Highlights of Australia and New Zealand

Melbourne’s elegant façades and broad boulevards are your launchpad to an immersive encounter with the highlights of Australia and New Zealand (flights to arrive prior to 12pm). You'll be transferred and welcomed to your hotel on the banks of the city’s own Yarra River before getting to know your Travel Director and fellow travellers over a Welcome Reception at The General Assembly restaurant. At this modern pub you’ll feast on dinner washed down with your choice of beverage from local wines, you’ll find it hard to choose from one of the 15 beers on tap. The General Assembly’s waterfront setting on Yarra River’s South Wharf is a relaxing welcome to this cosmopolitan city.

Jump into city life joining your Travel Director on a walking tour admiring Melbourne’s Victorian architecture, arcades, and eclectic little laneways revealing some of the world’s most incredible street art. Encounter the aroma of Melbourne’s coffee culture around every corner. The rest of your day is free to take in Melbourne's well-known food and culture. Or join an Optional Experience such as a trip to Phillip Island to see the famous penguin parade. Wildlife fans won’t want to miss seeing the tiny penguins make their daily trip from the sea to their onshore burrows. It’s a fascinating experience to watch and only happens right here on Phillip Island.

Enjoy a day exploring stylish Melbourne just the way you like, indulging in world class fare at one of the city's famous eateries and stopping in unique shops. Browse Brunswick Street’s quirky boutiques and pop into one of laneways’ cafes to people watch and refuel on a strong flat white coffee. Or, tick something else off your bucket list and join an Optional Experience to travel the Great Ocean Road - the ultimate road trip along a stunning coastline. You’ll learn how the jagged rocks were formed and stop at the world famous Twelve Apostles. Admire these towering limestone formations rising out of the sea against windswept cliffs. Take advantage of photo ops around every bend and stretch your legs in the seaside town of Apollo Bay. If you prefer to soak up the city life, perhaps explore the city on foot with a History and Donuts Walking Tour is more your thing. Wherever you chose to explore today, Melbourne and its surroundings are yours for the taking.

Experience a complete change of scenery on your Australia and New Zealand tour journeying to the heart of the continent. You’ll fly into Alice Springs over sparse, red sand desert, the MacDonnell Ranges looming in the distance, before making your first stop at the School of the Air. Here you’ll meet a Local Specialist and be guided through the school, see teachers in action, and learn how this massive remote school provides educational support to children in the surrounding communities. Your next stop is the birthplace of the Alice Springs township, the historic Telegraph Station. Hear about its origins in 1871 relaying messages between Darwin and Adelaide with a single wire and thus connecting Australia's north and south. Then you’re in for an immersive Outback experience at a Be My Guest dinner under a blanket of stars at the Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre. Your hosts are the famous Outback Paramedic brothers Tom and Danny Falzon who’ll share stories of ecology, culture, and the realities of life in the outback living working with wind and solar energy. Tour their farmstead, then settle in for your gourmet Australian style BBQ dinner, white tablecloths and all, with red dirt underfoot beneath a sweeping starry sky. The brothers will treat you to a star talk complete with telescopes, and even lead you on a fireside sing-along. A night to remember!

The rusty red landscapes of Uluru beckon as we leave Alice Springs for Ayers Rock Resort, near the sacred ancient site of Uluru and your home for the next two days in Aussie’s cultural heartland. You’ll drive past dry salt lakes through red dirt on long roads past outback roadhouses before your first of many mesmerizing encounters with ‘the Rock,’ in Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. As the desert sun begins to set, you’re treated to a classic Uluru sundowner: nibbles and sparkling wine amidst the red dirt and blowing spinifex grasses as the Outback sky ignites in shades of red, yellow, and purple. Gazing at massive Uluru - which at 348 metres high is taller than the Eiffel Tower - you'll experience a kind of magical connection to the land. Relaxed and happy, you’ll make your way to the Desert Gardens Hotel for a Stays With Stories experience. Surrounded by desert trees and distant Uluru, this indigenous-owned hotel showcases the natural beauty of the landscape. Stay in this evening or, after sunset, join an Optional Experience Uluru BBQ Dinner as you watch the changing desert colours and are treated to an informative star talk in one of the best places to view the southern night sky.

