THE LANDS DOWN UNDER
Australia & New Zealand
Australia & New Zealand
If you have the time, a trip including New Zealand and Australia creates great contrast. Two vacations in one as I like to say. Than if you have a bit more time, you can add to your amazing experience and truly spoil yourself by indulging in an overwater bungalow on one of the Tahitian islands as you head back to the United States. There are ways to break up this long flight, making the experience and your ability to acclimate that much more enjoyable.
New Zealand is a country of contrasts with dense, native forest, snow-capped mountains and spectacular coastline. New Zealand has a north and south island, and there are many options available to you as you decide how best you would like to explore this country. I have selected a top notch tour operator to help me customize my adventure, as well as to be available to me should the need arise while I was traveling. I did add a few excursions "on the fly", and my tour operator was available to accommodate any wish I had.
For those of you who followed my posts on facebook, it may have seemed unlikely that I could experience so much in one country.....but that is exactly what happened.
Within 90 hrs of landing in Queenstown, New Zealand, check out a few of the opportunities that were available. I've been to many exciting destinations but the south island ranks at the very top for the dizzying array of choices that its landscape offers.You can observe from afar or literally "jump" right in!
Above: On the south island of New Zealand, wine tasting at Gibbston Valley (my personal favorite Pinot Blanc),bungee jumping off a bridge over the Kawarau River on the road toward Lake Wanaka (no I did not!), stunning Lake Wanaka, Milford Sound - one of New Zealand's premier attractions, and hiking on Franz Josef glacier.
Fact: About 15% of New Zealand's population is of Maori descent. Maori are a tribal people and Rotorua is the center of Maori culture. Jade has been worked by the Maori of New Zealand all the way back to the 12 th century.You can visit one of the carving work shops and observe how modern-day carvers shape this ancient stone.
Rotorua is considered to be the most active geothermal region in the country, complete with boiling mud pots and geysers This is the real deal and you can take mineral baths and soak in mud packs at many spas in town.
New Zealand's temperate climate has a strong influence on the coastal vineyards throughout both islands.During the day the vines are warmed by strong sunlight and cooled by the sea breezes. Grapes are grown in a vast range of climates and soil types, thus producing sparkling flavors that are very distinctive.
Tip: Taste your way through three significant wine regions on the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, from Hawke's Bay on the north island to Marlborough on the south island. The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail is a leisurely self-drive that leads travellers off the beaten track.
The Hobbiton Movie Set Tour is an essential stop for anyone traveling through New Zealand. It is here that you walk through The Shire that was featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
Fact: Hobbiton was constructed in a picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular view. The hut of Bilbo Baggins is at the bottom right.
Before flying to Sydney, Australia I have an overnight in Auckland which is the point that most people pass through when entering or departing New Zealand.
Highly recommend: A 35 minute ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island. The best meal of the trip was at the beautiful Mudbrick Vineyard which had a restaurant with stunning views.
I am sad to leave New Zealand but simply cannot wait to arrive in Sydney . Its vibe did not disappoint but rather exceeded expectations! It is such a clean city and so easy to navigate. Its spectacular harbor is a natural outdoor playground. Everything about Sydney is casually elegant.
Must do: Take a tour of the architecturally sophisticated Sydney Opera House, walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens, stroll across the Sydney Harbor Bridge (preferably from the north to south side at sunset), catch a morning cruise on the harbor at Circular Quay, dine on exceptional international cuisine in this cosmopolitan city.
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Sydney's Bondi Beach is crowded and lively in summer.
Highlight: The Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk where the path winds its way above and below cliff tops.
Day Trips: The Blue Mountains - a premier national park located 68 miles northwest of Sydney. The Hunter Valley Wine Region - approximately 90 minutes from Sydney - hot air ballooning, cycling, golfing, horseback riding, cheese shops, cooking and wine schools.
Sydney, Australia is without a doubt, one of the easiest and most pleasant places to visit!
Ayers Rock Outback, Australia
As Australia is as large as the United States, a flight is often the preferred method of transportation. Ayers Rock, called Uluru by the Aborigines, is a truly stunning sight particularly at sunset when a burnt-orange glow appears to set the desert on fire. It's presence is made even more powerful because of the barren plain surrounding it.
Aborigines are Australia's indigenous people. Recent government statistics counted approximately 400,000 aboriginal people, having originated from Asia at least 30,000 years ago. Considered sacred by the Aborigines for thousands of years, the rock is now part of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
Recommended: View Ayers Rock at both sunset and sunrise!
***The Sounds of Silence evening experience began one hour prior to sunset and included an evening of dining under the sparkling outback sky.
On a short flight from Ayers Rock I travel to Cairns the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. This amazing coral structure extends for over 930 miles and as you can imagine provides superb recreational activities. Perfect for those who love to snorkel or scuba. The reef can also be viewed from glass-bottom boats or semi-submersible subs.
Recommended: A helicopter ride to visualize the vastness of this area.
Many do not know that this region is also home to an amazing rainforest that spans 3500 square miles. The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a special rail journey and provides a personalized touring experience.This journey takes you through tunnels and across bridges offering amazing views.
snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef
Kuranda scenic train ride
Cairns, Australia
In conclusion: My tour operators who live and work in Australia and New Zealand are specialists in these areas and can put together a customized itinerary suited to your wishes. Never have I had such a diversity of experiences as I did in this adventure. An excellent tour operator will make your dreams come true and that is exactly what happened here.
You can't visit Australia and not see a kangaroo!
Please remember that I have the resources to help you plan ANY adventure. It is often said that "you don't know what you don 't know" so allow me to help you understand the unlimited possibilities. I can be reached at 630.267.3054 or kathymoran@kmorantravel.com. I look forward to hearing from you!
