The Very Best of New Zealand & The Very Best of Australia

Depart from the UK airport most convenient for you with Qantas & Emirates. London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh or Glasgow. Alternatively, fly direct to Singapore with Singapore Airlines from London Heathrow or Manchester. 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 City Centre, where we spend the next two nights. Occupying a great location in Singapore city centre, our hotel offers a warm welcome and a range of services alongside comfortable, contemporary accommodation.

Known as ‘the crossroads of Asia’, Singapore is a city where 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. Perhaps explore the impressive Gardens by the Bay or enjoy high tea at Raffles Hotel.

A day at leisure in Singapore until it’s time to leave for our evening flight to Christchurch.

If flying with Qantas & Emirates your flight will transfer via Australia before arriving into Christchurch. We transfer to the centrally-located Distinction Hotel Christchurch, where we spend our first two nights in New Zealand. On arrival we meet our local Coach Captain, who will be our driver and guide during our time in New Zealand.

Considered the most English of New Zealand’s cities, today in the aftermath of the 2011 earthquake, Christchurch is in the midst of an epic rebuild that has completely reconstructed the city centre. This morning, we take a tour to see what this exciting developing city has to offer. We start our day with a visit to the Sign of the Takahe, a historical building on the edge of the city and continue to view the key landmarks of the city centre. From here we take a visit to the Botanic Gardens. Founded in 1863 with the planting of an English oak tree, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens contain an impressive array of flora and fauna. Our afternoon is at leisure to continue exploring this delightful city.

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 check in to Scenic Dunedin City 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 the Distinction Hotel and Villas.

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. We spend the next three nights at the Scenic Suites Queenstown.

This 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, you 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. Today 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 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 Bluff, 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 for our next two nights.

A relaxing day to take in the beauty of Franz Josef and the surrounding area at your leisure. We will arrange a transfer from the Franz Josef township to the Franz Josef glacier valley. From here, we stroll through the amazing rainforest to a viewpoint, from which there is a wonderful view 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.

Today, we begin our adventure towards Christchurch. We pass Lakes lanthe and Mapourika taking us alongside striking wild scree-scarred terrain with forests of Crimson Rata and Kahikatea. From Arthur’s Pass, we make the spectacular ascent up the western side of the Southern Alps, through thick native beech forest. As we descend every turn, offers spectacular views of the chiselled alpine landscape that take our breath away. Our journey continues through the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. We stay overnight at the centrally-located Distinction Hotel Christchurch.

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Christchurch and head towards the coastal town of Kaikoura, admiring the picturesque valley of Waipara, one of the country’s most notable wine regions, as we make our way north. Kaikoura means ‘crayfish’ in Maori, and the town is known as the crayfish capital of New Zealand. Kaikoura’s coast is also home to a variety of whale species, most prominently sperm whales, which can be seen year-round. This afternoon we have the option to take a whale-watching cruise, weather permitting, with the chance to see these magnificent creatures, as well as orcas, dolphins and other marine life. Later, we travel onwards to the township of Blenheim and our hotel for the night, the Scenic Hotel Marlborough.

This morning, we spend at leisure in Blenheim before a visit to a local winery for a chance to taste Marlborough’s world-renowned Sauvignon Blanc and other fantastic wines. We journey from Blenheim to Picton, and in the afternoon we leave South Island in our wake as we board the ferry for our inter-island cruise to New Zealand’s North Island. During the cruise, enjoy spectacular views as we depart Queen Charlotte Sound. With the possibility of birds and dolphins following, we make our way across the Cook Strait to Wellington. Upon arrival we re-join our coach and make our way to the Grand Chancellor Hotel James Cook or Copthorne Hotel Oriental Bay where we spend the next two nights.

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.

This morning our journey continues north via the Kapiti coast and Hastings as we make our way to the Art Deco city of Napier, located in an area dominated by orchards and vineyards. Napier’s city centre has the feeling of a time capsule – the seamless line of 1930s architecture is quite extraordinary. One of the ways to enjoy the streetscape is on a self-guided tour. Our evening is spent at the delightful Scenic Hotel Te Pania, superbly situated on Napier’s seafront.

Today we make our way along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. We visit the impressive Huka Falls where the Waikato River suddenly narrows to a chasm less than 15 metres across and heaves its vast bulk over an 11 metre ledge to boil furiously in a deep semi-circular basin below. We continue to Rotorua, which is at the heart of New Zealand’s rich Maori culture. The next two nights are spent at the Millennium Rotorua.

This morning, we explore some of Rotorua’s most famous sights, including its tudor-inspired bath house. We continue to Te Puia, home to Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, to view its spouting geysers, bubbling mud pools and hissing fumaroles. Here we will also enjoy a cultural performance, featuring a traditional welcome and song, including the world-famous war dance – The Haka.

