Swain Destinations: Ultimate Australia and New Zealand

Huka Lodge,Luxury, Taupo
Rosewood Matakauri,Luxury, Queenstown
Otahuna Lodge,Luxury, Christchurch
Park Hyatt Sydney,Luxury, Sydney
InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef,Luxury, Whitsundays
Sequoia Lodge,Luxury, Adelaide Hills


Standard (3*) to (3 1/2*) Offering limited facilities and services, these are moderate rooms with private ensuite bathrooms that offer exceptional value for money for the price conscious traveler.

Superior (4*) to (4 1/2*) These hotels are typically better equipped with more comfortable accommodation, and are often in a fairly central location to major sightseeing.

Deluxe (5*) Boasting luxurious and spacious surroundings, these accommodations offer the highest level of international quality accommodation and service. Typically with exquisite décor, exceptional service and superb award winning restaurants.

Luxury (5*) + Premier accommodations in choice settings offering exquisite surroundings, the finest guest services and indulgent amenities. These properties are often one of a kind and are ideal for discerning travelers.

Swain Destinations: Ultimate Australia and New Zealand

Boutique Wine Tour
Savor the hidden delights of the world?s southernmost wine growing region. A mix of spectacular New Zealand scenery, fascinating regional history and a chance to visit a selection of boutique wineries are the rewards of a truly great day out! Enjoy light food before taking a scenic drive at Kawarau Gorge and see the Otago Goldfields.

Dart River Wilderness Safari
Transfer to Glenorchy and enjoy a spectacular 90 minute jet boat journey through the Dart?s ever-changing braided river system, surrounded by snow-covered peaks, hidden valleys and waterfalls. Take an easy guided 30-40 minute walk then return by 4WD coach via a scenic back-road route.

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
Ride along the lake shores and through the rolling countryside to Pearl Harbour, Manapouri. Cruise across the picturesque lake to West Arm, then transfer by coach to the Underground Power Station for time to view the tunnel, rock formations and machine hall. Transfer by coach to Doubtful Sound and board the catamaran for a 3 hour cruise of the Sound to the Tasman Sea. Stop and view historic sites, waterfalls and wildlife.

Funyaks - Jetboat & Canoeing
A funyak is an inflatable canoe, similar to a Canadian canoe. Stable and comfortable, it allows passengers to sit in a variety of positions. The journey is soft adventure, exploring the untouched World Heritage Dart Valley, which features an ancient rainforest, snowy peaks, waterfalls, chasms and crystal blue waters. The adventure includes a thrilling jet boat ride upstream and a 2 hour funyak ride back downstream. Lunch is included.

Milford Sound Heli Tours
Fly via the famous Milford Track and Sutherland Falls to Milford Sound, then land and absorb the beauty of this area. Be whisked out to the mouth of the Sound and along the rugged West Coast for the opportunity to view seals in their natural colonies. Fly inland over glaciers and frozen lakes to a secret wilderness site for a gourmet champagne lunch.

Milford Sound Tour
Travel through some of the most beautiful countryside in New Zealand en route to Milford Sound. On arrival, board a vessel for a leisurely cruise along the Sound to the Tasman Sea. Stop at various points to view waterfalls, rainforests, mountains and seals. You may even see dolphins frolicking alongside the boat. Lunch is included during the cruise.

Milford Track 5 Day
This is a 4 night all-inclusive guided walk through the heart of Fiordland National park to Milford Sound. Walk through beech forest; descend over rocky terrain into the rainforest of the Arthur Valley, and visit Mackay Falls, Lake Ada, Giant?s Gate Falls and Sandfly Point before arriving into Milford Sound. Cruise the Sound before heading back via Homer Tunnel and Te Anau to Queenstown (operated November ? April from Queenstown).

Miners Forest Nature Walk
A guided walk through grassy meadows amidst towering peaks. Encounter old campsites and stone shacks while the history, geology and engineering feats of the region are told.

