Highlights of Australia & New Zealand

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Melbourne

On arrival at Melbourne airport, you will be transferred to the Mantra on Russell Hotel, Melbourne for the next 3 nights. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore. This evening, enjoy a welcome drink with your tour director and fellow travelling companions. (RO)

Day 2: Melbourne City Sights

Enjoy a morning tour of Melbourne, including the Royal Botanic Gardens, St Paul's Cathedral, Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance. Popular attractions to explore include the zoo, the Gold Treasury Museum and Rialto Towers observation deck for breathtaking views across the city and beyond. (B)

Day 3: Melbourne At Leisure

Enjoy a day at leisure in cosmopolitan Melbourne. Perhaps join an optional tour (extra cost) along the Great Ocean Road, following the rugged coastline and viewing the famous Twelve Apostles, Island Arch and Loch Ard Gorge.. (B)

Day 4: Melbourne - Alice Springs

Transfer to Melbourne airport for your early morning flight to Alice Springs.You will then enjoy a tour of this unique outback town. Visit the historic Telegraph Station, the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Enjoy panoramic views of Alice Springs from the top of Anzac Hill. Overnight at Alice Springs Resort, Alice Springs. (B)

Day 5: Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Depart early for Uluru (Ayers Rock). The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the facilities at Ayers Rock Resort. Enjoy a glass of wine this evening while watching sunset over Uluru (Ayers Rock) from the special viewing area known as the 'sunset strip'. Your accommodation for the next 2 nights is at the Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort. (B)

Day 6: Uluru (Ayers Rock) - Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)

Rise early to view Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunrise, with an opportunity to climb to the summit (optional). Tour the caves at the base of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and hear stories of the Aboriginal Dreamtime. After a sunset with sparkling wine, enjoy a delicious Australian barbecue dinner and stargazing. (B/D)

Day 7: Uluru (Ayers Rock) - Cairns

This morning is at leisure at Ayers Rock Resort. Later, you will be transferred to Ayers Rock airport for your flight to Cairns On arrival at Cairns airport you will be transferred to the Sebel Cairns for the next 3 nights. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in tropical Cairns. (B)

Day 8: Great Barrier Reef

Today, cruise on the Great Adventures high-speed catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef. The Reef is simply one of the great natural wonders of the world. Enjoy a reef education presentation on this living wonder and a tropical buffet lunch on board the pontoon. Return to Cairns in the afternoon. (B/L)

Day 9: Cairns at Leisure

Today is at leisure to relax by the hotel pool or go shopping. There will be an optional tour to Kuranda (extra cost) with a ride aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway and a Skyrail Cableway ride above the rainforest canopy. For beach lovers, head north of Cairns to Palm Cove, a quiet resort with a stunning, palm-fringed white sand beach.(B)

Day 10: Cairns - Sydney

You will be transferred to Cairns airport for your flight to Sydney. On arrival at Sydney airport, you will be transferred to Old Holiday Inn Sydney, your base for the next 3 nights. The rest of the day is at leisure. This spectacular, ocean-side city is consistently voted the world's best by visitors, as well as the one people would most like to go to! Overlooking the harbour is the historic Rocks area, its narrow streets packed with colonial buildings, restaurants, bars and upmarket shops. (B)

Day 11: Sydney Harbour Cruise

This morning, take a tour of Sydney and see the Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs Macquarie's Chair and Kings Cross. Visit famous Bondi Beach, with time to explore, then return to the city for a Sydney Harbour luncheon cruise. This afternoon, you have the chance to learn about Australia's national gemstone - the opal. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B/L)

Day 12: Sydney at Leisure

Today is at leisure to explore the beautiful harbour city of Sydney. There will be the chance to take an optional tour to the Blue Mountains (extra cost) to see the spectacular Three Sisters rock formation and breathtaking views from Govetts Leap. There will also be an optional tour to the Hunter Valley wine producing region (extra cost) to enjoy wine tasting and panoramic views of the area. (B)

Day 13: Sydney - Auckland

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Sydney airport to connect with your flight to Auckland, on arrival you will be transferred to the Stamford Plaza for a 2 nights.

(B/D) Day 14: Auckland

This morning enjoy a cruise on Waitemata Harbour and visit the America’s Cup Village. The afternoon is at leisure to explore at your own pace. (B)

Day 15 Waitomo Caves – Rotorua

Travel into Waikato District today and visit the Waitomo Glow Worm Grotto for a guided boat tour. Then continue to Rotorua for a guided tour of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, see boiling pools of mub and geysers of all sizes, followed by a delicious Hangi dinner and concert. Overnight at the Millennium Hotel, Rotorua (B/D)

Day 16 Rotorua – Christchurch

Visit Paradise Valley Springs and the Agrodome Sheep Show this morning before heading to the airport for your flight to Christchurch. Spend 1 night at the Millennium Hotel, Christchurch. (B)

Day 17 TranzAlpine – Franz Josef

Board the famous TranzAlpine train this morning travelling over the Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass. Continue via the coastal road to the Franz Josef Glacier where you have the opportunity to take an optional scenic flight (weather permitting). Overnight at the Franz Josef Glacier Hotel. (B/D)

Day 18 Queenstown

Experience picturesque scenery today, the Haast Pass, Thunder Creek Falls, Lake Wanaka, Cromwell and Kawarau Gorge. Stop at Arrowtown this afternoon before continuing onto Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital. Check into the Millennium Hotel, Queenstown for 2 nights. (B)

Day 19 Milford Sound

Discover the stunning scenery of Fiordland this morning before arriving at Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise on the waters of this natural wonder, with Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls high above you. (B/L)

Day 20 Christchurch

Today travel past Mount Cook National Park. Stop at Lake Tekapo and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd before arriving in Christchurch. Overnight at Millennium Hotel, Christchurch for 1 night. (B)

Day 21 Depart Christchurch

Today you will be transferred to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight (B).

Flexible Touring

This tour can be taken just as the Highlights of Australia (days 1 – 13) if required. Prices start from £TBA per person for the 12 night tour. It can also be taken as just the Highlights of New Zealand (days 13 - 21), prices start from £TBA per person for the 8 night tour.