New Zealand by Rail, Road and Sea & The Very Best of Australia Tour

Depart from the UK airport most convenient for you with Qantas & Emirates. Choose from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stanstead, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh or Glasgow. Alternatively, fly direct to Singapore with Singapore Airlines from London Heathrow or Manchester. Flights with Singapore Airlines from Manchester are available on selected dates. Please speak with one of our travel experts for more details. No matter which airline or airport you choose, there will be no additional cost.

Arrive into the wonderful city of Singapore and transfer to the four-star M Hotel Singapore.

Known as ‘the crossroads of Asia’, Singapore is a city where the east meets west; a cosmopolitan melting pot with an inspirational identity. This morning, enjoy a tour of this wonderful city. Included is a stop at Merlion Park with impressive views of Marina Bay. See the historic Civic District, Thian Hock Keng Temple, and the fabulous orchid gardens set within Singapore’s botanical gardens. Return to the hotel where the rest of our day is free to spend as we please.

A day at leisure follows in Singapore to further explore the city, until it’s time to leave for our evening flight to Auckland. Possibly visit historic Ra es for high tea or discover the wonderful Gardens by the Bay.

If flying with Qantas & Emirates your flight will travel via Australia before arriving into Christchurch. We transfer to the centrally-located Distinction Hotel Christchurch, where we spend our first night in New Zealand. On arrival we meet our Tour Manager in New Zealand.

We travel south, first making a stop at Oamaru, where we stroll through New Zealand’s best-preserved Victorian streets. A stop is then made in Moeraki to view a collection of huge spherical boulders which are scattered along a beautiful stretch of beach. Maori legend says that the boulders are gourds washed ashore from a voyaging canoe called Araiteuri, which was wrecked when it made landfall a long time ago. Scientists have discovered the boulders are actually calcite concretions, created about 65 million years ago, which have been raised from the seabed and uncovered one by one by the elements. We continue to the ‘Edinburgh of the South’, Dunedin is South Island’s second-largest city and is considered New Zealand’s architectural heritage capital, with its lovingly restored Victorian and Edwardian buildings. Upon arrival, we will check in to Southern Cross Hotel for a two-night stay.

This morning, we enjoy a sightseeing tour, taking in the city’s neo-Gothic churches, town hall, opulent theatres, and other 19th-century buildings. In the afternoon, why not join an optional wildlife cruise to the Otago Peninsula? Enjoy uninterrupted views of the world’s only mainland colony of royal albatross. We may also encounter sea lions, blue penguins and Hector’s dolphins.

This morning, we say goodbye to Dunedin. Fresh, green farm scenery will accompany us to Balclutha, which has a distinctive arched concrete bridge. We travel onwards via Gore and Lumsden until we reach Te Anau. We spend tonight at Distinction Hotel Luxmore.

Tour Highlight

Today we travel to the magnificent Fiordland National Park and to Milford Sound, which will undoubtedly prove to be one of our tour’s many highlights. Only when out cruising on Milford Sound can the sheer scale of the dramatic scenery be fully appreciated: towering peaks rise all around and spectacular waterfalls cascade into the calm waters below. Our cruise takes in the impressive Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls. Remember to keep a look out for dolphins as well as seals and penguins. In the afternoon, we travel to Queenstown, where a scenic drive takes us through a variety of landscapes – farmland, native tussock grasslands, lush beech forests and impressive glacial valleys. Enjoy three nights at the four-star Millennium Hotel.

The following morning we take a tour to visit the nearby historic mining town of Arrowtown. The heart of its history is Buckingham Street, a procession of small-town heritage buildings that stretch into a tree-lined avenue of tiny miners’ cottages. Be sure to try a cream tea in one of the quaint tea rooms. In the afternoon, we are free to enjoy this wonderful alpine setting. The thrill-seekers amongst us may wish to try the Shotover Jet – an exhilarating boat ride amongst the crags and boulders of the Shotover River canyon. For a more serene experience, maybe stroll by the lakeside or take a gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak for a magnificent panoramic view of Queenstown.

Queenstown smiles south across Lake Wakatipu into an incomparable alpine scene. Our third day has been left free to take advantage of the incredible variety of activities available in and around New Zealand’s most glamorous alpine resort. For a relaxing experience, follow Queenstown’s wine trail for an enjoyable day of wine tasting and sightseeing, or take a leisurely cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the vintage steamboat TSS Earnslaw. For something a little more adventurous, a four-wheel drive adventure along the famous Skippers Road may be appealing.

