Overview
Itinerary
Your journey starts in New Zealand. Feel the ever-present heartbeat of Maori culture on this set of islands. Comprised of natural beauty and striking contrasts, live the Kiwi lifestyle for the next 10 days. Say hello to Wellington, the colorful capital city of New Zealand. Take in the gourmet eats, seaside charm, and scenic coastline as you feel the warm ocean breeze of the “Windy City.” Stay: Rydges Wellington (2 Nights)
Jump right into Maori culture with a traditional powhiri, an elaborate ceremony for welcoming guests. Marvel at the carved wakas, sleek canoes of intricate design, at a Maori culture center. Get exclusive access to an archaeological site not open to the public during a guided exploration of a waterfront pa (Maori for village). Taste Maori heritage in a Hangi dish and discover the roots of the culture at the Te Papa Museum. Admire the rolling waves as you share conversation, connecting over dinner. (B/L/D)
Surrounded by green slopes and rolling mountains, the Cook Strait will offer a picturesque landscape as you cruise over the stunning waters on your way to the South Island. Visit Nelson, the oldest city on the island. Enjoy an evening at leisure to experience this coastal hub, full of local works and a trending foodie scene. This local art hub highlights works from the area, artisan food markets, and sparkling waters. (B) Stay: The Nelson Hotel (2 Nights)
Explore the open-air Nelson Market, featuring delicious foods and goods. Chat with artisans as you walk along the spirited stalls and peruse an ever-evolving library of Kiwi crafts. Venture on to Kaiteriteri, a coastal paradise where you'll set sail through the graceful natural beauty of Abel Tasman National Park. Coast over the crystal-clear waters and pass reaching trees huddled along the shore. A picnic lunch awaits at the Anchorage, a scenic bay set amongst gentle waves and sandy coasts. (B/L)
Today venture to the natural phenomenon of Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks. Feel the spray of the ocean crashing against these unique limestone formations with a flapjack façade.
Tonight, dine at your beachfront hotel, a natural haven of craggy peaks and lively waterspouts. (B/D) Stay: Beachfront Hotel
Wake up in Hokitika, better known as a “cool little town.” Head to Hokitika Gorge for a taste of New Zealand's beloved West Coast nature. Return to town for a tour, ending with a walk along the beach and some free time to explore on your own. Make your way to Franz Josef, New Zealand's glacier country. Discover the area's seaside allure by combing the beach in search of New Zealand jade or perhaps you'll explore the shops and eateries in town. (B) Stay: Scenic Franz Josef Glacier Hotel (2 Nights)
Choose how to start your day because it's your choice! View the Franz Josef Glacier with a local guide, traversing an exclusive trail not open to the public -OR- get a glimpse of kiwis at the West Coast Wildlife Centre, where you'll learn more about conservation and rehabilitation of this national icon. Enjoy free time to relax. Perhaps you will step into the rainforest and soak in the steamy thermal waters of the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools. (B/D)
Journey through the thick rainforest and emerge on the “wild” west coast. With cliffs and beaches on your right and the southern snowcapped Alps on your left, there will be no shortage of riveting landscapes to capture your eye. Pause in Wanaka, a slice of tranquility 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. (B) Stay: Heritage (3 Nights)
Enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley and cross through an ancient red beech forest. Cruise along the waters of the dramatic Milford Sound, taking in the natural splendor around you. With cliffs rising up to nearly 4,000 feet, you'll see why this is one of the most visited sights on the South Island.
Following your cruise, you may choose to return to Queenstown via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand's Southern Alps. (B/L)
Today is yours! Explore the adventure capital whichever way your heart desires. Perhaps you'll choose an optional tour to cruise Lake Wakatipu surrounded by Queenstown's stunning landscape aboard an iconic coal-fired steamship. Once on land, enjoy a BBQ lunch lakeside followed by a sheepdog demonstration. (B/D)
Wish New Zealand goodbye and enter Australia, home to the expansive Outback and lively waterfront cities. Start your Aussie adventure in Sydney, the country's largest city. (B) Stay: Park Royal Darling Harbour (3 Nights)
During a city tour get a glimpse at all the main highlights Sydney has to offer. Then, take a step into the past and explore the historic Rocks neighborhood, situated along the edge of Sydney Harbour. Continue along to the port Circular Quay before strolling through the winding paths of the Royal Botanical Gardens. Here, you'll delve into Aboriginal culture by learning about native plants and foraging for traditional foods.
Go behind the scenes of the Sydney Opera House on an expert-led guided tour of this legendary venue. As the sun sets, admire the city skyline on a dinner cruise through Sydney Harbour and watch the sky transform into a myriad of pinks and oranges over the iconic Sydney Opera House. (B/D)
Make the most of your final day in Sydney with a full day at leisure where you can take advantage of your included hop-on, hop-off bus passes! (B)
Set off on a short flight to Adelaide, the cosmopolitan hub of South Australia. Indulge in a wine tasting at d'Arenberg Cube, home to eccentric architecture and vibrant surroundings, and discover why the wine maker is referred to as the “Willy Wonka of Wines.” Dinner tonight will be in the home of a local family. (B/D) Stay: Peppers Waymouth (2 Nights)
Treat your taste buds to a full-day exploration of the Barossa Valley's fine food and wine. Your day starts with an interactive cooking demonstration in the Barossa Valley, after which your vintner voyage continues with a tour and tasting at the famous Seppeltsfield Winery, one of the oldest in the Barossa Valley.
