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Best of the South Pacific: Ultimate Australia & New Zealand

24 daysDuration
Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers
16 peopleMaximum group size
12 - 100 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Moderate
Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Highlights

Explore Sydney's beaches.

Join an interpretive walk through Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park.

Hike Kings Canyon.

Marvel at the striking Franz Josef glacier.

feast on a hangi in a Maori village.

cruise around the fjords of Doubtful Sound

Itinerary

Best of the South Pacific: Ultimate Australia & New Zealand is a 24-day dream come true for those seeking the highlights of two bucket-list destinations. Start in Sydney’s iconic cityscape, journey through the Red Centre’s Indigenous history, and then explore New Zealand’s caves, fjords, and Maori experiences. Designed for experienced travelers, this moderate-activity tour ensures you soak up both countries’ natural and cultural marvels in one seamless adventure. The USP? An extraordinary dual-country itinerary, offering more depth and variety than most standard tour packages.

day 1 - Sydney

Arrive at any time. Join your CEO for a welcome meeting.
There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore your surroundings.

Accomodation:Rydges Sydney Central (or similar)
Included Activity:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr

day 2 - Sydney/Manly Beach

Sunny Sydney welcomes you and hit the road right away with your CEO to dive into exploring this stunning city. Set off on a walking orientation tour of some of the city's well known landmarks. Slowly make your way to Circular Quay, where you'll hop onto a ferry to cross the harbor to Manly beach. Your CEO will point out some must do's while you're in Manly, like the coastal walk to Shelly beach, and some places to grab some local food. You can't go wrong with some fish and chips by the sea. In the evening, join your CEO and fellow travelers for a meal together at a local restaurant.

Accomodation:Rydges Sydney Central (or similar)
Included Activities:Sydney Orientation Walk, Manly Beach

day 3 - Sydney

Today is yours to spend as you see fit. There is quite literally too much choice in Sydney, so use your time wisely. Choose from exploring on foot the Rocks neighborhood, which is also home to the city's Museum of Contemporary Art. Or get the blood pumping by booking a jet boating tour or climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

Accomodation:Rydges Sydney Central (or similar)
Optional Activities:Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb Climb one of the most famous bridges in the world – the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Soak in amazing panoramic city views of Sydney at the top – a perfect photo opp and memory to take home with you!

day 4 - Sydney/Yulara

Board a flight bound for Yulara, the gateway to the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. Spend the afternoon getting straight out there and exploring, starting with the Walpa Gorge walk at Kata Tjuta. Catch the sunset at Uluru before making your way back to your permanent tented camp. Enjoy an outdoor meal cooked at camp and some time under the stars.

Meal:Dinner
Accomodation:Uluru Camp (or similar)
Transport:Plane
Included Activities:Kata Tjuta Walpa Gorge Walk, Sunset at Uluru Duration : 1.0 hr - 1.5 hr

day 5 - Yulara/Kings Canyon

Sunrise over Uluru is not to be missed, so rise early and catch sunrise over Australia's most iconic Indigenous landmarks. This morning, take the time to explore Uluru on foot on a guided walk through some of the most culturally significant areas of the site. These sacred spaces are some of the oldest on the planet, and understanding the interpretation behind them makes them even more impactful. Later, head to the Kings Canyon region overland, to your next permanent tented camp in the bush.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accomodation:Kings Canyon Camp (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.5 hr Distance : 300 km
Included Activities:Uluru at Sunrise Duration : 0.75 hr, Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park Duration : 1.5 hr - 2.0 hr

day 6 - Kings Canyon/Alice Springs

In the desert morning, head out for an early hike throughout Kings Canyon. Choose between the harder 3 hour hike and a more approachable one hour option. The Rim walk is a 6km walk along the upper rim of Kings Canyon. The most difficult part of the hike is the very beginning with a 500 step ascent, but the landscapes and views you are rewarded with are more than worth the effort. You won't even remember the effort it took to get up there. (Sort of!) If you prefer to take it easy, enjoy a 2km hike through canyon valley. Later on, rest up on a drive East to Alice Springs.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accomodation:Desert Palms Alice Springs Hotel (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 4.0 hr Distance : 300 km
Included Activity:Kings Canyon Hike Duration : 3.0 hr - 4.0 hr Distance : 5 km

day 7 - Alice Springs/Melbourne

In addition to its rich Indigenous history and culture, Alice Springs is home to the Telegraph Station that linked Australia top to bottom in the 19th century. This telegraph connection also integrated Australia into the wider network within the British Empire, allowing Australia to be connected to the outside world in a matter of hours, versus days. Enjoy a morning tour of Alice Spring learning about Telegraph Station, Anzac Hill and more. Next up, grab a flight to quirky, cool, Melbourne, the city of food and arts.
In the afternoon, grab a flight to quirky, cool, Melbourne and settle in with an optional dinner with your CEO.

