Introduction: A New Year, A New Adventure
All right, this is a scenario: we are 10 adults, good friends and family, and it is a New Year 2025 vacation. The thought of arranging a multi-country visit was exciting and at the same time, daunting.
This was when we found SegvTours.com. They had a good reputation and were offering personalized tours, so we gained confidence and made a booking for the Australia and New Zealand 18-Day Tour for October 2024. Our adventure started 4th January 2025 and, ooh, it was what we hoped it would be, and beyond.
Sydney: A Vibrant Start
Entering Sydney was like being in a postcard. We were struck by the vitality in the city.
We spent time on a sightseeing trip to the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Darling Harbour. It was quintessentially Australian and gave us the perfect introduction to the land of Australia.
We also went on a Showboat dinner cruise that evening. Cruising around the Sydney harbour with music, dancing, and food created a celebratory mood as part of the trip. The following day we went to the Blue Mountains and walked along Bondi Beach, to soak in the traditional Aussie vibe.
Auckland & Rotorua: Wonders of New Zealand
From Sydney to Auckland, and one felt like stepping into another world.
The Waitomo Glow-worm Caves were unreal—thousands of glow-worms glowing on the ceilings like stars. The Te Puia Thermal Wonderland in Rotorua stunned us with geysers, mud pools, and cultural performances.
We also took the Skyline Gondola for stunning views of the lake and Rotorua. It was all the magic of New Zealand our adult group could wish for.
Queenstown & South Island: Nature at Its Best
Queenstown really won our hearts in a commendable manner. The scenery here was unbelievable, considered the adventure capital of the world.
We sailed over Milford Sound fjord, surrounded by cliffs, waterfalls, and calm waters—it was like sailing in a painting. The sightseeing adventure flight over Franz Josef Glacier was superb: snow, ice, mountains—just wow.
Then came Lake Tekapo with turquoise waters and the Church of the Good Shepherd. Pure serenity. This segment of the tour was filled with nature, adventure, and breathtaking scenery.
Cairns: Adventure & the Great Barrier Reef
In Cairns, Australia gave us thrills. In the early morning, we took a hot air balloon ride and floated over lush green scenery as the sun rose. Absolute magic.
The Kuranda Rainforest and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway offered panoramic jungle views. And the Great Barrier Reef was everything it promised to be—crystal-clear waters and vibrant corals made snorkeling unforgettable.
Melbourne: Culture, Sports & Penguins
Melbourne was the perfect way to complete our tour. History, modernity, and culture blended seamlessly in the city.
We toured the main attractions, attended a match at the MCG, and spent time exploring cafés and shopping malls.
But the highlight? Hundreds of little penguins waddling back to their burrows at sunset during the Phillip Island Penguin Parade—absolutely adorable.
Taking the scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road, witnessing steep cliffs and the Twelve Apostles, was a splendid conclusion. Victoria gave us the perfect mix of culture and adventure.
Why SegvTours Made the Difference
It’s not easy planning an 18-day, two-country vacation with 10 adults. However, SegvTours made it seamless.
- Experienced guides: Described all the places in the most entertaining and interesting way.
- Faultless logistics: No confusions or delays in transfers, hotels, or timing.
- Balanced itinerary: Perfect mix of sightseeing, leisure, and adventure.
- Flexibility: Options for helicopter rides, hot air balloons, and skydiving made the trip customizable.
- 24/7 service: Emergency support gave us security and peace of mind.
All the backstage work was in their hands, so we could simply have fun every single day.
Quick Tour Overview
| Day | Destination & Highlights | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | Sydney | Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, Showboat Cruise, Blue Mountains, Bondi Beach |
| 4–6 | Auckland & Rotorua | Waitomo Glow-worm Caves, Te Puia Thermal Wonderland, Skyline Gondola |
| 7–10 | Queenstown & South Island | Milford Sound, Franz Josef Glacier flight, Lake Tekapo |
| 11–13 | Cairns | Hot air balloon ride, Kuranda Rainforest, Great Barrier Reef |
| 14–18 | Melbourne | City tour, MCG, Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Great Ocean Road |
Group Details at a Glance
| Tour Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Client Names | Mr. Anil & Mrs. Renu Mangla, Mr. Sandeep & Mrs. Shubhlata Padia, Mr. Mahender & Mrs. Nirmala Garg, Mr. Manoj & Mrs. Archana Garg, Mr. Rajiv & Mrs. Poonam Jain |
| Package Booked | Australia & New Zealand Tour |
| Booking Date | Oct 2024 |
| Travel Date | Jan 4, 2025 |
| Duration | 18 Days |
| Group Size | 10 Adults |
Our Reflection
The Australia and New Zealand Tour of 18 days has been one of the best tours of our life. Each day was full of new attractions – fjords, glaciers, reefs, and penguins.
SegvTours gave us the opportunity to enjoy ourselves and concentrate on capturing the moment, while entrusting all the stress that Hillary and Paul might have gone through to the professionals. We are very pleased and content with such an excellently carried out holiday.
— An unfortunate incident at the Australia and New Zealand Tour, promoted by Mr. Anil Mangla and group, Jan 2025.