Down Under Discovery

DAY 1: ARRIVE SYDNEY

Welcome to Australia! Upon arrival at Sydney International Airport, we will be met and transferred to our accommodation which is being held for our early check-in. Radiating from the sparkling waters of Sydney Harbour, Australia’s largest city stretches from the shores of the Pacific Ocean to the foot of the Blue Mountains. Our lovely accommodation is at Park Royal Darling Harbour – as the name suggests, situated right on Darling Harbour. We’re well located to wander around the Darling Harbour precinct at our leisure, or just relax and acclimatise after
our flight. We’ve got a great few days ahead of us and this evening will be the start. Enjoy a welcome reception at King Street Wharf then join Captain Cook Cruises for our Captain’s Club Dinner Cruise aboard the MV Sydney 2000. The views are stunning as we cruise, dine and dance aboard Sydney’s flagship MV Sydney 2000. What a wonderful way to begin our adventure!

 Dinner Included.             Hotel Overnight: ParkRoyal Darling Harbour, Sydney

DAY 2: SYDNEY CITY SIGHTS & SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

This morning we embark on a city sights tour taking in the historical Rocks area, where the First Fleet landed in 1788 to establish Australia’s first European settlement. Other highlights include China Town, cosmopolitan Kings Cross and world famous Bondi Beach. Returning to town, we make our way to the Sydney Opera House; where we meet our guide for a tour. Sixty years ago Jorn Utzon designed what is now considered one of the greatest buildings of all time. This will be a fascinating tour. It’s now time for lunch so we head to Terrace on the Domaine. The final stop on our tour is Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair on the harbour foreshore. The chair was
carved out of the sandstone by convicts for Governor Lachlan Macquarie’s wife in order for her to watch the activity on the harbour and await the arrival of ships from England. The point provides us with wonderful views of the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and Fort Denison. This evening, we have a special dinner outing at the Squires Landing overlooking the beautiful Sydney harbour! We have arranged a transfer back to the hotel – or if you wish to “kick on” to taste Sydney’s nightlife, feel free to do so!

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.             Hotel Overnight: ParkRoyal Darling Harbour, Sydney
 

DAY 3: FEATHERDALE WILDLIFE PARK & BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

Today discover the beauty of the Blue Mountains! We visit Featherdale Wildlife Park, which houses a great variety of wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, Australian reptiles, Tasmanian devils, wombats and various species of Australian birds. Our coach climbs into the Blue Mountains National Park where our lunch stop is in the village of Leura; the name was given to the  village because of the area’s wealth of volcanic stones. This afternoon we take the scenic Cliff Drive to Echo Point and the Three Sisters at Katoomba. Near here is
Scenic World where we ride on the Scenic Railway, the world’s steepest incline railway, and travel through an
ancient rainforest. When we disembark, we walk the 300m rainforest boardwalk to connect with the Flyway platform. The Scenic Cableway is the steepest aerial cable car in Australia. It will take us on a 545 meter ride up through the World Heritage Listed rainforest of the Jamison Valley. Our final adventure at Scenic World is to join the Scenic Skyway to take the journey 270m above ancient ravines and dazzling waterfalls. This ride boasts a world first, state of the art Electro-Scenic Glass Floor. The 360 degree birds-eye view takes
in the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls, Mount Solitary and the never ending expanse of the Jamison Valley. We now return to Sydney for dinner in the hotel restaurant.

 Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.             Hotel Overnight: ParkRoyal Darling Harbour, Sydney

DAY 4: MELBOURNE TOURING

We say farewell to Sydney this morning and fly to another cosmopolitan city – Melbourne. Have lunch in Melbourne and a city tour before getting a good overview of Melbourne at the Eureka Skydeck 88 - with awe inspiring views from the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere at Melbourne’s iconic Eureka Tower, currently the world’s tallest residential building. Afterwards we check into our accommodations, the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, with time to settle in and freshen up. Heading out for dinner this evening takes you to
the Docklands area. Berth Restaurant is situated right on the waterside and here enjoy an entrée and main meal in this relaxed atmosphere. Your dessert is across the road in another unique venue - inside a cabin on the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.             Hotel Overnight: Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, Melbourne
 

DAY 5: GREAT OCEAN ROAD

We have a full day today exploring one of Australia’s most spectacular coastal drives! Following an early breakfast, we join the Great Ocean Road, built to honor the servicemen and women of World War I, the road extends more than 300 kilometers along some of the best coastal scenery this country has to offer. We travel along the coast to Lorne, a popular Victorian seaside village. From Lorne continue onto Apollo Bay for lunch at the Apollo Bay Hotel. Next, we leave the coast and wind our way through the slopes of the Otway Ranges and the Otway National Park. Our lunch venue is at the Cape Otway Lighthouse – keep your eyes open for koalas in the trees on the way to the
precinct! This afternoon we continue along the full length of the Port Campbell National Park. We stop to see the famous Twelve Apostles, towering limestone stacks with wild waves crashing at their bases, as they dominate the coastline near Port Campbell. Return to Melbourne for dinner at your hotel.

 Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.             Hotel Overnight: Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, Melbourne

​

DAY 6: QUEEN VICTORIA MARKETS & PHILLIP ISLAND PENGUINS

Head to the famous Queen Victoria Market – shop ‘til you drop at this celebrated market – see buskers, find souvenirs and marvel at the fresh produce. Later this morning, drive into the Dandenong Ranges and take a ride through the lush mountainsides from Belgrave to Emerald on the historic “Puffing Billy” steam train. Select from a three course menu in the first class dining carriage. Disembark the train and journey by coach to the south western end of Phillip Island. Have an early dinner at Cape Kitchen before observing the famous
Phillip Island penguin parade. Every day at dusk the little penguins come ashore after fishing for whitebait for their young. To see them come out of the surf in small groups and waddle up the beach is a unique spectacle. You will be treated to upgraded viewing from the Penguins Plus viewing platform close to the little penguins’ favorite spot to exit the water. Return to your hotel ate this evening.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.             Hotel Overnight: Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, Melbourne

​

DAY 7: MELBOURNE DAY OF LEISURE

We’ve been busy the last few days, so we have a totally free day today.
Shop, do some personal sightseeing or just relax at the hotel – the choice is yours.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.             Hotel Overnight: Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, Melbourne

DAY 8: AYERS ROCK & KATA TJUTA

This morning transfer to Melbourne Airport for our flight to Ayers Rock. Upon arrival at Ayers Rock we will check in to our hotel.Lunch will be served in Gecko’s Café in the Town Square. Stroll back to the hotel after lunch, for some time at leisure and to start soaking up the Red Centre. This evening enjoy the ‘Sounds of Silence’ - the quietest restaurant on earth. Sip sparkling wine and listen to the haunting sounds of the didgeridoo while watching a magnificent sunset over Kata Tjuta. After sunset enjoy a delicious Northern Territory gourmet barbecue. Lights go down revealing a star filled sky with a resident astronomer providing an introduction to the magnificent constellations, stars and planets that make up the skies of the Southern Hemisphere.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.             Hotel Overnight: Sails in the Desert, Ayers Rock Resort

DAY 9: ABORIGINAL SACRED CAVES & CAIRNS

Rise early this morning to watch the beautiful desert sunrise over Ayers Rock plus see some of the many Aboriginal sacred caves, which hold a special significance for the local Aboriginal Anangu people. Midafternoon depart the resort and experience the harsh Outback on a visit to the massive series of domes known as Kata Tjuta (Olgas). The walking trail through Walpa Gorge follows the natural creek between two of the domes of Kata Tjuta. Spend some time exploring the gorge and the unusual rock formations. In the late afternoon, arrive at the sunset
viewing area. Drinks and canapes will be served as you witness the striking colour changes that can take place on the world’s largest monolith – Uluru. Return to the hotel for dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.             Hotel Overnight: Sails in the Desert, Ayers Rock Resort

