Highlights of Australia and New Zealand 2012/2013

New Zealand & Australia Luxury Holiday - 31-day Escorted tour

On this escorted tour you experience the exhilaration of the swooping albatross, the wonder of soaring peaks, carved by ancient glaciers, the drama of sandstone monoliths and the encompassing nature of the Maori people, and you will feel eternally connected to this powerful continent.

Tour highlights

• Sightseeing in Singapore, Queenstown, Rotorua, Sydney, Alice Springs, Ayers Rock and Perth

• Journeying across the Southern Alps to Queenstown taking in views of snow-capped Mount Cook

• Standing in awe of Franz Josef Glacier

• Feeling the power of the earth at Rotorua’s unique Te Puia Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserves

• Exploring the world-famous Sydney Opera House and Harbour

• Basking in the warm, clear waters of the incredible Great Barrier Reef

• Staring in awe of the spectacular colours as the setting sun lights up Ayers Rock

• Gazing across the City of Sails over dinner, 328 metres up in Auckland's Sky Tower

Extend Your Holiday
If you’re not quite ready to leave the world of adventure and exploration behind, break your journey home with a tour extension to the glorious Sentosa Island. With lush tropical gardens and spectacular beaches, this idyllic island in the South China Sea offers the perfect place to relax. Transferring from Singapore, you’ll stay at the fabulous Sentosa Island Resort and Spa, where you can indulge yourself with heavenly spa treatments, dine on gourmet cuisine and pamper yourself in luxurious surroundings.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Depart Heathrow
Join your Tour Manager in the executive lounge before boarding your flight.
Meals: In-flight.

Day 2 Arrive Singapore
You’ll arrive this evening and transfer to your hotel to settle in, before welcome drinks with your Tour Manager.
Meals: In-flight.
Hotel: Swissotel Stamford

Day 3 Singapore
This morning’s sightseeing tour takes in Singapore’s modern and historic districts. You’ll visit Thian Hock Keng, Singapore’s oldest Buddhist Taoist temple, see the famous Merlion statue and pass through Chinatown. You’ll also visit the wonderful National Orchid Garden, where the incredible displays of over 60,000 delicate plants include over 1,000 varieties and over 2,000 hybrids. This afternoon, you’re free to discover a host of entertainment options in this lively and diverse city.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Swissotel Stamford

Day 4 Depart Singapore
You have a free morning to explore, before your flight  to the youngest country on earth – New Zealand.
Meals: Breakfast.

Day 5 Arrive Christchurch
Once you land this afternoon you’ll have an opportunity to see the city and relax in your hotel.
Meals: In-flight.
Hotel: Hotel to be confirmed

Day 6 Christchurch to Franz Josef
Via Arthurs Pass and Hokitika, you’ll journey west through the rugged Southern Alps and alpine forests of this stunning glacial region before arriving at the Te Waonui Retreat, nestled amongst the native Franz Josef rainforest.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel: Te Waonui Forest Retreat.

Day 7 Franz Josef
There’s plenty to do during your free day at ‘the star of the west coast glaciers’. Ask your Tour Manager about the fantastic walks, including the dynamic glacier face route, and optional excursions, which include an exhilarating helicopter trip over the glacier and Southern Alps. Or, you may like a blissful soak in one of the hot springs.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Day 8 Franz Josef to Queenstown
Today’s dramatic drive south passes Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain and continues on through Lindis Pass, with its backdrop of snowcapped peaks, into Queenstown.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Millennium Queenstown.

Day 9 Queenstown
On a trip to the former gold mining town of Arrowtown, you can follow one of the numerous walking trails, and soak up the atmosphere along Buckingham Street, which is dotted with galleries and quaint shops. This evening, you’ll board the vintage steamer TSS Earnslaw and cruise Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a wonderful dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel: Millennium Queenstown.

Day 10 Queenstown
On your free day, you can either take it easy, or join an optional excursion to the renowned natural wonder of Milford Sound.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Millennium Queenstown.

Day 11 Queenstown
Today is free, but you could choose a thrilling 4-wheel-drive tour of Skipper’s Canyon, capturing some of the region’s finest scenery and includes afternoon tea. Or a city garden tour taking in some of the beautiful gardens of Queenstown.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Millennium Queenstown.

Day 12 Queenstown to Rotorua
You have an early start today to board your flight to Auckland and then travel on to Rotorua.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Millennium Rotorua.

Day 13 Rotorua
Experience the drama of nature first hand at the Te Puia Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserves, and uncover the rich heritage of the famous thermal bathhouse. The reserve has over 500 pools and 65 geyser vents. With any luck, you’ll see Pohutu in action, which can erupt 30 metres into the air! You’re free to explore this afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Millennium Rotorua.

