AAT Kings - Highlights of New Zealand & Australia - Itinerary

 
1

 Welcome to Melbourne!

On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. This evening join your Travel Director for a welcome reception and dinner - it's a great opportunity to get to know everyone in a unique setting.

Included Meals: Welcome Reception - Dinner with Wine

Accommodation: Melbourne - 3 Nights

Melbourne
Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne is located on Spencer Street on the fringe of the CBD. Just a short stroll to Crown Casino, Docklands and South Wharf, Crowne Plaza Melbourne is a Southbank hotel ideally situated on the bank of the Yarra River.
Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne

2

Melbourne's Famous Hidden Laneways Tour

Join your Travel Director for a city sights tour that includes a private walk through Melbourne's famous hidden laneways. You'll discover the city's eclectic little lanes, arcades, café society and fascinating street art. There's time afterwards to explore the city on your own, enjoy an optional experience or simply relax and watch the world go by.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Laneways

3

Melbourne at Leisure

Crowned "The World's Most Liveable City" for seven years in a row, friendly Melbourne is the perfect place to explore.

This compact, diverse metropolis is begging to be explored after settling into your comfortable accommodation. There are hidden charms around every corner, beautiful Botanic Gardens and chic city squares where you can soak up the atmosphere to your heart's content.

Here are some of our favourite things to do in Melbourne:

•    Lose yourself in cobbled laneways lined with tempting coffee shops, chic boutiques and cosy bars.
•    Admire the always-evolving street art covering every inch of Hosier Lane
•    Take a tram to St Kilda beach's historic esplanade and drop into Acland St's irresistible cake shops.
•    Make a sporting pilgrimage to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground
•    Grab a bite to eat at Queen Victoria Market - it's the largest market in the Southern Hemisphere
•    Choose from a dizzying array of restaurants & eateries — you're in Australia's foodie capital.

Melbourne

4

Journey to Spiritual Uluru

Get excited for a bucket list experience today as you depart Melbourne to the sacred, ancient site of Uluru. Flying over dry salt lakes and red desert before your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on your first of many visits to Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park over the next two days. In Aussie’s cultural heartland amidst the rusty red landscape, you’re treated to a classic Uluru sundowner of nibbles and sparkling wine. Sit back and watch the sky ignite in red, yellow, and purple gazing at massive and powerful Uluru. At 348 metres high, ‘The Rock’ is taller than the Eiffel Tower and a magnificent site to behold. Take it in and connect to the land as the sun sets and the spinifex grasses blow in the red dirt. You’ll conclude your epic day at the Desert Gardens Hotel for a Stays with Stories experience. This indigenous-owned hotel surrounded by desert trees and distant Uluru showcases the natural beauty of the landscape and is a beautiful spot to stay in and relax or join an Uluru BBQ Dinner Optional Experience, watching the changing desert colours and enjoying an informative star talk of the southern night sky.  

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Alice Springs - 2 Night

Desert Gardens Hotel offers air-conditioned rooms, some with a private balcony or views of Ayers Rock (Uluru). Guests can unwind in the outdoor pool, or at the restaurant and bar. Spa facilities, shops, tour information, and cafes are conveniently located within a short walking distance from the property or via a free shuttle bus. Set amongst native gardens, each room at Desert Gardens Hotel includes a minibar and tea and coffee making facilities. There is a TV with movies-on-demand in every room.
Desert Gardens Hotel - Uluru

5

Magical Uluru Sunrise and Kata Tjuta

Experience Uluru in a different light with magical sunrise. Savour every second as, hot cocoa in hand, the dawn makes its way across the desert and illuminates Uluru. After a grand start to the day, tour the base of Uluru with your Travel Director to learn about its ancient rock and art hear stories of the Anangu people, caretakers of this remote arid landscape. After history and natural beauty are interwoven in this memorable morning, you’ll then have a bit of free time to go for a dip in the pool or browse the shops and galleries of Town Square shopping village before continuing your journey through the desert plains to Kata Tjuta. Explore on a walk amidst its towering, mindboggling domes through Walpa (meaning “wind”) Gorge to a lookout. You're then treated to another stellar sunset from a different vantage point at Kata Tjuta. Without many of the crowds at Uluru, you may have the beauty of this Hidden Gem to yourself. A glass of sparkling wine with new travel mates in a beautiful setting is the perfect way to end your day. 


