The Best of Australia and New Zealand

Day 1 - UK - Melbourne

Our nationwide shared chauffeur service collects you from home for your flight to Melbourne.

Day 2 - In flight

In flight

Day 3 - Melbourne

We touch down in Melbourne this morning and transfer to our hotel for some time to relax. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore at your leisure.

Day 4 - Melbourne - Phillip Island

This morning, our city tour shows us more of Melbourne, including the Royal Botanic Gardens with more than 8,500 species of plant. This afternoon, we head south-east of the city, to Phillip Island. The highlight here comes at Summerland Beach, where each evening a ‘parade’ of waddling fairy penguins make their way from the sea up to their sand dune burrows (occasionally scurrying back if they get spooked by seabirds on the way).

Day 5 - Dandenong Mountains

In the morning, we’ll journey to the Dandenong Mountains, where trickling waterways meander down forest-cloaked slopes. The best way to take in the scenery is by train, so we’ll climb aboard ‘Puffing Billy’, Australia’s oldest narrow gauge steam train, to chug slowly through the landscape. This afternoon is free to relax or explore at your own pace.

Day 6 - Great Ocean Road - Warrnambool

One of the world’s most scenic drives, the Great Ocean Road hugs the southwest coast of Victoria. Rainforests, gorges, gullies, arches and blowholes - we’ll pass them all as we follow the cliff curves from Torquay to Warrnambool. We’ll skirt Cape Otway National Park and pass into Port Campbell National Park, where we pause to admire the famous limestone stacks known as the Twelve Apostles.

Day 7 - Coonawarra - Murray River - Adelaide

Australia’s ‘other red centre’, Coonawarra is where some of the world’s best cabernet sauvignon and shiraz is produced, perfected since the late 19th century. We’ll call in at a local winery for a taster of these award-winning vintages - and enjoy the sprawling vineyard views while we sip. Our journey then takes us through the South Australian countryside, following the Murray River as we make our way to Adelaide.

Day 8 - Adelaide

We’ll meet koalas and kangaroos at Cleland Wildlife Park, then it’s time for a tour of Adelaide, a trendy city with a fantastic music scene and a big focus on food and wine. Visit the southern hemisphere's largest glasshouse.

Day 9 - Adelaide

A free day gives you a chance to explore. Have a wander through the gardens at Victoria Square or perhaps head for the colourful Central Market. A quick train ride will take you out to the lovely sandy beaches at Glenelg.

Day 10 - Alice Springs

We’ll fly to Alice Springs today. ‘The Alice’, as it’s affectionately known, was founded as a staging point for the overland telegraph line in the 1870s.

Day 11 - Alice Springs - Uluru

This morning we’ll take a tour of the Telegraph Station and the Royal Flying Doctor Service, before heading to Uluru. This evening, we visit the mesmerising Field of Light. Created by acclaimed British artist Bruce Munro, the installation’s Aboriginal name translates as ‘looking at lots of beautiful lights’ - and that’s exactly what we’ll be doing. More than 50,000 frosted glass spheres glow in a desert spectrum of ochre, violet, blue and white, creating the effect of a giant fantasy garden.

Day 12 - Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)

It’s an early start this morning, but well worth the wake-up call to see Uluru at sunrise. As the twinkling stars disappear above us, the towering silhouette of Uluru appears as the sun rises from behind it. Once the sun’s risen, we’ll head west to explore the Olgas, a collection of more rounded rocks known as Kata Tjuta (‘Many Heads’). This evening, we head to Uluru for an unforgettable sunset viewing - watching with a glass of wine as the rock shifts from orange to crimson in the day’s last light. (Please note, the order of excursions at Uluru may change.)

Day 13 - Cairns

We fly to Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Tropical North.

Day 14 - Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s biggest reef system, sprawling along 200 kilometres of Australia’s coastline. A catamaran will take us to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, where you can admire the corals from an underwater observatory or semi-submersible boat. You’ll even have the chance to jump in for a spot of snorkelling.

Day 15 - Cairns

Take a day to unwind in the warmth of tropical Queensland. Perhaps wander along the promenade and stop for a spot of lunch al fresco, or pay a visit to some of Cairns’ great museums and galleries. There’s a brilliant aquarium, too.

