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Australia & New Zealand Explorer
22 days, Sydney to Queenstown
Itinerary Notes
Please note that due to seasonal weather the itinerary on Day 20 in Doubtful Sound varies from winter to summer months. The winter itinerary runs for all departures between June 4 - September 20. The remaining departures will follow the summer itinerary.
Itinerary
Day 1Sydney
Arrive at any time.
Please make your own way to the joining hotel.
If you arrive early enough, you'll have time to head into the city to visit the Botanical Gardens or the famous Opera House.
There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city. Please try to arrive before 7pm for an important group welcome meeting where you can meet the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and the other group members.
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.
Hotel TRH Mijas (or similar)
This charming Andalucian hotel is built in a traditional style and offers breathtaking views of the sea. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, sun terrace, tennis court, health and beauty club, sauna, and swimming pool, typically open May to September. Guest rooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, TV, telephone and hairdryer.
Day 2Sydney
Explore Sydney Harbour and walk to the iconic Opera House and the Rocks area. Enjoy an early lunch then board a sleek former America's Cup racing yacht for a thrilling sailing adventure on one of the world’s finest harbours.
Meet in the early evening for an optional drink or dinner. We may head beachside to Bondi where there are plenty of excellent dining options.
The sailing excursion today is a fast paced and authentic sailing experience on a racing yacht. If you are not interested in sailing, you can opt out and enjoy your afternoon on your own.
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.
Sailing in Sydney Harbour
Set sail in Sydney Harbour on one the America's Cup racing yachts. Wave to other passing ferries, take photos of the iconic Opera House and Sydney Harbour bridge and let the sun and wind invigorate your senses.
Metro
Get around underground via public transit.
Accommodation
Hotel TRH Mijas (or similar)
This charming Andalucian hotel is built in a traditional style and offers breathtaking views of the sea. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, sun terrace, tennis court, health and beauty club, sauna, and swimming pool, typically open May to September. Guest rooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, TV, telephone and hairdryer.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 3Sydney/Port Douglas
Fly to Cairns then travel up the coastal road to Mossman Gorge. Take an interpretive walk with a local Aboriginal guide and learn about traditional ways of life and survival techniques in the Daintree Rainforest.
Transfer to Port Douglas, our home for the next two nights at a local resort.
Taxi
Jump in the back and tell the driver to step on it, just like they do in the movies.
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.
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
Hotel TRH Mijas (or similar)
This charming Andalucian hotel is built in a traditional style and offers breathtaking views of the sea. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, sun terrace, tennis court, health and beauty club, sauna, and swimming pool, typically open May to September. Guest rooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, TV, telephone and hairdryer.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 4Port Douglas
On Day 4, opt to go snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef.
Enjoy the colourful resort town of Port Douglas. Take time to stroll the main streets, window-shopping on your way.
Free Time
Today is a free day, but we recommend going on an optional snorkelling trip of the Great Barrier Reef - the largest coral reef system in the world.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling from Cairns
Don a mask and snorkel the largest coral reef in the world, the Great Barrier Reef. Say g'day to Nemo, the clown fish, and some of the 1,500 other species of tropical fish that thrive in the warm waters off Australia's east coast.
Depending on availability of Dive Instructors, an upgrade to SCUBA diving may be possible but is by no means guaranteed. Please speak to your CEO to see if this is available.
Accommodation
Hotel TRH Mijas (or similar)
This charming Andalucian hotel is built in a traditional style and offers breathtaking views of the sea. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, sun terrace, tennis court, health and beauty club, sauna, and swimming pool, typically open May to September. Guest rooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, TV, telephone and hairdryer.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Port Douglas/Cairns
Return to Cairns, with free time to enjoy this tropical city.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Cairns, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, whitewater rafting, and skydiving. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Skydiving
310-400AUD per personEnjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of Cairns from an eagle's perspective. Suit up, get briefed and board the prop plane to soar high above the land and sea. Strap onto your instructor, take a breath and leap into a once-in-a-lifetime free fall. This is what a natural high truly feels like!