6

Uluru – Cairns

Rise early to experience the ethereal Field of Light art installation. Wander through the paths surounding 50,000 hand-crafted frosted glass spheres of light. As the sun rises, join your fellow travelers on top of a sand dune to watch the desert awakening over Uluru. Meet an Indigenous artist for a fun introduction to Western Desert Art. Your Anangu artist will provide you with cultural insights, explaining the meanings of local totems and assisting you to complete your own painting to take home as a memento of your experience. In the afternoon board your flight to tropical Cairns.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Cairns - 3 nights

Uluru
Accommodation:
The 5-star Shangri-La Hotel offers luxury accommodation with stunning views of the Cairns Marlin Marina. It features an outdoor swimming pool and free Wi-Fi internet access. All rooms feature a private balcony overlooking a tropical garden, Trinity Bay or Marlin Marina. Flat-screen satellite TV and comfortable bathrobes and slippers are included. Other features include a laptop safe and minibar.
Shangri-La Cairns

7

Cairns at Leisure

Today is a free day to do as you choose.

Today is free for you to pursue your own interests in this vibrant tropical city. You may choose to gain some insights into Indigenous culture at the award-winning Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, or travel to Kuranda, ‘The Village in the Rainforest’ on the historic scenic railway. Alternatively, just relax and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Daintree

8

Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkel

Get ready for an experience of a lifetime - aboard a high-speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. You can snorkel and view this natural living wonder up close (equipment provided) or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-submersible craft, just one metre underwater. Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch before you return to Cairns.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with wine

Great Barrier Reef

9

Sydney: Australia's Crown Jewel!

This afternoon you'll fly to Sydney!

Welcome to Sydney, the oldest and grandest of Australia's big cities. Blessed with a glorious natural harbour, golden beaches, and a blissful climate, this incredible metropolis offers a stunning introduction to Australia.

Settle in with a stroll along Circular Quay. With the Harbour Bridge at one end and the Opera House at the other, is there any more iconic place to begin your Australian dream vacation?

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Sydney - 3 Nights

Sydney
Located in a historic 19th-Century building in Circular Quay, near The Rocks, the 5-star InterContinental Hotel overlooks the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. All air-conditioned rooms at the InterContinental have views of the city or the harbour. Each room includes satellite TV and a minibar.Guests can make use of the 24-hour fitness centre, or enjoy a range of beauty treatments at Sebastian Salon. Cafe Opera features a buffet with global cuisine and a seafood buffet on weekends.
InterContinental Sydney

10

Opera House & Bondi Beach - Harbour Lunch Cruise

Join a local guide for a tour of the Sydney Opera House before visiting legendary Bondi Beach. 

Enjoy a Captain Cook Lunch Cruise. Enjoy a contemporary two course a la carte meal and the mesmerizing views of Sydney. You'll pass magnificent waterfront homes, beaches and parklands, and all the main harbour attractions including the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Bondi Beach

11

Sydney Surrounds

The bustling city of Sydney is yours to see the sights, or you might choose to venture farther out on an Optional Experience. If you’re looking to get out in nature, join a day trip to the spectacular Blue Mountains. The first stop is at the Sydney Zoo for a fun and fascinating look at Australia’s native animals including wombats, Tasmanian devils, and of course, koalas before the eucalypt haze of the Blue Mountains looming in the distance, for fresh mountain air and breathtaking scenery. Here you’ll visit the famous Three Sisters rock formation—each towering at over 900 metres high—to hear the Aboriginal legend and soak in the views. Wherever you venture, there’s dining options aplenty from the waterfront Circular Quay to Chinatown’s famous yum cha to a rooftop bar for dazzling views of the harbour.

Included Meals: Breakfast

cairns
Accommodation:
The 5-star Shangri-La Hotel offers luxury accommodation with stunning views of the Cairns Marlin Marina. It features an outdoor swimming pool and free Wi-Fi internet access. All rooms feature a private balcony overlooking a tropical garden, Trinity Bay or Marlin Marina. Flat-screen satellite TV and comfortable bathrobes and slippers are included. Other features include a laptop safe and minibar.
Shangri-La Cairns

12

Sydney Free Time

Today is free for you to do as you choose. Why not take a day trip to the spectacular Blue Mountains for fresh mountain air and stunning scenery. You’ll visit the charming village of Leura, see the famous Three Sisters rock formation and visit a Wildlife Park to get up close and personal to some of Australia’s cuddly native animals.

