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 for immediate check-in. Join your fellow travellers for dinner this evening. 

Grand Millennium (2 nights)

We explore New Zealand’s most populous city on a sightseeing tour featuring the Auckland War Memorial Museum with its Māori gallery, followed by panoramic views from the Sky Tower. This evening, gather for a welcome reception and dinner.

Drift through the magical Waitomo Caves as thousands of glowworms light up the darkness like a starry sky. After some free time, we continue to Rotorua and our lakefront hotel. Visit the Te Puia Thermal Reserve to see bubbling mud pools and geysers, and learn about Māori life and crafts. This evening, enjoy a traditional hāngī dinner in a Māori village, complete with a concert of songs and dances. 

Novotel Rotorua Lakeside (2 nights)

This morning, head to the Agrodome to learn about sheep breeds, watch live shearing and skilled farm dogs in action. Then, stop by the National Kiwi Hatchery to learn about New Zealand’s national bird and the efforts to protect it. Ride the gondola up Mt. Ngongotahā to the Skyline Restaurant for a buffet lunch with panoramic views. The rest of the day is free to explore at your leisure.

Fly to the South Island for a three-night stay in New Zealand’s resort capital, Queenstown, surrounded by majestic mountains and lake views. This evening, cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the vintage TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak sheep station, for a lakeside gourmet BBQ featuring homegrown produce.

Copthorne Hotel or similar (3 nights)

Spend the day at your own pace, whether you opt for a jet boat ride on the Shotover River, a gondola trip to Bob’s Peak, or a stroll by the lake in the Botanic Gardens.

Travel through the rugged Hollyford Valley to Milford Sound for a full day surrounded by the pristine beauty of Fiordland National Park. Cruise its deep, still waters past towering fjords, powerful waterfalls, and the iconic Mitre Peak.

Wander through the historic gold rush town of Arrowtown, with a visit to the Lakes District Museum. Enjoy a short wine tour and tasting in the cave cellar at Gibbston Valley Winery, then continue to Aoraki / Mount Cook Village. Take in the alpine views during free time at the Hermitage before arriving in Twizel. 

Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel (1 night)

Stop at Lake Tekapo to see the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd, built in 1935 as a tribute to the region’s early settlers. Arriving in Christchurch, known as the Garden City for its parks and green spaces, take part in a city sightseeing tour followed by free time to walk the Botanic Gardens. 

Hotel Elms (1 night) 
 

We board our flight to Melbourne, known as the cultural capital of Australia. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel to settle in. We leave the remainder of the day open for you to begin your own independent exploration of this vibrant metropolis. 

Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne (3 nights)                 
 

Begin the day with a Melbourne city tour, including stops at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Cooks’ Cottage in the Fitzroy Gardens, Flinders Street Station, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Pass the Shrine of Remembrance and the Olympic Park sports precinct before journeying to Phillip Island. Enjoy coastal views via Churchill Island and the Nobbies, then witness the famous Penguin Parade as the little penguins return ashore at sunset. 

Ride the historic Puffing Billy steam train through the forested slopes of the Dandenong Ranges. At Healesville Sanctuary, encounter iconic Australian wildlife including kangaroos and koalas. Afterward, savour a special Yarra Valley lunch and wine tasting before returning to Melbourne. 

Fly to Ayers Rock (Uluru), in the heart of the Outback, a site of spiritual significance to the Anangu people. Drive through Kata Tjuta National Park for views of Uluru with a stop at the Olgas, a striking formation of domed red rocks. Take a walk into its deep gorges to experience the scale and stillness of the landscape. Then, we visit a cultural centre to learn about Aboriginal history and culture. Later, ride camels through the desert with Uluru and Kata Tjuta as your backdrop. 

Sails in the Desert Hotel (2 nights) 

Walk the base trail to Mutitjulu Waterhole, a rare permanent water source, and view the dramatic Kantju Gorge. Our evening begins on a dune top with sparkling wine and canapés as sunset transforms the landscape of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. As darkness falls, enjoy a didgeridoo performance and a “bush tucker” dinner, before a resident star guide decodes the brilliant southern sky.

Today we fly to the tropical city of Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. This evening, sit down to a delightful dinner at Dundee’s Restaurant. 

The Flynn Hotel (3 nights)

Board the Quicksilver catamaran for a full-day adventure to the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, Earth’s largest living structure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Soak up this marine wonder by glass-bottom boat or snorkel among vibrant coral gardens and tropical sea life.

Travel by Scenic Railway to the village of Kuranda. Take part in the Dreamtime Walk to learn about Aboriginal customs, tools, and hunting techniques, including spear throwing and boomerang. Then, watch the Pamagirri Dance Show, where traditional dances, didgeridoo music, and storytelling bring local culture to life. After a BBQ lunch, we return to Cairns by Skyrail cableway, gliding over the rainforest canopy of the Barron Gorge.

Fly to Sydney and transfer directly to our hotel. This evening, dine at The Meat & Wine Co, one of Australia’s top steakhouses. 

The Grace Hotel (4 nights)  
 

Set out on a full-day tour of the Blue Mountains, passing charming villages, dramatic lookouts, and waterfalls. Stop in Leura before continuing along Cliff Drive to Katoomba for panoramic views of the Jamison Valley and the iconic Three Sisters. After lunch, visit Scenic World for a ride on the Railway, Skyway, or Cableway, each offering a unique perspective of the rainforest and sandstone cliffs.   

Discover Sydney, a dazzling harbour city known for its iconic skyline and relaxed coastal lifestyle. Tour the historic centre, elegant suburbs, and famous southern beaches. Enjoy a luncheon cruise on the harbour followed by a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. The rest of the day is free to discover the charm of this city.  

Make the most of a completely free day with plenty of excursion options or the chance to roam independently. Wander the lush Botanic Gardens, soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Darling Harbour, or discover the nearby historic Rocks district. This evening, we’ll gather for our farewell dinner at the Harbourfront Restaurant.   

Our journey concludes as we board our flights home, gaining a day as we arrive in Canada.