Highlights of New Zealand and Australia

Continue your overnight flight to New Zealand. Enjoy inflight meals and services.

Overnight Onboard Flight

Welcome to New Zealand! Upon arrival at the Auckland International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.

Overnight in Auckland

This morning you will head on a half-day tour of Auckland. Auckland is set on 53 dormant volcanic cones, and it is New Zealand's largest and busiest city. The morning tour is a journey of discovery designed to explore the history and sights as well as see how Aucklanders live and play. This small group tour gives an insight into the Māori history of the area and the legends and stories behind some of the place names. Travel up Queen Street, through Auckland's central business district, past Auckland University to the inner-city park, known as the Domain. Continue through the picturesque suburb of Ponsonby, with its historic buildings before heading over the Harbour Bridge to Auckland's North Shore. Stroll on one of our beautiful white sand beaches, where there is time for a coffee, before continuing up to the summit of Mt Victoria with its stunning panoramic views of Auckland City and historic Devonport. Then travel back over the Harbour Bridge to view Westhaven Marina, one of the largest marinas in the Southern Hemisphere. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure
Overnight in Auckland

This guided night cycle tour is an ideal way to Auckland from a different perspective. The city is lit up at night with lots of interesting installations, which your local guide will find. Electric bikes make getting around effortless, and your guide will keep you safe on cycle paths and less busy roads. A maximum group size of four means you will get personalized attention. 

Today you will discover the rich cultural heritage of New Zealand along with the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Your tour will also take you to the famous glowworm caves of Waitomo. Depart Auckland in the morning to travel the breathtaking farmlands of the Waikato and King Country regions as you listen to the commentary from your driver guide. Learn about the history of the region as you pass by sites of interest such as Rangiriri, the site of a major battle in the Maori Land Wars in 1863. Your first stop will be in the small town of Waitomo, where you will head on a 45-minute guided tour through the world-famous Waitomo Caves. Travel through these underground limestone caverns, discovered in 1887, and find out how the incredible stalactites, stalagmites, and other fascinating rock formations were formed over a period of 30 million years. Your tour will end with a short yet magical boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto — a subterranean cavern illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms. After that you will visit Rotorua, in the heart of the Central North Island. Visit the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and Te Puia's marae (meeting house) where you will receive a traditional welcome and an invitation to see a Maori cultural performance, where ancient and modern stories will be told through songs, dance, poi, and stick games. You will develop an understanding of this unique culture and history as you are entertained by the talented and charismatic performers. You will be transfered back to Auckland by the end of the tour.
Overnight in Auckland.
* We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and bringing a warm jacket for the Waitomo Glowworm Caves guided tour.

Spend the morning at leisure. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Christchurch. Upon arrival in Christchurch, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or book an optional tour. 
Overnight in Christchurch

Make your own way (transfer will not be included) to the meeting point of Tram Stop Number 1, Cathedral Junction, 111 Worcester Street. Live the luxury life in the 36-seater air-conditioned, colonial-style dining tram and be treated to the finest service, food, and beverages New Zealand has to offer. Combine fabulous dining with Christchurch City heritage for a fascinating mix of old and new. Each circuit of the Tram loop will take about 50 minutes and you will be expected to complete about 3 laps of the Tramline as you enjoy your four-course dinner with a complimentary drink.

Tour Departs: May vary from 6:00-7:30 PM (to be confirmed upon booking)

Tour Ends: 2.5 hours after commencement

Hop on your coach for a half-day tour of Christchurch. The trip will start by covering the central city highlights including the botanical gardens, the Museum and Art Centre, the Avon River, the Bridge of Remembrance, the city's new pop-up container mall, and many other highlights. As you leave the inner city, the coach will take you to Mona Vale and its historic homestead and gardens. You will travel up to the Sign of the Takahe, a historic building boasting breathtaking views of the city, the Canterbury Plains, and the Southern Alps, and make your way over the Port Hills to the Port of Lyttleton. Travel through the harbour tunnel to the seaside suburb of Sumner and the cave rock before returning to the central city and the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. 
Overnight in Christchurch

Today you will board you coach and head to Queenstown. There will be short breaks along the way.
Overnight in Queenstown

Spend the day at leisure or pre-book one of the following optional tours.

Overnight in Queenstown

Pair the fine wines of Central Otago with a gourmet lunch platter on this small-group wine-tasting tour from Queenstown. Visit at boutique wineries during your tour and drive through verdant valleys and vine-clad foothills rich in gold mining history. Numbers are limited to 12 people to ensure an intimate experience with other wine lovers. 

