Top 12 Must-See Places in Australia & New Zealand
Australia and New Zealand have unlimited definitions that consistently surpass your expectations in the best ways. Find yourself snorkeling over colorful coral one morning, then standing beside fjords that took ice millennia to carve. Red desert sands shift into green wine country. Every spot feels different, shaped by weather patterns, landscapes, and how locals approach daily life. Working with a local travel specialist means you actually experience these places rather than just photographing them.
1. Great Barrier Reef Region, Australia
Queensland's famous ecosystem of living coral spans 1,400 miles. The Whitsundays have secluded spots only reachable by private boat, and Cairns becomes an easy launch pad for reef diving and rainforest exploration. Skip the crowded day boats and opt for multi-day expeditions to outer reef sections that few tourists reach.
Private access options:
Custom diving with marine scientists
Overnight pontoons for sunrise dives
Helicopter transfers to remote coral cays
Live-aboard vessels reaching untouched locations
Your underwater adventures beat any aquarium in an ecosystem supporting thousands of species you can't see anywhere else.
2. Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
South Island's fjords feel otherworldly. Granite cliffs plunge into dark water while rainforest clings to impossible angles. Milford and Doubtful Sounds get most attention, but remote inlets offer better solitude. Helicopter access and small boat charters navigate narrow channels away from cruise ship routes. Weather changes fast in the region, so flexible scheduling becomes essential.
Wilderness experiences:
Private heli-hiking on untouched peaks
Intimate boat charters through hidden fjords
Remote lodge stays in pristine locations
Custom photography expeditions during optimal light
Te Anau serves as your Milford base, while Queenstown offers helicopter connections to the park's most remote corners.
3. Sydney, Australia
Australia's metropolitan center combines iconic architecture with neighborhoods that most visitors never discover. Private harbor cruises reveal hidden coves and exclusive venues. The food scene extends far beyond tourist traps into areas where locals actually eat. In Sydney, you easily connect to coastal getaways, Blue Mountains excursions, or a Hunter Valley wine country visit. The harbor's secluded spots have many romantic opportunities away from the crowded Opera House.
Exclusive city access:
Behind-the-scenes Opera House tours
Custom neighborhood food walks
Private harbor cruises with personal catering
Helicopter flights over landmark areas
Sydney works for everyone: families love the harbor activities, while couples find endless romantic areas tucked into the variety of waterfront locations.
4. The Red Centre, Australia
Uluru rises from desert horizons like nothing else on Earth. Aboriginal guides share stories spanning thousands of years, the desert fills with silence, and stars create moments impossible to replicate. Helicopter flights reveal Kata Tjuta's mysterious formations while private glamping expeditions venture into rarely visited areas with remarkable views.
Desert adventures:
Private Aboriginal storytelling sessions
Helicopter tours over remote formations
Exclusive star-gazing camping expeditions
Custom photography during golden light hours
Cultural exchanges run deep with local guides providing insights into one of the world's oldest continuous cultures.
5. Great Ocean Road, Australia
Victoria's coastal masterpiece winds past limestone sculptures carved by Southern Ocean waves. Apollo Bay and Lorne offer charming stops, but private tours reveal spots beyond the standard routes. Custom vehicles allow you to explore at your own pace, while photography workshops capture optimal lighting conditions.
Coastal exploration:
Private scenic drives with local guides
Wildlife spotting expeditions
Helicopter flights over the Twelve Apostles
Boutique coastal lodge accommodations
Flexibility is essential, as weather and wildlife sightings change daily.
6. Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Northland's 140+ islands are scattered across pristine waters where marine life thrives year-round. Private catamaran charters navigate between secluded spots while dolphins provide entertainment. Māori heritage adds cultural depth through traditional sailing experiences and custom cultural tours.
Island adventures:
Private catamarans with experienced captains
Traditional Maori cultural activities
Exclusive fishing in untouched waters
Helicopter transfers to remote islands
Auckland day trips are effective, but extended stays allow for a deeper exploration of the city's cultural and natural beauty.
