Australia & New Zealand Discovery

Arrive into the wonderful city of Singapore where we meet our local guide and transfer to our hotel, The Robertson House, where we spend the next two nights.

Known as ‘the crossroads of Asia’, Singapore is a city where east meets west; a cosmopolitan melting pot with an inspirational identity. Following a leisurely morning, we gather with our travelling companions for a city sightseeing tour. Witness the intriguing ethnic quarters where Chinese, Malay and Indian influences fuse to produce Singapore’s unique culture. Later, we explore Singapore’s iconic Merlion Park and the botanical gardens. This evening, we dine together at a local Peranakan restaurant. Bursting with flavour, this delicious cuisine is popular throughout Singapore and is renowned for its mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian ingredients.

A day at leisure in Singapore until it’s time to leave for our evening flight to Auckland. Perhaps explore the impressive Gardens by the Bay or enjoy a Singapore sling at the iconic Raffles hotel.

On arrival in Auckland, we transfer to the centrally located Legacy Airedale Hotel Auckland, where we spend our first two nights in New Zealand. At the hotel, we meet our local Coach Captain, who will be our driver and guide during our time in New Zealand.

This morning, we take an orientation tour of the city. Known as the ‘City of Sails’, Auckland is New Zealand’s most populous city, with a beautiful waterside setting and a landscape dotted with volcanic hills. We drive along the stunning coastline of the famous Waitemata Harbour. In the distance we see Rangitoto Island, a dormant volcano, dominating the horizon. Our afternoon is free to spend as we please. Perhaps take a scenic boat trip in Auckland’s harbour. Later, we enjoy dinner together at our hotel.

Departing Auckland this morning we travel to the world-famous thermal region of Rotorua. On arrival, we explore Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, with its spurting geysers and boiling mud pools. Following our visit we head to the Millenium Hotel for our overnight stay. Rotorua is also well-known for being at the heart of New Zealand’s rich Maori culture and this evening we attend a cultural experience and buffet dinner at the Mitai Maori Village, where highlights include traditional song and dance, including the world-famous war dance – The Haka.

This morning, we make our way along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. We visit the impressive Huka Falls where the Waikato River suddenly narrows to a chasm less than 15 metres across and heaves its vast bulk over an 11-metre ledge to boil furiously in a deep semi-circular basin below. Our journey continues to the Art Deco city of Napier, located in an area dominated by orchards and vineyards. Napier’s seamless line of 1930s architecture is quite extraordinary and on arrival we join our local guide for a walking tour – one of the best ways to experience the town. We stay overnight at the delightful Scenic Hotel Te Pania, superbly situated on Napier’s seafront.

Our journey continues south via Hastings and the Kapiti Coast as we make our way to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. Upon arrival we have a short orientation tour of Wellington, including a visit to the top of Mount Victoria for the finest view of the city and its picturesque harbour. From Mount Victoria we make our way to Wellington’s James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor where we stay for the next two nights. Later, we dine together at our hotel.

A Freedom Day to spend as we please. Wellington is compact, cultured and full of character. There are a whole host of excellent activities in and around Wellington. A visit to Te Papa museum is highly recommended, as it offers a fascinating insight into New Zealand’s rich history and cultural heritage. Alternatively, ride a cable car to Wellington’s beautiful botanical gardens or take a relaxing stroll through the city’s streets and waterfront.

This morning, we leave North Island in our wake as we board the ferry for our inter-island cruise to New Zealand’s South Island. With the possibility of sea birds and dolphins following, we make our way across the Cook Strait to Picton, and enjoy spectacular views as we approach Queen Charlotte Sound. On arrival, we travel along the beautiful east coast of South Island, until we arrive at the Distinction Hotel Christchurch, located in the heart of the city.

Considered the most English of New Zealand’s cities, this morning we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Christchurch. We start our day with a visit to the Sign of the Takahe, a historic building on the edge of the city, before continuing to view the key landmarks of the city centre. On leaving Christchurch, we head south-west across the Canterbury Plains and climb into Mackenzie Country. A stop is made at The Church of the Good Shepherd and the turquoise-tinted Lake Tekapo, which gains its colour from the melting water of a glacier. Later, we arrive at the Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel in Twizel. Settle into our hotel before dining together this evening.

Leaving Twizel, we travel through the dramatic Lindis Pass which links the Mackenzie Basin with the Central Otago region. We journey along the picturesque Lake Dunstan, and through the Kawarau Gorge to reach spectacular Lake Wakatipu. Our journey continues onwards through high country landscapes to the lakeside town of Te Anau, gateway to the spectacular Fiordland National Park. We spend the night at the Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Te Anau. Later, we cruise across beautiful Lake Te Anau to visit the magical Te Anau Glowworm Caves, before dinner at our hotel.