Spend the day at leisure or pre-book one of the following optional tours.

Overnight in Queenstown

Enjoy a full-day escape into nature with a scenic journey to Milford Sound, located within the World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park. Sit back and relax with round-trip transportation from select accommodations as you travel through some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes, including stops at Mirror Lakes and Monkey Creek, where you can admire crystal-clear glacier-fed waters and stunning reflections. The experience continues with a memorable boat cruise on Milford Sound, offering close-up views of dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and pristine wilderness. Onboard Wi-Fi allows you to stay connected along the way, making this tour ideal for travelers looking to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the South Island.

Duration: Approximately 13 hours.
Transport: Luxury glass-roof coach with free onboard Wi-Fi.
Complimentary Tea and Coffee will be provided on the cruise.
Departure: Usually starts around 7:00 AM from a central Queenstown meeting point (Copthorne Hotel and Apartments Queenstown Lakeview) or select hotel pickups.

Experience one of Queenstown’s most historic treasures, the legendary TSS Earnslaw, New Zealand’s most iconic boat. This leisurely 90-minute cruise across Lake Whakatipu immerses you in spectacular alpine scenery and a unique piece of living history. Explore the century-old steamship, marvel at its working steam engines in the engine room, and browse historical photos in the onboard mini-museum. Take in the sights from the bridge, or relax at the Promenade Café and Bar with a wine, beer, or a tasty treat. Cruises run regularly throughout the day, offering flexibility to suit your plans. Opt for the cruise alone or elevate your experience with a visit to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Choose from experiences like a Gourmet BBQ Dining experience, a guided Farm Tour, or the conservation-focused Eco Experience. The TSS Earnslaw has carried many famous visitors, including Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip and even President Bill Clinton. Undoubtedly, this iconic tour is one not to miss.

In the morning you will check out from your hotel, and, at the arranged time, you will be transferred to the Queenstown International Airport for your flight to Melbourne. Upon arrival in Melbourne, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to explore the city at your own pace.
Overnight in Melbourne 

Welcome to Melbourne, a city known for its charming gardens, vibrant restaurant and café scene, captivating arcades and laneways, and thriving arts culture. Explore the elegance and relaxed atmosphere of this city, which is also home to world-class sporting events like the Australian Open Tennis, Aussie Rules football, Melbourne Cup, and the iconic MCG! Experience the best of Melbourne’s city sights on our captivating tour. Explore the elegance of Collins Street’s Paris end and admire the Old Treasury Buildings and Parliament House. Marvel at the beauty of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and experience the tranquility both of the cathedral and its surrounding gardens. Sports enthusiasts will be thrilled to see the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) forecourt including the famous Shane Warne statue. Discover the charm of East Melbourne’s ornate Victorian terraced homes and head northeast to Little Italy, where you’ll be surrounded by a multitude of restaurants and boutique shops. Marvel at the exquisite architecture of the UNESCO heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building & cross over the Yarra River to reach Southbank before journeying into South Melbourne and cruising along the shores of Port Phillip Bay. 

Stretch your legs & enjoy a photo stop at Luna Park in St Kilda before visiting Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance, where visitors can pay their respects and honour the sacrifices made by Australian soldiers while enjoying extraordinary views. Immerse yourself in nature & relax during a visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens where we’ll visit the Ornamental Lake, home to various water birds and surrounded by stunning botanical displays. Throughout your tour, enjoy Go West Tours’ unique “Journey Through Time” a curated historic photographs presentation, which is accessible only via the QR code provided by our informative & friendly tour guide. You’ll love learning about Melbourne’s history & having the opportunity to compare the Melbourne of yesteryear with the modern city we explore today
Overnight in Melbourne

Spend the day at leisure or pre-book one of the following optional tours.

Overnight in Melbourne

Enjoy an afternoon tour to Phillip Island, featuring coastal scenery, native wildlife, and the world-famous Penguin Parade. After pickup from your CBD accommodation, travel in comfort to explore the highlights of the region. Visit the iconic Brighton Beach Boxes for photo opportunities with views over Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne skyline. Continue to a wildlife park where you can get up close to native animals such as koalas and kangaroos. At the Nobbies, enjoy spectacular coastal views and take a walk along the boardwalk overlooking Seal Rocks and the blowhole. In the evening, experience the Phillip Island Penguin Parade, where you can watch penguins emerge from the ocean and make their way to their burrows.

