Itinerary
- Day 1
Auckland
You'll arrive in Auckland and meet your Travel Director along with the rest of your group. The day kicks off with a city sightseeing tour that takes you around the waterfront, through Mission Bay, and up to Bastion Point where you get views across to the North Shore and Waitemata Harbour. After that, there's a tour briefing to go over what's coming up, and you'll wrap things up with a welcome drink to get to know everyone.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (President Hotel)
Included Activities
- City sightseeing tour - waterfront to Mission Bay
- Stop at Bastion Point and Michael Joseph Savage Memorial
- Welcome drink with Travel Director
Landmarks Bastion Point Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Mission Bay 
- Day 2
Auckland
This is your flexible day with choices depending on what appeals to you. You can hop on a scenic cruise across the Hauraki Gulf on Auckland Harbour if you're in the mood for water views, or if you're sports-minded, there's a hands-on rugby experience where you'll learn the skills of an All Black and understand what goes into playing at that level.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (President Hotel)
Optional Activities
- Scenic cruise across Hauraki Gulf on Auckland Harbour
- Interactive All Black rugby experience - learn skills and test athleticism
Landmarks Hauraki Gulf 
- Day 3
Auckland to Rotorua
You'll travel through Cambridge and head to Rotorua. Once there, you'll visit the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa to see kiwi conservation work up close, including eggs being incubated and newly hatched chicks. From there, you'll check out a Pounamu workshop where artisans demonstrate their craft, and you'll learn about the cultural meaning of New Zealand greenstone in Maori tradition.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ibis)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa - MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience
- Visit Pounamu (Jade) workshop - MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience
Optional Activities
- Choice Experiences available in Rotorua
Landmarks National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa 
- Day 4
Rotorua
Rotorua's geothermal attractions offer several options for your day. You could walk through the Hobbiton Movie Set, exploring the 12-acre Shire location with Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and the Green Dragon Inn plus a complimentary Hobbit South-farthing drink. Alternatively, relax with a two-hour spa experience at Wai Ariki, take a WWII amphibious vehicle tour across the lakes, or experience Te Po Indigenous Experience at Te Puia, which includes a Maori cultural performance and hangi-inspired dining.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ibis)
Optional Activities
- Hobbiton Movie Set tour - 12-acre Shire set with Hobbit Holes, Mill, and Green Dragon Inn with Hobbit South-farthing beverage included
- Wai Ariki Spa two-hour restorative spa experience
- Rotorua's lakes tour in restored World War II amphibious vehicle
- Te Pō Indigenous Experience at Te Puia - Māori cultural performance and hangi-inspired cuisine dinner
Landmarks Hobbiton Movie Set Wai Ariki Spa Te Puia - Day 5
Rotorua to Queenstown
You'll coach back to Auckland for your internal flight to Queenstown. When you arrive, you'll drive around Lake Wakatipu's shores into the adventure capital. Your Travel Director has dining recommendations on hand for this evening, so you won't be without options for dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Holiday Inn Express & Suites)
Included Activities
- Internal flight Auckland to Queenstown
Landmarks Lake Wakatipu - Day 6
Queenstown
Queenstown offers adventure choices for the day. Movie fans can take a scenic Glenorchy tour exploring Lord of the Rings filming locations. Wine enthusiasts can visit four vineyards in Central Otago to sample the region's Pinot Noir. Everyone can finish the evening on a Lake Wakatipu cruise heading to Walter Peak Station for a BBQ dinner and farm show.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Holiday Inn Express & Suites)
Optional Activities
- Scenic tour of Glenorchy - iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations
- Boutique Wine Tour - sample Pinot Noir and more at four Central Otago vineyards
- Evening cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station - BBQ dinner and farm show
Landmarks Glenorchy Lake Wakatipu Walter Peak Station - Day 7
Queenstown
There's plenty to do here. You could take a day trip to Fiordland National Park and cruise through Milford Sound, visit Kiwi Park wildlife sanctuary to see over 20 native species, or go for an adrenaline rush with jet-boat tours on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers, including the famous 360-degree Shotover Jet turn. Later, you'll relax with food and drinks in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Holiday Inn Express & Suites)