NZONE - Tandem Skydive
Skydive in Queenstown - the adrenaline capital of the world - and parachute over the stunning Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu. NZONE Skydive was New Zealand's first Tandem Skydive operation, and it has the largest skydiving plane capacity in New Zealand. Operating since 1990, and having jumped over 250,000 customers to-date, they are New Zealand's most experienced Tandem Skydive company. Your flight to altitude will take you high above the Wakatipu basin where you will have a bird's-eye view of dramatic mountains and lakes. Jumping directly above the drop zone, you will experience free fall of up to 60 seconds before your Tandem Master deploys the parachute and together you glide back to earth.

Queenstown Highlights
The tour first stops at Queenstown Hill, offering panoramic views over the town center, Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain Range. Get a behind the scenes look at how bungee jumping all started, and then travel to Gibbston Winery for an opportunity to taste a selection of wines and browse through the wine shop. Next stop is the historic gold mining settlement of Arrowtown where you can enjoy some time to wander down the quaint main street. Return to Queenstown via the Shotover Canyons with an option to ride the jet boat.

Queenstown to Christchurch (via Mount Cook)
Depart Queenstown and travel through the rugged and beautiful landscape of Otago. Cross the Lindis Pass into the Mackenzie Country to visit Mount Cook Village at the base of New Zealand?s highest mountain Aoraki/ Mount Cook. Experience an optional scenic helicopter flight. Then, continue the journey with a stop at the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo, before arriving into Christchurch.

Routeburn Track 3 Day
This 2 night all-inclusive guided walk is a trek through both Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks. The trail traverses the Southern Alps and descends to the alpine meadows and river gorge of the Routeburn Valley. Since the 1880?s the Routeburn Track has proven to be one of the most accessible and popular journey?s into New Zealand?s forests and mountains (operates November ? April from Queenstown).

Safari of the Scenes
Delve into the heart of New Zealand high country by 4WD. This area is the embodiment of the Middle Earth of JRR Tolkien?s imagination. This scenic charter is based around several of the specific sites where filming took place; these are real places, there are no film sets, merely areas of outstanding natural beauty that need no enhancement. Some of the locations visited include Lothlorien, Isengard Ithilien Camp and Amon Hen.

Triple Challenge
For the ultimate in thrills and adventure travel to the Shotover River and experience an incredibly exciting jet boat ride through the Shotover Gorges. Then transfer to a helipad for a spectacular helicopter ride up the Skippers Canyon. At Deep Creek the rafting crew is waiting to take you on a breathtaking trip down the Shotover River back down through the magnificent Skippers Canyon.

White Water Rafting
Enjoy the thrill of white water rafting on the Kawarau or Shotover Rivers in New Zealand's adventure capital. The Shotover River is the most popular with exciting grade 3-5 rapids, while the Kawarau River provides stunning scenery and is ideal for first timers at grade 2-3.

Akaroa Tour
Board a nature and harbor cruise on the Canterbury Cat and explore the volcanic harbor where sightings may be made of the world?s smallest dolphins, Fur Seals and numerous seabirds (opportunities to swim with dolphins also available). If time allows, stroll through the village, taking in the quaint French charm which is unique to Akaroa. Morning and afternoon tea, lunch and a cheese tasting at the Barry?s Bay Cheese Factory is included.

Arthur's Pass National Park and TranzAlpine
Sit back and relax on board the TranzAlpine, a train journey that crosses the Canterbury Plains, winds its way through the stunning Waimakariri Gorge, pass massive viaducts, through tussock-covered high country before heading into the Southern Alps. Take guided short walks through Arthurs Pass National Park, experience forests, rivers and mountain vistas. Visit the Waimak Gorge before arriving back into Christchurch.

Christchurch Must See Three
This morning tour commences with a transfer to the Air Force Museum at Wigram, hosting 28 fully restored aircraft with static and interactive displays. The next stop is the International Antarctic Centre, recreating the atmosphere of Antarctica and providing an interactive experience. The tour then moves on to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve which contains a large variety of animal life both native and introduced. View the kiwi in its natural habitat, with an opportunity to feed and pet the animals throughout the reserve. The tour concludes with a drop off back to your accommodation.

