on Whitehaven Beach with sparkling wine and water.
qualia Resort
Day 4
Today is yours to spend at your leisure and visit the Hamilton Island Wildlife Center for a VIP Experience. Get your photo taken with the cute, cuddly resident Koalas.
qualia Resort
Day 5
Rise early this morning to catch your flight to the western side of the country, Perth. In Perth, explore the stunning Kings Park and Botanic Garden, which offers panoramic views of the city skyline and Swan River. For a unique experience, visit the vibrant Fremantle Markets and enjoy the lively atmosphere, local crafts, and delicious street food.
Duxton Hotel Perth
Day 6
Today is yours to explore Perth. You can catch a ferry to Rottnest Island where you MAY be able to take a selfie with the adorable quokkas on the island.
Duxton Hotel Perth
Day 7
After breakfast, you catch your next flight to Exmouth, the jumping off point for Ninagloo Reef. Ningaloo Reef, located off the coast of Western Australia, is renowned for its vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life, making it a premier spot for snorkeling and diving. This is where you can swim alongside majestic whale sharks, the world’s largest fish, during their annual migration from March to July.
Mantarays Ningaloo Resort Exmouth
Day 8
Today is the day. Swimming with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef is an unforgettable adventure as you glide alongside these gentle giants in crystal-clear waters. You will get the rare opportunity to observe the world’s largest fish up close in their natural habitat.
Mantarays Ningaloo Resort Exmouth
Day 9
Journey back to the center of the country to lovely little Adelaide, known for its vibrant arts scene, world-class wineries, and diverse culinary offerings.
Mayfair Hotel
Day 10
You are off to Adelaide Hills for wine tasting today. Just 25 minutes from Adelaide’s city centre, this cool climate wine region produces much of the state’s best white wines. From Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris, to Chardonnay and Gruner Veltliner, there’s no greater range of white wines than in the Hills. You’ll also find reds like Pinot Noir and Shiraz (or Syrah), a bunch of boutique gin distilleries, and plenty of sparkling wines too! Team that up with German heritage in kitsch Hills villages, spectacular scenery, and an array of amazing local food producers (think cheeses, chocolates, jams, and candies), making the Adelaide Hills the state’s most popular day trip destination.
Mayfair Hotel
Day 11
Catch your short flight to Port Lincoln today. Port Lincoln, located on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, is famous for its seafood, picturesque coastline, and thrilling shark cage diving experiences.
Port Lincoln Hotel
Days 12 -13
On these days, you will participate in a multi day private wildife and marine life adventure. Get up close and personal with a fearsome great white, play with sea lions, get eye-to-eye with koalas, see birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat, go fishing, indulge in Australia’s best and freshest seafood, sample some incredible wines, join an active adventure on our Electric Mountain Bikes and try your hand at sand tobogganing on the huge dunes.
Port Lincoln Hotel
Day 14
Today you’re on to spectacular Sydney—a world-class city that offers style and sophistication. Fringed by numerous bays and beaches and presided over by the glistening Opera House, Sydney unveils a great photo opportunity at every turn. With its Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, the zoos and lively neighborhoods, Sydney is just delightful.
Radisson Blu
Day 15
Take your tongue on tour throughout Sydney’s vibrant food scene. Begin with a caffeine hit followed by a visit to the iconic Sydney Fish Markets for exclusive seafood tastings—think oysters, sashimi, and more. Enjoy a casual lunch at a local favourite, savouring local produce and culinary delights. Conclude your gourmet adventure with a personalised touch—choose between sweet indulgences or a beverage experience, tailored to your palate. Dive into Sydney’s diverse markets, from Bondi’s beachside charm to the urban vibrancy of Carriageworks or the Entertainment Quarter pending the day. Your food-loving Splendour host ensures a day of flavours, leaving you content and returning you to your hotel, brimming with delightful tastes and memories.
Radisson Blu
Day 16
Your tour today is of Sydney’s northern boundary, starting with a visit to Ku-ring-gai National Park, renowned for its sandstone, bushland, and Aboriginal rock engravings. After enjoying breathtaking views and a bush morning tea, the journey continues through the picturesque Northern Beaches, concluding with a gourmet lunch at Jonah’s Restaurant on Whale Beach. The return trip offers stunning coastal views and passes through charming suburbs before arriving back in the city.
Radisson Blu
Day 17
Your chauffeur is waiting totake you to the airport for a flight to Queenstown, New Zealand, the heart of the South Island. A delight for scenery lovers and adrenaline junkies alike, Queenstown is the outdoor adventure capital of the country, if not the world. There is an endless supply of activities to fully experience the stunning natural landscape and to get your adrenaline flowing.
