Highlights of Australia & New Zealand

Your once-in-a-lifetime exploration of Australasia begins today as you arrive in the "Land Down Under." As your plane touches down in Melbourne, make your own way to our five-star hotel on the city's South Wharf. With a central location beside the mighty Yarra River and overlooking the Central Business District on the opposite bank, our hotel puts us in an ideal position to explore the city.  

Upon checking in, you are free to settle in and to dine independently tonight. A short distance from our hotel, there is a fantastic choice of restaurants offering everything from Japanese, Vietnamese and Chinese to French, Italian, and local Australian fare. Virtually unheard of in other parts of the world, Australian food is a delicious and inventive fusion of local and international cuisine. Overnight Melbourne. 

Waking up in this beautiful waterside city, your morning is free to relax, acclimate and get to know the neighborhood. You could discover some cultural and natural history on a visit to the National Gallery of Victoria or the Melbourne Museum, or stroll along the Yarra Prom waterfront path to get a feel for the city. The wide Yarra River is Melbourne's defining landmark, which leads out of the city center to a series of gardens, including the Royal Botanic Gardens.     

After finding lunch independently, we reconvene this afternoon for a sightseeing tour by coach. Our route takes in the city's Old Treasury, the UNESCO-listed Royal Exhibition Building, the stately old buildings around Federation Square, and an iconic landmark that needs no introduction - the Melbourne Cricket Ground. We visit the city's Skydeck, the highest public vantage point in the Southern Hemisphere, which, at 88 floors above the city, has amazing views across the city and as far as Port Phillip Bay. Back on ground level, this evening we have dinner in a restaurant overlooking the Yarra River. Overnight Melbourne. 

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today brings a memorable excursion along one of the world's most scenic routes: the breathtaking Great Ocean Road. Traveling by coach, this picturesque journey takes us past wild forests, powerful waterfalls and the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean. Look for surfers out on the water, and - if we are lucky - we may spot dolphins or other wildlife.     

We pass through a beach town called Lorne and continue to the laid-back beach town of Apollo Bay. Our route proceeds through Great Otway National Park, where we may see koalas in their natural habitat. We pause at a local winery and restaurant in Laver Hill for lunch and then continue along the coast, passing the Twelve Apostles, a collection of dramatic limestone rocks set along the shoreline. We stop en route with free time to explore before retracing our coastal course back to Melbourne.        

On our return this evening, you are free to dine independently. There is a diverse choice of eating places to tempt you in downtown Melbourne and along the waterside. Overnight Melbourne.

• Breakfast, Lunch

With an early start, we begin our journey toward the tropical northern coast of Australia. A coach transfer takes us to Melbourne's airport, where we board our morning flight to Cairns.    

This part of Australia has a much different feel from Melbourne in the south, and we get our first look when we arrive late this morning. A coach meets us at the airport, and en route to our hotel, we are given an introductory tour of the city. Home to sprawling sandy beaches and enveloped in dense rainforest, the natural views in Cairns are sensational. Admire them, along with notable area attractions, such as the Cairns Esplanade, which is a hub for shopping, dining and water activities.     

Upon arriving at our hotel on the Esplanade, you are free to continue the day and evening at leisure. Dining independently, you have the choice of several restaurants and café bars nearby, and you may be tempted to soak up the tropical night on a stroll along the boardwalk, directly in front of our hotel. Overnight Cairns.

This morning brings a unique experience as we transfer by coach to Rainforestation Nature Park, located within the beautiful rainforest, after breakfast. Here, we take a trip on a amphibious military transport unit, or "Army Duck," driving among the local flora. Next, on a guided "Dreamtime Walk," we learn how indigenous Australians understand the world and its creation, before experiencing a "Pamagirri" dance performance.     

Following a barbecue lunch, we travel to Kuranda village in the rainforest, where we have time to look around the local craft market before heading to the station. Here, we board refurbished heritage carriages for a journey along the 125-year-old Kuranda Scenic Railway into the rainforest and through the stunning Barron River Gorge, with its tropical vegetation and tumbling waterfalls. Our scenic route takes us back to Cairns, where, upon transferring to our hotel, you are free to explore for the remainder of the evening. Overnight Cairns.

• Breakfast, Lunch

 A highlight of our vacation lies ahead as we embark on a full-day excursion into the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest and most complex coral reef system. From the harbor of Cairns, we board an air-conditioned catamaran for a cruise into this marine paradise, one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. Our first stop is Green Island, a "coral cay" (a small sandy island on a coral reef), where we have two hours at leisure to explore this idyllic setting on a self-guided walk.     