Accomodation:Causeway 353 Hotel (or similar)
Transport:Plane
Included Activity:Anzac Hill Hike

day 8 - Melbourne

Melbourne is one of the easiest cities to traverse on foot and by public transport, so you will be getting your steps in today. Start the morning off by exploring the Queen Victoria markets with your CEO, before jumping into a guided tour where you will be led through some of the famous and off the beaten track-spots in Melbourne's famous laneways. Choose from one of dozens of lunch spots for a bite to eat and catch your breath, before ending the afternoon at the Royal Botanic Gardens of Melbourne, a sprawling 38 hectares of green space housing over 800 species of plants from the world over.

Accomodation:Causeway 353 Hotel (or similar)
Included Activities:Queen Victoria Markets, Melbourne Laneways Walk Duration : 1.5 hr - 2.0 hr, Royal Botanic Gardens

day 9 - Melbourne

Another Australian city with tons to do, so a Day at leisure gives you plenty of time to craft the perfect day. You may want to take a trip out to see the Phillip Island Penguin Parade or embark on a full Day tour out along the Great Ocean Road.

Accomodation:Causeway 353 Hotel (or similar)
Optional Activities:12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road

day 10 - Melbourne/Auckland

Say goodbye to Australia and fly south to the adventure capital of the world, New Zealand. After arrival, enjoy a free Day in Auckland. Explore the city, go up into the Sky Tower, take a ferry to Waiheke, the island of wine, or rest on one of the many beaches surrounding the city.

Accomodation:Oaks Auckland Hotel (or similar)
Transport:Plane Duration : 4.0 hr
Optional Activities:Maritime Museum Visit Tour the museum’s seven galleries to learn more about New Zealand’s relationship with the sea. Be inspired by the country's most celebrated mariner, Sir Peter Blake, and his many accomplishments, and see maritime art that speaks to the sentiment of a nautical nation., Waiheke Island Excursion Price varies depending on if you organize your own transport and tour, or pick a locally organized tour.

day 11 - Auckland/Rotorua

Drive to the lakeside town of Rotorua, situated over an active geothermal zone and known for its volcanic features and rich Maori heritage. Stop en route at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm to see thousands of flickering glowworms light up in the dark.

Accomodation:Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 7.0 hr - 8.0 hr Distance : 275 km
Included Activity:Waitomo Cave Excursion Duration : 2.5 hr

day 12 - Rotorua

Visit Rotorua and opt to check out the geothermal area or go whitewater rafting. In the evening visit a Maori village for traditional ceremonies, a Hangi meal and entertainment.
Rotorua sits over an active volcanic zone with bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools in different areas around the town. Opt to visit one of the sites, or go whitewater rafting nearby.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner
Accomodation:Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)
Included Activity:Mitai Experience
Optional Activities:Hot Springs Soak tired muscles in the area's natural hot springs and let the mineral water work its magic. Rotorua is home to a number of amazing geothermal parks – be sure you don't miss the healing and relaxing benefits of the city's naturally heated waters., Whitewater Rafting Get your adrenaline fix on this exhilarating white water rafting trip. Enjoy the amazing scenery along the way, but don't forget to paddle!, Rotorua Canopy Tours

day 13 - Rotorua/Wellington

Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North Island and travel to the capital, Wellington.

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 7.0 hr - 8.0 hr Distance : 452 km

day 14 - Wellington

Enjoy the atmosphere in this relaxed but lively city. After an orientation walk, enjoy a free Day to explore. Opt to visit the Te Papa Museum or take the cable car up to the botanical gardens.

Accomodation:Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington (or similar)
Included Activity:Orientation With CEO Duration : 0.5 hr - 1.0 hr
Optional Activities:Te Papa Museum Visit Entrance to the museum is free (but there is a charge for special exhibits). , Zealandia , Wellington Cable Car , Weta Workshop Tour

day 15 - Wellington/Kaikoura

Fly to the South Island and travel to the seaside town of Kaikoura, known for its diverse marine life. Stop en route for a wine tasting at a local winery.

Meal:Dinner
Accomodation:The White Morph (or similar)
Transport:Plane, Private Vehicle Duration : 2.5 hr
Included Activity:Winery Visit
Optional Activities:Hiking , Scenic Flight Take a 30-minute flight and set off to search for whales, dolphins, and other marine life. On land, you'll see Maori sites, Kaikoura town and New Zealand's southern fur seals.

day 16 - Kaikoura/Hanmer Springs

Enjoy a free morning in Kaikoura. Opt to go on a whale watching tour and search for giant sperm whales. Or head out on a tour to swim in the open ocean in a place often visited by wild dolphins. In the afternoon, travel to Hanmer Springs. Opt to take a soak in the hot springs.