Enjoy incredible scenery today as we travel via Lake Dunstan, created by the mighty Clyde hydro dam in 1994. Continue along the shores of Lake Wanaka and across the Haast River Bridge and via Clark Blu , along one of the most exciting scenic roads ever built. Later in the afternoon we reach Westland National Park and the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier.

A relaxing day follows to take in the beauty of Franz Josef and the surrounding area at our leisure. A transfer has been arranged to the Franz Josef glacier valley. From here, we can stroll through the amazing rainforest to a viewpoint, from which there is a wonderful vista of the steep glacier valley and the glacier terminal in the distance. Weather permitting, we may also take an optional scenic flight, which is at an additional cost, over the glacier and the awe-inspiring Alpine region.

Tour Highlight

After breakfast, we experience South Island’s striking natural landscapes in all their glory as we journey between Greymouth and Christchurch onboard the TranzAlpine. Considered to be one of the greatest rail journeys in the world, we traverse the Southern Alps, view miles of native beech forest, travel the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, and cross the patchwork fields of the Canterbury Plains. Our final stop is in Christchurch, where we stay for two nights at the centrally-located Distinction Hotel Christchurch.

This morning, we discover Christchurch on an orientation tour. Later, we journey out of the city to the Waipara Valley, whose warm and dry summers, followed by cool autumn nights, make this region perfect for growing olives, lavender, hazelnuts and grapes. We explore this pretty area and sample its cool climate wines during a tasting and lunch in one of its wineries.

Tour Highlight

Another fantastic rail experience awaits today as we board KiwiRail’s Coastal Pacific train. From the comfort of our seats, we are in prime position to view lush native bush, soaring mountains, pretty coastal towns, and the roaring Pacific Ocean, as we wind our way along this truly stunning coastline. We disembark in Picton and cruise across the Cook Strait to New Zealand’s North Island. Dolphins and sea birds can often be seen playing in the waters, and the scenery is truly magnificent as we travel through Queen Charlotte Sound. On arrival in Wellington, we transfer to the Copthorne Hotel Oriental Bay, for a three-night stay.

The following day, go behind the scenes of some of the best-loved movies in history with this tour of the Weta Workshop near Wellington, a studio famous for creating some of the movie industry’s most famous costumes, props, special effects, and much more. Their creations have featured in much-loved films including Lord of the Rings, Avatar, and District 9. After our visit of the Weta Workshop we enjoy a short orientation tour of Wellington, including a scenic drive to Mount Victoria for a fantastic view over the city.

The next day is a Freedom Day to spend as we please. Wellington is compact, cultured, and full of character. There are a whole host of excellent activities in and around Wellington. A visit to Te Papa museum is highly recommended, as it offers a fascinating insight into New Zealand’s rich history and cultural heritage. Alternatively, ride a cable car to Wellington’s beautiful botanical gardens or take a relaxing stroll through the city’s streets and waterfront.

Tour Highlight

We board the Northern Explorer train and depart Wellington for our rail journey to Otorohanga. View spectacular scenery through our carriage’s panoramic windows as we journey north, including fascinating coastline, river valleys, rolling green farmland and quaint towns. From the comfort of our carriage or from the open observation carriage we may view the spectacular dormant volcanoes of Tongariro National Park. Later, we experience an amazing feat of railway engineering as we wind our way through the Raurimu Spiral. We disembark in Otorohanga, and travel by coach to Rotorua. The next two nights are spent at the Distinction Hotel Rotorua.

This morning, we tour some of Rotorua’s most famous sights, including its tudor-inspired Bath House. We explore Te Puia, home to the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and its spouting geysers, bubbling mud pools and hissing fumaroles. Our afternoon is free to relax at your leisure. For those interested, a floatplane flight over Mount Tarawera offers breathtaking aerial views. This evening, we attend a concert featuring traditional song and dance, including the world-famous war dance – The Haka. Also included is a buffet dinner.

