Australia & New Zealand uncovered

You will have a guided bike tour of the highlights in Sydney. This is a great excursion and an excellent way to learn your way around the city before spending a few days here.

This morning, you will be collected and taken on a small group tour to the Blue Mountains in a smart 4x4 accompanied by a friendly and knowledgeable guide. You will explore the flora and fauna, culture, and history of this wonderful region while avoiding the busier tourist bottlenecks. Lunch is included at a beautiful lookout point.

You will fly out to Uluru/Ayers Rock in the Red Centre today for your first real taste of the Outback. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day will be yours to spend at leisure.

Early this morning, you will be collected from your hotel for a sunrise tour of the nearby Kata Tjuta rock formation. Your guide will teach you about the area's geological composition and significance to the indigenous peoples, whose mark is left by the intricate rock art found here. You will return to your hotel for lunch. You will head out in the evening for a sunset tour of the fascinating Uluru, where you'll see ancient Aboriginal artwork as your guide teaches you all about the geological history of Uluru, as well as its cultural significance to the area's indigenous peoples.

This morning is at leisure. In the afternoon, you will fly to Cairns, in tropical north Queensland. On arrival, you'll be met and transferred the short distance up the coast to the beautiful Palm Cove, where you will spend the next four nights.

This morning, you will head into the ancient Daintree Rainforest on a small group 4x4 tour. Enjoy learning about Aboriginal bush food and medicines, look out for saltwater crocodiles on the Daintree River and travel to the stunning Cape Tribulation lookout — the point where the Great Barrier Reef meets the rainforest.

Spend the day exploring the incredible marine life of the Great Barrier Reef as you head out on a 30-metre luxury sailing catamaran. There will be opportunities for snorkeling and relaxing as well as options to take a trip on a glass bottom boat. Lunch and light refreshments are served on board.

Today you will have a full day at leisure to enjoy in Palm Cove. You may wish to try your hand at some more water sports or simply relax on the beautiful stretch of beach.

This morning you'll have an early start back to Cairns for your flight across to Auckland in New Zealand. Upon arrival in Auckland, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation in the center of the city. After you have settled into your hotel room you can head out into Auckland to explore. We recommend taking a boat ride around the harbour or visiting the city's many shops and museums. In the evening, the harbour area is a great place to find some excellent bars and restaurants.

This morning you will explore Auckland's highlights on a guided tour, making for a fantastic introduction to the city and New Zealand as a whole. In the afternoon, collect your hire car and make your way south to the fascinating Rotorua — a center of geothermal activity.

Today, enjoy all of Rotorua's top attractions, from the breathtaking geysers and mud pools of the Te Puia Cultural and Geothermal Center to the soothing natural blessing of the Polynesian Spa pools. In the evening you will be collected from your accommodation and head to a local Māori cultural center. Enjoy a traditional Māori Hangi meal and cultural experience at the Mitai Māori Village. You will learn of New Zealand's indigenous culture, be treated to a Haka performance, and walk through the sacred Fairy Springs, which is a renowned spot for glowworms.

This morning you will drop your hire car at Rotorua Airport and board your domestic flight to Wellington. The afternoon is then free to explore New Zealand's capital city, take a look around Te Papa Museum and learn about Māori and settler history.

Make your way to the ferry terminal this morning and board the Interislander ferry across to Picton on the South Island. Upon arrival, collect your hire car and drive into the Blenheim and Marlborough winelands. Spend the afternoon exploring the vineyards around Blenheim either on your own or on an organized trip. A great option here is to hire a bike and visit the well-known vineyards such as Cloudy Bay or Oyster Bay.

This morning, you'll make your way south to Christchurch, a city that seamlessly blends historical and modern architecture while offering the chance to explore the country’s art and culture. You'll stay one night in Christchurch.

Today, make your own way to the train station, where you will board the TranzAlpine train across the Southern Alps through Arthur's Pass National Park to Greymouth on the west coast. Upon arrival in Greymouth, collect your hire car and enjoy a leisurely drive to the stunning Fox Glacier where you will stay two nights.

An early morning visit to nearby Lake Matheson to watch the sunrise is a must this morning — the reflection of Mount Cook on the lake's surface makes for some striking photographs. Follow this with a guided walk to the terminal face of Fox Glacier and if you have time, you can arrange to take a helicopter flight over Mount Cook and the glaciers.

This morning, make your way across the Haast Pass to the lakeside town of Queenstown. This afternoon is at leisure after your long drive.

Today experience what is arguably New Zealand's most dramatic setting, the awe-inspiring Milford Sound among the otherworldly Fjordlands. You will be collected from your hotel early this morning and will be brought to the Sound on a coach bus, specially designed to provide passengers with panoramic views throughout the drive. Spend the day cruising the Sound, taking in its astounding cliffs, gorges and waterfalls. You will return to Queenstown via coach and be brought back to your hotel.

Please make your own way to the airport in time for your onward flight.