Sydney Travel Agent Expert

Sydney Opera House & Bridge climb - I did!

I have had the good fortune of traveling to Australia and New Zealand twice.  Once traveling on a independent trip by car to both North and South Island New Zealand.  Auckland has to be one of my favorite world cities - easy walking city with great restaurants and a great ferry service to many islands nearby, including Waiheke Island well known for its wineries and those great New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs!  My first time to Australia was pretty much in the Sydney and all there is to see in this great city but also visitng the Blue Mountains about an hour outside.  But the highlight of that first visit was to fly up to Cairns to the Daintree Rainforest and a trip to Hayman Island and a seaplane snorkelling trip to the Great Barrier Reef - definitely a bucket list check-off!

The second time to these two countries was a Celebrity Cruise from Sydney to Auckland.     I got to check off two of my Bucket List items - climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge and being in Sydney to usher in the new year on New Years Eve - what a spectacular display of fireworks!!

Celebrity is a great cruiseline and I would suggest booking Aqua Class for its amenities such as the Blu Restuarant only for Aqua Class passgengers.  Our itinerary took us to Melbourne, Hobart Tasmania, across the Southern Ocean, to the Fjords of Milford Sound New Zealand, up the East Coast to Wellington to the Bay of Islands and finally to Auckland.

Cruising is a great way to see both of these countries.  Some of the cruiselines sailing are Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Oceania, Virgin Voyages, Norwegian, Princess, Holland America and Viking.  Call or email me and we can discuss what cruise line fits your likes, budget and desired ports.

In 2026, travel across Australia and New Zealand is defined by "once-in-a-lifetime" luxury and deep cultural immersion. From the debut of world-class rail suites to exclusive access to ancient landscapes, here are the top highlights for the year.Australia: The Year of the "Land Cruise"Australia is leaning into high-end, slow travel, making the journey as significant as the destination.Ultra-Luxury Rail Debut: In April 2026, Journey Beyond launched the new Aurora and Australis Suites on The Ghan and the Great Southern. These are the most luxurious rail accommodations in Australian history, featuring queen-sized beds, 24-hour butler service, and private dining as you traverse the Outback or the coast.The Kimberley Frontiers: This rugged northwestern region is a 2026 hotspot. Expedition lines like Silversea and True North are running 16-to-20-day "Land, Air & Sea" tours that include helicopter flights over the Horizontal Falls and visits to the ancient Gunlom Falls in Kakadu (which recently reopened).Cultural Hubs: In Darwin, the new Larrakia Cultural Centre offers a powerful space to engage with Indigenous art and storytelling. In Sydney, the Waldorf Astoria is set to open late in the year at Circular Quay, offering unrivaled views of the Opera House.Epic Events: * Sydney Mardi Gras: A world-renowned celebration taking place from mid-February to early March.Vivid Sydney: The city transforms into a canvas of light, music, and ideas (typically in May/June). New Zealand: Expedition and "Slow Luxury"New Zealand is moving toward exclusive, small-group experiences that highlight its pristine wilderness.The Coastal Odyssey: In March 2026, Heritage Expeditions launched a new 13-day journey covering all three main islands (North, South, and Stewart Island). This is ideal for those wanting to see the Marlborough Sounds and the remote birdlife of Stewart Island in one trip.Adrenaline in Rotorua: Beyond the geysers, the Kaituna River (home to the world's highest commercially rafted waterfall) and Skyline Luge remain the top picks for thrill-seekers.The St. Regis Auckland: The city's luxury scene is elevating with the debut of the St. Regis in the Wynyard Quarter, providing a high-end base for day trips to the vineyards of Waiheke Island.Waitomo’s Night Sky: The glowworm caves continue to be a top highlight, especially the silent boat tours that make the cavern ceiling look like a living galaxy.