The Brando

Blue Mountains: Day 4 to 6

After breakfast, begin your 3-hour journey by car to the Blue Mountains World Heritage area where you’ll stay at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley. Experience the unique range of native wildlife and flora over on this sprawling property. Whether on a self-guided nature walk, wildlife safari, or a nocturnal spotting expedition the wildlife viewing is exceptional. Other activities that can be arranged include historical tours, horseback riding, archery, stargazing, photography lessons, or simply take in the sights painting the beautiful landscapes with a glass of local Hunter Valley wine.

Darwin: Day 9 to 10

You’ll get aerial views of Kakadu National Park, Australia’s largest National Park, on your return scenic flight to Darwin. Spend your evening relaxing or take a leisurely walk on the esplanade.

New Zealand, Martinborough: Day 5 to 9

Island hop to Wellington, the nation’s capitol, located in New Zealand North Island. Grab your rental car for a 90-minute scenic drive through the rolling hills overlooking Palliser Bay before arriving at Wharekauhau. Hugging the coastline of the small rural region of Wairarapa, the Wharekauhau Lodge is surrounded by nothing but 5,500 acres of rugged farmland. Take in the dramatic vistas from your Cottage Suite before indulging in some of New Zealand’s best wine before dinner. Reawaken your taste buds with the freshest local produce and ingredients, hand-crafted menus offering a contemporary twist on New Zealand classics. If you can pull yourself out of the luxuries of your Cottage, there are plenty of experiences to be had on and off property. On property, enjoy walking or biking, or explore the diverse farmland by enjoying a 4×4 tour, go for a swim in the indoor pool, or try your hand at clay shooting or archery. Visit the nearby vineyards of Martinborough, renowned for its Pinot Noir, go jet boating on the Ruamahunga River near Lake Onoke, discover Cape Palliser Lighthouse, a local landmark or golf at two great courses are in easy reach.

Waiheke Island: Day 11 to 13

Continue North to Auckland where you will return your rental and meet your private guide for a private viewing of the city. You’ll witness dramatic views from Mount Eden, a dormant volcano summit, savor the beauty of the Royal Botanical Gardens and bustling city neighborhoods before being dropped pier side for your short boat transfer to Waiheke Island. Waiheke Island, rich in natural beauty, was recently listed as one of the world’s best island destinations by Conde Nast Traveler. Known for its vineyards, olive groves, and sandy beaches – you have entered foodie and vino paradise. The Boatshed is the ultimate home away from home, sitting above the sun-drenched bay and white sandy beaches of Oneroa. Take an invigorating coastal and Native beach walk or wander through gardens. The Boatshed is also close to the art galleries and local olive oil mill, so you can indulge your mind and taste buds at the same time. If you feel like spending a little down time indoors, open the library windows to sea breezes, overlooking the town and the beach and it’s the perfect place to curl up with a great book to end your escape.

Maria Island Walk: Day 3 to 6

Named one of Australia’s Great Walks, Maria Island (pronounced Mariah) National Park is less than 3 miles off the east coast of Tasmania. The island is a walker’s paradise with no motor vehicles or shops to distract you from the island’s unspoiled wilderness. This Great Walk is an active but pampered experience, designed for you to experience the remote wilderness in comfort. You will hike with your guide and small group exploring historical convict settlements, the famous painted cliffs, pristine white sand beaches, ancient Blue Gum forest, encounter rare wildlife while enjoying gourmet food and wine after each day’s unique adventures. The walks are set at a moderate pace to observe the amazing wildlife, listen to the native birds, and to discover the fascinating history of the island. In the evening, your efforts are rewarded as you relax and enjoy candlelit gourmet dining and comfortable accommodation in two wilderness camps and the restored, heritage-listed Bernacchi House. The magic of walking on Maria Island will be mesmerizing.

Melbourne: Day 8 to 9

It’s time to head back to the mainland. Fly to Melbourne where you pick up your rental car and check into the Park Hyatt. An elegant hotel, situated on top Collins Street overlooking St. Patrick’s Cathedral, bordering the charming Fitzroy Gardens will make a great stay for your short stint in the city. In the early evening, wander through the laneways feeling like a local. You might want to enjoy Hopetoun Tea Room, one of the oldest tea rooms dating back to 1892 or browse through the quirky local shops like Clementine’s only showcasing fine foods and gifts made and crafted in Victoria. We’re sure you won’t come out empty handed.