Watch night turn to day as you head to the National Park at dawn - hot cocoa in hand - to witness a magical sunrise as the dawn creeps across the desert and lights up Uluru. Then, day underway, at a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, hear stories about the Anangu, caretakers of this remote arid landscape, touring the base of Uluru to discover its ancient rock art with your Travel Director. You’ll be amazed at their deep knowledge and passion for this land through stories that enhance the natural beauty you surely can’t get enough of. Now it’s time to create your own artwork with the guidance of a Local Specialist Aboriginal artist at Maruku Arts Dot Art Experience. You’ll learn about Western Desert Art from Indigenous artists before painting your own piece of Australian aboriginal art as a memento. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience of creating personalized art that tells your story is an insightful and hands on way to gain a better understanding of Aboriginal culture. The red desert follows you through the desert plains to Kata Tjuta. Walk amidst its towering, domes through Walpa (meaning “wind”) Gorge to a lookout. From sunrise to sunset, tonight you’ll marvel over a magnificent sunset over Kata Tjuta paired with sparkling wine. Without many of the crowds at Uluru, you may have the beauty of this hidden gem to yourself.

Rise with the birds on an exclusive visit to the kaleidoscopic Field of Light art installation of artist Bruce Munro. Set against the darkened desert, walk through the lights and watch the changing colours of this innovative art bring the land to life, feeling as if you’re in a field of Multi-coloured flowers against the backdrop of a magnificent Uluru sunrise. This eerily silent, soul-stirring start to your morning gives way to yet another exclusive experience on top of a sand dune to watch the desert awaken over Uluru with a hot drink in hand. That’s just the beginning of your day! Next up Dive Into Culture joining your Local Specialist Aboriginal artist for a fun introduction to Western Desert Art at Maruku Arts Dot Art Experience. Indigenous artists share meanings of the dot art before you get hands on crafting your story, painting your own piece of Australian aboriginal art as a memento. Learning from the artists and creating personalized art is an experience that will leave you enriched and enlightened as head to your next stop in tropical Cairns.

Ease into the laidback lifestyle of Cairns with a full free day to explore this tropical city or take your pick of the many tempting Optional Experiences. There’s something for everyone, no matter what you’re looking for. Take to the skies for a bird’s eye view with a balloon flight over the Atherton Tablelands, the hot air ballooning capital of the southern hemisphere. Or, dive into nature learning traditional hunting and gathering skills as you search for bush tucker of mud crabs, fish, and mussels in the Daintree Rainforest. Taste and share your catch before a guided interpretive walk through the ancient rainforest. Another option is to take a historic rail journey winding across bridges and through tunnels to Kuranda village, nestled in a tropical rainforest to explore its colourful and interesting arts and crafts. Return to the lowlands on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway over and through the some of the oldest rainforest in the world. You can also choose to pair your trip to Kuranda with a visit to Hartley’s Crocodile for a wetlands cruise through the ecologically significant Melaleuca wetlands, the home of the saltwater crocodile. Top off your day at dinner on Cairns’ waterfront at Salt House for regional seafood plucked straight from the ocean, highlighting fresh, local ingredients, and prepared on their custom-built Argentinian wood fired grill.

Get ready for a bucket list adventure today as you board a high-speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. It’s up to you how you’d like to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site and underwater wonderland: Don your mask and fins (equipment provided) for an up-close encounter with a kaleidoscope of fishes and reef or stay dry and explore the world’s largest living reef system from the comfort of a semi-submersible craft. Whichever you choose, your local guide enhances your time on board with plenty of insights on the local ecology and the importance of preserving this fragile environment. Before your return to Cairns, you’ll enjoy an onboard tropical buffet lunch under the glorious Aussie sunshine.

