DAY 1 BRISBANE
Meals
Kick off
your wondrous travels through Australia and New Zealand in sunny Brisbane.
(Flights to arrive prior to 2pm). You’re off to a celebratory start as you meet
your Travel Director and fellow travel companions and head to a palate-pleasing
Be My Guest experience at City Winery, Brisbane’s first urban winery. You’ll Connect
with Locals as your Group Sommelier or Winemaker shows you which styles of
wines work with different types of food as well as the inner workings of this
micro-winery. Put your newfound knowledge into practice over a tasty wine and
food masterclass featuring six dishes paired with their artisan, small batch, handmade
wines from Shiraz and Grenache to Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. It’s the
perfect introduction to Brisbane’s modern, vibrant, and generous spirit.
DAY 2 BRISBANE
Meals
This
morning, you’ll Dive into Culture on an indigenous walking tour of Brisbane. As
the captivating sounds of the Didgeridoo ring out, you’ll uncover the
fascinating history, art and rich cultural heritage of Meanjin (Brisbane City)
with an Aboriginal Local Specialist, whose ancestors inhabited the shores of
the Brisbane River for over 40,000 years. The afternoon and evening is yours, to
perhaps explore the Queen Street Mall, Queen’s Wharf or the trendy bars and
restaurants of Brisbane’s South Bank.
DAY 3 BRISBANE - HAMILTON ISLAND
Meals
You’re off
to paradise today in the very heart of Queensland’s Whitsundays, Hamilton
Island. Drop right into relaxation mode and live the island life on Hamo as
it’s known by locals marvelling at its long white beaches and teal water
brimming with marine life including Harlequin Sweetlips, Six Banded Parrot
Fish, and even Green Turtles. Book your spot on a sun lounger at the pool, head
out for a walk on one of the island’s many hiking trails, or grab a golf buggy
to explore this car-free coastal wonderland at your own pace (driver’s licence
still required). It’s pure relaxation as the sea eagles, kites, ospreys, and
Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos fly overhead. This evening, enjoy sunset cocktails at
One Tree Hill. Perched on a hilltop, this lookout has some of the best views
over the Whitsundays and is the perfect spot to end your day. Grab dinner at
your hotel before heading to bed, tomorrow is a bucket-list day of epic
proportions.
DAY 4 HAMILTON ISLAND - GREAT BARRIER REEF - HAMILTON ISLAND
Meals
Continue
your exploration of the Whitsundays’ Island archipelago heading through its
tropical gateway to the iconic Great Barrier Reef. You’ll sail across the
impossibly blue waters of the World Heritage-listed marine park to explore the
hidden corners and colourful depths of the reef. Make a stop at Whitsundays’
floating pontoon, the perfect platform to experience the amazing marine life
and more than 1,400 species of coral of the Whitsundays. Swim or snorkel
(equipment provided), before indulging in a lunch, while a world of Angelfish,
Damselfish, and Parrotfish swim peacefully below. Or join an Optional
Experience and get a bird’s eye view taking a scenic flight from the pontoon
and soaring above the Great Barrier Reef, including the famous Heart Reef, a
stunning composition of coral perfectly formed in the shape of a heart. However,
you choose to explore one of the seven natural wonders of the world, it’s a
full day of breathtaking scenery and sensory experiences.
DAY 5 HAMILTON ISLAND
Meals
Hamilton
Island is yours today to indulge in complete relaxation or continue adventuring
through the natural beauty of the island. Enjoy a coffee at the marina, lace up
your hiking boots, and head up Passage Peak for flagship views across the
archipelago. Water lovers will want to don their swimming togs for a dip in the
warm waters off Cats eye Beach or go in search of Coral Cove, one of the
island’s most secluded stretches of beach. Island life truly does not get
better than this. You could also take it up a notch joining an Optional Experience
on a catamaran cruise to Whitehaven–the most beautiful beach in the Whitsundays,
all of Australia, and (voted by many) the world. Why so stunning? Its unspoiled
sand is 98 percent pure white silica, showing off a brilliant colour and a
blindingly bright backdrop for the bay’s swathes of turquoise water. Whitehaven
is protected by the Whitsunday Islands National Park, and thus has also been
voted the world’s top eco-friendly and Queensland’s cleanest beach.
