Southern Eclipse — An 18-Day Private Jet Expedition Through New Zealand and Australia

TCS World Travel’s Southern Eclipse is an 18-day private jet expedition departing July 10, 2028, and returning July 27, 2028, across six destinations in New Zealand and Australia. The route travels from Craigieburn Valley, New Zealand, to Glenorchy, New Zealand; Freycinet, Tasmania; Sydney, Australia; and Lizard Island and the Great Barrier Reef, Australia (with an alternative option in Mount Mulligan, Australia), concluding in Melbourne, Australia.

The itinerary is organized around a single astronomical event—the total solar eclipse crossing Sydney on July 22, 2028—bracketed by remote wilderness access in New Zealand’s Southern Alps and reef access on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Unlike most itineraries that visit either New Zealand’s South Island or Australia’s eastern coast and reef in isolation, this expedition connects both in a single 18-day routing timed to the eclipse date.

Southern Eclipse: New Zealand and Australia by Private Air Trip at a Glance

• Travel dates: July 10–27, 2028
• Duration: 18 days
• Destinations: Six across New Zealand and Australia
• Group size: 28 guests
• Aircraft: Privately chartered Airbus A319^*
• Solar eclipse: July 22, 2028, in Sydney, Australia
• Eclipse timing: 1:59 p.m., with approximately 3 minutes and 49 seconds of totality
• New Zealand destinations: Craigieburn Valley and Glenorchy
• Australian destinations: Freycinet, Tasmania; Sydney; Lizard Island and the Great Barrier Reef or Mount Mulligan; Melbourne
• Accommodations: Flockhill Lodge, Blanket Bay, Saffire Freycinet, Capella Sydney, Lizard Island Resort or Mount Mulligan Lodge and Park Hyatt Melbourne
• Featured experiences: Solar eclipse viewing, Milford Sound helicopter flightseeing, Tasmanian wildlife encounters, Sydney Opera House tour and Great Barrier Reef marine exploration
• Starting price: $135,000 per person, double occupancy
• Solo supplement: $13,500
• Preferred Seating: $139,000 per person, double occupancy, with an optional lie-flat seating upgrade
• Inclusions: Private charter flights, accommodations, meals and beverages as specified, ground transfers, curated excursions, expert guides and gratuities

^*Aircraft operated by Skytraders

Trip Highlights

Witness the 2028 Total Solar Eclipse in Sydney

The centerpiece of the Southern Eclipse expedition takes place on July 22, 2028, when a total solar eclipse crosses Sydney. At 1:59 p.m., the moon passes between Earth and the sun, bringing approximately three minutes and 49 seconds of totality over the city. Guests will mark the occasion afterward with celebratory drinks and dessert overlooking Sydney Harbour.

The three-night Sydney stay also includes opportunities to experience the city from different perspectives. Go behind the scenes at the Sydney Opera House, take a seaplane flight over the northern beaches and forested headlands, or enjoy a private sunset cruise past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Explore New Zealand’s Dramatic Landscapes

New Zealand’s South Island provides a striking opening to the expedition, from the limestone formations of Craigieburn Valley to the mountains and glacial waterways surrounding Glenorchy. At Flockhill Station, guests can hike among sculpted limestone boulders with a private guide or explore the high-country landscape of a working sheep station.

Farther south, a helicopter flightseeing excursion over Milford Sound reveals the region’s fjords, mountains and lakes from above, including a brief alpine landing. On the Dart River, a two-hour jet-boat adventure follows glacier-fed waters into the UNESCO-listed wilderness of Mount Aspiring National Park. A 4WD excursion also visits filming locations from The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Encounter Distinctive Wildlife Across Two Countries

Wildlife experiences are woven throughout the expedition, introducing guests to species associated with New Zealand, Tasmania and mainland Australia. At Queenstown’s Kiwi Birdlife Park, a privately guided visit with a local zoologist includes a kiwi feeding and opportunities to see native wildlife such as kea parrots and Otago skinks.

In Tasmania, a privately guided Tasmanian devil experience introduces the island’s distinctive marsupial and conservation efforts to protect the species. Sydney’s Taronga Zoo offers opportunities to encounter Australian wildlife, including koalas, emus and kangaroos. Travelers choosing Lizard Island can explore the marine environment of the Great Barrier Reef, with opportunities to observe marine life while snorkeling among coral gardens.

Discover Indigenous Cultures and Local Traditions

The expedition includes experiences that introduce travelers to the cultural heritage and traditions of the regions they visit. On Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula, the Connection to Country experience explores coastal tracks and rock platforms with a local guide, highlighting Indigenous tools, techniques and bush foods. The excursion introduces the knowledge and connection to the landscape of the Oyster Bay people.

In New Zealand’s Craigieburn Valley, a visit to Flockhill Station offers a different perspective on local traditions. Guests learn about life on a working sheep farm, including mustering, traditional sheep-herding techniques and the surrounding landscape.

Those selecting Mount Mulligan can learn about the history and traditions of the Kuku Djungan people while hiking along the base of Ngarrabullgan, a mountain of cultural significance.

Experience the Great Barrier Reef or the Australian Outback

One of the expedition’s distinctive features is a choice between two contrasting experiences in North Queensland. Travelers can spend three nights on Lizard Island, surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef, or venture inland to the remote landscapes of Mount Mulligan.

At Lizard Island, a private reef cruise offers opportunities for snorkeling or fishing, while a glass-bottom kayak excursion reveals the marine environment of Anchor Bay. Guests can also visit the Lizard Island Research Center to learn about work focused on understanding and protecting the Great Barrier Reef.

