Australia & New Zealand

Welcome to Melbourne! On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel (flights to arrive prior to 12pm). This evening join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception and dinner on board the famous Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. It's a great opportunity to get to know everyone in a unique setting.

Join your Travel Director for a Cultural Insight. Your city tour includes a private walk through Melbourne's famous hidden laneways. You'll discover the city's eclectic little lanes, arcades, café society and fascinating street art. Then there's time to explore the city on your own.

This morning you will fly to Cairns. On arrival join your Local Specialist for a private wildlife journey at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures. On a boat cruise you'll encounter koalas, wallabies, birds and of course, crocodiles! This evening why not dine at one of the many local restaurants.

Board a high-speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. You can snorkel and view this natural living wonder up close (equipment provided) or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-submersible craft. Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch before you return to Cairns.

Today is free for you to explore this tropical city. Consider an Optional Experience. You could journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway to the 'village in the rainforest' and return to the lowlands on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. This evening be prepared for a special Be My Guest dinner at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Experience a personal Welcome to Country ceremony, hear stories of the Dreamtime, witness an entertaining high impact performance by the indigenous dance group and enjoy dinner accompanied by the sounds of the didgeridoo.

Depart Cairns on your flight to Sydney. On arrival there's time to relax before boarding a Captain Cook Sunset Dinner Cruise. Enjoy a two course à la carte Regional Meal and the mesmerising views of Sydney at night. You'll pass magnificent waterfront homes and all the main harbour attractions including the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Kick off this highlight day of sightseeing on a guided tour of Sydney Opera House with a Local Specialist. Later, your destination is famous Bondi Beach, for an iconic Australian experience. You'll be greeted by a local surf lifesaver before a Regional Meal at an Aussie institution, the Returned Servicemen's Club. Your host, a Local Specialist, will take you on an exclusive tour through Australia's oldest surf lifesaving club for insight into the history of Bondi and surf lifesaving. Later enjoy some free time to do as you please.

The day is yours to explore this wonderful city. Why not take an Optional Experience to the spectacular Blue Mountains to see the Three Sisters. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner in a restaurant on the waterfront.

It's farewell to Australia as you fly to Auckland, New Zealand. This evening meet your Travel Director for dinner at your hotel.

A morning cruise on Waitemata Harbour is followed by a sightseeing tour. Later, you'll have free time to explore the city.

Today you're invited to a Be My Guest lunch at the home of Lance and Bridgette O'Sullivan, New Zealand horse racing royalty. Enjoy a sumptuous country-style lunch at the Red Barn on their beautiful Waikato farm (from Apr 1 2018). This evening join your travelling companions for a memorable Regional Meal. Experience the heart-pounding wero (challenge) from a Maori warrior during a Powhiri, a ceremonial welcome, at the Tamaki Family Marae. Journey into the village and gain a cultural insight into life in New Zealand before European settlement. Feast on succulent meats and vegetables cooked in a hangi, the traditional Maori method of cooking in the earth.

Explore Rainbow Springs Nature Park with a Local Specialist and discover the native flora and fauna. You may even spot a kiwi! Continue to Rotorua to visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve, accompanied by a Local Specialist. Now you'll fly to Christchurch. See how the city is slowly being rebuilt as a consequence of the earthquake of February 2011.

Board the TranzAlpine train for your journey over the Southern Alps to Arthur's Pass. At Hokitika visit a New Zealand greenstone (jade) factory, to see a Local Specialist master carver at work. Travel along the coastal road to Franz Josef Glacier for a short walk to view the glacier and perhaps take an optional scenic flight (weather permitting).

Enjoy a coastal drive with views of the Tasman Sea. Climb over the Haast Pass winding through Mount Aspiring National Park. Then your journey takes you past Lakes Wanaka and Hawea and heads along the Kawarau River through the Kawarau Gorge. Finally you will visit the historic village of Arrowtown, before arriving in Queenstown. This evening join your Travel Director for dinner at The Boatshed. Set in the restored historic New Zealand Railways Shipping Office and relocated to its lakefront setting in 1936, The Boatshed, with its spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range, is the perfect venue for your exclusive Regional Meal with wine.