Meals: Not included
Timings: Depart - 12.00 PM, Arrive - 11.00 PM

Enjoy a more relaxed experience of Melbourne than you’d get in a traditional tour vehicle on a walking tour that provides the ultimate introduction if you're visiting for the first time. You’ll stop to hear tales and trivia that you’re unlikely to find in the guidebook about top Melbourne attractions such as Federation Square, Hosier Lane, Old Melbourne Gaol, and much more.

Departure Time: 8:00 AM

This tour will show you the wonders of the Great Ocean Road. Discover the popular coastal township of Lorne, a surfer's haven, and see many fern-filled gullies and river inlets on your journey. You will stop for lunch at Apollo Bay (lunch will not be included) before traveling the length of the Great Ocean Road passing by towering limestone cliffs, sweeping white beaches, and breathtaking forest scenery. See a fabulous spectacle of massive natural erosion at the incredible Twelve Apostles, which are limestone stacks rising dramatically from the Southern Ocean. Walk along the boardwalk as you take in the breathtaking scenery from various viewing platforms and see the Loch Ard Gorge. Prepare to be swept away by the romantic and tragic story of love and the lives lost on board the Loch Ard. Explore Port Campbell National Park and discover the tragic history of over 50 ships wrecked along the coastline. Continue your tour beyond Port Campbell to see the remnants of the London Bridge before starting your return journey back to Melbourne. The tour will end at approximately 8.00 PM, at which time hotel drop offs will commence.

Departure Time: 8:10 AM

Depart Melbourne and head on a journey to the Dandenong ranges where you will discover lush ferns and dense forests. The Dandenong Ranges, known to the locals as the Dandenongs, are beautiful low mountain ranges located just 35 km east of Melbourne. At their peak, they rise higher than 630 meters and are cloaked in lush rainforests of Mountain Ash trees (the tallest flowering plant in the world), waterfalls, rolling hills, and steep valleys. You may get the opportunity to hand feed Crimson Rosella birds (seeds will be provided). Head on a ride on the restored Puffing Billy Steam Train, marvel over the towering mountain ash and beautiful gullies of the Sherbrooke Forest and take in the spectacular views and the lush rainforest settings. Sip on a cup of Devonshire Tea before you visit the quaint town of Sassafras, known for their beautiful antiques and local crafts. Enjoy free time to wander around and explore the area. Re-board your coach for your return ride to Melbourne. The tour will end at approximately 1:00 PM at Federation Square.

This morning you will be picked up and transferred to the Melbourne International Airport for your flight to Cairns. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel via airport shuttle. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Overnight in Cairns

Spend the day at leisure or pre-book one of the following optional tours.

Overnight in Cairns

Head on a full-day Kuranda Skyrail and Scenic Rail tour. You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the Smithfield Terminal to board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway at the scheduled time advised by the driver and glide above the rainforest canopy to Kuranda. There are two stations en route where you can alight and head on a walk through the rainforest to the magnificent lookouts or visit the CSIRO Interpretive Centre. Arrive in Kuranda to enjoy free time for approximately one hour and a half and explore the 'Village in the Rainforest' with its many attractions including the Heritage Markets which operate daily. You will have time to enjoy lunch (at your own expense). We recommend you visit other Kuranda Village attractions such as Birdworld, The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, or the Kuranda Koala Gardens (at your own expense). At 2:00 PM you will board the Kuranda Scenic Railway for your journey to Cairns and enjoy the breathtaking views as the train travels through 15 hand-cut tunnels and past spectacular waterfalls. Stop at Barron Gorge to see the falls before arriving at the Freshwater Station. The tour will end at approximately 4:00 PM, at which time the hotel drop-offs will commence.

The Kuranda Scenic Rail Gold Class Upgrade Includes: Dedicated host service; individual seating, moveable tub-style chairs; ambient, historical decor including timber-looking flooring, historical photos, and fans; quality refreshments including sparkling Australian wine, beer, orange juice, soft drinks, ice water, appetizers, and chilled towels throughout the journey; The Kuranda Scenic Rail gift pack including a pewter KSQ pin, pen, postcard, and postage; and a souvenir Z-card (commentary companion).

