Discover Australia and New Zealand in 28 days

Day 1 – Welcome to the Tropics!

Welcome to tropical Northern Queensland! Once you arrive in Cairns, your driver will take you to your hotel located in Palm Cove.

Take some time to unwind by the beach or pool and explore the charming seaside village of Palm Cove.

Day 2 – Beach life

To start your trip, we suggest taking it easy and enjoying some downtime on the beach or poolside while getting used to the new time zone.

If you feel like exploring, you can take a leisurely walk on the beautiful tropical beaches or visit the bustling Cairns Night Market.

Just be cautious of any potential crocodile sightings while you’re out and about!

Day 3 – The Great Barrier Reef

Join the group in the morning and head to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef.

Spend the day snorkelling and discovering the world’s largest coral reef system. If you prefer to stay dry, you can witness the wonders through a glass-bottom boat.

Scuba diving is also an option for those interested. Experienced divers, please ask about our diving tours!

Day 4 – Rainforests, mountains, gondolas and trains

Embark on a day trip to the spectacular Kuranda rainforest.

Begin your adventure by taking a gondola ride through the rainforest treetops, where you can marvel at the breathtaking views. There are also stops along the way where you can explore the rainforest and its inhabitants close-up.

Once you arrive at the charming village of Kuranda, explore the indigenous and local arts and crafts shops and enjoy a delicious lunch in the mountain village (try the signature “Barramundi Burger” at the local pub!).

Enjoy a historic scenic train journey back through the rainforest in the afternoon and witness beautiful waterfalls.

Transportation to and from your hotel, as well as the train and gondola rides, are all included in the package.

Day 5 – Excursion to The Daintree Rainforest

Join us on a day trip to explore the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation.

This experience will allow you to immerse yourself in nature, visit beautiful waterfalls, and learn about the rich Aboriginal culture and history.

We will take a short river cruise on the Mossman River, which lasts approximately an hour. While on the river, you might even spot local wildlife, such as crocodiles and various bird species in their natural habitat.

If the weather allows, you can swim in the clear waters of the Mossman Gorge, so don’t forget to bring your swimsuit!

Day 6 – Last day in the Tropics

You have the freedom to choose whether you want to participate in activities or relax, depending on your preference.

Various optional tours are available, such as a food and drink tour to visit local producers, a Brewery walking tour in Cairns, scenic helicopter rides over the reef, or a visit to a Crocodile farm.

The day is yours, and we will plan your itinerary based on your preferences. Just let us know what you would like to do.

Day 7 – Fly to Uluru, dinner under the stars

You will start your day with an early morning transfer to Cairns airport and catch a flight to Uluru in the Red Centre.

After your arrival, you will take shuttle transportation from Ayers Rock Airport to Ayers Rock Resort, where you will be staying for the next three nights.

You will be surrounded by the stunning desert landscape and Australia’s most famous landmark, Uluru.

Tonight, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a dinner under the stars – so get ready for an unforgettable dining experience! The dinner will kick off with canapés and chilled sparkling wine on the dunes, with a breathtaking view of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. While enjoying the delicious food, you will be entertained by the sound of the didgeridoo and will have the opportunity to meet other travellers at the dinner table. Don’t miss out on this amazing event!

As the first course is served to your table, you will have a selection of Australian wine and beer to enjoy. The chef’s buffet will offer a variety of options for the main course, inspired by “bush-tucker” cuisine. Your star guide will share information about the Southern night sky, including the Southern Cross, zodiac signs, the Milky Way, and planets and galaxies, for you to locate.

Includes:

Day 8 – Uluru and Kata Tjuta

Your day will begin early with a sunrise tour to Uluru, where you can enjoy your morning coffee or tea while taking in the stunning desert colours. During the tour, you will learn about sacred aboriginal sites and the indigenous people and their culture.

Later in the day, you will join a group excursion to visit Kata Tjuta during the afternoon or sunset. Please keep in mind that the order of the tours may be subject to change to suit the time of year, but you will receive confirmation at the time of booking.

Day 9 – Off to Sydney!

This morning, you have the option to join a camel sunrise safari at Uluru. Many of our clients have found this experience to be a highlight of their trip, and we highly recommend adding it to your itinerary.

Once you finish your breakfast, you can take a shuttle transfer to Ayers Rock Airport for your flight to Sydney, your next destination.

Upon arrival at Sydney Airport, you will be greeted by your driver who will take you to your hotel in the city. After checking in, you can rest in your room and recharge after the flight, or check out your surrounds.

The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of many landmarks, including the world-renowned Sydney Opera House.

Day 10 – Sydney Opera House and harbour dinner cruise

Today, you have the opportunity to visit the iconic Sydney Opera House and take a guided tour inside where you can learn about its history and listen to fascinating stories about the building.

