Highlights of Australia & New Zealand

Depart for Singapore, on this trip of a lifetime!

Arrive in Singapore and transfer to hotel

On arrival in Singapore, we meet with our local guide before transferring to our hotel, where we settle in for a relaxing evening and a chance to unwind after our journey.

Discover Singapore on a half day city tour

Morning

Let’s discover the highlights of Singapore on a half day guided tour, including Chinatown with its unique shops, and the oldest Hindu Temple in Singapore. Stroll along the vibrant streets of Little India, a hive of activity with its shops and markets, steeped in history and culture. Admire the views of Singapore River which was once a small fishing village and is now a world class port. Enjoy the serenity of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the “green lung” of the city centre.

The afternoon is at leisure to explore this captivating city in our own time. Our local guide will be pleased to offer recommendations for sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment options.

Depart Singapore and fly to Sydney

Today we depart the vibrant Singapore and transfer to Singapore Airport for our flight to Sydney, Australia.

Transfer by coach to hotel in Sydney

Welcome to Sydney Australia! On arrival, we meet with our local guide before transferring to our hotel.

The rest of our day is at leisure, to take a stroll and become familiar with our surroundings, stretch the legs and soak up the atmosphere.

Fall in love with Sydney on a full day tour

Full Day

Today with our local guide we discover some of the most famous and important sites in Sydney on a full day tour by coach of this cosmopolitan city. Starting with the historical Rocks area, where the First Fleet landed in 1788, we then visit the iconic Sydney Opera House, St Mary’s Cathedral, Parliament House, Darling Harbour, and Chinatown.

We continue by coach through Kings Cross, Rushcutters Bay and Watsons Bay, before stopping at the world-famous Bondi Beach!

After lunch (not included) we fall in love with Sydney Harbour as we embark on a cruise, taking in beautiful sights such as the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and much more - a great way to finish the tour!

The rest of the evening is at leisure to soak up the local atmosphere; try some Australian delicacies, sit in one of the trendy cafes and watch the world go by.

The Blue Mountains, Katoomba and The Three Sisters

Full Day

Discover the beauty of the Blue Mountains!  We take in the sights of natural bush land as we venture out of the bustling city on our full day guided excursion. We stop off for a visit to the Featherdale Wildlife Park to observe Australia's unique wildlife, including Kangaroos, Koalas and other marsupials, plus native reptiles and birds.

We continue to the town of Katoomba and experience a thrilling ride on the world’s steepest incline Railway that descends into the valley. A 900-foot boardwalk will take us to the base of the “Sceniscender” cable car for the trip back to the top, enjoying another perspective of the Blue Mountains.

After our thrilling ride, we transfer to the Blue Mountains look out for a view of the famous “Three Sisters” rock formation.

We enjoy a scenic and relaxing transfer back to our hotel; the rest of the evening is at leisure.

At leisure

Full Day

Today we can explore this buzzing city at our own pace. Our local guide will be pleased to offer recommendations for sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment options.

Explore Sydney or take an optional wine tour

Full Day

Today is free to explore more of Sydney. We can take in some galleries, enjoy a day at the beach, or shop till we drop, Sydney has it all!  For those who want to savour the taste of Australia’s liquid gold, there will be an optional wine tour to Hunter Valley, famous for its wines.

Optional Excursion to Hunter Valley

Escape the city and enjoy an optional full-day excursion into the wine region of Hunter Valley, combining world-renowned wines with tasty local produce and a stunning countryside backdrop.

Following a scenic two-hour journey, arrive at some of Australia’s best boutique wineries, visiting three wineries, partake in some wine tasting and enjoy a tasty two course meal with fresh, local produce, accompanied by a glass of delicious Hunter Valley wine. Return to our hotel in the afternoon.

Note: This tour is operated on a minimum numbers basis and may be shared with other groups.

Ayers Rock and Sounds of Silence

Morning

Today we say farewell to Sydney and transfer to Sydney Airport for a short internal flight to Ayers Rock in the centre of Australia. On arrival we meet with our new local guide and coach driver and transfer to our hotel.  Enjoy some downtime and soak up the Red Centre of Australia!

Sounds of Silence Dinner Experience

Evening

Tonight, we transfer to a desert dune and savour the special experience of “Sounds of Silence”, the quietest restaurant on earth!  Our outdoor gourmet barbecue dinner is served as we watch the sun set over the Olga Mountains.  After dinner, as the lights go down revealing a star-filled sky, the resident Astronomer will introduce us to the magnificent constellations, stars and planets that make up the skies of the Southern Hemisphere.