We say farewell to Cairn’s flying south to Sydney and spend the rest of the day exploring the beauty of this harbour city. From your centrally located hotel, take a stroll around the waterfront Circular Quay, enjoying the peaceful Royal Botanic Garden. Whether you’re called by land or sea, Sydney city is walkable and offers something for everybody. Stopping for a bite is its own adventure, wining and dining in the famous Rocks District dating back to before the arrival of British settlers in the late 1700s, visiting Chinatown for some tasty yum cha, popping into one of city’s many craft breweries, or finding the perfect rooftop bar to sit back and take it all in.

A day of sightseeing around this stunning harbour city awaits! Begin your day with a guided tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House with a Local Specialist, delving into the story of a building 'that changed the image of an entire country' and learning the history of this iconic structure. Continue sightseeing for a Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise sailing past Sydney’s dazzling harbour sights enjoying million-dollar views and a menu focusing on local food and wine. Back on land, it's off to the beach to wiggle your toes in the sand at breathtaking Bondi, and where you are free to wander along the promenade, potter in and out of surf shops or grab a coffee at one of Bondi's sidewalk cafés.

Enjoy a full free day to explore Sydney or consider joining an Optional Experience to discover even more further afield. Animal lovers will not want to miss a visit to the Sydney Zoo to see some of Australia’s unique native animals including the wombat, Tasmanian devil, and yes, the koala. Continue to the spectacular Blue Mountains, whose eucalypt haze you’ll see looming in the distance, for fresh mountain air and stunning natural scenery. You’ll see the famous Three Sisters rock formation - each of which stands over 900 metres high - and hear the Aboriginal legend behind these massive structures. Consider joining an optional experience climbing up and over the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Guided by a professional Climber Leader, you’ll ascend 134 metres above Sydney Harbour for priceless views at the top. Spend your last evening in Australia enjoying dinner at Midden restaurant, where, under the sails of the Opera House, you’ll recap your favourite sights in Australia before embarking on tomorrow’s next leg of your travels on your Australia and New Zealand tour.

Set your sights on New Zealand as you fly to Auckland, the City of Sails. You’ll see how the city got its nickname as you fly in over the islands and boats in the harbour. In fact, one in four New Zealanders is involved in recreational boating. On land, Auckland is known for being built on 53 dormant volcanoes (two of which you have the opportunity to see!) Enjoy dinner at The Grill, celebrating Aotearoa's culinary treasures.

Start your first full day in New Zealand getting lay of the land on a city sightseeing tour viewing the beautiful waterfront of Mission Bay, historic overlook of Bastion Point, and spacious gardens and sunken pool at the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial showing off views of Waitemata Harbour and the North Shore. You pass the Auckland Museum, located on the dormant volcano Pukekawa, meaning 'hill of bitter memories' referring to tribal battles fought on the site until 1828. You have the afternoon free to explore. How about going behind the scenes of the All Blacks, one of the world's legendary rugby teams? The interactive All Blacks Experience explores an introduction to the game as a part of New Zealand culture. Or perhaps stroll along Queen Street to find the perfect waterfront restaurant in Viaduct Harbour to enjoy water views while enjoying local oysters, crayfish, or New Zealand’s native green lip mussels with a crisp New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Then stretch your legs popping into the many boutique shops.

Begin your journey to Rotorua through the dramatic scenery and landscapes of Waikato, passing through Cambridge, ‘The Town of Trees and Champions.’ Learn about Cambridge’s claim to fame as the training grounds for thoroughbred racehorses and famous jockeys as you cruise along its tree-lined boulevards. Then arriving in Rotorua, you’ll tour the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, a leader in kiwi husbandry, with a Local Specialist spotting shy kiwi amongst the native bush learning about the rarity of New Zealand’s national bird and the work being done to save this iconic animal during this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. You’ll be amazed as you see eggs being incubated, the hatching process, and even newly hatched kiwi chicks. This evening, Dive into Culture at a Regional Dinner at the Te Pa Tu Maori Experience where you’ll journey into the forest to a time of warriors and ancient traditions. Hear about Maori history, traditions, and future aspirations across an evening of celebration and feasting. Enjoy a forest kai horotai (seasonal canapés) and chef choice aperitif followed by a seasonal three-course dinner.