Kaikoura Whale Watch
Travel by road or train through the rolling hill country of North Canterbury, enjoying the beauty of its rural pastoral scenes to Kaikoura. This area is renowned for its variety marine mammals, including the giant sperm whale and the acrobatic Dusky Dolphins (sightings not guaranteed). Arrive in Kaikoura and board the whale watch boat. Before heading back, visit a seal colony and make a stop at the North Canterbury vineyard to enjoy a wine tasting. Lunch is included.

An Evening at the Opera House
Whether it is theatrics, a musical, opera, contemporary dance, ballet, or any style of music, let us package a tour and performance, and perhaps even include dinner for a night you?ll long remember.

Hunter Valley Tour
A trip to Sydney is not complete without a visit to the world-class wineries of the Hunter Valley! One of Australia's oldest wine producing areas, the Hunter boasts over 70 wineries, each providing a unique and memorable wine tasting experience. Descend into the Hunter Valley to swirl, sniff and sip some exceptional wines from a few of the very special boutique wineries in the area. Stop at some of the interesting towns of the region and enjoy tastings at selected wineries. Chat to the owners and wine-making experts whilst admiring the quaint and picturesque surrounds. Lunch is included.

Seaplane Flight and Cottage Point
Sitting at your table with one of Australia?s best wines in hand and the gentle waters of the Hawkesbury River lapping beneath you it is hard to imagine that a mere 20 minutes ago you were in the heart of the hustle and bustle of Australia?s biggest city. The award winning Cottage Point Inn restaurant is renowned for offering exceptional modern Australian cuisine in beautiful and tranquil surrounds. Upon landing we taxi the aircraft right to the restaurant?s seaplane dock, where a warm welcome awaits. After a leisurely three course a la carte lunch, re-board your aircraft and return to Sydney, flying over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House before landing at Rose Bay. Lunch is included.

Sydney City Tour
See the highlights of downtown Sydney before venturing into some of the exclusive harbor-side residential areas where we stop for a 2-course lunch at the Vaucluse House Tea Rooms; one of Australia?s most historic houses that was home to the father of the Australian Constitution.

Sydney Harbour Cruises
The Sydney Harbour Bridge, the world renowned Opera House, Mrs. Macquarie's chair; just some of the sights to see while cruising on Sydney's famous harbor. Choose from a coffee cruise, lunch cruise or enjoy an evening cruise as you dine while floating past Sydney's stunning harbor.

Sydney Harbour Lights during Vivid
Be a part of Vivid 2015 with Sea Sydney Cruises, your exclusive small group cruising specialist. Starting May 22, 2015, enjoy nightly scheduled departure cruises on a private 52 foot Motor Cruiser, with maximum 16 passengers on board. Enjoy light canapés and unlimited beverages as you cruise the magnificent Sydney Harbour marveling at the shoreside projections along the foreshore from Fort Denison, Circular Quay, The Rocks, Walsh Bay and Darling Harbour from the water.Become part of Vivid Harbour Lights 2015 aboard Calypso which is decorated with brilliant LED lights that change color as we enter different parts of the harbor. These ?color precincts? will be computer-controlled using Intel technology and the latest in sat-nav geo-positioning.All cruises will cruise to Darling Harbour; one of Vivid?s most colorful precincts, offering a range of entertainment and fun for the whole family. Disembark at King St Wharf and be amazed with Vivid Aquatique; featuring computer controlled dancing water jets in a ?magic wall? of light and water, specialized sculptural fountains inspired by Louis XIV?s ?Water Garden? at Versailles, four giant water screens and large-format video projections, four high-powered full color lasers and, for some shows, marine fireworks.Or cruise back to Campbells Cove for disembarkation where you can enjoy a harbor foreshore walk through Circular Quay. Vivid Sydney begins on May 22, 2015 and runs until June 8, 2015.

