Overview

22 Days Escorted Highlights of Australia & New Zealand

Tour operated by AAT Kings

Only AAT Kings’ best Tour Directors are selected to escort this 22-day premium tour of Australia and New Zealand. Stay in first class accommodations whilst enjoying amazing highlight meals as you travel in luxury touring vehicles experiencing all the must do and see activities that Australia and New Zealand have to offer. Begin your adventure in beautiful Melbourne, travel on to Alice Springs and Ayers Rock, a true natural wonder. Experience the unforgettable Great Barrier Reef, explore friendly Cairns, and discover vibrant Sydney. Explore Auckland, the “City of Sails,” take in Waitomo’s glow worm caves en route to Rotorua. Experience Christchurch’s surrounds via the Tranz Alpine Railway and discover Franz Josef’s iconic glacier. Explore Queenstown, the South Island’s alpine playground, and experience majestic Milford Sound.

Trip at a Glance

Day 1: Welcome to Melbourne / 3 nights: Melbourne

Day 2: Private walking tour of Melbourne

Day 3: Full day of “free time” in Melbourne

Day 4: Fly to Alice Springs, explore / 1 night: Alice Springs

Day 5: Travel to Ayers Rock/Uluru, afternoon free / 2 nights: Ayers Rock/Uluru

Day 6: Explore Ayers Rock, Kata Tjua (the Olgas)

Day 7: Aboriginal dot painting workshop, fly to Cairns / 3 nights: Cairns

Day 8: Great Barrier Reef

Day 9: Full day of “free time” in Cairns

Day 10: Cairns Wildlife Dome, fly to Sydney / 3 nights: Sydney

Day 11: Sydney sights and Harbor Cruise

Day 12: Full day of “free time” in Sydney

Day 13: Fly Sydney to Auckland / 2 nights: Auckland

Day 14: Waitemata Harbor cruise, Auckland sightseeing tour

Day 15: Travel to Rotorua, Waitomo Glow Worm Grotto / 1 night: Rotorua

Day 16: Explore Rotorua, fly to Christchurch / 1 night: Christchurch

Day 17: TranzAlpine train to Greymouth, travel to Franz Josef / 1 night: Franz Josef

Day 18: Travel to Queenstown / 3 nights: Queenstown

Day 19: Experience Milford Sound with cruise

Day 20: Full day Queenstown

Day 21: Travel to Christchurch / 1 night: Christchurch

Day 22: Farewell from Christchurch

Trip Highlights

• Unique dining experience on board Melbourne’s Colonial Tramcar Restaurant
• Discover Melbourne’s colorful hidden laneways and arcades
• Indulge in a unique Aussie BBQ experience at Earth Sanctuary
• Toast an Uluru Sunset with gourmet canapés and wine
• Discover rock art at Uluru and learn about sacred sites
• Hike through Walpa Gorge and discover the domes of Kata Tjuta
• Interact with local aboriginal artists and create your own dot painting
• Cruise and snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef
• Cuddle a koala in Cairns
• Dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean on Bondi Beach
• Experience Sydney Opera House on a guided tour
• Cruise on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbor
• Discover the glow worm caves of Waitomo Glow Worm Grotto
• Immerse yourself in rich Maori arts and culture at an exclusive cultural dinner
• Travel on the TranzAlpine train
• Taste Central Otago stone fruit at an orchard
• Discover spectacular Milford Sound on a lunch cruise
• Let your hair down in the adventure capital, Queenstown
• Experience warm Kiwi hospitality at Morelea Farm

Detailed Itinerary

22 Days Escorted Highlights of Australia & New Zealand

Tour operated by AAT Kings

Day 1 – Welcome to Melbourne

After meeting your Tour Director and travelling companions, enjoy a welcome reception on board the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. Enjoy a delightful innovative approach to dining on this historical fleet of Melbourne’s iconic trams. Sit back and enjoy cruising the streets of Melbourne while you dine on an exclusive seasonal and quality Australian beer and wine menu.  3 nights: Melbourne.

Day 2 – Melbourne Sights

See the city sights this morning, including Melbourne’s eclectic little laneways, arcades and café society, on your private walking tour. Spend the rest of the day as you wish.

Day 3 – Melbourne “Free Time”

You’ll have time to discover some of the secrets of this exceptional city – a myriad of cafés, galleries, museums, markets, restaurants, laneways and parks await you.

If you wish to explore further afield you can join a tour to the famous Penguin Parade on Phillip Island, where you’ll watch the nightly ritual as the little penguins march up the sand to their nesting places. Or take the journey along the Great Ocean Road to see the famous Twelve Apostles. Visit the Yarra Valley’s wineries, the Dandenongs, Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary and Puffing Billy Steam Train or Sovereign Hill’s goldmine.

Ask your Tour Director for details.

Day 4 – Fly to Alice Springs, explore

This morning you’ll fly to Alice Springs. On arrival visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service and learn how this marvelous facility operates to provide a ‘mantle of safety’ to the people of the outback. Next stop is the School of the Air, which provides an educational facility for children living in remote areas. Then visit the historic Telegraph Station.

Tonight ‘you’re invited’ to experience the Aussie outback at Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre. Enjoy a barbecue dinner and hear from Tom and Danny Falzon about the sustainable lifestyle they have established. They may even lead on you a sing-a-long accompanied by the didgeridoo and guitar.  1 night: Alice Springs.

Day 5 – Travel to Ayers Rock, afternoon free

Travel through the West MacDonnell and James Ranges and pause to view majestic Atila (Mt. Conner) often mistaken for Uluru, before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort.

This afternoon is free for you to enjoy the resort’s facilities. Later, travel to the Uluru sunset viewing area. Witness and photograph the striking colour changes of Uluru at sunset while enjoying gourmet canapés and wine.  2 night: Ayers Rock/Uluru.

