Australia & New Zealand Grand

Get a Lay of the Land

This unique day is the ultimate way to experience the beauty of Sydney alongside an experienced guide. Your guide will meet you at your city hotel for a drive around the historic Rocks precinct, considered the birthplace of Sydney. Meander through the magnificent Royal Botanical Gardens, taking a short walk to view Mrs Macquarie’s chair and excellent views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Your drive continues through Woolloomooloo, Kings Cross and into Rushcutters bay where you’ll stop to enjoy a lunch at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Australia’s premier yacht club and home to what is considered yachting’sEverest’ – the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Next, it’s on through Darling Point, one of Sydney’s most affluent suburbs to see some of Sydney’s most sought-after addresses. Pass by scenic bays before traversing along the coastline to Sydney’s beachside Mecca of Bondi Beach. Stroll down the esplanade with the locals, maybe even enjoying an ice cream before re-boarding your vehicle. On return to the city, you’ll arrive at Darling Harbour where your yacht awaits to transport you around Sydney Harbour for a leisurely cruise and delicious afternoon tea. After an incredible 2 hours on the world’s most beautiful harbour, your vessel returns to Darling Harbour. You may choose to stay and enjoy the lively atmosphere here or return to your hotel at your leisure.

Breathe the Mountain Air

Today you’ll discover the best of the stunning scenery of the Blue Mountains, known for its dramatic steep cliffs, eucalyptus forests, and waterfalls. On this small-group tour, you’ll visit preeminent sites including Kings Tableland, Wentworth Falls, and the famed Three Sisters, all while keeping an eye out for the abundant wildlife that calls this region home. After a hotel pick-up, you’ll drive through the historic Rocks neighborhood– Australia’s first European settlement – passing convict-built cottages and Australia’s first church, before crossing Sydney Harbour Bridge. Next up, you’ll visit Featherdale Wildlife Park, where you can pet a koala, hand-feed a kangaroo, and get up close with wallabies and wombats.

Carrying onward, you’ll enter the Blue Mountains National Park, first stopping at a secluded clearing to enjoy morning tea. Explore the gorgeous park in search of wild kangaroos and magnificent birdlife and then set off for magnificent Kings Tableland to bask in the incredible views overlooking the Jamison Valley. Break for lunch at a local café in the heart of the Blue Mountains, then track to Wentworth Falls, a beautiful waterfall found between Blue Mountains National Park and Kanangra-Boyd National Park. A guide will take you down a well-worn path towards the falls, taking in excellent views along the way and learning about the geological conditions that spawned the Blue Mountains. Next, you’ll hop into an awaiting vehicle and skirt around cliffs, driving towards the township of Katoomba. At Eagle Hawk lookout, you will see the famous Three Sisters rock formation, marveling at the views of the Jamison Valley, and visit Narrowneck Plateau to enjoy a few more outstanding vantage points.

Afterward, you’ll be transferred to Sydney, arriving at your hotel at approximately 5:00 pm.

Sunrise, Sunset

Today you will travel towards Uluru to marvel at vast monolithic shapes that rise from the sand dunes in the early dawn hours. Your guide will take you to a special location to watch the sunrise over this amazing monolith. You will learn the Creation stories of Liru (poisonous snake) and Kuniya (python) and hear about the Mala people. After breakfast, you will visit Mutitjulu Waterhole and then drive around the base of the Uluru before returning to the resort. Departure is from your Ayers Rock accommodation between 4.45 a.m. and 6.15 a.m. depending on the time of the year. The tour takes approximately 3 hours and has a maximum group size of 11 passengers. Please bring your own water bottle.

An outback experience like no other, the Sounds of Silence dinner offers guests an unforgettable evening dining event under the canopy of the desert night sky. Awarded by the Australian Tourism Hall of Fame, enjoy the best of the Red Centre during these four magical hours. The experience begins with canapés and chilled sparkling wine served on a viewing platform overlooking the striking Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. As the sun sets, join your table for an introduction to Aboriginal culture as you take in a traditional dance performance under the outback sky. As the sounds of the didgeridoo dances in the air, attentive staff will keep your glass full with a selection of Australian wine and beer as the first course is served. As the sky full of twinkling stars comes to life, you’ll feast on the buffet that incorporates native bush ingredients such as crocodile, kangaroo, barramundi, and quandong. The evening continues as the resident star-talker decodes the exceptionally clear southern night sky. Locate the famous Southern Cross, the Milky Way, the signs of the zodiac, as well as planets and galaxies that are visible in the exceptional clarity of Uluru. The evening ends with a delightful dessert and your choice of a glass of port, coffee, or tea.

Please note Each table seats eight to 10 guests, and the program hosts up to 10 tables for a maximum of 100 guests. Please reconfirm your pick-up time with hotel reception upon arrival at your hotel.

En Route

A shared transfer from the Ayers Rock airport to your hotel and vice versa is provided. Waiting times at both the airport and hotels may vary but are usually on average 20 minutes.

