International Signature

Australia & New Zealand – The Southern Grandeur

Two countries. Two landscapes. One extraordinary journey.

Plan this journey
Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles
Sydney Opera House & Harbour
Hobbiton Movie Set, New Zealand
Lake Tekapo & Church of the Good Shepherd

The route

Melbourne · Great Ocean Road · Sydney · Auckland · Rotorua · Christchurch · Lake Tekapo · Queenstown · Milford Sound

Two countries. Two landscapes. One extraordinary journey.

Plan this journey
Duration
18 Days / 17 Nights
Collection
International Signature
Stays
8 handpicked
Journey
No. 13

The destination

Australia brings together cosmopolitan cities, dramatic coastlines and iconic Australian experiences, while New Zealand adds volcanic landscapes, alpine scenery, pristine lakes and Fiordland.

The itinerary deliberately avoids packing too many cities into the journey. Instead, it gives guests time to experience each destination properly.

From Melbourne's sophisticated laneways and the dramatic limestone sea stacks of the Great Ocean Road to the harbour majesty of Sydney, across the Tasman Sea to Auckland's volcanic vistas, Middle-earth at Hobbiton, Māori heritage in Rotorua, and the breathtaking alpine grandeur of Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Queenstown and Milford Sound—this is the definitive Southern Hemisphere expedition.

Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles

Velora signature experiences

The details, already
taken care of.

13 arrangements included

01

Melbourne City Culture & Iconic Laneways

02

Full-Day Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles

03

Sydney Harbour

04

Opera House & The Rocks

05

Bondi Beach & Coastal Watsons Bay

06

Auckland Waterfront & Mount Eden Volcanic Viewpoint

07

Hobbiton Movie Set Private Guided Tour

08

Rotorua Geothermal Wonderland & Living Māori Heritage

09

Christchurch Heritage Architecture & Botanic Gardens

10

Turquoise Waters of Lake Tekapo & Church of the Good Shepherd

11

Aoraki / Mount Cook Scenic Alpine Heartland

12

Queenstown Skyline Gondola & Lake Wakatipu Panoramas

13

Milford Sound UNESCO Fiordland Wilderness Cruise

Sydney Opera House & Harbour
Hobbiton Movie Set, New Zealand
Lake Tekapo & Church of the Good Shepherd

A slower itinerary

Days designed
to breathe.

  1. Day 01

    Arrive Melbourne — The Journey Begins

    Welcome to Australia. Upon arrival at Melbourne International Airport, meet your Velora representative and proceed with a private transfer to your luxury hotel. Melbourne, with its elegant architecture, artistic spirit and cosmopolitan character, sets the perfect tone for the journey ahead. After check-in, the remainder of the day is intentionally kept relaxed, allowing you to recover from your international journey and settle into the rhythm of Australia. Overnight in Melbourne.

    • Airport Meet & Greet Assistance
    • Private Luxury Transfer to Hotel
    • Check-in at Grand Hyatt Melbourne
    • Evening at Leisure
    Meals
    Dinner
    Stay
    Grand Hyatt Melbourne
    Melbourne City Skyline
  2. Day 02

    Melbourne — The City of Lanes, Culture & Character

    After breakfast, begin your introduction to Melbourne, a city where heritage and contemporary culture exist effortlessly together. Your private exploration takes you through Federation Square, the iconic Flinders Street Station, St Paul's Cathedral, the Yarra River precinct and the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens. Continue towards St Kilda, one of Melbourne's most loved coastal neighbourhoods, before discovering the city's famous laneways and elegant urban quarters. The evening is yours to experience Melbourne at your own pace—perhaps over a relaxed dinner or an evening stroll through the city. Overnight in Melbourne.

    • Federation Square & Flinders Street Station
    • St Paul's Cathedral & Yarra River Precinct
    • Royal Botanic Gardens & St Kilda
    • Melbourne's Historic Arcades & Laneways
    Meals
    Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
    Stay
    Grand Hyatt Melbourne
    Flinders Street & Melbourne Lanes
  3. Day 03

    Great Ocean Road — Where the Ocean Meets the Wilderness

    Today unfolds one of Australia's most spectacular scenic journeys. Depart Melbourne and travel towards Torquay, the gateway to the legendary Great Ocean Road. The route follows dramatic Southern Ocean cliffs, beautiful beaches and lush hinterland landscapes, passing charming coastal towns such as Lorne and Apollo Bay. Continue towards the magnificent Twelve Apostles, the towering limestone formations that have become an enduring symbol of Australia's coastline. The Great Ocean Road is recognised as one of Australia's most famous scenic coastal journeys, with the Twelve Apostles among its defining experiences. After soaking in the immense views, return to Melbourne in the evening with the day's landscapes etched into memory. Overnight in Melbourne.