Optional Activities
- Day trip to Fiordland National Park - cruise through Milford Sound
- Kiwi Park wildlife sanctuary - view over 20 species of native New Zealand wildlife
- Jet-boat tours on Kawarau and Shotover Rivers - including famous 360-degree Shotover Jet Turn
Landmarks Fiordland National Park Milford Sound Kiwi Park Kawarau River Shotover River - Day 8
Queenstown to Lake Tekapo
The Mackenzie region awaits as you travel there with a stop in Cromwell to taste stone fruit at a local orchard stall. You'll reach Lake Tekapo with its views of the water backed by rugged hills and snow-capped mountains. There's the Church of the Good Shepherd and a bronze collie dog statue honoring the sheepdogs of the region. Evening brings a choice between a Mount Cook National Park scenic flight or viewing the UNESCO Aoraki McKenzie International Dark Sky Reserve with an astronomy guide to spot southern constellations and the Southern Cross.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Godley)
Included Activities
- Stone fruit tasting at Cromwell local orchard stall
- Church of the Good Shepherd visit
- Bronze collie dog statue viewing
Optional Activities
- Scenic flight over Mount Cook National Park and Franz Josef/Fox Glaciers
- Aoraki McKenzie International Dark Sky Reserve viewing with local astronomy guide - view Southern Cross and southern hemisphere constellations
Landmarks Lake Tekapo Church of the Good Shepherd Mount Cook National Park Franz Josef Glacier Fox Glacier Aoraki McKenzie International Dark Sky Reserve - Day 9
Lake Tekapo to Sydney
Early risers can watch the sun come up over the lake, or you can sleep in before heading north to Christchurch via Ashburton. From Christchurch, you'll board your internal flight to Sydney, a city famous for its iconic landmarks, striking harbour, and beaches including Bondi.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Holiday Inn Sydney, Potts Point)
Included Activities
- Internal flight Christchurch to Sydney
Landmarks Lake Tekapo Bondi Beach - Day 10
Sydney
You've got a free morning in Sydney to settle in and get your bearings. In the afternoon, a city sights tour shows you the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, the headlands framing Sydney Harbour, and The Rocks area, giving you a good sense of where things are.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Holiday Inn Sydney, Potts Point)
Included Activities
- City sights tour - Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, Sydney Harbour headlands, The Rocks area
Landmarks Sydney Opera House Sydney Harbour Bridge Bondi Beach The Rocks - Day 11
Sydney
Optional activities let you choose your Sydney adventure. Nature lovers can explore Blue Mountains National Park with its sandstone cliffs, rainforests, eucalyptus bushland, and waterfalls, see the Three Sisters rock formation important to Aboriginal people, or ride the world's steepest passenger railway down at Scenic World. For the adventurous, the Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb takes you 134 meters above the water.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Holiday Inn Sydney, Potts Point)
Optional Activities
- Blue Mountains National Park day tour - sandstone cliffs, rainforests, eucalyptus bushland, cascading waterfalls
- Three Sisters rock formation viewing
- Scenic World - world's steepest passenger railway ride to valley floor
- Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb - ascend to 134 meters above Sydney Harbour
Landmarks Blue Mountains National Park Three Sisters Scenic World Sydney Harbour Bridge - Day 12
Sydney
You'll create your own Sydney experience from the options available. Embrace beach culture with a surfing lesson at Bondi Beach learning to paddle, catch waves, and stand up. Alternatively, sail on a Sydney Harbour Cruise passing the Opera House and going under the Harbour Bridge. Or explore The Rocks on a pub tour through cobbled streets while hearing stories of convicts and the area's first European settlers.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Holiday Inn Sydney, Potts Point)
Optional Activities
- Surfing lesson at Bondi Beach - learn paddling, wave catching, and standing
- Sydney Harbour Cruise - view Opera House and Harbour Bridge
- The Rocks Pub Tour - explore alleys and cobbled streets with guide sharing convict and local stories
Landmarks Bondi Beach Sydney Opera House Sydney Harbour Bridge The Rocks - Day 13
Sydney to Uluru
