Day 1
Cairns
Arrive at any time, enjoying free time to explore Cairns before meeting your fellow travellers in the evening.
Overnight: Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns or similar.
Day 2
Cairns to Cape Tribulation – 140KM
Travel north to Cape Tribulation, stopping along the way to visit Mossman Gorge and embark on an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest.
Overnight: Cape Tribulation Beach House or similar (breakfast and lunch included).
Day 3
Cape Tribulation
Enjoy the day at leisure, perhaps choosing to take a trip to the Great Barrier Reef or explore Daintree National Park.
Overnight: Cape Tribulation Beach House or similar (breakfast included).
Optional experiences: Great Barrier Reef visit, Daintree National Park visit, Daintree Rainforest night walk.
Day 4
Cape Tribulation to Cairns – 140KM
In the afternoon, travel back to Cairns and enjoy free time to explore the city. On the way, make a stop at Port Douglas, perhaps choosing to have lunch at a local market.
Overnight: Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns or similar (breakfast included).
Day 5
Cairns to Airlie Beach – 623KM
An early begins a day of travel to Airlie Beach, taking in stunning views along the way.
Overnight: Whitsunday Vista Holiday Apartments or similar (breakfast included).
Day 6
Airlie Beach
Enjoy a day boating around the Whitsunday Islands and exploring the Great Barrier Reef. You may choose to swim or snorkel, and then hike to an island lookout over Whitehaven Beach, known for pristine white sands. Travel back to Airlie Beach for the night.
Overnight: Whitsunday Vista Holiday Apartments or similar (lunch included).
Optional experience: Whitsunday Islands snorkelling.
Day 7
Airlie Beach to Byron Bay via internal flight to Brisbane
Fly to Brisbane before transferring to Byron Bay for two nights in this paradise.
Overnight: Byron Beachcomber or similar.
Day 8
Byron Bay
Take the morning at leisure to enjoy Byron Bay. You may opt to head out on the water on a kayaking tour. In the afternoon, it is time to head to the beach for a surf lesson.
Overnight: Byron Beachcomber or similar.
Optional experience: Cape Byron Lighthouse visit, Byron Bay ocean kayaking.
Day 9
Byron Bay to Port Macquarie – 397KM
Spend the morning exploring the town, checking out local shops, or enjoying a final coffee on the beach before journeying to the coastal town of Port Macquarie, surrounded by beautiful beaches and national parks.
Overnight: El Motor Inn Port Macquarie or similar.
Day 10
Port Macquarie to Blue Mountains – 500KM
Make your way from Port Macquarie to the Blue Mountains, famous for its soaring sandstone ridges. Pass charming mountain towns, ancient Aboriginal rock art, lush green valleys, and craggy cliffs. Whether the journey is shrouded in clouds or bathed in sunset, beauty will surround you.
Overnight: Leisure Inn Spires or similar (breakfast included).
Day 11
Blue Mountains
Explore the majestic Blue Mountains and its natural beauty. Visit Leura and Katoomba, view the Three Sisters, walk in Jamison Valley, and ride the Scenic Railway, the world's steepest railway.
Overnight: Leisure Inn Spires or similar.
Day 12
Blue Mountains to Sydney – 61KM
Leave the Blue Mountains behind and travel to Sydney. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation walk and some free time to explore. You may choose to rent a bike, stroll through the botanical gardens, or visit the Sydney Opera House.
Overnight: Rydges Sydney Central or similar.
Optional experience: Sydney Opera House visit.
Day 13
Sydney
Relax seaside at Bondi Beach and enjoy some free time in this vibrant city. An optional night out with the group is available.
Overnight: Rydges Sydney Central or similar.
Day 14
Sydney to Auckland via internal flight
Bid farewell to Australia and fly to Auckland, New Zealand. After a transfer from the airport, enjoy some free time to explore the city.
Overnight: Nesuto Stadium Hotel & Apartments or similar.
Day 15
Auckland
Enjoy a free day in Auckland. You may choose to visit the Maritime Museum, stroll along the waterfront, or take the ferry to Waiheke Island.
