Australia and New Zealand Expedition

Welcome to Tropical North Queensland! This afternoon join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception followed by a Welcome Dinner at Reef House Restaurant. Nestled under Melaleuca trees with views across the Coral Sea, you will dine on modern Australian cuisine using fresh North Queensland produce.

Today will be an incredible day to remember. Join your Indigenous Guide on an exclusive journey to discover the Daintree and gain rich insight into the deep relationship the local Kuku Yalanji people have with their land. Learn about cultural traditions, bush foods and traditional medicine; experience traditional hunting techniques, have a go at spear throwing and if you are lucky, see a mud crab. Enjoy lunch in the quaint township of Daintree Village, a community perched on the banks of the Daintree River. Enjoy the opportunity to relax and dine at your leisure this evening.

Today you can explore tropical Cairns in your own style with an Included Choice option. Choose to board a Quicksilver wave piercing catamaran for your cruise to the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. The friendly professional crew will take you to an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and brilliance. Choose to snorkel (equipment provided) or you can stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-submersible. A hot and cold tropical buffet is served before you return to Palm Cove this afternoon. If breathtaking rainforest views and exploring quaint a village calls to you, select a day in Kuranda on the Skyrail & Scenic Rail. Nestled in the mountaintop rainforest west of Cairns, is the charming “Village in the Rainforest” Kuranda. Your day begins with the famous Kuranda Scenic Rail journey. Sit back, relax and take in the spectacular views as you wind your way up to quaint village of Kuranda. There is plenty of time to explore, including the Heritage Markets which operate daily. Then it’s time to board Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for your return journey, gliding silently over and through the rainforest, enjoying beautiful views along the way.

Today we fly from Cairns to the heart of the Red Centre, Uluru. This afternoon you’re off to the domes of Kata Tjuta where you’ll join your Travel Director for a guided-walk through Walpa Gorge. The large, steep dome-like formations of Kata Tjuta are amazing to walk through and have great cultural significance for the Aṉangu people. Later this afternoon you will witness a spectacular Uluru sunset. Enjoy nibbles and sparkling wine while you watch Uluru change colour as the sun sets below the horizon.

Rise early to experience the renowned Field of Light, where 50,000 glass spheres in colours of ochre, deep violet, blue and gentle white, have been installed within sight of Uluru. Wander through the paths and then, from the dune-top, watch as the dawn creeps across the desert plain and lights up the Red Centre. After breakfast you will have the opportunity to take a walk around part of the base of Uluru and hear timeless stories, see rock art, and visit Mutitjulu Waterhole. Then it’s off to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre for an insight into the history of the local Anangu people. This evening a Local Dining Experience at the award-winning Sounds of Silence Dinner under the sparkling outback sky will leave you delighted.

This morning experience the changing colours and magic of the sunrise over Uluru before heading back to the hotel for breakfast. From here you will travel towards Kings Canyon. Your first stop is Curtin Springs which has been home to the Severin family since 1956 when Peter Severin arrived with his young wife Dawn, their toddler son Ashley and 1,500 head of cattle! Sit down to a BBQ lunch and meet one of the locals as you hear about the Severin family and the logistics of running a million acre cattle property. After lunch the journey continues to Kings Canyon Resort.  Later that evening you will enjoy a delicious dinner at Carmichael's Restaurant.

Perfect for observing the changing colours of the landscape, today you're off on a sunrise 6km Rim Walk exploration of the spectacular Kings Canyon. As you venture around the rim, highlights include the domed ‘Lost City’, and the luscious ‘Garden of Eden’. If you’d prefer a more relaxed walk you can opt for a walk along the Creek Bed. Afterwards we’re travelling through more of the outback past the West MacDonnell Ranges and then continue to Alice Springs. This evening be entertained with stories of the outback as you enjoy a Bush BBQ dinner under the stars.

This morning you can explore Alice Spring in your own style with an Included Choice option. Choose to visit the School of the Air to learn about outback schooling and the technology used to teach children in these remote areas. Or you may wish to visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service to learn about how this organisation is saving lives in the outback. Later you will take your flight to Sydney where you will have a free evening to explore the vibrant city.

Enjoy a Sydney sightseeing tour including a stroll along the coastal walk for incredible views over the Pacific Ocean and wild coastal cliffs. Midmorning offers you an Included Choice activity so you can see more of the Harbour City. Escape to a world long ago, before colonial settlement and be touched by the most ancient human culture on earth. Join an Aboriginal guide for a 90-minute leisurely walkabout through the Rocks District, hear dreamtime stories passed down from Elders and discover how Aboriginal people existed by the harbour. For a different pace, say ‘cheers’ to your local guide from Dave’s Tours on a historic walking tour of some of Sydney’s oldest pubs. Tread in the footsteps of the convicts, larrikin gangs & locals of the past as you share a drink in four of Sydney's oldest pubs. Between watering holes, your guide will take you through the alleys & cobbled streets of the Rocks as they share the gossip, shouts, and stories of Australia's first European settlement. This afternoon, depart Sydney for the Hunter Valley wine region.

Spend the day exploring the amazing Hunter Valley Wine Region. It includes good food, great wine and beautiful scenery. Indulge in exclusive private wine tastings at boutique vineyards and sit down to an exceptional tasting lunch. There will be time to explore cellar doors, a cheese shop, chocolatier, and more before spending the evening at leisure. You may like to relax on your balcony with a good book and bottle of wine or treat yourself to one of the dining options.

Return to Sydney in time to cruise magical Sydney Harbour on an all-inclusive lunch cruise. Sail around the glistening harbour while you savour a delicious lunch with a strong focus on local produce and wines. Relax on the spacious deck as you sail past the harbour’s iconic sights like the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and small secluded coves surrounded by multi-million-dollar waterfront homes. This evening is free for you to explore and discover one of Sydney’s incredible local restaurants.