We travel north this morning, via Auckland, as we make our way to the pale sands and turquoise waters of the Bay of Islands. In the pretty seaside town of Paihia, the Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands will be our home for the next three nights.

Tour Highlight

Undoubtedly one of the highlights of this tour is a cruise around the Bay of Islands, as in our opinion, there’s no better way to see this picturesque area of New Zealand. We cruise via Red Head Passage to Cape Brett and Piercy Island and on to the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’. In these world-famous deep-sea fishing waters, it’s not uncommon to see schools of fish and dolphins. The return trip travels via historic Russell. It’s hard to believe that this quaint township was once known as the ‘Hell Hole of the Pacific’. As the afternoon has been left free, we have an excellent opportunity to take an optional visit to the grounds of the Waitangi National Reserve. It was here in 1840 that the British and Maori chiefs signed the Waitangi Treaty.

Today we have a full day at leisure, allowing you to do the things that really interest you. For example, there is the opportunity to join a fantastic optional trip to Cape Reinga. It’s a full-day excursion which visits the northern tip of New Zealand. Not only is this where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean, but it holds a special significance in Maori tradition as the place where Maori spirits return to their traditional homeland, Hawaiiki-A-Nui, via the roots of a lone – and still standing – 800-year-old pohutukawa tree. Other standout locations during the tour include the Te Paki sand dunes and a drive along Ninety Mile Beach, passing magnificent scenery along the coast.

After breakfast, we leave the Bay of Islands. On the drive to the Waipoua Kauri Forest Reserve, we pass rolling hills dotted with dairy farms which give way to lush forest the closer we get to the reserve. There’s a chance to marvel at the gigantic kauri tree Tane Mahuta, or ‘Lord of the Forest.’ From here, we head south, crossing the impressive Waitemata Harbour Bridge and head into Auckland and the Grand Chancellor Hotel Auckland for our final two nights in New Zealand.

This morning, we take an orientation tour of the city. Known as the ‘City of Sails’, Auckland is New Zealand’s most populous city, with a beautiful waterside setting and a landscape dotted with volcanic hills. We drive along the stunning coastline of the Waitemata Harbour. In the distance see Rangitoto Island, a dormant volcano, dominating the horizon. Our afternoon is free to spend as we please. Perhaps take a scenic boat trip in Auckland’s harbour to enjoy the beautiful sunset, before indulging in a three course dinner.

Today we say farewell to our friends in New Zealand as they depart for home, whilst you will transfer to the airport for your flight via Melbourne or Sydney to Perth, Australia. On arrival you will be met by our local representative and transferred to the Crown Metropol Hotel, where we have 4 nights to relax and recharge before our Australian adventure begins.

Named the ‘friendly city’ by tourists from all over the world, Perth is the world’s most isolated city. Our hotel, the Crown Metropol overlooks the Perth city skyline and is situated on the banks of the Swan River. It boasts a beautiful resort-style pool area, perfect for soaking up Perth’s endless sunshine and a vast selection of restaurants and bars to enjoy. Indulge in some independent exploration around the city or simply sit back and relax.

Another day to relax or explore as you like. Perhaps, take yourself to one of Perth’s excellent beaches. Both Cottesloe Beach and Scarborough Beach are within easy travelling distance and are popular spots for long stretches of pristine white sand, surfing, swimming and snorkelling. Enjoy your day.

A final day, ahead of commencing your Very Best of Australia tour tomorrow. Enjoy time at the hotel, or continue with some independent exploration.

Check out of the Crowne Metropol and make your own way to the Duxton Hotel in central Perth, for the start of the Very Best of Australia tour. Your new travelling companions in Australia will not arrive into Perth until later in the day, so the rest of the day is free for you to explore independently.

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 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 final Perth Freedom Day allows 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.

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.

This 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 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.

This morning, 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 the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. This evening, perhaps enjoy a quintessentially Aussie experience at the Outback Bush Barbecue.

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 perfectly-located Hilton Cairns Hotel, which will be our home for the next four nights.

Although today 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 Rainforestation, 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, the oldest rainforest in the world. 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, or Hilton Sydney, where we stay for 4 nights.

Tour Highlight

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 Sydney’s famous city beach – Bondi – before returning to the city centre for our lunch cruise around the 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. To complete our introduction to Sydney, we visit the designated UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hyde Park Barracks Museum, for a glimpse into the city’s convict origins.

This morning offers two very different treats: a guided tour of Sydney’s Opera House; a stroll through Sydney’s famous Royal Botanic Garden with an Aboriginal guide. 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 today 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. Breakfast, in-flight meals and drinks included

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.