Overnight: Nesuto Stadium Hotel & Apartments or similar.
Day 16
Auckland to Rotorua – 275KM
Drive to Rotorua, a lakeside town known for its geothermal features and rich Maori heritage. En route, stop at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and take a boat ride through this incredible underground realm lit up by thousands of glowworms.
Overnight: Sudima Lake Rotorua or similar.
Day 17
Rotorua
Visit Rotorua, where you may choose to explore the geothermal area. In the evening, visit a Maori village to experience traditional ceremonies, a Hangi meal, and entertainment.
Overnight: Sudima Lake Rotorua or similar (breakfast and dinner included).
Optional experiences: Hot springs, Rotorua Canopy tours.
Day 18
Rotorua to Wellington – 452KM
Travel to the capital, Wellington and take in in the ever-changing scenery of the North Island during the journey.
Overnight: Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington or similar (breakfast included).
Day 19
Wellington
Take in the atmosphere of this relaxed yet vibrant city. After an orientation walk, enjoy a free day for exploration. Choose to visit the Te Papa Museum or take the cable car to the botanical gardens.
Overnight: Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington or similar.
Optional experiences: Te Papa Museum visit, Zealandia, Wellington cable car, Weta workshop tour.
Day 20
Wellington to Kaikoura via internal flight to Christchurch
Fly to the South Island and travel to Kaikoura, a seaside town famous for its variety of marine life. Make a stop for a wine tasting at a local winery.
Overnight: Sudima Hotel Kaikoura or similar (dinner included).
Optional experiences: Hiking, Scenic flight.
Day 21
Kaikoura to Hanmer Springs – 130KM
Enjoy a morning at leisure in Kaikoura. Optional experiences on this day include a whale watching tour to spot giant sperm whales or tour to swim in a spot known for being visited by wild dolphins. In the afternoon, journey to Hanmer Springs and opt to soak in the hot springs.
Overnight: Drifters Inn Hanmer Springs or similar.
Optional experiences: Whale watching, Dolphin tour.
Day 22
Hanmer Springs to Franz Josef – 400KM
Travel through the Southern Alps to the rugged West Coast, staying in a rainforest near the world’s fastest-moving glacier.
Overnight: Rainforest Retreat or similar (breakfast included).
Day 23
Franz Josef
Enjoy the day to explore the area around Franz Josef. Choose to take a scenic helicopter flight, or kayak through the stunning Lake Mapourika.
Overnight: Rainforest Retreat or similar (breakfast included).
Optional experiences: Hiking, Heli scenic flight with snow landing, Franz Josef kayaking, Guided heli hike.
Day 24
Franz Josef to Queenstown – 420KM
Journey to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. With stunning scenery and a range of activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here.
Overnight: Heartland Hotel Queenstown or similar.
Day 25
Queenstown
With a free day, choose to go jet boating, travel by gondola to the top of a local peak, or head on a hike.
Overnight: Heartland Hotel Queenstown or similar (breakfast included).
Optional experiences: Vineyard tour, Earnslaw Steamship cruise, Gondola ride, Queenstown jet boating.
Day 26
Queenstown
Enjoy a day cruise through Fiordland National Park and Doubtful Sound. Take in the stunning waterfalls and wildlife before returning to Queenstown for the night.
Overnight: Heartland Hotel Queenstown or similar (breakfast and lunch included).
Day 27
Queenstown to Tekapo – 358 KM
Travel north through the South Island to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Spend the afternoon hiking the region and admiring the alpine scenery. Learn more about mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary at the Visitor's Centre, before continuing to Tekapo Village.
Overnight: Godley Hotel or similar (breakfast included).
Day 28
Tekapo to Christchurch – 230KM
Journey to Christchurch, a little piece of England in New Zealand, and take an orientation walk with the group. Enjoy one final night together.
Overnight: Bealey Quarter or similar.
Day 29
Christchurch
Today marks the end of your adventure. Flights may be booked to depart at any time, or speak to our sales experts about extending your holiday.
Meals included: Breakfast
