Highlights of Australia and New Zealand

On arrival Perth you will be welcomed and transferred to hotel Novotel.

After breakfast. You head north through the Swan Valley to Caversham Wildlife Park where you stop to view and photograph koalas and hand feed kangaroos. After stopping at Caversham Wildlife Park, you travel to the lobster fishing town of Cervantes for lunch. You stop at the Lobster Shack for an informative talk about the lobster industry, followed by a self guided tour through the purpose built factory. Then it’s onwards to the mystical Pinnacles Desert for an easy paced walk through the fascinating landscape where you will be in awe at the sheer size and number of these spiers. Afterwards enjoy a thrilling experience of sand boarding and 4-wheel driving over the vast sand dunes of Lancelin.

We begin the day at the lovely Kings Park to experience a walk through the tree canopies. Then continue to Cottesloe Beach before arriving at Fremantle. Stay on the coach and return to Perth by road travelling past exclusive suburbs, the University of WA, Royal Perth Yacht Club, the Old Swan Brewery. Travel through the historic town of Guildford to the Swan Valley wine growing region. Stop at Sandalford Wines for some wine tasting. They offer extensive cellar and wine emporium gift store featuring wine accessories. Then visit the Margaret River Chocolate Factory to sample delicious chocolates. Afterwards feed kangaroos and touch a koala at Caversham Wildlife Park. Next stop is at Charlies Estate Wine & Nougat Boutique to enjoy an extensive wine tasting including cheese and biscuits. Return to Perth via the Burswood Resort & Casino.

Fly to Melbourne. On arrival Melbourne you will be welcomed and transferred to hotel Novotel.

Full day tour of Great Ocean road. See some of the most spectacular coastal scenery on Earth, including the Twelve Apostles limestone stacks and the Gibson’s Steps, site of a historic clifflines.Enjoy the views of the city and Port Phillip Bay as you cross the Westgate Bridge. You will pass through Geelong on the way to the Surf Coast and the world’s premier surfing spot of Bells Beach. Continuing along the Great Ocean Road. A stop will be made at Kennet River township to locate local koalas in their native habitat. Your tour then continues through the spectacular Otway Ranges, here you have the opportunity to walk through the cool temperate rainforest. Then it’s on to Port Campbell National Park and it’s iconic array of rock formations. You will be awestruck by the majestic monoliths of the Twelve Apostles before returning back to Melbourne.

Sit back and allow the experts to introduce Victoria’s most visited region. The Yarra Valley is irresistible, with its majestic hills and mountains of the Great Dividing Ranges. Recognised as one of the world’s great wine growing regions, you will experience fine local produce and breathtaking scenery during the tour. Your first visit will be the Yering Station Vineyards. Start the day by learning how to swirl, sniff and slurp and you’ll be ready to taste some wines. Then off to lunch at Ray’s Restaurant located in Balgownie Estate. Enjoy a high quality restaurant lunch with a glass of Balgownie Estate wine to compliment the meal. After lunch we continue to Yering Farm. The cellar door proudly showcases antique cooper tools used by pioneer wine makers over a century ago. Our last winery visit is the Domaine Chandon. This is the perfect way to finish the day with a guided tour through the winery that shows how the wine is made, followed by a relaxing glass of Australia’s best bubbly with tasty light platters and a view that will leave you in awe.

We travel to Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park. Here, we enjoy a guided wildlife walk where we have the opportunity to meet and hand-feed many species of native Australian animals. Learn about iconic species such as kangaroos, koalas, emus & wallabies, as well as some of our lesser known favourites including quolls, owls, bandicoots & Tasmanian devils. A visit to Point Grant and The Nobbies gives us an opportunity to enjoy views over Westernport Bay and Bass Strait, including Seal Rocks, home to Australia’s largest population of fur seals. Where just after dark every night the world’s smallest penguins waddle ashore after spending the day fishing out at sea.

After breakfast transfer to Melbourne airport to board your flight to Ayers Rock. On arrival Ayers Rock you will be welcomed and transferred to hotel Sails in the Desert.

Rise early this morning to travel to Talinguru Nyakunytjaku in Uluru & Kata Tjuta National Park. Watch the first rays of the sun rise the Red Centre alight while enjoying a warming cup of tea or coffee. Then travel to the mystical 36 domes of Kata Tjuta. On the way enjoy panoramic views of the southern side of Kata Tjuta before arriving at the base of Walpa Gorge. Spend some time exploring the gorge and the unusual conglomerate rock formations. The walking trail through Walpa Gorge follows the natural creek between two of the tallest domes of Kata Tjuta.

Fly to Cairns. On arrival Cairns check in at hotel Double Tree by Hilton.