Taronga Zoo Aboriginal Discovery Tour
Set on traditional Cammeraigal country, Taronga Zoo has many amazing Aboriginal stories to tell. Nura Diya, meaning ?this country or camp?, takes you on a journey through Taronga as you hear stories of Australian wildlife told through the perspective of an Aboriginal guide, with tales of their shared history with the animals and land.Developed with the Indigenous community and led by an Aboriginal guide, you will hear their own personal stories and discover their important connections back to the land, animals and nature.See Australia?s amazing animals in a new light as you discover the binding relationships between flora and fauna and hear stories of the Dreamtime, describing the creation of creatures and the landscape. Learn the centuries-old traditional uses of plants for food and medicine while enjoying interactive experiences with unique Australian wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies and a vast array of Australia?s birds.Ideal for those that want to not only come up-close to wonderful Australian animals, but also want to discover more about Australia?s rich cultural heritage.

The Sydney Opera House Tour: Celebrating Vivid LIVE
Every year you can see the Sydney Opera House flare up in a spectacular 3D display of color and light for the Vivid Sydney Festival celebrations. Now it?s your turn to be right in the middle of the action. On a Sydney Opera House Tour - Celebrating Vivid LIVE, your nightly one-hour adventure into the heart of Australia's iconic building, begins with an exclusive Vivid LIVE show reel that will immerse you in the history and background of this phenomenally popular event. You?re then invited on a special guided tour of the theaters, foyers and live music venues that make up the Vivid LIVE music program ? including seeing the Opera House Recording Studio. You?ll run your hands over the world-famous shell tiles, take a seat in the elegant custom-made Tasmanian Oak chairs and marvel at the vaulted ceilings of one of the biggest pillar-free chambers in the world. Once you?ve visited areas off limits to the general public and captured photographs from rare vantage points inside the majestic Sydney Opera House, you?ll realize that from the outside you?re only getting half the story. At the end of the tour you?ll enjoy the famous Vivid LIVE Lighting of the Sails firsthand.

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo lets you step into a world that's totally wild! Have you ever held a cockroach as big as your hand? Come face-to-face with a python? Petted a koala or had birds swoop over your head? Meet the most dangerous bird in the world, the Cassowary, walk on the wild side with the Wallabies and get up close and personal with some of the world's most dangerous creepy crawlies. VIP Guided Tours and Experiences are available.

Romance & Honeymoon Travel
Escape to some of the world’s most enchanting destinations with a romantic journey designed just for you. From exotic landscapes to extraordinary experiences, our custom-crafted itineraries promise unforgettable moments tailored to your unique travel style and desires. At Swain Destinations, we specialize in curating personalized experiences using our trusted network of preferred accommodations and handpicked experiences.

Picture yourselves dancing barefoot under the stars to the pulse of island rhythms in the South Pacific, retreating to a world-renowned luxury lodge nestled deep within New Zealand’s idyllic landscapes, or stargazing from a secluded treehouse in the heart of the African bush. Indulge in a champagne beach picnic on a secluded Australian island, enjoy cocktails and canapés during a private safari drive in South Africa, or simply soak in the serene beauty of Bali with nothing but time and each other.

Whether you’re newlyweds embarking on your first adventure together or seasoned travelers seeking your next romantic escape, our expert team of Master Designers of Luxury Travel will ensure every detail is flawlessly planned so you can focus on what matters most: making memories together that will last a lifetime.
 

Family Travel
Since the inception of Swain Destinations, we have been a family-run business, setting the foundation for how we tailor our travel services. Swain Destinations will expertly create a customized experience for you and your loved ones, no matter what type of trip you are looking for. For over three decades, Swain Destinations has customized travel experiences to Australia, New Zealand, Africa, the Middle East, Antarctica, and South Pacific Islands, ensuring our clients have an incredible experience that they are sure to talk about for years to come. It is through our strong relationships with our suppliers that we are able to provide assurance that you and your family will receive the highest of quality in personalized service.

As families are often multi-generation groups, we understand that each member will have their own individual interests, needs and style. With our wide ranges of activities, accommodations and experiences available in all of our destinations, we are ready to create the itinerary you want, that is perfectly suited for your entire family. Whether you are traveling with toddlers or teenagers – or both – our expert consultants are able to provide firsthand knowledge of our family and age-friendly accommodation and experiences throughout the world.
 

Adventure Travel
Seeking an adventure filled vacation or just an adventurous day? Swain Destinations adventure activities, itineraries and lodging are just for you. Let us cultivate your complete itinerary. Jet boating in New Zealand, climbing Sydney’s Harbour Bridge in Australia, or sand boarding in South Africa, there is no shortage of thrilling activities for you to take part in.

