Itinerary
- Day 1
Melbourne
You'll arrive in Melbourne and check into your hotel right on the Yarra River. Later that evening, meet up with your Travel Director at South Wharf for dinner at a popular restaurant in the area, which gives you a chance to meet your travel companions and settle in.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner at a popular restaurant at South Wharf)
Landmarks/POIs Yarra River South Wharf - Day 2
Melbourne
Join your Travel Director for a city tour that includes a private walk through Melbourne's famous laneways where you'll see eclectic shops, arcades, cafes, and street art throughout. After that, you have free time to explore on your own, or you can opt for activities like the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island if that appeals to you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Private guided walk through Melbourne's hidden laneways
- City sights tour of Melbourne
Optional Activities
- Phillip Island - Penguins, Koalas & Wildlife (AU$ 203.00)
- Independent exploration of Melbourne
Landmarks/POIs Melbourne Laneways Phillip Island - Day 3
Melbourne
This day is yours to spend however you'd like. Wander through boutiques, galleries, and different suburbs at your own pace, or join an optional History and Donuts Walking Tour. If you're up for heading outside the city, the Great Ocean Road offers incredible touring with beautiful views showcasing Australia's natural landscapes.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- History & Donuts Walking Tour (Adults AU$ 87.00, Children AU$ 87.00)
- Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles (AU$ 194.00)
- Independent exploration of Melbourne boutiques, galleries and suburbs
Landmarks/POIs Great Ocean Road Twelve Apostles - Day 4
Melbourne to Ayers Rock
Leave Melbourne and head to Ayers Rock Resort, driving through rugged desert landscapes while learning about Australia's geological history. You'll arrive at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park at sunset to watch the colours shift across the desert with your guide showing you the best spot, and there's an optional barbecue dinner available if you're interested.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Sunset viewing of Uluru with bubbles
- Guided tour learning about Anangu connection to the land and geological history
Optional Activities
- Uluru Barbecue Dinner (Adults AU$ 176.00, Children AU$ 135.00)
- Uluru Scenic Flights (Adults AU$ 145.00, Children AU$ 145.00)
- Helicopter Flights (Adults AU$ 315.00, Children AU$ 315.00)
Landmarks/POIs Uluru Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Day 5
Ayers Rock
Wake up before dawn to see Uluru at sunrise, then tour the base to learn about Anangu stories and the spiritual significance of the land. Later you'll try dot painting in an Aboriginal art session, then head to Kata Tjuta to walk between towering rock domes and finish with sunset drinks at the site.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Uluru sunrise viewing
- Guided base tour of Uluru with Anangu stories
- Intro to Western Desert Art - Aboriginal Dot Painting experience
- Walk through Kata Tjuta
- Sunset drinks at Kata Tjuta
Landmarks/POIs Uluru Kata Tjuta - Day 6
Ayers Rock to Cairns
Your last morning at Uluru, you can see the Field of Light art installation with 50,000 glowing lights spread across the desert. There's a sand dune you can climb to for views over the landscape (at your own cost). Later in the day, you'll fly to tropical Cairns.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Field of Light art installation viewing - Clamber to the top of a sand dune (own expense)
Landmarks/POIs Field of Light - Day 7
Cairns
Take a historic rail journey that winds over bridges and through tunnels to reach Kuranda village in the rainforest. Walk around to check out the arts and crafts, then head back on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway over some of the world's oldest rainforest. You can also add a visit to Hartley's Crocodile for a wetlands cruise if you'd like. Tonight celebrate at Salt House on Cairns' waterfront, where they specialize in regional seafood cooked on an Argentinian wood fired grill.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Regional seafood at Salt House on Cairns' waterfront, prepared on custom-built Argentinian wood fired grill)
Included Activities
- Historic rail journey to Kuranda village
- Exploration of Kuranda arts and crafts
- Skyrail Rainforest Cableway return journey
- Dinner at Salt House on Cairns' waterfront featuring regional seafood
Optional Activities
- Hartley's Crocodile wetlands cruise (can be paired with Kuranda visit)
- Kuranda, Skyrail And Scenic Railway (Adults AU$ 180.00, Children AU$ 105.00)
- Daintree Dreaming (Adults AU$ 330.00, Children AU$ 294.00)
Landmarks/POIs Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Hartley's Crocodile Adventures Melaleuca wetlands Cairns Esplanade - Day 8