DAY 10: RELAXATION MORNING & CAIRNS

Breakfast will be served in the hotel restaurant with your morning free for relaxing at the resort. Transfer by private coach to the airport for your flight to Cairns this afternoon. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, the Shangri-La Hotel Cairns. Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.             Hotel Overnight: Shangri-La Hotel, Cairns

DAY 11: GREAT BARRIER REEF HERITAGE PARK

Today enjoy one of Cairns’ most unique & exclusive Great Barrier Reef tours. Join Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel on a private day excursion to two spectacular outer Great Barrier Reef sites, Moore Reef & Milln or Flynn Reef. At Moore Reef, you will have the opportunity to explore the underwater world with a snorkelling and glass bottom boat experience, or choose to splash out with extra activities like a Scenic Helicopter
Flight (additional cost applies). A buffet lunch will be served on board. Return to Cairns for dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.             Hotel Overnight: Shangri-La Hotel, Cairns

DAY 12: KURANDA SCENIC RAIL & TJAPUKAI

This morning board the Kuranda Scenic Rail in a refurbished Heritage Carriage for a spectacular journey past massive Baron Falls, Stoney Creek and across steep ravines to the unique rainforest village of Kuranda. Refreshments will be served en-route. You’ll have time to explore Kuranda before boarding the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway which will take you skimming over the pristine rainforest canopy. Early afternoon,
visit Tjapukai – an Aboriginal cultural park set on 25 acres at Caravonica Lakes. Here there are five theatres, a museum, an art gallery and a traditional aboriginal camp where you can learn to throw a boomerang! After lunch, return to the hotel. This evening transfer to the Cairns Aquarium for a special farewell Australia dinner. Upon arrival at the Aquarium, take an exclusive guided tour through ten amazing North Queensland ecosystems with over 71 different habitats. Dinner will be served in the Oceanarium - surrounded by sharks, stingrays and the
tropical beauty of the fish of the Coral Sea.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.             Hotel Overnight: Shangri-La Hotel, Cairns
 

DAY 13: AUCKLAND

Fly to Auckland, New Zealand, transfer directly to your central city accommodation situated adjacent to the iconic SkyTower, and your home for the next two evenings. Regularly named as one of the best life-style cities in the world, Auckland has a plethora of great museums and galleries, and is a melting pot of cultures, with a large Polynesian and Asian influence. Enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel this evening.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.             Hotel Overnight: Sky Grand Hotel, Auckland

DAY 14: AUCKLAND ADVENTURE DAY

Today you will choose one activity from a selection of sightseeing options designed to introduce you to Auckland’s largest and most cosmopolitan city. After the excursions, reunite for dinner at Harbourside Bar & Grill, located in the historic Ferry Building on Quay Street. Today’s options include: Auckland Museum + Orbit Luncheon - Spend time at the Auckland Museum with exhibitions featuring the artistic legacy and cultures of the peoples of the Pacifiand, then dine at 360 degree rotating Orbit, a truly iconic New Zealand brasserie offering a
kiwi-inspired, à la carte menu. Bush & Beach Wilderness Experience - Visit the Arataki Visitors Centre for dramatic panoramic views and to view traditional Maori carvings. Continue on to a lush rainforest walk among giant tree ferns. Then move on to experience the power of the rugged West Coast with a stroll down to a black sand beach. Essence of Wine Tour - Take a ferry to Waiheke Island and embark on a small group guided journey to explore this interesting island. Visit three of Waiheke’s top vineyards and sample a range of their wines. Enjoy lunch
and a glass of Waiheke wine or beer at a local favourite before heading back to the ferry. America’s Cup Sailing - Join an America’s Cup Sailing Experience and discover the excitement of sailing. Get involved on the grinders, steer from the helm and find out what it takes to get one of these race yachts moving. Or if you prefer, sit back, watch the action, and enjoy the view as you sail Auckland Harbour.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.             Hotel Overnight: Sky Grand Hotel, Auckland
​

