Highlights of Australia & New Zealand

Your epic tour of Australia and New Zealand begins at London Heathrow, where we meet the Tour Manager before boarding an overnight flight to Melbourne, via Singapore.

Melbourne is known as Australia's cultural capital and besides dazzling skyscrapers, grand 19th-century buildings and Victorian shopping arcades, the city is bursting with museums, parks, and galleries. Another aspect of multicultural Melbourne is its thriving Chinatown, established in the goldrush era of the 1850s and one of the world's longest continuous Chinese settlements outside of Asia.

Arriving in Melbourne this evening, we are met by a local guide and transferred to our central hotel on the city's South Wharf, beside the mighty Yarra River and overlooking the Central Business District on the opposite bank.

You are free to settle in and to dine independently tonight. A short distance from our hotel you'll find a fantastic choice of restaurants from Japanese, Vietnamese and Chinese to French, Italian, and Australian fare - a healthy and inventive fusion of local and international cuisine.

Waking up in this beautiful waterside city, your morning is free to relax, acclimatise and get to know the neighbourhood. You could discover some cultural and natural history on a visit to the National Gallery of Victoria or the Melbourne Museum, or stroll along the Yarra Prom waterfront path to get a feel for the city. The wide Yarra River is Melbourne's defining landmark, which leads out of the city centre to a series of gardens including the city's magnificent Royal Botanic Gardens.

This afternoon we set out on a sightseeing tour by coach, taking in the city's Old Treasury, the UNESCO-listed Royal Exhibition Building, the stately old buildings around Federation Square, and an iconic landmark which needs no introduction - Melbourne Cricket Ground. We visit the city's Skydeck, the highest public vantage point in the Southern hemisphere which, at 88 floors above the city, has amazing views across the city and as far as Port Phillip Bay. Back on ground level, this evening we have dinner in a restaurant overlooking the Yarra River.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today brings a spectacular excursion along one of the world's most scenic routes, the breathtaking Great Ocean Road. Travelling by coach, this picturesque journey takes us past wild forest, rushing waterfalls, and the crashing waves of the Indian ocean. It's likely we will see surfers, and - if we are lucky - may spot dolphins or other wildlife.

We make a short stop at a beach resort called Lorne, then at a spot near the Kennet River where there's a chance to see koalas in their natural habitat. At the laid-back beach town of Apollo Bay there's time to enjoy lunch, before we continue along the coast, passing the Twelve Apostles, a collection of dramatic limestone rock set among the shoreline, surrounded by crashing waves. We stop enroute with free time to explore before retracing our coastal route back to Melbourne.

On our return this evening, you're free to dine independently this evening and there's a diverse choice of eating places in downtown and waterside Melbourne.

• Breakfast, Lunch

An early morning flight from Melbourne to Uluru, with a packed breakfast for the journey, transports us 1500 miles northwest, just inside the southern region of the Northern Territory. On arrival, we are taken on a fascinating sightseeing tour.

The vivid red rock of Uluru is the world's largest monolith, rising out of the flat desert floor. From here, a short walk takes us to the Mutitjulu waterhole, one of the few permanent water sources in the region, and we discover how important this site is to its traditional owners. We then visit the Uluru Cultural Centre, where - on a self-guided tour - we can learn about the beliefs of the local Anangu people, including 'the dreaming', part of their cultural heritage.

After checking in to our hotel, the afternoon is at leisure - a chance to relax by the pool and enjoy the hotel facilities. This evening we enjoy a sunset experience in sight of Uluru, with drinks and nibbles, before a free evening. There is a shuttle bus running between the hotels in the area, where you could choose to dine.

• Breakfast

Today we continue exploring the unique natural beauty of the Uluru area. The day begins with a sunrise visit to Uluru, witnessing the sun's rising rays dancing across the vivid orange rock, before returning to our hotel for a leisurely breakfast.

Our adventure continues with a guided tour of the fascinating landscape of huge domed rock formations, known as 'Olgas', part of the Kata Tjuta National Park. The Anangu people believe these rocks possess spirit energy, and they use the site for cultural ceremonies.

After a free afternoon, we set off for a magical 'Sounds of Silence' dinner within view of the mysterious rock, watching it change colour as the sun sets. Our meal begins at sunset with a glass of sparkling wine and canapes, followed by a bush-inspired barbecue dinner. Later, a 'star talker' decodes the southern night sky, pointing out planets and galaxies, visible in the clear desert atmosphere.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After a relaxed start to the day in Uluru we head to the airport to board our internal flight to Cairns, capital of the Cairns Region in Queensland on Australia's tropical northeast coast, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage rainforest.