    • Full-Day Great Ocean Road Coastal Drive
    • Torquay, Lorne & Apollo Bay Coastal Towns
    • Twelve Apostles Limestone Sea Stacks
    • Loch Ard Gorge & Southern Ocean Lookouts
    Meals
    Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
    Stay
    Grand Hyatt Melbourne
    Twelve Apostles & Great Ocean Road
  4. Day 04

    Melbourne → Sydney — From Culture to the Harbour

    After breakfast, bid farewell to Melbourne and proceed to the airport for your domestic flight to Sydney. Upon arrival, your private transfer will take you to your luxury hotel. Sydney welcomes you with its unmistakable combination of harbour, beaches and sophisticated city life. After check-in, the rest of the day is free to unwind or explore the surroundings of your hotel. As evening falls, enjoy your first glimpse of the city's vibrant waterfront atmosphere. Overnight in Sydney.

    • Private Transfer to Melbourne Airport
    • Domestic Flight to Sydney
    • Private Transfer to Shangri-La Sydney
    • Evening Waterfront Leisure
    Meals
    Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
    Stay
    Shangri-La Sydney
    Arrival in Sydney Harbour
  5. Day 05

    Sydney — Icons of the Harbour City

    Today is dedicated to discovering the icons that define Sydney. Begin with Circular Quay and the magnificent Sydney Opera House before continuing towards the Harbour Bridge and historic The Rocks precinct. Visit Mrs Macquarie's Chair for one of the city's most beautiful harbour viewpoints, with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge creating an unforgettable backdrop. Continue through the Royal Botanic Gardens before returning towards the waterfront. The evening remains free, allowing you to experience Sydney at your own pace. Overnight in Sydney.

    • Circular Quay & Sydney Opera House Exploration
    • Historic The Rocks Precinct & Harbour Bridge
    • Mrs Macquarie's Chair Iconic Harbour Viewpoint
    • Royal Botanic Gardens Coastal Walk
    Meals
    Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
    Stay
    Shangri-La Sydney
    Sydney Opera House & Harbour Bridge
  6. Day 06

    Sydney — Coastal Elegance & the Spirit of Bondi

    After breakfast, discover another side of Sydney as you follow its spectacular eastern coastline. Visit the legendary Bondi Beach and continue through the elegant neighbourhoods and harbour viewpoints towards Watsons Bay. The combination of golden beaches, dramatic coastline and sophisticated neighbourhoods showcases why Sydney is one of the world's great coastal cities. The afternoon is deliberately unhurried, giving you time for shopping, cafés, relaxation or an optional private harbour experience. Overnight in Sydney.

    • Iconic Bondi Beach Visit & Coastal Promenade
    • Eastern Coastal Suburbs Scenic Drive
    • Watsons Bay & South Head Harbour Panorama
    • Unhurried Afternoon for Shopping & Cafés
    Meals
    Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
    Stay
    Shangri-La Sydney
    Bondi Beach & Coastal Sydney
  7. Day 07

    Sydney → Auckland — Across the Tasman

    Today marks the transition from Australia to New Zealand. After breakfast, transfer to Sydney International Airport for your flight across the Tasman Sea to Auckland. On arrival, meet your local representative and proceed to your luxury hotel. Auckland, known as the City of Sails, is beautifully positioned between two harbours and surrounded by volcanic landscapes. Spend the evening at leisure, perhaps taking a relaxed walk along the waterfront and enjoying your first evening in Aotearoa New Zealand. Overnight in Auckland.

    • Private Transfer to Sydney Airport
    • Flight Across the Tasman Sea to Auckland
    • Meet & Greet at Auckland Airport
    • Evening Stroll at Auckland Waterfront
    Meals
    Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
    Stay
    Cordis Auckland
    Auckland City of Sails
  8. Day 08

    Auckland — The City of Sails

    After breakfast, set out to discover Auckland's distinctive character. Explore the waterfront and Viaduct Harbour before continuing towards Mission Bay and Mount Eden, one of the city's most impressive volcanic viewpoints. From here, enjoy panoramic views across Auckland and its surrounding waters before returning towards the city centre. The afternoon is free for shopping, cafés and independent exploration. Auckland is also an ideal introduction to New Zealand's blend of urban sophistication and spectacular natural surroundings. Overnight in Auckland.

