Bushbaby Travel: Inspiring travel for life
New Zealand

Round The World Family Sabbatical, Young Adventurers

This epic family-friendly sabbatical, taking in SE Asia, Australasia and the States, offers up plenty of wildlife encounters, culture, fun activities and the chance to learn new skills interspersed with beach time to re-charge those batteries and top up on Vitamin D!.

New Zealand

Head to Thailand first - after the buzz of Bangkok, temples and tuk-tuks, turn dreams into reality by taking on the role of a mahout at Elephant Hill's. Indulge in a taste of local culture by taking a trip on a colourful long-tail boat or enjoying a family cookery lesson before you head to the beach to re-charge those batteries. Continuing your foray into Asia, travel onwards to Borneo. Don't miss Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre, founded in 1964 to rehabilitate orphaned orangutans. From here, head to the Lower Kinabatangan Wetlands - an undisturbed ecosystem where a number of rare, endangered and threatened species live. Children can roam the boardwalks at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort from where they'll spot wild boars and monitor lizards. Night walks and river safaris offer up the chance to see Pygmy elephants, Proboscis Monkeys and orangutans in the wild. After a beach sojourn, perhaps at one of the lovely eco-resorts, fringed by golden sands, tropical rain-forest and colourful coral reefs move onto continent number 2 - Australasia.

Soak up the delights of Perth, although it's probably UNESCO Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area, one of the last great ocean paradises, that is the real appeal. Relax on pristine secluded beaches and experience the incredible thrill of swimming, snorkelling or diving with the world’s largest fish, the whale shark, out of Coral Bay. Next on your itinerary is vibrant Sydney, which surely needs no introduction - squeeze in a day trip to the Blue Mountains, before heading to Alice Springs where you'll soak up incomparable sunsets over the sacred site of Uluru. No stay in Australia is complete without a visit to the Northern Territory and Kakadu National Park; expect cascading waterfalls, aboriginal rock art, giant crocodiles and exotic bird life. Round off your big Oz adventure in Cairns and tropical North Queensland; from the Great Barrier Reef to the Daintree Rainforest, this is a region of island adventures that is sure to appeal to your inner Robinson Crusoe.

Next, hop over to New Zealand and get ready for one of the world's most iconic road trips! Spend 2 weeks exploring the North and South Islands - you’ll find it all – stunning fjords, spectacular glaciers, volcanic plateau, rugged mountains, fast paced adventure for all the family and miles and miles of outstanding coastline with fantastic beaches. Fly from Christchurch to Fiji where you can dial down the pace and take your time exploring the archipelago's exquisite beaches, undersea marvels and lush interior, served with a side of Fijian fun and culture.

The last leg of your multi-continent adventure is a classic coast-to-coast road-plane-rail extravaganza across the States. With the Golden Gates of San Francisco as your starting point, you'll soon swap bright city lights for the majestic natural beauty of Yosemite before heading to the American Riviera and the glamour of LA where you might just rub shoulders with a celebrity or two. Next, head east to the stately city of Washington DC where you'll have chance to squeeze in a visit to the Capitol before catching an overnight train to the Big Apple. Dazzling and unforgettable, New York will have you feeling like a star from the moment you step foot onto the sidewalk; dig into a classic New York diner brunch, soak up the laid back vibe of Greenwich Village and hit Broadway where you can take your pick of the shows on offer - a fitting finale to the adventure of a lifetime.

recommended duration:
3 months
pricing:
From £14,750 per person sharing, based on 4* accommodation, including International and domestic flights
call:
0845 1244455
email:
info@bushbaby.travel

recommended accommodation

  • Argonaut Hotel

    Argonaut Hotel San Francisco

    bushbaby rating:
    Four stars

    With what’s widely considered one of the best addresses in San Francisco - on the edge of the city’s famous Bay at Fisherman’s Wharf – and a refined, relaxed atmosphere and

    ...

    read more
  • Tenaya Lodge Lobby

    Tenaya Lodge Yosemite

    bushbaby rating:
    Four stars

    After a day spent communing with nature in the breathtaking Yosemite National Park you’ll be glad of the short journey back to the warm welcome and atmosphere of the lovely

    ...

    read more
  • Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

    bushbaby rating:
    Four stars

    Standing proudly against the iconic city skyline, the Sheraton New York Times Square is superbly located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. This luxurious and contemporary

    ...

    read more
  • Fairmont at Night

    Fairmont Washington, D.C.

    bushbaby rating:
    Five stars

    Boasting a convenient location in the West End, adjacent to historic Gorgetown, the Fairmont Washington, D.C. is a charming hotel offering elegant guest rooms, luxurious

    ...

    read more
  • Pool and Rooms

    Sails in the Desert

    bushbaby rating:
    Five stars

    Sails in the Desert, is a spectacular hotel located in the vast reaches of the outback at the gateway to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and the magnificent Ayers Rock.

    ...

    read more
  • Beachfront

    Thala Beach Lodge

    bushbaby rating:
    Five stars

    Framed by World Heritage Rain Forests in one of the most beautiful private beach locations, Thala Beach Lodge is a five star luxury resort on a private headland between Cairns

    ...

    read more
  • Pool

    Quay West Suites

    bushbaby rating:
    Five stars

    Located in the historic Rocks district, overlooking Sydney’s magical harbour, the Quay West Suites provides a luxurious hotel experience with all the advantages of apartment

    ...

    read more
  • Pool at Main Camp

    Elephant Hills

    bushbaby rating:
    Four stars

    Close to the jungle of Khao Sok National Park, 30 safari-style tents set in the largest area of rainforest in Southern Thailand await! Guests have the opportunity to feed

    ...

    read more
  • Hilton Auckland

    Hilton Auckland Hotel

    bushbaby rating:
    Five stars

    The Hilton Auckland offers sophisticated, contemporary accommodation in the heart of New Zealand’s largest and most exciting city. Surrounded by the Waitemata Harbour at the

    ...

    read more
  • Kinabatangan Wetlands Resor

    Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort

    bushbaby rating:
    Four stars

    Hidden deep in the jungle wilderness of Lower Kinatangan, surrounded by freshwater swamps and mangrove forest teeming with wildlife, lies a private retreat offering the

    ...

    read more
  • Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort

    Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort

    bushbaby rating:
    Four stars

    Hidden away amidst lush tropical greenery on Thailand’s second largest island, you’ll find this classic beach resort, a peaceful haven perfectly positioned on tranquil white

    ...

    read more
  • Anantara Riverside Resort

    Anantara Riverside Resort

    bushbaby rating:
    Four stars

    A tropical haven of peace and tranquillity on the banks of the river, yet only a 10-minute shuttle boat ride to the City of Angels, the Anantara Riverside Resort is an oasis

    ...

    read more

sign up for inspiration and special offers

follow us on social media