National Geographic Iconic Australia & New Zealand Itinerary

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand!

Welcome to Auckland ‘The City of Sails’. You may have time to explore New Zealand’s largest city before joining your travel companions in the early evening. Auckland is a fantastic city with so much to see and do. Should you want more time to explore on your own, we recommend booking pre-nights.

Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.

Some Activities and sightseeing options if you have time:

Flights to arrive into Auckland Airport at any time

Accommodation: Auckland - 2 Nights (or similar)

Take an orientation walk in Auckland, one of the most multicultural cities in the Southern Hemisphere. We’ll then catch a ferry to beautiful Waiheke Island, a haven of world-class vineyards and idyllic beaches. Visit two wineries to learn about New Zealand's burgeoning wine industry and the history of viticulture in the country while sampling some of the local blends.

Meals: Breakfast

Drive to the lakeside town of Rotorua, situated over an active geothermal zone and known for its volcanic features and rich Maori heritage. Stop en-route at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and take a boat ride through 30 million year old caverns covered with magical glowworms that are unique to New Zealand. Hundreds of thousands of these tiny creatures radiate luminescent light in underground caves carved by rivers and time. Take in more than 136 years of cultural and natural history on this unique excursion.

Rotorua sits over an active geothermal zone with bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools in different areas around the town. This is a fascinating region with Maori history and culture tied directly to the geothermal aspects of the land. 

Meals: Breakfast 

Accommodation: Rotorua  - 2 Nights (or similar)

On a full-day excursion, head to the Maori-owned Kohutapu Lodge, our base for exploring New Zealand's indigenous culture. See ancient rock carvings and learn about their spiritual significance to the Maori people, both past and present. Watch as a hangi lunch is prepared the traditional way--buried in an underground pit—and enjoy the resulting feast with your Maori hosts. After lunch, take a walk through the 800-year-old podocarp trees in Whirinaki Rainforest, learning the history of the forest and spotting endemic birds and medicinal plants. Return to Rotorua for an optional evening meal or a well-deserved soak in the hot springs.

Include Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy time at leisure this morning before catching a flight to Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island. Take some time to explore this small city on your own or join an optional guided tour (extra cost) and see how the people of Christchurch are transforming the community of Christchurch after the devastating earthquake in 2011.

With free time in Rotorua this morning, opt to relax in one of the hot pools fed by water coming directly from the natural springs.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:  Christchurch​ - 1 Night (or similar)

Travelling by train still remains one of travels most exciting experiences. This morning we board Tranz Alpine Train that journeys between Christchurch and Greymouth. We leave Christchurch crossing the Canterbury Plains before following the Waimakariri River and traversing the spectacular Southern Alps. before finally descending through native beech forest into Greymouth. From Greymouth we transfer to a coach and continue down the west coast to the township of Franz Josef.

Meals: Breakfast 

**Please be aware that if you are traveling over the Christmas and New Year period the TranzAlpine train may not be operational. Instead your CEO will drive the group through the Southern Alps on a similar route. An additional group holiday dinner will be provided as a substitute for missing the train experience.

Accommodation: Franz Josef  - 2 Nights (or similar)

Today is a free day to explore the region around Franz Josef. You are in the heart of the Westland National Park, considered to be the most diverse and beautiful areas in New Zealand and the home of the Kea, a protected native parrot that thrives in the chilly environment and is infamous for its inquisitive and often destructive behaviour! If you are feeling adventurous take a Glacier Heli Hike and land on the glacier with an experienced guide to explore the towering peaks and ice formations.

There are options for various hiking adventures in the area, the most popular being trekking to view Franz Josef Glacier.

Excursions available in and around the Franz Josef area:

Meals: Breakfast 

Set out towards Queenstown on a drive along the South Island’s magnificent west coast. Stop at tranquil Lake Matheson, where, on a clear day, you can capture a postcard-perfect image of New Zealand’s highest peaks reflected in the water. Continue to Queenstown, pausing for short walks through the rainforest and visits to picturesque waterfalls.