Accommodation
Hotel TRH Mijas (or similar)
This charming Andalucian hotel is built in a traditional style and offers breathtaking views of the sea. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, sun terrace, tennis court, health and beauty club, sauna, and swimming pool, typically open May to September. Guest rooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, TV, telephone and hairdryer.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Cairns
Take an excursion to the UNESCO-designated Queensland rainforest on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway and explore the canopy on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
Kuranda Scenic Railway
Ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway, through a lush tropical paradise framed by rugged mountains, waterfalls and ravines. Travel on authentic timber carriages between Cairns and the village of Kuranda, via hand-hewn tunnels and across towering bridges, through the awe-inspiring Barron Gorge. Experience the exotic beauty of North Queensland’s tropical rainforests, marvelling at the incredible array of plants and animals encountered all along the way.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Settle into a comfortable 6 seat gondola for a ride with a spectacular view. The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway passes over the canopy one of Australia's tropical rainforests, so close to the tree tops it's as if you could reach out and touch the leaves.
Accommodation
Hotel TRH Mijas (or similar)
This charming Andalucian hotel is built in a traditional style and offers breathtaking views of the sea. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, sun terrace, tennis court, health and beauty club, sauna, and swimming pool, typically open May to September. Guest rooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, TV, telephone and hairdryer.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Cairns/Uluru
Catch a flight to Uluru and witness the incredible sunset with a glass of bubbly.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Free Time
Relax and watch the sunset over Uluru
Sunset at Uluru
Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine while watching the sunset over Uluru. Marvel at the changing colours over the desert and keep reminding yourself that yes, you really are there.
Accommodation
Hotel TRH Mijas (or similar)
This charming Andalucian hotel is built in a traditional style and offers breathtaking views of the sea. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, sun terrace, tennis court, health and beauty club, sauna, and swimming pool, typically open May to September. Guest rooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, TV, telephone and hairdryer.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Uluru
Visit the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and take the informative Mala Walk around part of Uluru's base.
Awake before sunrise to watch the colours change over Uluru. The Mala Walk around the base of Uluru provides insight into its significance to the local Aboriginal people. Visit the cultural centre and learn about ancient beliefs and traditions portrayed in art, food and music. The afternoon is at your leisure.
Between November and March, there is extreme heat with temperatures averaging between 43-46°C (109-115°F) in the middle of Australia, especially around Uluru and Kings Canyon. This can lead to heat exhaustion and potentially become very dangerous. Be sure to drink plenty of water and replenish electrolytes by drinking sports drinks, coconut water or water mixed with electrolyte powder packets.
The Mala Walk at Uluru is not permitted if temperatures exceed 40°C (104°F). During these hot months, we try to offer all walks early in the day to avoid the midday sun. Our CEOs will monitor the weather conditions to gauge the safety of any included walks and may need to call off a given day's walk due to extreme heat.
Uluru Mala Walk
Take a guided walk along the northwest side of Uluru to learn about the history of the area, hear the stories of the Anangu people and gaze upon these awe-inspiring uplifted sandstone rock formations.
Indigenous Cultural Centre Visit
Learn about Indigenous Australian culture in the area to get a better perspective of the history, beliefs and present-day life of the Anangu people. Discover the wild world of bush tucker (indigenous food), find out which plants are used in bush medicine, and hear creation stories.
Free Time
Enjoy some time at leisure.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Uluru/Alice Springs
Enjoy another sunrise over Uluru, then take a walk in Kata Tjuta National Park and view the beautiful red-domed rock formations. Continue to Alice Springs for the night.
Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park
Take a walk in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to explore the beautiful, red, domed rocks that comprise the site. While Uluru is the most famous landmark in the park, we explore a bit further afield to enjoy this stunning landscape.
Minibus
It's bigger than a van, smaller than a bus, and just the right size for adventure.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10Alice Springs/Melbourne
Catch a flight and arrive in the afternoon. This evening, board the historic colonial tramcar diner for a fun meal while cruising around the city streets.
Taxi
Jump in the back and tell the driver to step on it, just like they do in the movies.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Taxi
Jump in the back and tell the driver to step on it, just like they do in the movies.
Historic Colonial Tramcar Dining
Board the historic colonial tramcar diner for a fun meal while cruising around the city streets of Melbourne.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 11Melbourne
Enjoy a free day with option to explore the Great Ocean Road or the many wineries in the area.
Free Time
Free time to explore the city or take an excursion.
Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow
Great Ocean Road Day excursion
144-195AUD per personEnjoy an excursion along the Great Ocean Road showcasing some of Australia's most scenic coastal views.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 12Melbourne/Auckland
Fly to Auckland, New Zealand and enjoy an orientation walk with the CEO.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
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.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 13Auckland
Enjoy a free day with option to embark on a dolphin and whale watching boat excursion (seasonal) or explore the city.
