Australia & New Zealand

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, leaving the rest of the day free to relax or explore at your own pace. This evening we gather for dinner at our hotel.

Grand Millennium (2 nights)

Today we explore New Zealand’s most populous city. Highlights include the National Museum with its excellent Maori displays, and a visit to the observation deck on the Sky Tower. Spend a relaxing afternoon at your leisure before gathering for a delightful evening, featuring 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 hotel, located moments from the lakefront. Visit the Te Puia Thermal Reserve to see the mud pools and geysers, and to learn about the life and crafts of the Maori. Later this evening we enjoy a traditional 'Hangi' dinner in a Maori village complete with a concert of Maori songs and dances.

Novotel Rotorua (2 nights)

This morning we will take in the sheep show at the Agrodome and delight in a gondola ride to the Skyline Restaurant where we will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch. At the National Kiwi Hatchery, we will see New Zealand’s unique national bird and symbol, the Kiwi. The rest of the day is yours to relax, whether unwinding in the hotel's geothermal mineral pools or exploring at your own pace.

Our journey into the picturesque landscapes of the South Island begins today. We will spend three nights in the heart of the South Island surrounded by the majestic mountain scenery and magical lakes of Queenstown, New Zealand’s resort capital. This evening we cruise across the lake to Walter Peak sheep station on the tss Earnslaw where we indulge in a gourmet BBQ dinner.

Novotel Queenstown (3 nights)

Spend the day at your leisure, whether you choose to ride a jet boat on the Shotover River, take the Gondola to Bob’s Peak, or enjoy a peaceful stroll by the lake in the beautiful Botanic Gardens.

Travel through the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley to Milford Sound. Today’s water adventure includes a picnic lunch as we cruise to the sea, past towering Mitre Peak and cascading waterfalls. This afternoon we return to Queenstown by coach.

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 and the Lakes District Museum. Delight in a midday wine tour and tasting before we continue to Mt. Cook National Park, with free time at the Hermitage for views of the mountains.

Mackenzie Hotel (1 night)

After breakfast at our hotel visit the Chapel of the Good Shepherd with its extraordinary altar. Continue across the rich farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, a city often described as more English than England. We will have a tour of Christchurch, with opportunities to stroll in the wonderful Botanical Gardens.

Distinction Hotel (1 night)

We gather for our flight across the Tasman Sea to Melbourne. Explore Australia’s second city and financial capital this morning, including the Botanic Gardens, Captain Cook's Cottage, St. Paul's Cathedral, Fitzroy Gardens, Flinders Stations, Olympic Park and more.

Clarion Suites Melbourne (3 nights)

We drive to Phillip Island to see the fairy penguins once they return from a day hunting out at sea. En route we shall visit Churchill Island and Nobbies.

Our day begins with a steam train excursion through the Blue Dandenong hills, to take in the tranquil Australian countryside. After visiting a local wildlife sanctuary to see kangaroos and koalas, we explore the beautiful Yarra Valley. Savour a special lunch among the vine-covered hills and sample several local wines before returning to Melbourne.

This morning we depart Australia’s Southern Coast and venture to Uluru or Ayers Rock, in the heart of the Outback and the Aborigines’ most sacred site. Take in stunning views 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.

Sails in the Desert Hotel (2 nights)

Explore the base of this amazing monolith on the Mutitjulu Base Walk, leading to a special waterhole plus inspiring views at Kantju Gorge. This evening, we will be impressed by the changing colours of Uluru as the sun sets (weather permitting) and as darkness falls, 50,000 glass spheres will light up the night at the Field of Light Dinner, complemented by gourmet canapés and chilled sparkling wine.

After a leisurely morning, we depart the Outback for the Gold Coast and the wonderful city of Cairns. This evening, sit down for a delightful dinner at Dundees Restaurant.

Novotel Cairns Oasis (3 nights)

The catamaran Quicksilver will take us 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 snorkelling.

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

Say goodbye to Cairns as we fly south to Sydney. On arrival, we shall transfer directly to our hotel in the city centre. This evening’s dinner will be at Meat & Wine Co, one of Australia’s favourite steak houses.

The Grace Hotel (4 nights)

Embark on a full-day excursion into the beautiful Blue Mountains, passing picturesque villages, taking in spectacular views and waterfalls, and hearing about unique Australian flora and fauna. We visit the quaint village of Leura and skirt around Cliff Drive to Katoomba for views of the magnificent Jamieson Valley and the Three Sisters. Following lunch at a local restaurant, we visit Scenic World for a ride on the Scenic Railway, Skyway or Cableway.

Today we explore Sydney's charming historic center, posh inner suburbs, and famous southern beaches. We’ll indulge in a luncheon harbour cruise followed by a guided tour of the iconic Opera House. Our hotel, steps away from fantastic shopping and the vibrant Darling Harbour, ensures an unforgettable stay. The rest of the day is for you to relax and unwind.

Make the most of a completely free day, with options for many excursions or simply to explore on your own. 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 our farewell dinner at the Harbourfront Restaurant.

All too soon our journey draws to a close as we catch our flights back across the Pacific. Regaining our lost day, we arrive in Canada today.