Enjoy a morning of Sydney sightseeing and take a stroll along the coastal walk for incredible views over the Pacific Ocean and wild coastal cliffs. Mid-morning brings you an Included Choice activity so you can see more of the Harbour City at your own pace. Escape to a world long ago, before colonial settlement and be touched by the most ancient human culture on earth. Join an Aboriginal guide for a 90 minute leisurely walkabout through The Rocks and hear dreamtime stories passed down from the Elders and discover how the Aboriginal people existed by the harbour. You will be surprised to see ancient practises living amongst this modern city. For a different pace, say cheers to your local guide from Dave’s Tours on a historic walking tour of some of Sydney’s oldest pubs. Tread in the footsteps of the convicts, larrikin gangs & locals of the past as you share a drink in four of Sydney's oldest pubs. Between watering holes, your guide will take you through the alleys & cobbled streets of The Rocks as they share the gossip, shouts and stories of Australia's first European settlement. In the late afternoon join a VIP guided tour of the famous Sydney Opera House before a memorable dinner at Peter Gilmore’s iconic Bennelong restaurant in the sails of the Sydney Opera House itself, the perfect location for one last meal together before your holiday draws to an end.

It’s time to bid farewell Australia and say Kia Ora New Zealand as you fly into its vibrant North Island hub, Auckland. Spend some time at leisure to relax or explore on your own. This evening, join your Journey Director for a Welcome Reception and dinner.

Following a city sights tour of Auckland this morning we board the ferry to Waiheke Island. With pristine beaches, world class wines, and fantastic cuisine its easy to see why Waiheke Island is considered the jewel in the Hauraki Gulfs crown. Just 35 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland you’ll feel like you’re a world away as we embrace the essence of Waiheke with our local guide. Enjoy wine tasting at some of Waiheke’s award-winning vineyards, including a light lunch before we cruise the Hauraki Gulf back to the city. Tonight, enjoy a free evening; why not try one of the many restaurants in Wynyard Quarter or the Viaduct.

Your leisurely discovery of New Zealand’s North Island continues as you follow the meandering trail of the Waikato River to the famous Waitomo Caves for an exclusive 5-star Eco Glow Worm experience. Your guide sets the scene for a cave experience where you will see glow worms, cave formations, and appreciate the beauty of Footwhistle Cave. Journey to the volatile landscapes of Rotorua, where Maori culture takes centre stage. Visit the Te Pa Tu Maori Experience for insights into the local rituals and traditions of this fascinating culture. Embrace their gracious Hongi greeting, experience the heart-pounding wero challenge and enjoy a Local Dining Experience, the delicious flavours of the Hangi cooked in the earth with geothermal steam.

Today, visit Whakarewarewa Living Village where you’ll be accompanied by a Local Guide to view New Zealand’s biggest geyser, bubbling mud pools and thermal springs. Later, the day is all yours to explore the sacred lands, thermal marvels and Maori traditions of Rotorua. You could indulge in a spa treatment at the Polynesian Thermal Spa or if you’re up for a challenge, take the native forest zipline adventure tour with Canopy Tours.

This morning visit the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, the national leader in kiwi husbandry, for a guided tour. Learn about the work being done to save New Zealand’s national bird, see kiwi eggs being incubated, the hatching process and newly hatched kiwi chicks.  Later, fly to Wellington.  Spend the evening at your leisure, enjoying dinner at one of the quirky cafes at Courtney Place or Cuba Street.

A harbourside city, Wellington is rich in natural beauty, but the wild wind has driven an exciting indoor life, too: there’s a world-leading café culture, great multicultural restaurants, contemporary art and live music. This is your chance to know it like a local on a guided walking tour.  Discover the stunning waterfront to the hidden laneways in the bohemian area: the heritage Cuba Street precinct. Once dimly-lit back alleys, these newly rejuvenated laneways are now home to some of the country’s funkiest bars, boutiques and breweries. Experience premium batch peanut butter tasting from an artisan supplier, and a taste of the Capital’s very own chocolate and you’ll see for yourself that Wellington really is the coffee and craft beer capital of New Zealand!  This afternoon, we continue to the urban eco-sanctuary of Zealandia, admiring the extraordinary efforts of conservationists who have reintroduced 18 species of native wildlife that were absent from mainland New Zealand for over a century.

This morning, explore New Zealand’s fascinating culture, nature, heritage and art at Te Papa Museum of New Zealand, Then it’s time to prime yourselves for a few days of adventure, flying to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital. On arrival, journey to the goldrush village of Arrowtown. Enjoy a tour of Queenstown, and gaze at the natural splendour in its midst – from the peaks of the Remarkables to beautiful Lake Wakatipu.

Travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, over the Devil’s Staircase and along to Manapouri on the edge of Fiordland National Park.  Here your journey to the breath-taking pristine wilderness scenery of Doubtful Sound begins. Cruise across Lake Manapouri then take a coach trip over Wilmot Pass before you immerse yourself in the beauty and vastness of remote Doubtful Sound on a Wilderness Cruise.  Keep a look out for wildlife including dolphins, fur seals and even occasionally penguins. Later enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Explore exciting Queenstown your way! Perhaps take a minibus tour through spectacular Skippers Canyon or immerse yourself among the boutique vineyards and spectacular scenery of Central Otago on a Boutique Wine tour.  Your Journey Director will assist you in booking all of your chosen optional experiences. As your final day ends enjoy a Celebration Dinner at one of the local restaurants with your Journey Director and new-found friends.

For now, all that’s left to say is a fond farewell as your inspiring journey comes to an end after breakfast. Throughout today you will be transferred to Queenstown Airport for your onward flight.