Highlights of Australia & New Zealand Tour

Highlights of Australia & New Zealand itinerary

29-day Highlights of Australia and New Zealand, from only £5,495pp

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart from the UK airport most convenient for you with Qantas/Emirates, at no extra cost. Choose from London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle or Glasgow.
In-flight meals and drinks included

Day 2: Singapore, 2 nights

Flights from London Heathrow may travel direct to Singapore. All UK regional flights will travel via Dubai. Arrive into the wonderful city of Singapore and transfer to the four star Copthorne Kings Hotel, situated in an enviable position close to the banks of the Singapore River.
In-flight meals and drinks included

Alternative Stopover: Dubai or Bangkok

Days 2-4 of this itinerary have been based on your stopover being in Singapore. However we also offer the choice of a stopover in either Bangkok or Dubai for the same price (flight timings vary). Included in the price of your stopover are transfers to and from the airport, hotel accommodation, daily breakfast and a sightseeing tour of your chosen city. For more details, talk to one of our personal travel experts, who will be happy to help.

Day 3: Singapore

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.
Breakfast included

Day 4: Depart Singapore

A day at leisure in Singapore until it’s time to leave for our evening flight to Auckland. Perhaps explore the impressive Gardens by the Bay or enjoy high tea at Raffles.
Breakfast, in-flight meals and drinks included

Day 5: Auckland, 2 nights

We change aircraft in Australia. On arrival into Auckland we meet our local Coach Captain, who will be our driver and guide during our time in New Zealand. Transfer to the Adina Apartment Hotel, Auckland, where we spend our first two nights in New Zealand.
In-flight meals and drinks included

Day 6: Auckland

This morning, we will 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 beautiful coastline of the famous Waitemata Harbour. In the distance see Rangitoto Island, an extinct volcano, dominating the horizon. We continue to the stylish Viaduct Harbour, host to many America’s Cup celebrations. Your afternoon is free to enjoy as you please. Perhaps take a trip to the top of Sky Tower; the panoramic views from the tallest building in the southern hemisphere are truly breath-taking.
Breakfast included

Day 7: Rotorua, 2 nights

Departing Auckland this morning we travel to the world-famous thermal region of Rotorua. The next two nights are spent at the four star Distinction Hotel Rotorua, superbly situated close to the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. Later in the day we enjoy a welcome drink to become better acquainted with our fellow travelling companions.
Breakfast included

Day 8: Rotorua

Sightseeing this morning takes us to Te Puia, home to the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, with its spurting geysers and boiling mud pools. Later we visit the Maori Arts and Crafts institute. In the early 1920’s traditional Maori art such as weaving and carving were in danger of extinction. Established in 1926 to protect and preserve this unique art form, today the institute provides a vital role in the teaching of these skills to the next generations. Your afternoon is at leisure to relax. For those that so wish, optional activities include a float plane flight over Mount Tarawera, or perhaps an afternoon enjoying the healing properties of the thermal pools at the Polynesian Spa may be more appealing? Rotorua is the heart of New Zealand’s rich Maori culture and this evening, at our hotel, we attend a concert featuring traditional song and dance, including the world famous war dance – The Haka. Also included is a Hangi buffet dinner, cooked using traditional Maori methods.
Breakfast and dinner included

Day 9: Christchurch, Overnight

After breakfast, we head to Auckland Airport in plenty of time for our flight to Christchurch. 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. We view the key landmarks of the city centre, including the transitional ‘Cardboard Cathedral’ and the Botanic Gardens. We stay overnight at the Distinction Hotel Christchurch, ideally located in the heart of the city.
Breakfast included

Day 10: Franz Josef, 2 nights

Today we embark on one of the most stunning drives in New Zealand. Travel through the Canterbury Plains, heading towards the imposing Southern Alps and across Arthur’s Pass. We make the spectacular descent down the western side of the Southern Alps, towards the rocky beaches of the untamed west coast. Our route takes us along striking wild scree-scarred terrain with forests of Crimson Rata and Kahikatea. Pass Lakes Ianthe and Mapourika before entering the Westland National Park. Our next two nights are at the Scenic Franz Josef Hotel.
Breakfast included

Day 11: Franz Josef

The Westland National Park has some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand and this morning we drive to the Franz Josef Glacier terminal where we will have the opportunity to walk towards the glacier. Weather permitting, we may also take an optional scenic flight (at an additional cost) over the awe-inspiring Alpine region. This afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy.
Breakfast included

