Highlights of Australia & New Zealand -11 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Sydney

Welcome to Sydney! Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel to take some time to relax before you discover the city. Once you're settled, learn to surf at Bondi Beach, swim in the calm waters of Coogee, or lose yourself in the cobblestone cul-de-sacs of The Rocks. Visit the markets, boutiques, cafés, and pubs of Paddington before taking on Sydney's legendary nightlife. A great way to see the city tonight is by hopping on an evening dinner cruise around Sydney Harbour, where you'll see all of the incredible views from the water.

Day 2: Highlights of Sydney: Opera House, Bondi Beach, Taronga Zoo & BridgeClimb

This morning begins at the iconic Sydney Opera House with a guided behind-the-scenes walking tour to see, feel and touch the magic that exists there. Next, pass Hyde Park, St Mary's Cathedral, and Parliament House before stopping at Mrs. Macquaries Chair for magnificent views. Continue through Woolloomooloo, Kings Cross, and Paddington as you make your way to the world-famous Bondi Beach, one of the most visited beaches in Australia. Stop here for a mid-morning break and soak up the sun or take a walk along the water.

Once your city sights tour is completed, board a cruise across the harbor to Taronga Zoo, home to over 2,600 species. The zoo supports the conservation of endangered animals and is a must-see location for all ages. Afterward, the afternoon is yours to spend at your leisure. As night falls, an exhilarating BridgeClimb experience awaits as you scale the famous Harbour Bridge on a 3.5-hour guided journey 440 feet (134 m) to watch the sunset over Sydney Harbour. 

Day 3: Day Trip to the Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains are just west of Sydney, a World Heritage-listed site known for staggering cliffs, secluded lookouts, cascading waterfalls, and eucalyptus forest. In this outdoor enthusiast's paradise, you'll encounter kangaroos, emus, wombats, and koalas at a working farm, then hike across stunning valleys and ridges as you approach Jamison Valley Lookout. Experience the majesty of the changing colors at the Three Sisters Lookout as the sun moves throughout the day.

Reach Govett's Leap, one of Australia's most famous viewpoints, and marvel at the sweeping view across Grose Valley. Your final stop is 3,280 feet (1,000 m) above sea level at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden. See hundreds of different plant species worldwide and discover the many birds, lizards, possums, and insects that call the park home. Spend your last night in Sydney at your leisure.

Day 4: Fly From Sydney to Cairns

This morning your driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Sydney Airport, where you'll catch a quick flight north to Cairns, the home of the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. Upon arrival, another driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel in the city.

Today's half-day tour commences with a transfer from your hotel, traveling to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to board the cableway for your journey to Kuranda, an Aboriginal farming town. Be amazed as you glide silently over the rainforest canopy, explore the town's quaint Heritage Markets, and look out for all the local wildlife before boarding the Kuranda Scenic Rail for a historic journey. Upon completing your tour, you will be transferred to your Cairns area accommodation to spend the evening exploring on your own. 

Day 5: Full-Day Great Barrier Reef Tour

Today you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Port Douglas Marina to board your vessel for a full-day excursion to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. Visit the pristine outer edge of Agincourt ribbon reefs, and enjoy over five hours to explore the delights of this underwater world. You'll discover up to three different diving sites, each offering a new experience.

The reef is the largest living thing on earth, so be prepared to see some of the many species that call the corals home—including colorful fish, turtles, jellyfish, and more! After your introductory dive, relax on the expansive sundecks overlooking the Coral Sea. Afterward, a bus will be waiting for you at the marina to return you to your Cairns accommodation.

Day 6: Full-Day Cultural Tour in Daintree Rainforest

Spend the day with your local Aboriginal tour guide, learning about culturally significant areas and the relationships the Kuku Yalanji people still have with their land. Walk through the rainforest and coastal habitats, learning about the different environments, foods, and medicines utilized from nature. Sample some seasonal bush "tucker," collect shellfish, and watch traditional Aboriginal hunting practices. Try your hand at spear throwing, and if you are lucky, catch a mud crab. Complete the adventure by cooling off in a pristine freshwater stream before heading back to Cairns.

Day 7: Fly From Cairns to Queenstown & Wine Cave Tour

This morning you'll be transferred to the airport to board your flight to Queenstown on New Zealand's South Island. Upon arrival, a driver will be waiting to take you to the hotel. Renowned for its adrenaline-inducing activities, Queenstown is synonymous with adventure. Parked on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, this small alpine town is nestled below soaring vistas of the Remarkables mountain range.

While arguably the brightest gem in New Zealand's crown, Queenstown offers far more than an action-packed getaway. Spend time on the Gibbston Valley wine trail and end with a meal at Michelin star chef Josh Emett's restaurant, Rata. Take a trip down memory lane on a 100-year-old steamship, the TSS Earnslaw. Soak in the scenery on your walk around the lake, or venture further afield into Fiordland National Park. Head over the hill to the resort town of Wanaka, or re-live scenes from Lord of The Rings by four-wheel drive. You have the afternoon to explore the town on your own.

An excellent option for tonight is visiting the Wine Cave, an informative and fun way to experience three different wines in Central Otago. You'll also see Central Otago's first vines—initially planted by the founder and wine pioneer Alan Brady in 1983.

Day 8: Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise from Queenstown

Today, board a luxury bus in Queenstown and travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside of this spectacular alpine route. Upon arriving in Milford, board the Milford Mariner and set out on a fiord cruise to the Tasman Sea. There is ample time to look for wildlife such as seals, penguins, and dolphins.

Onboard, your knowledgeable nature guide will ensure an immersive experience as you learn all about the history and natural environment of the fiord. Go for a paddle in a kayak or hop on board a tender craft to explore the shores up close. The boat will anchor in the shelter of Harrison Cove overnight, where you'll stay in private ensuite cabins. Enjoy a sumptuous three-course buffet dinner followed by a nature guide presentation.

Day 9: Skyline Queenstown: Gondola & Luge Rides

This morning you'll enjoy breakfast on the fjord before cruising back to the Milford Wharf. After disembarking, return to Queenstown by bus.

 

The rest of today is devoted to adventure and incredible views. You'll find the Skyline Complex in the heart of Queenstown, located 1,476 ft (450 m) above the town in the Ben Lomond Scenic Reserve. A gondola ride to the summit makes for awe-inspiring views of the city and its surroundings. Arrive at the top and wander the outside viewing decks for a picture-perfect outlook. Then onto the Luge! This 2,624-foot (800 m) luge track offers an exhilarating journey through banked corners, tunnels, and dippers. Back in Queenstown, spend your evening exploring the city on your own.

Day 10: Shotover Jet Canyon Jet Boat Ride & Kawarau Bridge Bungee Jump

Another action-packed day starts with a ride on the Shotover Jet—the only way to experience the spectacular Shotover River Canyons. See their beauty and feel their power on the world's most exciting jet boat ride. The boat includes 360-degree spins, so this activity is not for the faint of heart.

Next up, keep the adrenaline rushing with a bungee jump off Kawarau Bridge. This is the original home of bungee and the ultimate place to experience your first jump. After taking the 141 feet (41 m) plunge, spend the rest of the night relaxing or hitting the town for your last night.

Day 11: Depart New Zealand

Enjoy your final morning in New Zealand before getting picked up for your transfer to the airport. Safe travels home or to your next destination!

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