9-Day Adventure Itinerary for New Zealand, Gold Coast and Sydney

1. Day 1: Auckland Sky Tower
   12-minute walk (0.6 miles) from Auckland city center

   Ride up the 328-meter-high Sky Tower for stunning views of the city from above.

2. Day 2: Rangitoto Island
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   20-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland

   Hike to the top of Rangitoto Island’s volcanic peak for panoramic views of the city and neighboring islands.

3. Day 3: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
   23-minute drive (12.6 miles) from Gold Coast city center

   Get up close and personal with Aussie wildlife at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, featuring interactive animal shows and exhibits.

4. Day 4: Springbrook National Park
   1 hour and 10-minute drive (47.8 miles) from Gold Coast city center

   Hike through the ancient rainforest of Springbrook National Park, discovering waterfalls, caves, and scenic viewpoints along the way.

5. Day 5: Sydney Harbour Bridge
   14-minute drive (4.5 miles) from Sydney city center

   Climb the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge for epic views of the Sydney Opera House and harbor.

6. Day 6: Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
   30-minute drive (7.5 miles) from Sydney city center

   Trek this scenic 6km coastal walk for breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, with several beaches and seaside parks along the way.

7. Day 7: Port Stephens
   2-hour and 30-minute drive (127 miles) from Sydney city center

   Swim, snorkel, and sandboard in the turquoise waters of Port Stephens, home to Australia’s largest coastal sand dunes and resident dolphins.

8. Day 8: Blue Mountains National Park
   1 hour and 30-minute drive (52 miles) from Sydney city center

   Explore the rugged beauty of Blue Mountains National Park, marveling at the Three Sisters rock formation, hiking scenic trails, and riding the scenic railway and cableway.

9. Day 9: Sydney Opera House
   5-minute walk from Sydney city center

   Take a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, an architectural masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Sky Tower (1-2 hours, $30 NZD)
• Rangitoto Island (5 hours, $36 NZD)
• Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (4-5 hours, $49 AUD)
• Springbrook National Park (4-5 hours, free)
• Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb (3.5 hours, $288 AUD)
• Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk (3-4 hours, free)
• Port Stephens Excursion (8-10 hours, $175 AUD)
• Blue Mountains National Park (8-10 hours, $15 AUD for park entrance, additional fees apply for attractions like the scenic railway and cableway)
• Total Estimated Costs: $593 NZD / $648 AUD per person

Useful Tips

This itinerary is packed with outdoor adventures and scenic sights, so be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, plenty of water, and sunscreen. For more time, consider adding in additional hikes or beach days, or swap out certain attractions based on your personal preferences. For less time, adjust the itinerary by cutting down on the overall number of destinations visited.