Australia and New Zealand Uncovered (Wellington to Cairns) (2024)

Begin your journey in the land of the Kiwis, New Zealand. Immerse yourself in the captivating culture of the South Pacific, exploring the Maori lifestyle and the roots of Australia's Aboriginal groups. Experience the untamed vitality of the region, a perfect blend of wildlife and urban energy.

Your journey starts in Wellington, the colorful capital city of New Zealand. Experience the city's gourmet eats, seaside charm, and scenic coastline as you feel the warm ocean breeze of the 'Windy City'.

Dive into Maori culture with a traditional powhiri, marvel at the carved wakas at a Maori culture center, and explore an archaeological site. Savor a traditional Hangi dish and learn about the Maori heritage at the Te Papa Museum.

Cruise over the stunning Cook Strait, surrounded by green slopes and rolling mountains. Arrive in Nelson, the oldest city on the South Island, and enjoy an evening at leisure in this coastal hub, known for its local art and trending food scene.

Explore the open-air Nelson Market before venturing to Kaiteriteri, a coastal paradise. Set sail through the graceful natural beauty of Abel Tasman National Park and enjoy a picnic lunch at the scenic bay of Anchorage.

Venture to the natural phenomenon of Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks. Feel the spray of the ocean crashing against these unique limestone formations. Dine at your beachfront hotel, surrounded by craggy peaks and lively waterspouts.

Wake up in Hokitika, a 'cool little town'. Visit the Hokitika Gorge and return to town for a tour. Later, make your way to Franz Josef, New Zealand's glacier country, and explore the area's seaside allure.

Choose between a guided tour of the Franz Josef Glacier or a visit to the West Coast Wildlife Centre. Enjoy free time to relax, perhaps soaking in the thermal waters of the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools. Finish your day with dinner at the hotel.

Journey through the rainforest and emerge on the 'wild' west coast. Pause in Wanaka, a tranquil town nestled along a mountain-lined lake. Continue to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, and settle into your home for the next 3 nights.

Enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley and cruise along the waters of the dramatic Milford Sound. With cliffs rising up to nearly 4,000 feet, it's one of the most visited sights on the South Island.

Today is yours! Explore Queenstown, the adventure capital, at your own pace. Perhaps you'll choose an optional tour to cruise Lake Wakatipu, enjoy a BBQ lunch lakeside, and watch a sheepdog demonstration.

Bid farewell to New Zealand and enter Australia, home to the expansive Outback and lively waterfront cities. Start your Aussie adventure in Sydney, the country's largest city.

During a city tour, explore the historic Rocks neighborhood, stroll through the Royal Botanical Gardens, and go behind the scenes of the Sydney Opera House. As the sun sets, admire the city skyline on a dinner cruise through Sydney Harbour.

Make the most of your final day in Sydney with a full day at leisure. Use your included hop-on, hop-off bus passes to explore the city, visit local museums, or take in the sights at Darling Harbour.

Fly to Adelaide, the cosmopolitan hub of South Australia. Indulge in a wine tasting at d'Arenberg Cube, known for its eccentric architecture and vibrant surroundings, and discover why the winemaker is referred to as the 'Willy Wonka of Wines'.

Treat your taste buds to a full-day exploration of the Barossa Valley's fine food and wine. Visit a local farmstead, enjoy a private cooking demonstration, and continue your vintner voyage with a tour and tasting at the famous Seppeltsfield Winery.

Fly from Adelaide to Uluru (Ayers Rock). On a guided tour of Uluru's base, discover the heritage of Australia's Aboriginal people. In the evening, experience the Sounds of Silence dinner, a gourmet meal overlooking the glowing Uluru under a bed of stars.

Say goodbye to the outback and hello to the tropics as you fly to Cairns. Enjoy an evening at leisure, getting to know this gateway to an underwater paradise.

Board a glass-bottom catamaran and sail to the Low Isles to discover the aquatic realm of the Great Barrier Reef. Spend the day at your leisure, perhaps snorkeling in the waves, meeting with a marine biologist, or joining an expert on a heritage trail walk.

A short cruise takes you to a stunning wetland environment where Traditional Aboriginal Owners greet you. Learn about native foods, bush medicines, and ancient Aboriginal traditions. Spend the afternoon at leisure in Cairns and toast to the end of your journey at a farewell dinner.

Your tour of New Zealand and Australia comes to a close today. Depart with unforgettable memories of the vibrant cultures, untamed landscapes, and urban energy of these two incredible countries.