Australia &
New Zealand

Tour members from across Canada gather in Vancouver and fly to Auckland, losing a day en route.
 

Arrive in Auckland early this morning and transfer to our hotel, where our rooms are ready for immediate check-in. Enjoy a leisurely day. This evening we gather for dinner at our hotel.

Grand Millennium (2 nights)

This morning we will be introduced to the delights of New Zealand’s most populous city. Highlights include the National Museum with its excellent Maori displays, and a visit to the observation deck on the Sky Tower. Enjoy a free afternoon followed by an evening treat as we will meet  to enjoy a welcome reception and dinner at the Harbourside Restaurant.

We follow the Waikato River to the famous Waitomo Caves where we cruise in the Glow Worm Grotto. After some free time for lunch, we continue to Rotorua and our hotel, located moments from the lakefront. Visit the Te Puia Thermal Reserve to see the mud pools and geysers, and to learn about the life and crafts of the Moari. Later this evening we enjoy a traditional 'Hangi' dinner in a Maori village complete with a concert of Maori songs and dances. 

Millennium Hotel Rotorua (2 nights)

This morning we will take in the sheep show at the Agrodome and enjoy the gondola ride to the Skyline Restaurant where we will enjoy a delightful buffet lunch. At the National Kiwi Hatchery, we will see New Zealand’s unique national bird and symbol, the Kiwi. Balance of the day is at leisure, when you can enjoy the thermal baths or possibly take an optional helicopter ride over Crater Lakes  (15 mins, approx. NZD 275pp) or Mt Tarawera (1 hr, approx. NZD 895pp). Inquire for more details.       

Our journey into the picturesque landscapes of the South Island begins today. We will enjoy three nights in the heart of the South Island enjoying the majestic mountain scenery and magical lakes of Queenstown, New Zealand’s resort capital. This evening we cruise across the lake to Walter Peak sheep station on the tss Earnslaw where we indulge in a gourmet BBQ dinner. 

Novotel Queenstown (3 nights)

Enjoy a day at leisure. Ride a jet boat on the Shotover River, take the Gondola to Bob’s Peak or stroll by the lake in the beautiful Botanic Gardens. 

Travel through the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley to Milford Sound. Enjoy a picnic lunch as we cruise to the sea, past towering Mitre Peak and cascading waterfalls. This afternoon we return to Queenstown by coach, or as an option, you can enjoy a flight back to town (approx. NZD 300.00pp), weather permitting.  

Our morning drive will take us through some of the magnificent scenery for which the South Island is known, including a visit to the historic gold mining centre of Arrowtown and Lakes District Museaum. Enjoy a midday wine tour and tasting before we continue to Mt. Cook National Park, with free time at the Hermitage for views of the mountains and an optional flight over Ben Ohau (20 mins, approx. NZD 350pp), or Mt. Cook (55 mins, approx. NZD 795pp), or Lake Tekapo (1 hr, approx. NZD 470pp), weather permitting. Inquire for more details. 

Mackenzie Hotel (1 night)

After breakfast at our hotel visit the Chapel of the Good Shepherd with its extraordinary altar. Continue across the rich farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, a city often described as more English than England. We will have a tour of Christchurch, with opportunities to stroll in the wonderful Botanical Gardens. 

Distinction Hotel (1 night)

Enjoy a morning at leisure before we gather for our flight  across the Tasman Sea to Melbourne. 

Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne (3 nights) 

Explore Australia’s second city and financial capital this morning, including the Botanic Gardens, Festival Centre, Captain Cook’s Cottage and traditional residential areas. We drive to Phillip Island to see the fairy penguins once they return from a day hunting out at sea. En route we shall visit the Nobbie’s Antarctic Centre and Churchill Island. We drive to Phillip Island to see the fairy penguins once they return from a day hunting out at sea. En route we shall visit the Nobbie’s Antarctic Centre and Churchill Island.

Our day begins with a steam train excursion through the Blue Dandenong hills, to enjoy the tranquil Australian countryside. After visiting a local wildlife sanctuary to see kangaroos and koalas, we explore the beautiful Yarra Valley. Enjoy a special lunch among the vine-covered hills and sample several local wines before returning to Melbourne.  

This morning we depart Australia’s Southern Coast and venture to Uluru or Ayers Rock, in the heart of the Outback and the Aborigines’ most sacred site. Enjoy vistas of the Rock before exploring Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) where we will take a walk deep into the gorge to experience the vastness of the landscape. On our way back to the hotel we stop for views of the Kata Tjuta and sand dunes before reaching the cultural centre to learn more about Aborigine history, law, language, and art. This evening we ride camels through the desert with Uluru and Kata Tjuta as our backdrop.

Sails in the Desert Hotel (2 nights)

Enjoy touring the base of this amazing monolith, the Mutitjulu Base Walk, that leads to a special waterhole plus inspiring views at Kantju Gorge. This evening, enjoy the changing colours of Uluru as the sun sets (weather permitting) during our special Field of Light experience which also includes the award-winning ’Sounds of Silence’ dinner under the outback sky.

After a leisurely morning, we depart the Outback for the Gold Coast and the wonderful city of Cairns. This evening enjoy a lovely dinner at Dundees Restaurant. 

Pacific Hotel (3 nights)

Embark on the catamaran Quicksilver and journey to the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, the largest and most spectacular undersea garden in the world. View the coral and sea life by glass-bottom boat, or better yet, while snorkelling.  

After our scenic rail journey to Kuranda through the Barron Gorge, we venture into the rainforest to a wildlife park to see a variety of native fauna and enjoy talented Pamagirri Aboriginal dancers. Following our bush BBQ lunch, we return to the lowland on the Skyrail with close-up views of the rainforest.

Say goodbye to Cairns as we fly south to Sydney. On arrival, we shall transfer directly to our hotel in the city centre. This evening’s dinner will be at Meat & Wine Co, one of Australia’s favourite steak houses. Say goodbye to Cairns as we fly south to Sydney. On arrival, we shall transfer directly to our hotel in the city centre.

The Grace Hotel (4 nights)

Enjoy a full-day excursion into the beautiful Blue Mountains passing picturesque villages and enjoying spectacular views and waterfalls while hearing about the unique Australian forest species. We visit the quaint village of Leura and skirt around Cliff Drive to Katoomba for views of the magnificent Jamieson Valley and the Three Sisters.  Following lunch at a local restaurant, we visit Scenic World for a ride on the Scenic Railway, Skyway or Cableway. 

We discover the charms of Sydney today, from its historic centre through the posh inner suburbs to the Heads and its famous southern beaches. Enjoy a luncheon harbour cruise, followed by a guided tour of the symbol of Sydney, the iconic Opera House. With its prime location just steps away from fantastic shopping opportunities and the vibrant ambiance of Darling Harbour, our hotel provides the ideal setting for an unforgettable stay. Relax and unwind for the remainder of the day.  

Enjoy a completely free day, with options for many excursions or simply to explore on our own. Take a stroll in the Botanic Gardens, discover the excitement of Darling Harbour, or explore the wonderful shops of the Queen Victoria building, just steps from our hotel. This evening we will gather for our farewell dinner at the Harbourfront Restaurant. Consider reserving in advance if a performance at the Opera House is on your bucket list!

All too soon our journey Down Under draws to a close as we catch our flights back across the Pacific. Regaining our lost day, we arrive in Canada today.