    • Viaduct Harbour & Waterfront Exploration
    • Mount Eden Volcanic Crater & City Lookout
    • Mission Bay Scenic Coastal Drive
    • Afternoon at Leisure in Downtown Auckland
    Meals
    Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
    Stay
    Cordis Auckland
    Viaduct Harbour & Auckland Skyline
  9. Day 09

    Auckland → Hobbiton → Rotorua — Into Middle-Earth

    Leave Auckland behind and travel south through the beautiful countryside of Waikato. Today's highlight is a visit to the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set, where rolling green hills and peaceful farmland create the setting made famous by The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Continue onwards to Rotorua, a destination shaped by geothermal activity and Māori heritage. Upon arrival, check into your resort and enjoy the evening amidst Rotorua's unique landscapes. Overnight in Rotorua.

    • Scenic Drive through Waikato Farmlands
    • Guided Tour of Hobbiton Movie Set & Shire
    • Green Dragon Inn Refreshment
    • Arrival in Geothermal Rotorua
    Meals
    Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
    Stay
    Pullman Rotorua / equivalent premium property
    Hobbiton Movie Set
  10. Day 10

    Rotorua — Earth, Fire & Māori Heritage

    Today offers a deeper connection with New Zealand's volcanic heartland. Explore Rotorua's geothermal landscapes, where steaming vents, bubbling mud pools and volcanic activity reveal the powerful forces beneath the earth. Later, experience the living heritage of Māori culture through a carefully curated cultural experience, including traditional performances and local hospitality. This evening brings together the natural and cultural character of Rotorua in one memorable experience. Overnight in Rotorua.

    • Geothermal Parks, Geysers & Steaming Mud Pools
    • Living Māori Cultural Experience
    • Traditional Haka & Waiata Performances
    • Authentic Hāngī-Inspired Cultural Dinner
    Meals
    Breakfast · Lunch · Māori Cultural Dinner
    Stay
    Pullman Rotorua / equivalent premium property
    Rotorua Geothermal Wonderland
  11. Day 11

    Rotorua → Christchurch — Welcome to the South Island

    After breakfast, transfer to Rotorua Airport for your flight to Christchurch, the gateway to New Zealand's magnificent South Island. Upon arrival, meet your representative and proceed to your hotel. Explore Christchurch's beautifully landscaped gardens, heritage architecture and rejuvenated city centre during a relaxed orientation. The atmosphere changes dramatically here—the volcanic landscapes of the North Island give way to the grand alpine character of the South Island. Overnight in Christchurch.

    • Flight to Christchurch (South Island)
    • Christchurch Botanic Gardens & Avon River Walk
    • Rejuvenated City Centre Orientation
    • Transitional Cathedral & Heritage Precinct
    Meals
    Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
    Stay
    Distinction Christchurch Hotel / equivalent
    Christchurch Gardens & Heritage
  12. Day 12

    Christchurch → Lake Tekapo — Into the Alpine Heartland

    Today the journey becomes increasingly scenic as you travel through Canterbury towards the Mackenzie Basin. Vast open landscapes gradually give way to the Southern Alps as you approach the remarkable turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo. Visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, beautifully positioned against the lake and mountains. As evening approaches, settle into your scenic accommodation and enjoy the serenity of this extraordinary alpine setting. Overnight in Lake Tekapo.

    • Canterbury Plains & Mackenzie Basin Scenic Drive
    • Turquoise Waters of Glacial Lake Tekapo
    • Iconic Church of the Good Shepherd Visit
    • Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Setting
    Meals
    Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
    Stay
    Peppers Bluewater Resort
    Lake Tekapo & Church of the Good Shepherd
  13. Day 13

    Lake Tekapo → Aoraki / Mount Cook → Queenstown

    After breakfast, continue towards the magnificent Aoraki / Mount Cook region, surrounded by some of New Zealand's most spectacular alpine scenery. The journey itself becomes part of the experience as mountain ranges, turquoise lakes and vast valleys unfold along the route. Continue towards Queenstown, dramatically positioned on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Southern Alps. Arrive and settle into your luxury hotel, with the evening free to simply admire the extraordinary setting. Overnight in Queenstown.

    • Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park Alpine Views
    • Lake Pukaki Turquoise Vista Stops
    • Lindis Pass & Kawarau Gorge Mountain Journey
    • Arrival at Queenstown on Shores of Lake Wakatipu
    Meals
    Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
    Stay
    QT Queenstown / equivalent luxury property
    Aoraki / Mount Cook & Lake Pukaki
  14. Day 14

    Queenstown — Above the Lake

    Begin your Queenstown experience with a journey on the Skyline Gondola, rising above the town to reveal sweeping views across Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. Return to the town centre and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Queenstown offers an exceptional choice of experiences—from refined cafés and boutique shopping to scenic adventures and wellness experiences. Velora keeps this afternoon deliberately flexible so every traveller can enjoy Queenstown in their own way. Overnight in Queenstown.

    • Skyline Gondola Ride to Bob's Peak
    • Sweeping Panoramas of Lake Wakatipu & The Remarkables
    • Queenstown Town Centre Waterfront Stroll
    • Flexible Afternoon for Boutique Shopping & Cafés
    Meals
    Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
    Stay
    QT Queenstown / equivalent luxury property
    Skyline Gondola & Lake Wakatipu Panoramas
  15. Day 15

    Milford Sound — Into the Wild

    Today is one of the defining experiences of the entire journey. Travel from Queenstown towards Fiordland through the spectacular Milford Road, where mountains, glacier-carved valleys, pristine lakes and native rainforest accompany the journey. Continue into Milford Sound, or Piopiotahi, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed wilderness destination shaped by ancient glaciers. Enjoy a scenic cruise through the fiord, surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Milford Sound remains one of New Zealand's most iconic natural experiences, and the journey through Fiordland is almost as remarkable as the destination itself. Return to Queenstown in the evening. Overnight in Queenstown.

    • Milford Road Scenic Alpine & Rainforest Highway
    • UNESCO World Heritage Fiordland National Park
    • Milford Sound Nature Cruise Under Towering Cliffs
    • Stirling Falls, Mitre Peak & Wildlife Spotting
    Meals
    Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
    Stay
    QT Queenstown / equivalent luxury property
    Milford Sound Wilderness Cruise
  16. Day 16

    Queenstown — A Day to Experience It Your Way

    After several days of spectacular landscapes, today is intentionally left open. Enjoy a relaxed morning beside Lake Wakatipu, explore the charming historic village of Arrowtown, indulge in a private Central Otago experience or simply spend the day discovering Queenstown's cafés, boutiques and scenic viewpoints. For those seeking something extraordinary, optional scenic helicopter flights and premium adventure experiences can be arranged. This is Velora's philosophy of luxury travel—not every moment needs to be scheduled. Some moments are meant to simply be lived. Overnight in Queenstown.

    • Relaxed Lakeside Morning at Lake Wakatipu
    • Optional Historic Arrowtown Gold Mining Village Excursion
    • Optional Central Otago Pinot Noir Winery Experience
    • Optional Alpine Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing
    Meals
    Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
    Stay
    QT Queenstown / equivalent luxury property
    Lake Wakatipu & Alpine Serenity
  17. Day 17

    Queenstown → Auckland — The Final Evening

    Enjoy a relaxed final morning in Queenstown before transferring to the airport for your flight back to Auckland. Upon arrival, proceed to your hotel and spend your final evening in New Zealand at leisure. This evening can be enhanced with an optional farewell dinner, bringing together the stories and experiences of the journey—from Australia's coastal cities to New Zealand's extraordinary alpine wilderness. Overnight in Auckland.

    • Final Morning Leisure in Queenstown
    • Domestic Flight from Queenstown to Auckland
    • Private Transfer to Cordis Auckland
    • Celebratory Farewell Dinner
    Meals
    Breakfast · Lunch · Farewell Dinner
    Stay
    Cordis Auckland
    Auckland Evening Lights
  18. Day 18

    Auckland — Until We Meet Again

    After breakfast, enjoy your final moments in Auckland before your private transfer to Auckland International Airport for your onward international flight. As you depart, carry with you memories of two extraordinary countries—Melbourne's culture, the Great Ocean Road's wild coastline, Sydney's harbour, Rotorua's living heritage and the breathtaking mountains and fiords of New Zealand. Your Southern Grandeur journey ends. But the stories you collected along the way are just beginning.

    • Farewell Breakfast at Cordis Auckland
    • Private International Airport Transfer
    • Departure with Lifelong Southern Memories
    Meals
    Breakfast
    Homeward Bound International Flight

Your stay

Where you
wake up.

Every property is visited before it is offered — chosen for where it stands as much as for the room you wake up in.