Day 12: Queenstown, 3 nights

Witness incredible scenery today as we travel through Mount Aspiring National Park, and across the Haast River Bridge on one of the most exciting scenic roads ever built. We journey along the shores of Lakes Hawea and Wanaka as we enter New Zealand’s Central Otago region. Later in the afternoon we arrive at the four star Millennium Hotel in the stunning alpine resort of Queenstown, which will be home for the next three nights.
Breakfast included

Day 13: Queenstown Freedom Day

Our day is free to take advantage of the incredible variety of activities available in and around New Zealand’s most glamorous alpine resort. Maybe go horse riding or take a four wheel drive safari over old mining tracks. 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. Wine-lovers may wish to follow Queenstown’s wine trail – an enjoyable afternoon of wine tasting and sightseeing.
Breakfast included

Day 14: Milford Sound Cruise

Today we travel to the magnificent Fiordland National Park and to Milford Sound, which will undoubtedly prove to be one of your tour highlights. The scenic drive takes us through a variety of landscapes – farmland, native tussock grasslands, lush beech forests and impressive glacial valleys – before arriving at Milford Sound to begin our cruise. 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.
Breakfast included

Day 15: Melbourne, 3 nights

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. It’s time now to leave New Zealand. We head for Queenstown Airport for our flight to Melbourne, Australia. Upon arrival, we meet our Australian Tour Manager and make our way to the centrally located four star Clarion Suites for the next three nights.
Breakfast included

Day 16: Melbourne

On our first day in Melbourne, we take in the city’s most notable sights with a sightseeing tour. Along the way, we will visit Captain Cook’s Cottage (with entry possible at own expense), the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Victoria Markets, Federation Square and the Rod Laver Area. As well as taking in the sights of the city centre, we also head out to St Kilda and Port Melbourne to discover these pretty waterside suburbs. In the afternoon, we travel to the nearby Phillip Island, where you can see the Penguin Parade, the world’s largest colony of adorable Little Penguins.
Breakfast included

Day 17: Melbourne Freedom Day

This is our first Freedom Day in Australia where we can spend the day in Melbourne as we wish. We will also be offering the opportunity to embark on two optional excursions, the first being a full day tour of the Great Ocean Road, one of the world’s most spectacular coastal roads. Leaving from Torquay, home of surfers’ paradise Bells Beach, this tour takes us along mile after mile of breath-taking coastline to our end destination, the Twelve Apostles. Another option is to travel through the Blue Dandenong Ranges aboard the Puffing Billy steam train, a truly memorable experience.
Breakfast included

Day 18: Cairns, 4 nights

This morning we return to the airport in time for our flight to Cairns where the afternoon is free to become acquainted with tropical Queensland. Centrally located in the heart of Cairns, our hotel for the next four nights is the four star DoubleTree by Hilton.
Breakfast included

Day 19: Great Barrier Reef

A visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Great Barrier Reef is simply unmissable during your holiday to Australia. It’s undoubtedly one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, teeming with marine life and colourful coral beneath its clear blue waters. Our day here begins with a journey aboard a high-speed catamaran out to the Outer Reef’s Marine World platform. With five hours to spend here, you can see the reef and the underwater kingdom which lies beneath the waters in a variety of ways, from snorkelling in the coral lagoon to a scenic helicopter flight high above the coral reef. A number of activities are available for the more adventurous traveller at an additional cost, including scuba diving and a guided snorkel safari. For those who prefer to stay dry, you can still witness the full spectacle of the Great Barrier Reef either via a glass-bottomed boat, semi-submersible reef viewer or underwater observatory
Breakfast and lunch included

Day 20: Cairns Freedom Day

Today is another of our Freedom Days, though there is also the option to join us on an optional trip to Kuranda, a village in the heart of the rainforest, where we’ll take in the local wildlife, indigenous culture and wonderful scenery. This tour begins with a traditional performance of dance, music and storytelling from the Tjapukai people, a great way to begin the day before we travel to Kuranda. We travel to Kuranda via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, which takes us way above the canopy, gliding over the endless stretch of rainforest. Once we arrive in the village, there are plenty of things to see and do, from the local markets to the butterfly sanctuary and Koala Gardens. Our journey back to Cairns will then be aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway, crossing over 40 bridges and passing through 15 tunnels. There is also a unique section of track where it clings to the rockface along a narrow coastal strip: just one part of a railway journey to remember.
Breakfast included

Day 21: Cairns Freedom Day

Another day to spend either in Cairns exploring the many galleries and museums, on the nearby coastline or out in the surrounding rainforest. Today we are offering an optional day trip to another of tropical northern Queensland’s rainforests, the Daintree Rainforest. This World Heritage Site is the oldest rainforest in the world, with our tour taking in fabulous scenery as well as getting up close to the local flora and fauna. You’ll be able to enjoy a walk through the rainforest with an expert Aboriginal guide, as well as take a cruise where you will be able to spot saltwater crocodiles.
Breakfast included

