New Zealand, AustraliaAustralia to New Zealand: The Best of the South Pacific
Arrive at any time. Join your CEO for a welcome meeting. There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore your surroundings.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Rydges Sydney Central
Sunny Sydney welcomes you and hit the road right away with your CEO to dive into exploring this stunning city. Set off on a walking orientation tour of some of the city's well known landmarks. Slowly make your way to Circular Quay, where you'll hop onto a ferry to cross the harbor to Manly beach. Your CEO will point out some must do's while you're in Manly, like the coastal walk to Shelly beach, and some places to grab some local food. You can't go wrong with some fish and chips by the sea. In the evening, join your CEO and fellow travelers for a meal together at a local restaurant.
Sydney Orientation Walk
Get a feel for the city on a short orientation walk led by your CEO.
Manly Beach
Join your CEO and take a local ferry out to Manly Beach. Enjoy free time at Manly! Opt to surf, relax on the beach or choose to walk to Shelly Beach.
Accommodation
Rydges Sydney Central
Today is yours to spend as you see fit. There is quite literally too much choice in Sydney, so use your time wisely. Choose from exploring on foot the Rocks neighborhood, which is also home to the city's Museum of Contemporary Art. Or get the blood pumping by booking a jet boating tour or climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge.
Free Time
Enjoy free time in Australia's biggest beachside city, Sydney!
Optional Activities - Day 3Show
Accommodation
Rydges Sydney Central
Board a flight bound for Yulara, the gateway to the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. Spend the afternoon getting straight out there and exploring, starting with the Walpa Gorge walk at Kata Tjuta. Catch the sunset at Uluru before making your way back to your permanent tented camp. Enjoy an outdoor meal cooked at camp and some time under the stars.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Kata Tjuta Walpa Gorge Walk
Walk into Walpa Gorge where the sheer faces of the dome extend hundreds of meters above you. The gorge itself is a natural creek that carves its way between the two tallest domes of Kata Tjuta.
Sunset at Uluru
Marvel at the changing colours over the desert and keep reminding yourself that yes, you really are there.
Accommodation
Uluru Camp
Sunrise over Uluru is not to be missed, so rise early and catch sunrise over Australia's most iconic Indigenous landmarks. This morning, take the time to explore Uluru on foot on a guided walk through some of the most culturally significant areas of the site. These sacred spaces are some of the oldest on the planet, and understanding the interpretation behind them makes them even more impactful. Later, head to the Kings Canyon region overland, to your next permanent tented camp in the bush.
Uluru at Sunrise
Get up early, grab a coffee and watch the reddish hues of massive Uluru come to life as the sun rises.
Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park
Visit Uluru this morning with the guided interpretive Mala walk. Exploring on foot with an accredited guide is the best way to fully grasp the size and cultural significance of Uluru.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Kings Canyon Camp
In the desert morning, head out for an early hike throughout Kings Canyon. Choose between the harder 3 hour hike and a more approachable one hour option. The Rim walk is a 6km walk along the upper rim of Kings Canyon. The most difficult part of the hike is the very beginning with a 500 step ascent, but the landscapes and views you are rewarded with are more than worth the effort. You won't even remember the effort it took to get up there. (Sort of!) If you prefer to take it easy, enjoy a 2km hike through canyon valley. Later on, rest up on a drive East to Alice Springs.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Kings Canyon Hike
HIke through beautiful Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park on this walk that visits the natural amphitheatre, the North and South walls, and the Garden of Eden.
Accommodation
Desert Palms Alice Springs Hotel
In addition to its rich Indigenous history and culture, Alice Springs is home to the Telegraph Station that linked Australia top to bottom in the 19th century. This telegraph connection also integrated Australia into the wider network within the British Empire, allowing Australia to be connected to the outside world in a matter of hours, versus days. Enjoy a morning tour of Alice Spring learning about Telegraph Station, Anzac Hill and more. Next up, grab a flight to quirky, cool, Melbourne, the city of food and arts. In the afternoon, grab a flight to quirky, cool, Melbourne and settle in with an optional dinner with your CEO.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Anzac Hill Hike
Take a short hike to the top of Anzac Hill to see panoramic views of Alice Springs and a memorial for Australian veterans.