We journey north from Rotorua, crossing a landscape of rolling hills and dairy farmland. We cross the Waitemata Harbour on the famous Auckland Harbour Bridge and spend time at one of Auckland northern beaches. In the afternoon, we continue into the Northland region, which is known as the ‘winterless north’, as its lovely climate is influenced by subtropical conditions. We drive past Whangarei and our journey ends in Paihia, gateway to the Bay of Islands, and our next three nights are spent at the Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands.

Tour Highlight

On our second day, we discover the spectacular scenery of the region and learn about the area’s rich culture and history during a spectacular cruise. When conditions permit, get up close to the dramatic cli s at Cape Brett and travel through the iconic ‘Hole in the Rock’ on Motukokako. Encounter diverse wildlife in their natural surroundings and keep an eye out for dolphins and birdlife during your cruise. The skipper will stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, with time for a short walk or relaxation on its beautiful beach, before we return to Paihia. There is the opportunity to disembark in the picturesque township of Russell and return to Paihia by public ferry (at an extra cost) in the early afternoon. Alternatively, our free afternoon provides an excellent opportunity to visit the Waitangi National Reserve, where Maori chiefs and the British Governor signed the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840.

Our final day has been left at leisure to further explore the beautiful Bay of Islands. For many this provides a great opportunity to visit New Zealand’s northern tip at Cape Reinga, where the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea collide. This fabulous full-day excursion also includes a journey along Ninety Mile Beach in a custom-built coach that moves effortlessly over the terrain of sandy beaches, rugged roads and quicksand streams.

We journey south from Pahia with a stop in Waipoua Kauri Forest Reserve, home to gigantic kauri trees, the most famous of which is Tane Mahuta, ‘Lord of the Forest’. Later, we arrive into Auckland, crossing the city’s imposing Waitemata Harbour Bridge, and stay overnight at the Airedale Boutique Suites.

We say goodbye to our New Zealand travel companions today and transfer to the airport for our flight via Melbourne or Sydney, to Perth. Upon arrival, we clear customs and transfer to the superbly-located Duxton Hotel for our first four nights in Australia.

Named the ‘friendly city’ by tourists from all over the world, Perth is the world’s most isolated city. Following a leisurely breakfast, we meet our Tour Manager and fellow travellers to find out more about our adventure ahead. Later, we enjoy the perfect introduction to Australia’s native wildlife, during a visit to Caversham Wildlife Park. The park showcases many of Australia’s unique and iconic animals, including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, possums, Tasmanian devils and wombats.

Our next day begins with a sightseeing tour of the city and the surrounding area. We visit King’s Park, a landscape of bushland and pretty wild flowers, offering astounding views out over the city’s skyline. Later, we visit the nearby port town of Fremantle to visit the fascinating Shipwreck Galleries. The tour will end with a relaxing cruise along the Swan River back to Perth. This afternoon there is an option to view the spectacular natural landscapes of Nambung National Park, home to hundreds of striking limestone towers known as the Pinnacles.

Our first full Australian Freedom Day follows, allowing us to spend the day as we please. Our Distant Journeys Tour Manager will be on hand with advice on things to do, where to eat, make any arrangements and assist with excursions for you to further explore the area. Perhaps take an optional trip to Rottnest Island, a protected nature reserve with white-sand beaches and secluded coves, and home to the small wallaby-like marsupial, the quokka. Alternatively, travel north of Perth to visit the Swan Valley, Western Australia’s oldest wine area. However you choose to spend your day – enjoy!

In the morning, we make our way to Perth Airport in time for our flight to Adelaide. Surrounded by grassy parkland, picturesque hills and the Mount Lofty Range, Adelaide could scarcely present a more captivating aspect. On arrival, we will be introduced to Adelaide’s streets, fine Victorian buildings and the attractive parks and gardens that surround the city. Later, transfer to the centrally-located Crowne Plaza Hotel, where we will stay for the next three nights.

During this morning’s sightseeing tour, we leave the city to visit Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement in the quaint village of Hahndorf, with its tree-lined streets and original ‘Fachwerk’ buildings. We continue to the famous wine-growing region of the Barossa Valley where, after a visit to a working blacksmith museum, we enjoy wine tasting and lunch in one of the picturesque wineries.

A Freedom Day to spend as we please. Discover Adelaide on foot or perhaps enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting in the McLaren Vale. Alternatively, join a scenic lunch cruise on the mighty Murray River, or you may wish to visit Kangaroo Island situated on the Fleurieu Peninsula, offering a unique touring experience combining friendly, native wildlife with natural, unspoilt wilderness.

