Discover the cultural and natural highlights of New Zealand and Australia on an epic 23-day adventure. Start off on New Zealand’s North Island with a Maori feast in Rotorua; then head south to cruise through majestic, wildlife-rich fjords. Queenstown—the adventure capital of the world—will serve up a healthy dose of adrenaline before we fly to Australia and eat our way through Melbourne on a walking lunch. Go behind the scenes at the Sydney Opera House, and dive in to explore the Great Barrier Reef on a snorkeling excursion. Wrap up your adventure in Queensland by spending an afternoon with members of Australia’s Indigenous community.
Hotel (22 nts)
22 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 dinner
Allow USD885-1150 for meals not included.
Private vehicle, plane, train, boat, walking.
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Auckland: Arrive at any time.
Auckland/Rotorua: Drive to the lakeside town of Rotorua, situated over an active geothermal zone and known for its volcanic features and rich Maori heritage. Stop en route at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm to see thousands of flickering glowworms light up in the dark.
Christchurch/Lake Tekapo: Enjoy a morning at leisure in Christchurch. Choose to ride the Gondola for incredible sweeping views, or stroll the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. In the afternoon, head west to Tekapo at the base of Aoraki/Mt Cook. This evening after dinner, join local experts for an exclusive astronomy experience in one of the worlds official Dark Sky Parks in Tekapo. Expect breathtaking perspectives of the stars, planets, and distant galaxies. You'll have the rare opportunity to capture stunning celestial images with expert guidance, while experienced guides take you on a journey through the Southern Skies.
Lake Tekapo/Queenstown: Set off this morning heading further west towards Wanaka. Enjoy some free exploration time in Wanaka and grab some lunch at leisure. This afternoon, join your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) for a brief orientation of Arrowtown before enjoying some time to explore this historic mining town. Choose to go on a walking tour starting at the Lakes District Museum. Then stroll around the historic miner's cottages, old churches, and explore the Chinese Settlement to learn about the gold mining past that shaped Arrowtown. In late afternoon, head to Queenstown and enjoy dinner at leisure.
Queenstown: Discover the glacially carved wilderness of Fiordland National Park on a cruise. Glide past shimmering waterfalls and towering cliffs, and look out for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and little blue penguins with our naturalist guides. Travel back to shore, head to Queenstown for the night.
Queenstown/Melbourne: Fly from Queenstown to Melbourne, Australia, and enjoy free time in the city.
Sydney: Enjoy a day at leisure to explore the best of Sydney. Walk the Rocks and stop by Maybe Sammy for a drink, which happens to be one of the best bars in Sydney. Take the ferry to Manly Beach or walk the Bondi Coastal walk and snap some photos.
Port Douglas: Explore the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day catamaran tour to the Outer Reef. Immerse yourself in the largest coral reef system in the world, which teems with 1500 species of tropical fish, as well as whales, dolphins and porpoises. Hop into the warm waters off Australia's east coast and experience this marine wonderland for yourself. Lunch will be served onboard. Back in Port Douglas the evening is yours to do as you please.
Port Douglas/Cairns: After one last breakfast in Port Douglas, transfer back to Cairns where our tour ends at the airport mid-morning. Alternatively, extend your stay in Port Douglas.