Highlights of Oceania: Australia and New Zealand

Itinerary

• Day 1: Sydney, Arrival

  G'day! Your exciting Australia and New Zealand adventure begins as you land at Sydney Airport. Meet your private driver, who greets you with a welcome sign in hand, for a smooth transfer to your centrally located hotel. After settling down, have a good rest to recover from jet lag or enjoy a first encounter with this lively metropolis on a discovery on your own.

  Circular Quay, the city harbor's beating heart, makes a great place to start. Ramble along the cobbled streets of the Rocks to learn about this city's past, admire the elegant design of the Sydney Opera House, or go on an optional 1-hour guided tour to gain more knowledge of this cultural landmark.

  • Sydney

• Day 2: Blue Mountains Excursion

  Leave Sydney's hustle and bustle behind and go on a scenic day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains with your English-speaking Driver. The area's deep valleys clad in dense forests, beautiful waterfalls cascading down rocky cliffs, and colorful wildlife species will leave you in awe.

  After an hour's drive, reach Lincoln's Rock for a breathtaking panorama of the mountains and gorges. This is one of the best vantage points in the national park. Then, using an Unlimited Discovery Pass, descend to the floor of Jamison Valley by Scenic Railway and indulge in a refreshing nature walk in the lush forest along the boardwalk. The Skyway ride then provides you with a splendid view of the iconic Three Sisters rock formation, one of the most photographed places in the national park. Drive back to Sydney for the night when the day ends.

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  • Sydney

• Day 3: Fly to Cairns

  North Queensland and its sparkling blue waters, fascinating marine species, and pristine rainforests teeming with wildlife await. Head to the airport on your own today for a 3-hour flight to Cairns, the gateway to this tropical wonderland. Upon arrival, find your way to the hotel. For the rest of the day, you can stay at the hotel and enjoy its amenities or venture out to start a city discovery. Visit the Esplanade, where the oceanside Boardwalk makes a great setting for a leisurely walk and the Lagoon provides a refreshing escape from the heat, or feast on an eye-dazzling range of tropical fruits at the Rusty's Markets. Enjoy Cairns in your style!

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  • Cairns

• Day 4: Great Barrier Reef & Fitzroy Island Day Tour

  Embark on a join-in day tour to the Great Barrier Reef and Fitzroy Island! Get up early and head to the marina for a comfortable catamaran ride to Sunlover Reef Cruises Pontoon positioned on the edges of the Moore Reef. Here you can participate in various water activities to feel the magic of the marine world. Snorkel to encounter a kaleidoscopic array of fishes and marine life, ride a glass bottom boat across turquoise waters sparkling under the sun, or visit the underwater observatory if you prefer to stay dry.

  Onwards to Fitzroy Island and enjoy a premium buffet lunch there. With lush rainforests and coral-fringed beaches, this tropical haven is 97% National Park and home to a colorful range of wildlife, and you may have an encounter with them during an optional guided nature walk or rainforest tour. Return to Cairns at the end of an unforgettable day.

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  • Cairns

• Day 5: Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation Tour

  Celebrated as one of the world's oldest tropical rainforests, the Daintree is a nature lover's paradise with pristine jungles sprawling as far as the eyes can see and an incredible biodiversity featuring precious plants and animals native to Australia. Explore this magical realm with a join-in tour today. Upon reaching Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, go on a driver-guided walk along the nearby trails to marvel at the wonders surrounding you.

  Afterward, enjoy a scenic cruise along the Daintree River to soak up the lush greenery and spot gigantic saltwater crocodiles and other wildlife species. Venturing deeper into the rainforest, you arrive at Cape Tribulation Beach, the place where the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest converge. On your way back to Cairns, satisfy your sweet tooth at Daintree Ice Cream Company, and stop at Mount Alexandra Lookout for an impressive panorama.

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  • Cairns

• Day 6: Fly to Melbourne

  Say goodbye to Cairns and its tropical ambiance today as you head to the airport on your own. Fly to Melbourne, the country's cultural capital, land in this vibrant city in three and a half hours, and find your way to the hotel.