The Kuranda Scenic Rail Gold Class Upgrade includes: Dedicated host service; individual seating, moveable tub-style chairs; ambient, historical decor including timber looking flooring, historical photos and fans; quality refreshments including sparkling Australian wine, beer, orange juice, soft drink, ice water, appetisers and chilled towel during the journey; Kuranda Scenic Rail gift pack including pewter KSQ pin, pen, postcard and postage; and souvenir Z-card (commentary companion).

Spend the day at leisure or pre-book one of the following optional tours.

Overnight in Cairns

Depart from Cairns and head south as you travel past Walsh's Pyramid, one of the largest naturally formed pyramids in the world. Here your guide will make a stop so you can take a photo of this unique North Queensland landmark. From there you will travel up the World Heritage Site of the Gillies Highway, climbing 730 metres above sea level as you take in the breathtaking views overlooking the Goldbourgh Valley. Just before you reach the top of the incredible Gillies Range, you will have a brief photo opportunity at the Heales Lookout before heading into the gorgeous Atherton Tablelands. Your first stop will be the beautiful World Heritage Site of Lake Barrine Crater Lake National Park. Upon arrival, your tour guide will take you on a short walk to visit the 1000-year-old Twin Kauri Pines, the true giants of the rainforest. After the guided walk, enjoy a delicious freshly baked scone with jam and cream accompanied by a locally grown and freshly brewed cup of tea and coffee (unlimited cup refills). From there, depart on a 40-minute guided wildlife cruise on the lake. Once the cruise is complete, you will all meet back at the bus for departure to the historical town of Yungaburra. Yungaburra is known for having the highest number of Nationally Listed Heritage buildings in Queensland. Your next stop will be at The Curtain Fig Tree, located in Curtain Fig Tree National Park. From there, take the time to descend from the mountains down the Palmerstone Highway through sugarcane and banana fields to the coastal town of Innisfail. Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious lunch at Roscoe's All You Can Eat Hot Buffet. Paronella Park will be your next destination — you will be guided through the extensive National Trust Gardens as you discover the rich history of Jose Paronella's wonderful achievements and how he built the Spanish Castle in the rainforest. Continue northbound passing by Babinda — the wettest town in Queensland with an annual rainfall of over 4 metres per year. This "umbrella" town sits between Queensland’s two highest mountains: Mt Bartle Frere (1,611 metres) and Mt Bellender Ker (1,593 metres). These majestic mountains are covered in World Heritage Rainforests and form part of the Great Dividing Range; Australia's most substantial mountain range and the third longest land-based range in the world. From there you will head on an approximate 50-60-minute drive back to the city of Cairns and return to your accommodation.

This morning, at the arranged time, you will be picked up and transferred to the Cairns Airport for your flight to Sydney. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel via airport shuttle. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. 

Overnight in Sydney

Join a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour by double-decker bus to discover the highlights of Sydney and Bondi Beach. Enjoy unobstructed views and recorded onboard commentary as you travel along two routes to top destinations like Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour, and Bondi Beach. Go in-depth at any given place by simply hopping off the bus to explore. You can experience Sydney and Bondi's most noteworthy attractions at your own pace with your ticket which is valid for 24 hours.
Overnight in Sydney

Departure Time: 2:30 PM; Departure Point: No. 6 Jetty, Circular Quay

Make your own way to the meeting point (transfer will not be included) and board your Captain Cook Cruise to head on an afternoon Harbour Highlights cruise. Travel onboard a motorized vessel and take in the magnificent views of the Sydney Harbour including the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, exclusive suburbs, and Darling Harbour. The cruise will take you back to the starting point.

Spend the day at leisure or pre-book an optional tour.

Overnight in Sydney

Explore the stunning Blue Mountains on this full-day optional tour from Sydney. Begin with a visit to Sydney Zoo, where you can see native Australian wildlife including kangaroos and koalas, along with a First Nations cultural talk. Continue to the Blue Mountains and visit Echo Point to admire the iconic Three Sisters rock formation. You will also have the option to experience Scenic World (at own expense) or enjoy a self-guided walk along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, offering scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The tour concludes at Homebush Bay, with an optional ferry transfer back to Sydney Harbour (at own cost).

Timings: Depart:7.05 AM, Return:5.00 PM (Approx)
Inclusions: Sydney Zoo entry, national park fees, inner-city pickup, driver/guide
Exclusions: Scenic World rides, ferry transfer

In the morning, at the arranged time, you will be picked up and transferred to the Sydney International Airport for your flight back home.