Then join us for a walking tour of The Rocks area. The Rocks area is the oldest part of Sydney, and you will learn about the history of the city.

In the evening, experience the beauty of Sydney Harbour on a dinner cruise and enjoy the mesmerizing city lights as the sun sets.

Please note that the order of the tours may be subject to change and will be confirmed at the time of booking.

Day 11 – Blue Mountains

Join a small group tour to experience the breathtaking landscapes and rainforests of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Blue Mountains.

Some of the tour’s highlights include seeing the famous “Three Sisters” and visiting Scenic World. At Scenic World, you’ll have the opportunity to ride two different cable cars, take the steepest train in the world, and explore several stunning walking trails.

The tour also includes a visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park, where you can interact with kangaroos and koalas.

Finally, wrap up your adventure-filled day with a river cruise back through Darling Harbour.

Day 12 – A free day in Sydney

If you enjoy walking, we recommend taking the scenic waterfront route from Woolloomooloo to Anzac Bridge. This 11 km path takes you along the Harbour’s edge past landmarks like the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Botanical Gardens and Darling Harbour.

You can also grab a bite to eat at one of the Barangaroo restaurants or explore the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium.

Other great attractions in Sydney include Chinatown, the Taronga Zoo, and the historic Rocks district. Alternatively, you could take a ferry to Manly Beach, check out world-famous Bondi Beach or visit the Sydney Tower for breathtaking views.

Day 13 – Welcome to Queenstown

After your transfer to Sydney Airport, you will fly to Queenstown, New Zealand.

Upon arrival at Queenstown Airport, your driver will be waiting to take you to your conveniently located hotel.

You can explore the area on foot and discover some great restaurants, such as the Stratosfare Restaurant, which offers amazing views – let us know if you would like assistance in making a table reservation!

Day 14 – The Adventure Capital

Queenstown is known as the “Adventure Capital” with plenty of exciting activities.

You can start by taking the gondola up the mountain from the town centre to enjoy stunning views of the town, lake, and mountains.

Alternatively, you can join a cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard the steamboat TTS Earnslaw.

For the adventurous, there are options such as bungee jumping, skydiving, jetboating, rafting, ziplining, and mountain biking.

If you prefer more relaxed activities, you can go fishing, canoeing, cycling, or visit the area’s vineyards.

During summer, golfing in the beautiful scenery is popular, while during winter, you can go skiing at one of the many ski resorts in the area.

Day 15 – Doubtful Sound

Today, you will begin your journey early in the morning with a group to Doubtful Sound. The tour will consist of a shuttle bus ride, a cruise on the fjord, and a light lunch.

Day 16 – One of New Zealand’s best road trips

Once you finish breakfast, grab your rental car and begin your journey towards Dunedin. The route spans 341 kilometres and offers picturesque views along scenic highways that take you from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean, passing through the stunning Strath Taieri and Maniototo Plains.

After leaving Queenstown, head towards bigger towns like Arrowtown, Cromwell, and Alexandra. From there, take the picturesque route through Central Otago, passing through charming settlements like Middlemarch, Ranfurly, Oturehua, and Clyde. Enjoy a roadside lunch like a famous NZ meat pie or fish and chips along the way.

Upon your arrival in Dunedin, we recommend making a stop at the Signal Hill Lookout to get a sense of your surroundings before heading to your hotel.

Dunedin, the oldest city in New Zealand, boasts an impressive collection of Edwardian and Victorian buildings, including the architectural masterpiece of the Dunedin Railway Station.

Take a stroll around the city and explore attractions such as the Otago Museum or Toitu Otago Settlers Museum to discover the history of the area and its people.

Additionally, Dunedin has been designated as a UNESCO City of Literature, offering literary walking tours, and visits to the “Hard to Find Bookshop” or the University Book Shop.

Despite being a small city, Dunedin is a vibrant university town with a variety of activities for everyone, including galleries, street art, museums, restaurants, al fresco cafes, and bars.

Day 17 – Castles and Wildlife

Join a wonderful day tour and journey back in time with a tour of New Zealand’s only “castle”, followed by a special wildlife cruise experience and penguin spotting.

You will first visit New Zealand’s only castle, the Larnach Castle, which sits in the centre of the Otago Peninsula. The castle was built in 1871 and took two hundred workers roughly three years to build the exterior shell and a further twelve years for master European craftsmen to finish the interior. We highly recommend a short walk around the beautiful gardens, recognised to be of international significance.

The tour continues along the Otago Peninsula to Wellers Rock Wharf, where you’ll board a one-hour Wildlife Cruise. The tour travels around Taiaroa Head, home of the world’s only mainland nesting place of the Royal Albatross. Watch as these huge birds glide in from the ocean and soar high above their hillside nests.

