See the best of Australia and New Zealand with the same APT Tour Director throughout your holiday. In New Zealand, cruise Milford Sound, see Franz Josef Glacier and discover geothermal Rotorua. In Australia, experience the cities, outback and reef with a visit to Sydney, Melbourne, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Alice Springs and Cairns.
Day 1. Auckland
Be met on arrival in Auckland and transferred to your hotel.
Enjoy a tour of the ‘City of Sails’ this afternoon before a special Welcome Dinner this evening.
Day 2. Rotorua, Maori Hangi Feast
The Waitomo region is home to the world-renowned glow worm caves, where thousands of these tiny luminescent creatures radiate an unmistakable green glow. We discover this natural wonder, before continuing to Rotorua. Immerse yourself in Maori culture tonight as you enjoy a Maori hangi feast and performance.
Day 3. Rotorua, Te Puia Thermal Reserve
Rotorua captures the essence of New Zealand with its geothermal geysers and rich Maori culture. We visit the Agrodome, with its entertaining sheep shearing demonstration. Later, continue to Te Puia Thermal Reserve where we’ll enjoy a guided tour through the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. This afternoon, you may like to enjoy some optional excursions such as a helicopter flight over the active White Island volcano or experience life on the land with a Country Homestay. Contact Us for details.
Day 4. Rotorua, Fly to Christchurch
Enjoy free time in Rotorua before flying to Christchurch (airfare not included). On arrival, travel through the Canterbury region to Methven.
Day 5. Southern Alps, Franz Josef
Board the TranzAlpine train for one of the top rail journeys in the world. Disembark and continue down the rugged West Coast to Franz Josef.
Day 6. Franz Josef, Queenstown
Enjoy a day of incredible scenery as you travel along the Haast River, capturing views of the massive glacier formed Haast River Valley, towering peaks, waterfalls and rainforest. Arrive in Queenstown, where this evening you’ll choose your Dine Around Dinner.
Day 7. Milford Sound Cruise
Absorb the majesty of Fiordland National Park on the journey to Milford Sound. On arrival, enjoy a cruise over the sound. Return to Queenstown by coach, or perhaps take an optional scenic flight back (own expense).
Day 8. Queenstown at leisure
Queenstown is perfect for adventurers and leisure seekers alike with endless attractions and activities on offer. You may wish to join the TSS Earnslaw for a cruise and tour of Walter Peak Station or perhaps take a gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak for an amazing view over Queenstown (own expense).
Day 9. Fly to Sydney
Enjoy a morning at leisure in Queenstown before we say goodbye to New Zealand and board a flight to Sydney, Australia (airfare not included).
Day 10. Sydney Sightseeing
Wrapped around one of the most spectacular harbours on earth, Sydney is a vibrant, glamorous city and home to the instantly recognisable icons of Australia. Discover tranquil Hyde Park and incredible Bondi Beach, before joining an unforgettable luncheon cruise on Sydney Harbour. Later, step inside the Sydney Opera House for a guided tour.
Day 11. Sydney at Leisure
Enjoy a day to explore this vibrant city. Perhaps join an optional excursion into the Blue Mountains (own expense).
Day 12. Sydney, Cairns
This morning we fly along the eastern coastline of Australia to the tropical city of Cairns (airfare not included).
Day 13. Great Barrier Reef Cruise
After breakfast, we board a guided cruise out to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, specifically Moore Reef. Afterwards, view the sea life from the boat’s underwater observatory before enjoying a lunch of local specialities.
Day 14. Skyrail, Kuranda, Wildlife Park, Cairns
We enjoy a tour of Cairns before riding the scenic Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda. On arrival visit a wildlife park and enjoy a performance from the Pamagirri Dancers. Later, take in the scenery as you travel back to Cairns.
Day 15. Uluru (Ayers Rock), Sounds of Silence Dinner
Today provides a change of scenery as we fly to the Red Centre (airfare not included). On arrival, we join a tour Uluru’s base, viewing ancient caves and rock art. Tonight we experience the Sounds of Silence dinner.
Day 16. Kata Tjuta (Olgas), Alice Springs
This morning, we visit stunning Kata Tjuta and walk into majestic Walpa (Olga) Gorge, before travelling to the iconic town of Alice Springs.
Day 17. Alice Springs Tour, The Ghan
Enjoy a tour of Alice Springs, before boarding The Ghan for the overnight journey to Adelaide. Alternatively, fly to Adelaide (airfare not included).
Day 18. Adelaide
Those who choose to travel aboard The Ghan will arrive in Adelaide early in the afternoon. Enjoy a day at leisure to discover the sights of Adelaide.
Day 19. Adelaide at Leisure
Enjoy a day free day to further explore the ‘City of Churches’, perhaps take an optional day excursion to Kangaroo Island or visit the famous Barossa Valley (both at own expense).
Day 20. Melbourne
Built around the Yarra River, Melbourne is Australia’s cultural heart. After a short flight from Adelaide (airfare not included) head to the Dandenong Ranges.
Day 21. Melbourne at leisure
Marvel at Melbourne’s creative mix of buildings at Federation Square, ride the free City Circle Tram or take a walk along Southbank. Alternatively, take an excursion and discover regional Victoria’s clean beaches, breathtaking coastal scenery, wildlife and interesting towns (own expense).
Day 22. Depart Melbourne
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight home.