Early start to travel to the picturesque Lake Matheson. When the weather is right, you can get a great photo of the Southern Alps reflected in the lake. Follow the wild West Coast Road, through the rainforest before stopping for some short walks and waterfall visits.

Meals: Breakfast 

Accommodation: Queenstown - 1 Night (or similar)

From Queenstown we drive the scenic route to the lakeside town of Manapouri in Fiordland National Park a World Heritage Area.
 
From Manapouri we embark on an amazing cruise through the moody and mysterious Doubtful Sound. Onboard the Fiordland Navigator experienced nature guides will provide commentary on the wildlife sightings ensuring you don’t miss any of the highlights. Watch out for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and the Fiordland yellow eyebrow crested penguin.  After anchoring for the evening you will have the opportunity to explore the shoreline by kayak or tender boat.

Dinner will be prepared by an onboard chef and served in the dining saloon. Before retiring to your private cabin (with ensuite bathroom) take time to gaze at the stars and listen to the sound of ‘silence’. 

**Please Note: This tour will go to either Doubtful Sound or Milford Sound (The itinerary for this day varies in the winter: 18 May – 20 September)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Doubtful Sound or Milford Sound - 1 Night (or similar)

After a hearty breakfast, we spend the morning cruising Doubtful Sound back to Deep Cove. In particular, we are on the hunt to view the resident bottlenose dolphins that patrol the fiord or the New Zealand fur seal seen basking as the sun rises warming the rocks they occupy and when in the season the rare Fiordland crested penguin. Then navigate back to Queenstown and spend the rest of the day at leisure in this fun-loving lakeside town, known as the adventure capital of the world.

Meals: Breakfast 

Accommodation: Queenstown  - 2 Nights (or something similar)

The day is yours to relax or explore Queenstown. Choose to cruise lake Wakatipu on a historic steamer; experience a thrilling jet boat ride; or visit a local winery to sample the region’s award-winning vintages.There's plenty to see and do in Queenstown, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!

This evening, enjoy a cable car ride to the top of Bob’s Peak for panoramic  220º views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables mountain range, and Lake Wakatipu below.

Recommended excursions in and around Queenstown:

Meals: Breakfast 
​

Fly from Queenstown to Melbourne, Australia, and enjoy free time in the city.

Victoria's capital, Melbourne, sits on the Yarra River and around the shores of Port Phillip Bay. It has been ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities and is a UNESCO City of Literature as well as being one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in Australia. Once one of the richest cities in the world the central city is a mix of modern, Victorian and Edwardian architecture reflecting Melbourne’s early gold rush days and its ‘Boom and Bust’ era at the turn of the 20th century. Melbourne is a multicultural city with stunning gardens, spacious parks, galleries, museums, and superb cafes and restaurants. 

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Melbourne - 3 Nights (or similar)

Embark on a food tour of Melbourne with a local author and culinary storyteller. Home to many thriving immigrant communities, Melbourne has long been considered one of Australia’s gastronomic hubs. On this foodie walk through the city’s famed laneways, we’ll experience a range of flavors and cuisines over lunch at three popular venues. Start with an Asian entree with wine; move on to an Italian restaurant for a main dish accompanied with more wine, and finish off the tour with a gelato dessert at our third stop. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Spend the day exploring vibrant Melbourne. Set out on an optional excursion on the Great Ocean Road, following spectacular sea cliffs along the windswept Southern Ocean. This is a popular activity so we suggest pre-booking to secure a spot. Alternatively visit some of the region’s top wineries or wander the city’s narrow cobbled lanes and alleys, discovering quirky cafés and colorful murals.

Fun Facts about Melbourne

•    Melbourne has more restaurants & cafes per head than any other city worldwide!
•    Melbourne's famous tramway system is the largest outside of Europe.
•    Five of Australia's tallest buildings are found in Melbourne - the tallest is the Eureka Tower at 297 metres (975 ft).

