Australia & New Zealand - 13 Days

Daily Itinerary

Day 1 – Departure
You’ll depart for your flight to Auckland making a connection in Los Angeles. You’ll cross the International Dateline during the night.

Day 2 – Arrival, Auckland
Arrive Auckland International Airport about 9:00am. After clearing customs you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.
This morning walk to the Sky City complex and ride the high speed elevator to the SkyTower which is the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere. From here enjoy the panoramic views of Auckland City, Rangitoto Island, the Waitemata Harbour, the Hauraki Gulf, and the forested Waitakere Ranges. If you dare, step on to the 38mm thick glass floors and gaze at the streets below!
Remainder of afternoon free to rest or explore.
In the evening you’ll walk to dinner  

Day 3 – Auckland
Breakfast at your hotel.
Auckland is known as “City of Sails” for the large number of yachts and sailboats that use the beautiful waters of Auckland Harbour and the stunning Hauraki Gulf.  
This morning transfer to the Viaduct Basin and board a Pride of Auckland yacht for a 45-minute Sailing Experience on the sheltered waters of the sparkling Waitemata Harbour. Enjoy the sights of Auckland City and listening to an informative commentary. Passengers have the opportunity of assisting with the sailing or just sitting back and enjoying the experience. Yachts take a maximum of 17 passengers so group will be split if more than 17 people.
Free time for lunch and optional activities e.g. Harbour Bridge Walk, ferry to Devonport for food and shopping and beach.
Early evening travel north across the Harbour Bridge to Waiwera Infinity Thermal Spa Resort for a swim in the thermally heated waters. There are a variety of indoor and outdoor pools at varying temperatures as well as the whirling rides and waterslides which include the ‘Short & Sharp’, ‘Bob’s Mistake’, ‘Gut Buster’, ‘Twister’, the ‘Black Hole’ and the popular ‘SPEEEED Slide’. Towel hire included.
In the evening you’ll return to Auckland have dinner.

Day 4 – Auckland to Queenstown
Breakfast at your hotel.
Transfer to Auckland Domestic Airport.
Auckland / Queenstown by air
Arrive Queenstown Airport, board your charter coach and transfer to your hotel.
This afternoon drive out to Arthurs Point and the picturesque Edith Cavell Bridge. Here enjoy a thrilling Shotover Jet boat ride skimming over thrashing rapids in just inches of water through the narrow twisting gorges of the Shotover River. Experience the adrenaline rush as your driver skillfully whips the boat past rocky outcrops and skims around crags and boulders then hold on as the driver spins the boat in the ‘trademark’ Shotover Jet 360 degree spin.
This evening you’ll have dinner and then return to your hotel.  

Day 5 – Queenstown
Breakfast at your hotel.
This morning you will be collected from your hotel by a Nomad Safari 4-wheel drive vehicle for a morning ‘Safari of the Scenes’ excursion that visits the spectacular backdrops from much of the action in the Oscar winning ‘The Lord of the Rings’ movie trilogy.
Spend the morning in the Wakatipu Basin which includes the sites of 'The Ford of Bruinen' at Arrowtown as well as gold-panning and 4WD river crossings in the Arrow Gorge. See the film locations of 'The Road to Mordor' and 'The Pillars of the Kings' (Argonath), Misty Mountains and the site of Isildur’s Fall. The tour travels high on to the Remarkables Range for spectacular views over the whole area as well as overlooking Deer Park Heights, where the Rohan refugees and the battles with the Wargs were filmed.
You’ll have the afternoon free and have dinner together in the evening.  

Day 6 – Queenstown
Breakfast at your hotel
This morning experience the excitement of white water rafting on the Kawarau River, which is rated Grade 3 (please discuss your level of skill with your guide). Queenstown’s Kawarau River is the largest volume river rafted commercially in New Zealand and is ideal for first-time rafters and adrenaline junkies alike. Extensive instructions on safety and paddling techniques is provided. Stretches of quiet water allow ample time to practice paddling techniques, enjoy the spectacular scenery or have a fun water fight. Four rapids -- Smiths Falls, Twin Bridges, Do Little Do Nothing, and of course, the unforgettable 400m Chinese Dog Leg, make this trip a great introduction to the thrills and adventure of white water rafting.
All rafting equipment, clothing and transport (including wetsuit, wetsuit jacket, spray jacket, paddle, helmet, wetsuit booties, and a life jacket) provided. Hot showers and refreshments provided.
Afterwards return to Queenstown.
This afternoon ride the aerial gondola to Bob’s Peak to see the panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountain ranges including The Remarkables.
While at Bob’s Peak ride the thrilling Luge. The Luge track winds 800 metres down through trees with fantastic views of Queenstown. At the base of the track there is a free two-seater chairlift to take riders and luge carts back to the top. There are two tracks – the Scenic track which is a leisurely ride with gentle gradient and easy bends and for the more adventurous, the Advanced track which as a steeper gradient, banked corners, a tunnel, dips and hollows (2 rides per person included – pay direct for additional rides).
This evening you’ll enjoy dinner and then a Maori cultural performance, Kiwi Haka. It is set in an intimate theatre surrounded by traditional decorations and mythical carved legends of the Wakatipu. The theatre is located in the Skyline complex at the top of the Gondola overlooking Queenstown.  

