Luxury Experiences in Australia and New Zealand

When it comes to a luxury holiday Down Under, it’s easy to imagine white-sand beaches or misty fjords – but our experts know that the real magic is in how you explore. Whether it’s waking up to the desert’s first light at Uluru or finding yourself alone in a rainforest canopy, luxury experiences in Australia and New Zealand are about connection, comfort, and - as always with Destinology - a hint of indulgence.

This guide explores some of the most memorable ways to see Australia and New Zealand beyond the usual tourist trails – an insider’s view from a team who have spent more nights navigating their tracks and trails than is probably reasonable to admit...

Australia: Iconic Adventures and Hidden Gems

BridgeClimb Sydney

There are few introductions to Sydney more thrilling than climbing its iconic Harbour Bridge. At sunrise, the city feels like it belongs to you alone, as golden light spills across the Opera House sails, ferries cut expertly across the harbour, the skyline slowly stirs to life. Guides will lead you carefully across arches and beams, balancing thrill with reassurance, until you’re standing a huge 134 metres above the water. When you reach the summit, it’s the moment you stop feeling like a visitor and start feeling part of Sydney itself.

New Year’s Eve in Sydney Harbour

Sydney is the destination the world looks to when the clock chimes midnight on New Year’s Eve, and there’s no stage grander than its harbour. For luxury travellers, the magic is in securing the perfect vantage point – whether that’s aboard a private yacht anchored beneath the bridge or on a rooftop terrace, champagne in hand. When the fireworks burst across the sky, reflecting across the water, it’s a celebration that feels equally electric and indulgent. Luxury experiences in Australia and New Zealand don't come more classic than this.

Blue Mountains Day Tours

Travel just an hour out of Sydney and you’ll feel like you’re in another world entirely – one that’s all misty valleys, dramatic sandstone escarpments, and the eucalyptus haze that gives the Blue Mountains their name. Private or small-group tours trade the tourist buses for quiet lookouts, from the legendary Three Sisters to hidden waterfalls known only to those who frequent these trails. Guided walks through rainforest gullies and cliff-top tracks reveal angles the crowds never quite manage to find, while experts share stories that really bring the landscape to life. It’s a day that amazes you with its grand scale, but also allows you to gain a real intimacy with nature.

Phillip Island Penguin Parade

Every evening just after sunset, Phillip Island’s shores come alive as hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore, returning to their burrows after long days of fishing. Watching them in their natural rhythm is extraordinary, and in the summer months, when the colonies are at their busiest, it’s nothing short of magical.

Yarra Valley Wine Experiences

An hour from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is one of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions, and a playground for those who like their tastings with a flavour of exclusivity. Private tours take you through boutique cellar doors, often with the winemaker themselves pouring your glass. Think crisp Chardonnay paired with artisanal cheese, velvety Pinot Noir accompanied by charcuterie, and behind-the-scenes access to barrel rooms that most visitors never get to glimpse. Add in rolling vineyard views and long lunches and the day becomes a masterclass in true, unbridled indulgence.

Rottnest Island Tours

Rottnest Island feels almost too perfect to be real: white sand beaches, aquamarine bays, and its famously photogenic residents – the quokkas. The difference lies in how you experience it. Private boat charters take you beyond the ferry crowds to snorkel in secluded coves, while guided bike tours show you the island’s quieter corners at a gentler pace. With its car-free charm and wild, unspoiled beauty, Rottnest is as relaxing as it is playful.

Fraser Island

Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world – a rugged patchwork of rainforest, dunes, and freshwater lakes, which, in our opinion, is best explored by 4x4. A private guide can tailor the day to your pace and preferences, whether that means swimming in the impossibly clear Lake McKenzie, picnicking with champagne among the sandblows, or venturing deep into the island’s ancient rainforests. It’s a little wild in spirit, but with the right touch of luxury it becomes a wilderness escape unlike anywhere else on earth.

West MacDonnell Ranges

Vast, remote, and peppered with deep and dramatic gorges, the West MacDonnells show the outback at its most cinematic. Guided tours peel back the surface and lead you to secret swimming holes at Ormiston Gorge, or teach you the cultural significance of Simpsons Gap. Whether you’re hiking upwards, swimming, or simply pausing in between long stretches of walking to take in the silence, this is a part of Australia that feels raw and endlessly photogenic.

Alice Springs Hot Air Balloon Flight

Few experiences capture the ancient romance of the Alice Springs and the Red Centre quite like drifting over it in a hot air balloon at sunrise. The desert positively glows in shades of pink and ochre, the MacDonnell Ranges stretch endlessly into the distance, and for the moment, the world appears to be completely still. An even better addition is a champagne breakfast waiting for you when you land – because in the outback, luxury is best served with a healthy side of adventure.

Attending The Ashes

For cricket fans, there really is no contest: The Ashes in Australia is a sporting pilgrimage. The atmosphere is electric, the rivalry is historic, and the spectacle itself is unforgettable. With VIP seating or premium hospitality, you can enjoy it the Destinology way: in comfort. That includes fine dining, flowing drinks, and the very best views in the stadium. For some, it’s the entire reason for their trip, for others, it’s the perfect centrepiece to a wider Australian itinerary. Either way, it’s an experience that lives up to the legend.