Meals: Breakfast

Catch a flight to Uluru, in the heart of the Australian outback. Visit the Cultural Centre of the Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and learn about the beliefs and customs of the Anangu, the area’s traditional Indigenous owners. Then take a guided walk along both the northwest and southern sides of Uluru to learn about the history of the area, hear the stories of the Anangu people and gaze upon these awe-inspiring uplifted sandstone rock formations.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Uluru - 2 Nights (or similar)

While Uluru is the most famous landmark in the park, we explore a bit further afield today. After breakfast make your way to Kata Tjuta, Uluru’s neighboring natural wonder for a morning of exploration as you walk along these ancient, red-hued landscapes.

Enjoy some free time in the afternoon before enjoying a glass of sparkling wine while watching the sunset over Uluru. Marvel at the changing colours over the desert and keep reminding yourself that yes, you really are there.

Meals: Breakfast

Awaken at dawn to witness the famous Field of Light installation, the artist Bruce Munro created an art installation that becomes illuminated in the changing light.
Enjoy your final moments in the heart of the outback before it’s time to pack up and head off to the airport for an afternoon flight to Sydney.

Observe the stunning display and watch the sun rise with views of Uluru (Ayers Rock) in the distance.
Return to the hotel for breakfast and your final moments in the heart of the outback before it’s time to pack up and head off to the airport for an afternoon flight to Sydney. Check in to our Sydney hotel and opt to join our CEO for a dinner out on the town in one of Sydney's famous neighbourhoods.

Accommodation: Sydney - 3 Nights (or similar)

Take it slow with a leisurely morning, or get up early and join your CEO for a walk around the Rocks area, a waterfront neighborhood that marks the spot of the first European settlement in Australia. It also holds a spiritual significance for the area’s indigenous people. Around midmorning, circle back and meet for a private tour of the Sydney Opera House. This afternoon, step aboard a private catamaran for a sunset sail around Sydney's famous harbor. Tuck into a delicious Australian Barbecue dinner as the sun sets in the background.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore the best of Sydney. Walk the Rocks and stop by Maybe Sammy for a drink, which happens to be one of the best bars in Sydney. Take the ferry to Manly Beach or walk the Bondi Coastal walk and snap some photos. Or, spend a full day exploring the Blue Mountains on an optional excursion.

Meals:  Breakfast

Fly to Cairns today and travel up the scenic coastal road to Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest tropical rainforest and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Embark on an interpretive walk with an indigenous guide at the lush Mossman Gorge, learning about the traditional ways of life of the region’s Kuku Yalanji people. Continue to the resort town of Port Douglas, our home for the next three nights.

We catch a very early flight to ensure we make the most of the day.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodations: Port Douglas - 3 Nights (or similar)

Explore the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day catamaran tour to the Outer Reef. Immerse yourself in the largest coral reef system in the world, which teems with 1500 species of tropical fish, as well as whales, dolphins and porpoises. Hop into the warm waters off Australia's east coast and experience this marine wonderland for yourself. Lunch will be served onboard. Back in Port Douglas the evening is yours to do as you please.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a free morning in charming Port Douglas. Stroll the town’s boutique-lined streets and idyllic beaches or head to the Sunday markets to browse the stalls. Later in the day, join your fellow travelers for an exclusive cultural experience at Cooya Beach. Meet Indigenous guides for a welcome ceremony, and get acquainted with members of the Kuku Yalanji people. Our CEO will organize an optional farewell dinner to toast your adventures down under.

Meals: Breakfast 

After one last breakfast in Port Douglas, transfer back to Cairns where our tour ends at the airport mid-morning. Alternatively, extend your stay in Port Douglas.

Meals: Breakfast 

Flights to depart from Cairns Airport after 13:00

Luggage
The max luggage allowance on domestic flights within Australia is 1 checked bag (20 kgs) and 1 carry on (7 kgs) per person.

Solo Travellers
No extra fee for Solo Travelers—same gender roommate will be provided or pay extra for your own space

Itinerary Variations:
The provider strives to improve trip itineraries. If improvements can be made, or if circumstances beyond their control make changes necessary, the provider reserves the right to vary itineraries and to make substitutions.