Accommodation
Causeway 353 Hotel
Melbourne is one of the easiest cities to traverse on foot and by public transport, so you will be getting your steps in today. Start the morning off by exploring the Queen Victoria markets with your CEO, before jumping into a guided tour where you will be led through some of the famous and off the beaten track-spots in Melbourne's famous laneways. Choose from one of dozens of lunch spots for a bite to eat and catch your breath, before ending the afternoon at the Royal Botanic Gardens of Melbourne, a sprawling 38 hectares of green space housing over 800 species of plants from the world over.
Queen Victoria Markets
Visit the largest market in the state of Victoria. With hundreds of vendors, from food, to handicrafts and thrifted treasures, its easy to spend hours here.
Melbourne Laneways Walk
Discover the small laneways packed with shops, cafés and restaurants that make Melbourne so unique. Grab a delicious barista coffee to-go (which no trip to Melbourne would be complete without!), and set out to experience Melbourne's laneways with an expert local host. Journey through this 'secret city,' seeing local hotspots and incredible street art while learning about the city's history.
Royal Botanic Gardens
Wander through a green haven right in the middle of massive Melbourne. Walk through the 1.6 mile loop, accessible for all.
Accommodation
Causeway 353 Hotel
Another Australian city with tons to do, so a day at leisure gives you plenty of time to craft the perfect day. You may want to take a trip out to see the Phillip Island Penguin Parade or embark on a full day tour out along the Great Ocean Road.
Free Time
Spend today exploring Australia's cultural capital, Melbourne.
Optional Activities - Day 9Show
Accommodation
Causeway 353 Hotel
Fly to the oceanside city of Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Accommodation
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Head north to Cape Tribulation. Stop en route to explore Mossman Gorge and take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest.
Private Vehicle
Travel 1.5 hrs to Mossman Gorge. Later, continue 2 hrs to Cape Tribulation.
Indigenous Peoples Interpretive Walk
Take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest. Follow an Indigenous guide and learn about bush food, medicinal plants and the lasting relationship of the Kuku Yalanji people with their natural environment. Find out how to make bush soap, watch an ochre painting demonstration and sample some bush tea.
Accommodation
Cape Tribulation Beach House
With a free day, opt for a trip to the Great Barrier Reef or to explore Daintree National Park.
Free Time
Head out and start exploring.
Optional Activities - Day 12Show
Accommodation
Cape Tribulation Beach House
Return to Cairns in the afternoon with free time to explore this laid-back city. En route, stop by Port Douglas and opt to have lunch at a local market.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Make the most of a few hours in this city.
Accommodation
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Depart early for a full day of travel to reach Airlie Beach, enjoying scenic views along the way.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Whitsunday Vista Holiday Apartments
Spend the day out on the water boating around the Whitsunday Islands, visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Opt to swim or snorkel, and hike to an island lookout over Whitehaven Beach, known for its stunning white sand. Return to Airlie Beach for the night.
Whitsunday Islands Boating Excursion
Enjoy a day out on the water amidst some of the 74 tropical islands that make up the Whitsunday archipelago. Visit Whitehaven Beach, jump overboard for a quick refreshing dip, and make friends with the tropical fish that thrive within Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
Barrier Reef Visit
The Whitsunday Islands are in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Spend the day out on a boat cruising through the waters around the islands. Then, when it gets too hot, pull on a mask and snorkel and dive overboard to check out the variety of brightly coloured marine plants, coral and fish that thrive right in these warm tropical waters.
Optional Activities - Day 15Show
Accommodation
Whitsunday Vista Holiday Apartments
Fly to Brisbane and transfer to Byron Bay for two nights in this "hippie" paradise.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Byron Beachcomber
Spend a free morning exploring Byron or opt to prebook a kayaking tour. In the afternoon, you'll head to the beach for a surf lesson with a trained surf instructor. Enjoy a few hours of instruction before hitting the waves for some practice rides. Pre-book the "Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional experience on your tour.