Board a flight in Ayers Rock with service to Cairns. The approximate direct flight duration is two hours and 30 minutes.

This flight is not included in the price and must be purchased separately. 

A transfer in a private vehicle with a driver between Cairns and Palm Cove is provided. Transfer time is approximately 30 minutes.

Hidden Gems

Today you’ll have the opportunity to expose your senses to the breathtaking beauty wonder of the Great Barrier Reef as it was intended. As the world’s largest collection of coral reefs, this extraordinary natural wonder is the only living structure that can be seen from space.

Grab a snorkel and let your guide show you the incredible underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. Discover diverse marine life and vivid coral reefs at an exclusive reef mooring where only you and your group will be snorkeling. After snorkeling, enjoy a personalized sailing tour of this stunning tropical island paradise before getting the chance to explore the Great Barrier Reef’s only rain forest.

Following your adventures at the Great Barrier Reef, spend the rest of the day soaking up the Australian sun in Palm Cove. Home to one of the country’s loveliest beaches lined with palm trees, this is one of the most beautiful locations in Australia. Consider popping into several of the town’s vibrant shops and restaurants or simply relaxing in this idyllic tropical location.

Sun and Surf

Spend the day soaking up the Australian sun in Palm Cove. Home to one of the country’s loveliest beaches lined with palm trees, this is one of the most beautiful locations in Australia. Consider popping into several of the town’s vibrant shops and restaurants or simply relaxing in this idyllic tropical location.

The Journey Continues…

A transfer in a private vehicle with a driver between Palm Cove and Cairns is provided. Transfer time is approximately 30 minutes.

Board a flight in Cairns with service to Melbourne. The approximate direct flight duration is three hours and 25 minutes.

This flight is not included in the price and must be purchased separately. 

You will be privately transferred between your accommodations and Melbourne’s domestic airport alongside a professional driver.

Hit the Streets

The lanes and arcades of Melbourne are truly mesmerizing. From the high arched ceilings of the Royal Arcade, opened in 1870, to the rich decorations of the Block Arcade, in operation since 1892, they never fail to impress. Housing a range of family-operated boutique curios, on this behind-the-scenes tour you’ll learn the fascinating history of this cosmopolitan city while being introduced to some of its most interesting districts. As you explore myriad passageways, you’ll spot cutting-edge street art (or perhaps have the chance to watch as a new mural is designed) and also make a stop at a local chocolate shop for a light tasting. Toward the end of the experience, chat with your guide to develop a plan for the rest of the day or simply continue to explore the area on your own, perhaps returning to a few favorite gems in the afternoon. As this tour operates in all weather conditions, please ensure you have dressed appropriately. This tour departs from Federation Square – outside of ”Time Out Café”, found at the corner of Flinders & Swanston Streets at 10:00 am – and concludes at approximately 2:00 pm.

Close Encounters

Depart Melbourne at around 8.00 a.m. and travel just 45 minutes west to the bushland of You Yangs National Park. The park is home to a healthy population of wild koalas. Take a very easy walk through the gum trees, searching for koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, and birds in their natural setting. Your Wildlife Guide will point out plants and features of interest explain some of the history of the area and, where possible, introduce you to known and named Koalas that are part of a research project. Most of these koalas have been monitored by researchers for several years. At one of 5 Boneseed-removal sites, you stop for 5 minutes to remove some of these noxious weeds to improve the Koala habitat. The area you walk through is of great significance to the local Aboriginal People of the Wathaurong Tribe. The granite rock formations of the You Yangs staged huge meetings of Aboriginal People from all over southeastern Australia. Many signs of their occupation remain. Your Guide will share his/her knowledge with you. Though you will not be meeting any Aboriginal People on this tour, you’ll act with the knowledge, consent, and support of the Wathaurong Community. Please wear strong, fully enclosed walking shoes and suitable weather-appropriate clothing. You must be able to walk unassisted for at least one kilometer on uneven dirt surfaces to ensure wildlife sightings. There may be up to 5 walks of one kilometer during the day. The tour can accommodate up to 8 passengers, departs at 8.00 a.m., and takes approximately 8 hours.

Here We Go!

You will be privately transferred between your accommodations and Melbourne’s domestic airport alongside a professional driver.

Board a flight in Melbourne with service to Queenstown. The approximate direct flight duration is three hours and 15 minutes.

This flight is not included in the price and must be purchased separately.

A private vehicle will provide a transfer between the airport and your hotel.

You will receive a welcome package on arrival which will include a welcome letter, detailed itinerary, vouchers for each service, supplier contact list as well as various brochures of the destinations you will be visiting. This will be available at your first service.