Go from city to farm life today as you travel to the countryside for a dose of local hospitality at a Be My Guest experience in the Red Barn. Hear the history of this working dairy farm from local Dan, and get a feel for country life as you're invited to roll up your sleeves and make your own butter - butter churners, tiny mason jars and all! Later, sit down to a locally sourced farm to table morning tea prepared by the onsite chef. The feel-good vibes that endure will follow you all the way to Queenstown, the self-proclaimed adventure capital of New Zealand. It makes perfect sense – there are ski fields, white-water river and bridges strapped with bungy cords wherever you turn. And then there’s the dining scene; Queenstown is home to some of the country’s most awarded restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for bulging burgers or lakeside tapas, ask us for recommendations on this leg of your Queenstown New Zealand tour.

Journey along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and over the Devil's Staircase to Te Anau. Experience magnificent scenery afforded by the Mirror Lakes, Cleddau Valley and the Chasm. Emerge from the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel towards Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls before reaching Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Take to its still waters for a cruise filled with pinch-me moments. Return to Queenstown for a free evening. Speak to your Travel Director about dining recommendations in Queenstown.

The day is yours to explore Queenstown as you like, and good news...you have plenty of options to choose from. Take to the water riding the thrilling Skippers Jet boat through cliffs and gorges. Or explore a slice of Kiwi farming history and soak in the views cruising Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand's oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak High Country Farm where you’ll be treated to a farm tour and morning or afternoon tea. Tonight, exchange stories of your Queenstown adventures as you join your Travel Director and group for a Regional Dinner at the historic Postmasters Cottage, built in 1907, in nearby Arrowtown. Hear the history of this quaint house that was almost demolished by developers and then saved and purchased by the passionate local community. The community continued to rally together restoring the cottage’s verandas and adding charming gardens and paths. Stroll the grounds before sitting down to dinner with a focus on fresh, local food and wines.

Today you say farewell to Queenstown as you make your way to another beautiful destination, Lake Tekapo. Visit Mrs. Jones' Fruit Stall to taste of some of the town's juicy stone fruit including apricots, nectarines, peaches, and plums. The journey alone will have you falling in love with the South Island as you travel to Cromwell on the banks of Lake Dunstan. On arrival in Tekapo you’ll be greeted by the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd for a photo opportunity of this lakefront stone church. As the sun sets your journey continues with a tour of the night sky at the world-renowned UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve with a Local Specialist. Look up in awe as your stargazing guide points out the Southern Cross, Magellanic Cloud, and Milky Way. You even have the chance to take a closer look using a powerful optical telescope. Complement your discoveries in the Southern Hemisphere's sky with your Stays with Stories accommodation on the shores of Lake Tekapo.

Visit the lovely country town of Geraldine, known for the preserves created from local produce. Arriving in Christchurch see the local sights including the Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Earthquake Memorial, Bridge of Remembrance, and many streets lined with bars, cafes, and riverside markets. View the Cathedral in Latimer Square, the temporary home of the Christchurch Cathedral. Admire its colourful stained-glass windows and sustainable cardboard construction giving it the nickname “The Cardboard Cathedral” and a striking example of the city’s revitalizing rebuild.

Travel through rolling countryside to Hurunui Hills, a hill-country farm in North Canterbury. Enjoy warm Kiwi hospitality with the Bamford Family, who have been farming at Hurunui since 1884, with six generations focused on producing premium Merino sheep, wool, and Angus cattle. Soak up the stunning scenery, meet the farm animals, and discover what it is like to live off the land on this unique By My Guest experience. Then visit a local vineyard, Waipara Springs Winery, where it's time to relax and enjoy a platter-style lunch among the vines. All good things must come to an end and you’ll spend your last night with your Travel Director and the group raising a glass to your travels at a Farewell Dinner showcasing food from the Canterbury region.

Bid farewell to your newfound friends as your holiday concludes this morning after breakfast as you're transferred to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight. You’ll surely leave with plenty of stunning photos and, most importantly, memories of this beautiful part of the world (flights anytime).