Travel Australia & New Zealand with Insight’s New Local Escapes

Are you, like Insight Vacations, ready to get back to travelling? While there are still some restrictions in place, it’s time to start planning your next domestic holiday or trip across the ditch to New Zealand.

Insight Vacations have just launched their new and exciting Local Escapes collection, five handpicked itineraries across Australia and New Zealand. These five trips visit Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and both the North and South Island of New Zealand.

Many of the trips feature exclusive experiences guests are not able to access when travelling independently. These handpicked experiences are centred around enjoying spectacular food and wine, behind the scenes discoveries, exploring the natural surroundings and meeting the local growers and experts in each region. Insight have done all the hard work in arranging these experiences and planning the itineraries, all you need to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey.

There’s also an opportunity to give back to local communities on each itinerary, whether it’s visiting and buying goods from bushfire affected suppliers, understanding the importance of indigenous culture at Cape Naturaliste in WA, or contributing to reforestation efforts.

Don’t worry, Insight Vacations has recently reviewed their health and safety protocols to ensure the wellbeing of all guests is the highest priority. The coaches will now seat a maximum of 22 passengers to ensure safe physical distancing along with enhanced hygiene measures on and off the coach. They’ve also made it easier than ever to book with confidence with just a deposit amount of $99 per person and the ability to change your mind 30 days prior to departure!*

Get back to doing what you love and travel with Insight Vacations on one of these spectacular trips which are available to book now for departures through to March 2021.

Flavours of Adelaide and the Barossa Valley, 5 Days  

Food and wine lovers will particularly appreciate this journey through South Australia, visiting three of the state's renowned wine regions - the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills (of course paired with delicious local produce!).

Hailed for its excellent gastronomical offerings, this region is brimming with enticing flavours, thriving viticulture, and rewarding experiences. Highlights of this itinerary include a cooking demonstration at the Farm Shop of national treasure Maggie Beer and visits to renowned wineries including one of Australia’s oldest, Seppeltsfield Estate. Travellers will also enjoy a progressive four-course dinner at the iconic Adelaide Central Markets.

Along with palate pleasing experiences on this journey, guests will also give back to communities devastated by the recent bushfires. In collaboration with the #EmptyEsky movement, travellers will have the opportunity to purchase produce from local growers and artisans and support the recovery of this special region.

Tasmania’s Food, Whiskey and Wine, 6 Days

Starting and ending in Hobart, this Tassie trip showcases the pristine wilderness, unique history and finest food, whiskey, and wine in the state. Meet charismatic locals as you explore the sights and discover hidden gems along the way.

Enjoy a celebration of local, seasonal produce as you delight in a seven-course gourmet day tour of Bruny Island and a BBQ dinner against a backdrop of the magnificent Coles Bay in Freycinet National Park. Save some space for a whiskey and gin tasting at the historic Shene Estate, home to several world renowned and awarded whiskeys.

Pair your culinary journey of Tasmania with a rewarding visit to Lilydale Falls where you will wander through native bushland with a local expert learning about the regeneration efforts of the region. Just another way to Make Travel Matter with Insight Vacations.

Perth and The Margaret River Explorer, 6 Days

Is Western Australia on your list? This WA itinerary showcases the surroundings of Perth, from iconic sights to experiences further off the beaten track.

Check out the waterside cafes and restaurants of bustling Busselton and visit the picture perfect jetty, proudly boasting the title of the longest in the Southern Hemisphere. Once you’ve snapped all your pictures here, you will be treated to a special experience as you connect with the Indigenous spirits at Cape Naturaliste. Experience a traditional Welcome to Country, enjoy a scenic walk, and learn about the land and personal stories from a local Indigenous guide. 

The Margaret River region welcomes you with perfectly paired wine tastings and canapes, Penguin Island boasts charming wildlife, and Freemantle is brimming with history (and of course, delightful local eateries). Opt for a trip to Rottnest Island to meet the local quokkas or stay on the mainland for more foodie fun.

Taste of New Zealand’s North Island, 8 Days

Set off on an eight day exploration of New Zealand’s North Island where breathtaking scenery and tantalising cuisine beckon. Travel from Wellington to Auckland stopping to sample selections from chocolate and cheese to wine, including a visit to the country's oldest wine growing region, Hawkes Bay.

Feel special with VIP experiences tailored specifically for you on visits to the Martinborough wine region, olive oil producer Olivo, Palliser Estate, Whakarewarewa Forest and a cooking school at Union Square. 

No trip to the North Island would be complete without stopping to see the raw scenic beauty on offer. Admire the roaring Huka Falls, visit the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, cruise the tranquil waters of Lake Rotomahana, and stroll along the Redwoods TreeWalk – a perfect backdrop to your NZ tour. 

Scenic Roads of the South Island, 7 Days

Spend a week in the South Island and discover the gems nestled between the spectacular coastline and soaring mountains. The spellbinding scenery and the culinary delights make NZ’s South Island the perfect getaway, whether it is a return visit or your first time to this picture perfect destination.

Travel on the iconic Coastal Pacific Express train to Kaikoura and watch as farmland, rugged shorelines and mountain valleys unfold through the panoramic windows. Enjoy a whale watching cruise in Kaikoura and keep your eyes peeled for giant sperm whales, dusky dolphins or even orcas.

In the Marlborough Wine Region sample Sauvignon Blanc for which the area is renowned, and enjoy three perfectly paired courses. Explore the beauty of Marlborough Sounds and Abel Tasman National Park and enjoy a soak in the hot springs of Hanmer Springs.

With so much on offer across Australia and New Zealand, now is the perfect time to start planning your local escape with Insight Vacations.

*Conditions Apply.