My Ultimate Trip: Australia, New Zealand, Bora Bora and LA

Sydney, Australia – 2 Nights Our adventure began in vibrant Sydney, staying at SKYE Suites, a stylish, modern hotel with a great location for exploring the city on foot.

Day One: We followed a full-day walking route that started with a morning climb of the Sydney Harbour Bridge – a real highlight, offering panoramic views of the city and beyond. Afterwards, we explored The Rocks, one of Sydney’s oldest and most atmospheric neighbourhoods.

We then wandered past Circular Quay to the iconic Sydney Opera House, taking in views of the harbour and stopping by Customs House along the way.

In the afternoon, we hopped on the ferry to Manly Beach, a beautiful spot with laid-back charm. From there, we walked the coastal path to Shelly Beach, which is a peaceful and scenic trail.

On the way back, we returned via Barangaroo Reserve, finishing up in Darling Harbour – perfect for a relaxed drink or bite to eat by the water.

Day Two: We made the most of our time with a visit to the famous Bondi Beach – the atmosphere was buzzing and the coastal views were stunning. Whether you swim, surf, or simply people-watch with a coffee, it's a must-do while in Sydney.

New Zealand – South Island Adventure Next, we flew to Christchurch for a quick overnight before boarding the TranzAlpine Railway, one of the world’s most scenic train journeys. The ride took us through dramatic mountain landscapes to Greymouth, where we picked up a car and began a self-drive itinerary.

Franz Josef This glacier town is packed with adventure. We took a heli-hike to the top of Franz Josef Glacier – flying over icefields and landing to explore on foot was magical. We also went quad biking through riverbeds and forest trails, and completed the Roberts Point Track, a challenging but rewarding hike with stunning glacier views.

Queenstown Surrounded by mountains and Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is an adrenaline lover’s dream. We cycled the 34km ‘Around the Basin’ trail, a scenic and fun ride. We also rode the Skyline Gondola for amazing views and had a go on the luge, which was a lot of fun. A day trip to Milford Sound by coach and cruise took us deep into Fiordland National Park – dramatic waterfalls and towering cliffs around every corner.

Mount Cook We drove through Makarora and stopped at the stunning Blue Pools and Lake Pukaki before arriving at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. We filled our time with hikes including Kea Point, Sealy Tarns, the Tasman Glacier, Hooker Valley and the Blue Lakes. A standout moment was the Glacier Explorers boat trip – floating among icebergs at the foot of a glacier is something I’ll never forget. Before leaving, we squeezed in one last hike – Red Tarns Track, with breathtaking views of Mount Cook.

Christchurch & Kaikoura We returned to Christchurch via Lake Tekapo, then explored the city on the Hop-on Hop-off tram and took the gondola to get panoramic views. Our final stop in New Zealand was Kaikoura, famous for its marine life. We joined a whale watching tour, which was incredible, and spotted plenty of seals along the road too – a reminder to drive cautiously.

Bora Bora After the adventure, it was time to unwind. We flew into Bora Bora for five nights of pure relaxation at the InterContinental Le Moana.

The main goal here was to slow down and soak up the beauty of this tropical paradise. We hired bikes and cycled the full 19-mile loop around the island, stopping constantly for photos of turquoise lagoons and lush peaks.

We also took a snorkelling boat tour, which included stops to swim with manta rays, stingrays, black tip reef sharks, and through the vibrant coral gardens. The rest of the time was simply spent enjoying the beach, warm water, and peaceful pace.

Los Angeles, USA – Final Stop We ended the trip with a couple of nights in Los Angeles, packing in as much as we could.

We saw all the classic spots – Rodeo Drive, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and got a view of the Hollywood Sign.

We also hired bikes and cycled along the Santa Monica coast, taking in the beach vibes and sunshine. After dropping off the bikes, we headed to Marina del Rey for lunch and a stroll, before catching our flight home.

Final Thoughts This was truly the trip of a lifetime – an incredible mix of scenery, culture, wildlife, relaxation and adventure. Each place offered something completely different, and I came back with so many new memories and experiences that I’ll never forget.

If you’re thinking of planning something similar – whether it’s a special occasion or a dream itinerary you’ve been waiting for – I’d love to help. Just drop me a message to start planning.