Have you always wanted to visit the land down under? Well, why not head out on an Australia and New Zealand vacation in the next year or two? Take the family and make a few memories you will never forget. There are so many things to do in Australia and New Zealand, so the options are practically endless. Today, I am sharing an itinerary that will give you an idea of what is possible when you decide to take a family vacation in Australia and New Zealand.  

Consider a 15 Day Australia and New Zealand Vacation 

Day One: Sydney, Australia 

On the first day of your Australia and New Zealand vacation, you will fly into Sydney, Australia. This day will be spent getting acclimated to the city. I suggest walking around the neighborhoods near your hotel. Then check out some of the more popular attractions in Sydney.  You may even want to relax at Bondi Beach. It is one of the best beaches in Australia. 

Day Two: Sydney, Australia 

A hike in the Blue Mountains will keep you busy on day two of your family vacation in Australia. Your hike begins at Calmsley Hill to see the kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and emu. From there, you can snap pictures at Eaglehawk Lookout, Evans Lookout, and Govetts Leap.  

Before you head back to your hotel, you must stop at the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens. It is one of the best places to see the ancient Wollemi Pine.  

Day Three: Cairns, Australia 

Day three is a travel day. You will fly from Sydney to Cairns. I can arrange for you to stay in a hotel right in the heart of the city. This will ensure you can see all the popular sights.  

Day Four: Great Barrier Reef, Australia 

One of the best things to do during an Australia vacation is visiting the Great Barrier Reef. And today, you can do just that!  

I can arrange for a glass bottom boat tour or a snorkeling session for viewing marine life. If you really want to experience the Great Barrier Reef in a unique way, let me suggest the semi-submersible reef viewer or a stop at the underwater observatory.  

Day Five: Fitzroy Island, Australia 

Head away from the mainland today and explore Fitzroy Island. You must take the ferry to and from this island. Take a hike on the trails to explore the island. Or head into the water to swim and snorkel with the turtles.  

At the end of this day, the first part of your Australia and New Zealand vacation will be coming to an end. Day six will bring new adventures in a new country!

Day Six: Queenstown, New Zealand 

Another travel day will be needed to fly from Australia to Queenstown, New Zealand. It is finally time for the next part of your Australia and New Zealand vacation with the family.  

Spend your day relaxing in your room, as you enjoy the mountain and lake views. Or venture out to start exploring the city. The choice is always yours. Simply do what you know will make your family happy, as you all make those memories that matter.  

Day Seven: Queenstown, New Zealand 

The entire family will love jumping on an ATV to head out on a safari during your family vacation in New Zealand. This guided tour will allow you to explore Queenstown Hill. You can go off-roading on the various trails to see the sheep in their natural habitats.  

If you are not too tired at the end of the day, take a cruise on Lake Wakatipu. You can choose a simple evening cruise or one that includes dinner at Walter Peak.  

Day Eight: Milford Sound, New Zealand 

Experiencing Milford Sound is a daylong adventure. Your tour guide will share information about the history and sights you see along Milford Road. This road follows the shores of Lake Wakatipu. You will eventually find yourselves in Fiordland National Park.  

A boat ride on the fjord is the perfect way to end this long journey. During your boat ride, you will have the opportunity to see waterfalls, dolphins, penguins, and fur seals.  

Day Nine: Mount Cook 

You may want to wake up early this morning to squeeze in a little extra time in Queensland before making the drive to Mount Cook. During the journey, you will pass AJ Hackett Bridge Bungy. This is the World’s Home of the Bungy. The kids are probably going to want to get your heart racing, as they decide they are going to make the leap.  

Once you can move again, continue driving to the town of Cromwell, the town of Omarama, and eventually Mount Cook National Park. If you are feeling ambitious, hike along the trails to one of the fifteen peaks inside this park. These are some of the best hikes in New Zealand. 

Day Ten: Mount Cook 

After your drive on day nine of your family vacation in New Zealand, you will be more than ready for a glacier boat ride. During this family adventure, you will spend a couple hours getting up close to the Tasman Glacier icebergs.  

Day Eleven: Punakaiki 

Day eleven is a day of travel, as you go from Mount Cook to Punakaiki. Remember, all amazing things are worth the wait, or in this case, the journey. Your accommodations in Punakaiki are close to Paparoa National Park, which is where you will see the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. You may even want to spend a little time on a nearby beach.  

Day Twelve: Nelson 

Sleep in a little bit this morning if you want, so you are well rested for the journey to Nelson. You will probably need the extra sleep at this point of your amazing family vacation in both Australia and New Zealand.  

Day Thirteen: Nelson and Abel Tasman 

Your family will be more than ready to head out on the water today for a kayaking adventure. It is difficult to share what you will see during this adventure, because the tours are designed around the tides each day. So, you may not have any idea which direction you are headed until you arrive and speak to your guide.  

Day Fourteen: Auckland 

I recommend flying out of Nelson to Auckland early on this day, so you can spend more time in this vibrant city. After all, your Australia and New Zealand vacation is close to the end. There are so many popular attractions in Auckland. You may have difficulty finding the time to see them all.  

Start with the Auckland Waterfront, Princess Wharf, Wynyard Quarter, and Queen Street.  

Day Fifteen: Auckland 

While you may have flown into Auckland early on day fourteen, I am hopeful you will want to arrange for a later flight from Auckland to home. This will allow you to see some more of this city, as you make one or two more memories with your family.  

This is one of the numerous itineraries I can create and personalize for your family during an Australia and New Zealand vacation. Simply let me know what your family is interested in, and I will find exactly what everyone will want to do during this incredible time away from home.  

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your trip to Australia and New Zealand or another destination?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click on the link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

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