You’ll cruise beneath a historic lighthouse, perched high above volcanic cliffs. Watch as fur seals play and swim near their breeding colonies. Then it’s a short way out to sea to spot other species of albatross, cormorants, petrels and other rarely seen ocean birds. Occasionally you might see blue penguins, dusky or hectors dolphins or a large sea lion.

Your last stop will take you to Penguin Place Conservation Reserve. Discover why beautiful, quirky Yellow Eyed Penguins are the most endangered of the world’s penguin species. You’ll only find them in a few areas along the Southeast Coast of New Zealand and remote sub-Antarctic islands. You have a great opportunity to see these rare birds in the wild (penguin spotting is not guaranteed and viewing is varied depending on the time of year).

But it’s not all about penguins, as you walk through the regenerating native bush the guide will point out special native plants. The team at Penguin Place have planted thousands of trees and plants to provide a safe environment for the penguins. The area is also home to NZ fur seals and blue penguin populations.

You’ll learn about the conservation & volunteer work currently underway to ensure the survival of this special species. Your ticket cost goes directly towards helping these efforts.

The day tour then concludes with a relaxed drive back to the city, following the Otago Harbour shore.

A moderate level of fitness and mobility is required for this tour. You may be required to walk up to 1.5km and use several flights of stairs.

Day 18 – Aoraki

Begin your day early and continue driving towards Aoraki. On your way, make a stop in Moeraki to witness the enigmatic spherical boulders scattered along the shore. These boulders are calcite concretions formed around 65 million years ago.

Our next recommended stop is Clark’s Mill, a limestone flour mill constructed in 1866. Before reaching Oamaru, the Totara Estate Centennial Park is a great place to visit to see restored 1860s farm buildings.

In Oamaru, you can enjoy an early lunch or morning tea while exploring the Victorian-themed shops and the fascinating Harbour-Tyne Street’s Victorian precinct, which is known for its elegant sandstone buildings. You may also drop by the quirky Steampunk Museum.

Moving on to the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, the home of New Zealand’s highest mountain, you will pass through some breathtaking sights. From Twizel, the stunning Lake Pukaki will accompany you. The exquisite opaque turquoise colour of this lake and others in the area is due to the fine, glacier-ground rock particles held in suspension within their waters.

Aoraki Mount Cook, a haven for mountain climbers, hikers, and scenery enthusiasts, offers various activities such as heli-skiing, heli-hiking, aerial sightseeing, and hiking trails. You may also join a scenic flight with a snow landing on top of the mountain or hire one of the mountain bikes from the hotel for a day (flights and bike rental are not included in the package, ask for more information when booking).

After sunset, you can join in in a stargazing tour and learn more about the night sky of the Southern Hemisphere. Located at the Dark Sky Reserve, the area is one of the best for viewing the night sky and the Milky Way. There is hardly any light pollution, making it an ideal spot for your stargazing experience.

Tonight, dinner is included at the hotel restaurant.

Day 19 – To Christchurch

After your buffet breakfast, continue your drive to Christchurch, the Garden City.

As you make your way to Christchurch today, take a break at the charming lakeside settlement of Tekapo to visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and the sheepdog statue is highly recommended for some fantastic photo opportunities. With over 25 million sheep in New Zealand, you’ll see plenty of them on your drive.

Once you arrive in Christchurch, simply return the car and head to your hotel. Known as “The Garden City”, Christchurch boasts over 1200 parks and gardens, offering stunning views of the green hills, the Pacific Ocean, the Canterbury Plains, and even the Southern Alps in the distance.

We suggest visiting the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens, taking a guided punting tour on the river Avon, enjoying a historic tram ride around the city, or taking a gondola up the surrounding hills. Don’t miss out on the city’s heritage sites, museums, galleries, and vibrant restaurant scene as well.

If you’re interested, we can also arrange a private, guided walking tour around the city centre. Just let us know when we prepare your quote.

Day 20 – Scenic train journey

Start your day early by boarding the Coastal Pacific scenic train to Picton and enjoy one of New Zealand’s most beautiful train journeys.

As you travel north along the Pacific coast, you’ll witness breathtaking views of secluded beaches, wineries, rugged coastlines, and stunning landscapes nestled between the sea and the mountains.

After arriving at Picton Station in the afternoon, take a short walk to catch the ferry to Wellington, which is said to be one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world.

You’ll arrive in Wellington this evening, where you’ll meet your driver who will take you to your hotel.

Day 21 – Beautiful Wellington

In the morning, take the historic cable car and admire the scenery from Kelburn’s vantage point.

