Best of Australia and New Zealand 18 Days Group Tour

• Cairns

• Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest

• Great Barrier Reef

• Sydney

• Blue Mountains 

• Auckland

• Rotorua

• Christchurch

• Queenstown

• Franz Josef

• Arrival: Day01 before 3pm 
• Return: Day18 anytime after 12pm

FLY IN Airport: Cairns Airport (CNS)  

FLY OUT Airport: Presidente Christchurch International Airport (CHC) 

Description:

Welcome to Cairns, Australia. On arrival get transferred to the hotel. Today is a free day to explore the Cairns city. Cairns considered the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, is a city in tropical Far North Queensland. Its Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park tells the stories of indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with music and dance. Cairns Esplanade, lined with bars and restaurants, has a swimming lagoon. Northwest of the city, Daintree National Park spans mountainous rainforest, gorges and beaches.

Description:

The day begins in Cairns at 8am, where we’ll pick you up and make our way through the breath-taking scenery of Australia’s north coast. First, we’ll stop off at Mossman Gorge, one of the region’s most memorable landmarks. Here, you can marvel at the surrounding rainforest and go for a refreshing swim in the cooling water.

Afterwards, it’s time for morning tea before we head over the Daintree River on a cable ferry. We’ll make our way to Cape Tribulation where you can take a stroll through the ancient Gondwana Rainforest and marvel at the views from the Alexandra Range Lookout.

Next, we’ll make our way to the Marrdja or Jindalba Boardwalk which is surrounded by huge, ancient trees and lush mangrove swamps.

For lunch, we’ll indulge in a picnic on the beautiful sands of Cape Tribulation Beach before taking a walk along the shoreline and learning more about the spot where rainforest meets reef. We’ll then make our way back to the Daintree River, stopping on the way to pick up a tropical ice cream to enjoy on the journey.

In the afternoon, it’s time for some crocodile spotting on the Daintree River. We’ll take a cruise along the estuary, where you can catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures and learn more about their habitat. We’ll also keep an eye out for pythons, butterflies, and other native species on the cruise.

Then it’s time to head back. On the way, we’ll stop off at the Rex Range Lookout before our final stop back in Cairns.

Description:

The day begins in Cairns, where you’ll hop aboard your boat for the day at the Marlin Jetty. After that, we’ll head out into the ocean, where you can marvel at the surreal turquoise colours and soak up the endless views of colourful reefs, islands, and vibrant marine life.

By 10:15 am, we’ll have arrived at our first outer reef destination, where you can try your hand at scuba diving. You’ll learn the ropes of exploring underwater, and you’ll have the chance to learn more about the habitats of the creatures and their behaviour.

If you don’t fancy dipping below the water’s surface, you can take a swim, snorkel, or simply kick back and relax on the deck.

For lunch, we’ll tuck into a delicious tropical buffet served by a local chef as we make our way to the next destination. At 1 pm, we’ll arrive at our next stop where you can do some more scuba diving, take a swim, enjoy the views, or relax in the afternoon sunshine.

On the way home, you can try your hand at boom netting, a fun and exhilarating way to discover the reef before we tuck into some wine, cheese, and a selection of tropical fruits as we make our way back to Cairns.

The day comes to a close at 5 pm as we arrive back at the Marlin Jetty.

Description:

Today we say goodbye to Cairns and fly to Sydney. On arrival get transferred to the hotel, rest and head out to catch a sunset view from Sydney Tower. TAKE IN THE SIGHTS OF SYDNEY FROM 250 METRES ABOVE THE CITY STREETS, evening free time to explore the beautiful city.

New Years Eve Sydney Harbour Cruise – (optional)

You will never see fireworks anywhere in the world better than you will from Sydney Harbour on New Year’s Eve.  This is an open boat, having two enormous sunroofs and 360-degree views of the harbour, it is the perfect vessel to watch the fireworks all around Sydney Harbour. 

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Experience the majestic World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains on a small-group full-day tour from Sydney. Enjoy sweeping views of the Blue Mountains and sites including the Three Sisters and Jamison Valley. Hop onboard the Scenic Railway (or other rides) at Scenic World, enjoy a chef-prepared lunch (dietary requirements accommodated), and visit Featherdale Wildlife Park to see kangaroos and other native Australian critters. Then, cruise by boat back to Sydney Harbour on the Parramatta River.