Day 16 - Cairns

At leisure.

Day 17 - Kuranda

We’ll journey up to Kuranda on the Skyrail, gliding above the rainforest canopy as we ascend. We’ll spend some time at leisure - Kuranda Railway Station is particularly lovely, with original wooden structures and bridge decked out with tropical flowers and ferns. On a scenic railway ride, we’ll trundle through the rainforest and back down the mountainside. The track twists and turns across chasms and next to frothing waterfalls (the dramatic Barron Falls is a highlight), passing through 15 tunnels along the way.

Day 18 - Cairns - Sydney

We transfer to the airport for our flight to Sydney, one of the world’s most recognisable cities. Gazing out at the Opera House or up to the Sydney Harbour Bridge (known as ‘the coat hanger’) are real ‘pinch me’ moments - and we’ll have plenty more to come over the next few days here. We’ll be staying near Darling Harbour, a restored area of dockland with a palm-fringed promenade, a Chinese garden and the magnificent Sydney Aquarium nearby.

Day 19 - Sydney

Our morning city tour covers off all the highlights, including the harbour and its architectural icons, and the lush Royal Botanical Gardens. A different perspective awaits in the afternoon, as we see Sydney from the water on a harbour cruise.

Day 20 - Sydney

Today is at leisure. Why not explore Sydney on foot? Take a leisurely stroll through the old dockland streets of the Rocks - the area where the first British convicts settled, which retains an alluring Victorian charm, and now hosts numerous fine shops, galleries and restaurants. Nearby Circular Quay has some must-try dining venues of its own. On the other side of the Quay, be sure to pose for a selfie in front of the Opera House. Have a wander through the Botanical Gardens, admiring the flora, and along historic Macquarie Street, a parade of grand colonial-style buildings. Here, you’ll spot the State Conservatory of Music, Parliament House and the Mint, all designed by Englishman Francis Greenway, who was transported to Australia for forgery.

Day 21 - Sydney

Another day at leisure. Shopping opportunities abound in Sydney, but many of the best can be found on Pitt Street, running south of Circular Quay, and George Street, which boasts one of the most sublime shopping centres in the world - the Queen Victoria Building, with its three floors of bow-fronted shops adorned with marble, gilt, rich panelling and stained glass.

Day 22 - Christchurch

It’s goodbye to Oz and kia ora to New Zealand as we touch down in the cathedral city of Christchurch, on South Island.

Day 23 - Dunedin

We travel south to Dunedin, which hugs a pretty harbour. There’s a strong Scottish influence here - it’s home to New Zealand’s only kilt shop, and the country’s whisky is produced here. To set the scene, we’ll enjoy a grand, Scottish-style dinner.

Day 24 - Dunedin

Today you’re free to explore Dunedin’s delights. Stroll through the flower-filled botanical gardens and along streets lined with handsome Edwardian and Victorian buildings - or perhaps discover the city’s contemporary side by following the Warehouse Precinct’s Street Art Trail.

Day 25 - Te Anau

We journey across the plains of New Zealand’s Southland to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park. The scenery in this part of South Island is incredible - thick forest, vast lakes and sounds, and ribbons of water cascading over the edge of towering peaks.

Day 26 - Milford Sound - Queenstown

It’ll be a photo-worthy drive this morning as we make our way through the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys. A cruise on Milford Sound takes us along the fiord, past the spectacular Mitre Peak, out to the open sea and back again. Look out for seals and dolphins swimming and splashing in the water. Our drive to Queenstown takes us along the edge of Lake Wakatipu, the only land-locked lake in the world with its own tide - its name translates as ‘the lake that breathes’.

Day 27 - Queenstown

Queenstown, watched over by the jagged peaks of the Remarkables, is a favourite with those who love the great outdoors. After a day at leisure, we board the beautiful vintage TSS Earnslaw for an evening cruise across Lake Wakatipu. Our destination will be the high-country sheep station of Walter Peak, where we’ll dine in the elegant Colonel’s Homestead.