On arrival, we transfer to our hotel on the Esplanade where you are free to dine independently. There are several restaurants and café bars nearby to choose from, and you may be tempted to soak up the tropical night on a stroll along the boardwalk, directly in front of our hotel.

• Breakfast

This morning brings a unique experience as we transfer by coach to Rainforestation Nature Park, located within the beautiful tropical rainforest. There we take a trip on a World War II amphibious military transport unit, or 'Army Duck', driving among the local flora. Next, on a guided 'Dreamtime Walk' we learn how Indigenous Australians understand the world and its creation, before experiencing a 'pamagirri' dance performance.

After a barbecue lunch, we travel to Kuranda village in the rainforest, where there's time to look around the local craft market before heading to the station. Here, we board refurbished heritage carriages in Royale Class, for a journey along the 125-year-old Kuranda Scenic Railway into the rainforest, through the stunning Barron River Gorge with its tropical vegetation and tumbling waterfalls. We return on the same scenic route back to Cairns. This evening you are free to dine independently.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Today is a full-day excursion into the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest and most complex coral reef system. From the harbour of Cairns we board an air-conditioned catamaran for a cruise into this marine paradise, one of the seven wonders of the natural world. Our first stop is Green Island, a 'coral cay' (a small sandy island on a coral reef) where we have two hours at leisure to explore this idyllic setting on a self-guided walk.

Continuing into the Great Barrier Reef, we moor alongside a pontoon for an on-board reef presentation and a buffet lunch, followed by an afternoon of viewing the unique wildlife and coral reefs from an underwater observatory. You can also experience the brilliant marine life close-up during a snorkelling session, or catch a glimpse of tropical fish, giant clams and sea turtles from a glass-bottom boat. We return to Cairns with a free evening to dine independently and you may like to wander through the Cairns Night Market, open each day from 4.30 to 10pm.

• Breakfast, Lunch

After an early breakfast, we head to the airport for our morning flight to Sydney. On arrival we're transferred to our hotel on Darling Harbour, close to the city's Central Business District. After settling in, we set off on a sightseeing tour of Sydney's eastern suburbs.

Our informative tour takes in famous landmarks including a historic point close to the Botanical Garden known as 'Mrs Macquarie's Chair', past the iconic Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Fort Dennison. Following our tour there's time to familiarise yourself with the area around our hotel, before a highlight of our stay in Sydney - an evening dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour.

There is no better way to experience the amazing sites of this exciting city than from a harbour cruise, and on this unforgettable excursion we view Sydney from the water at sunset, while enjoying dinner and live music onboard. Besides sailing past Sydney's stunning Opera House, the jewel in the city's crown and an architectural masterpiece, we also cruise beneath one of the city's landmarks, Sydney Harbour Bridge - the world's largest steel-arched bridge.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today is free to explore, and you may be tempted by Sydney's shopping centres, such as the Westfield or Queen Victoria Building nearby. Also close by is the Chinese Garden, a tranquil oasis near Darling Harbour. You could either walk along George Street or take the train to the city's Quays and an area called the 'Rocks'. One of the first Aboriginal settlements of Australia, this is the site where Sydney's original convicts settled, whose fascinating old pubs and warehouses are now converted into modern buildings. Above is the Sydney Observatory, and overlooking the water is the impressive Museum of Contemporary Art.

At the Quays, you could walk along the waterfront to the Opera House or continue to the Royal Botanic Gardens with its incredible trees - including Moreton Bay fig trees, exotic flowers and birdlife. To explore further, you could take a ferry to Manley, which has a characterful harbour side and a great beach. Or catch the local bus to iconic Bondi Beach. Tonight, you dine independently and besides appealing eateries on the coast, there is plenty of choice in the city.

• Breakfast

We have experienced Australia's sensational Great Barrier Reef and the sacred site of Uluru and the dynamic cities of Melbourne and Sydney, journeying across thousands of miles of vast and varied landscapes. Today, our adventure continues as we transfer to Sydney International airport for our flight to Auckland, New Zealand's most populous city, situated between two harbours in the North Island.

New Zealand was first inhabited by the Māori people who arrived by canoe in the early 13th century from Eastern Polynesia. Centuries later, the explorer Abel Tasman landed there and the islands were named after the Dutch province of Zeeland in 1642. The country became a British colony in the 19th century, with Auckland as its capital. Today, Auckland is a buzzing, friendly metropolis - a blend of Polynesian and Anglo culture with a thriving arts scene and unique cuisine. Due to its long maritime heritage, Auckland is known locally as the 'City of Sails'.

