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For the 2022 itinerary of this tour, click here.
Australia & New Zealand Discovery — Plus
23 days, Cairns to Queenstown
Itinerary
Day 1Cairns
Arrive at any time.
There are no activities planned until the evening welcome meeting.
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.
Day 2Cairns/Cape Tribulation
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.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 3Cape Tribulation
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 3 HideShow
Great Barrier Reef Visit
209AUD per personHop on a boat and head out to sea to reach the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. Don a mask and opt to snorkel the largest coral reef in the world. 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.
Cape Tribulation Horseback Riding
110AUD per personHop in the saddle and explore the rainforest on your trusty steed. Ride through lush canopy floors and crystal clear streams, ending up on the stunning Myall beach. Cap off this adventure by galloping through the ocean spray!
Daintree Rainforest Night Walk
55AUD per personOnce the sun goes down, grab a torch and head out into the jungle for a guided night walk. With your guide you'll spot various critters who call this region home. Keep your eyes peeled for sleeping bats, birds, lizards and spiders as you listen to the sounds of the rainforest at night.
Daintree National Park Visit
FreeStep back in time in this lush tropical rainforest, reported to be more than 110 million years old! Bring your binoculars to spot some of the 430 species of birds, including the buff-breasted paradise kingfisher and flightless cassowary. On the ground, look for possums, bandicoots, echidna and musky rat kangaroo. Discover why the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people consider this a spiritual and cultural significant place.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Cape Tribulation/Cairns
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.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Cairns/Airlie Beach
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.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Airlie Beach
Set sail for a day in 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 6 HideShow
Whitsunday Islands Snorkelling
FreeTake advantage of the included snorkel gear, throw on a mask and see what lives in the Great Barrier Reef. (Note that fins are not provided in order to adhere with local coral conservation efforts.)
Meals included:
LunchDay 7Airlie Beach/Byron Bay
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.
Day 8Byron Bay
Spend the day wandering the town or taking part in a multitude of optional activities like skydiving, visiting Cape Byron Lighthouse, or relaxing on the beach.
Opt to pre-book the "Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Byron Bay, 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 sea kayaking, yoga, and skydiving. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking
Slice through the waters of the iconic Byron Bay in the morning on this half-day kayaking adventure. Paddle past the most easterly point of the Australian mainland, see the Julian Rocks Marine Reserve, and ride the waves into shore. On top of it all, keep a close eye for dolphins and whales (in season) who call these waters home. Epic? Definitely.
This activity is in the ocean and conditions can sometimes be rough due to weather. This is a very fun activity but first time kayakers may find this challenging.
Hinterland and Minyon Falls Tour
139AUD per personHead inland to Nightcap National Park, a subtropical rainforest in part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, for a 2-hour guided walk through the rainforest to beautiful Minyon Falls. After a refreshing swim at the base of the 100m falls, visit the quaint town of Bangalow, the oldest town in the region and known for its historic storefronts. After perusing local shops and cafés, enjoy the drive back to Byron Bay, passing through historic towns and beautiful scenery. Locally sourced barbecue lunch included.
Cape Byron Lighthouse Visit
FreeCape Byron Lighthouse is 3km (1.9 mi) northeast of Byron Bay. The popular white structure emits the most powerful light of all working lighthouses in the country, and it's also located at the most easterly point of the Australian continent. Head up to the top of the tower to scan the ocean for whales (the Southern Cross University's Whale Research Centre is located here).
Whale Watching
89AUD per personEnjoy a thrilling excursion on the water in search of the magnificent Humpback whales. Between June and November, they migrate north from their feeding grounds in Antarctica to breed and birth in the tropics. See the distinctive flukes (tails), and also look for dolphins, turtles and a variety of sea birds.
Day 9Byron Bay/Port Macquarie
Tour an organic farm in the heart of Byron Bay before sitting down to a delicious lunch featuring local produce. Head 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.
Pick-to-Plate Lunch
Visit an urban garden with located on the outskirts of Byron Bay. Tour the grounds, learn about organic gardening, and help gather some ingredients needed to make lunch. Get a true taste of Australia and fuel up for the afternoon with a delicious lunch of fresh, organic ingredients.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow
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.
Meals included:
LunchDay 10Port Macquarie/Blue Mountains
En route to the Blue Mountains, opt to stop at the Koala Hospital to learn about vital wildlife conservation work in the area.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
Koala Hospital Visit
2AUD per personVisit the Koala Hospital, learn about these unique creatures and even adopt your very own Koala!