Journey over the Devil's Staircase and along the shore of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau. Travel through the rainforest of Fiordland National Park, sighting glaciers and mountain ranges. Drive through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel to numerous photo opportunities before reaching Milford Sound. Cruise the magnificent fiord with Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls high above you.

Today you may like to consider taking one of our Optional Experiences. You could ride the Shotover Jet, the most thrilling jet boat ride in the world! Perhaps join a wine tour at Gibbston Valley Winery or play 9 holes of golf on one of Queenstown's spectacular courses. Choose from the immaculately groomed greens of a resort course or a simple fairway with rugged mountain peaks as your backdrop. You could take a 4WD minibus excursion through Skippers Canyon alongside the Shotover River to Skippers Point in Mount Aurum Conservation Area. Or why not enjoy a relaxing spa. You'll be pampered at one of Queenstown's luxurious day spas. Sink into a therapeutic hot pool or treat yourself to a selection of therapies at a local salon. This evening, consider taking the gondola ride to Bob's Peak for dinner at the Stratosphere Restaurant.

Late morning see Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo, where you'll stop to view the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd. Then join us for a visit to Morelea Farm, a typical working sheep farm, where you'll get a taste of traditional New Zealand country life. You're welcomed into the home of Angie and Stan Taylor and their 600 acre garden. You'll have the chance to experience sheep shearing and farming demonstrations before enjoying a Be My Guest barbecue lunch, and wait until you try Angie's famous pavlova dessert! Listen to the family's story of growing up in rural New Zealand and their challenges of farming in the foothills of New Zealand's Southern Alps. In Christchurch this evening celebrate your trip at a Farewell Dinner with your Travel Director and new-found friends.

Time to bid farewell as we transfer you to Christchurch Airport for your flight home (flights anytime).

Welcome to Melbourne! On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel (flights to arrive prior to 12pm). This evening join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception and dinner on board the famous Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. It's a great opportunity to get to know everyone in a unique setting.

Join your Travel Director for a Cultural Insight. Your city tour includes a private walk through Melbourne's famous hidden laneways. You'll discover the city's eclectic little lanes, arcades, café society and fascinating street art. Then there's time to explore the city on your own.

This morning you will fly to Cairns. On arrival join your Local Specialist for a private wildlife journey at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures. On a boat cruise you'll encounter koalas, wallabies, birds and of course, crocodiles! This evening why not dine at one of the many local restaurants.

Board a high-speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. You can snorkel and view this natural living wonder up close (equipment provided) or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-submersible craft. Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch before you return to Cairns.

Today is free for you to explore this tropical city. Consider an Optional Experience. You could journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway to the 'village in the rainforest' and return to the lowlands on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. This evening be prepared for a special Be My Guest dinner at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Experience a personal Welcome to Country ceremony, hear stories of the Dreamtime, witness an entertaining high impact performance by the indigenous dance group and enjoy dinner accompanied by the sounds of the didgeridoo.

Depart Cairns on your flight to Sydney. On arrival there's time to relax before boarding a Captain Cook Sunset Dinner Cruise. Enjoy a two course à la carte Regional Meal and the mesmerising views of Sydney at night. You'll pass magnificent waterfront homes and all the main harbour attractions including the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Kick off this highlight day of sightseeing on a guided tour of Sydney Opera House with a Local Specialist. Later, your destination is famous Bondi Beach, for an iconic Australian experience. You'll be greeted by a local surf lifesaver before a Regional Meal at an Aussie institution, the Returned Servicemen's Club. Your host, a Local Specialist, will take you on an exclusive tour through Australia's oldest surf lifesaving club for insight into the history of Bondi and surf lifesaving. Later enjoy some free time to do as you please.

