Highlights of Australia & New Zealand

Discover the incredible diversity of Australia, with the opportunity to explore the vibrant cities of Sydney and Melbourne, the striking and remote Outback and the breathtakingly beautiful Great Barrier Reef. Contrast this with the serenity of New Zealand, with its fascinating Maori culture, magnificent glaciers, wild forests and stunning fiords. You may also opt to book just the Highlights of Australia or the Highlights of New Zealand.

Guide

ESCORTED TOUR
Highlights of Australia & New Zealand is escorted by a tour director and tour driver and is operated by AAT Kings.

MEAL PLAN
Breakfast daily from Day 2, lunch on Days 8, 11, 19 and 21, afternoon tea and dinner on Day 4, dinner on Days 12, 13, 14, 17 and 21.

ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is provided in centrally located 4 star hotels, although 3  star hotels may be provided in more remote areas and small towns.

TOUR INCLUDES
Sightseeing and entrance fees as detailed, and hotel porterage.

TRANSPORT INFORMATION
Departure and arrival airport transfers are included. Modern luxury coaches are air-conditioned with reclining seats, two door access, onboard toilet, ample legroom and large panoramic windows. All AAT Kings coaches operate  a non-smoking policy.

GROUP SIZE
25-50 passengers. Minimum numbers apply, please call for details.

DAY 1 → Arrive in Melbourne for a three night stay.

DAY 2 → Morning tour of the city. See the Royal Botanic Gardens, St Paul's Cathedral and Parliament House. Afternoon at leisure - perhaps join an optional tour to Phillip Island to see the famous Penguin Parade.

DAY 3 → Full day at leisure to explore the city and local region. A trip to the Yarra Valley to sample delicious wines is recommended, or perhaps take a tour along the famous Great Ocean Road (both extra cost).

DAY 4 → Fly to Alice Springs and visit the School of Air. Join a local family for afternoon tea at Bond Springs Station. Overnight in Alice Springs.

DAY 5 → Morning tour of Telegraph Hill Station and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Pass through the West MacDonnell Range before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort. In the evening, sip a glass of local sparkling wine whilst watching a magical sunset over Uluru. Stay two nights.

DAY 6 → Rise early to view Uluru at sunrise. Tour the caves at the base of the rock and visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre before heading to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Walk through Walpa Gorge. Enjoy sunset here with a glass of sparkling wine.

DAY 7 → Fly to Cairns for three nights. Time at leisure.

DAY 8 → Cruise by high-speed catamaran to the spectacular Great Barrier Reef, with time for scuba diving (extra cost), snorkelling and swimming. Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch on board the pontoon.

DAY 9 → Day at leisure with the option to take a Skyrail Rainforest Cableway ride above the rainforest canopy.

DAY 10 → Encounter unique native animals at the Cairns Wildlife Dome before your flight to Sydney and a three night stay.

DAY 11 → Visit the famous Opera House and Royal Botanic Gardens. Stroll along Bondi Beach and enjoy a luncheon cruise at Sydney Harbour. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 12 → Full day at leisure. Optional visit to the beautiful Blue Mountains or go wine tasting in the lovely Hunter Valley (extra cost).

DAY 13 → Fly to Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’. Afternoon cruise on Waitemata Harbour and visit the America’s Cup Village.

DAY 14 → Head south into the Waikato District for a guided boat tour through the  Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Continue to Rotorua to enjoy a delicious Maori Hangi feast and attend a Maori concert.

DAY 15 → Take a look at life on the farm at the Agrodome Sheep Show followed by a visit to Rainbow Springs Nature Park. Head to Te Puia for a guided tour of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve.

DAY 16 → Fly to Christchurch for a coach tour around the city centre. Continue to the foothills of the Southern Alps for a one night stay.

DAY 17 → Board the famous TranzAlpine train, traversing the Southern Alps to  Arthur’s Pass. Follow the coastal road to Franz Josef, home of the majestic glacier, with the opportunity to take a scenic flight (extra cost, weather permitting).

DAY 18 → Continue through Mount Aspiring National Park. Visit historic Arrowtown  before travelling to Queenstown for a three night stay.

DAY 19 → Discover the magnificent alpine scenery of Fiordland en route to stunning Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise on the waters of this natural wonder before returning to Queenstown.

DAY 20 → Day at leisure to explore Queenstown. Perhaps choose a horse trek around the Lord of the Rings country or speed along the Dart River on a jet boat ride.

DAY 21 → Travel through Aoraki Mount Cook National Park as you travel to beautiful Lake Tekapo. Continue across the Canterbury plains to Morlea Farm for an insight into life on a working sheep farm and a barbecue lunch in your host’s home.

DAY 22 → Transfer to Christchurch airport for your onward flight.