  Dedicate the rest of the day to visiting Melbourne's most prominent landmarks and attractions under your own steam. You can roam around Carlton Gardens and admire the lavish architectural style of the historic Royal Exhibition Building, or visit the Melbourne Zoo to meet its lovely residents including the furry koalas, lovely kangaroos, agile snow leopards, and fierce tigers.

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  • Melbourne

• Day 7: Phillip Island & Penguin Parade Tour

  Enjoy a chill morning for your own discoveries. The Queen Victoria Market, a space bursting with colors and scents, makes a great place to start the day. A trip to Koorie Heritage Trust then takes you into the world of Aboriginal culture and art.

  At noon, meet your English-speaking driver and head to Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, one of the best locations in the country to get close to Aussie wildlife. Here you can snap a selfie with a koala and hand-feed free-roaming kangaroos and wallabies (at your own expense)! Reach Phillip Island after an hour's drive. Stroll along Nobbies Centre's clifftop boardwalks to soak up the sweeping views and see seagulls gliding across the sky. Then comes the highlight of today's trip, Penguin Parade! Watch the little penguins waddle their way back to their abode through the glass windows of a premium underground viewing space and be fascinated by these cute creatures. Return to Melbourne for the night afterward.

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  • Melbourne

• Day 8: Fly to Auckland

  From Melbourne, it's a three-and-a-half-hour flight to Auckland. Today, make your way to the airport to catch the flight taking you to New Zealand's largest city and start your vacation in Aotearoa, the Land of the Long White Cloud.

  Upon arrival, meet a local driver-guide greeting you with a big smile, proceed to the hotel, and settle down. For the remainder of the day, explore this city in your way, perhaps climbing up to the summit of Mount Eden for a splendid panorama of the sprawling metropolis, or savoring a delightful meal made using fresh local ingredients (at your own expense).

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  • Auckland

• Day 9: Drive to Rotorua With Waitomo Caves Tour

  Your New Zealand trip takes you to Rotorua today with a stop en route to admire the spectacular sight created by glowworms. This 4-hour road journey is made more pleasant with a comfortable vehicle and a private driver-guide.

  New Zealand's native glowworm is a tiny beetle that glows in the dark, and the massive Waitomo Glowworm Caves is considered one of the best places in the country to see the impressive light show. During this 1-hour tour, you get to cruise through the cave on a boat and immerse in the calming atmosphere as thousands of glowworms create a canopy of luminescent light above your head. If you happen to be a fan of Tolkien's Middle-earth saga, then joining an extra Hobbiton Movie Set tour (at extra cost) will make your trip a truly unforgettable one before reaching Rotorua later in the day.

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  • Rotorua

• Day 10: Geothermal Wonders and Mud Bath Experience

  Situated within the Pacific Rim of Fire, Rotorua hosts one of the world's most active geothermal fields, featuring dramatic geysers spouting boiling water and steam, crater lakes in vibrant hues, and bubbling mud baths rich in minerals. Discover Rotorua with your driver-guide. Visit one of the area's best geothermal parks, Te Puia, and witness the wonders of nature and gain insight into Māori culture and arts during a 2-hour guided tour. The park is also home to a Kiwi Conservation Centre and you can learn about this flightless bird up close.

  Later, enjoy a rejuvenating mud bath at Hell's Gate, New Zealand's only geothermal mud bath complex. The local Māori have centuries of history of enjoying this gift of nature because it is good for easing joints and muscle pains. Take a dip in the outdoor mud baths, clean your skin with the unique mineral-rich mud, and unwind with a soak in the sulfur spa.

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  • Rotorua

• Day 11: Onwards to South Island

  Fly to Christchurch and continue your New Zealand explorations on its South Island, a paradise for outdoor lovers and thrill seekers! Your driver-guide will take you to the airport for the short flight today. Touch down in Christchurch after around an hour and a half and make your way to the hotel.