7. Kangaroo Island, Australia
This conservation paradise off Adelaide protects ecosystems where native animals live undisturbed. Wildlife encounters feel genuine rather than staged. Echidnas, kangaroos, and unique birds roam freely across a diverse range of habitats. Ferry access maintains the island's remote character while keeping it reachable. Private conservation tours offer access to research projects, while gourmet experiences showcase local artisanal producers.
Conservation experiences:
Wildlife tours with research scientists
Native animal rehabilitation center visits
Photography expeditions during peak activity periods
Artisan food producer tours
Eco-tourism supports conservation work while providing authentic animal encounters in natural settings.
8. Tropical North Queensland, Australia
This tropical gateway combines access to the reef with exploration of the ancient Daintree rainforest. Adventures span underwater coral gardens to canopy walks through ancient forests that are millions of years old. Indigenous tours reveal traditional knowledge about marine and forest ecosystems. Custom tours, led by local travel specialists, combine multiple ecosystems to understand how to connect reef and forest locations.
Tropical adventures:
Combined reef and rainforest expeditions
Indigenous bush tucker experiences
Crocodile spotting in pristine waterways
Educational tours focusing on ecosystem connections
Families appreciate educational opportunities, while adventure seekers find endless possibilities for active exploration.
9. Blue Mountains, Australia
World Heritage wilderness transforms sandstone cliffs and eucalyptus forests into accessible mountain adventures. Ancient Aboriginal rock art tells stories that are thousands of years old, while hidden waterfalls reward your hiking. Custom guides share local knowledge about unique plants, animals, and geological formations. Day trips from Sydney work well, although mountain lodge stays offer deeper connections to the landscape.
Mountain adventures:
Private hiking to hidden waterfalls
Aboriginal cultural tours and rock art sites
Scenic railway experiences
Helicopter flights over cliff formations
All fitness levels find suitable activities while maintaining wilderness character, removed from Sydney's urban energy.
10. Rotorua and Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Rotorua bubbles and steams. Hot springs and geysers create a natural spa while Maori villages offer authentic cultural exchanges. You can experience local life and history during private ceremonies, accompanied by storytelling sessions that delve deeper than typical tourist shows. These sessions provide insight into the cultural heritage of the space, rather than just the visual allure of the steaming mud and pools.
Cultural and natural experiences:
Private Māori ceremonies and cultural exchanges
Exclusive hot spring access
Adventure activities on pristine lakes
Geothermal science and cultural education tours
This region can serve as your gateway to the broader Bay of Plenty coastal areas and nearby national parks.
11. Marlborough Wine Region, New Zealand
South Island's premier wine country produces world-renowned Sauvignon Blanc across scenic valleys. Wine experiences go beyond typical tastings through harvest participation, private vineyard tours led by winemakers, and exclusive access to vintage wines. Blenheim and Picton provide access, while river cruises offer unique vineyard perspectives. Gourmet experiences complement wine discoveries in vineyard restaurants and cooking classes.
Wine country experiences:
Private winemaker meetings and vineyard tours
Harvest participation during the vintage season
Exclusive wine and food pairing dinners
Scenic river cruises through vineyard landscapes
Couples appreciate romantic vineyard settings, while food enthusiasts discover an endless array of delights.
12. Queenstown and Central Otago, New Zealand
Adventure capital balances adrenaline activities with sophisticated wine experiences against mountain and lake backdrops. Your base provides access to Fiordland, while Central Otago vineyards offer intimate wine experiences that rival those of global regions. Winter brings skiing and mountain adventures, while summer peaks with hiking, wine touring, and lake activities.
Adventure and wine experiences:
Private helicopter skiing and mountain adventures
Custom Central Otago vineyard tours
Exclusive lake and river activities
Scenic flights connecting mountains and vineyards
Everyone can find suitable activities around Queenstown while maintaining access to broader South Island destinations.
Book Your Trip to the Must-See Places in Australia & New Zealand
We build trips around what actually interests you during your trip to Australia and New Zealand. Whether you want reef diving, cultural exchanges, wildlife tracking, or quiet moments in landscapes found nowhere else, everything gets tailored to your preferences.