New Zealand by Rail, Road and Sea & Christmas and New Year in Australia Tour

Depart from the UK airport most convenient for you with Qantas & Emirates. Choose from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh or Glasgow. Alternatively, fly direct to Singapore with Singapore Airlines from London Heathrow, London Gatwick 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.

Alternative stopover: Dubai or Bangkok

We have based days 2-4 of this itinerary on a stopover in Singapore. Should you prefer, you may choose to stop in Bangkok or Dubai for the same price if flying with Qantas & Emirates. Your stopover includes transfers, daily breakfast and a city sightseeing tour. Flight timings will vary. Please speak with one of our personal travel experts for more details.

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.

A day at leisure in Singapore to further explore the city, until it’s time to leave for our evening flight to Auckland. Possibly visit historic Raffles 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, that 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, South Island's second largest city and considered New Zealand's architectural heritage capital, with its lovingly-restored Victorian and Edwardian buildings. Upon arrival we will check in to the Scenic Southern Cross Hotel or Scenic Dunedin City Hotel for a two night stay.

Tour Highlight

This morning, we head for Dunedin railway station where our train awaits. Our journey takes us across the Otago landscape and through the iconic Taieri Gorge, traversing towering viaducts and historic tunnels as we look out over the Taieri River below us. As we take in the incredible scenery, we are entertained with stories of the 1860’s Central Otago gold rush and the engineering feats of early railway pioneers. Later, we return to Dunedin, where we enjoy a sightseeing tour, taking in the city’s neo-Gothic churches, town hall, and 19th century buildings. For those interested, we may finish our day with an optional (additional cost) short cruise to Taiaroa Head, where we can enjoy uninterrupted views of the world’s only mainline nesting place of Royal albatross.

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.

We Recommend - TSS Earnslaw

Enjoy a leisurely cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the vintage steamboat TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Homestead.

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, 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.

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.

Tour Highlight

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.

A relaxing day 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.

We Recommend - Scenic flight over Franz Josef Glacier

Enjoy an optional helicopter flight over awe-inspiring Franz Josef Glacier.

Tour Highlight

After breakfast, we experience South Island’s striking natural landscapes in all their glory as we journey between Greymouth and Christchurch on board 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.

Today, 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.

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 Millenium 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. We enjoy a cultural performance featuring traditional song and dance, including the world-famous war dance – The Haka.Our afternoon is free to relax at your leisure. For those interested, a floatplane flight over Mount Tarawera offers breathtaking aerial views.

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

This morning, 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 cliffs 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.

Our 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 Recommend - Cape Reinga

Take a tour to Cape Reinga, at the top of the North Island, where the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea meet, followed by a drive along Ninety Mile Beach.

Before leaving Paihia, we visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for a guided tour. Known as the ‘Birthplace of the Nation’, this is where the first accord between the British Crown and the Māori people was signed in 1840. After enjoying a Māori cultural performance, we travel south, stopping at Parry Kauri Park in Warkworth before arriving in Auckland, where we stay for two nights at the Legacy Airedale Hotel. The following morning, we take an orientation tour of the ‘City of Sails’, exploring Auckland’s beautiful waterside setting and volcanic landscape. We drive along the coastline of Waitematā Harbour, with views of Rangitoto Island, a dormant volcano, before enjoying a free afternoon to explore or perhaps take a scenic harbour cruise to admire the sunset.

This morning we transfer to Auckland Airport for our flight to Perth, as our adventure continues to Australia. On arrival, we transfer to the Crowne Metropole Hotel for a three night stay.

Named the ‘friendly city’ by tourists from all over the world, Perth Is the world’s most isolated city. Enjoy some time to relax after your New Zealand adventure and look forward to the festive season in Australia.

Spend the day as you please, why not venture out to discover the city sights and landmarks, such as Cottesloe Beach.

Today, we transfer to the Duxton Hotel, where we will stay for the next four nights, as fellow travellers join us here to spend Christmas and New Year in Australia.

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 its surrounding areas. We start at King’s Park, which is larger than New York’s Central Park and has some 400 hectares of bushland and pretty wildflowers, offering stunning views over the city’s skyline. Next, we travel to the nearby port town of Fremantle to visit the fascinating Shipwreck Galleries. The tour ends with a gentle cruise along the Swan River back to the city centre. This afternoon there is an option visit Nambung National Park, home to hundreds of striking limestone pillars known as the Pinnacles.