Today has been left free to take advantage of the incredible variety of activities available in and around New Zealand’s most glamorous alpine resort. For a relaxing experience, follow Queenstown’s wine trail for an enjoyable day of wine tasting and sightseeing, or for something a little more adventurous, take a four-wheel drive adventure along the famous Skippers Road. This evening as our time in New Zealand comes to a close, we take a leisurely cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the vintage steamboat TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak’s Homestead Restaurant, where we enjoy a relaxed buffet dinner together.

This morning, we visit the nearby historic mining town of Arrowtown. The heart of its history is Buckingham Street, a procession of small-town heritage buildings that stretch into a tree-lined avenue of tiny miners’ cottages. Be sure to try a cream tea in one of the quaint tea rooms. Sadly, we must then bid farewell to New Zealand as we head for Queenstown Airport for our flight to Australia. On arrival in Queensland’s vibrant capital, we clear customs and transfer to the Royal on the Park Hotel Brisbane, perfectly located for our first three nights in Australia.

The sunny capital of Queensland, Brisbane, is a cosmopolitan city of two million people, with a relaxed atmosphere. Today we tour the city’s landmarks, conveniently lined along the bends of Brisbane River: historical buildings such as city hall and customs house, the old botanic gardens, Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point. Tonight, we dine together along Brisbane’s vibrant and scenic riverbanks.

Today, we leave the city behind us and travel inland to the stunning Brisbane hinterland. Think fresh mountain air, pretty, rural towns full of character and charm and lush green rainforests. Our morning drive takes us towards the Glass House Mountains National Park, where remnants of extinct volcanoes form an otherworldly landscape, stopping at picturesque lookouts along the way. We spend time in the quaint village of Montville. First settled in 1887, Montville is home to art galleries, boutique stores and cosy coffee shops. We finish our day with a visit to the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, a biodiverse area of endemic subtropical rainforest containing 391 plant species, 141 bird species and 68 species of mammals, reptiles and amphibians, many of which are threatened or rare.

After breakfast this morning, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Cairns. On arrival in tropical North Queensland, we transfer to the DoubleTree by Hilton, Cairns, where we stay for the next four nights. The remainder of the day is free to relax and settle in.

Today is the first of two Freedom Days in Cairns. Perhaps take an optional trip to Kuranda, reached using one of the most unique rail journeys in Australia, the Kuranda Scenic Railway. During our journey we encounter no fewer than 40 bridges and 15 tunnels. ‘The village in the rainforest’, Kuranda, awaits. It’s a lovely place to while away a few hours visiting the markets, butterfly sanctuary or the Koala Gardens. We continue our adventure with a visit to Rainforestation Nature Park, where we spend time with the Pamagirri Aboriginal people and learn about one of the oldest surviving cultures in the world. Travel back to Cairns by the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, a beautiful experience gliding over the rainforest canopy with stunning views out over the Cairns coastline.

Another Freedom Day to enjoy in Far North Queensland. For an unforgettable experience, take a day trip to nearby Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest rainforest. Learn about the fascinating secrets of the Daintree on a guided walk and enjoy a cruise on the Daintree River – look out for saltwater crocodiles! If you prefer to stay in Cairns today, there’s lots to enjoy, whether you browse the many shops and galleries or take a cooling dip in the infinity pool at Cairns Lagoon.

With an Indigenous name meaning ‘many heads’, our day begins with a tour of the impressive Kata Tjuta, or the Olgas as they are also known, a set of domed rock formations, rising from the red sand of the outback. We bid a fond farewell to the awe-inspiring landscapes of Uluru and make our way to the airport for our flight to Sydney - a city that takes full advantage of its natural setting. On arrival we transfer to the View Sydney hotel, where we will spend our final four nights in Australia.

This morning offers two very different treats: a guided tour of Sydney’s Opera House and a stroll through Sydney’s famous Botanic Garden with an Aboriginal guide. The afternoon has been left free for you to explore as you please. Catch up on some shopping, climb the impressive Harbour Bridge, visit Taronga Zoo, or enjoy a scenic helicopter flight over Sydney Harbour. Whatever you wish to do, our Tour Manager will be very happy to assist.

Today has been left free, but for those that so desire, we shall be taking an optional trip to the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains are a perfect example of native Australian bushland, with gum trees, majestic peaks and deep gorges stretching as far as the eye can see. Experience the panoramas from a series of lookouts, including Echo Point – the prime position to view the Three Sisters rock formation. The excursion also visits the pretty village of Leura, famous for their annual garden festivals and playing host to many of the region’s local artists.

The morning is ours until it’s time to depart for the airport for our flight to the UK.

We arrive into our preferred airport (London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh or Glasgow) this morning. With many memories and new-found friendships made, our epic adventure through these two amazing countries comes to an end.