Great Ocean Road, Port Fairy: Day 11 to 12

Port Lincoln: Day 13 to 15

Waitomo to Taupo: Day 4 to 7

Grab your rental car, head south stopping at Waitomo Caves for your exhilarating Black Labyrinth tubing adventure through Ruakuri Cave. Float down an underground river as the glowworms sparkle above. Drive on, to Lake Taupo, settling in at the lakeside Acacia Cliffs Lodge with striking panoramic and mountain views. Explore the beautiful nature trails by foot or bike while listening to the native songbirds. Being the largest lake in the country, the surrounding thermal pools and geysers are renowned. Take your pick of activities from a volcanic safari by helicopter, flying along the fault line before stepping foot on White Island’s crater floor, kayaking on the lake, or getting your dose of Maori culture.

Arthur’s Pass: Day 9 to 11

Board one the world’s greatest train journeys enjoying the change in scenery while winding through the Southern Alps. Each turn will take your breath away before disembarking at the Wilderness Lodge Arthur’s Pass. Set on 6,000 acres, you’ll have your very own nature reserve to explore from spectacular mountains, alpine flowers and moss carpeted beech forest. As a working country farm, be sure to catch the sheepdogs herding sheep, a true Kiwi experience.

Queenstown: Day 13 to 16

For your last stop, make your way to Queenstown, named the adventure capital of the world! Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the peaks of The Remarkables provide an alluring backdrop for adventure and relaxation. Just outside the bustling town of Queenstown, Azur Lodge is the total experience for privacy and serenity. Ever dreamt about hitting golf balls from a mountaintop, jet boating 85mph through canyons, jumping off the tallest bridge, or enjoying a romantic picnic on a high summit? Queenstown will be sure to leave you full of astonishing memories.

Port Lincoln: Day 13 to 15

Ayers Rock: Day 4 to 6

After a few days in the metropolis, fly to Uluru where you’ll be checked into Sails in the Desert deep in the outback. Located far away from anything you will find peace and serenity in this desert oasis. Be captivated by the colors of the red sand and the unique rock formations of Kata Tjuta. Gaze at Uluru as the light changes from a golden hue to bronze and glowing red as the sun sets. You will have an intimate dinner under the stars with Uluru in the background, as a local storyteller shares stories of the Aboriginals, passed down for thousands of years. You have never experienced a night sky like this.

Hamilton Island: Day 9 to 13

End your iconic Australian escape retreating to Hamilton Island staying in your very own pavilion at the luxury chic Qualia. Secluded on the northern point of the island offering stunning views of the Coral Sea surrounded by the splendor of the Great Barrier Reef. Find yourself floating in your private infinity pool, sailing catamarans, windsurfing, snorkeling, scuba diving and water-skiing in these clear waters. Consider a scenic flight to the famous Whitehaven Beach taking in the sheer beauty, relaxing and enjoying a beach picnic.

Marlborough: Day 4 to 6

Fly to Blenheim, the mecca of the Marlborough wine region with more than 40 wineries close by. Surrounded by lush gardens, tranquil lakes and breathtaking scenery ideally positioned a hop, skip and jump away from your next vineyard, Antria Boutique Lodge. The atmosphere is relaxed here and you are in for a memorable stay once you walk through the inviting gothic copper front doors. Enjoy a private guided tour of some of the more famous labels such as Cloudy Bay and Daniel le Brun before tantalizing your taste buds at the award-winning Herzog Restaurant.

Rotorua: Day 8 to 11

Next stop, fly to the North Island, the heart of Maori culture and geothermal activity. Located on the banks of Lake Rotorua, Koura Lodge is a peaceful refuge just outside the city center. The region’s famed volcanos and thermal parks are just a helicopter ride or a float plane away from the hotel’s grounds. Nothing spells tranquility better than a beautiful lakeside manor of the mirror-like waters of Lake Rotorua providing the ideal backdrop for a relaxing getaway.