Australia's Outback to New Zealand's South Island

Cross the International Dateline (skipping a day ahead) for an adventure discovering the treasures of Australia and New Zealand, including their unparalleled beauty and captivating culture.
Hotel Name: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

Visit Area: Sydney
Sydney is the state capital of New South Wales and the most populous city in Australia and Oceania. It is located on Australia’s east coast, with the metropolis surrounding one of the world’s largest natural harbors. The first British settlers founded Sydney in 1788, but the area around the city is said to have been inhabited for many years before. Millions of tourists come to Sydney each year to see its natural features such as Sydney Harbor and Bondi Beach, as well as Sydney’s man made attractions such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

Arrive today in Sydney, perhaps one of the friendliest metropolises in the world. Tonight join your fellow travelers and toast to the start of your adventure down under during dinner in lively Darling Harbour.
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Cairns
Cairns is a regional city in the far north of Queensland, Australia. The city was founded in 1876 and named after the then governor of Queensland. The region of Cairns ranks as the 4th most popular destination for international travelers in Australia. The city serves as a gateway point for those visiting the Great Barrier Reef. While being a gateway to Australia’s surrounding ocean, Cairns is also surrounded by rainforest, and also serves as a gateway to destinations like Daintree.

See where English colonists first settled during a city tour of Sydney, starting with a guided walking tour of The Rocks district. Then, head to Circular Quay, famed for two of Sydney’s most recognizable landmarks - the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Take an expert-led tour of the Sydney Opera House, poised majestically on Sydney Harbour, to discover its remarkable architecture and history. Continue your discovery of the city with a visit to the Botanic Gardens and its historic surroundings. Then, have the chance to join a special presentation at the National Opal Collection.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Bailey Crystalbrook Collection Hotel

Visit Area: Great Barrier Reef
Experience one of the seven wonders of the natural world when you climb aboard a high speed catamaran and set off for the Great Barrier Reef. As the world’s largest living organism, you’ll find over 2,800 individual coral reef systems which are home to amazingly diverse marine life. Their bright colors look remarkable against the turquoise waters. Jump in the water to snorkel and really experience the Reef in an immersive way! Stroll along the walking trails with a reef expert, simply relax on the beach, or meet with a marine biologist during an informative presentation. It’s a truly good day at the Reef, mate.

Deepen your exploration of Sydney’s many wonders with a day at leisure. Tonight, enjoy scenic vistas of Sydney during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour. Marvel at the magnificent skyline and iconic attractions: the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Daintree Rainforest
The Daintree Rainforest is a tropical rainforest region on the north east coast of Queensland Australia, north of Cairns. Daintree is the largest continuous area of tropical rainforest on the continent at over 460 square miles in size. The rainforest sits just along the coastline, north of the Daintree Ricer and grows all the way down to the edge of the sea. Part of the rainforest is protected by the Daintree National Park.

Fly to Cairns, the tropical gateway to one of the world’s most spectacular natural attractions – the Great Barrier Reef (UNESCO). Established as a marine park in 1975, the reef is a haven for thousands of species of sea life, as well as turtles and birds.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Uluru
Uluru, also called Ayers rock, is a large, sandstone rock formation in the southern part of the Northern Territory of central Australia. It lies 208 miles southwest of the nearest large town, Alice Springs. The rock is one of Australia’s most recognizable natural landmarks. The rock stands at 1,142 feet tall and is 2,381 feet above sea level.

Board a high-speed catamaran for an exciting excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. Explore the reef from your base on Green Island. Enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride, stroll the island’s walking trails, relax on the beach, snorkel or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, an optional outer reef tour is also available.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included

Visit Area: Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populated city in Australia. It is located on the large natural bay of Port Phillip. The city was founded on August 30th, 1835. Melbourne is often referred to as Australia’s cultural capital because it is a major center for the performing and visual arts. Melbourne is said to be the birthplace of Australian dance styles, the Australian film industry, Australian impressionist art and the Australian television industry.

Soak up the tropical atmosphere – the day is yours. Perhaps you will take an optional tour on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, taking you above the rainforest canopy for a bird’s-eye view of unspoiled nature. You might like to wander through Rusty’s Markets in search of the perfect souvenir, or enjoy the unique sea life at the Cairns Aquarium.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Desert Gardens

Visit Area: Queenstown
Queenstown is a resort town in Otago in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island. The city is built around an inlet called Queenstown Bay on Lake Wakatipu and has spectacular views of nearby mountains and the Southern Alps. The town was founded in the 1860s and is now known for commerce-based tourism, especially adventure and ski tourism, boasting over 200 adventure tourism activities to take part in.