Day 6 – Explore Ayers Rock, discover Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)

Rise early to view Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunrise. Watch the first rays of the sun set alight the Red Centre. Tour the caves at the base of Uluru and hear stories of the Aboriginal Dreamtime. Later, visit the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre.

This afternoon travel through the desert plains to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). The size and grandeur of these 36 massive domes of red conglomerate rock will amaze you. Take a walk through Walpa Gorge following the natural creek bed between two of the tallest domes. Celebrate the glorious sunset at Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) with complimentary sparkling wine and nibbles.

Day 7 – Aboriginal dot painting workshop, fly to Cairns

This morning interact with local Aboriginal artists at a fun dot painting workshop. Your host will introduce you to Anangu culture and show how this is expressed in their artwork. Complete your own painting to take home as a memento of your experience.

Later you’ll fly to Cairns.  3 nights: Cairns.

Day 8 – Great Barrier Reef

Join your Tour Director at a local gallery to introduce you to the significance of art in Aboriginal culture. Later cruise on a high-speed catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef. View the colourful coral and tropical fish from a semi-submersible vessel. Snorkelling gear is included (extra charge for scuba). Enjoy a reef education presentation on this living wonder and a tropical buffet lunch on board the pontoon. Return to Cairns in the late afternoon.

Day 9 – Cairns “free time”

Today is at leisure in Cairns. You may like to join an Optional Experience to Kuranda including a scenic rail journey on the Kuranda Railway and a ride on the Skyrail Cableway.

Day 10 – Cairns Wildlife Dome, fly to Sydney

This morning encounter unique Australian animals at the Cairns Wildlife Dome. Later, you will be transferred to Cairns Airport for your flight to Sydney. On arrival in Sydney you will be transferred to your hotel.

This evening is free for you to explore this exciting city. Perhaps take a stroll down to Circular Quay to view the panorama of the sparkling harbour surrounded by the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.  3 nights: Sydney.

Day 11 – Sydney Sights and Harbor Cruise

Prepare yourself this morning for spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean on the cliff-top coastal walk from Tamarama Beach. The walk features stunning vistas, beaches, parks, cliffs, bays and rock pools. When you arrive at Bondi Beach you can wander along the shoreline and dip your toes in the cool clear water. Later, see stunning views of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline on a sightseeing tour. Drive through the Royal Botanic Gardens to visit Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair then join a tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House with a local guide. Top off this highlight day with a cruise on Sydney Harbour.

Day 12 – Sydney “free time”

Explore the beautiful harbour city of Sydney further today. Make the most of your day and take an optional trip to the Blue Mountains. This evening join your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a delicious meal at Darling Harbor.

Day 13 – Fly Sydney to Auckland

You will be transferred to Sydney Airport for your flight to Auckland.

Meet your Kiwi Tour Director for a ‘highlight dinner’ at The Langham. Your personal degustation is prepared for you from the freshest, quality ingredients, including mouth-watering seafood and delicious desserts.  2 nights: Auckland.

Day 14 – Auckland Sights

A morning cruise on Waitemata Harbour is followed by a sightseeing tour including Bastion Point, the War Memorial and Viaduct Harbour. Later spend some free time exploring on your own or relaxing at your hotel.

Day 15 – Travel to Rotorua, Waitomo Glow Worm Caves

Travel into the Waikato region for a boat tour through the Waitomo Glow Worm Grotto.

Continue to Rotorua and visit Te Puia with a local guide.  ‘You’re invited’ to join the Tamaki family for a traditional Maori Hangi dinner and unique cultural experience at their family Marae.  1 night: Rotoria.

Day 16 – Explore Rotorua, fly to Christchurch

Explore Rainbow Springs Nature Park with a local guide. You may even spot a kiwi! Next stop is the Agrodome Sheep Show for a taste of farm life.

Later, you’ll take your flight to Christchurch. 1 night: Christchurch.

Day 17 – Tranz Alpine train, travel to Franz Josef

Board the famous TranzAlpine train and travel over the Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass. At Hokitika visit a local greenstone (jade) factory then follow the coastal road to Franz Josef Glacier, where you may take an optional scenic flight (weather permitting). 1 night: Franz Josef.

Day 18 – Travel to Queenstown

Travel through spectacular rainforest and past Lake Wanaka. Then enjoy the tastes of delicious stone fruit at Cromwell, the stone fruit capital. Next visit the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown before arriving in adventure-capital Queenstown.  3 night: Queenstown.

Day 19 – Milford Sound

Super highlight day! Discover the stunning scenery of Fiordland. Drive through the Homer Tunnel and stop briefly at the Chasm en route to Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise with lunch on the waters of this natural wonder, with Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls high above you.

Day 20 – Full day Queenstown

Today choose one from a range of Included Choice sightseeing experiences. Take a Shotover Jet ride, join a wine tour, play a round of golf or take a gondola to the Skyline Restaurant for dinner. Perhaps take a 4WD minibus through Skippers Canyon, relax with a spa treatment at Millbrook Resort or explore Queenstown on a Segway.

Day 21 – Travel to Christchurch

Travel past Mount Cook National Park. Stop at Lake Tekapo and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd.   ‘You’re invited’ to lunch at Morelea Farm, a typical working sheep farm, to discover an authentic taste of country life. This afternoon continue to Christchurch. Celebrate your vacation this evening at a farewell dinner with your Tour Director. 1 night: Christchurch.

Day 22 – Farewell from Christchurch

Your vacation concludes this morning after breakfast. You’ll be transferred to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight.

Accommodation Options

22 Days Escorted Highlights of Australia & New Zealand

Tour operated by AAT Kings

Accommodations will be arranged by your tour operator, AAT Kings