Continuing into the Great Barrier Reef, we moor alongside a pontoon for an on-board reef presentation and a buffet lunch, followed by an afternoon of viewing the unique wildlife and coral reefs from an underwater observatory. You can also experience the brilliant marine life close-up during a snorkeling session, or catch a glimpse of tropical fish, giant clams, and sea turtles from a glass-bottom boat.       

We return to Cairns with a free evening to dine independently, and you may like to wander through the Cairns Night Market, open daily until 10 p.m. Overnight Cairns.

• Breakfast, Lunch

 Whether you crave a day of relaxation or more ocean adventures, with a day at leisure spanning ahead, you can spend your time however you choose. Our hotel's privileged location comes with breathtaking coastal views, which you might like to enjoy from the pool. There is also an on-site spa, as well as bar and restaurant options.   

Venturing out, you are just steps from the Cairns Esplanade and all its offerings. One of its most popular attractions is the Lagoon, which is a sandy saltwater swimming pool that offers a beach experience without the marine life. If an authentic ocean dip is more your speed, several fantastic beaches are within reach.   

Exploring the city instead, you could also walk to the Cairns Art Gallery, which features a variety of artworks, including those by indigenous artists, or to the Cairns Museum, where the region's history is unfurled in one of Cairns' oldest buildings. Cairns Aquarium is also within walking distance of our hotel.   

With no planned dinner, tonight brings another excellent opportunity to savor the local cuisine with ocean views. Overnight Cairns.

• Breakfast

 After breakfast and time for a final look at the Coral Sea, we head to the airport for a mid-day flight to the vibrant city of Sydney in New South Wales. We arrive late this afternoon and are transferred to our hotel on Darling Harbour, close to the city's Central Business District. We spend our final three nights in Australia here, and once you have checked in, you are free to begin getting to know the area.   

An evening stroll along the harbor can be magical, with the boats bobbing in the water and the sun beginning to sink in the sky. You could also set out in search of dinner in one of Sydney's exceptional restaurants. There are options ranging from French and Italian to Japanese and Australian seafood, with some eateries overlooking the harbor. Overnight Sydney.

Please Note - For departure October 21st we will stay at the Novotel Sydney Darling Square hotel in Sydney.

• Breakfast

 Enjoy a comprehensive introduction to Sydney and its eastern suburbs after breakfast. Our route showcases famous landmarks, including a historic point close to the Botanical Garden known as "Mrs. Macquarie's Chair," and takes us through Sydney's oldest neighborhood, The Rocks. We continue through Circular Quay, and after passing Watson's Bay, we continue to the famous Bondi Beach. 

  With some free time at Bondi Beach through lunch, you can soak up the scenery and the laid-back atmosphere before our coach returns us to our hotel in time for today's main event. This evening, we set out on a dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour.   

On this unforgettable excursion, we view Sydney from the water at sunset. We step aboard our comfortable boat after a coach transfer to Circular Quay and enjoy dinner and live music while drifting past Sydney's Opera House - the jewel in the city's crown and an architectural masterpiece. We also cruise beneath one of the city's landmarks, Sydney Harbour Bridge, the world's largest steel-arched bridge, before returning to the harbor and then our hotel. Overnight Sydney.

• Breakfast, Dinner

 Today is free to explore, and you may be tempted by Sydney's shopping centers, such as the Westfield or Queen Victoria Building nearby. Also close by is the Chinese Garden, a tranquil oasis near Darling Harbour. You could either walk along George Street or take the train to get a better look at The Rocks, including Cadman's Cottage - one of the only remaining homes from the original settlement. The impressive Museum of Contemporary Art is always a favorite with travelers in this area.    

Exploring the Quays instead, you could walk along the waterfront to get an up-close look at the Opera House or continue to the Royal Botanic Gardens with its Moreton Bay fig trees, exotic flowers and birdlife.       

Tonight, you dine independently, and besides appealing restaurants on the coast, there is plenty of choice in the city, including a revolving restaurant more than 1,000 feet above Sydney in the Sydney Tower Eye. Overnight Sydney.

 Having experienced Australia's sensational Great Barrier Reef, the Great Ocean Road, and the distinctive cities of Melbourne, Cairns and Sydney, our adventure continues today to New Zealand. An early transfer takes us to Sydney's airport for our flight to Queenstown, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu on the South Island.    