If you’ve always wanted to climb Sydney Harbour Bridge, today could be your chance on a thrilling ‘Bridgeclimb’. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a farewell dinner on the harbourfront.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner with wine

3 Sisters

13

Fly to Auckland

Haere Mai and Welcome to the 'City of Sails'

Fly across the Tasman Sea this morning to the island nation of New Zealand, and meet your Travel Director for dinner at your hotel.There is plenty to see and do in Auckland. New Zealand’s largest city is located between two large harbours and 48 extinct volcanic cones scattered over the city are evidence of its volcanic past. They also provide a perfect location for viewing the city! A diversely cultural place, Auckland is a great location for marine adventures, wine tasting, forest walks, and urban sophistication.


Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Accommodation: Auckland - 2 nights

auckland

Opened in 2005, this 5 star experience is located at the base of the Sky Tower, one of Auckland’s top attractions, with multiple choices of restaurants and bars. From celebrities to honeymooners, holiday makers and families the Skycity Grand has been exceeded expectations for the subsequent decade. 


14

Auckland Sightseeing Tour

City Tour 

Embark on a city sightseeing tour this morning to Mission Bay. Keep your camera at the ready to capture spectacular panoramic views of the skyline, sprawling North Shore and Waitemata Harbour from Bastion Point and Michael Joseph Savage Memorial. Spend the afternoon as you wish.

Meals: Breakfast

Auckland

15

Rotorua

Today, you’ll venture through the King Country region, which was at the centre of the New Zealand Wars in the 1860s.

On arrival in Rotorua, embark on an orientation of the area before visiting Rainbow Springs Nature Park. Discover native flora that grows around the crystal-clear mineral water springs and you might even spot a kiwi or two!

This evening, enjoy a traditional Hangi Highlight Dinner and cultural performance at the Tamaki Māori Village.

Meals: Breakfast and Highlights Dinner

Accommodation: Rotorua - 1 night

rotorua
This 4.5 star deluxe property is perfectly situated next to mystical Lake Rotorua and is just a brief stroll from the City centre, close to many restaurants and bars. The hotel offers world class residential style accommodation that is suitable for those travelling on business and for leisure. Restaurant Nikau offers a good range of evening menu choices, from the Restaurant's famous Nikau Burger to fine dining options, while the Brassiere Poolside Restaurant is the perfect place to start your day with an alfresco style breakfast beside the geothermal heated pool.
Millenium Hotel Rotorua

16

Fly to Queenstown

Your day starts with breakfast at Hobbiton, experience the iconic rolling hills and green pastures of the Hobbiton Movie Set as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies before continuing to Auckland to board your flight to Queenstown. Tonight, speak with your Travel Director about dining recommendations in Queenstown.

**(airfare is not included and must be booked in addition to this itinerary - please contact us to confirm the most up to date details).

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Queenstown - 3 nights

Queenstown

Millennium Hotel Queenstown is only minutes from Queenstown central shopping, entertainment and outdoor activities and offers a peaceful haven from the variety of activities in this lively city. With many guest rooms and suites to choose from the centre boasts a gym, sauna, spa, bar and restaurant, feature contemporary city-inspired designed. Many of our rooms also offer scenic views of the city and mountains, providing the perfect backdrop to your journey.

Millennium Hotel Queenstown

17

Milford Sound Scenic Cruise

Journey over the Devil’s Staircase and along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau and its lake, the largest in the South Island. Travel through the rainforest of World Heritage Fiordland National Park, sighting glaciers and mountain ranges. Drive through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel to the numerous photo opportunities afforded by the Mirror Lake, Pop’s Lookout, Cleddau Valley and the Chasm, Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls before reaching Milford Sound. Enjoy lunch while you cruise on this wonder of nature. Return to Queenstown this evening.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Milford Sound

18

Queenstown at Leisure

Explore Queenstown your way! Go wild with a jet boat ride or white water rafting. For the less adventurous there is a wine and garden tour, play a round of golf, or just enjoy wandering through the town and botanic gardens. 

This evening join your Travel Director for dinner at The Boatshed, set in the historic Railway Shipping Office built-in 1936. Restored and relocated to its lakefront setting, The Boatshed with its spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables, is the perfect venue for your Highlights dinner this evening.

Meals: Breakfast and Highlights Dinner

Dart River

19

Queenstown to Lake Tekapo

Today you will leave the alpine wonderland of Queenstown behind, traveling through Central Otago to the Mackenzie region with time along the way to stop in Arrowtown then Cromwell, situated next to the pristine Lake Dunstan and taste delicious stone fruit at a local orchard. Continue over the dramatic Lindis Pass before reaching the Starlight Highway and Tekapo's world renowned UNESCO Aoraki McKenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. This afternoon enjoys the views of Mt Cook before heading to the iconic Church of the Good Shephard. This evening, see amazing constellations that can only be seen in the southern hemisphere, including the Southern Cross, to the Magellanic Clouds and the Milky Way. Your local specialist expert astronomy guide will enhance your knowledge and understanding of our Southern Skies as you admire and ponder the possibilities through our powerful optical telescopes.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Tekapo - 1 night

Lake Tekapo

Peppers Bluewater Lake Tekapo is the perfect place to explore the Lake, Mount Cook and the Mackenzie District. Surrounded by the breath-taking beauty of the Southern Alps, you’ll have access to numerous activities in the area such as kayaking, horse riding, trout fishing and enjoying the clear night skies. Peppers Bluewater hotel rooms are beautifully appointed with a range of options for couples and groups. 