Cairns
Set out on a catamaran to explore the Great Barrier Reef. You can either snorkel or visit an underwater observatory and semi-submersible craft to see the reef without getting wet. A tropical buffet lunch is served on the boat before you head back to Cairns.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Tropical buffet lunch onboard)
Included Activities
- Catamaran cruise to Great Barrier Reef
- Snorkelling or underwater observatory and semi-submersible craft viewing
- Tropical buffet lunch onboard
Landmarks/POIs Great Barrier Reef - Day 9
Cairns to Sydney
You'll touch down in Sydney, Australia's largest city. The rest of the day is yours to spend however you'd like exploring this bustling metropolis and whatever catches your interest.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Independent exploration of Sydney
- Day 10
Sydney
Start with a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House to learn about its architecture and performance history. Then head out on a Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise that focuses on local food and wine. This afternoon, walk along Bondi Beach with the crowds and enjoy some of Sydney's beach culture.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Sydney Harbour Highlight Lunch Cruise with local food and wine menu)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Sydney Opera House
- Sydney Harbour Highlight Lunch Cruise with local food and wine menu
Landmarks/POIs Sydney Opera House Sydney Harbour Bondi Beach - Day 11
Sydney
Explore more of Sydney or take a day trip to the Blue Mountains, a World Heritage listed area with sandstone cliffs and rainforest valleys. Or stay near the harbour and try a Sydney BridgeClimb for bird's-eye views, then wander through the Rocks with its cobbled streets and galleries. Your Tour Director can help book these optional experiences.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Sydney BridgeClimb experience
- Blue Mountains exploration
- Independent exploration of Sydney
- Exploration of the Rocks historic district
Landmarks/POIs Sydney Harbour Bridge The Rocks Blue Mountains - Day 12
Sydney
Your final full day is completely yours to decide. We'd suggest a walk through the Royal Botanic Garden with harbour views, but you can do whatever feels right. Tonight, celebrate your trip at dinner with your Travel Director and travel companions.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Celebratory dinner with Travel Director and travelling companions)
Included Activities
- Celebratory tour dinner with Travel Director and travelling companions
Optional Activities
- Stroll through Royal Botanic Garden with harbour views
- Independent exploration of Sydney
Landmarks/POIs Royal Botanic Garden - Day 13
Sydney to Auckland
Cross the Tasman Sea to New Zealand. Meet your travel group at The Grill to celebrate with dinner featuring high-quality grassfed steaks from New Zealand suppliers and sustainable line-caught fish to kick off your next adventure.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner at The Grill featuring finest quality grassfed steaks from 100% New Zealand owned and operated suppliers, and sustainable line-caught fish)
Included Activities
- Dinner at The Grill featuring New Zealand grassfed steaks and sustainable line-caught fish
- Day 14
Auckland
After a relaxed morning, explore New Zealand's national game by visiting the Interactive All Blacks Experience to learn about rugby culture. Take a city tour that includes Mission Bay, Bastion Point, and the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial, where you can enjoy sweeping views of Waitemata Harbour and the North Shore.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Interactive All Blacks Experience
- City sightseeing tour including Mission Bay, Bastion Point, and Michael Joseph Savage Memorial
Landmarks/POIs Mission Bay Bastion Point Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Waitemata Harbour - Day 15
Auckland to Rotorua
Travel to Hobbiton village for a guided tour of the 12-acre film set with plenty of photo spots at the hobbit holes and the Mill. After a lunch stop (at your own cost), continue on to Rotorua. This evening, head to Te Puia for the Te Po experience where you'll learn about Maori history and culture, have a hangi-inspired dinner, and watch a cultural performance in a carved meeting house before viewing Pohutu Geyser with hot chocolate.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Hangi-inspired cuisine dinner at Te Puia in Te Aronui a Rua meeting house)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Hobbiton 12-acre film set
- Photo opportunities at interactive hobbit holes and Mill
- Te Pō experience at Te Puia - guided Māori history and culture tour
- Hangi-inspired cuisine dinner
- Cultural performance in Te Aronui a Rua meeting house
- Pohutu Geyser viewing with hot chocolate
Optional Activities
- Lunch at Hobbiton (own expense)