Experience a Sunrise Over Ayers Rock and See the Sacred Caves

Morning

We start with an early departure to take in the beautiful sunrise of Uluru, (Ayers Rock), soaking up the beauty of this natural wonder in the stark harsh outback. After, we discover sacred Aboriginal caves which hold a special significance for the local Aboriginal people.

See more of the Olgas and Sunset over Uluru

Afternoon

In the afternoon, accompanied by a local guide, we experience more of this dramatic landscape on a visit to the massive series of domes known as Kata Tjuta. We take in the scenery on a walking trail through the Olga Gorge between the two domes of Kata Tjuta.

Enjoy free time to explore before arriving at the sunset viewing area, where we witness the striking colour changes that take place over Uluru.

Later, we return to our hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening at leisure.

Transfer from Cairns to Palm Cove

Today we transfer to Ayers Rock Airport for an internal flight to Cairns. On arrival we meet with our local guide and driver and transfer to our hotel in Palm Cove.  Let’s settle in and recharge, before tomorrow’s adventure to the Great Barrier Reef!

Tonight, we join our fellow travellers for dinner (included) in our hotel.

Full Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Full Day

This morning we pack our swimmers and sun cream as we embark on an adventure to see one of Australia’s most precious and natural wonders! We transfer by coach to the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns and set sail on our high-speed catamaran to the Marine World pontoon - a purpose-built two-storey platform on the outer Great Barrier Reef.

From here we can explore this unique marine area of extraordinary beauty, with time to swim, snorkel, or travel in a semi-submersible boat. Get a bird's eye view of the turquoise water and magnificent coral formations as we soar through the air on a helicopter flight over the reef. What a way to end this day!

We return to our hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening at leisure.

Kuranda Scenic Rail, Rainforest adventure and Dreamtime

Full Day

This morning we depart our hotel for another full day of discovery. Fall in love with the views! We transfer to Freshwater train station and board the Kuranda Scenic Rail, considered one of the world’s most scenic rail routes; we travel through tunnels and over bridges spanning spectacular gorges, taking in the breath-taking views!

First stop is at Barron Gorge to admire the Falls before arriving at Kuranda Station where we take a short coach transfer and begin our rainforest adventure. All aboard! We travel aboard the amphibious Army Duck and experience the different perspectives of the rainforest, learning about tropical fruits, plants, and native animals of this area.

Join us as we go on a Dreamtime Walk, to learn about ancient Aboriginal history and way of life and try our hand at throwing a boomerang! Uncover more local culture with a Pamagirri Dancers performance in the Rainforest Amphitheatre, before a barbecue lunch (included).

Kuranda Skyrail

Afternoon

Next, we return to Kuranda and board the Skyrail cable car, discovering more of this beautiful countryside. We skim through the canopy and marvel at the rainforest below, enjoying stops along the way before arriving at Caravonica Lakes.

After our thrilling adventure, we transfer back by coach to our hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

At Leisure

Full Day

Today is free to relax, recharge the batteries and enjoy the laid-back pace of life in this delightful beach community. Soak up the restful oceanside atmosphere on our last day in Australia.

Arrive in Christchurch, South Island.

Today we conclude our Australian adventure as we depart Cairns Airport for Christchurch New Zealand, via Sydney.  On arrival in Christchurch, we will be met by our new local guide before being transferred to our hotel.

Experience the Tranz Alpine Express and Arthur’s pass

Full Day

This morning we transfer by coach to Christchurch station. All aboard! We experience the Tranz Alpine Rail Express, a holiday highlight and one of the best ways to enjoy a scenic journey across the stunning Canterbury Plains and into the heart of the Southern Alps.

Our train ride takes us across towering viaducts, through spectacular gorges and river valleys and into the lush forest of Arthur's Pass National Park. We disembark at Arthur's Pass, departure point for our coach transfer to Franz Josef. Keep an eagle eye out for those cheeky native Kea birds, colourful characters found in this area.

We make our way to our hotel in the village of Franz Josef, home to one of New Zealand’s famous glaciers.

Franz Josef Glacier and transfer to Queenstown

Full Day

This morning we leave Franz Josef, but not before taking in the views of the Franz Josef Glacier. If weather conditions permit, we will have a view of this famous glacier, a huge river of snow and ice that flows from vast snowfields high in the Alps. 

We travel onwards by coach, crossing Haast Pass, past the picturesque Lake Wanaka and cross into Central Otago: sheep and cattle country. We drive through the Kawarau Gorge and arrive at Queenstown, a popular tourist destination.  