DAY 6 HAMILTON ISLAND - SYDNEY
Meals
Bid farewell
to island life before you make your way to the big city. An easy start to the
day gives you some more time to enjoy Hamilton Island. Savour a leisurely breakfast,
sneak in one last swim, and soak up the views before boarding your flight to
Sydney. Welcomed into this exciting city, check into your hotel in iconic
Darling Harbour and get acquainted with its ideal location. Browse nearby
Harbourside’s boutique shopping centre with rooftop bars or relax before your
first night in town. This evening enjoys your perfect introduction to Sydney,
catch the sunset from Darling Harbour, watching the city light up as you enjoy
a Regional Dinner at Nick’s waterside restaurant showcasing the flavours of the
Adriatic coast including fresh locally caught seafood, rotisserie meats, and
pasta specialities.
DAY 7 SYDNEY
Meals
It’s the
ultimate in Sydney sightseeing today as you join a Behind the Scenes Sydney
Opera House Tour with a Local Specialist. Walk up the steps and under the
‘sails’ of this iconic building delving into the heart and history as you take
in the Drama Theatre, Playhouse, and Spectacular Concert Hall before pausing on the
lower concourse to watch the world go by. For a change of scene from city to
sand, head to Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach with time to wander along the strip,
pop in the surf shops, grab a bite to eat at one of Bondi’s sidewalks. Cafés,
or dip your toes into the warm Pacific Ocean. Active souls can follow the
boardwalk as it twists and turns above sandstone cliffs past Australia’s oldest
lighthouse for dramatic views across the ocean. This afternoon, get involved
locally at Our Big Kitchen, a community organisation encouraging individuals to
help provide meals for those in need. Lend a hand in this Make Travel Matter Experience
and feel-good knowing that you’re giving back to the city that’s shown you so
much of its beauty. This evening is free for you to explore Sydney’s vibrant
CBD, Darling Harbour, and Circular Quay.
DAY 8 SYDNEY
Meals
Get your
final fix of Sydney with a full day to explore. Soak up incredible city views
jumping on a ferry trip to Manly Beach, another of Sydney’s other famous beaches,
grabbing lunch or an ice cream and going for a stroll along the water. See
stunning local blooms at Sydney’s centrally located yet tucked away Royal
Botanic Garden. Or venture out of town on an Optional Experience to the
spectacular Blue Mountains, whose eucalypt haze you’ll see looming in the
distance, for fresh mountain air and stunning natural scenery. Get your adrenaline
racing with a thrilling walk up and over Sydney Harbour Bridge with an expert
guide and team of fellow adventurers. With so much to see and do, you’ll want
to make the most of every minute of your last day in town. This evening you’ll
join your Travel Director and fellow travel companions for a Farewell Dinner
cruise around Sydney Harbour. Have your camera handy as you sail past the
Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay, Shark Island, magnificent homes, beaches,
and parkland – the perfect farewell to your week in Australia before jetting to
New Zealand.
DAY 9 SYDNEY - QUEENSTOWN
Meals
It's time to
say Hoo Roo Australia and Kia Ora New Zealand as you fly to Queenstown’s
adventure capital. Jump right into your New Zealand travels travelling to the
historic gold mining heritage of Arrowtown. Learn the town’s history when in
1862 thousands flocked to Arrowtown to strike it rich in gold mining. Stroll
through town admiring the dozens of buildings from the gold rush era and more
recently restored historic cottages, churches, and new boutiques and shops.
Don’t miss the Chinese Settlement at the edge of the Arrow River, made of
restored shelters and buildings originally constructed in 1868. After this step
back in time, journey back to Queenstown to take in its alpine, mountain town
vibe where the evening is free for you to enjoy one of its many lakefront
restaurants and bars. Why not try some of the famous New Zealand lamb with a
Pinot Noir from the local Otago wine region.
DAY 10 QUEENSTOWN
Meals
Get a feel
for real New Zealand farm life with what awaits today. Begin the day meeting
your host, Southern Girl Laura. Born and raised on a sheep and deer farm in the
deep south of New Zealand, you'll Connect with Locals as passionate Laura
shares her story of her life growing up in the country before you have the
chance to try your hand at sheep mustering, whip cracking, and the chance to
feed and pet the sheep, horses, and goats. After this fun insight into the real
New Zealand, you’ll leave feeling more like a local than a visitor and ready
for a scenic afternoon. The next part of our farming adventure, Dive Into
Culture when it’s all aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earns law heading across
Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue Regional
Dinner, piled high with ribs and salad. After dinner at this historic
homestead, learn about life on the farm with a shearing demonstration, watching
the sheep dogs in action, and even trying your hand at wool spinning before the
scenic cruise back to your Queenstown hotel.