We Recommend - Rottnest

Explore the beautiful wildlife haven of Rottnest on a full day tour.

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.

We leave the city this morning, heading first for Mount Lofty Botanic Garden before continuing to Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, the quaint village of Hahndorf, with its tree-lined streets and original ‘Fachwerk’ buildings. After a stop at a working blacksmith museum, we head to the Barossa Valley, a renowned wine growing region, to enjoy wine tasting and lunch.

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, you may wish to visit Kangaroo Island situated off the Fleurieu Peninsula, offering a unique touring experience combining friendly, native wildlife with natural, unspoilt wilderness.

We Recommend - Kangaroo Island

A full day tour, with an opportunity to meet a rare colony of sea lions.

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.

Today, we can choose to relax or explore as we please. Perhaps take the Puffing Billy steam train through the Blue Dandenong Ranges?

A further day to spend as we please. Today provides an opportunity to take an optional tour along what consistently features in the Top 10 of the world’s greatest scenic coastal drives, the Great Ocean Road. This full day tour meanders along the dramatic southwest coastline of Victoria to the impressive Twelve Apostles. Alternatively, take a trip to Phillip Island, home to the world’s largest colony of Little Penguins, to view the Penguin Parade.

We Recommend - Great Ocean Road

Journey along the dramatic coastline of Victoria – the scenic Great Ocean Road.

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 returning to Uluru to watch the sunrise, an awe-inspiring sight. We return to our hotel for breakfast, before discovering more of Uluru’s cultural significance to the Aboriginal communities of the Northern Territory with a base tour of the rock. This evening there is an optional Sounds of Silence Dinner, where you can experience canapes and chilled sparkling wines, served overlooking the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Wake up to a Christmas Eve like no other. Following breakfast, we leave the Red Centre behind as we take our morning flight to Cairns. On arrival, we head straight to our hotel, the Hilton Cairns Hotel, which will be our home for the next five nights.

Merry Christmas! Begin the day with a hearty breakfast to set you up for the celebrations ahead. Our day is free to spend as we please, perhaps with a stroll along the Esplanade or even a swim in Cairns’ lagoon pool. This evening, we gather in the hotel to enjoy a celebratory Christmas buffet dinner and drinks with our new-found friends.

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, encountering 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. Later, we visit Rainforestation Nature Park, 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.

We Recommend - Kuranda Railway & Skyrail

Ascend to Kuranda on the Kuranda Scenic Rail journey, returning to Cairns by the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Tour Highlight

The Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most enduring natural wonders. We spend several hours at the Outer Reef as we please; snorkelling in the sheltered coral lagoon, viewing from a glass-bottomed boat, or taking in the sights from a semi-submersible reef viewer. Optional experiences include helicopter flights, guided snorkel safaris and scuba diving.

Another Freedom Day to enjoy. 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, home to 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.

We fly to Sydney, our final port of call on this wonderful tour of Australia. We transfer to our hotel, the Sofitel the Sofitel Wentworth Hotel, in the heart of central Sydney, where we stay for the next four nights

Our tour of Sydney includes all the famous highlights: Harbour Bridge, The Rocks and iconic Bondi Beach. Also included are two special treats: 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 UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tour Highlight

The eyes of the world fall on Sydney on New Year’s Eve, and this evening we are among the privileged few who are at the epicentre of the celebrations. Following a free day to explore as we please, the excitement builds as we make our way to King Street Wharf to board Clearview, our luxury cruise vessel. Enjoy amazing 360-degree views around Sydney Harbour and a prime position for viewing the fireworks. We will be welcomed aboard with a glass of finest Australian sparkling wine, before being served a fabulous dinner. The conversation and the drinks will flow, and after dinner we will be entertained by a live band. As midnight strikes, Sydney’s annual firework spectacular bursts into life, and we will truly feel at the heart of the festivities as we view the stunning display from the comfort of our boat. Happy New Year!

After a leisurely breakfast and relaxed morning, we enjoy a guided tour of Sydney’s iconic Opera House. Discover the fascinating stories and secrets behind the commissioning, construction and controversy surrounding Danish architect Jørn Utzon’s masterpiece. The rest of our day is spent at leisure, to enjoy New Year’s Day in beautiful Sydney.

Our remaining time in Sydney is yours to spend as you please until we leave for the airport. Flights to our chosen UK airport travel via Dubai or Singapore.

This morning, we arrive back into the UK at our chosen airport: either London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh, or Glasgow, bringing our unforgettable journey to an end.