This evening, take a stroll along the picturesque waterfront, sit in one of the cafes enjoying a refreshing hot drink and breathe in the fresh mountain air.

Queenstown, Arrowtown and Remarkable Mountain Range

Morning

Today we discover Queenstown and more, on a half day guided tour. Take in the beauty of Queenstown on a scenic tour, as we drive to the historic gold rush village of Arrowtown. Enjoy views of Lake Hayes and the rugged Shotover River. We experience an aerial gondola ride to Bob's Peak taking in the panoramic views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain range - the backdrop to several scenes in The Lord of the Rings.

After the tour we drive to Kawarau Bridge to see dare-devils bungee jumping from the original AJ Hackett site, before returning to our hotel.

At Leisure

Enjoy the rest of our day at leisure; stroll the lake side town or hike up the hill for a stunning view over Queenstown. Now is the time to try some Kiwi delicacies; Pavlova, pies, sweet cakes and pastries, or sample some of the local wines and beers for which New Zealand is famous!

Free Time in Queenstown

Full Day

Today is free to explore the beautiful alpine resort of Queenstown. Although an adrenaline junkies' paradise, there is also plenty to do at a more relaxed pace, including walking, golf, sailing and fishing. Our local guide will be pleased to offer recommendations for sightseeing, shopping, and other activities.

Transfer to Christchurch

Morning

Today we travel north, through the rugged Kawarau Gorge, across the distinctive Central Otago countryside to Lindis Pass. We pass through many small towns and continue to Lake Tekapo to view the Church of the Good Shepherd and the famous bronze statue of the sheep dog; an Instagram moment! We continue over Burkes Pass and on to Christchurch.

Join us for dinner! Tonight, we enjoy dinner together after our long journey.

Rotorua, Te Puia and Whakarewarewa

Today we transfer by coach to Christchurch Airport for our flight from the South Island to Rotorua in the North Island. On the way to our hotel, we discover why Rotorua is famous, taking in a tour of Te Puia and a visit to Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve.  Witness the boiling mud pools, steaming terraces and geyser activity. We also see more at the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts institute.

After check in at our hotel, we can take time out and enjoy one of the local spas, or stroll in the Government Gardens.

Rotorua Sightseeing Tour

Morning

See more of Rotorua on a sightseeing tour by coach. Admittedly a little smelly, due to all the geothermal activity, it is a popular tourist destination set on the shores of Lake Rotorua. We visit the Agrodome and Rainbow Springs to see huge trout, the New Zealand national emblem and rare Kiwi bird, the ancient Tuatara lizard and much more.

The afternoon is at leisure. We can shop till we drop, indulge in a spa treatment, or take a walk along the lake shore.

Mamaku Ranges, Waitomo Caves and Hamilton Gardens

Morning

Depart Rotorua and travel across the Mamaku Ranges and through picturesque farmlands to the Waitomo Cave region.

En-route, enjoy a guided tour of the famous limestone caves including a silent boat ride on an underground river into the astonishing Glowworm Grotto, one of the natural top wonders of the world, a must see for any trip to New Zealand!

Visit to Hamilton Gardens and transfer to Auckland

After, we travel onwards to Hamilton and enjoy some free time at the Hamilton Gardens!  Take a self-guided tour as you immerse yourself in the beauty of this former rubbish tip, transformed into an award-winning garden. Fall in love with the Italian Renaissance Garden, an Indian Char Bagh Garden and much more. We spend an hour here before transferring to Auckland.

At Leisure

On arrival in Auckland, we can enjoy an evening at leisure.

Auckland Sightseeing Tour

Morning

We enjoy a sightseeing tour of the 'City of Sails', including the harbour views from Bastion Point, the Maori and Pacific Islands Court at the Auckland Museum, the waterfront drive, and the trendy Parnell Village. After our tour we have the rest of the day to explore, shop for last minute souvenirs or take in some of the local sites as we enjoy our last day in Aotearoa (the Maori name for New Zealand).    

Depart Auckland for Hong Kong

We say farewell to New Zealand as we depart early to Auckland Airport for our flight to Hong Kong. On arrival in Hong Kong, we will be met by our local guide before being transferred to our hotel.

Hong Kong Sightseeing Tour

Morning

Today we discover some of the highlights of Hong Kong on a half-day city tour of this dynamic city, including Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, and Hollywood Road. We enjoy some free time before transferring to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore and take advantage of the ideal place and time to shop for those last-minute bargains!

Depart Hong Kong

Today we depart Hong Kong for our journey home.

Arrive home with fond memories and newfound friends from this once in a lifetime experience.