Melbourne (3 Nights)

Grand Hyatt Melbourne

Sydney (3 Nights)

Shangri-La Sydney

Auckland (2 Nights)

Cordis Auckland

Rotorua (2 Nights)

Pullman Rotorua / equivalent premium property

Christchurch (1 Night)

Distinction Christchurch Hotel / equivalent

Lake Tekapo (1 Night)

Peppers Bluewater Resort

Queenstown (4 Nights)

QT Queenstown / equivalent luxury property

Auckland (1 Night)

Cordis Auckland

The fine print

What's included,
and what isn't.

Included

  • 17 Nights Premium 4.5/5-Star Luxury Accommodation
  • Twin-Sharing Basis Across Handpicked Stays
  • 17 Breakfasts + 16 Lunches + 17 Dinners
  • Special Māori Cultural Dinner Experience in Rotorua
  • All Airport Transfers in Private Premium Vehicles
  • All Sightseeing Transfers in Premium Air-Conditioned Coach
  • Domestic Flights (Melbourne → Sydney, Rotorua → Christchurch, Queenstown → Auckland)
  • Full-Day Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles Excursion
  • Melbourne & Sydney City Guided Explorations
  • Bondi Beach & Watsons Bay Coastal Touring
  • Hobbiton Movie Set Guided Tour & Entry Tickets
  • Rotorua Geothermal Wonderland Experience
  • Christchurch Botanic Gardens & Heritage Orientation
  • Scenic Mackenzie Basin & Lake Tekapo Church of the Good Shepherd
  • Aoraki / Mount Cook Regional Exploration
  • Queenstown Skyline Gondola Ride with Lake Views
  • Milford Sound UNESCO Wilderness Nature Cruise
  • Dedicated Velora Tour Manager Throughout
  • Local English-Speaking Guides & Destination Coordination
  • Pre-Departure Briefing & Documentation Support
  • 24×7 Velora Emergency Support Throughout the Tour

Not included

  • International Return Airfare from India
  • Australia & New Zealand Visa Fees (Full documentation assistance provided)
  • Travel Insurance
  • Meals and Beverages Other Than Those Specifically Mentioned
  • Personal Expenses, Laundry, Telephone Calls, Mini-Bar & Room Service
  • Alcoholic Beverages, Porterage, Tips & Gratuities
  • Optional Activities (Scenic Helicopter Flights, Jet Boating, Wine Tasting Tours)
  • Any Increase in Government Taxes, Airfare or Currency Fluctuations
  • GST / TCS Extra as Applicable

Anything on this list can be arranged on request and quoted separately.

Departures · October 2026 – December 2027

Fixed departures,
a season ahead.

  • Melbourne City Culture & Iconic Laneways
  • Full-Day Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles
  • Sydney Harbour
  • Opera House & The Rocks

07guaranteed departures across the season

All dates in this document are commercial planning dates. Displayed as Proposed Departure until DMC, hotel, transport and minimum-group-size requirements are confirmed.

Hold a departure

October 2026

1 departure available

  3. Season closed

  7. Season closed

  8. Season closed

  9. Season closed

  10. Season closed

  11. Season closed

  12. Season closed

  15. Season closed

Dates marked with an asterisk are subject to confirmation.

International Signature pricing

Considered value,
quietly done.

Nothing is marked up quietly and nothing is left to settle on arrival. What a journey costs is agreed before you go.

Reserve your place
Per person, twin sharing₹6,95,000
For a couple (per person)₹7,98,000
Single supplement₹1,85,000
TaxesGST 5% & TCS Extra as applicable
Group sizeSmall Exclusive Escorted Group

Premium luxury experiential positioning including 4.5/5-star accommodation, internal flights, private touring, dedicated tour manager, and major admissions. International airfare and visas quoted separately based on departure city and travel date.

Important information

Worth knowing
before you go.

The practical detail behind the journey — the parts we plan around so they never come as a surprise.

The Velora difference

Eighteen days across Australia and New Zealand brings together two distinct worlds—vibrant cosmopolitan harbours, wild ocean cliffs, volcanic heartlands, and pristine alpine fiords. The stories you collected along the way are just beginning.

Two countries.Two landscapes.One extraordinary journey.

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Take it with you

The printed
brochure.

Every page of this journey — the day-by-day route, your stays, what is included and what it costs — set as a document you can save, print or forward to whoever is travelling with you.

  1. 01The route and the destination
  2. 0213 signature experiences
  3. 03All 18 days, one by one
  4. 04Your stays and what is included
  5. 05Pricing and how to reserve
View the brochure

A4 · 18 days · opens in a new tab, saves as PDF

Make it yours

Let's shape the
way you go.

Tell a designer what you would change about this itinerary — the pace, the season, who is travelling — and the next version comes back built around it.

Speak to a travel designer