Australia and New Zealand Uncovered

Encounter the untamed vitality and the captivating culture of New Zealand and Australia – a perfect blend of wildlife and urban energy that is rooted in tradition but is ever evolving with the Outback air. Delve into the South Pacific heritage and get a close look at New Zealand’s Maori lifestyle and the roots of Australia’s Aboriginal groups.

Day Stop

• Wellington, New Zealand

Hotel(s)

Rydges Wellington

Arrive in New Zealand. Feel the ever-present heartbeat of Maori culture on this set of islands. Comprised of natural beauty and striking contrasts, live the Kiwi lifestyle for the next 10 days. Say hello to Wellington, the colorful capital city of New Zealand. Take in the gourmet eats, seaside charm, and scenic coastline as you feel the warm ocean breeze of the “Windy City.”

Day Stop

• Wellington, New Zealand

Experience

Jump right into Maori culture with an Impact Moment, as you experience a traditional powhiri, an elaborate welcome ceremony.

Meal(s)

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Marvel at the carved waka, sleek canoes of intricate design, at a Maori culture center. Get exclusive access to an archaeological site not open to the public during a guided exploration of a waterfront pa (Maori for village). Take the chance to taste Maori heritage in a Hangi dish during lunch and discover the roots of the culture at the Te Papa Museum. Explore the city of Wellington during your free afternoon, before reconvening to share conversation and connect with your fellow travelers over dinner by the waterfront.

Day Stops

• Wellington, New Zealand
• Picton, New Zealand
• Nelson, New Zealand

Hotel(s)

The Hotel Nelson

Meal(s)

Breakfast

Surrounded by green slopes and rolling mountains, the Cook Strait will offer a picturesque landscape as you cruise over the stunning waters on your way to the South Island. Visit Nelson, the oldest city on the island. Enjoy an evening at leisure to experience this coastal hub, full of local works and a trending foodie scene. This local art hub highlights works from the area, artisan food markets, and sparkling waters.

Day Stop

• Nelson, New Zealand

Experience

Set sail through the graceful natural beauty of Abel Tasman National Park.

Hotel(s)

The Hotel Nelson

Meal(s)

Breakfast, Lunch

Today, venture out to Kaiteriteri, a coastal paradise where you’ll set sail through the graceful natural beauty of Abel Tasman National Park. Coast over the crystal-clear waters and pass reaching trees huddled along the shore. A picnic lunch awaits at the Anchorage, a scenic bay set amongst gentle waves and sandy coasts.

Day Stops

• Nelson, New Zealand
• Hokitika, New Zealand

Hotel(s)

Hotel Hokitika

Meal(s)

Breakfast, Dinner

See the natural phenomenon of Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks as you travel further south to Hokitika. Feel the spray of the ocean crashing against these unique limestone formations with a flapjack façade. Tonight, dine at your beachfront hotel, a natural haven of craggy peaks and lively waterspouts.

Day Stops

• Hokitika, New Zealand
• Franz Josef / Waiau 7886, New Zealand

Hotel(s)

Franz Josef Glacier Hotel

Meal(s)

Breakfast

Wake up in Hokitika, better known as a “cool little town.” Head to Hokitika Gorge for a taste of New Zealand’s beloved West Coast nature. Return to town for a tour, ending with a walk along the beach and some free time to explore on your own. Make your way to Franz Josef, New Zealand’s glacier country. Discover the area’s rugged allure by combing the creek bed in search of New Zealand jade or perhaps you’ll explore some of the many walking trails or eateries in town.

Day Stop

• Franz Josef / Waiau 7886, New Zealand

Experience

View the Franz Josef Glacier with a local guide, traversing an exclusive trail not open to the public.

Hotel(s)

Franz Josef Glacier Hotel

Meal(s)

Breakfast, Dinner

Choose how to start your day because it’s your choice! Get a glimpse of kiwis at the West Coast Wildlife Centre, where you’ll learn more about conservation and rehabilitation of this national icon. Enjoy free time to relax. Finish your day with dinner at the hotel.

Day Stop

• Queenstown, New Zealand

Hotel(s)

Heritage Queenstown Hotel

Meal(s)

Breakfast

Journey through the thick rainforest and emerge on the “wild” west coast. With cliffs and beaches on your right and the southern snowcapped Alps on your left, there will be no shortage of riveting landscapes to capture your eye. Pause in Wanaka, a slice of tranquility nestled along a mountain-lined lake. Continue to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, and settle into your home for the next three nights.

Day Stop

• Queenstown, New Zealand

Hotel(s)

Heritage Queenstown Hotel

Meal(s)

Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley and cross through an ancient red beech forest. Cruise along the waters of the dramatic Milford Sound, taking in the natural splendor around you. With cliffs rising up to nearly 4,000 feet, you’ll see why this is one of the most visited sights on the South Island. Following your cruise, you may choose to return to Queenstown via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

Day Stop

• Queenstown, New Zealand

Hotel(s)

Heritage Queenstown Hotel

Meal(s)

Breakfast, Dinner

Today is yours! Explore the adventure capital whichever way your heart desires. Perhaps you’ll choose an optional tour to cruise Lake Wakatipu surrounded by Queenstown’s stunning landscape aboard an iconic coal-fired steamship. Once on land, enjoy a BBQ lunch lakeside followed by a sheepdog demonstration.