DAY 11 QUEENSTOWN
Meals
Say
‘good morning’ to Queenstown with a full day of ways to play in this adventure
capital. How about an Optional Experience of a thrilling, adrenalin-rush jet
boat ride down the Shot over River or an excursion through Skipper's Canyon? If
you’re looking for another type of adventure, consider an Optional Experience
through the rainforest of World Heritage Fiordland National Park for an
unforgettable cruise on heritage listed national park Milford Sound/Piopiotahi
past sheer cliffs, white-capped peaks, and waterfalls. This stunning landscape
– shared by dolphins, penguins, and seals - showcases the beauty of New
Zealand. Or tempt your taste buds on a wine tour of the Otago region renowned
for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. You’ll visit and tour three
premium boutique vineyards and enjoy a wine paired platter lunch. However, you
explore, there’s plenty of adventure to be had and shared with your travel
mates after a full day.
DAY 12 QUEENSTOWN - AUCKLAND
Meals
With fond
memories of your time in Queenstown and its surrounds, it's a change of scene
today departing Queenstown and flying north to Auckland, the ‘City of Sails.’
As you fly in over the harbour, admire the city’s namesake sailboats and get
excited for Auckland’s Rich.
Maori
history paired with its cosmopolitan vibe. Settle into your hotel in the heart
of the city’s Federal Street, a hotspot for food lovers offering plenty of
options. The evening is yours to enjoy in Federal Street or to head downtown for
waterfront dining. You could even choose to dine in the towering Sky tower for
rotating, 360 degree views across the city.
DAY 13 AUCKLAND - ROTORUA
Meals
Get ready for an immersive, culture-filled
day as we make our way to New Zealand’s cultural capital, Rotorua. You’ll begin
journeying through King Country, the centre of the New Zealand Wars in the
1860s, en route to the Ruakuri Cave in Waitomo. Join a Local Specialist as you
descend a staircase past curving limestone walls to a cavernous, starry wonderland.
Inside the cave you’ll be delighted by a glittering galaxy of twinkling green
and blue glow-worms. Take a selfie with the sparkling glow-worms or stand back
in awe of their splendour. From one amazing experience to another, this evening
you'll Dive into Culture at the Mitai Maori Village for an eye-opening
performance and Regional Dinner. Watch your Māori hosts heart-pounding wero
(challenge) during the Powhiri ceremonial welcome, hear the songs of the
Pacific and Maori, be impressed by their incredible, fiery Haka war dance, and
learn their history before feasting on succulent meats and vegetables cooked in
the underground Hangi pit. It’s an insightful and fun evening that will surely
leave you with a newfound understanding and love for New Zealand.
DAY 14 ROTORUA
Meals
It’s you’re
final full day on your tour and it’s a big one. Begin at the National Kiwi
Hatchery to learn everything about the New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi a make
travel matter Experience. Watch kiwi eggs being incubated, the hatching
process, and newly hatched kiwi chicks. Your Local Specialist will tell you all
about their kiwi bird breeding programme, 'Operation Nest Egg' and how your
visit contributes to it. After a morning learning about the kiwi, you’re off to
Dive into Culture at the Living Maori Village Whakarewarewa for more insights into
the Māori people. Soak in this beautiful land of geothermal fields and steaming
lakes that the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people have been living since 1886. Take
the trails and gain an appreciation of the Maori’s connection to this land.
Then enjoy the Kapa Haka group’s performance of traditional songs and dances.
You’ll cap off your day joining your Travel Director and companions for a
Farewell Dinner at terrace Kitchen on the lakefront. Enjoy this airy restaurant’s
open plan kitchen to have a peek at the prep of dishes highlighting New Zealand
cuisine featuring ingredients just picked from their onsite garden.
DAY 15 ROTORUA - AUCKLAND
Meals
Savour
your last morning of your epic Australia and New Zealand tour over a final
delicious breakfast with your travel mates. Then bid farewell as you are
transferred from Rotorua to the Auckland Airport for your onward flight
(flights to depart after 2pm).