After breakfast, take a scenic rail journey up to the rainforest village of Kuranda, where you can explore the stunning scenery, take a memorable journey on the skyrail. Visit the award winning Rainforestation Nature Park to experience the Dreamtime Walk and a performance of the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers in the rainforest amphitheatre and take a tour of the rainforest by amphibious army duck. Learn about the rainforest ecosystem from both land and water as your guide explains the vast array of flora and fauna. Then onto the Wildlife Park and observe Australian animals such as crocodiles, snakes & wombats, hand feed the friendly Kangaroos. Relax over a delicious barbecue lunch before you go back to Cairns on the Kuranda Scenic Rail.

We depart Cairns and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef on a 25 metre high-performance catamaran, enjoying morning tea along the way. First stop is the beautiful Michaelmas Cay where most of our water activities take place, including snorkelling tour assisted by our very own Marine Naturalist for new or nervous snorkeler. All snorkelling equipment is provided and you also have the option of scuba diving (at own expense) in the crystal clear waters. After lunch depart to Breaking Patches (Paradise Reef Mooring) where you have time to snorkel, dive (at own expenses).

Fly to Sydney. On arrival Sydney you will be welcomed and transferred to Novotel Sydney.

Discover the World Heritage treasures of Blue Mountains National Park and the breathtaking natural wonders of the Jenolan Caves. Nestled on the western side of the Blue Mountains, this extensive network of limestone caves and above-ground arches are Australia’s most impressive. Pass by the Sydney Olympic Park at Homebush Bay. Climb the western mountain highway via the sleepy townships Blaxland, Wentworth, Lawson and Katoomba the quaint capital of the Blue Mountains National Park, a getaway destination for holiday-makers. Enjoy views over stunning eucalypt forests and age-old rock formations as you travel through the scenic Blue Mountains, learn ancient Aboriginal Dreamtime interpretations of the creation of the world. Enjoy a stop at Echo Point and see the famous Three Sisters rock formation. Enter the Grand Arch at Jenolan Caves, hiding place of sparkling limestone caverns. Take in the beauty of the region and see the mysterious Blue Lake. Join an informative and fully guided Cave tour through the Lucas Cave.

This tour is the ideal introduction to Sydney, it includes major highlights and a guided tour of Australia’s most iconic building , the Sydney Opera House. Your tour highlights all the city’s major landmarks – Darling Harbour, Chinatown, Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, Sydney’s birthplace, Parliament House, Hyde Park, St Mary’s Cathedral, Art Gallery of NSW and the Domain. You will travel through the exclusive Eastern suburbs of Double Bay and Vaucluse to The Gap for stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Heads before arriving at the famous Bondi Beach, one of Australia’s favourite beaches. Finally you will return to the city via the historic and trendy suburb of Paddington to the Opera House where you will join a comprehensive guided tour of this famous building.

Transfer to Sydney airport to board your flight to Christchurch. On arrival Christchurch you will be welcomed and transferred to hotel Rendezvous.

After breakfast we leave for City tour of Christ Church. The tour commences by covering the central city highlights including the botanical gardens, Museum and Art Centre, the Avon River, Bridge of Remembrance, the cities new pop up container mall and many other Christchurch inner city highlights. Then the tour travels to Mona Vale, an historic homestead and gardens, goes up to the Sign of the Takahe, an historic building providing spectacular view over the city, Canterbury Plains and the southern Alps, then continue to travel over the Port Hills to the Port of Lyttleton, through the harbour tunnel to the seaside suburb of Sumner and cave rock .In the evening encounter with a variety of birds and animals during a guided tour of the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, followed by an entertaining evening with the Ko Tane Maori cultural performance plus a buffet dinner. Willowbank is the home to Ko Tane – an authentic Maori cultural experience, that will leave you more knowledgeable, moved and laughing.

You travel through the fertile farmland of the Canterbury Plains to the shores of the stunning, glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, where you can view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd and take in the sights of the spectacular Southern Alps. You then continue to the location of New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki / Mount Cook, situated in a national park and UNESCO World Heritage site. Rising to 3,754 metres high, Aoraki certainly lives up to its name, which in M ori can be translated as ‘cloud piercer’. Legend tells of a young boy named Aoraki who was stranded with his brothers when their canoe struck a reef. As it tilted, the brothers climbed to the high side, where they were frozen by the south wind and turned into stone. Aoraki and his brothers now form the Southern Alps. After lunch you’ll have time to explore the village and soak up the view. The tour continues south, past Lake Pukaki and through the tawny tussock of the Mackenzie Country. Your tour concludes in the evening upon reaching Queenstown.On arrival check in at hotel Hilton Queenstown.

Travel along the edge of Lake Wakatipu beneath the rugged Remarkables to Te Anau, the ‘Gateway to Fiordland’. Here we will enter the Fiordland National Park so prepare to be mesmerised by the rugged grandeur of this region. As we pass through the Egligton Valley you will see ancient alpine beech forest, stunning waterfalls, and the famous Mirror Lakes where we will make a photo stop. From here we will progress through the Upper Hollyford Valley past the stunning Christie Falls and enter the 1.2km Homer Tunnel. Prepare yourself for the breathtaking impact of the Cleddau Valley and the descent into Milford Sound. Here you will take an unforgettable Red Boat buffet lunch cruise from which you will see the wonders of Mitre Peak, rock walls scarred by glaciers that rise 1,200 meters vertically from the sea, and waterfalls from hanging valleys tumbling into the sound.