Azur Lodge
Day 18
Today you are in for a thrill. Start with an unforgettable coach trip through Skippers Canyon, famous for its exciting cliff edges, enough to get your adrenaline pumping before we hit the water. Experience grade 3–5 whitewater rapids in one of the most scenic environments in the world. The rapids can change on a daily basis but rest assured our guides are expertly trained and have a keen sense of adventure. They will guide you through canyons and help you navigate rapids. To finish you’ll ride through the famous 170m Oxenbridge tunnel.
Azur Lodge
Day 19
Another amazing day in Queenstown. As you lift from Queenstown, experience the magical views of the Whakatipu Basin, stretching out over the famous Earnslaw Burn and Lake McKerrow. As you take in the grandeur of the Southern Alps on your way into Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, land amongst ancient ice flows of the glaciers. Seal colonies and glacial valleys await you as you sweep the length of the glacier/snow in your private helicopter. View Lake Quill, the source of Sutherland Falls and the stunning Mackinnon Pass as you fly through the world-famous Arthur Valley on your journey back to Queenstown.
Azur Lodge
Day 20
Pick up your rental and enjoy the short drive to Manapouri, where you will begin your Doubtful Sound overnight cruise. Give in to the wilderness, and escape to the secluded Pātea Doubtful Sound, located in the depths of the Fiordland National Park. Unlike a day cruise, this unique overnight experience completely immerses you in nature. Wake up feeling connected, in harmony, and full of wonder for Aotearoa’s native flora and fauna. The trip begins on the shore of Lake Manapouri, where you’ll hop onto a vessel to cross over to West Arm. Here, you’ll board our RealNZ coach to cross the scenic Wilmot Pass, before arriving at Doubtful Sound, and your home for the night.
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
Day 21
Wake up to the sounds of silence and enjoy your breakfast onboard the vessel. You will arrive back around midday and then continue onto Wanaka, known for its stunning lake and mountain scenery, offering a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with activities like hiking, skiing, and water sports.
Edgewater Resort
Day 22
Today you journey to Lake Moeraki. Few places on earth can match the stunning natural setting of Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki, surrounded by lakes, rivers, rainforest and seacoast in the heart of Te Wahipounamu, the southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area. This is a paradise for nature lovers, active travelers and wilderness seekers.
Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge
Day 23
At the lodge, you can enjoy guided walks through pristine rainforests and spot rare wildlife such as Fiordland crested penguins and fur seals. Additionally, the lodge offers kayaking adventures on the tranquil lake, providing a unique way to explore the stunning natural surroundings.
Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge
Day 24
Travel north and drop off your rental car before your train journey. Starting from Greymouth on the rugged West Coast, you’ll embark on the TranzAlpine train, celebrated for its stunning vistas as it journeys eastward to Christchurch. Admire the sweeping Canterbury Plains and idyllic farmlands, then pass through the breathtaking gorges and valleys carved by the Waimakariri River. As the train climbs into the majestic Southern Alps, revel in the panoramic views before descending through lush beech rainforest on the approach to Christchurch.
The Mayfair
Day 25
Short flights bring you to the heart of the North Island, Rotorua, home to amazing geothermal sites and the most accessible Maori cultural experiences. Pick up your rental car and drive to your boutique hotel. Journey out to Eat Street to enjoy the sights and sounds of Rotorua at night.
Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel
Day 26
Daytime is at leisure today to explore geothermal sites. You have your own rental car to go visit pools of boiling mud, colorful hot springs, erupting geysers or even our favorite hidden hot waterfall. Spend the evening with a Te Pō cultural experience. It is a feast of cultural storytelling, entertainment and Māori kai (indigenous food).
Black Swan Lakeside Boutique
Day 27
After a short drive to Auckland, fly early into Fiji this morning and board your catamaran for Tokoriki Island Resort. The resort offers a serene and luxurious retreat surrounded by pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs. With its and intimate bures, the resort provides an ideal setting for romance and relaxation.
Tokoriki Island Resort
Days 28-30
These days are at leisure to explore the island. Visit a village to interact with locals and have the chance to meet a Fijian chief. If you’re lucky, you will be there during rugby season and you can attend a local rugby game. Or just relax on the beach and snooze away the days as you dream of the adventures you’ve had in Australia and New Zealand.
Tokoriki Island Resort
Day 31
Board a catamaran back to the mainland today with complimentary beverages on board, then head to the airport to begin your trip home.
About this vacation
Cost Per Person
Does not include the cost of airfare
Based on
You might also be interested in
Romantic Luxury Private Vacation: Fly, Sail, and Savor New Zealand
Discover New Zealand’s pristine wilderness with the utmost luxury and exclusivity. Enjoy private boat charters and helicopter excursions to explore some of New Zealand’s most dazzling scenery, from active volcanoes to icy blue glaciers to golden beaches.