Highlights of Australia and New Zealand

Jump into city life joining your Travel Director on a walking tour admiring Melbourne’s Victorian architecture, arcades, and eclectic little laneways revealing some of the world’s most incredible street art. Encounter the aroma of Melbourne’s coffee culture around every corner. The rest of your day is free to take in Melbourne’s well-known food and culture. Or join an Optional Experience such as a trip to Phillip Island to see the famous penguin parade. Wildlife fans won’t want to miss seeing the tiny penguins make their daily trip from the sea to their onshore burrows. It’s a fascinating experience to watch and only happens right here on Phillip Island.

Enjoy a day exploring stylish Melbourne just the way you like, indulging in world class fare at one of the city’s famous eateries and stopping in unique shops. Browse Brunswick Street’s quirky boutiques and pop into one of laneways’ cafes to people watch and refuel on a strong flat white coffee. Or, tick something else off your bucket list and join an Optional Experience to travel the Great Ocean Road - the ultimate road trip along a stunning coastline. You’ll learn how the jagged rocks were formed and stop at the world famous Twelve Apostles. Admire these towering limestone formations rising out of the sea against windswept cliffs. Take advantage of photo ops around every bend and stretch your legs in the seaside town of Apollo Bay. If you prefer to soak up the city life, perhaps explore the city on foot with a History and Donuts Walking Tour is more your thing. Wherever you chose to explore today, Melbourne and its surroundings are yours for the taking.

The rusty red landscapes of Uluru beckon as we leave Melbourne for Ayers Rock Resort, near the sacred ancient site of Uluru and your home for the next two days in Aussie’s cultural heartland. You’ll drive through red dirt on long roads before your first of many mesmerizing encounters with Uluru, in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. As the desert sun begins to set, you’re treated to a classic Uluru sundowner: nibbles and sparkling wine amidst the red dirt and blowing spinifex grasses as the Outback sky ignites in shades of red, yellow, and purple. Gazing at massive Uluru - which at 348 metres high is taller than the Eiffel Tower - you’ll experience a kind of magical connection to the land. Relaxed and happy, you’ll make your way to the Desert Gardens Hotel for a Stays With Stories experience. Surrounded by desert trees and distant Uluru, this indigenous-owned hotel showcases the natural beauty of the landscape. Stay in this evening or, after sunset, join an Optional Experience Uluru BBQ Dinner as you watch the changing desert colours and are treated to an informative star talk in one of the best places to view the southern night sky.

Watch night turn to day as you head to the National Park at dawn - hot cocoa in hand - to witness a magical sunrise as the dawn creeps across the desert and lights up Uluru. Then, day underway, at a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, hear stories about the Anangu, caretakers of this remote arid landscape, touring the base of Uluru to discover its ancient rock art with your Travel Director. You’ll be amazed at their deep knowledge and passion for this land through stories that enhance the natural beauty you surely can’t get enough of. Enjoy free time this afternoon relaxing by the pool or checking out the art galleries and Town Square shopping village before grabbing your walking shoes and continuing your journey through the desert plains to Kata Tjuta. Walk amidst its towering, mindboggling domes through Walpa (meaning “wind”) Gorge to a lookout. From sunrise to sunset, tonight you’ll marvel over a magnificent sunset over Kata Tjuta paired with sparkling wine. Without many of the crowds at Uluru, you may have the beauty of this hidden gem to yourself.

The only reason to get up before dawn on your last day in Uluru is to glimpse the kaleidoscopic Field of Light art installation of artist Bruce Munro on an Optional Experience. Watch the darkness of night change to a rainbow-coloured dawn lit up from a field of changing colours with Uluru in the distance. You’ll feel like you’re walking through flowers in this totally unique Uluru sunrise experience, then as dawn continues to creep across the land, you’ll end the experience watching the desert awaken over Uluru from the top of a sand dune, coffee or tea in hand. However, we won’t judge you for sleeping in. Now it’s time to create your own artwork with the guidance of a Local Specialist Aboriginal artist at Maruku Arts Dot Art Experience. You’ll learn about Western Desert Art from Indigenous artists before painting your own piece of Australian aboriginal art as a memento. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience of creating personalized art that tells your story is an insightful and hands on way to gain a better understanding of Aboriginal culture. End your day heading to Cairns for a change of scenery and more beautiful sites.