After breakfast we leave for Franz Josef, Breathe in the deep, earthy scents of a West Coast rainforest, listen to the calls of native birds, and feast on the sights of nature in all its abundance. This tour will take you past breathtaking sights, from high mountain peaks to the blue lakes of Wakatipu, Dunston, Wanaka and Hawea. You will stop at Wanaka, the place blessed with an incomparable alpine panorama, Makarora with the lush rainforest and majestic mountains of the Southern Alps. On arrival Franz Josef check in at hotel Glen villas.

Departing Franz Josef township, travel northwards through magnificent bush scenery and past the beautiful Lakes Mapourika and Ianthe, and lush green farmland, to the township of Hokitika famous for its Greenstone (Jade) factory. From Hokitika travel alongside the Tasman sea for magnificent coastal views before arriving at Greymouth, the largest city on the West Coast. From Greymouth, journey over the Southern Alps, through Arthur’s Pass and onto Christchurch by the famous TranzAlpine Express. This journey is renowned as one of the top ten train journeys in the world. On arrival check in at hotel Rendezvous.

After breakfast transfer to Christchurch airport to board your flight to Rotorua. On arrival you will be welcomed and transferred to hotel Rydges. Then in the evening we for Tamaki Maori Village. Your driver guide provides a welcome to you all on board as you head 20 minutes out of Rotorua to Pre-European Tamaki Maori Village. Observe the people of the land as they demonstrate various activities, such as carving and weaving, thatching of huts, food preparation, hunting and cooking techniques. Tamaki Cultural Group will share powerful performance of Waiata, Haka, song and dance. The traditional hangi meal has been under the earth on hot rocks for three to four hours, the meal is buffet style. After the dinner, you have time to mingle with their people and enjoy the Tribal Market Place, where you will find treasures and other items of significance to Maori, such as bone carvings and jewellery. The evening ends with the official closing ceremony, song and speeches.

Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Rotorua. Visit Te Puia and get an insight into Maori culture and traditions. Take a tour of workshops where master weavers and carvers are passing on their skills, then enter Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley and experience its extraordinary landscape of boiling mud and steam. A highlight is the famous Pohutu Geyser which shoots jets of vapour up to 30 metres into the air. Get close to a wide range of native and exotic wildlife at Rainbow Springs Nature Park, including New Zealand’s famous flightless bird, the kiwi. Learn about these unique endangered creatures and sneak a peek at them in the nocturnal viewing house. Then learn about rural life in New Zealand at the Agrodome, a working farm on the outskirts of the city. Learn all about our thriving agricultural industry with an entertaining show where you’ll see sheep being shorn and sheep dogs showing off their amazing skills. Travel on the Skyline Gondola up the side of Mount Ngongotaha. From 487 metres above sea level you’ll have stunning panoramic views over Rotorua’s main centre, Lake Rotorua and its environs.

Take a sightseeing day tour from Rotorua to Auckland, including a guided tour of the fascinating Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Leaving the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua in the morning, we travel through lush farmland into the King Country region. Along the way, enjoy your driver guide’s commentary on the area’s history and highlights, and enjoy spectacular sights like Fitzgerald Glade, where the trees arch overhead to form a tunnel of natural greenery. After arriving in the small town of Waitomo, you’ll be taken on a 45-minute guided tour through the world famous Glowworm Caves, which were discovered in 1887 and are now one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist destinations. Wander through subterranean caverns and learn how the stalagmites, stalactites and other spectacular limestone rock formations were formed over millions of years. To end your tour, travel through the Glowworm Grotto on a magical boat ride, surrounded by the twinkling lights of thousands of glowworms. On arrival Auckland check in at hotel Crown Plaza.

Discover Auckland’s charms on a half-day tour of its scenic highlights. Travel through the city centre, along fascinating Karangahape Road and past fashionable Ponsonby, and over the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Visit the Viaduct Harbour and Auckland’s famous Queen Street before continuing to the Auckland Domain, the citys oldest park. Continue to Parnell Village and explore the boutique shops and specialty stores of this historic suburb during a morning tea break (own expense). Then travel along the scenic waterfront route of Tamaki Drive enroute to Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park, above Mission Bay. This tranquil park offers a panoramic outlook over Auckland city and the Waitemata Harbour. Your city sights tour ends with a trip back along the waterfront to downtown Auckland. Then the afternoon is free for your own leisure and other activities.

After breakfast the day is free to explore Auckland on your own.

Transfer to Auckland airport to board your flight to UK. Arrive home today.