On arrival, we transfer to our city centre hotel for an overnight stay and a welcome dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

On a morning sightseeing tour of Auckland, we see the main landmarks of the city and stop for panoramic views over the harbour from Bastion Point. We continue past the lovely bays of the waterfront drive to the vibrant Viaduct Harbour area and visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum, which showcases the region's natural, social and military history. We then call at Parnell Village, Auckland's oldest suburb, where there's free time to find lunch independently.

This afternoon we travel by coach to Rotorua, stopping at the beautiful Hamilton Gardens enroute. Rotorua is the spiritual home of the Māori, an area of fascinating geothermal activity and hot springs, and our base for the next two nights. This amazing city is surrounded by a dozen lakes and multiple extinct volcanoes.

On arrival, we check in to our hotel and this evening is at leisure. Our hotel has three restaurants, offering Japanese cuisine to traditional à la carte dining, and there are many other enticing options in the town of Rotorua.

• Breakfast

After a morning at leisure, we set out on a sightseeing tour of Rotorua, including a walk in the wondrous Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest, which has stunning views. There's time to soak up the energising atmosphere, before heading to the Blue and Green Lakes, whose Māori names are Lake Tikitapu and Lake Rotokākahi, and also visiting Lake Tarawera.

We return to our hotel before an afternoon drive to the Te Puia Thermal Park for a guided tour and Māori cultural experience. First, we are introduced to the geothermal activity in the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, its boiling mud pools, steaming silica terraces, hot springs and geysers including the famous Pohutu Geyser which erupts up to 30 metres high.

Next, we visit the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute where young Māori learn the skills of their ancestors. Later, we indulge in a buffet dinner prepared by hāngī (a Māori method of cooking), followed by a performance of song, traditional chant and dance. Dessert is served in the geothermal valley, which is bathed in coloured light, before returning to the hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we transfer to the airport for a short flight to Blenheim, in the Marlborough wine region, New Zealand's wine producing area. After checking in to our hotel you are free for the rest of the day, and you may like to relax around the swimming pool at our hotel. Based around ten minutes' walk from the centre of Blenheim, this evening you are free to dine independently and the town boasts a range of international restaurants established by culinary enthusiasts from across the world. There's an oyster bar, a popular Brazilian eatery which specialises in dishes like Brazilian cheese bread and smoky black bean stew, an authentic south Indian restaurant, and a beer garden which features craft beers and cuisine from Germany and Italy. At other restaurants you're certain to find Kiwi classics such as pizzas, seafood chowder and steak plates.

• Breakfast

This morning's excursion is a trip aboard the narrow-gauge riverside railway, run by friendly volunteers from the Marlborough Historical Society. The route takes us along the Taylor River from Brayshaw to Omaka, which winds its way through the middle of Blenheim. In Omaka, we visit the aviation heritage centre and view a collection of military aircraft from both world wars. There is also the chance to look around the workshops and see short films, including Peter Jackson's film about World War I aircraft.

The Marlborough region is known specifically for its Sauvignon Blanc wines which are recognised worldwide and, after our morning excursion, we set out to a winery for lunch and a tasting of local wines.

This afternoon we can look forward to a scenic journey on the renowned Coastal Pacific train to Christchurch, often regarded as New Zealand's most English city where we spend the next two nights.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is free in New Zealand's second largest city and with an all-day travel pass to use on Christchurch's restored heritage trams you can explore with ease, hopping on and off at key sites. Trams leave from Cathedral Square, and a full circuit of the city takes 50 minutes. The driver provides commentary along the way, and stops include the Botanic Gardens, which has an authentic Spanish restaurant, and the Avon River where it's possible to hire a punt.

To explore the shops, restaurants and galleries of Christchurch, hop off at The Terrace, the Riverside Market, SALT District, Arts Centre, and New Regent Street. The city has an eclectic mix of street art to fine art. To discover more, visit the Christchurch Art Gallery, whose Māori name is Te Puna o Waiwhetū, or the Centre for Contemporary Art.

Another option is to take the Christchurch Gondola for views across the city and Lyttelton Harbour, across to the Southern Alps, Pegasus Bay and the Pacific Ocea. There's a licensed café up here too. Downtown Christchurch has a reputation for wholesome, healthy food and friendly hospitality.