Ease into the laidback lifestyle of Cairns with a full free day to explore this tropical city or take your pick of the many tempting Optional Experiences. There’s something for everyone, no matter what you’re looking for. Take to the skies for a bird’s eye view with a balloon flight over the Atherton Tablelands, the hot air ballooning capital of the southern hemisphere. Or, dive into nature learning traditional hunting and gathering skills as you search for bush tucker of mud crabs, fish, and mussels in the Daintree Rainforest. Taste and share your catch before a guided interpretive walk through the ancient rainforest. Another option is to take a historic rail journey winding across bridges and through tunnels to Kuranda village, nestled in a tropical rainforest to explore its colourful and interesting arts and crafts. Return to the lowlands on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway over and through the some of the oldest rainforest in the world. You can also choose to pair your trip to Kuranda with a visit to Hartley’s Crocodile for a wetlands cruise through the ecologically significant Melaleuca wetlands, the home of the saltwater crocodile. Top off your day at dinner on Cairns’ waterfront at Salt House for regional seafood plucked straight from the ocean, highlighting fresh, local ingredients, and prepared on their custom-built Argentinian wood fired grill.

Get ready for a bucket list adventure today as you board a high-speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. It’s up to you how you’d like to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site and underwater wonderland: Don your mask and fins (equipment provided) for an up-close encounter with a kaleidoscope of fishes and reef or stay dry and explore the world’s largest living reef system from the comfort of a semi-submersible craft. Whichever you choose, your local guide enhances your time on board with plenty of insights on the local ecology and the importance of preserving this fragile environment. Before your return to Cairns, you’ll enjoy an onboard tropical buffet lunch under the glorious Aussie sunshine.

We say farewell to Cairn’s flying south to Sydney and spend the rest of the day exploring the beauty of this harbour city. From your centrally located hotel, take a stroll around the waterfront Circular Quay, enjoying the peaceful Royal Botanic Garden. Whether you’re called by land or sea, Sydney city is walkable and offers something for everybody. Stopping for a bite is its own adventure, wining and dining in the famous Rocks District dating back to before the arrival of British settlers in the late 1700s, visiting Chinatown for some tasty yum cha, popping into one of city’s many craft breweries, or finding the perfect rooftop bar to sit back and take it all in.

A day of sightseeing around this stunning harbour city awaits! Begin your day with a guided tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House with a Local Specialist, delving into the story of a building ‘that changed the image of an entire country’ and learning the history of this iconic structure. Continue sightseeing for a Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise sailing past Sydney’s dazzling harbour sights enjoying million-dollar views and a menu focusing on local food and wine. Back on land, it’s off to the beach to wiggle your toes in the sand at breathtaking Bondi, and where you are free to wander along the promenade, potter in and out of surf shops or grab a coffee at one of Bondi’s sidewalk cafés.

Enjoy a full free day to explore Sydney or consider joining an Optional Experience to discover even more further afield. Take a day trip to the spectacular Blue Mountains, whose eucalypt haze you’ll see looming in the distance, for fresh mountain air and stunning natural scenery. You’ll see the famous Three Sisters rock formation - each of which stands over 900 metres high - and hear the Aboriginal legend behind these massive structures. Animal lovers will not want to miss a visit to the Sydney Zoo to see some of Australia’s unique native animals including the wombat, Tasmanian devil, and yes, the koala.

Now you’ve found your bearings in Sydney, you have a final day in the city for more sightseeing. Perhaps begin in the Rocks District, dating to before the arrival of British settlers in the late 1700s, to explore the historic buildings or view Aboriginal artefacts at one of the city’s museums? Consider joining an optional experience climbing up and over the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Guided by a professional Climber Leader, you’ll ascend 134 metres above Sydney Harbour for priceless views at the top. Spend your last evening in Australia enjoying a Regional Dinner at Midden restaurant, where, under the sails of the Opera House, you’ll recap your favourite sights in Australia before embarking on tomorrow’s next leg of your travels on your Australia and New Zealand tour.

Set your sights on New Zealand as you fly to Auckland, the City of Sails. You’ll see how the city got its nickname as you fly in over the islands and boats in the harbour. In fact, one in four New Zealanders is involved in recreational boating. On land, Auckland is known for being built on 53 dormant volcanoes (two of which you have the opportunity to see!) Enjoy dinner at The Grill, celebrating Aotearoa’s culinary treasures.

After a relaxed start, Dive Into Culture and set your sights firmly on New Zealand’s national game: rugby. The interactive All Blacks Experience explores an introduction to the game as a part of New Zealand culture. Afterwards get the lay of the land with city highlights viewing the beautiful waterfront of Mission Bay, historic overlook of Bastion Point, and spacious gardens and sunken pool at the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial showing off views of Waitemata Harbour and the North Shore. You pass the Auckland Museum, located on the dormant volcano Pukekawa, meaning ‘hill of bitter memories’ referring to tribal battles fought on the site until 1828.

