Luxury Australia/New Zealand, 10 Days: Family of four NZ$50,750 (USD$36,697)

This is a short 10-day itinerary we developed for a family of four who wanted to get a very good overview of Australia and New Zealand, in luxury while not paying a fortune.  We believe this itinerary hits the spot perfectly and delivers sophistication, impact and some really very special experiences and places.

For a family of four in two rooms, the itinerary is priced at NZ$50,750 (USD$36,697), (USD$36,697) or NZ12,690 per person.  This includes all accommodation, domestic flights, activities as mentioned, all breakfasts, all meals at Burrawang, dinner at Greenhill and Silverpine, and a private chauffeur and vehicle in New Zealand.

We would recommend taking a little more time in each place if at all possible, and can of course customize this itinerary.

Day One
Arrival Sydney, transfer from International Terminal to Sebel Pier One.  Nestled alongside the Sydney Harbour Bridge and offering panoramic Sydney Harbour views,
the Sebel Pier One Sydney Hotel is built on and over the water.  Sydney is Australia's oldest and biggest City and is the set on one of the world’s most stunning harbours.
Sydney’s laid-back outdoor lifestyle and physical allure make it one of the world’s easiest and most pleasant cities to visit.  The city has a wide-ranging cultural life, dynamic food scene and vibrant cityscape of outstanding contemporary and colonial architecture.  Iconic beaches and five major national parks deliver unforgettable experiences.  Either feel free to explore Sydney yourselves or we can arrange many different activities on request.

Day Two
Fly to Burrawang West Station which offers guests an opportunity to experience outback Australia in complete style and luxury. With its quintessential Australian homestead, individual boutique lodges, and creative fine dining, Burrawang West Station retreat offers guests a unique blend of adventure and relaxation.  Complementary activities include tennis, archery, fishing, canoeing, kangaroo spotting, station tours by 4WD or quad bike, saunas & spas, cattle & sheep mustering.

In the few years since it opened to guests, Burrawang West Station has established itself as an Outback classic.  Its triumph is in successfully combining the very best things in life - food, wine, art, design, and lodging - in a rugged Australian landscape.  Together with its location, it offers a level of style and luxury that makes it exceptional.  Take a tour of the 12,000 acre property – where you will see the original shearing shed. Or perhaps help muster the cattle on 4 wheel Quad Bikes. Later in the afternoon try your hand at fishing on any of the beautiful spots along the riverbank.  You might like to relax by the pool, have a hit of golf or try out your archery skills.  If you are lucky at dusk you may have the oppportunity to see Kangaroos come to drink close by to the main homestead.  Cocktails are served in the homestead bar with dinner in the main dining room. Later in the evening you might like to climb the Star Gazing Tower & view the “Milky Way” through Burrawang’s own telescope.

Day Three
Private Aboriginal Artist Workshop.  Spend an afternoon with Aboriginal artists and experience their unique culture with the local 'Wiradjuri' people.  Learn about the traditional symbols, colours and techniques in a small group and discover the 'Dreamtime' stories that inspire their paintings and artworks. Paint or burn your own story to take home as a special souvenir of your stay in 'Burrawang' Country, either on canvas or on a boomerang.

Day Four
Transfer (by scheduled airline) to the Byron at Byron Resort and spa for a perfect luxury getaway.  Set within a stunning 45 acre lush rainforest, a short stroll to Tallow Beach, The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa is designed to stir the senses.  Experience facilities including tennis court, 25m infinity pool, fully equipped gymnasium, restaurant and bar, poolside sauna and luxurious day spa.

The North Coast is where the world’s largest expanse of subtropical rainforest meets
mountains forged from ancient volcanoes.  A sparkling coastline of endless beaches offers surfing, whale-watching, frolicking dolphins and flocks of seabirds. Inspiring surroundings attract creative personalities – artists, writers and musicians.  Colourful local festivals brim with arts and crafts, kites, crystals and local produce.  Byron Bay is Australia’s easternmost town and ‘style capital’ of the North Coast. A chic seaside town with glorious beaches, a New Age tinge and loads of style.  It is a melting pot of surf culture, alternative philosophies and hedonistic indulgence.  Take a surf lesson, horseback tour or dine on the waterfront on fresh seafood and locally grown fruit accompanied by crisp white wine.  Rich volcanic soils produce macadamia nuts, exotic fruits, aromatic coffee, tea, pure milk and excellent wine.

Day Five

Free day.

Day Six

Transfer to New Zealand (three hour flight).  Arrive at Auckland International Airport.  Transfer to the domestic terminal and fly to Rotorua.  Meet your guide and vehicle and see the geothermal sights of Rotorua.  Your guide is available to you full time in New Zealand to further tailor your experiences and change schedules, add or remove activities etc.  Wai o Tapu is our favourite geothermal park, involving a one to two hour walk on well formed walkways past steaming geothermal pools of different colours.  Then continue thirty minutes to your accommodation where we have selected a self-contained 2-bedroom villa at The Point in Taupo.  This is a lovely spacious modern property overlooking the lake and ably owner-operated by Peg Bull who has substantial experience at this level.  This results in a no-fuss and very private location.  You are welcome to have dinner in Taupo that night, or we can arrange a chef who specialises in Maori cuisine and wild food for a special experience.  Taupo is an elevated lake with crisp air and a small but sophisticated town centre nearby.

Day Seven