New Zealand: Fjords, Mountains, and Culture

Milford Sound Overnight Cruise

Milford Sound is often deemed the eighth wonder of the world, and if you're looking for the best luxury experiences in Australia and New Zealand, this is definitely within the top 5. For us, the best way to experience it is slowly. Overnight cruises allow you to watch the light shift across the fiord – dawn mist rising, waterfalls cascading, and the mountains mirrored in breathtakingly still water. Trips aboard ships like the Milford Mariner come with private ensuite cabins for comfort, while activities like kayaking and tender boat trips bring you closer to the wildlife. It’s peaceful, it’s dramatic, and it’s one of New Zealand’s best bucket-list experiences.

Franz Josef Heli-Hike

Part flightseeing, part adventure, a heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier is New Zealand at its bravest and boldest. First it’s the thrill of soaring over peaks and crevasses by helicopter, then it’s the crunch of ice underfoot as you step out into what feels like another world entirely. Guided treks take you expertly across sculpted blue ice and through ancient caves, with experts who strike the perfect balance between safety and storytelling. It’s a rare chance to walk where few ever do.

Arthur’s Pass

High in the Southern Alps, Arthur’s Pass is a wonderland of alpine forests, tumbling rivers, and towering peaks. Walks range from gentle trails to more demanding climbs, but with a private guide the focus is always on the details – no matter the pace: glacial geology, endemic birdlife, and those secret spots that make it feel like the mountains belong to you and you alone. For anyone who loves the outdoors, this is one of our highlights of the South Island.

Rotorua Geothermal Tours

Rotorua is where the earth feels alive – it’s all bubbling mud pools, steam rising from vents, and geysers erupting with near clockwork regularity. Private tours give context to the spectacle, explaining the geothermal forces at play, before finishing with something soothing: a soak in a luxury thermal spa. Add in the area’s Māori heritage and the day becomes a fascinating balance of culture, geology, and relaxation.

Privately Guided Māori Experiences

The most meaningful way to understand Māori culture is through those who live and breathe it. A privately guided experience might take you into a traditional village to hear waiata (songs) and watch powerful performances before sharing kai (cuisine) crafted by award-winning Māori chefs. Along the way, you’ll hear stories passed down through generations and, in many cases, take part in hands-on workshops that bring traditions to life. When you're looking for luxury experiences in Australia and New Zealand, it's essential to choose something that explores Māori culture. It’s an immersive, personal encounter with people that sit at the very heart of New Zealand.

Zealandia by Night

By day, Zealandia is a lush sanctuary just minutes from central Wellington. By night, it transforms into something even more magical. On a guided torchlit walk, expert rangers lead you into the forest where the calls of nocturnal birds echo around you – a chance to spot rare tuatara basking in the moonlight, watch glow worms lighting up the undergrowth, and, if you’re lucky, see the elusive kiwi foraging in the dark. The experience feels very intimate, an exclusive glimpse into New Zealand’s native wildlife at its most alive.

Whale Watching in Kaikoura

Kaikōura is one of the few places on earth where sperm whales can be seen year-round, and it’s thanks to its unique deep-sea canyon. A private whale-watching charter lets you see these giants without the crowds, often accompanied by dolphins and fur seals that like to join the spectacle. Onboard naturalists reveal all they know of the marine ecosystem here, while luxury touches - like comfortable seating and local refreshments - make the journey as memorable in itself.

Hobbiton Movie Set Tours

Tucked among the rolling green hills of Matamata, Hobbiton brings Middle Earth to life with remarkable detail. While public tours can sometimes feel busy, small-group or private experiences allow you to wander the Shire at your own pace, pausing by Hobbit holes, the Party Tree, or the Green Dragon Inn. Exclusive after-hours tours are even more atmospheric, as the lanterns glow and the hills fall silent, making it feel as though you’ve truly stepped into The Lord of the Rings.

Christchurch Gondola

For far-spanning views of both city and mountains, the Christchurch Gondola grants a perspective that’s hard to beat. The journey to the summit is a real highlight, climbing steadily over the Port Hills until panoramic views of the Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps, and sparkling coastline arrive before you. For those seeking an experience that’s elevated even further, combine your ride with a fresh seafood platter or a simple coffee at the summit’s Red Rock Cafe.

Top Experiences in Australia and New Zealand

Australia:

• Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb at sunrise
• NYE in Sydney Harbour
• Blue Mountains private tour
• Yarra Valley wine tasting with winemaker access
• Phillip Island Penguin Parade private viewing
• Rottnest Island private bike or boat tours
• Fraser Island 4WD adventure
• West MacDonnell Ranges guided hike
• Alice Springs hot air balloon flight
• Watch The Ashes in VIP style

New Zealand:

• Milford Sound overnight cruise
• Franz Josef heli-hike
• Arthur’s Pass alpine walks
• Rotorua geothermal private tours
• Privately guided Māori cultural experiences
• Zealandia by Night wildlife tour
• Whale watching in Kaikoura
• Hobbiton Movie Set private tour
• Christchurch Gondola with summit dining