DAY 15: MATAMATA & ROTORUA

Travel south into the fertile Waikato Valley. Here visit The Red Barn - a picturesque 500-acre park-like dairy farm nestled on a hill with stunning 360-degree views of the Kaimai Ranges, Mount Maungatautari and the greater Waikato dairy country. Take a rural tour on the fully functioning dairy farm with an interactive butter making experience before enjoying a country style luncheon. Next, we visit the Hobbiton Movie Set,
featured in the Peter Jackson directed movie trilogy The Lord of the Rings – and more recently, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Your guided tour includes a drive through a picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm where the Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, Mill and other structures created for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films can be viewed. Late afternoon journey to the unique geothermal area of Rotorua, part of the geologically active ‘Pacific Rim of Fire’. Situated on the shores of Lake Rotorua, your hotel for the next two nights will be the Novotel Lakeside.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.             Hotel Overnight: Novotel Lakeside, Rotorua

DAY 16: RAINBOW SPRINGS, THERMAL POOLS OF WAIOTAPU & MAORI VILLAGE

This morning you’ll visit Rainbow Springs, a showcase of New Zealand’s natural flora and fauna – see the endangered Kiwi bird, New Zealand’s national icon, and New Zealand’s only reptile, the Tuatara. Visit the thermal area of Waiotapu, one of the world’s most colorful thermal areas. Today enjoy a private luncheon at the Terrace Kitchen, followed by leisure time this afternoon. Consider spending the time shopping, resting,
or taking a dip in the thermally heated waters at the Polynesian Spa (extra cost). This evening, experience the warmth of the Maori people during an evening of ceremonial rituals including karanga (welcome call), powhiri (welcome); wero (challenge), storytelling & hangi feasting. See warriors training for war with traditional weapons, watch women weaving andmaking Maori crafts, hear villagers tell stories of their ancestors and history, and much more. Dine on the traditional hangi buffet dinner (Maori feast). The evening ends with the Poroporoaki
(official closing ceremony).

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.             Hotel Overnight: Novotel Lakeside, Rotorua
 

DAY 17: QUEENSTOWN & TE ANAU

Fly to Queenstown this morning. Arrive Queenstown Airport, meet your South Island driver and board your coach. Follow the eastern shores of Lake Wakatipu around the Devil’s Staircase to Kingston with The Remarkables Range to your left. Continue on through the lovely Southland countryside where sheep, cattle and deer farming predominate before reaching Te Anau. Renowned as the gateway to Fiordland National Park, the township of Te Anau is set on the shores of Lake Te Anau, the largest of New Zealand’s southern glacial lakes. Check into Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas and dine in the hotel restaurant this evening.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.             Hotel Overnight: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas, Te Anau

DAY 18: MILFORD SOUND SCENIC CRUISING

From Te Anau travel along the Milford Road into Fiordland National Park. Part of the UNESCO Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area, Fiordland National Park is one of the great wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere. Situated on the west coast of the South Island, Milford Sound is a fusion of spectacular natural features with amazing vistas around every corner. Upon arrival at Milford Sound, board a
comfortable vessel for a Nature Cruise of this spectacular fiord. As you cruise, enjoy the stunning scenery of cascading waterfalls, dense rainforest, steep cliff faces and marine life that inhabits these waters. An on-board nature guide with specialist knowledge of the region’s history, flora and fauna will provide a detailed commentary. A boxed picnic lunch will be enjoyed on board. At the conclusion of the cruise, re-board the coach and retrace your journey back to Te Anau. Dinner will be at your hotel for the next three nights, the Rees Hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.             Hotel Overnight: The Rees Hotel, Queenstown
 

