Travel Review: Tour of New Zealand & Australia, Queenstown, Sydney, Cairns, Kangaroo Island, Waiheke Island, Rotorua, Milford Sound

In Australia we visited Sydney, Cairns, Ayers Rock, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island and Tasmania. We most enjoyed the areas we knew little about. Every Aussie we met was surprised we were going to Kangaroo Island and said they had not been themselves. This was THE highlight of our trip. The Island in beautiful with sheer cliffs,  crashing waves and no land south of you until Antarctica. The Southern Ocean Lodge was our indulgence for the trip and we are so glad we stayed there. It is, hands down, the best hotel experience we have ever had. The service is impeccable but not stuffy, the food spectacular and the tours very interesting. And it is all included with your stay. 

We loved everything about New Zealand. We expected to love Queenstown and did. Milford Sound does not disappoint. We did the fly, boat to Milford which we highly recommend vs the 4.5 hour bus ride. We did not know much about Rotorua and found it fascinating. We took a trip out to the volcano island (White Island) which was unbelievable. Auckland was just a necessary stop to fly out but we enjoyed the vibrant dock area. We had tickets for the ferry to Waiheke Island and are so glad we went. We spent the entire day wandering the town and visiting the wine tastings. The views from Mudbrick winery are amazing.