Following the tour enjoy a delicious Barossa-style lunch. (B/L)
Your adventure continues to Uluru (Ayers Rock).
After your flight from Adelaide, relish in free time this afternoon before gathering for an unforgettable evening set in the backdrop of this Aboriginal destination. Experience the Sounds of Silence dinner, a gourmet meal overlooking the glowing Uluru. As the sun drops behind the horizon and the Milky Way starts to twinkle, relax as you eat dinner under a bed of stars, overlooking Australia's greatest natural wonder. (B/D) Stay: Desert Gardens Hotel
Get a close look at the iconic, massive red rocks emerging from the earth, sprung up as if beckoned toward the clouds. On a guided tour of Uluru's base and the neighboring Kata Tjuta rock formations, discover the heritage of Australia's Aboriginal people. Fly to Cairns and enjoy an evening at leisure, getting to know this gateway to an underwater paradise. (B) Stay: Flynn Crystalbrook Collection Hotel (3 Nights)
Board a glass-bottom catamaran and sail to the Low Isles to discover the aquatic realm of the Great Barrier Reef. Spend the day however you please, perhaps choosing from a selection of included activities. Maybe you'll soak up the sun on a tiny remote island, located along the outer reef. Or consider snorkeling in the rolling waves, uncovering a pod of vibrant sea life. You can also meet with a marine biologist, or join an expert on a heritage trail walk along the island. (B/L)
This morning, a short cruise takes you to a stunning wetland environment where Traditional Aboriginal Owners greet you with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony.
Afterwards your indigenous guides will introduce you to native foods and bush medicines, as well as ancient Aboriginal traditions, customs, and artifacts.
This afternoon is at your leisure to relax or explore the tropical city of Cairns. Toast to the end of your journey at a farewell dinner, reflecting on your Outback escapade. (B/D)
Your tour of New Zealand and Australia comes to a close today. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Explore New Zealand's pristine wilderness and coastlines on several easy walks.
- Walk amongst the history and heritage of Maori culture.
- Spend the day at the Great Barrier Reef at leisure – with included options to snorkel, hike, or chat with a marine biologist.
- Set sail through the graceful natural beauty of Abel Tasman National Park.
- Cruise through the dramatic Milford Sound.
- Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the Sydney Opera House.
- Taste Maori culture at a Hangi lunch.
- At a memorable Sounds of Silence dinner, dine under the stars overlooking Uluru (Ayers Rock).
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
- Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Trip Optionals These optional activities can be pre-booked & included in your trip price.
- Location: Queenstown. Cost: $133.
- Cross the picturesque Lake Wakatipu on the famous TSS Earnslaw steamboat and head to Walter Peak Farm. Enjoy a visit to an authentic sheep farm where you’ll get to watch a sheep-herding demonstration in the company of other farm animals. Soak in the surrounding panoramic views before enjoying lunch at the farm’s restaurant. Duration approximately 3.5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 2 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. TSS Earnslaw undergoes annual maintenance from late May to early July.
- Location: Cairns. Cost: $420.
- Jump in and explore the vibrant, colorful world teeming with life at the Agincourt Reef at the very edge of the Continental Shelf of the Great Barrier Reef. This massive reef system, the largest in the world, can actually be seen from space. Cruise across the water by catamaran to the Quicksilver pontoon where a diverse, bountiful ecosystem is yours to discover. You may enjoy the fish feeding from the unique underwater platform. You’re sure to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience exploring one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Duration approximately 9 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 1 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. You should be confident swimmers, able to swim at a leisurely pace for 10 minutes without stopping and be familiar with swimming in the open water for this optional. The swell of the ocean on the pontoon can be high at times of the day and can be intimidating for swimmers who are not confident in the water. There are life jackets and lifeguards on duty, and rest stations in the water for when swimmers need a break. Lunch included.
- Location: Queenstown. Cost: $560.
- Soar over the plunging cliffs, snowfields and alpine lakes of the pristine Southern Alps on a flightseeing plane that carries you back from Milford Sound to Queenstown. Seeing Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park from the air will give you a whole new perspective on the overwhelming beauty of this region. You’ll be captivated by 9,000 foot peaks and frozen lakes that can only be seen from above. Enjoy amazing views and skip the lengthy return coach ride to Queenstown. A truly spectacular trip! Duration approximately 1 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 4 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Availability for flightseeing is limited. This option is only available to purchase while on tour through your Tour Manager. This option operates on a weather permitting basis only. Duration: 40 minutes. This option does have a weight restriction, which your Tour Manager will advise as it varies by aircraft type.
Brochure
Collette Worldwide (2024-25)
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Collette. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
