Australia and New Zealand holiday with the Cook Islands

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    900x600-cook_islands-aitutaki-pacific-resort-one-foot-island-couple
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    Enjoy all that Sydney has to offer

    Enjoy all that Sydney has to offer

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    Take a day trip to the striking Blue Mountains

    Take a day trip to the Blue Mountains

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    Live it up in scenic Queenstown | Travel Nation

    Soak up the scenery in Queenstown

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    Take a sunrise stroll around Lake Wanaka | Travel Nation

    Watch beautiful sunsets over Lake Wanaka

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    Drive the scenic roads of New Zealand's South Island | Travel Nation

    Drive through beautiful landscapes in New Zealand

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    The South Island is yours to explore!

    The South Island is yours to explore!

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    Discover the spectacular beauty of Aitutaki lagoon

    Explore One Foot Island from Aitutaki

Tailor-made holidays

Duration(in days): 25

From: UK

To: Australia | New Zealand | Cook Islands

From

£5,025

Inc. International flights (Per person, based on 2 sharing)

Get a quote

or Call +441273099433

See more ideas for: Australia | Cook Islands | New Zealand

    This three and a half week Australia and New Zealand holiday also includes a final stop in the paradise Cook Islands. Self-drive New Zealand independently with your campervan from Auckland to Christchurch; beside glaciers, lakes and mountains before boarding your flight to Rarotonga.

    Starting in Sydney, you will have three nights to explore and take in this fantastic city. Head down to the harbour and take a cruise or go further afield and visit the Blue Mountains or Hunter Valley for some wine tasting.

    Next stop is New Zealand and for a self-drive by campervan. Enjoy the freedom of the open road and visit mirror lakes, glacial valleys and snow-capped mountains as you make your way to Christchurch.

    Finally, head to the South Pacific paradise of the Cook Islands, where white sandy beaches and crystal clear lagoons await. It's the perfect spot to relax before heading home.

    This Australia and New Zealand itinerary can be tailored to suit your requirements; please contact one of our consultants to start planning your dream trip.

    This holiday includes

    • International flights
    • Transfers as stated in the itinerary
    • Campervan hire
    • All accommodation in Sydney & the Cook Islands

    Highlights

    • Spend 4 days exploring the exciting city of Sydney
    • Take a harbour cruise or visit Bondi Beach
    • Explore New Zealand at your own pace on a self-guided adventure
    • Witness snow-capped mountains and mirror lakes as you journey to Christchurch
    • Meet the locals on the South Pacific island of Rarotonga
    • Visit the spectacular Aitutaki Lagoon

     

    Itinerary in brief

    • 3 nights Sydney
    • 2 nights Rarotonga
    • 2 nights Aitutaki
    • 1 night Rarotonga
    • 13 nights Campervan hire - New Zealand

    Day 1: Depart UK

    Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

    Included: International flight

    Day 2: Arrive Sydney

    On arrival, you will be transfered to your centrally located hotel.

    Included: Arrival transfer & hotel

    Days 3 & 4: Sydney

    You have three nights and two full days to enjoy all that Sydney has to offer. Take a seaplane flight over the harbour, climb the Harbour Bridge, explore the beach suburbs of Bondi and Manly, head out of the city and explore the Blue Mountains – the list of great things to do is endless. We can arrange any day trips you choose.

    On day 4, we have included a tour to the Blue Mountains. On the way you will stop at the Featherdale Wildlife Park for a hands-on Australian wildlife experience where you will be able to feed the Kangaroos. Next up, is the famous Blue Mountains, known for its dramatic scenery. This region encompasses eucalyptus forests, waterfalls and villages, a perfect place to enjoy some great walks and take in the views, from Pulpit Rock to Hargraves Lookout and Lincolns Rock, as well as the famous Three Sisters. 

    Included: Hotel, Blue Mountains tour

    Days 5 & 6: Fly to Rarotonga

    Today, you will be transferd to Sydney Airport to join your flight to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands.

    On arrival, you will be greeted locally and transferred to your hotel; you now have two days to relax and enjoy this stunning island!

    Be sure to catch an ‘island night’ on one of your evenings, to enjoy local cuisine and cultural dancing, singing and drumming. These nights take place every evening on the island in different locations so be sure to ask about them when you arrive.