Day 11Blue Mountains
Travel to the majestic Blue Mountains and experience the natural beauty of this World Heritage Area. Explore the area around Leura and Katoomba and view the Three Sisters. Take a guided tour of Jenolan Caves, filled with striking limestone rock formations.
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.
Jenolan Caves Tour
Jenolan Caves are a protected feature of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. These limestone karst caves are the world's oldest caves and are significant both a scientific and sightseeing perspective. Enjoy a guided tour in the cool climes of this fascinating underworld.
Day 12Blue Mountains/Sydney
This morning, take a walk in Jamison Valley, and ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest railway in the world. Continue to Sydney and head out for an orientation walk. With some free time, opt to rent a bike, stroll the botanical gardens, or visit the iconic Opera House.
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.
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
Get out and explore.
Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow
Sydney Opera House Visit
43-185AUD per personStroll along the waterfront to admire Sydney's most iconic landmark, designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon and opened by Queen Elizabeth 11 in 1973. Take a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site to discover its history, folklore, and more.
Some two million people a year come to see concerts and cultural performances Opera House. Catch the boom of the grand organ–with more than 10,000 pipes, it took 10 years to build and is the largest mechanical organ in the world.
Day 13Sydney
Get a feel for the city. Relax seaside at Bondi Beach. Enjoy an optional final night out with the group.
Free Time
Enjoy a free day to explore one of Australia's most exciting cities.
Optional Activities - Day 13 HideShow
Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach Coastal Walk
Go for a walk along one of the most iconic trails in Australia. Pass by secluded beaches, massive cliffs, and more breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean than imaginable – all before arriving at the world-famous Bondi Beach. From May to December, keep a keen eye on the ocean to try and spot migrating humpback whales.
Jet Boat Ride
85AUD per personWant an adrenaline rush? A jet boat is the way to go. Hold on and get ready for a white-water thrill while gorgeous scenery whizzes past. Explore Sydney Harbour, jetting by the Opera House, Harbour Islands and more!
Sydney Opera House Visit
43-185AUD per personStroll along the waterfront to admire Sydney's most iconic landmark, designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon and opened by Queen Elizabeth 11 in 1973. Take a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site to discover its history, folklore, and more.
Some two million people a year come to see concerts and cultural performances Opera House. Catch the boom of the grand organ–with more than 10,000 pipes, it took 10 years to build and is the largest mechanical organ in the world.
Sydney Adrenaline Bundle
Admire the city from new perspectives with this Adrenaline Bundle. Start with a climb to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge – 134m (440 ft) above sea level! Learn the story of the bridge from an expert guide and soak in the epic views. Next, board a jet boat and enjoy the thrill of spins, slides, and fish tails, spotting iconic landmarks like the Opera House, Taronga Zoo, and Shark Island along the way. Book this Adrenaline Bundle and save on both activities.
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
Climb one of the most famous bridges in the world – the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Soak in amazing panoramic city views of Sydney at the top – a perfect photo opp and memory to take home with you!
Day 14Sydney/Auckland
Fly to Auckland, New Zealand and enjoy free time in the city.
Please note that your flight from Australia to New Zealand and first night in Auckland will be unescorted.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Day 15Auckland
Enjoy a free day to explore Auckland. Visit the Maritime Museum, walk the waterfront, or even take the ferry to Waiheke Island.
If you are interested in visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set, we recommended purchasing a day trip from Auckland for this day on your tour. OR, upon meeting your CEO, you can opt to book a ticket with them (please note that there are limited tickets on the ground - which could result in you missing out if you wait to book with your CEO).
Free Time
Enjoy the city or choose from the many day excursions available.
Optional Activities - Day 15 HideShow
Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos
You may be a seasoned pro at group travel by now, but there will likely be some new travellers joining the group. Sit in on the welcome meeting to meet the newest members of your group and learn about the next leg of your tour.
Hobbiton Tour
112NZD per personEnjoy a 2-hour movie set tour and see where major scenes from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were filmed.
Day 16Auckland/Rotorua
Visit the Waitomo Caves, famous for their glow-worms and adventure activities. Continue to Rotorua, notable for its geothermal activity and culture.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Waitomo Excursion - Ruakuri Cave
Walk through 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 120 years of cultural and natural history on this unique excursion.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 17Rotorua
Take advantage of free time in the adrenaline capital of the North Island, and opt to go whitewater rafting, check out a geothermal park with technicolour pools, hit up a nearby spa, or journey to Middle-earth on an excursion to the Hobbiton Movie Set. This evening, learn more about Maori culture with a local experience and dinner.