Accomodation:Drifters Inn Hanmer Springs (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr
Optional Activities:Whale Watching , Dolphin Tour

day 17 - Hanmer Springs/Franz Josef

Take in the stunning scenery while travelling across the Southern Alps to the rugged and remote West Coast, before staying in the rainforest near the world's fastest moving glacier.

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 8.0 hr

day 18 - Franz Josef

Enjoy a free Day to explore the area around Franz Josef. Opt to explore the glacier with a heli hike.
There are plenty of optional activities in the area to suit just about any budget and preference. Try heli hiking, scenic helicopter flights, skydiving or lake kayaking.

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Optional Activities:Hiking There are many free hikes in the area but please note treks that start at locations that require a shuttle will require the cost of transport (typically $12 NZD)., Heli Scenic Flight with Snow Landing , Franz Josef Kayaking Explore the stunning Lake Mapourika by kayak. This lake was created as the Franz Josef glacier retreated 14,000 years ago, and the still water has created a natural mirror allowing you to soak in the incredible panoramic views., Guided Heli Hike (Heli Transfer) The sheer size and power of Franz Josef is something you need to see to believe. Board a chopper for a leisurely flight over the glacier before landing directly on the ice. From there, get up close and personal on a three-hour guided hike past towering peaks and stunning blue ice. The constantly shifting ice flows and crevices ensure your visit will be one-of-a-kind!

day 19 - Franz Josef/Queenstown

Continue to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. With beautiful scenery and tons of activities, there's something for everyone. Enjoy the great night life.

Accomodation:Heartland Hotel Queenstown (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 8.0 hr - 9.0 hr Distance : 420 km

day 20 - Queenstown

With free time here, opt to go bungee jumping (in its birthplace), jet boating (also born here!), skydiving or hiking. Or take it a little slower and travel by gondola to the top of a local peak.
Opt to pre-book the "Queenstown Jet Boating" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:Heartland Hotel Queenstown (or similar)
Optional Activities:Vineyard Tour , Bungee Jumping Adrenaline junkies will be happy with a stop at the world's original commercial bungee site (bungy in New Zealand!). Opt to take the plunge or simply observe where it all started from the comfort of solid ground. Shoot some amazing photos of those brave enough to dive into the abyss., Earnslaw Steamship Cruise Discover the breathtaking Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a 103 year old traditional steamship. This 90 minute cruise highlights that stunning alpine scenery that surrounds Queenstown, and lets you check out the views while relaxing on deck., Gondola Ride Take a ride up to the top of the mountain by cable car gondola. Get a spectacular 220º view of Coronet Peak, the Remarkables mountain range, and Lake Wakatipu below. , Queenstown Jet Boating , Skydiving

day 21 - Queenstown

Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Doubtful Sound on a Day cruise. Take in the waterfalls and wildlife, then return to Queenstown for the night.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch
Accomodation:Heartland Hotel Queenstown (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr Distance : 250 km
Included Activity:Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

day 22 - Queenstown to Tekapo

Travel north through the centre of the South Island to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, named after New Zealand's highest peak. Spend the afternoon hiking the region, taking in the alpine scenery. Learn more about mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary at the Visitor's Centre, before a short but scenic journey to Tekapo Village.

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:Godley Hotel (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.5 hr - 4.0 hr Distance : 265 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.25 hr Distance : 93 km
Included Activities:Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre, Aoraki/Mount Cook Visit

day 23 - Tekapo to Christchurch

Continue on to Christchurch and take in an orientation walk with your CEO. Enjoy one final night together with the group.
Travel to the Garden City of Christchurch, a little piece of England in New Zealand, still recovering from a devastating earthquake.

Accomodation:Bealey Quarter (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr Distance : 230 km
Included Activity:Orientation With CEO Duration : 0.5 hr - 1.0 hr

day 24 - Christchurch

Depart at any time.

Meal:Breakfast
Best of the South Pacific: Ultimate Australia & New Zealand

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What's Included

Accommodation
Hotels (21 nts), Desert Tented camp with shared facilities (2nts)
Meals
10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners
Note: Allow USD885-1150 for meals not included.
Transport
All transportation is includedAirport pickup (Up to 2 days before tour)All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Guide
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
Included activities
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Discover Moment: Franz JosefYour Discover Moment: QueenstownMelbourne laneways walkGuided walk at Uluru Kata Tjuta National ParkSunset at UluruGuided Hiking at Kings CanyonVisit to Telegraph StationFerry to Manly BeachVisit to Queen Victoria MarketVisit to Royal Botanic Gardens of MelbourneWaitomo Glowworm caves visitOrientation walk in Wellington and ChristchurchWine tastingFiordland National Park visit with Doubtful Sound day cruiseAoraki/Mt Cook National Park visit with hiking opportunity (weather permitting)Internal flightsFree time in Rotorua, Wellington, Franz Josef, and QueenstownInternal airfare

What's Excluded

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