Day 28 - Twizel

Today, we will visit Kinross Winery and Cellar Door to sample their wines before making our way to Twizel. On the way, we’ll stop at Lake Wanaka, where we'll have an included cruise to Ruby Island on the lake plus some free time to explore this lakeside town. We then continue to our hotel, located in the Dark Sky Reserve. This evening, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to book an optional stargazing tour - a magical experience under one of the clearest night skies in the world.

Day 29 - Mount Cook - Christchurch

This morning, we continue our visit to Mount Cook Village, where you'll have free time to soak in the spectacular alpine scenery and take in views of Mount Cook. You may choose to go on a short hike or perhaps book an optional helicopter ride. Afterward, we’ll stop at Lake Tekapo, where you’ll have free time for lunch, followed by an included visit to the Dark Sky Project. This experience offers fascinating insights into the stars and the region’s unique environment, all from a Maori perspective. A scenic drive to Christchurch takes us along the shores of two alpine lakes, Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo. In the right weather conditions, they appear an intense milky-turquoise colour - a result of the fine particles of glacial rock-flour suspended in the water.

Day 30 - Wellington

Heading north, we’ll pause at the coastal town of Kaikoura, famous for its seafood and sea life, before continuing on to Picton. Here, we’ll board our inter-island ferry to cross the Cook Strait, passing through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds. Wellington Harbour offers our first view of New Zealand’s capital city, our home for the next two nights.

Day 31 - Wellington

We take a morning tour of the ‘Windy City’ of Wellington. The afternoon is free to explore - New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa, is well worth a visit. For a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings, take the historic cherry-red Wellington Cable Car up to Kelburn. Wellington has laid claim to the invention of the flat white (though some Aussies would disagree) - either way, a barista-brewed cup is the perfect pick-me-up in between sights.

Day 32 - Rotorua

We head north, stopping at Huka Falls where the Waikato River squeezes through a narrow gorge and tumbles down into an aquamarine pool. We continue to Rotorua, known for its awe-inspiring geothermal activity, where we’ll enjoy a Maori cultural experience, an authentic Maori concert and a traditional ‘hangi’ feast.

Day 33 - Rotorua

A farm show this morning gives an insight into New Zealand’s agricultural heritage, demonstrating mustering, shearing and milking. Then we’ll head to the National Kiwi Hatchery and find out more about New Zealand's national icon. This afternoon, we’ll take a tour of Whakarewarewa Thermal Village, where the Tuhourangi/Ngati Wahiao tribe have opened their doors to share their way of life for over 200 years. The village is set on a geothermal hotbed, with steaming hot pools and bubbling mud.

Day 34 - Waitomo Caves - Auckland

The darkness of the Waitomo Caves is pierced by the tiny blue-green lights of glow-worms - thousands of them cover the ceilings here. A boat ride along an underground river shows them in all their luminescent glory. We travel on via the dairy centre of Hamilton to Auckland.

Day 35 - Auckland

Today we introduce you to the ‘City of Sails’, the largest city in New Zealand. Our guided tour highlights include Old Customhouse, the shoppers’ delight of Lower Queen Street, and Parliament Street. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore or relax.

Day 36 - Bay of Islands

We’ll make our way to Northland, the birthplace of the nation. Our drive along the west coast of North Island passes sleepy harbourside hamlets and native forests. The Waipoua Forest is home to huge kauri trees, the largest of which - ‘Tane Mahuta’ (Lord of the Forest) - stands 30 metres tall. We’ll learn more about these ancient trees at the Kauri Museum.

Day 37 - Bay of Islands

On a cruise to Cape Brett lighthouse, we’ll keep an eye out for the seals, dolphins and whales that play in these subtropical waters. Our boat trip also takes us into the grand Cathedral Cave and through the ‘Hole in the Rock’. We’ll also visit Waitangi Treaty House, where the historic signing between Maori and British formed the nation of New Zealand in 1840. Our visit includes a guided tour of Waitangi.

Day 38 - Bay of Islands - Auckland

After a morning at leisure, we head south along the Hibiscus Coast to Auckland.

Day 39 - Auckland - In flight

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Day 40 - UK

Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.