DAY 19: RELAX IN QUEENSTOWN

Today is a free day for you to relax at your hotel or get out and explore Queenstown on your own. Queenstown has so many shops, cafes and colorful landmarks to keep your interest today. A plethora of optional sightseeing activities are available from jet-boating on the thrilling Shotover Jet; winery tours to premier Central Otago wineries; 4WD tours into unforgettable Skippers Canyon; scenic flights or if you dare – bungy jumping or tandem sky-diving (Extra cost for optional sightseeing excursions). This evening is free for you to sample from
Queenstown’s excellent dining establishments.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.             Hotel Overnight: The Rees Hotel, Queenstown

DAY 20: MT. ASPIRING NATIONAL PARK, JET BOAT ADVENTURE & BEECH FOREST WALK

This morning you will journey to the small settlement of Glenorchy at the head of Lake Wakatipu by coach. Here join Dart River Jet Safari’s for a 1½-hour jet boat safari into the Mt. Aspiring National Park. Witness crystal clear water in a wild and picturesque landscape, amidst the towering peaks, glaciers and ancient forests of Mt. Aspiring National Park. Also enjoy a 30-40-minute guided walk through ancient native beech forest and learn about the flora and fauna, history, and geology of this World Heritage Area from experienced guides. Later, travel by 4-wheel drive coach through the high country farmland and forests around Paradise. Return to Queenstown mid-afternoon. This evening, ride an aerial gondola high above Queenstown to Bob’s Peak where the Stratosphere Restaurant serves up a mouth-watering Taste of New Zealand buffet.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.             Hotel Overnight: The Rees Hotel, Queenstown
 

DAY 21: MT. COOK NATIONAL PARK, TASMAN GLACIER

Travel north through the rugged Kawarau Gorge, past pretty Lake Dunstan and across the distinctive Central Otago countryside to the Lindis Pass. Pass the small towns of Omarama and Twizel then drive along the shores of Lake Pukaki into Mt Cook National Park. At the heart of New Zealand’s most spectacular alpine region is Mt Cook, at 3754 metres the highest peak in Australasia. The Mt Cook National Park comprises
70,013 hectares of ice, snow, rock, sub-alpine scrub, tussock and riverbeds. Experience the wonders of this National Park, which features 15 peaks and 5 major glaciers. The Tasman Glacier flows 27 kms past the flanks of Mt Cook to terminate amongst vast fields of rock debris at the beautiful Blue Lakes, where the Tasman River takes the glacier water to the blue waters of Lake Pukaki. Lunch at The Hermitage, your hotel for the night. Your afternoon is at your leisure for optional activities or perhaps walk one of the shorter alpine trails from the hotel.
Optional activities available include Glacier Explorers excursion + helicopter flight with snow landing (extra cost). Dinner this evening is in the Alpine Restaurant at The Hermitage.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.             Hotel Overnight: The Hermitage, Mount Cook 

DAY 22: CHRISTCHURCH

This morning travel past Lake Pukaki and then on to the striking blue waters of Lake Tekapo to view the Church of the Good Shepherd and the famous bronze sculpture of the sheep dog. Continue over Burkes Pass to the rural settlement of Longbeach near Ashburton to visit Akaunui Historic House and Gardens. The garden includes magnificent old trees (both native and exotic) and complements the imposing century old
double story brick homestead. Today we enjoy a lovely country lunch at the Akaunui Homestead. Afterwards, we travel across the fertile Canterbury Plains to the city of Christchurch. Enjoy a city tour upon arrival. Your evening will be at your leisure with dinner at your overnight accommodations, the Distinction Hotel

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.             Hotel Overnight: Distinction Hotel, Christchurch 

DAY 23: FLY HOME FROM CHRISTCHURCH

Join a local walking guide for a relaxed 1-hour walk around the central city. Learn about the effects of the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes and how the city is rebuilding. You will be able to see the city’s rebuilding program and depending upon the route that your guide takes, you might see the temporary cardboard cathedral, the ‘container’ retail mall, and the reconstruction of the main arts buildings. Afterwards you will transfer to Christchurch airport where you will catch your flight bound for home

Breakfast Included.