Surfing Lesson
Hit the beach and get ready to hang ten with a surf lesson from trained surf instructors. Spend some time in the water getting friendly with the waves, practice paddling, then pop up to balance on the wider, softer beginner boards. Too easy.
Optional Activities - Day 17Show
Accommodation
Byron Beachcomber
Spend the morning wandering the town checking out the local shops or having one last coffee on the beach before heading to the coastal township of Port Macquarie, featuring all the beauty of the beach set alongside gorgeous national parks. Enjoy an evening in Port Macquarie.
Free Time
Get out and explore this lazy beach town.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
El Motor Inn Port Macquarie
Travel from Port Macquarie to the Blue Mountains today. These mountains in Australia are best known for their soaring sandstone ridges. As you drive, pass by charming mountain towns, ancient Aboriginal rock art, lush green valleys, and loads of craggy cliffs. It doesn’t matter if the journey is shrouded in clouds or glowing in the sinking sun, you’ll still spot beauty around every turn.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Leisure Inn Spires
Travel deeper into the majestic Blue Mountains and experience the natural beauty of this World Heritage Area. Explore the landscape around Leura and Katoomba, view the Three Sisters, take a walk in Jamison Valley, and ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest railway in the world.
Blue Mountains Excursion
With charming Leura as your base, explore the major attractions of the Blue Mountains from sightseeing to bushwalking to cafés and more.
Jamison Valley Walk
Take in some amazing lookouts over the Jamison Valley, via the iconic Three Sisters. Descend down the 900 step giant staircase to the valley floor. Walk amongst the beautiful forest to the steepest incline railway in the world — The Katoomba Scenic Railway. Opt to ride its 52-degrees angle or take the Scenic Cableway. If you're keen for more walking, and time permitting, take the 900 stairs back up.
Scenic Railway
This railway is steep and plunges into the rainforest and through the valley. The ride is scenically stunning. At the end, opt to take a rainforest walk or a cable car back to the visitor's centre.
Accommodation
Leisure Inn Spires
This morning, leave the Blue Mountains behind and continue onward to Sydney. Once you arrive head out for an orientation walk before taking advantage of some free time to keep exploring. Opt to rent a bike, stroll the botanical gardens, or visit the iconic Opera House.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation Walk
Discover the highlights of Sydney on an orientation walk with the CEO. They will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Free Time
Get out and explore.
Optional Activities - Day 21Show
Accommodation
Rydges Sydney Central
Get a feel for the city. Relax seaside at Bondi Beach. Enjoy an optional night out with the group.
Free Time
Enjoy a free day to explore one of Australia's most exciting cities.
Optional Activities - Day 22Show
Accommodation
Rydges Sydney Central
Say goodbye to Australia and hop on a flight to Auckland, New Zealand. After transferring from the airport, enjoy some free time to explore this vibrant city.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Accommodation
Oaks Auckland Hotel
Spend today exploring one of the coolest cities in New Zealand. There is so much to do here, so take the whole day to enjoy. Opt to take a day trip to the wine region of Waiheke Island. Check out the epic view from the top of the Sky tower. Or head to one of the many beaches around the city.
Free Time
Spend today exploring Auckland, the City of Sails and New Zealands's biggest city.
Accommodation
Oaks Auckland Hotel
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. Take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm to see thousands of flickering glowworms light up in the dark.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Waitomo Cave Excursion
Enjoy a peaceful boat ride through 30 million year old caverns covered with magical glowworms that are unique to New Zealand. Hundreds of thousands of these tiny creatures radiate luminescent light in underground caves carved by rivers and time. Take in more than 136 years of cultural and natural history on this unique excursion.
Accommodation
Sudima Lake Rotorua
Visit Rotorua and opt to check out the geothermal area or go whitewater rafting. In the evening visit a Maori village for traditional ceremonies, a Hangi meal and entertainment. Rotorua sits over an active volcanic zone with bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools in different areas around the town. Opt to visit one of the sites, or go whitewater rafting nearby.