New Zealand was first inhabited by the Māori people, who arrived by canoe in the early 13th century from Eastern Polynesia. Centuries later, the explorer Abel Tasman landed there, and the islands were named after the Dutch province of Zeeland in 1642. The country became a British colony in the 19th century, and thanks to a gold rush, Queenstown came into being in the 1860s. Today, this city is a hub for outdoor adventures, and with its spectacular backdrop comes a compact and easily explored city center, which we transfer to on arrival.       

Our hotel here puts many of Queenstown's best attractions and views within easy walking distance, and after checking in, we have dinner together in the onsite restaurant. Overnight Queenstown.

• Dinner

 With an early start today, we head out on a highlight of our vacation - a full-day coach excursion into the world-acclaimed Fiordland National Park. Part of the UNESCO-listed South West New Zealand World Heritage area, the park is one of the greatest wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere, featuring ancient fjords, towering forests and craggy mountains.  

Milford Sound is our destination, the most famous of New Zealand's ancient glacier-carved fjords. Here, we see lush rainforest valleys where waterfalls cascade over sheer granite cliffs to the sea below. We cruise across the serene water, from Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea, experiencing jaw-dropping views as we enjoy a picnic lunch onboard. Keep watch for seals and dolphins as we glide across the fjord.     

Back on land, we drive back to Queenstown via the Cleddau Bridge viewpoint, the scenic Eglinton Valley and the impressive Homer Tunnel, hewn from solid granite. Arriving back in Queenstown this evening, you can head out to find dinner locally or relax in our lakeside setting, perhaps enjoying the evening at our hotel's window-lined restaurant. Overnight Queenstown.

• Breakfast, Lunch

 The "adventure capital of the world," Queenstown is filled with possibilities and is a fantastic place to get out and explore. With a full day at leisure today, you can do as much of that as you please. Relax over breakfast or perhaps take a coffee to-go and walk towards Queenstown Gardens, where you can admire alpine views and lush flora from serene waterfront trails.   

Heading into town, the city center is surprisingly compact and walkable, putting a range of boutique shops and art galleries within reach. Also in town are an array of businesses offering excursions, with options ranging from 4x4 tours to jet boat rides.     

Queenstown is a wine-lover's haven, as it is situated within the renowned Central Otago wine region. This area has an extreme climate that is ideal for crafting award-winning wines, including pinot noir, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. You might like to head to one of the wineries for the day or book a tour (payable locally) to see several. Overnight Queenstown.

• Breakfast

 Setting out after breakfast, we join our coach for the journey to Franz Josef Glacier. Our scenic drive takes us through the Kawarau Valley Gorge to Cromwell, a popular fruit-growing valley, which has become an important wine-producing area. We pause at Jones Family Fruit Stall with free time to stretch your legs and peruse its offerings before our journey continues around Lake Dunstan into New Zealand's breathtaking Glacier Country. 

  Our route passes the ski resort of Wanaka on the beautiful shores of the glacial lakes Wanaka and Hawea, then crosses the Haast Mountain Pass through the Southern Alps. After following the Haast River toward the coast, we travel north through natural rainforest and past bush-fringed lakes. Around 30 minutes after passing the Fox Glacier, we arrive in the town of Franz Josef and check into our hotel for an overnight stay in sight of the breathtaking glacier.   

Your afternoon here is free, and you could get another perspective on the dramatic scenery on an optional helicopter tour (payable locally) before we reconvene for dinner this evening. Overnight Franz Josef.

• Breakfast, Dinner

 A journey of jaw-dropping scenery and quintessential New Zealand experiences guides our adventure this morning. We depart Franz Josef by coach with alpine views in one direction and the Tasman Sea in the other.    

Our first stop of the day is in Hokitika, the center for New Zealand jade. On a visit to the Hokitika Greenstone Factory, we see how the local stone is crafted into striking Māori-style jewelry and ornaments. We then continue toward Greymouth, where we have free time through lunch.     

The final leg of our coach voyage takes us to Arthur's Pass, where we embark on a tour highlight: a journey aboard the TranzAlpine train into New Zealand's Southern Alps. Traveling in panoramic viewing carriages, the train crosses viaducts, picturesque gorges and river valleys and travels into the Canterbury Plains before arriving in Christchurch. Should you wish for an even more immersive journey, you could watch the scenery change from the open-air viewing platform at one end of the iconic long-distance train.    

  We check into our hotel in Christchurch with a free evening. Overnight Christchurch.