Free Time
Enjoy the city or choose from the many day excursions available.
Optional Activities - Day 13 HideShow
Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Excursion
160NZD per personLeave the city behind and head out into the waters of Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, with more than 30 major island groups, it is visited by one third of all the types of marine mammals found on earth. Take your seasickness meds and scan the horizon for some of the 22 species of whales and dolphins, including the Bryde’s whale, Fin Whales, Blue Whales, Southern Right, and False Killer Whales. Look down toward the bow of the boat and you may just discover dolphins riding the wave.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 14Auckland/Raglan
Take the scenic route to an artsy beach town, visiting a working eco farm en route for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a cruise around Raglan harbour including a light afternoon snack. Free evening in Raglan. Opt to try bone carving with local Maori, surf lessons, stand-up paddleboard lessons, sea kayaking, or simply explore the arts and crafts shops.
Travel from Auckland to Raglan, going through the world's most productive dairy farming country. Stop at a working eco farm for lunch and to learn more about local conservation efforts, then head towards to the arts and surf town of Raglan for the night.
In the afternoon, enjoy a cruise in the harbour including a light afternoon snack. Overnight in a holiday home overlooking one of the world's most famous surf breaks.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Spend time this afternoon to enjoy all Raglan has to offer. Opt to try surfing, standup paddleboarding, sea kayaking, or bone carving with the local Maori.
Afternoon Cruise on Raglan Harbour
Enjoy a late afternoon cruise on the Raglan Harbour with stunning views of ancient limestone rock formations and local wildlife. Keep an eye out for dolphins and (fingers crossed!) and whales, while enjoying some snacks onboard.
Free Time
Visit the local arts and crafts shops, or enjoy the incredible scenery and surf breaks.
Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow
Surf Lesson
89NZD per personLearn how to catch a wave in this surf lesson. Start with instruction on dry land before heading into the surf. Take advantage of the large soft boards used in class (they help everyone stand up).
Bone Carving
89NZD per personMake your very own pendant (and souvenir) at this bone carving class. Learn the cultural significance of this craft and follow expert instruction to make a traditional Maori carving using a grinder and template.
Stand Up Paddle Lesson
79NZD per personEnjoy fantastic scenery and a great workout while stand up paddle boarding in the Raglan harbour.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 15Raglan/Rotorua
Enjoy breakfast and a free morning in Raglan. Drive to Rotorua, visiting scenic Bridal Veil Falls en route, and opt to enjoy a dip in the geothermal hot pools at the hotel. This evening visit Tamaki Maori Village to learn about local myths, and legends while dinning on traditional Hangi cuisine.
Rotorua sits over an active volcano with bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools in different areas around the town. This is a fascinating region with Maori history and cultured tied directly to the geothermal aspects of the land. Relax in one of the hot pools at the hotel fed by water coming directly from the natural springs.
Free Time
Spend the morning soaking in the vibes of this artsy town.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Bridal Veil Falls Walk
Enjoy a scenic trek to Bridal Veil Falls, a plunge waterfall located along the Pakoka River in the Waikato area of New Zealand. Relax on arrival and enjoy the waterfall’s breathtaking natural beauty. The waterfall is 55m (180 ft) high, and, over time, has caused the formation of a large pool at its base.
Tamaki Maori Village
Visit the Tamaki Maori Village. Receive the traditional Powhiri welcome ceremony followed by a captivating stage performance explaining Maori history, myths and culture. For dinner, enjoy a traditional Hangi meal, similar to the Hawaiian Luau, with dishes such as chicken, sweet potatoes (kumara), and lamb steamed over heated rocks.
Optional Activities - Day 15 HideShow
Hot Springs
45-75NZD per personSoak tired muscles in the area's natural hot springs and let the mineral water work its magic. Rotorua is home to a number of amazing geothermal parks – be sure you don't miss the healing and relaxing benefits of the city's naturally heated waters.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 16Rotorua/Christchurch
This morning visit Whakarewarewa, a Maori village with a local guide who explains the geothermal aspects of the region and enjoy a light lunch of corn cooked in a natural hot pool and a traditional hangi pie. Fly to Christchurch and take an orientation walk with the CEO.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Whakarewarewa Geothermal Village Visit
Visit an authentic Maori Geothermal Village. With a local guide, follow the path past bubbling mud pits and mineral pools with different fluorescent coloured water. Learn how geothermal energy is used around the village and hear the history of the area. Just try to ignore the sulfurous smell; that's just Mother Earth making magma magic.