• Breakfast

Today is a highlight of our holiday, a journey aboard the TranzAlpine train into New Zealand's spectacular Southern Alps from Christchurch. Travelling in panoramic viewing carriages, one end of the train has an open-air viewing platform. This picturesque rail route starts out along the fertile Canterbury Plains, then crosses viaducts, stunning gorges and scenic river valleys up to the alpine village of Arthur's Pass.

From here, we continue by coach to the town of Franz Josef, whose Māori name is Waiau. Enroute we stop at the Hokitika Greenstone Factory, the centre for New Zealand jade, seeing how the local stone is crafted into striking Māori-style jewellery and ornaments of modern and traditional design. On arrival in Franz Josef, we check into our scenic hotel in sight of the stunning glacier, among the snowfields of the Southern Alps.

After settling in, you are free to enjoy the hotel facilities and maybe dine here, or stroll into town for dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today we travel by coach on a scenic drive to view the fantastic Franz Josef Glacier, a 12-kilometre-long temperate maritime glacier, regarded as short and steep, descending to 300 metres above sea level. Our drive continues south, passing the Fox Glacier then hugging the coastline of the spectacular Tasman Sea, before turning inland and following the course of the Haast River then ascending the Haast Pass on our route to Queenstown. Travelling on the edge of Mount Aspiring National Park we pass stunning bush-fringed lakes before arriving in Queenstown and checking in to our lakefront hotel for three nights.

This afternoon there's time to explore Queenstown independently. The town is known as New Zealand's adventure capital and to experience its fantastic views, maybe take the gondola up to Bob's peak, a towering ridge with panoramic vistas. Or visit the peaceful Queenstown Gardens, a haven of native and exotic trees, with a lake and formal gardens, a short distance from the busy town along a peninsula.

Tonight, you're free to dine independently and Queenstown offers a fantastic range of cuisine. From casual steakhouses and pizza houses to lake-front bistros serving freshly caught seafood, there are around 60 restaurants to choose from.

• Breakfast

After a leisurely start in Queenstown, we drive to the famous Gibbston Valley Wine Cave for a tour around the cellars, 76 feet underground, before tasting some of the highly rated Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines.

This afternoon, we take a nostalgic trip aboard the vintage steamship, TSS Earnslaw, for a cruise across azure Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand's longest lake. Sailing since 1912, the TSS Earnslaw is the oldest passenger carrying steamship in the Southern hemisphere. During our cruise we pass an impressive range of snow-capped mountains called the Remarkables and the distinctive peak of Cecil Mount.

Mooring up at a spot called the Colonel's Homestead, we then enjoy a barbecue dinner at the Walter Peak High Country farm, followed by a demonstration of farming activities. Later, we rejoin our ship for a night-time sailing back to Queenstown. 

Today we set out after breakfast on a full-day coach excursion into the world-acclaimed Fiordland National Park. Part of the UNESCO-listed Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area, the park is one of the great wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere, featuring ancient fjords, towering forests, and craggy mountains.

Milford Sound is our destination, the most famous of New Zealand's ancient glacier-carved fjords. Here we see lush rainforest valleys where waterfalls cascade over sheer granite cliffs to the sea below. We cruise across the serene water, from the breathtaking Mitre Peak to the glorious Tasman Sea, experiencing jaw-dropping views as we enjoy a picnic lunch on board. Look out for seals and dolphins as we glide across this spectacular fjord.

Back on land, we drive back to Queenstown via Cleddau Bridge viewpoint, the scenic Eglinton Valley and the impressive Homer tunnel, hewn from solid granite. Arriving back in Queenstown this evening, make the most of your last evening of our extensive tour in this relaxed town with a beautiful lakeside setting.

• Breakfast, Lunch

After a relaxed final morning in Queenstown we transfer to the airport for our flight back to the UK, via Auckland, with a stopover in Singapore.

• Breakfast

On this expansive antipodean tour we've been introduced to the iconic sights of Australia's multicultural cities, Melbourne and Sydney, via sensational landmarks including the Great Ocean Road, sacred Uluru and tropical Cairns. We've also explored the highlights of beautiful New Zealand, from the glorious city of Auckland in the North Island to Christchurch and Queenstown in the South Island. Along the way, we've visited world-renowned wine regions and experienced unforgettable landscapes, including the stunning Southern Alps and Franz Josef Glacier, and breathtaking Milford Sound. 

On arrival back in London Heathrow, your tour of Australia and New Zealand concludes and you are free to make your way home.