The day is yours to explore this wonderful city. Why not take an Optional Experience to the spectacular Blue Mountains to see the Three Sisters. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner in a restaurant on the waterfront.

It's farewell to Australia as you fly to Auckland, New Zealand. This evening meet your Travel Director for dinner at your hotel.

A morning cruise on Waitemata Harbour is followed by a sightseeing tour. Later, you'll have free time to explore the city.

Today you're invited to a Be My Guest lunch at the home of Lance and Bridgette O'Sullivan, New Zealand horse racing royalty. Enjoy a sumptuous country-style lunch at the Red Barn on their beautiful Waikato farm (from Apr 1 2018). This evening join your travelling companions for a memorable Regional Meal. Experience the heart-pounding wero (challenge) from a Maori warrior during a Powhiri, a ceremonial welcome, at the Tamaki Family Marae. Journey into the village and gain a cultural insight into life in New Zealand before European settlement. Feast on succulent meats and vegetables cooked in a hangi, the traditional Maori method of cooking in the earth.

Explore Rainbow Springs Nature Park with a Local Specialist and discover the native flora and fauna. You may even spot a kiwi! Continue to Rotorua to visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve, accompanied by a Local Specialist. Now you'll fly to Christchurch. See how the city is slowly being rebuilt as a consequence of the earthquake of February 2011.

Board the TranzAlpine train for your journey over the Southern Alps to Arthur's Pass. At Hokitika visit a New Zealand greenstone (jade) factory, to see a Local Specialist master carver at work. Travel along the coastal road to Franz Josef Glacier for a short walk to view the glacier and perhaps take an optional scenic flight (weather permitting).

Enjoy a coastal drive with views of the Tasman Sea. Climb over the Haast Pass winding through Mount Aspiring National Park. Then your journey takes you past Lakes Wanaka and Hawea and heads along the Kawarau River through the Kawarau Gorge. Finally you will visit the historic village of Arrowtown, before arriving in Queenstown. This evening join your Travel Director for dinner at The Boatshed. Set in the restored historic New Zealand Railways Shipping Office and relocated to its lakefront setting in 1936, The Boatshed, with its spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range, is the perfect venue for your exclusive Regional Meal with wine.

Journey over the Devil's Staircase and along the shore of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau. Travel through the rainforest of Fiordland National Park, sighting glaciers and mountain ranges. Drive through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel to numerous photo opportunities before reaching Milford Sound. Cruise the magnificent fiord with Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls high above you.

Today you may like to consider taking one of our Optional Experiences. You could ride the Shotover Jet, the most thrilling jet boat ride in the world! Perhaps join a wine tour at Gibbston Valley Winery or play 9 holes of golf on one of Queenstown's spectacular courses. Choose from the immaculately groomed greens of a resort course or a simple fairway with rugged mountain peaks as your backdrop. You could take a 4WD minibus excursion through Skippers Canyon alongside the Shotover River to Skippers Point in Mount Aurum Conservation Area. Or why not enjoy a relaxing spa. You'll be pampered at one of Queenstown's luxurious day spas. Sink into a therapeutic hot pool or treat yourself to a selection of therapies at a local salon. This evening, consider taking the gondola ride to Bob's Peak for dinner at the Stratosphere Restaurant.

Late morning see Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo, where you'll stop to view the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd. Then join us for a visit to Morelea Farm, a typical working sheep farm, where you'll get a taste of traditional New Zealand country life. You're welcomed into the home of Angie and Stan Taylor and their 600 acre garden. You'll have the chance to experience sheep shearing and farming demonstrations before enjoying a Be My Guest barbecue lunch, and wait until you try Angie's famous pavlova dessert! Listen to the family's story of growing up in rural New Zealand and their challenges of farming in the foothills of New Zealand's Southern Alps. In Christchurch this evening celebrate your trip at a Farewell Dinner with your Travel Director and new-found friends.

Time to bid farewell as we transfer you to Christchurch Airport for your flight home (flights anytime).