Coastlines and Countrysides: The Vineyards of Australia and New Zealand

This 12 Day land program showcases the countrysides and coastlines of Australia and New Zealand with a four-day driving tour of Southern Australia’s Clare Valley and Yarra Valley regions.

Tour the vineyards and taste the most distinctive wines produced in the region, presented by master wine makers.

See the sights and main attractions in the city while staying in charming countryside inns that showcase the fine hospitality and rustic elegance of the land Down Under.

Breathtaking scenery and relaxation predominate on this departure, easily customizable for couples or small groups traveling together.

New Zealand: Queenstown, Hawke’s Bay, Auckland

Our recommended 10 Day land tour of Queenstown, Hawke’s Bay and Auckland features unique outdoor experiences, cuisine and wines of New Zealand.

The dramatic scenery of New Zealand’s South Island is featured in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy.

Behold magnificent scenery on a helicopter flight through Milford Sound. Touch down to stroll a private wilderness area, fly the length of Fjordland and make landing on a glacier with a few special surprises along the way.

Meet wine makers and sample a fabulous selection of wine varieties from the Southern Lakes Wine Region.

For “Rings” enthusiasts a Safari on the Dart River is a journey into the magic of Middle Earth. A jet boat for a ride through this World Heritage Area into the heart of the Southern Alps is a feast for the senses.

Lovers of wine and culture will delight in the artisanal gourmet foods, award-winning red wines, glorious beaches, art deco architecture and Maori tradition of Hawke’s Bay.

Experience the flourishing wine industry on Waiheke Island where a ‘small is beautiful’ philosophy yields low quantities of extremely high quality fruit.

Ultimate New Zealand: Blanket Bay, Huka Lodge and Kauri Cliffs Lodge

New Zealand’s spectacularly beautiful landscape includes vast mountain chains, steaming volcanoes, sweeping coastlines, deeply indented fiords and lush rainforests.

Comparable in size and/or shape to Great Britain, Colorado or Japan, New Zealand has a population of only 4 million – making it one of the world’s least crowded countries. It is a haven for those seeking peace, rejuvenation and relaxation as well as a playground for thrill seekers and adventurers. A temperate climate with relatively small seasonal variation makes it an ideal year-round holiday destination.

Bay of Islands is made up of 144 islands, which provides calm sailing, swimming and fishing waters. Apart from the on-water activities there are sandy, golden beaches, native forests and historical attractions.

Taupo looks out across Lake Taupo toward the Central Plateau Mountain Range. The region is known for its naturally occurring hot-water-pools and the jaw-dropping Huka Falls on the Waikato River.

Glenorchy is a small township at the northern head of Lake Wakatipu, some 44 kilometers from Queenstown. Bordered on two sides by National Parks, the tiny village is surrounded by rugged high country, beautiful mountains, glacier fed rivers and ancient beech forests.