Free Time
With lots to see and do in Rotorua, get out and explore!
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 17 HideShow
Whitewater Rafting
125NZD per personGet your adrenaline fix on this exhilarating white water rafting trip. Enjoy the amazing scenery along the way, but don't forget to paddle!
Rotorua Canopy Tours
189-259NZD per personExperience life among the treetops of a Kiwi forest through this one-of-a-kind nature tour. Gain a whole new perspective on the plants, animals, and insects that call this environment home, and learn about conservation efforts to protect the region's subtropical forests. Opt to book the Original Canopy Tour (3 hrs) or the Ultimate Canopy Tour (3.5 hrs).
Mountain Biking
35-130NZD per personHead out on an exhilarating cycling adventure. Explore the stunning Redwood Forest on two wheels on what some call the world's best mountain biking trails. Whether you're a beginner or expert mountain bike enthusiast there's sure to be a trail perfect for you.
Hobbiton Tour
112NZD per personEnjoy a 2-hour movie set tour and see where major scenes from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were filmed.
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 18Rotorua/Christchurch
Catch a flight to Christchurch on the South Island. Head out for an orientation walk with your CEO before enjoying a few hours to explore the city.
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.
Free Time
Spend the evening exploring Christchurch during free time.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 19Christchurch/Lake Ohau
Drive to beautiful Lake Ohau with a stop at Lake Tekapo along the way. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and admire the stunning alpine scenery that surrounds this local landmark.
Spend the afternoon hiking the region around Aoraki/Mt Cook. Learn more about mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary at the Aoraki/Mt Cook Visitor's Centre.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre
Stop by the visitor's centre to learn more about the region.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 20Lake Ohau/Queenstown
Drive to Queenstown, with a stop at Wanaka and a local vineyard for a wine tasting.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Foodie Moment: Winery Visit
Visit one of the vineyards in the beautiful Central Otago region, known for it's Pinot Noir. Learn about how this famous red wine is produced and, more importantly, sample some!
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 21Doubtful Sound
Take in the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Doubtful Sound on a day cruise. Keep an eye out for the waterfalls and wildlife in this breathtaking area. Return to Queenstown in the evening.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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!
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 22Queenstown
Enjoy a free day in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. Opt to go bungee jumping (in its birthplace), jet boating (also born here!), skydiving, paragliding, hiking or mountain biking. 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.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Queenstown, 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 mountain biking, bungee jumping, and jet boating. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 22 HideShow
Paragliding
210NZD per personHang on! Get a birds-eye view of Queenstown on an exciting ride in the sky.
Scenic Horse Riding Tour
220NZD per personUnwind on a scenic horse trek through Queenstown’s stunning scenery.
Vineyard Tour
210-240NZD per personVisit vineyards in New Zealand's fastest growing wine region. Taste some of Queenstown's finest Pinot Noir, as well as Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc and learn more about the grape varietals that flourish here. Pick up a few bottles to savour back home.
Bungee Jumping
265-450NZD per personAdrenaline junkies will be happy with a stop at the world's original commercial bungee site (bungy in New Zealand!). Opt to take the plunge or simply observe where it all started from the comfort of solid ground. Shoot some amazing photos of those brave enough to dive into the abyss.
Gondola Ride
66-80NZD per personTake 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.
Earnslaw Steamship Cruise
99-120NZD per personDiscover the breathtaking Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a 103 year old traditional steamship. This 90 minute cruise highlights that stunning alpine scenery that surrounds Queenstown, and lets you check out the views while relaxing on deck.
Queenstown Jet Boating
169NZD per personJet boating is a typical New Zealand activity— go as fast you can in a boat over water. Hang on tight as you fly across the surface of the water. Shoot through narrow rocky gorges and dare to watch as the driver takes hairpin turns frighteningly close to the cliffs.
Shotover Canyon Swing
295NZD per personThe ultimate in adrenaline activities, this is the world’s highest cliff jump! Jump off a cliff and swing into a canyon on the 109m high Canyon Swing. This is sure to get your heart pumping!
Skydiving
430-535NZD per personEnjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of Queenstown from an eagle's perspective. Suit up, get briefed and board the prop plane to soar high about the rugged alpine landscape. 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!
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 23Queenstown
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.