Australia & New Zealand

Tour members from across Canada gather in Vancouver and fly to Auckland, losing a day en route (November 7). 

Arrive in Auckland early this morning and transfer to our hotel to check-in as soon as you arrive. Join your fellow travellers for dinner this evening. 

Grand Millennium (2 nights)

Explore New Zealand’s most populous city on a sightseeing tour featuring the National Museum and Māori gallery, and panoramic views from the Sky Tower. This evening, we gather for a welcome reception and dinner.  

Drift through the magical Waitomo Caves as thousands of glow worms 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. Ride the gondola up Mt Ngongotahā to the Skyline Restaurant for a buffet lunch with panoramic views. Then stop by the National Kiwi Hatchery to learn about New Zealand’s national bird and the efforts to protect it. Unwind with time to yourself this afternoon. 

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 buffet featuring local and homegrown produce.  

Novotel Queenstown (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 Mt. Cook village. Take in the alpine views during free time at the Hermitage before arriving in Twizel.

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. 

Distinction Hotel (1 night)

Fly to Melbourne and discover its history, architecture and culture on a city tour. Highlights include the Royal Botanic Gardens, Flinders Street Station, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the Olympic Park. The rest of the day is yours to explore.  

Rendezvous Melbourne (3 nights) 

Journey to Phillip Island, stopping at Churchill Island and the Nobbies for coastal views, before witnessing the famous parade of little penguins as they return ashore. 

Ride the historic Puffing Billy steam train through the forested slopes of the Dandenong Ranges. At Healesville Sanctuary, come face to face with iconic Australian wildlife such as kangaroos and koalas, then savour a special lunch with wine tasting before returning to Melbourne.

Fly to Ayers Rock (Uluru), in the heart of the Outback, a site of spiritual significance to the local 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, spend time at a cultural centre to learn about Aboriginal history, law, language, and art. This evening, 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, one of the few permanent water sources around Uluru. Shaded by river red gums and alive with wildlife, this sacred place offers a sense of connection with nature and holds deep cultural meaning. On a dune top overlooking Uluru, enjoy canapés and wine as the desert landscape transforms at sunset during the immersive Sound of Silence experience. A didgeridoo welcomes the night as you dine on a bush tucker menu, then settle back for a resident star talker decoding the brilliant southern sky.

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

Novotel Cairns Oasis (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 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 forest 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 followed by a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. Our hotel is ideally located near the lively Darling Harbour, placing the city’s best dining, shopping and attractions within reach. 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 wander 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.