This morning, head to Mossman Gorge for an Indigenous-led walk through the ancient Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest and Australia’s largest. Learn the unique connection that the local Indigenous population have with the forest. Then, visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures to see crocodiles on a nature cruise. Enjoy lunch before exploring to see Australian animals like kangaroos, wombats, wild birds, reptiles, and wallabies. Visit with a koala and chat with a wildlife naturalist to learn more about these furry creatures.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included

Visit Area: Milford Sound
Milford Sound is a fjord in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island. The sound runs inland for over 490 feet from the Tasman Sea and is surrounded by sheer rock faces that rise 3900 feet on either side. Among the peaks are The Elephant at 4977 feet (1517 meters), said to resemble an elephant's head, and The Lion, at 4272 feet (1302 meters), in the shape of a crouching lion. Milford Sound is acclaimed as New Zealand’s most famous tourist destination.

Your flight takes you to Australia’s Outback to begin exploring this unique region and its famous rock formations. Explore Uluru (the Aboriginal name for Ayers Rock) in the heart of the Australian Outback. This huge monolith and the sandstone domes known as Kata Tjuta were created through upheaval and erosion. Tour the base of "the Rock," learning about its geology and significance to Aboriginal culture. Experience the vast landscapes and tranquility before enjoying a buffet dinner featuring local flavors and Indigenous seasonings.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Crown Promenade Melbourne

Visit Area: Mt. Cook National Park
Mt. Cook National Park is located in the South Island of New Zealand. New Zealand’s highest mountain, Mt. Cook, lies within the park. The area was established as a national park in October 1953 and covers about 270 square miles with glaciers covering over 40% of the park. It is a popular place for skiing, hunting and mountaineering.

This morning, set out to explore Kata Tjuta, Uluru’s awe-inspiring neighbor. These towering, domed rock formations stretch across the desert for miles, offering a dramatic contrast to the surrounding landscape. Wander through the soaring red peaks and be rewarded with sweeping views that capture the raw beauty of the Outback. Return to the resort, where the rest of the day is yours — unwind, recharge, or take advantage of the resort’s activities. Tonight, witness the changing colors of Uluru at sunset accompanied by a champagne toast.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Christchurch
Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and the county’s third most populous urban area. It is located on the South Island’s eastern coast. Christchurch officially became a city on July 31st, 1856, making it the oldest established city in New Zealand. Christchurch is known as the "Garden City" due to the large number of public parks and residential gardens.

Fly to the beautiful Victorian city of Melbourne. Set upon the shores of Port Phillip Bay and the Yarra River, the city exudes a lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

Set out on a city tour and see Fitzroy Gardens and Melbourne’s bustling “laneways.” Visit the Melbourne Botanical Gardens and Shrine of Remembrance. Then, it’s your choice! Enjoy panoramic views from above at Melbourne Skydeck, the Southern Hemisphere’s highest public vantage point -OR- unwind on a scenic cruise along the Yarra River, taking in Melbourne’s sights from the water. With an afternoon to yourself, perhaps you will ride a free city tram, try the amazing array of cuisines on offer in this multicultural city, or enjoy the Victorian-era architecture.

Breakfast Included

Leave Australia behind and fly to Queenstown, New Zealand. One of New Zealand’s most popular towns, Queenstown is nestled against a picturesque bay and snowcapped mountains. Home to ski resorts, hiking trails, and an abundance of natural beauty, the city is known as the “Adventure Capital of the World.” Settle into your new home for the next three nights.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Soak in the rugged grandeur of Hollyford Valley as you travel through an ancient beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. Cruise the Milford Sound and see why this fjord is one of the most visited sights on South Island. Following the cruise, consider returning to Queenstown via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included
Hotel Name: The Hermitage

Your day is free to experience Queenstown your way. Shop or people-watch in the village, find a unique eatery for lunch, sample some New Zealand wine – the day is yours to enjoy this stunning city.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Distinction Christchurch

Set off for the 19th-century settlement of Arrowtown, founded during the gold fever. Follow the Kawarau River and cross Lindis Pass before arriving in New Zealand’s most famous national park – Mt. Cook. Savor some free time in this Alpine paradise. You may choose to take a nature walk or simply meditate on the beauty of the Southern Alps.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Depart for Christchurch this morning and pay a visit to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. A leader in the conservation of New Zealand species, Willowbank offers the chance to view New Zealand’s “Big 5” up close and personal. Later, join some locals for a home-hosted dinner.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Devastated by an earthquake in early 2011, see firsthand how the “Garden City” is recreating itself during a sightseeing tour that highlights the city’s magnificent gardens and elegant park district. Learn about the local Indigenous culture of the Maori, with a paddle on the Avon River in a traditional canoe or waka. As the day draws to a close, toast to your adventure down under at a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Your tour comes to a close, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the South Pacific.

Breakfast Included