Day 1-2

Fly to new Zealand and cross the International Dateline losing a day.

 

Day 3

Welcome to Auckland! Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and most diverse city, referred to as the ‘City of Sails’ due to the fact it is set around a picturesque harbour where there are often many sailboats cruising along. You will be met by your Coach Captain and transferred to the Airedale Boutique Suites for your first night stay in New Zealand. En route to the hotel you will be taken on a brief sightseeing tour of Auckland showcasing the magnificent Auckland Harbour, seaside communities, city parks and waterfront. 

 

Day 4

This morning you leave Auckland, and travel through the Waikato and King Country regions, passing by flourishing farmland and picturesque countryside. Continuing to Waitomo, a land of contrasts, much of the area’s natural wonders can be found below the earth’s surface as rolling hills and unspoilt native bush gives way to subterranean limestone caverns. Millions of years in the making, Waitomo’s visually awe-inspiring cave network draws people looking for adventure and those looking for a sense of wonder. The name Waitomo comes from (wai meaning water and tomo meaning hole into the ground in Maori) Tour one of these caves, discovering an ancient world 30 million years in the making, seeing amazing cave formations, glittering glow worms and enjoy a short boat road gliding along an underground river. 

From Waitomo, pass through more rural farming communities on the way to Hobbiton Movie Set for a tour of this iconic attraction. After the Hobbiton visit continue on your journey through the pretty tree lined Fitzgerald Glade and cross the Mamaku Range to Lake Rotorua. (Breakfast)

 

Day 5

This morning visit Te Puia, a Geothermal wonderland with boiling mudpools and steaming geysers. You will also have the opportunity to visit a nocturnal house to see New Zealands native bird – the Kiwi and there is time to visit the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre – the home of the national school of carving.

 

After visiting Te Puia, experience a horseback ride (beginner level) through some of the most scenic landscapes in the world. Also enjoy a walk a the Redwood Treewalk center.

 

This evening enjoy a cultural evening with a Maori cultural performance and traditional Hangi influenced meal.

 

Day 6

Today, we fly from Rotorua to Queenstown. Transfer to the Waterfront and board the TSS Earnslaw Steam Ship for a crossing of Lake Wakatipu to the Walter Peak Farm Station. A BBQ dinner is included along with a farming demonstration including a farm dog working his sheep. (Breakfast, Dinner)

 

Day 7

Enjoy a free day in Queenstown! Today is a great opportunity to try the famous Shotover Jet as you ride through the Shotover River Canyons! Lord of the Rings Tours are also available (these must be booked on your own and are not inlucded). Or, enjoy the beautiful city of Queenstown at a leisurely pace!

 

Day 8

An early start today as you board your coach for a journey to the jewel in New Zealand’s Crown – Milford Sound. Depart Queenstown and travel around Lake Wakatipu in the shadow of the rugged Remarkables mountain range. Continue on to Te Anau, gateway of the Fiordland National Park then follow Lake Te Anau to the valley of the Eglinton River. Pass through magnificent beech forests before a gradual descent into the precipitous Hollyford Valley. Climb steadily to the gigantic Cirque and the Homer Tunnel. Pass through the tunnel and down to the Cleddau Canyon where you will catch your first glimpse of Mitre Peak before finally emerging into the open at Milford Sound. Enjoy a 2-hour cruise in one of the most beautiful fjords on earth! Overnight tonight in Te Anau.

 

Day 9

Today enjoy a Fjordland Jet ride in Te Anau as you explore scenic landscapes at a fun speed! This afternoon, transfer to Queenstown for your flight to Auckland or Sydney if you are extending your tour!

 

Day 10

Depart Auckland, welcome home! Or, welcome to your first day in Sydney!

Embark on a day trip to the Blue Mountains from Sydney for a memorable adventure. Start your morning heading to Echo Point to admire the iconic Three Sisters rock formation. Experience the thrill of Scenic World's rides and breathtaking views. Next enjoy Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, home to over 2,000 Australian native animals, including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, dingoes, penguins, wombats, and quokkas. The park offers a hands-on experience where visitors can pat koalas, feed kangaroos and wallabies, and walk through a Lorikeet Aviary.

 

Day 11

Experience the best of Sydney with a city sights tour that includes iconic landmarks and attractions. Explore the Sydney Opera House with a guided tour inside, offering insight into its architectural marvels and cultural significance. Discover other highlights of the city, and enjoy a cruise on the most iconic and arguably most beautiful port in the world: Sydney Harbor.

 

Day 12

Today we fly from the southern part of Australia to the North western part, to the city of Cairns!

 

Day 13

Today take off on an unforgettable excursion to the Great Barrier Reef for a day of exploration, adventure, and underwater discovery. Board a comfortable boat tour that will take you to some of the most pristine and vibrant coral reefs in the world. Dive into the crystal-clear waters to snorkel among colorful fish, dazzling coral formations, and marine life of all shapes and sizes. With expert guides leading the way, you'll have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty and biodiversity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site up close. Whether you're an experienced snorkeler or new to underwater exploration, this Great Barrier Reef adventure promises an unforgettable experience surrounded by the wonders of the ocean.

 

Day 14

Today embark on a grand adventure to Kuranda, beginning with a breathtaking Skyrail Rainforest Cableway ride above the Barron Gorge National Park. Explore the vibrant village, visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, and then hop aboard the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway for a scenic journey through lush rainforest. At Rainforestation Nature Park, immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture and explore the pristine rainforest. Conclude your day with wildlife encounters at the Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Kuranda. Experience the beauty and biodiversity of Far North Queensland in one unforgettable excursion.

 

Day 15

Today, fly home! Welcome back home and thank you for traveling with us!

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