Day 7 – Queenstown, Auckland
Breakfast at your hotel.
This morning visit the quaint village of Arrowtown. In its heyday Arrowtown was a rough and ready frontier town. There are many beautiful and interesting walks around this historical area. Arrowtown also offers good shopping and a variety of eating establishments for morning tea.  
Return to Queenstown.
Free until mid-afternoon.
Depart the hotel and transfer to Queenstown Airport.
Check in for flight, interline luggage and obtain onward boarding passes.
Depart Queenstown.
Arrive Auckland Domestic Airport and head to your airport hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation.    

Day 8 – Auckland to Cairns
You’ll depart early in the morning for your flight from Auckland to Cairns. Cairns is set against a magnificent backdrop of high mountain ranges covered with lush, tropical rainforests whose slopes reach almost to the sea. This palm-fringed city is intimate, yet sophisticated, with designer shops and gourmet restaurants; a perfect contrast to the natural paradise of the Great Barrier Reef.
You’ll begin your day at Kuranda Village for some free time to explore the markets and food stalls up here. Board Skyrail, an enclosed cable car which takes you skimming across the rainforest canopy taking in breathtaking views of the Coral Sea and Green Island, to Caravonica Lakes at the base of the range. Visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and enter a magical, mystical world. For the first time an entire park has been dedicated to preserving and presenting authentic Aboriginal Culture with the aid of modern technology. Enjoy 3 theatres, a museum, an art gallery and a traditional Aboriginal camp which is combined to give you a complete and meaningful glimpse of the Tjapukai Aboriginal people's rich and ancient culture. Transfer to your hotel late afternoon.
In the evening you’ll have dinner and then return to your hotel.  

Day 9 – Cairns
Transfer by shuttle coach to the wharf at Cairns for a Great Barrier Reef cruise. Your destination is the unique wilderness of the Outer Great Barrier Reef where you will enjoy five magical hours of activities. Upon reaching one of the top ten Outer Reef sites, fully qualified professional staff will give you full instruction on how to use your snorkelling gear. Enjoy the magic the reef has to offer by stepping aboard a glass bottom reef viewing vessel. A sumptuous tropical smorgasbord lunch will be served, along with morning/afternoon tea. Scuba diving an option (pay individually on board). Return to Cairns approximately 5:00 pm.
Evening free.
Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 10 – Cairns, Sydney
This you’ll check out your hotel and transfer by private coach enjoy breakfast with the birds at Rainforest Habitat. Visit the Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary to experience the famous Breakfast with the Birds in the undercover restaurant. Following breakfast, wander through the three areas within the habitat. These include the Rainforest Aviary, housing over 70 species of birds and animals. A boardwalk takes you through different levels of the rain forest to view the unique Victoria’s Riflebird, the amazingly coloured Eclectus Parrots and many more. At the Koala and Wetlands Walk, experience up close the endangered Cassowary, Koalas, Waterbirds and even a Fruit Bat colony. In the Wallaby and Crocodile Area view the many species of Kangaroo and Wallaby. Crocodiles, both Saltwater and Freshwater, are displayed in a natural environment. The lake is home for many species of Waterbird.
After the visit you’ll head to the airport for your flight to Sydney On arrival you are met by your local representative and assisted with a private coach transfer to your accommodation and dinner.

Day 11 – Sydney
This morning enjoy a coach tour of Sydney including the city, Rocks area, Darling Harbour, suburbs and Bondi Beach. There will be free time to explore The Rocks and Darling Harbour on your own later.
In the afternoon you’ll head to Syney Opera House, known as the eighth wonder of the world for a guided tour.
Dinner at a the hotel or a local restaurant.

Day 12 – Sydney
This morning walk down to Circular Quay to take a Sydney ferry across the harbour to Taronga Park Zoo to see some of Australia’s interesting native animals. Have your photo taken with a koala (own cost). Return by ferry back to Sydney city at you leisure.
Remainder of the day free.
This evening transfer by private coach to Sydney Tower Restaurant for your final dinner in Australia! Enjoy a buffet dinner at Sydney Tower Restaurant, Australia’s highest and most spectacular revolving restaurant. Sydney Tower Restaurant offers visitors a truly unique dining experience. Enjoy breathtaking 360 panoramic views of Sydney and her superb harbour from 300ms above sea level. After dinner, return by coach to your accommodation.

Day 13 – Departure
You’ll have breakfast at your hotel and then have free time until you depart for your flight home.