The alternative Mount Mulligan program focuses on the Queensland outback. Activities include a guided hike along the base of Ngarrabullgan, sunset at Ah Bowers Waterhole and stargazing using the lodge telescope and night-sky map.

Stay at Luxury Lodges and Retreats

The accommodations are an integral part of the Southern Eclipse journey, with properties selected in distinctive natural and urban settings.

In New Zealand, Flockhill Lodge sits amid the high-country landscapes of Craigieburn Valley, while Blanket Bay overlooks Lake Wakatipu and the mountains surrounding Glenorchy. Tasmania’s Saffire Freycinet offers views across Great Oyster Bay toward the granite peaks of the Hazards.

The Australian portion includes Capella Sydney, housed in the restored former Department of Education building, and a choice between Lizard Island Resort within the Great Barrier Reef or Mount Mulligan Lodge in the Queensland outback. The expedition concludes with a night at Park Hyatt Melbourne.

Travel by Private Air with a Small Group

The Southern Eclipse expedition travels aboard a privately chartered Airbus A319 configured for 28 guests. The aircraft offers chef-led meals, premium beverages and an optional upgrade to lie-flat Preferred Seating.

Private air transportation connects the journey’s six destinations across New Zealand and Australia. An Expedition Leader accompanies the group to coordinate logistics and assist with activity choices and arrangements. The traveling team also includes an expert who shares insights into the destinations, cultures and people encountered along the route.

Local guides provide destination-specific knowledge, while a Guest Services Manager assists travelers with preparations before departure.

Southern Eclipse Expedition Pricing and Inclusions

The 18-day Southern Eclipse expedition starts at $135,000 per person, based on double occupancy. The optional Preferred Seating upgrade is priced at $139,000 per person, based on double occupancy, and the solo supplement is $13,500.

The expedition price includes private charter flights, accommodations, ground transfers, curated excursions, expert guides and gratuities. Meals and beverages are included as specified in the itinerary, with select beer, wine and spirits provided at group lunches and dinners.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the 2028 total solar eclipse in Sydney?

The total solar eclipse takes place on July 22, 2028. The TCS World Travel itinerary lists the viewing experience at 1:59 p.m., with approximately three minutes and 49 seconds of totality over Sydney.

How long is the Southern Eclipse expedition?

The expedition lasts 18 days, from July 10 to July 27, 2028, visiting six destinations across New Zealand and Australia.

Where does the Southern Eclipse itinerary travel?

The journey begins in Craigieburn Valley, New Zealand, then continues to Glenorchy, Freycinet in Tasmania, Sydney, Lizard Island or Mount Mulligan in Queensland, and Melbourne.

How many guests travel on the Southern Eclipse expedition?

The expedition is designed for 28 guests traveling aboard a privately chartered Airbus A319.

What aircraft is used for the Southern Eclipse journey?

TCS World Travel uses an Airbus A319 for this small-group expedition. The aircraft offers chef-led meals, premium beverages and an optional upgrade to lie-flat Preferred Seating.

Where do guests stay during the expedition?

The itinerary includes Flockhill Lodge in Craigieburn Valley, Blanket Bay in Glenorchy, Saffire Freycinet in Tasmania, Capella Sydney, Lizard Island Resort or Mount Mulligan Lodge, and Park Hyatt Melbourne.

Can guests choose between the Great Barrier Reef and the Queensland outback?

Yes. The itinerary offers Lizard Island and the Great Barrier Reef or Mount Mulligan as alternative destinations for July 23–26, 2028.

What activities are included in New Zealand?

Featured activities include a working sheep station tour, guided limestone hike, stargazing, Milford Sound helicopter flightseeing, a Lord of the Rings filming-location tour, a privately guided wildlife experience and a Dart River jet-boat adventure.

Does the expedition include snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef?

The Lizard Island program includes a full-day Great Barrier Reef cruise with snorkeling or fishing options, as well as a guided Marine Explorer snorkeling tour.

Does the expedition include opportunities for hiking?

Yes. The itinerary features a guided limestone hike in Craigieburn Valley. Travelers selecting Mount Mulligan can also participate in the Southern Ngarrabullgan Hike along the base of the mountain.

What is the price of the Southern Eclipse expedition?

The starting price is $135,000 per person, based on double occupancy. Preferred Seating is listed at $139,000 per person, based on double occupancy. The solo supplement is $13,500.

What is included in the expedition price?

The trip includes private charter flights, accommodations, all meals and beverages as specified, ground transfers, curated excursions, expert guides and gratuities.

Is the Southern Eclipse expedition suitable for solo travelers?

Yes. TCS World Travel welcomes guests traveling independently. The published solo supplement for this expedition is $13,500.

Who is this trip designed for?

This expedition is designed for travelers who want to witness a total solar eclipse in Sydney as part of a broader private jet itinerary connecting remote New Zealand wilderness with Tasmania and the Great Barrier Reef. This expedition is not designed for travelers seeking a single-destination, slow-paced stay, or those unable to travel on the fixed July 2028 dates, since the itinerary is built around an astronomical event.

How can travelers reserve a place on the Southern Eclipse expedition?

Travelers can contact TCS World Travel at 1-888-723-4480 or submit an inquiry through the Southern Eclipse expedition page.

What is TCS World Travel?

TCS World Travel is a luxury travel company specializing in all-inclusive private jet expeditions and custom global journeys. Since 1991, the company has pioneered multi-destination travel by private aircraft, combining seamless logistics with expert-led programming and curated local access across more than 200 destinations worldwide.

Having operated over 300 private jet expeditions, TCS World Travel is recognized as a leader in the category, with honors from Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, AFAR Travelers’ Choice Awards, Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, and Departures Legend Awards.