Description:

Escape the city and explore the Kiama Coast region, its bushland, forests, farmlands and coastal beaches on this full-day adventure. Travel from Sydney taking in panoramic views along the route including clifftop lookouts and multiple viewpoints. Look out for indigenous wildlife, walk across secluded beaches and discover aboriginal engravings before indulging in a freshly prepared BBQ lunch outdoors.

Description:

Today its a free day to explore on your own, go for some last-minute shopping or just relax at the beach.

Evening:

Enjoy a deluxe sunset cruise on Sydney Harbour accompanied by a delicious three-course dinner. From the water, admire iconic sights such as Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Fort Denison, Luna Park and more. Snap photos as the sky shimmer at sunset and the city skyline lights up for the night as you cruise through Sydney in the evening.

Description:

It’s time to say goodbye to Australia as the tour ends today with breakfast at the hotel. Get ready to get check-off your next bucket list destination, New Zealand. We will head to Sydney airport to catch early afternoon flight to Auckland, New Zealand.

Auckland, New Zealand’s self-proclaimed ‘City of Sails’ is the country’s largest metro area. Resting between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, this urban paradise has something for everyone.

Description:

Take a journey into the heart of the Central North Island, taking in the Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton Movie Set on a full-day sightseeing tour. Setting off from Auckland, travel through the lush farmland of the Waikato and King Country regions. Take a guided tour of the famous Hobbiton Movie Set, located inside a picturesque 1,250 acre sheep and beef farm near Matamata. Here, the village of Hobbiton was carefully created in amazing detail as a film location for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movie trilogies. During your guided tour of this amazing location you’ll see sights like Hobbit holes, the Mill and the Green Dragon Inn, and learn how farmland was transformed into a living, breathing piece of Middle-earth. After exploring Hobbiton, tuck into a delicious lunch at the Green Dragon Inn.

At the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, take a 45-minute guided tour through impressive underground caverns and learn how stalactites, stalagmites and other limestone structures were formed over millions of years. Your tour includes a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto – glide silently along an underground river as you gaze at the twinkling glowworms overhead.
After visiting Waitomo and Hobbiton, continue to Rotorua, arriving in the early evening.

Please wear comfortable walking shoes and a warm jacket for the Waitomo Glowworm Caves guided tour.

Description:

Discover three of Rotorua’s best visitor attractions on this morning Rotorua sightseeing tour. Gain an insight into New Zealand’s Māori culture at Te Puia.  You’ll see Te Puia’s woodcarving and weaving schools and see how these ancient Māori art forms are being passed on to a new generation of master artists. Experience Rotorua’s famous geothermal activity with a tour of the neighbouring Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. Then onto the Agrodome, a working organic farm where you can find out all about farming life in New Zealand, watch a sheep shearing display and see sheep dog trials where the hard-working farm dogs show off their amazing skills. New Zealand wildlife and natural scenery is on display at Rainbow Springs Nature Park, where you can get up close to all kinds of native flora and fauna including the famous kiwi, a flightless native bird.

An evening at Mitai will give you an awe-inspiring introduction to the indigenous Maori culture. Marvel at the beautiful bush setting and see warriors in traditional dress who paddle an ancient warrior canoe (waka) down the Wai-o-whiro stream while trout and eels swim beneath the surface. Enjoy a traditionally cooked hangi meal and round your evening off with a spectacular cultural performance that tells the story of the Maori people, their past, carvings, and ta Moko -Tattoo art. Be captivated by the displays of weaponry and combat and be amazed by the spine tingling Haka finale. Truly an experience to remember.

Wear suitable clothing and comfortable walking shoes as some of this evening’s activities are outdoors.

Description:

Its time to say goodbye to North Island as today you will catch an early flight to Christchurch (South Island), on arrival you will be met by a driver and transferred to your Christchurch accommodation.

The rest of the day is free to explore the city.

Description:

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Today is a free day to explore Queenstown. Although celebrated as New Zealand’s ‘adventure capital’ Queenstown offers far more than a fast-paced action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic, and scenic wonders. 

Suggested activities:

Go hiking – Queenstown Hill

The Queenstown Hill walk is one of the best short hikes around Queenstown. The name just says it all! To get to the top of Queenstown Hill you’ll need to climb 600 meters (2000 feet) over the 2.5 kilometers. The total hike time is around 2 hours depending on how much time you spend at the top enjoying the view.