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.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 17Christchurch/Franz Josef
Enjoy one of the world’s great scenic train trips on the TranzAlpine Train to New Zealand's glacier region.
Board the TranzAlpine train, considered to be one of the world's great train journeys. It crosses the stunningly scenic Southern Alps, traversing the entire country. Disembark the train and transfer to a beautiful rainforest lodge for the night.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 18Franz Josef
Options are plentiful, choose from a helicopter hike, ice walking on the glacier, or soaking in the hot pools amongst the stunning scenery.
Opt for various hiking adventures in the area, the most popular being a glacier trek. If relaxing is more your style, there are shorter day hikes and bush walks or local hot pools to take a dip.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Franz Josef, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like a glacial hike or a helicopter hike. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 18 HideShow
Franz Josef Quad Bike
65-160NZD per personHop aboard the two-seater ATV quad and drive along ancient glacial pathways carved into the landscape by ice and water. Be amazed at what lies around every twist and turn as you are guided through rainforests, riverbeds, grasslands, sand and mud. Feel the thrill of fresh air in your face and the excitement of riding in the wild.
Heli Scenic Flight with Snow Landing
350-445NZD per personTake a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter ride high up on Franz Josef Glacier. Hop out on the snow to soak up the experience, before flying back to land. Cool!
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 19Franz Josef/Queenstown
Travel through the rugged rainforest along the west coast to Queenstown. Enjoy an evening gondola ride with spectacular views of the city and option to eat dinner at a skyline restaurant.
Early start to travel to the picturesque Lake Matheson. When the weather is right, you can get a great photo of the Southern Alps reflected in the lake. Follow the wild West Coast Road, through the rainforest before stopping for some short walks and waterfall visits.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Gondola Ride
Take a ride up to the top of the mountain by cable car gondola. Get a spectacular 220º view of Coronet Peak, the Remarkables mountain range, and Lake Wakatipu below.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 20Queenstown/Doubtful Sound
Embark on an amazing wilderness cruise through Doubtful Sound with the chance to see dolphins, fur seals, birds and penguins and an option to kayak. We spend the night onboard in comfortable cabins with time to relax on deck, stargazing and enjoying some New Zealand wine.
Drive the scenic route around the lake to the town of Manapouri, to arrive at an eco cruise boat which will be our home for the next 24 hours. After an afternoon of stunning scenery, spend the night moored in a secluded bay (seasonal), with time to stargaze from the deck with a glass of New Zealand wine
*Please note that the itinerary for this day varies in the winter:
Winter Schedule 18 May – 20 Sept Doubtful Sound/Te Anau
Drive the scenic route around the lake to the town of Manapouri. Travel by boat and bus to arrive at an eco cruise boat. Spend the afternoon cruising the stunning Doubtful Sound, one of the most untouched, remote places in the world. Marvel at the steep cliff walls and cascading waterfalls. The boat offers excellent chances for wildlife viewing in the area. Dolphins, penguins, seals and a variety of birds are some examples of what you can hope to see. In the evening, head to Te Anau for the night. We take in a screening of the award winning ‘Ata Whenua – Shadowland‘ Fjordland on Film documentary at the local cinema before having a group meal.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Fiordland National Park Overnight Wilderness Cruise
Cruise through stunning Fiordland National Park, one of the most untouched, remote places in the world. Depending on the departure, the cruise will be in either Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound – two of the most stunning regions within the park. 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. Want to get closer to the water? Feel free to use one of the boats' sea kayaks to explore the area more in-depth.
After the day, moor at a secluded bay for the night, and sit back and relax on the spacious viewing decks.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 21Doubtful Sound/Queenstown
Cruise back to port, enjoying the stunning views then return to Queenstown for the final night.
Enjoy the morning on the boat before return to Queenstown late afternoon and opt for a farewell dinner with your group.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 22Queenstown
Depart at any time.
If you want more time to explore Queenstown, we recommend booking post nights with your agent if you are interested in the countless adrenaline-packed activities in the town known as the 'adventure capital of the world'. Jet boating, bungy jumping, mountain biking, and sky diving are some of the activities available.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.