Day 22: Uluru (Ayers Rock), Overnight

This morning we make our way back to Cairns Airport in time for our flight to Uluru. Rising from the flat surrounding scrubland, Uluru is a site of deep cultural significance to the Aboriginal communities of the Northern Territory. It is the icon of Australia’s outback, and is also the world’s largest monolith. This afternoon we take a gentle stroll around certain areas of the rock to learn more about its historical and cultural importance. Later, we have the opportunity to witness the changing colours with a glass of sparkling wine, as the sun begins to set. It’s truly a photographer’s delight. Overnight at the four star Desert Gardens Hotel.
Breakfast included

Day 23: Alice Springs, 2 nights

For early risers, a dawn visit to the rock has been arranged. Seeing Uluru at sunrise, from a different vantage point and in a different light, offers a totally new perspective on the ever changing colours and character of the rock. We return to the hotel in time for breakfast. Afterwards, we visit the impressive series of rounded sandstone domes known as the Olgas. Leaving Uluru, we head east through amazing outback landscapes as we journey along the scenic Lasseter and Stuart Highways and make our way to Alice Springs in the Northern Territory and Australia’s Red Centre.

Upon arrival, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the outback’s largest town. Alice Springs was originally established in the 1870’s as a staging post for the overland telegraph line between Darwin and Adelaide. During our sightseeing tour we relive a bygone era at the Old Telegraph Station historic reserve, which faithfully recreates the settlement’s earliest years. Also included is the remarkable Royal Flying Doctor Service and the School of the Air. These unique institutions provide real insight into life in the vast Australian outback. Later in the afternoon we arrive at our hotel, the four star DoubleTree by Hilton.
Breakfast included

Day 24: Alice Springs Freedom Day

Our day is free to relax in the outback town of ‘Alice’. You may wish to take an optional hot air balloon ride over the fiery red earth. Alternatively a visit to the Western MacDonnell Ranges is an excellent opportunity to get a real picture of life in the outback. The full day excursion takes us through the wondrous and picturesque scenery of Simpson’s Gap and the towering granite walls of Standley Chasm.
Breakfast included

Day 25: Sydney, 3 nights

We have a leisurely start to the day as later this morning we must say a fond farewell to the Red Centre as we board our flight to Sydney. After arriving in Sydney we transfer to our home for the next three nights, the four-star North Sydney Harbourview Hotel, which enjoys an excellent position overlooking the magnificent Sydney Harbour. This sparkling harbour is also home to two of the city’s most famous landmarks, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. You will also be well-placed to explore the rest of Sydney as you wish, whether you choose to visit the variety of shops and acclaimed restaurants in the city centre or the beautiful suburbs leading to lush bushland and perfect sandy beaches.
Breakfast included

Day 26: Sydney

Today we embark on a sightseeing tour of the city, taking in several of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks. The tour begins with a drive through some of Sydney’s prettiest inner-city suburbs before we reach the world-famous Bondi Beach. From here we head back into the city, via Hyde Park and Parliament House to the Royal Botanical Gardens, home to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. Hand-carved by convicts in 1810 as a gift for Mrs Macquarie, the wife of an influential governor, this sandstone bench offers superb photo opportunities of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. We will also get to see these two iconic sights from the water with a relaxed luncheon cruise around Sydney Harbour: the perfect way to end our tour of the city. After the tour, the rest of the day is free to enjoy Sydney as you please.
Breakfast and lunch included

Day 27: Sydney Freedom Day

Our first full Freedom Day in Sydney leaves you to enjoy the city as you please. If you wish, you can join us on an optional trip to the Blue Mountains, a National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This National Park offers a landscape of iconic Australian bushland covered with eucalyptus trees, with towering peaks and deep gorges also punctuating the landscape. During our trip we will visit a series of lookouts to take in the dazzling panoramas, including Echo Point, where you can see the unique rock formation of the Three Sisters. We will also visit the village of Leura, home to a lively local arts scene and numerous garden festivals, as well as the stunning Wentworth Falls.
Breakfast included

Day 28: Depart Sydney

Our last morning in Sydney is yours to spend as you like until it’s time for our afternoon transfer to the airport. All flights back to the UK operate via Dubai, where there will be a change of aircraft.
Breakfast, in-flight meals and drinks included

Day 29: Arrive UK

We arrive into our chosen airport (London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle or Glasgow) bringing to an end our incredible adventure.
In-flight meals and drinks included