Get your adrenaline pumping and blood flowing, or enjoy a more relaxed adventure such as a scenic bike ride, or surfing some beginner waves on Bondi Beach. No matter what your adventure may be, Swain Destinations is here to make it happen.
 

Cultural Travel
Immerse yourself in a wonderful range of cultural experiences, scenic delights and exotic cuisines that exist outside of your home country. Get to know the local practices and people, explore the history and heritage, and find yourself leaving more culturally enriched than when you embarked on your journey.

Each world destination has a story to be told, a rich history to be learned and an identity to be discovered. At Swain Destinations we will pair you up with local guides who are eager to share their insider knowledge to ensure that you get to know your new locale inside and out. Obtain a better understanding and respect for the nature, people and places you visit, the perfect way to truly get to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Many of our Swain Destinations consultants hail from the destinations they sell and convey their passion, knowledge and insider advice to all of our travelers. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself the unique foods, diverse languages or the enriching cultural experiences that are to be encountered along the way, Swain Destinations can ensure that you not only visit a destination, but that you truly experience it.
 

Food & Wine Travel
Wine and dine your way around the world with Swain Destinations. From foodie tours to hotels with some of the world’s most distinguished restaurants, our team of specialists can create the perfect food and wine inspired itineraries.

Tour the vineyards of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, experience a dinner under the stars in Uluru, or sample some culinary delights on a walking tour through Melbourne.

It is not only knowing where to go that makes our foodie expeditions so enjoyable, but also knowing which chefs to see or which guides to lead you. Our strong relationships with food critics, world-class chefs and iconic restaurants allow us to provide a unique and unmatched experience on our food & wine focused excursions.
 

Sun & Sand Travel
Nothing beats a relaxing beach or island getaway, especially to one of our Swain Destinations. Laze on white sandy beaches, soak up the warm sun and let your worries wash away with the ocean waves. Whether you are looking for the ultimate island escape to one of the South Pacific’s pristine islands, or a stay of the Great Barrier Reef, Swain’s team of dedicated consultants are ready to make your island dreams a reality.

If you prefer to be on the water, Swain Destinations’ featured sailing and cruising options are sure to inspire. Set sail on the Great Barrier Reef or spend a day on an excursion around Tahiti; the options are endless. If spending time under water is more your speed, our travel experts can plan your trip to some of the world’s top dive spots. No matter what your interest, our team can plan the perfect itinerary.

Enjoy colorful culinary treats as you dine along the water’s edge, take to the sea for the day on a private snorkel or dive expedition or simply wander along the sun kissed sand as the island breeze cools you off. Let Swain Destinations plan your island escape to some of the most beautiful beaches and oceans around the globe. Combine exotic locales with pristine waters and exceptional accommodations in a fully customized Sun & Sand travel experience.
 

Cosmopolitan Travel
Cosmopolitan focused trips bring you the best any of our city destinations have to offer. These destinations give you a chance to experience the fast paced metropolises of the world. You can experience some world-renowned restaurants, high profile shopping districts, many modern museums and festivals and, of course, breathtaking architectures. Each city offers a unique view into the day to day life and culture of the city you choose to travel. These packages, hotels and experiences truly reflect what each city has to offer and brings it all together for you. Swain Destinations is proud of the many of the world’s best cities we travel to from Sydney to Cape Town.
 

Wildlife Travel
Koalas and kangaroos in Australia, marine life on the Great Barrier Reef, the Big Five in Africa; no matter what type of animals you’re looking to see, we have the activities and itineraries that will take you there. Whether you are looking for a family safari adventure, to learn about conservation efforts of rescue organizations, or even to check out a local zoo, we have put together a collection of our favorite animal and wildlife filled activities.

Here you will also find an assortment of outdoors activities and adventures. Whether it is hiking in New Zealand or in the outback of Australia, there’s a wide assortment to help inspire where your adventure will take you, or activities to fill up the days in your dream destination. With our wildlife activities, animals and nature are just a booking away.