Landmarks/POIs Hobbiton Te Puia Te Aronui a Rua Pohutu Geyser - Day 16
Rotorua to Queenstown
Visit the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa with a Local Specialist to learn about kiwi conservation, see eggs being incubated, watch the hatching process, and see newly hatched chicks. After this feel-good experience, head to Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital known for ski fields, white-water rivers, bungy jumping, and great restaurants.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided tour of National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa with Local Specialist
- Viewing of kiwi eggs, hatching process, and newly hatched chicks
Landmarks/POIs National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa - Day 17
Milford Sound
Leave Queenstown along Lake Wakatipu and cross the Devil's Staircase to reach Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Along the way you'll see Mirror Lakes, Hollyford Valley, and Cleddau Valley. Then cruise through Milford Sound to see Bowen Falls and spot fur seals and dolphins with a guide explaining the region's geological history.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Scenic route through Devil's Staircase to Te Anau
- Viewings of Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat, Hollyford Valley lookout, and Cleddau Valley
- Guided cruise in Milford Sound/Piopiotahi with geological commentary and wildlife spotting
Landmarks/POIs Lake Wakatipu Devil's Staircase Te Anau Fiordland National Park Mirror Lakes Hollyford Valley Cleddau Valley Bowen Falls Milford Sound - Day 18
Queenstown
Set your own pace for today. Go for a high-octane jet boat ride if you want excitement, or cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a guided farm tour and morning or afternoon tea in an alpine setting. Tonight, celebrate with dinner at Postmasters Cafe in Arrowtown, a historic cottage with great gardens.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner at Postmasters Cafe, historic Arrowtown cottage)
Included Activities
- Dinner at Postmasters Cafe, historic Arrowtown cottage
Optional Activities
- High-octane jet boat ride on Lake Wakatipu
- Historic TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm with guided farm tour and morning or afternoon tea
Landmarks/POIs Lake Wakatipu TSS Earnslaw Walter Peak High Country Farm Arrowtown - Day 19
Queenstown to Lake Tekapo
Travel to Lake Tekapo through Cromwell on Lake Dunstan. Stop at the Jones Family fruit stall to taste fresh stone fruit like apricots and peaches. Check out the Highlands Motorsport Museum with rare cars including a Michael Schumacher F1 car. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd on the lake, then as evening comes, do guided stargazing in the UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, viewing the Southern Cross, Magellanic Cloud, and Milky Way through a telescope.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Jones Family fruit stall for stone fruit tasting
- Exploration of Highlands Motorsport Museum
- Visit to Church of the Good Shepherd
- Guided stargazing experience in UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve with optical telescope
Landmarks/POIs Lake Tekapo Cromwell Lake Dunstan Jones Family Fruit Stall Highlands Motorsport Museum Church of the Good Shepherd Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve - Day 20
Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
Arrive in Christchurch for a guided tour of this English-style city that's rebuilt itself after the 2010/11 earthquakes. You'll see innovative architecture like the Transitional Cathedral made mostly of cardboard and Turanga, the gold-clad central library showing how design is changing.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided visit of Christchurch
Landmarks/POIs Transitional Cathedral Turanga Central Library - Day 21
Christchurch
Travel north through rolling countryside to Hurunui Hills for a Be My Guest experience with the Bamford family who've been farming Merino sheep and Angus cattle since 1884. See the woolshed and watch a sheep dog demonstration. Later, head to Waipara Springs Winery for a platter lunch among the vines, then finish with a celebratory dinner featuring local Canterbury produce.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Platter-style lunch among the vines at Waipara Springs Winery), Dinner (Celebratory dinner featuring produce from the Canterbury region)
Included Activities
- Be My Guest experience at Hurunui Hills with Bamford Family
- Woolshed tour and sheep dog demonstration
- Wine tasting and platter-style lunch at Waipara Springs Winery
- Celebratory dinner featuring Canterbury produce
Landmarks/POIs Hurunui Hills Waipara Springs Winery - Day 22
Christchurch
Three weeks have flown by already. On your journey home, you'll have time to replay all the memorable moments and experiences from your trip across Australia and New Zealand.
- Meals
- Breakfast