• Breakfast

 Filled with parks, gardens and beautiful green spaces, Christchurch has earned the nickname the "Garden City," and we get our first look at it this morning on a panoramic tour. We set out by coach after breakfast and see the highlights of this city, which was devastated by its 2011 earthquake and has since been rebuilt. Its mixture of modern buildings sits in contrast to Christchurch's cathedral, which dates to the mid-19th century and, while damaged by the earthquake, has been restored carefully.   

Our tour then takes us into the Botanic Gardens, where we enjoy the beautiful displays and lush gardens while "punting" along the Avon River in a small boat with traditionally dressed boatmen at the helm.    

  Our tour concludes by midday, and you are free to continue at leisure from this point. There are several museums within walking distance of our hotel, including the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, home to more than 7,500 pieces of art. Dining options also abound, with everything from pubs to fine dining within walking distance. Overnight Christchurch.

• Breakfast

 Today is free in New Zealand's second largest city, and with an all-day travel pass to use on Christchurch's restored heritage trams, you can explore with ease, hopping on and off at key sites. Trams leave from Cathedral Square, and a full circuit of the city takes 50 minutes. The driver provides commentary along the way, and stops include the Botanic Gardens and the New Regent Street Precinct, a pretty pedestrianized shopping area. To further explore the shops and galleries of Christchurch, hop off at The Terrace, the Riverside Market, SALT District and Arts Centre. The city has an eclectic mix of art, ranging from street art to fine art.    

Another option is to take the Christchurch Gondola for views across the city and Lyttelton Harbour, across to the Southern Alps, Pegasus Bay and the Pacific Ocean. There is a café up here, where you can enjoy a treat with a view.    

Exploring downtown Christchurch presents a range of dining options, from local cuisine to international offerings - perfect to enjoy between sightseeing. Overnight Christchurch.

• Breakfast

 Leaving the wild beauty of the South Island behind this morning, a coach transfer takes us to the airport for our morning flight to Auckland, New Zealand's most populous city, situated between two harbors in the North Island.  

   Auckland is a buzzing metropolis with a blend of Polynesian and Anglo cultures, a thriving arts scene and cuisine influenced by local culinary traditions and global influences, such as Hāngī, a traditional Māori dish cooked in an underground oven. Arriving this afternoon, we set out on a guided coach tour en route to our hotel. Look upon views of the city and the harbor at Bastion Point and Viaduct Harbour, and see the Parnell Village area.    

We pause our tour at the Auckland Museum, where we can get acquainted with the deep Māori and Pacific culture of New Zealand and see how the island nation's story has evolved - including its role in World War II.   

  Upon checking in at our city center hotel, the evening is free to find dinner locally, perhaps enjoying fresh seafood. Overnight Auckland.

• Breakfast

On your final day in the Southern Hemisphere, you are free to spend the day as you wish. Due to its long maritime heritage, Auckland is known locally as the "City of Sails." You might like to soak up this coastal ambiance back in the Viaduct Harbour area of the city, right on the marina, for a more in-depth look.    

Our hotel is located in the center of the Aotea Arts Quarter, with galleries, museums, restaurants and more all around. You could head to Aotea Square to see its sculptures and statues and soak up the rhythms of Auckland, or explore the Auckland Art Gallery.  

  For a more adventurous day, you could book a ferry excursion to Waiheke Island from Auckland (payable locally). Just 40 minutes from the city, this island is a rural paradise, with farms, wineries, olive groves and beautiful beaches. Public transportation is readily available on the island, making it easy to explore.    

We reconvene this evening for a farewell dinner at the Auckland Sky Tower, dining with 360-degree views from New Zealand's tallest building. Overnight Auckland.

• Breakfast, Dinner

 On this expansive tour, we have been introduced to the iconic sights of Australia's northern and southern coasts. Our route unveiled multicultural cities, such as Melbourne and Sydney, the beautiful tropical metropolis of Cairns, and sensational natural scenery. While driving along the Great Ocean Road, exploring Great Barrier Reef and riding aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway, we saw Australia at its most colorful and enchanting.   

Moving on to New Zealand, nature took center stage as we started on the South Island, cruising Milford Sound, staying within sight of Franz Josef Glacier, and exploring aboard the scenic TranzAlpine train. With plenty of free time in Queenstown and Christchurch, and then Auckland on the North Island, adventure was at your fingertips at every turn.    

  Your scenic journey concludes this morning as you check out of our hotel and make your own way to the airport for your return flight home.

• Breakfast