This morning, we make our way to the airport for our flight to Melbourne, capital of Victoria state and Australia’s second-largest city. Enjoy a sightseeing tour including Treasury Gardens, Victoria Markets, Federation Square, the MCG and Rod Laver Arena. We also head out of the city to see the waterside suburbs of St. Kilda and Port Melbourne. Home for the next three nights is the four-star Pullman on the Park.

Our second day is our first Freedom Day in Melbourne, where we have the opportunity to spend the day exploring its many parks and laneways or enjoy an excursion aboard the Puffing Billy steam train on Australia’s most notable narrow-gauge railway, through the beautiful Blue Dandenong Ranges.

A further Freedom Day follows, an is an opportunity to enjoy an optional tour along one of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives, the Great Ocean Road. This full day tour meanders along the dramatic coastline to the impressive Twelve Apostles. Alternatively, discover Phillip Island, home to the world’s largest colony of little penguins.

Tour Highlight

Following breakfast this morning, we board our flight to Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Australia’s Red Centre. Before landing, we may have the opportunity to view the world’s largest monolith from our aircraft. On arrival, we take a rock base tour enabling us to discover more about its historical and cultural importance. After checking in at the four-star Desert Gardens Hotel, this evening we enjoy a glass of sparkling wine with our travelling companions whilst witnessing the changing colours of Uluru as the sun begins to set. It’s truly a photographer’s delight.

The next day, before breakfast, we have the option of watching the sunrise over Uluru, an awe-inspiring sight. Later, we leave for a tour of the impressive series of rounded sandstone domes known as Kata Tjuta, or the Olgas. Our afternoon and evening are left free to relax or enjoy a pre-booked optional activity such as the impressive Field of Light or the Sounds of Silence dinner under the stars.

Leaving Uluru this morning we drive through the Outback along the Lasseter and Stuart Highways to Alice Springs. Home for tonight is either the Crowne Plaza Lasseters, or the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. This evening, perhaps enjoy a quintessentially Aussie experience at the Outback Bush Barbecue or the unique Sunset Camel Tour.

Nestled within the MacDonnell Ranges, Alice Springs is an iconic town made famous by its rich pioneering history and ancient indigenous culture. This morning you may wish to take an optional hot air balloon trip over the outback landscapes or enjoy a morning tour of the Western MacDonnell Ranges. Later, we enjoy a sightseeing tour. Visits include the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the School of the Air, and the Old Telegraph Station.

Tour Highlight

Later in the afternoon, it’s time to make our way to Alice Springs Rail Terminal in time for our fascinating overland rail journey to Darwin. Known for being one of the world’s iconic rail journeys, The Ghan was named after the Afghan cameleers who once traversed this route. Our twin accommodation is in Gold Service, air-conditioned, private sleepers, all with upper and lower bunk beds with private facilities. Single traveller cabins, are configured as a lounge chair by day, converting into a bed at night, with shared bathroom facilities at the end of each carriage. Whilst on board, all our meals are included, as are a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Following dinner in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant, enjoy drinks with your travelling companions in the Outback Explorer Lounge.

Following breakfast, The Ghan rolls into Katherine. Here we visit nearby Nitmiluk National Park, home to the spectacular Katherine Gorge. The gorge is a series of 13 sandstone gorges carved over many millions of years by the Katherine River. As we cruise up the river with our Aboriginal guide, listen to stories of how the gorge was named, whilst marvelling at the sheer walls, etched by time and the elements, and home to a myriad of plant and animal life. Afterwards, return to The Ghan in time for lunch as we continue our journey to Darwin. Upon arrival, we transfer to the DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade, situated on Darwin’s striking esplanade.

Darwin is the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory and is known for its laid-back fusion of frontier outpost and modern city. Your day has been left totally free to spend in your own particular way. Perhaps visit the thundering waterfalls, rainforest pockets and sacred sites of Litchfield National Park. For those wishing to venture further afield, a full-day flightseeing excursion to Kakadu National Park can be arranged.

An early start, as we leave for the airport in time for our one-stop flight to Cairns. Upon arrival, we shall transfer to the perfectlylocated Hilton Cairns Hotel, which will be our home for the next four nights.

