Whitsundays to Wanaka: Final Call for Festive Luxury

Last-Minute Luxury Escapes Across Australia & New Zealand.

The festive season is fast approaching, and for travelers still dreaming of an unforgettable summer Down Under escape, it’s not too late — yet. Across Australia and New Zealand, a handful of extraordinary properties still have limited availability for December 2025 and January 2026. From private islands and vineyard estates to rainforest lodges and mountain hideaways, these handpicked stays offer the ultimate way to celebrate the season in style.

Whether it’s toasting the new year with fireworks over Sydney Harbour, exploring ancient rainforests in Queensland, or sipping wine among New Zealand’s vines, there’s a remarkable experience waiting — but only for those who act fast. These are the final opportunities to secure festive luxury in the Southern Hemisphere’s most inspiring destinations.

Queensland: From Island Escapes to Rainforest Retreats

Queensland’s summer radiates with possibilities — and with limited festive season availability still up for grabs, now’s the moment for travelers to secure their dream Australian escape. From private islands fringed by the Great Barrier Reef to rainforest hideaways and hinterland havens, this is a collection made for indulgent holiday memories. Whether your clients crave barefoot luxury on the water, an immersive connection with nature, or the buzz of a cosmopolitan city stay, Queensland has a festive experience for every traveler.

Featured Properties:

  • Makepeace Island, Noosa River – A private island paradise offering exclusivity, luxury and total seclusion.
  • Mt Mulligan Lodge, Mount Mulligan – Outback Queensland meets refined comfort at this ruggedly beautiful retreat.
  • Orpheus Island Lodge, Palm Island – A tropical all-inclusive escape with reef adventures at your doorstep.
  • Pelorus Private Island, Palm Island – Intimate and ultra-luxurious, ideal for private charter-style getaways.
  • Beechmont Estate, Beechmont – Elegant country charm in the Gold Coast hinterland, perfect for gourmet getaways.
  • Silky Oaks Lodge, Daintree – Nestled in ancient rainforest with river views and spa serenity.
  • Spicers Balfour Hotel, Brisbane – Urban sophistication in the heart of the city’s vibrant New Farm precinct.
  • Spicers Tamarind Retreat, Maleny – A tranquil rainforest hideaway infused with Asian-inspired cuisine and design.
  • Spicers Peak Lodge, Scenic Rim – A mountaintop sanctuary offering panoramic views and refined all-inclusive experiences.
  • Spicers Clovelly Estate, Montville – European elegance meets Sunshine Coast charm.
  • Spicers Hidden Vale, Grandchester – Classic country hospitality paired with contemporary comfort.
  • Qualia Luxury Resort, Whitsundays – Iconic island luxury on Hamilton Island, designed for pure indulgence.
Qualia Luxury Resort, Whitsundays

New South Wales: Fireworks, Vineyards & Mountain Air

For travelers chasing iconic summer celebrations or serene nature escapes, New South Wales delivers it all. Sydney sparkles with its world-famous New Year’s Eve fireworks and harbour views, while the Hunter Valley’s vineyards and the Blue Mountains’ cool serenity offer a refreshing contrast to the city buzz. And for those seeking total seclusion, Lord Howe Island’s pristine beauty feels like another world — yet it’s just a short flight from the mainland. With festive season availability becoming scarce, these last-minute gems are perfect for clients ready to embrace a luxurious Australian summer.

Featured Properties:

  • Crown Sydney, Sydney – Sophisticated, sky-high luxury overlooking the harbour; an unbeatable base for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
  • Spicers Potts Point, Sydney – A boutique urban retreat combining heritage charm with contemporary style in one of Sydney’s most desirable neighbourhoods.
  • Spicers Vineyards Estate, Hunter Valley – A romantic wine country escape surrounded by vines and gourmet indulgence.
  • Spicers Guesthouse, Hunter Valley – Laid-back luxury meets country elegance, ideal for exploring the region’s cellar doors.
  • The Convent Hunter Valley Boutique Hotel, Hunter Valley – Historic charm and vineyard views wrapped in timeless sophistication.
  • Spicers Sangoma Retreat, Blue Mountains – An eco-luxury hideaway with sweeping valley views and a focus on wellness and indulgence.
  • Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa, Blue Mountains – Classic elegance and spa serenity beside the dramatic escarpments of Katoomba.
  • Echoes Boutique Hotel, Blue Mountains – Boutique style perched on the edge of World Heritage wilderness.
  • Parklands Country Garden & Lodges, Blue Mountains – English-inspired gardens and tranquil mountain atmosphere.
  • The Hydro Majestic Hotel, Blue Mountains – An iconic Art Deco landmark with grand views across the Megalong Valley.
  • Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island – A barefoot-luxury island sanctuary framed by volcanic peaks and turquoise lagoons.
Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island