Take a shuttle bus to the Zealandia Ecosanctuary, located in the heart of Wellington, and immerse yourself in a lush forest inhabited by over 40 rare species of native wildlife.

Join a tour led by a professional guide and walk amongst rare birds such as hihi, kākāriki, and takahē during the day.

By visiting the Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, you will be supporting their ground-breaking conservation research and experiencing the source of the increasing native bird biodiversity in Wellington.

In the afternoon, return to the city and take a stroll around town. Wellington is a compact and walkable city, with most major attractions within a short walking distance from cafes, restaurants, bars, shops, and hotels in the downtown area, which is just 2 km across.

Day 22 – The day is yours – Wellington

When you’re visiting the capital of New Zealand, there’s plenty to keep you busy and entertained.

We highly recommend checking out the Te Papa Museum and taking a one-hour introduction tour. It’s considered one of the top museums in the world and definitely worth a visit. Admission is free and we can also arrange a tour for you if you’re interested.

If you’re a fan of famous movies like Lord of the Rings, you should check out Weta Studios. They have costumes on display for you to view. Keep in mind that the studio is located outside of the city and requires transportation via taxi or Uber. Alternatively, we can assist in booking a tour for you if you’re interested.

Day 23 – To Rotorua

After your breakfast, your driver will meet you at the hotel and take you to the airport for your short flight to Rotorua.

Visit the hot springs, see the geysers and explore the Māori culture. Pamper yourself with the world-famous Rotorua mud mask or a range of spa treatments (not included in the package).

Day 24 – Māori Culture and Treetops

During the day, visit the Redwoods Treewalk and see these amazing giant trees from above.
This award-winning, eco-tourism walk is suitable for families and accessible for all who can walk unaided.

In the evening, join us for an Indigenous dinner experience. The Te Pō Indigenous Experience begins with a mouth-watering buffet at the world-famous Pātaka Kai Restaurant, Bar, and Cafe. With locally sourced cuisine and an authentic Māori twist in each dish, the buffet is guaranteed to be a favourite.

Following this, you will be led to view an exhilarating cultural performance that takes place in the beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. It will include a Pōhiri (Traditional Māori Welcome), Waiata (Song), Mōteatea (traditional chant), Poi, and Haka.

Afterwards, enter the geothermal valley on our waka (electric shuttle) and discover one of New Zealand’s most magnificent geothermal wonderlands – featuring dramatic geysers, bubbling mud, and a beautiful native bush. Enjoy a hot chocolate, seated on a naturally heated rock terrace overlooking the powerful Pōhutu Geyser.

Transfers to and from dinner are included.

Day 25 – Hobbiton, Waitomo caves and Auckland

Today you will travel from Rotorua to Auckland including visiting two of iconic New Zealand attractions – Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glow Worm Caves.

The day includes a fully guided tour of the Hobbiton movie set and a sumptuous lunchtime feast in their Party Marquee. This is followed by a guided tour of the Waitomo Caves with a boat ride through the glow worm grotto.

Enjoy full commentary with insights into the areas you are travelling through and background to both Hobbiton and Waitomo caves.

The tour ends at your hotel in Auckland the same evening.

Day 26 – Waiheke Island and wineries

Take a morning ferry to beautiful Waiheke Island and join us for a walking tour. This spectacular walk has a little bit of everything – bush, beach, headlands and vineyards.

You will start with a walk through restored and regenerating bush up to the headland for some breathtaking views of the islands of the Hauraki Gulf.

Then continue through lush, established bush tracks and rolling hills, where you’ll enjoy lovely views of valleys, vineyards and the sea.

There’s time for wine tasting and/or lunch at two of Waiheke’s best-loved vineyards – Mudbrick Vineyard or Cable Bay Vineyards.

Highlights

Includes:

Day 27 – A free day in Auckland

Spend a day in New Zealand’s largest city and visit Auckland’s Sky Tower where you will have magnificent views across the city and the harbour.

Then in the afternoon, you could visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum, where you can learn about the history and culture of New Zealand and the Māori people.

Have dinner at one of the many restaurants in the Parnell area or take a taxi to Ponsonby.

Auckland shines as the commercial and cultural centre of New Zealand. It is situated on 50 islands and 48 dead volcanoes which make it unusual and breathtaking to behold. A stroll along the waterfront, a hike on a volcanic island, or a cruise through the glorious harbour are just a few ways to absorb the delights of the city. This city has the largest Polynesian population in the world, adding to its cosmopolitan, dynamic appeal. High-end fashion houses, sophisticated restaurants and chic bars complement the abundance of outdoor activities.

Day 28 – Where next?

Enjoy your final morning in Auckland and your next journey awaits.

Breakfast and airport transfers are included in your package. Ask us about additional flights or accommodation options for your next destination!