Experience extraordinary scenery from the air, on foot and by boat From world-famous wine and five-star gourmet meals to the untamed outback, white-sand beaches, unparalleled wildlife experiences and breathtaking scenery – South Australia and New Zealand offer unforgettable experiences that draw Americans halfway around the world. The challenge comes from trying to pack everything into a typical two-week vacation. That’s where Abercrombie & Kent’s Private Travel Specialists bring a rare blend of knowledge, patience, and most of all, creativity and caring to designing customised itineraries. They take time to understand each guest’s needs, getting to know their tastes and interests, and use A&K’s network of offices in Australia and New Zealand to make arrangements that match their travel dreams - and exceed their expectations.
South Australia & New Zealand Adventure is a 15-day food, wine and adventure-filled itinerary that takes guests deep into the heart of both countries. From the rugged Australian Outback to the primordial landscapes of New Zealand, private local guides orchestrate unforgettable experiences, personalised for each travelling party.
South Australia offers a taste of Australia without the lengthy travel time involved in traversing the continent. Begin with a cruise in Sydney Harbour and a private tour of the Sydney Opera House. Then head to South Australia, the wine and seafood state of the country. From the capital Adelaide, you can take a short drive or flight to Kangaroo Island, the Barossa or Flinders Ranges outback region. Learn to bottle wine in the picturesque Barossa Valley, home to Australia’s finest wineries, and savour seasonal specialties. Visit a boutique winery in the Clare Valley en route to the Outback. Explore the 260-mile Flinders Ranges, one of the oldest landscapes on earth and home to kangaroos and emus. Then discover Kangaroo Island, known as Australia's Galápagos for up-close wildlife encounters.
Experience New Zealand’s extraordinarily varied scenery from the air, on foot and by boat. Glide in a float plane over Mount Tarawera's Crater Rift, the hot lakes of Waimangu Volcanic Valley and the geysers of Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve for a bird’s eye view of the bubbling, primordial landscape. In the South Island, take a helicopter flight through Fiordland over the majestic peaks of Milford Sound, flying over secluded alpine lakes and lush rainforest and past rugged mountain peaks, and, weather permitting, land atop the ancient ice floes of the Fjordland Glaciers. Walk the bush en route to Rotorua and recuperate in mineral baths that have drawn visitors and health-seekers for thousands of years. Hear tales of the gold mining days in the Waiorongomai Valley, where fortunes were made and lost. Visit Kiwi Encounter, a hatchery and nursery for New Zealand’s endangered national emblem. Set out on a Dart River wilderness safari and hike along the Heritage Trail at Paradise with an expert guide. An off-route drive showcases the scenery immortalized in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Conclude your exploration of Queensland with a private tasting and lunch at Mount Edward winery, known for premium pinot noir, single vineyard designates, and small-batch classic white varieties.
Abercrombie & Kent recommends small, boutique accommodations that reflect the true character of each region. The Louise, a luxury vineyard retreat in the heart of Barossa Valley, showcases seasonal food in its world-renowned restaurant, Appellation. Arkaba Station, a historic homestead located near Wilpena Pound, offers guests a taste of "Wild Bush Luxury." Southern Ocean Lodge, designed to float amid the dramatic coastal beauty of Kangaroo Island's south west coast, was recently named third best hotel in the world by Travel and Leisure. Treetops Lodge & Estate, located in the heart of Rotorua, was named New Zealand's Leading Luxury Lodge 2012, while Matakauri Lodge, one of Tatler’s top 101 hotels in the world, provides a private hideaway retreat in Queenstown.
The ultimate luxury is peace of mind, which comes from having everything professionally pre-arranged and reserved. Guests enjoy the advantages of private travel with A&K from the moment they step off the plane to their final “G’day,” with private airport transfers on arrival and departure, and the trademark support from A&K’s local staff 24/7. Additionally, guests may choose to book their international flights through A&K on Air New Zealand, known for offering comprehensive award-winning service between North America, New Zealand and Australia.