Tour members from across Canada gather in Vancouver and fly to Auckland, losing a day en route.

Arrive in Auckland early this morning and transfer to our hotel, where our rooms are ready for immediate check-in. Enjoy a leisurely day. This evening we gather for dinner at our hotel. Grand Millennium (2 nights)

This morning we will be introduced to the delights of New Zealand’s most populous city. Highlights will include the National Museum with its excellent Maori displays, and a visit to the observation deck on the Sky Tower. Enjoy a free afternoon - we suggest a ferry ride to Devonport. This evening we will be treated to a Welcome Reception and dinner at the Harbourside Restaurant.

We follow the Waikato River to the famous Waitomo Caves where we cruise in the Glow Worm Grotto. After some free time for lunch, we continue to Rotorua and our lakeside hotel. Later this evening we enjoy a traditional 'Hangi' dinner in a Maori village complete with a concert of Maori songs and dances. Pullman Rotorua (2 nights)

This morning we will take in the sheep show at the Agrodome and enjoy the gondola ride to the Skyline Restaurant where we will enjoy a delightful buffet lunch. At the National Kiwi Hatchery, we will see New Zealand’s unique national bird and symbol, the Kiwi. Visit the Te Puia Thermal Reserve to see the mud pools and geysers, to learn about the life and crafts of the Maori. Balance of the day is at leisure, when you can enjoy the thermal baths or possibly take an optional helicopter ride over the region (approx. NZD 695.00pp).

We make our way back to Auckland and catch our afternoon flights via Brisbane to tropical Queensland and Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Pacific Hotel Cairns (3 nights)

Embark on the catamaran Quicksilver and journey to the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, the largest and most spectacular undersea garden in the world. View the coral and sea life by glass-bottom boat, or better yet, while snorkeling.

After our scenic rail journey to Kuranda through the Barron Gorge, we are taken into the rainforest to a wildlife park to see a variety of native fauna and to be entertained by the Pamagirri Aboriginal dancers. Following our bush BBQ lunch, we return to the lowland on the Skyrail with close up views of the rainforest.

Fly to Uluru or Ayers Rock, in the heart of the Outback and the Aborigine’s most sacred site. Enjoy touring the base of this amazing monolith, the Mutitjulu Base Walk which leads to a special waterhole, plus inspiring views at Kantju Gorge. This evening, enjoy the changing colours of Uluru as the sunsets (weather permitting) during our special Sounds of Silence Dinner. Voyages Sails in the Desert (2 nights)

Enjoy vistas of the Rock before exploring Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) where we will take a walk deep into the gorge to experience the vastness of the landscape. On our way back to the hotel we stop for views of the Kata Tjuta and sand dunes before reaching the cultural centre to learn more about Aborigine history, law, language, and art. This evening we ride camels through the desert with Uluru and Kata Tjuta as our backdrop.

After a leisurely morning, we depart the Outback to Sydney. On arrival, we shall transfer directly to our hotel in the city centre. The Grace Hotel Sydney (5 nights)

This morning we discover the charms of Sydney, from its historic centre through the posh inner suburbs to the Heads and its famous northern beaches. Enjoy a luncheon harbour cruise, followed by a guided tour of the symbol of Sydney, the iconic Opera House. We can then return to the hotel or visit the Historic Rocks district. Our hotel is ideally located just steps from excellent shopping and the excitement of Darling Harbour. The balance of the day is at leisure.

This morning we discover two of the city’s best beaches with a walk from Bronte to Bondi beach along the magnificent Sydney coastline. Following some free time for lunch, we return to our hotel for an afternoon of leisure.

Our first visit today is at Featherdale Wildlife Park where we can get up close to Australia’s wildlife; stroke a koala and hand feed kangaroos, wallabies and emus. We then drive inland to the Blue Mountains, passing picturesque villages and enjoying spectacular views and waterfalls while hearing about the unique Australian forest species. Enjoy lunch at the Hydro Majestic Hotel with magnificent views. We stop at Govett’s Leap to view the 180m waterfall. Our last stop is the delightful Mt Tomah Botanical Gardens to enjoy the local flora and a toast before returning to our hotel.

Enjoy a full day a leisure. Take a stroll in the Botanic Gardens, discover the excitement of Darling Harbour or explore the wonderful shops of the Queen Victoria building, just steps from our hotel. This evening we will gather for dinner at a waterfront restaurant.

This morning we fly back to New Zealand and begin our exploration of the South Island. Our next three nights are in the heart of the South Island enjoying majestic mountain scenery and magical lakes of Queenstown, New Zealand’s resort capital. This evening we can try one of the excellent local restaurants. Novotel Queenstown (3 nights)

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Ride a jet boat on the Shotover River, take the Gondola to Bob’s Peak or stroll by the lake in the beautiful Botanic Gardens. This evening we cruise across the lake to Walter Peak sheep station on the ss Earnslaw where we enjoy a gourmet BBQ dinner.

Travel through the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley to Milford Sound. Enjoy a picnic lunch as we cruise to the sea, past towering Mitre Peak and cascading waterfalls. This afternoon we return to Queenstown by coach or as an option, you can enjoy a flight back to town (approx. NZD 300.00pp), weather permitting.

Our morning drive will take us through some of the magnificent scenery for which the South Island is known, including a visit to the historic gold mining centre of Arrowtown. Continue to Mt. Cook National Park, with free time at the Hermitage for views of the mountains and an optional flight over Mt. Cook (approx. NZD 490.00pp), weather permitting.
Peppers Bluewater Lake Tekapo (1 night)

This morning we will stop at Lake Tekapo at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd with its extraordinary altar before continuing across the rich farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, the city which is often described as more English than England. On arrival, we will have a tour of Christchurch, with opportunities to stroll in the wonderful Botanical Gardens. This evening we gather for a farewell dinner. Crowne Plaza (1 night)