  Christchurch is a vibrant city featuring stunning natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. Make the most of your time here to discover its charms by exploring on your own. You can choose to take the city's heritage tramway and let it take you to major landmarks such as the Botanic Gardens, soak up a gorgeous birds-eye view of the city on a gondola, or visit the International Antarctic Centre for a fun-filled, interactive experience.

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  • Christchurch

• Day 12: TranzAlpine Train, Drive to Hokitika

  After enjoying a delightful breakfast at the hotel, head to the train station on your own for the TranzAlpine, one of the world's great train journeys. Departing from Christchurch, this five-hour train ride takes you across the Southern Alps to Greymouth on the western coast. From your comfortable seat, huge glass windows open to breathtaking vistas of snow-capped mountains, deep valleys coated in alpine forests, and tranquil lakes sparkling under the sun. Be sure to prepare your camera for the spectacular landscape.

  Upon arriving in Greymouth, meet your private driver-guide for the drive south to Hokitika. Visit Hokitika Gorge to admire its turquoise waters, white limestone cliffs, and lush forests, ramble along the walkway to embrace nature with open arms, and capture the perfect souvenir photo from the viewing platform or the suspension bridge. Stay for the night in Hokitika, a lovely town with a long stretch of beach perfect for sunset viewing.

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  • Hokitika

• Day 13: Franz Josef Glacier Nature Walk

  Continue your journey south today. Leave Hokitika early this morning and head to Franz Josef, where a 3-hour join-in nature tour takes you to unveil the wonders of Franz Josef Glacier Valley. Stroll through podocarp rainforest and along glacial rivers and streams, meet wildlife calling this ancient land home, gain knowledge of the ecosystem from your passionate guide, and admire the Franz Josef Glacier in all its grandeur from a viewpoint.

  For the rest of the day, you have the option to rest in your hotel and prepare for the upcoming adventures or go kayaking on Lake Mapourika at an extra fee. With tranquil waters reflecting the snowy peaks and imposing mountains, Lake Mapourika is a gem lesser known yet no less stunning, and kayaking offers a great way to indulge in its serene atmosphere.

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  • Franz Josef Glacier

• Day 14: Journey to Queenstown

  Head to Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital, with your driver-guide. This land journey takes more than five hours, with stops en route for you to stretch your legs and have some fresh air. The picture-perfect Lake Matheson, half an hour's drive from Franz Josef, is known for its splendid reflection of the nearby mountain ranges. Arrive in Wanaka for lunch (at your own expense), the city will amaze you with gorgeous lake views, beautifully decorated cafes and restaurants, and lively vibes.

  Drive further south and reach Arrowtown. Ramble along the streets of this historic gold rush era settlement and learn about its rich history from old-time buildings full of stories, before completing the trip and arriving in Queenstown in the late afternoon. Have the rest of the day to yourself. Perhaps you'd like a rest in your comfortable room or a delectable dinner at a lakeside restaurant (at your own expense). Enjoy Queenstown!

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  • Queenstown

• Day 15: Milford Sound Day Tour With Scenic Cruise

  Discover one of the most dramatic and breathtaking natural wonders of New Zealand, the Milford Sound, on a join-in day tour. Part of the World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound's rugged beauty is 400 million years in the making, featuring imposing peaks shaped by tectonic activity and glacier movement, and calm waters and lush rainforests teeming with precious plants and wildlife.

  The scenery along the way makes this 4-hour drive from Queenstown one of the most beautiful road trips in the country, and you may have the chance to stop at places such as Mirror Lake for photos. Reaching Milford Sound at around noon, board a cruise ship to admire the stunningly beautiful vistas be it a chilly, drizzling day or a clear, bright one, learn about the area's history from insightful commentary, and meet the playful dolphins and fur seals if lucky enough. Return to Queenstown for the night when the tour ends.

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  • Queenstown

• Day 16: Queenstown, Departure

  At the appointed time, a private driver will pick you up at the hotel and take you to the airport for your flight home. With sweet memories filling your heart, say goodbye to Aotearoa New Zealand.

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