    Included: Arrival transfer with meet & greet & hotel

    Days 7 & 8: Fly to Aitutaki

    You will be collected from your hotel and taken to the airport to connect with your domestic flight to Aitutaki.

    A trip to the Cook Islands wouldn’t be complete without a stay on the island of Aitutaki; home to the world famous Aitutaki lagoon. After an incredible scenic flight, you can enjoy snorkelling trips and boat cruises out to the deserted motu (islets) within the clear waters of Aitutaki lagoon - a highlight of the trip.

    Included: Departure transfer, domestic flight, arrival transfer & hotel

    Day 9: Fly to Rarotonga

    This morning you will be collected and taken to the airport for your return flight to Rarotonga where you will stay one final night. You will be transferred to your hotel on arrival.

    Included: Arrival transfer & hotel

    Day 10: Depart Rarotonga   

    Today, you will be transfered to the airport in time for your flight to Auckland.

    Included: Departure transfer & international flight

    Days 11-23: Arrive Auckland, self-drive to Christchurch

    We’ve included a 2 week campervan hire, taking you from Auckland to Christchurch. You’ll have a four berth campervan which will give you plenty of room to spread out during your two week trip.

    Head out from Auckland, you could head north to sail the blue waters Bay of Islands or just drive south, stopping in at the pretty Coromandel Peninsula before enjoying a pint a the Green Dragon in Hobbiton.  Visit the bubbling pools of Rotorua, taste wine in the lush vineyards of Hawkes Bay and learn about the Art Deco history of Napier. Cycle between the tiny wineries in Martinborough and stop in the cool capital of Wellington, where we’d always recommend a visit to the brilliant Te Papa museum.

    Taking the ferry over to the South Island, you can explore whichever route you like. Why not hike the paths of Abel Tasman National Park before driving down the west coast, stopping at the famous Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers before hitting up the cool city of Queenstown. You can then head back up to Christchurch via the pretty shores of Lake Tekapo. If you'd prefer a more leisurely route, explore the relaxing vineyards around Blenheim and look for whales in the waves around Kaikoura. Either way you'll finish your trip in the quirky city of Christchurch, where you can enjoy the quaint charm and unique street art of the second city of New Zealand.

    Included: Campervan hire

    Day 24: Depart Chirstchurch

    Today, you will drop your camper at the airport depot before boarding your onward flight.

    Included: International flight

    Day 25: Arrive UK

     

    What's included
    • International flights
    • Domestic flights in the Cook Islands
    • Airport transfers as specified
    • Fully inclusive campervan hire in New Zealand
    • Accommodation in Sydney & the Cook Islands
    • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary

    Summertime in Australia runs between November & February when the weather will be hot and sunny, Sydney, Melbourne & the Whitsundays enjoy the sunshine and blue skies at this time. Prices will be at a premium over the Christmas and New Year holidays and availability limited so be sure to book in advance. March-May & Sept-Nov can be mild and pleasant and crowds fewer.

    New Zealand is a year-round destination, and there is always something to see and enjoy whatever time you decide to travel. High season runs from December to February (summer), prices will be at a premium at these times and availability limited, so it is advisable to book in advance. March to April and September to November can be a great time to travel as the weather is fine and the crowds fewer. Low season is May to August (winter) for most of New Zealand, this is, however, the best time for skiing and so ski towns such as Queenstown will be at their busiest.

    The temperatures in the Cook Islands are generally always high; rainfall is typical throughout the whole year with July being the driest month overall, on average January is the wettest month. The Cook Islands climate is tropical meaning rainfall is generally heavy but short-lived and most days will enjoy the sunshine at some point.

    Are you looking for more Australia ideas?

    We’re experts in planning tailor-made holidays, so whether you’re looking for a luxury Australia holiday, ideas for a road trip, or multi-stop flights to Australia with stopovers – let us help you with the planning. Our experts can tailor-make precisely the trip you’re looking for - this itinerary is purely a suggestion, so please contact us with your dates and requests, and we’ll put together a bespoke quotation for you.

    Not included
    • Any meals not mentioned
    • Any additional camper accessories
    • Personal expenses
    • Tips & gratuities