MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS
- Set sail through the graceful natural beauty of Abel Tasman National Park.
- Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the Sydney Opera House.
- Cruise through the dramatic Milford Sound.
CULINARY INCLUSIONS
- Witness Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunset while enjoying drinks and canapés.
- Sample local and native produce at the Adelaide Central Market.
- Taste Maori culture at a Hangi lunch.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
- Connect with New Zealand’s landscape as you explore pristine wilderness and coastlines on several easy walks.
- Walk amongst the history and heritage of Maori culture.
- Spend a day amid the natural wonder of the Great Barrier Reef, with included options to snorkel, hike, or join a marine biologist on a glass-bottom boat.
HOTELS
- Rydges Wellington, Wellington
- The Hotel Nelson, Nelson
- Beachfront Hotel, Hokitika
- Scenic Franz Josef Glacier Hotel, Franz Josef
- Heritage, Queenstown
- Park Royal Darling Harbour, Sydney
- Peppers Waymouth, Adelaide
- Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock
- Flynn Crystalbrook Collection Hotel, Cairns
INCLUDED
- 22 Days
- 21 Nights
- 19 Breakfasts
- 6 Lunches
- 7 Dinners
Overnight Flight
Encounter the untamed vitality and the captivating culture of New Zealand and Australia – a perfect blend of wildlife and urban energy that is rooted in tradition but is ever evolving with the Outback air. Delve into the South Pacific heritage and get a close look at New Zealand’s Maori lifestyle and the roots of Australia’s Aboriginal groups.
Wellington, New Zealand
Arrive in New Zealand. Feel the ever-present heartbeat of Maori culture on this set of islands. Comprised of natural beauty and striking contrasts, live the Kiwi lifestyle for the next 10 days. Say hello to Wellington, the colorful capital city of New Zealand. Take in the gourmet eats, seaside charm, and scenic coastline as you feel the warm ocean breeze of the “Windy City.”
Wellington
Jump right into Maori culture with an Impact Moment, as you experience a traditional powhiri, an elaborate welcome ceremony. Marvel at the carved waka, sleek canoes of intricate design, at a Maori culture center. Get exclusive access to an archaeological site not open to the public during a guided exploration of a waterfront pa (Maori for village). Take the chance to taste Maori heritage in a Hangi dish during lunch and discover the roots of the culture at the Te Papa Museum. Explore the city of Wellington during your free afternoon, before reconvening to share conversation and connect with your fellow travelers over dinner by the waterfront.
Wellington - Picton - Nelson
Surrounded by green slopes and rolling mountains, the Cook Strait will offer a picturesque landscape as you cruise over the stunning waters on your way to the South Island. Visit Nelson, the oldest city on the island. Enjoy an evening at leisure to experience this coastal hub, full of local works and a trending foodie scene. This local art hub highlights works from the area, artisan food markets, and sparkling waters.
Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park - Nelson
Today, venture out to Kaiteriteri, a coastal paradise where you’ll set sail through the graceful natural beauty of Abel Tasman National Park. Coast over the crystal-clear waters and pass reaching trees huddled along the shore. A picnic lunch awaits at the Anchorage, a scenic bay set amongst gentle waves and sandy coasts.
Nelson - Hokitika
See the natural phenomenon of Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks as you travel further south to Hokitika. Feel the spray of the ocean crashing against these unique limestone formations with a flapjack façade. Tonight, dine at your beachfront hotel, a natural haven of craggy peaks and lively waterspouts.
Hokitika - Franz Josef
Wake up in Hokitika, better known as a “cool little town.” Head to Hokitika Gorge for a taste of New Zealand’s beloved West Coast nature. Return to town for a tour, ending with a walk along the beach and some free time to explore on your own. Make your way to Franz Josef, New Zealand’s glacier country. Discover the area’s rugged allure by combing the creek bed in search of New Zealand jade or perhaps you’ll explore some of the many walking trails or eateries in town.
Franz Josef
Choose how to start your day because it’s your choice! View the Franz Josef Glacier with a local guide, traversing an exclusive trail not open to the public -OR- get a glimpse of kiwis at the West Coast Wildlife Centre, where you’ll learn more about conservation and rehabilitation of this national icon. Enjoy free time to relax. Finish your day with dinner at the hotel.
Franz Josef - Queenstown
Journey through the thick rainforest and emerge on the “wild” west coast. With cliffs and beaches on your right and the southern snowcapped Alps on your left, there will be no shortage of riveting landscapes to capture your eye. Pause in Wanaka, a slice of tranquility nestled along a mountain-lined lake. Continue to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, and settle into your home for the next 3 nights.
Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley and cross through an ancient red beech forest. Cruise along the waters of the dramatic Milford Sound, taking in the natural splendor around you. With cliffs rising up to nearly 4,000 feet, you’ll see why this is one of the most visited sights on the South Island. Following your cruise, you may choose to return to Queenstown via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.
Queenstown
Today is yours! Explore the adventure capital whichever way your heart desires. Perhaps you’ll choose an optional tour to cruise Lake Wakatipu surrounded by Queenstown’s stunning landscape aboard an iconic coal-fired steamship. Once on land, enjoy a BBQ lunch lakeside followed by a sheepdog demonstration.
Queenstown - Sydney, Australia
Wish New Zealand goodbye and enter Australia, home to the expansive Outback and lively waterfront cities. Start your Aussie adventure in Sydney, the country’s largest city.
Sydney
During a city tour get a glimpse at all the main highlights Sydney has to offer. Then, take a step into the past and explore the historic Rocks neighborhood, situated along the edge of Sydney Harbour. Continue along to the port Circular Quay before strolling through the winding paths of the Royal Botanical Gardens. Here, delve into Aboriginal culture by learning about native plants and foraging for traditional foods. Go behind the scenes of the Sydney Opera House on an expert-led guided tour of this legendary venue. As the sun sets, admire the city skyline on a dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour passing under the Harbour Bridge and by the iconic Sydney Opera House.
Sydney
Make the most of your final day in Sydney with a full day at leisure where you can take advantage of your included hop-on, hop-off bus passes! You could take the bus out to Bondi Beach for the surf culture, visit one of the many local museums, or take in the sights at Darling Harbour.
Sydney - Adelaide
Set off on a short flight to Adelaide, the cosmopolitan hub of South Australia. Experience the famous food and drink this region is known for at the Adelaide Central Market, one of the one of the largest undercover fresh produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere. Indulge in tastings of Australia’s multicultural cuisine as you stroll the market stalls alongside a local guide. Afterward, explore more of Adelaide on foot with a walking tour passing Rundle Mall and down Peel Street, an iconic laneway known for its restaurants. Later tonight, gather for dinner at the hotel.
Adelaide - Barossa Valley - Adelaide
Treat your taste buds to a full-day exploration of the Barossa Valley’s fine food and wine. Visit a one of the local farmsteads, famed for its produce and enjoy a private interactive cooking demonstration. Your vintner voyage continues with a tour and tasting at the famous Seppeltsfield Winery, one of the oldest in the Barossa Valley, followed by lunch.
Adelaide - Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Your adventure continues with a flight from Adelaide to Uluru (Ayers Rock). Arrive in Uluru and get a taste of the local indigenous flavors as you enjoy a native high tea. Then, travel into Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park to get a close look at the iconic, massive red rock emerging from the earth, sprung up as if beckoned toward the clouds. On a guided tour of Uluru's base, discover the heritage of Australia's Aboriginal people in this spiritual place before gathering for a spectacular sunset view of the iconic rock formation. While having drinks and canapés, watch the colors of Uluru change before your eyes as the sun sets and the Milky Way starts to twinkle over Australia’s greatest natural wonder.
Uluru (Ayers Rock) - Cairns
Say goodbye to the outback and hello to the tropics, as you fly to Cairns and enjoy an evening at leisure, getting to know this gateway to an underwater paradise.
Cairns - Great Barrier Reef - Cairns
Board a high-speed catamaran and sail to Green Island to discover the aquatic realm of the Great Barrier Reef. Spend the day however you please, perhaps choosing from a selection of included activities. Maybe you’ll soak up the sun on the beach or by the pool. Or consider snorkeling in the rolling waves, uncovering a pod of vibrant sea life. You can also board a glass-bottom boat to join a marine biologist for another view of the diverse underwater ecosystem.
Cairns
This morning, a short cruise takes you to a stunning wetland environment where Traditional Aboriginal Owners greet you with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. Afterwards your indigenous guides will introduce you to native foods and bush medicines, as well as ancient Aboriginal traditions, customs, and artifacts. This afternoon is at your leisure to relax or explore the tropical city of Cairns. Toast to the end of your journey at a farewell dinner, reflecting on your Outback escapade.
Cairns - Tour Ends
Your tour of New Zealand and Australia comes to a close today.
Have Questions? Email Us or call us at (519) 426-2144