Lose Yourself in Nature

Today you will be picked up from your hotel and travel from Queenstown along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, through the scenic rolling countryside to Te Anau. After a short break at Te Anau, continue via the spectacular Milford Road to Milford Sound. Here you’ll board a vessel that hosts up to 150 guests, features three viewing decks, and embark on a relaxing cruise of Milford Sound. The cruise provides excellent opportunities to take in the incredible scenery of waterfalls, rainforest, mountains, and wildlife, all while an onboard naturalist guide provides insights into the region throughout the journey. After the cruise, settle in for a coach transfer to Milford Airport to board a twin-engine aircraft for the return flight to Queenstown (weather permitting). During this 35 minutes scenic flight, take in panoramic views of the spectacular alpine scenery as you are returned to Queenstown.

Nurtured by Nature

Take part in the world-famous Dart River Wilderness Safari. The tour includes a jetboat ride, a short guided bushwalk, and a backroad adventure in a 4-wheel drive coach. Always dress warmly, wear comfortable walking shoes/boots and bring eyewear (sunglasses or prescription glasses). Bring a sun hat and sunscreen in summer and a warm hat and gloves in winter. Approximately 45 minutes are allowed for refreshments prior to the coach departing Glenorchy for Queenstown. The trip starts at 7.40 a.m. (weather permitting) and takes 6 hours. Upon completion of your tour, you will be returned to Queenstown.

Onward and Upward

Meet your driver for a private transfer between Queenstown and the Domestic Airport.

Board a flight in Queenstown with service to Rotorua. Please note that your flight will require a connection. The approximate flight duration is three hours and 25 minutes.

This flight is not included in the price and must be purchased separately.

A privately driven vehicle will provide a transfer between the airport and hotel today.

Cultural Immersion

Discover Rotorua’s most popular geothermal parks on this half-day private tour, accompanied by a local naturalist guide. Begin with a scenic drive through volcanic landscapes dotted with farmlands as well as native and exotic forests where you’ll discover an area rich in geothermal activity, featuring not just volcanoes, but also geysers, New Zealand’s largest boiling mud pool, and hot springs. On this adventure, you’ll visit two heritage parks that showcase a variety of geothermal activities; at Wai-o-Tapu, set your sights on amazingly colorful hot springs and a moon-like landscape, as well as the world-famous Lady Knox geyser. At Waimangu Volcanic Valley, follow your guide as the history of Mount Tarawera is detailed – focusing on the enormous 1886 eruption which formed or significantly altered several nearby lakes – while also learning about the region’s native flora and fauna. After spending the morning exploring these striking parks, you’ll be returned to your hotel in the early afternoon.

A representative of Te Puia will pick you up from your hotel this evening for a Maori Hangi dinner and cultural concert. Begin the experience with Te Po; an intimate time for sharing knowledge while enjoying food, culture, and friendship. Taking place at Te-Heketanga-a-Rangi (The Heavenly Origins), which is an area comprising of twelve monumental carvings reaching skywards – each one representing a Maori deity – you’ll hear the stories of the past and see how these traditions live on today. Feeding guests is regarded by Maori as an honor and a sign of a tribe’s Mana (standing), and as a result, you can expect a lavish banquet meal during the evening. This meal combines contemporary cooking techniques with traditional Hangi (earth-cooked oven meal), where Kai (food) is steam-cooked by hot rocks in the earth, giving it a delicious smoky flavor. Following dinner, you will be returned to your hotel.

A Sight To Behold

You will be privately transferred between Rotorua and Auckland. The approximate travel time is three hours. Stop in Waitomo and discover the Glowworm Caves.

Your shared guided tour will take you through over 250 meters of stunning underground scenery commencing with the impressive Cathedral. Your tour begins at the upper entrance of the cave and proceeds along a low narrow passage to the Tomo, a deep limestone shaft.  Your experienced tour guide will deliver a highly informative commentary about the formations and the history of the area. The highlight is an unrivaled boat trip through the spectacular Glowworm Grotto. Marvel at Mother Nature’s light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. Meander underground along the Waitomo River and gaze in silence at the myriad of glow-worm lights that make up the Glowworm Grotto. As you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights, you’ll immediately experience a serene ambiance and be fascinated and intrigued by tiny glowworms that light your way. Tours depart every half hour daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily and are approximately 45 minutes in duration. The group size is limited to 25 passengers.

Sights and Insights

Following a hotel pick up, board a shared coach and tour Auckland while taking in incredible views of the harbor and yacht marina from Harbour Bridge, visiting Auckland Domain, Parnell Village, Paratai Drive – with the most exclusive homes in Auckland – the waterfront and Queen Street. Continue on into the wilderness in the afternoon as you head roughly 20 miles (30 kilometers) from downtown Auckland into the city’s largest Regional Park – the Waitakere Ranges. Here you’ll visit the Arataki Centre, lush rainforests, and stroll along with one of the West Coast’s unspoiled beaches before being returned to your hotel in Auckland.

Until Next Time…

A private vehicle with a driver will provide a transfer between the Auckland airport and your hotel.