20

Lake Tekapo to Christchurch

Enjoy a relaxed start before heading north through South Canterbury, visit the charming boutique village of Geraldine as you travel through to Christchurch.

New Zealand’s second-largest city and the gateway to the South Island, Christchurch sits on the very edge of the Canterbury Plains and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean. 

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Christchurch - 2 nights

Train
The Distinction Hotel is a brand new hotel opening in 2018 in the revitalised heart of Christchurch and Cathedral Square. Centrally located and a short stroll to the Botanical Gardens, New Regent Street, the Arts Centre and Avon River. This luxury Christchurch hotel offers 179 elegant, air-conditioned hotel rooms including 3 floors of brand new Superior Rooms and Suites.
Distinction Hotel Christchurch

21

Christchurch

This morning see how Christchurch is rebuilding after the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, and pop into the Transitional Cathedral in Latimer Square, the temporary home of the Christchurch Cathedral. It is the world’s only cathedral made substantially of cardboard!

After a Christchurch city sights tour, you’re invited to a Be My Guest morning tea at the home of Tim and Isabelle Weston, owners of Britten Stables. Formerly horse stables for nearby Mona Vale Gardens and following that, the birthplace of the world-record-setting Britten V1000 motorcycle designed and built in the garage by Isabelle's late father, John Britten. The couple restored the original charm of The Britten Stables and transformed it into the exquisite home that it is today.

This evening join your Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Be My Guest Morning Tea, Farewell Dinner

Christchurch

22

Bon Voyage

Haere rā and Bon Voyage!

We are sure you will enjoy this tour and our promise is to make your travels through Australia and New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a memory card full of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time Downunder! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon.


Meals: Breakfast

Bonvoyage

Tour Inclusions

Included Highlights 

  • Snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef
  • Take a walk beneath the famous sails of Sydney Opera House
  • Meet a Bondi Life Saver for an insight into Australian beach culture.
  • Experience a Kata Tjuta sunset with sparkling wine and nibbles.
  • Uluru's Field Of Light Sunrise
  • Take a private tour of the Sydney Opera House
  • Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise
  • Sydney’s Bondi Beach Surf Life Saver Experience
  • Experience Maori culture at Tamaki Family Marae
  • Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
  • Explore Auckland’s city sights
  • UNESCO Aoraki McKenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
  • Spot a kiwi bird in Rotorua
  • Discover spectacular Milford Sound on a scenic lunch cruise
  • Explore the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown

Premium Inclusions

  • Private car airport transfers on arrival and departure
  • Enjoy selected New Zealand and Australian wines with all hotel dinners
  • Airport meet & greet on arrival

Inclusions

  • Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
  • Travel by luxury coach
  • Quality accommodation

Dining 

  • Breakfast (21)
  • Lunch (3)
  • Dinner (8)
  • Farewell Dinner (1)

** Required Internal Flights: are to be purchased in order to fulfil the itinerary and are NOT included in the land content price - please contact us to confirm these details and any other itinerary updates

Flight Information

• Day 1: Flights to arrive prior to 12:00pm into Melbourne Airport

• Day 4: Melbourne - Uluru(Ayers Rock) JQ664 (*Required Internal flight)

• Day 6: Uluru(Ayers Rock) - Cairns QF854 (*Required Internal flight)

• Day 9: Cairns - Sydney VA1418 (*Required Internal flight)

• Day 13: Sydney - Auckland QF143 (*Required Internal flight)

• Day 16: Auckland - Queenstown NZ623 (*Required Internal flight)

• Day 22: Flights to depart any time from Christchurch

2 Day Highlights

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What Tracy says about this tour: This is small group luxury travel combines the urban ciites that you dont want to mix without the fascinating landscapes of the contrasting temperate New Zealand with its rainforests and desert landscapes of Australia’s Red Centre. This is a must do combination of New Zealand and Australia!
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Pricing terms

The price is based on current exchange rates but is only an approximation. Please contact us for a final price