Get ready for a much-anticipated trip to the Hobbiton Movie Set. Upon arrival, set off on a guided tour through the 12-acre set. You’ll have plenty of time for photo opportunities in the interactive hobbit hole and complimentary drink at The Green Dragon. After a stop for lunch continue to Rotorua, where this evening, Dive Into Culture and embark upon Te Po experience at Te Puia. Learn about Maori history and culture on this guided experience, which includes a dinner of hangi-inspired cuisine and a cultural performance in a finely carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. It ends on a high at the Pohutu Geyser, where, armed with a hot chocolate, you’ll view one of New Zealand’s geothermal wonderlands.

Your destination this morning in Rotorua is the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, where you’ll join a Local Specialist for a tour. Learn about the work being done to save this rare native bird, get up close and see kiwi eggs being incubated, the hatching process, and even newly hatched kiwi chicks at this national leader in kiwi husbandry. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience is not only fun but will give you fascinating insights into New Zealand’s national bird. The feel-good vibes will follow you all the way to Queenstown, the self-proclaimed adventure capital of New Zealand. It makes perfect sense – there are ski fields, white-water river and bridges strapped with bungy cords wherever you turn. And then there’s the dining scene; Queenstown is home to some of the country’s most awarded restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for bulging burgers or lakeside tapas, ask us for recommendations on this leg of your Queenstown New Zealand tour.

Journey along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and over the Devil’s Staircase to Te Anau. Experience magnificent scenery afforded by the Mirror Lakes, Cleddau Valley and the Chasm. Emerge from the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel towards Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls before reaching Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Take to its still waters for a cruise filled with pinch-me moments. Return to Queenstown for a free evening. Speak to your Travel Director about dining recommendations in Queenstown.

The day is yours to explore Queenstown as you like, and good news…you have plenty of options to choose from. Take to the water riding the thrilling Skippers Jet boat through cliffs and gorges. Or explore a slice of Kiwi farming history and soak in the views cruising Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand’s oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak High Country Farm where you’ll be treated to a farm tour and morning or afternoon tea. Tonight, exchange stories of your Queenstown adventures as you join your Travel Director and group for a Regional Dinner at the historic Postmasters Cottage, built in 1907, in nearby Arrowtown. Hear the history of this quaint house that was almost demolished by developers and then saved and purchased by the passionate local community. The community continued to rally together restoring the cottage’s verandas and adding charming gardens and paths. Stroll the grounds before sitting down to dinner with a focus on fresh, local food and wines.

Today your New Zealand tour takes you to Cromwell on the banks of Lake Dunstan, travelling to lovely Lake Takapo. Visit Mrs. Jones’ Fruit Stall to taste of some of the region’s juicy stone fruit including apricots, nectarines, peaches, and plums. Next (pit) stop is the Highlands Museum. Even if you’re not a motorsport fan, you’re sure to be impressed when you come face to face with these top-of-the-line machines. There’s just something about being in the same room as these rare special cars that gets everyone buzzing. The museum is home to some of the rarest cars in NZ motorsport history but also some hidden gems. Visit the grounds of the quaint, lakeside Church of the Good Shepherd and see the friendly bronze sheepdog statue. As evening falls, you’re treated to a guided stargazing experience with a Local Specialist in the world-renowned UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. See the famous Southern Cross, Magellanic Cloud, and Milky Way and getter a better look at these sparkling wonders with a powerful optical telescope. You’ll conclude the day in a Stays With Stories accommodation at Peppers Bluewater Resort overlooking Lake Tekapo. In this area known for its dazzling night sky, there’s plenty to enjoy just stepping outside your room.

Visit the lovely country town of Geraldine, known for the preserves created from local produce. Arriving in Christchurch see the local sights including the Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Earthquake Memorial, Bridge of Remembrance, and many streets lined with bars, cafes, and riverside markets. View the Cathedral in Latimer Square, the temporary home of the Christchurch Cathedral. Admire its colourful stained-glass windows and sustainable cardboard construction giving it the nickname “The Cardboard Cathedral” and a striking example of the city’s revitalizing rebuild.

Travel through rolling countryside to Hurunui Hills, a hill-country farm in North Canterbury. Enjoy warm Kiwi hospitality with the Bamford Family, who have been farming at Hurunui since 1884, with six generations focused on producing premium Merino sheep, wool, and Angus cattle. Soak up the stunning scenery while you enjoy morning tea, meet the farm animals, and discover what it is like to live off the land on this unique By My Guest experience. Then visit a local vineyard, Waipara Springs Winery, where it’s time to relax and enjoy a platter-style lunch among the vines. All good things must come to an end and you’ll spend your last night with your Travel Director and the group raising a glass to your travels at a Farewell Dinner showcasing food from the Canterbury region.

Bid farewell to your newfound friends as your holiday concludes this morning after breakfast as you’re transferred to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight. You’ll surely leave with plenty of stunning photos and, most importantly, memories of this beautiful part of the world (flights anytime).