Shotover Canyon River Jet Boat Adventure

Riding the iconic ‘Big Red’ Jet Boat through the narrow Shotover Canyon is an exhilarating experience not to be missed.  Your skilled jet boat driver pushes the boat to 85 kph, skimming across shallow water and past towering canyon walls.  This 25 minute white water ride includes 360 degree spins and maximum thrills.

Nevis Bungy Jump

The Nevis Bungy is New Zealand’s highest bungy at 134 metres and 8 1/2 seconds of freefall. Located in the Nevis Valley high above the Nevis River this is the ultimate adrenaline experience.

Shotover River White Water Rafting

The upper section of the Shotover River gives rafters time to practice their paddle techniques before they hit the whitewater of the lower Canyon. Paddle numerous rapids such as Rock Garden, Jaws, 

TSS Earnslaw

A 1 ½ hour scenic cruise on board the coal fired vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. You will cruise from Queenstown Bay to Walter Peak High Country Farm (without going ashore) and return. 

Description:

Return luxury coach transport from Queenstown to Milford Sound, with an extended two hour Nature Cruise along the full length of the fiord. On board a Real Journeys luxury glass-roofed coach in Queenstown, you will enjoy a relaxing trip along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. The coach driver provides an informative commentary. After a morning tea break in Te Anau, where you have the option of purchasing refreshments, the coach continues along the spectacular Milford Road. There is time for photo stops and short walks along the way. On reaching Milford Sound, you board the Milford Mariner for a leisurely extended cruise of the fiord. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time is available to enjoy waterfalls, rain forest, mountains and wildlife with extensive commentary by the onboard nature guide. 

 Please bring comfortable shoes, waterproof jacket, warm clothing and insect repellent.

Description:

From Queenstown to Franz Josef discover the wild beauty of New Zealand’s West Coast. Leaving Queenstown, travel by luxury coach through the stunning scenery of the South Island. Your driver guide will provide entertaining commentary and point out sites of interest as you pass by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Dunstan, Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. After a morning tea break in Makarora on the border of Mount Aspiring World Heritage Park, you’ll travel through the Haast Pass, journeying through native beech forest and over the Southern Alps, before emerging on the West Coast. This remote area has a ruggedly beautiful landscape of vast rainforests, gushing waterfalls and snow-capped mountains. Skirt the coast and see waves crashing on rocky beaches before returning inland. Before arriving in the afternoon at the small village of Franz Josef. From here you can explore the world famous Franz Josef Glacier.

You will be met at your accommodation by a representative from Glacier Shuttles and taken on a short tour to view the glacier. Your shuttle vehicle will transfer you up the Franz Josef valley to the road end. Here you will have the opportunity to walk to view the glacier from a viewing platform. Or enjoy one of the short walks available in this area. You will be returned to your accommodation by the Glacier Valley Shuttles.

Description:

This morning travel north through the small townships of Whataroa and Harihari. Stop at the Bushman’s Centre for refreshments and a chance to experience a bit of West Coast humour. Continue through the township of Ross, which in the late 1800s was the centre of one of New Zealand’s richest alluvial goldfields. In 1903 the largest gold nugget ever found in New Zealand was discovered at Jones Creek, not far from the town centre. It weighed 2807 grams. The New Zealand Government later purchased the nugget and presented it as a coronation gift to King George V. On arrival in Hokitika there is time to purchase lunch and explore the town centre. Hokitika is the administrative and commercial centre for this part of Westland. The major primary industry is timber milling. Dairy and sheep farming, commercial fishing, white baiting and eel processing being the other major industries. Continue onto Greymouth Railway Station from where you catch the world famous TranzAlpine train across the Southern Alps to Christchurch.

Considered one of the world’s great train journeys, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train takes you from Greymouth to Christchurch. You’ll travel across the South Island from the west to the east coast through Arthur’s Pass National Park. From the comfort of your carriage see lush beech forest, deep river valleys and the spectacular peaks of the Southern Alps. Descend to the windswept Canterbury Plains before arriving in the city of Christchurch.

NOTE: Your TranzAlpine train departs Greymouth Train Station at 14:05. Please check-in at least 20 minutes before departure by presenting your reference number to the ticket office. You will receive your boarding pass and your suitcases (large bags) will be checked in.

Your train is scheduled to arrive at Christchurch Train Station at 18:30. Get transferred to the hotel on arrival.

Description:

It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers and the guide as the tour ends today with breakfast at the hotel. Check out is usually by 11am so book your return flight accordingly. Hoping that you have captured the best moments on camera and packed in a host of travel memories to carry back home with you.

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