Day 14 Rotorua to Auckland
En route to Auckland, you’ll take a guided tour of the Waitomo Caves, where the glow-worm grotto offers a mesmerising sight as countless tiny creatures radiate their luminescent light.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Heritage Auckland.

Day 15 Auckland
On today’s free day, you might like to take a trip up Mount Eden at the top of the city, or visit the fashionable suburb of Parnell, with its glorious Victorian buildings and boutique shops. Tonight you’ll meet up for dinner in the Orbit Restaurant, 328 metres up in the Auckland Sky Tower.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel: Heritage Auckland.

Day 16 Auckland to Sydney
Today you'll leave New Zealand for Sydney and the next stage of your incredible journey. Transfer to your harbour side hotel. If you’d like to upgrade to a Harbour Bridge View or Opera View Room, please ask when you make your booking.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Sydney Harbour Marriott.

Day 17 Sydney
The first visit of the day has to be the iconic Sydney Opera House. After a guided tour, you’ll lunch on the splendid harbour cruise, during an informative trip past the surrounding sights, including the unmistakable Harbour Bridge. Your tour ends at Sydney's popular coastal region, Bondi Beach; known for its terrific surf and sparkling golden sands.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Sydney Harbour Marriott.

Day 18 Sydney
On today’s free day, your Tour Manager can suggest things to see and do, such as a visit to the Blue Mountains or even the challenge of climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge!
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Sydney Harbour Marriott.

Day 19 Sydney
You’ll have another free day today, and you’ll find that your hotel is perfectly placed for discovering the area’s boutiques and restaurants
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Sydney Harbour Marriott.

Day 20 Sydney to Cairns
This morning you’ll leave Sydney and fly to Cairns in tropical North Queensland.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Hilton Cairns.

Day 21 Cairns
You’re free to explore at your own pace again today.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Hilton Cairns.

Day 22 Cairns
Today you’ll visit the much-awaited Great Barrier Reef, one of the natural wonders of the world. You can view the colourful coral, clear blue seas and wealth of tropical fish from a glass bottomed boat, or take to the waters. Swimming and snorkelling among the marine life is an experience to treasure. Throughout the day, you’ll have chance to chat to knowledgeable marine naturalists to learn about the reef.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Hilton Cairns.

Day 23 Cairns
On your last free day in Cairns, you could take an optional excursion on the spectacular Kuranda Scenic Railway, which transports you past dense tropical rainforest, steep ravines, picturesque waterfalls and into the fantastic Barron Gorge.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Hilton Cairns.

Day 24 Cairns to Ayers Rock
Arriving into the Red Centre you'll check in then visit The Olgas; dramatic and monumental rock formations. You then have an opportunity to walk through the barren terrain of Walpa Gorge, with its scattering of desert plants and wildlife. In the evening, an incredible experience awaits; Ayers Rock at sunset, with the last rays of the sun lighting up the rock and giving its intense colours an eerie glow.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Sails in the Desert.

Day 25 Ayers Rock
After an intriguing tour around the base of Ayers Rock, you’ll head to the Aboriginal Cultural Centre for an insight into indigenous life. This evening, you’ll dine under the twinkling outback sky at the wonderful Sounds of Silence experience.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Hotel: Sails in the Desert.

Day 26 Ayers Rock to Alice Springs
Journey into a landscape of rugged beauty over 500 million years old on the way to Alice Springs, where you’re transported to a bygone era with a visit to the Old Telegraph Station. You’ll also visit the Flying Doctor base and School of the Air that currently educates 160 children living across more than a million square kilometres.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs.

Day 27 Alice Springs to Perth
Leaving the outback behind, you’ll fly to Perth, where the rest of the day is free to explore.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Parmelia Hilton.

Day 28 Perth
This morning’s sightseeing tour of the city includes Perth’s Botanical Gardens and downtown area. Later in the afternoon, you’ll have time to relax or take a trip to Kings Park to see its stunning array of native plants, wildflowers and animals.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Parmelia Hilton.

Day 29 Perth
Your free day can be spent visiting the coastal area of Freemantle, known locally as Freo, which has a laid back ambience. It’s a perfect place to soak up the café culture or visit the boutique craft shops of the South Terrace. Tonight, join your fellow travellers to share experiences and personal highlights over a farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel: Parmelia Hilton.

Day 30 Depart Perth
There’s time for a little last minute souvenir shopping before boarding your flight to Heathrow, via Singapore.
Meals: Breakfast, In-flight.

Day 31 Arrive Heathrow
Your journey’s at an end, but your memories will live on.

Any questions? Chat to your Personal Travel Advisor on 0161 491 7616