Our first full day has been left free, you may wish to take an optional trip to Kuranda. We ascend to Kuranda on one of the most unique rail journeys in Australia, the Kuranda Scenic Railway. During our journey, we encounter no fewer than 40 bridges and 15 tunnels. ‘The village in the rainforest’, Kuranda, awaits. It’s a lovely place to while away a few hours visiting the markets, butterfly sanctuary or the Koala Gardens. We continue our adventure with a visit to Rainforest Station, where we spend time with the Pamagirri Aboriginal people and learn about one of the oldest surviving cultures in the world. Travel back to Cairns by the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, a beautiful experience gliding over the rainforest canopy with stunning views out over the Cairns coastline.

Tour Highlight

A holiday to Australia would not be complete without a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. Its colourful marine life and coral make this World Heritage site a must-see for all visitors. Our day begins when we board our high-speed catamaran and journey to a platform located on the Outer Reef. Snorkel in the sheltered coral lagoon, or if you prefer to stay dry, view the reef from the semi-submersible reef viewer or glass-bottomed boat. With four hours at the reef, there is plenty of time to do it all. For the more adventurous, there are several activities available at an additional cost, including scuba diving (no experience necessary), joining the marine biologist on a guided snorkel safari, or soaring above the reef on a spectacular scenic helicopter flight.

Another Freedom Day to enjoy tropical northern Queensland. Surrounded by rainforest and mountains, Cairns boasts over 200 walking tracks; there are also numerous interesting museums and art galleries to explore. Perhaps take a hot air balloon ride at dawn, or if you prefer to venture further afield, we suggest a day trip to the nearby Daintree Rainforest, where the oldest rainforest in the world meets the reef at the World Heritage-listed Cape Tribulation. Alternatively, why not take a trip to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures? Just a short drive from Cairns, there are miles of timber boardwalks and paths winding through woodlands and rainforest where we can see an array of wildlife. In the evening, you may wish to complete your day with a sunset cruise. Enjoy your day!

This morning, we make our way to Cairns Airport in time for our flight to Sydney. Sydney is a city that takes full advantage of its natural setting – its sparkling harbour is host to the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the spectacular Sydney Opera House. Sydney’s suburbs are blessed with lush native bushland and pristine sandy beaches. Add to this the excellent restaurants and cafés, endless shopping opportunities and a vibrant culture and it’s very easy to understand why Sydney is one of the world’s favourite cities. Upon arrival, we head to the Sofitel Wentworth Hotel, in the heart of central Sydney.

Tour Highlight

This morning, our sightseeing tour begins with a drive through some of Sydney’s most fashionable inner-city suburbs, such as Double and Rose Bay, en route to Watson’s Bay. Here, at the harbour’s entrance, take in the fresh salty air and brilliant vistas of towering cliffs on one side, and the imposing city skyline in the distance on the other. We visit the most famous of Sydney’s city beaches – Bondi – before we make our way back to the city centre. We complete our introduction to Sydney with a lunch cruise around Sydney’s beautiful harbour. The views of the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the many dream homes nestled along the edge of the water are truly amazing. The afternoon has been left free to spend as we please.

This morning offers three very different treats: a guided tour of Sydney’s Opera House; a stroll through Sydney’s famous Botanic Garden with an Aboriginal guide; and a glimpse into the convict origins of Sydney at the interactive Hyde Park Barracks Museum – a world heritage site. The afternoon has been left free for you to explore as you please. Catch up on some shopping, climb the impressive Harbour Bridge, or enjoy a scenic helicopter flight over Sydney Harbour. Whatever you wish to do, our Tour Manager will be very happy to assist.

Although the following day has been left free, for those that so desire, we shall be taking an optional trip to the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains are a perfect example of native Australian bushland, with gum trees, majestic peaks and deep gorges stretching as far as the eye can see. Experience the panoramas from a series of lookouts, including Echo Point – the prime position to view the Three Sisters rock formation. The excursion also visits the pretty village of Leura and includes afternoon tea at the historic Hydro Majestic Hotel.

The day is ours until it’s time to depart for the airport. Our flight to our chosen UK airport operates via Dubai or Singapore, where there will be a change of aircraft.

This morning, we arrive into our chosen airport (Choose from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stanstead, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh or Glasgow) bringing an end to our incredible adventure.