Mitai Experience
Visit the Mitai Maori Village and learn the migration story of Tamatekapua of the Te Arawa canoe to Aotearoa and the Maori Pacifica connection told in dance form. Enjoy a delicious Hangi meal, similar to a Hawaiian Luau, with dishes such as chicken, sweet potato (kumara) and lamb steamed over heated rocks.
Free Time
Enjoy free time to visit the geothermal sites around town.
Optional Activities - Day 26Show
Accommodation
Sudima Lake Rotorua
Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North Island and travel to the capital, Wellington.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington
Enjoy the atmosphere in this relaxed but lively city. After an orientation walk, enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to visit the Te Papa Museum or take the cable car up to the botanical gardens.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Free Time
Spend some time exploring the city.
Optional Activities - Day 28Show
Accommodation
Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington
Fly to the South Island and travel to the seaside town of Kaikoura, known for its diverse marine life. Stop en route for a wine tasting at a local winery.
Winery Visit
Stop at a local winery and opt to sample some of the wines produced on site.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 29Show
Accommodation
The White Morph
Enjoy a free morning in Kaikoura. Opt to go on a whale watching tour and search for giant sperm whales. Or head out on a tour to swim in the open ocean in a place often visited by wild dolphins. In the afternoon, travel to Hanmer Springs. Opt to take a soak in the hot springs.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 30Show
Accommodation
Drifters Inn Hanmer Springs
Take in the stunning scenery while travelling across the Southern Alps to the rugged and remote West Coast, before staying in the rainforest near the world's fastest moving glacier.
Private Vehicle
Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle. Driving time includes stops.
Accommodation
Rainforest Retreat
Enjoy a free day to explore the area around Franz Josef. Opt to explore the glacier with a heli hike. There are plenty of optional activities in the area to suit just about any budget and preference. Try heli hiking, scenic helicopter flights, skydiving or lake kayaking.
Free Time
Don't waste a minute—get exploring.
Optional Activities - Day 32Show
Accommodation
Rainforest Retreat
Continue to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. With beautiful scenery and tons of activities, there's something for everyone. Enjoy the great night life.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Heartland Hotel Queenstown
With free time here, opt to go bungee jumping (in its birthplace), jet boating (also born here!), skydiving or hiking. Or take it a little slower and travel by gondola to the top of a local peak. Opt to pre-book the "Queenstown Jet Boating" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Free Time
There's tons to do, get out and get going.
Optional Activities - Day 34Show
Accommodation
Heartland Hotel Queenstown
Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Doubtful Sound on a day cruise. Take in the waterfalls and wildlife, then return to Queenstown for the night.
Private Vehicle
Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle. Driving time includes stops.
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
Cruise through the stunning Doubtful Sound, one of the most untouched, remote places in the world. The only way to get here is by boat across Lake Manapouri, then bus across Wilmot Pass to Doubtful Sound. Marvel at the steep cliff walls and cascading waterfalls, and keep an eye out for area wildlife: dolphins, penguins, seals, and a variety of birds. This isolated part of New Zealand is truly a special place!
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Heartland Hotel Queenstown
Travel north through the centre of the South Island to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, named after New Zealand's highest peak. Spend the afternoon hiking the region, taking in the alpine scenery. Learn more about mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary at the Visitor's Centre, before a short but scenic journey to Tekapo Village.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre
Stop by the visitor's centre to learn more about the region.
Aoraki/Mount Cook Visit
Aoraki/Mount Cook is both a village, a national park and the name of New Zealand's highest mountain. Located in central South Island, the park includes a mix of rocks and glaciers, as well as alpine plants including the world's largest buttercup, the Mount Cook lily. There are several short walks that reward with spectacular views.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Godley Hotel
Continue on to Christchurch and take in an orientation walk with your CEO. Enjoy one final night together with the group. Travel to the Garden City of Christchurch, a little piece of England in New Zealand, still recovering from a devastating earthquake.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Free Time
Enjoy a last night out.
Accommodation
Bealey Quarter
Depart at any time.