South Australia & The Red Centre: Wild Beauty and Refined Indulgence

From world-class vineyards to rugged coastal wilderness — and the awe-inspiring heart of Australia — this trio of regions promises unforgettable festive escapes. In South Australia, the Barossa Valley delivers luxury paired with fine wine and gourmet excellence, while Kangaroo Island captivates with its wild landscapes and reimagined coastal lodges. Further north, the Red Centre invites travellers to experience Uluru in ultimate comfort and style — a once-in-a-lifetime celebration under the stars. These exceptional stays are rare finds for last-minute summer availability.

Featured Properties:

  • The Louise, Barossa Valley – Contemporary vineyard luxury with a focus on fine dining and regional wine experiences.
  • Kingsford The Barossa, Barossa Valley – A grand homestead turned exclusive retreat, blending heritage charm with modern indulgence.
  • Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island – An architectural masterpiece perched above a wild coastline, offering a new era of sustainable luxury.
  • Longitude 131°, Yulara (Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park) – Iconic luxury in the desert, with unparalleled views of Uluru and immersive cultural encounters.
Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island

North Island, New Zealand: Vineyards, Lakes & Timeless Tranquillity

From the sun-kissed coves of the Bay of Islands to the tranquil shores of Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s North Island sets the stage for an unforgettable summer escape. Guests can toast the season with fine wine at a boutique vineyard villa or unwind beside one of the country’s most spectacular alpine lakes. With limited festive availability remaining, these destinations offer indulgence, serenity, and a true taste of Aotearoa luxury — perfect for those seeking a refined last-minute getaway.

Featured Properties:

  • Tarāpunga Villa at Paroa Bay Winery, Bay of Islands – A stunning clifftop retreat overlooking the vines and the sea, combining fine dining, estate wines, and coastal elegance.
  • Huka Lodge, Taupō – An iconic New Zealand sanctuary on the banks of the Waikato River, renowned for its timeless style, world-class service, and access to Taupō’s natural wonders.
Huka Lodge, Taupō

South Island, New Zealand: Alpine Drama & Southern Elegance

The South Island delivers New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes — from the vineyards of Marlborough to the glacial lakes of Wanaka and the rugged peaks of the Southern Alps. Whether your clients are dreaming of a secluded mountain retreat, lakeside serenity, or a touch of southern heritage, these exceptional properties capture the spirit of Aotearoa’s natural grandeur. With festive season availability still open in select lodges, now’s the moment to secure an unforgettable summer escape across the South.

Featured Properties:

  • The Marlborough Boutique Hotel & Vineyard, Blenheim – A restored heritage estate surrounded by vines, offering refined hospitality and Marlborough’s celebrated wines.
  • Mt Isthmus, Wanaka – A strikingly modern private residence between two lakes, blending architectural brilliance with complete seclusion.
  • Hidden Lodge Queenstown, Queenstown – An intimate alpine hideaway with sweeping views across Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables.
  • The Lindis, Ahuriri Valley – An architectural masterpiece nestled into wild high-country landscapes, perfect for adventure and quiet reflection alike.
  • Flockhill Lodge, Lake Pearson – Expansive luxury on a working high-country station, combining outdoor discovery with elegant design.
  • Lake Brunner Eco Lodge, Lake Brunner – A tranquil West Coast retreat offering lakeside calm and immersive nature experiences.
  • Bell Hill Apartments, Dunedin – Contemporary style in a historic city, where urban sophistication meets southern charm.
The Lindis, Ahuriri Valley

Your Clients’ Summer, Elevated

At ANZCRO, we specialize in creating seamless, unforgettable journeys across Australia and New Zealand — pairing expert local knowledge with the region’s most exceptional stays. Each of these properties offers something truly unique: world-class hospitality, breathtaking natural settings, and the kind of experience that lingers long after the holiday ends.

With festive season availability rapidly closing, now’s the time to inspire your clients and lock in their dream escape. Explore, enquire, and let ANZCRO take care of the details — so your travelers can simply celebrate the season surrounded by beauty, comfort, and a touch of luxury.