The Wexler Family, a mother-daughter duo from Novi, MI, recently embarked on an incredible journey through Sydney, Australia, and both islands of New Zealand this fall, with a custom tour package curated by The Family Traveler.

Racheal, who had just finished a study abroad program on Australia’s Gold Coast, reunited with her mom, Karen, for a 4-night stay in Sydney at the InterContinental. They loved the hotel’s prime location and their beautiful room, which overlooked the gardens with a small view of the Opera House. Virtuoso perks like daily breakfast were a bonus! One highlight of their stay was a full-day small group tour to the Blue Mountains, complete with breathtaking views at Scenic World, up-close animal encounters at Featherdale Wildlife Park, and a relaxing ferry ride back along the Parramatta River.

From Sydney, they flew to Queenstown, New Zealand, where they spent three nights at the Heritage Queenstown. Queenstown stole their hearts—it’s easy to see why with stunning views of snowcapped mountains and Lake Wakatipu right from their room. Their steamboat dinner cruise that went right by their hotel to Walter Peak High Country Farm was a standout experience, featuring a delicious farm-to-table meal and a chance to see the farm in action. Unfortunately, a planned flight to Milford Sound was grounded due to weather, but they made the best of their time in Queenstown.

Next up was Christchurch, reached via a scenic bus tour through Mt. Cook. While weather conditions including snow rerouted their journey, the refunds were handled smoothly. They enjoyed a 2-night stay at the Crowne Plaza, complete with another great breakfast. A highlight was exploring the Riverside Markets, and sharing their hotel with the New Zealand rugby team made watching the All Blacks’ game at the bar even more exciting.

In Rotorua, they stayed at the Regent Hotel for two nights, a cozy spot near Eat Street which showcased plenty of dining options. They enjoyed exploring geothermal parks and thermal hot pools on a small group tour. That evening, they attended a Māori dinner and cultural performance—a memorable experience filled with songs, dances, and traditions that deepened their appreciation for local indigenous customs.

For their final leg, they used Day Trip for a drive from Rotorua to Auckland, making a stop at Hobbiton along the way. Despite its touristy vibe, they enjoyed exploring the iconic film set from The Lord of the Rings. Their last three nights were spent at the Cordis in Auckland, a lovely hotel located atop the hill from the marina. During their stay, they took two small group tours: a morning city walking tour and an afternoon rainforest and beach excursion. They noted that a longer hike would have made the latter tour even better.

Overall, it was a packed itinerary, but the Wexlers felt that the excursions were perfectly timed to maximize their experience. It was a memorable adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes, unique cultural experiences, and lots of quality mother-daughter time.