You'll fly from Sydney to Uluru in the red desert. A guided walk takes you to Mutitjulu Waterhole where you'll see ancient Aboriginal rock art and hear stories passed down over thousands of years. Later, you'll enjoy a sundowner with sparkling wine or beer and nibbles while Uluru glows red and orange at sunset. An optional BBQ dinner includes salads and dessert paired with star talk under the night sky.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Outback Hotel & Lodge)
Included Activities
- Internal flight Sydney to Ayers Rock (Uluru)
- Guided base walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole
- Ancient Aboriginal Rock Art viewing
- Uluru sunset with sparkling wine or beer and nibbles
Optional Activities
- BBQ dinner with salads and dessert - includes star talk and night sky gazing
Landmarks Uluru Mutitjulu Waterhole - Day 14
Uluru
Several ways to experience Uluru await you. Fly above the majestic rock by helicopter or plane, take a guided walk to the Valley of the Winds learning the geology and culture of Kata Tjuta's rock formations, or walk the full base of Uluru to see sacred sites and Aboriginal rock art. You'll watch Kata Tjuta at sunset as the domes shift color. An optional dinner under the stars finishes things off.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Outback Hotel & Lodge)
Optional Activities
- Helicopter or plane flight above Uluru
- Valley of the Winds guided walk - learn geology, history, and culture of Kata Tjuta rock domes
- Full base walk around Uluru - sacred sites and Aboriginal rock art
- Kata Tjuta sunset viewing - rock domes change color with setting sun
- Sounds of Silence Dinner - dine under the stars
Landmarks Uluru Kata Tjuta Valley of the Winds - Day 15
Uluru to Cairns
Take it easy this morning by sleeping in or lounging by the pool before your flight to Cairns. When you arrive in Cairns, you'll be surrounded by the ancient Daintree Rainforest and the spectacular Great Barrier Reef, perfect for the adventures ahead.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (DoubleTree by Hilton)
Included Activities
- Internal flight Ayers Rock to Cairns
Landmarks Daintree Rainforest Great Barrier Reef - Day 16
Cairns
An orientation tour along the Esplanade shows you Cairns' best attractions. You'll check out the night markets with over 70 open-air stalls selling local specialties. The beachfront boardwalk offers fresh sea air, and there's a crystal-clear saltwater swimming lagoon where you can take a relaxing swim.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (DoubleTree by Hilton)
Included Activities
- Orientation tour along Cairns Esplanade
- Night markets viewing - over 70 open-air stalls of local specialties
- Beachfront boardwalk visit
- Crystal-clear saltwater swimming lagoon viewing
Landmarks Cairns Esplanade - Day 17
Great Barrier Reef
You'll set sail by catamaran to Moore Reef for a Great Barrier Reef tour, one of the seven wonders of the natural world. Marine biologists, dive instructors, and lifeguards are on hand as you explore crystal-clear waters where parrotfish, green turtles, and clown fish live among colorful coral. Snorkel through the underwater landscape or view from a glass bottom boat and underwater observatory. For the truly adventurous, optional scuba diving, Seawalker Helmet Dives, or scenic helicopter flights are available.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (DoubleTree by Hilton)
Included Activities
- Catamaran to Moore Reef
- Great Barrier Reef tour - crystal-clear waters
- Marine biologist, dive instructor, and lifeguard presence
Optional Activities
- Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef
- Glass bottom boat and underwater observatory viewing
- Scuba dive
- Seawalker Helmet Dive
- Scenic helicopter flight above the reef
Landmarks Great Barrier Reef Moore Reef - Day 18
Cairns
It's your final day together with choices for your last adventure. Visit Kuranda, the 'Village in the Rainforest,' by taking the heritage Kuranda Scenic Railway as it winds up the mountain through rainforest and waterfalls, then explore markets at the top before heading back down on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway passing green landscapes and Barron Falls. Or get to know local wildlife on Hartley's Crocodile Adventures Wetlands cruise viewing huge crocodiles and venomous snakes.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (DoubleTree by Hilton)
Optional Activities
- Kuranda Scenic Railway - heritage train journey through rainforest and waterfalls
- Kuranda markets and stores exploration
- Skyrail Rainforest Cableway - descent with views of green landscapes, mountains, oceans, and Barron Falls
- Hartley's Crocodile Adventures Wetlands cruise - Melaleuca wetlands, crocodiles, and venomous snakes
Landmarks Kuranda Barron Falls Hartley's Crocodile Adventures - Day 19
Departure
After breakfast, you'll say goodbye to your travel mates as this grand journey through New Zealand and Australia comes to an end. It's been a trip filled with bucket list experiences you won't forget.
- Meals
- Breakfast