Day Stop

• Sydney NSW, Australia

Hotel(s)

PARKROYAL Darling Harbour Sydney

Meal(s)

Breakfast

Wish New Zealand goodbye and enter Australia, home to the expansive Outback and lively waterfront cities. Start your Aussie adventure in Sydney, the country’s largest city.

Day Stop

• Sydney NSW, Australia

Experience

As the sun sets, admire the city skyline on a dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour passing under the Harbour Bridge and by the iconic Sydney Opera House.

Hotel(s)

PARKROYAL Darling Harbour Sydney

Meal(s)

Breakfast, Dinner

During a city tour get a glimpse at all the main highlights Sydney has to offer. Then, take a step into the past and explore the historic Rocks neighborhood, situated along the edge of Sydney Harbour. Continue along to the port Circular Quay before strolling through the winding paths of the Royal Botanical Gardens. Here, delve into Aboriginal culture by learning about native plants and foraging for traditional foods. Go behind the scenes of the Sydney Opera House on an expert-led guided tour of this legendary venue.

Day Stop

• Sydney NSW, Australia

Hotel(s)

PARKROYAL Darling Harbour Sydney

Meal(s)

Breakfast

Make the most of your final day in Sydney with a full day at leisure where you can take advantage of your included hop-on, hop-off bus passes! You could take the bus out to Bondi Beach for the surf culture, visit one of the many local museums, or take in the sights at Darling Harbour.

Day Stops

• Sydney NSW, Australia
• Adelaide SA, Australia

Experience

Experience the famous food and drink this region is known for at the Adelaide Central Market, one of the one of the largest undercover fresh produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere.

Hotel(s)

Peppers Waymouth Hotel

Meal(s)

Breakfast, Dinner

Set off on a short flight to Adelaide, the cosmopolitan hub of South Australia. Indulge in tastings of Australia’s multicultural cuisine as you stroll the market stalls alongside a local guide. Afterward, explore more of Adelaide on foot with a walking tour passing Rundle Mall and down Peel Street, an iconic laneway known for its restaurants. Later tonight, gather for dinner at the hotel.

Day Stop

• Adelaide SA, Australia

Experience

Treat your taste buds to a full-day exploration of the Barossa Valley’s fine food and wine.

Hotel(s)

Peppers Waymouth Hotel

Meal(s)

Breakfast, Lunch

Visit a one of the local farmsteads, famed for its produce and enjoy a private interactive cooking demonstration. Your vintner voyage continues with a tour and tasting at the famous Seppeltsfield Winery, one of the oldest in the Barossa Valley, followed by lunch.

Day Stop

• Adelaide SA, Australia

Experience

Arrive in Uluru and get a taste of the local indigenous flavors as you enjoy a native high tea.

Hotel(s)

Desert Gardens

Meal(s)

Breakfast, Lunch

Your adventure continues with a flight from Adelaide to Uluru (Ayers Rock). Then, travel into Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park to get a close look at the iconic, massive red rock emerging from the earth, sprung up as if beckoned toward the clouds. On a guided tour of Uluru's base, discover the heritage of Australia's Aboriginal people in this spiritual place before gathering for a spectacular sunset view of the iconic rock formation. While having drinks and canapés, watch the colors of Uluru change before your eyes as the sun sets and the Milky Way starts to twinkle over Australia’s greatest natural wonder.

Day Stop

• Cairns QLD, Australia

Hotel(s)

Flynn Crystalbrook Collection Hotel

Meal(s)

Breakfast

Say goodbye to the outback and hello to the tropics, as you fly to Cairns and enjoy an evening at leisure, getting to know this gateway to an underwater paradise. Today breakfast will be included.

Day Stops

• Cairns QLD, Australia
• Airlie Beach QLD, Australia

Experience

Board a high-speed catamaran and sail to the Low Isles to discover the aquatic realm of the Great Barrier Reef.

Hotel(s)

Flynn Crystalbrook Collection Hotel

Meal(s)

Breakfast, Lunch

Spend the day however you please, perhaps choosing from a selection of included activities. Maybe you’ll soak up the sun on a tiny remote island, located along the outer reef. Or consider snorkeling in the rolling waves or taking a glass-bottom boat uncovering a pod of vibrant sea life. You can also meet with a marine biologist or join an expert on a heritage trail walk along the island.

Day Stop

• Cairns QLD, Australia

Experience

Your indigenous guides will introduce you to native foods and bush medicines, as well as ancient Aboriginal traditions, customs, and artifacts.

Hotel(s)

Flynn Crystalbrook Collection Hotel

Meal(s)

Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, a short cruise takes you to a stunning wetland environment where Traditional Aboriginal Owners greet you with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. This afternoon is at your leisure to relax or explore the tropical city of Cairns. Toast to the end of your journey at a farewell dinner, reflecting on your Outback escapade. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Meal(s)

Breakfast

Your tour of New Zealand and Australia comes to a close today.