16-Day New Zealand & Australia Escorted Adventure: Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, Sydney & Cairns

DAY 1 | Sunday – Depart for New Zealand

Embark on your extraordinary journey to New Zealand. Relax and enjoy the excitement of your upcoming adventure.

DAY 2 | Monday – En Route

Cross the International Date Line, skipping a day as you make your way to New Zealand.

DAY 3 | Tuesday – Arrive in Auckland

Arrive in Auckland, the “City of Sails.” Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and check in. The day is at leisure to explore the city at your own pace. Tonight, meet your Tour Manager for an orientation at approximately 5:00 PM, followed by your first dinner in New Zealand.

Overnight: Auckland | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4 | Wednesday – Waiheke Island Excursion

Discover the charms of Waiheke Island:

• Scenic ferry ride across the Hauraki Gulf

• Vineyards, olive groves, and pristine beaches

• Wine tasting at world-renowned vineyards

• Stunning views of the Coromandel Peninsula

Return to Auckland for an overnight stay.

Overnight: Auckland | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5 | Thursday – Travel to Rotorua

Journey south through the fertile Waikato Plains to Rotorua, renowned for geothermal wonders. Check into your hotel and enjoy free time. Tonight, experience the magical Redwoods Treewalk after an included dinner.

Overnight: Rotorua | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6 | Friday – Te Puia & Optional Hobbiton Tour

Morning at leisure in Rotorua or join the optional Hobbiton Movie Set Tour in Matamata:

• Explore Hobbit holes, the Party Tree, the Mill, and Green Dragon Inn

Afternoon visit to Te Puia Thermal Reserve:

• Geysers, mud pools, and thermal springs

• Maori cultural experiences and traditional crafts

Optional Home Hosted Dinner with a local Maori family for an authentic cultural encounter.

Optional: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour (AM) | Home Hosted Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Rotorua | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7 | Saturday – Fly to Queenstown

Fly to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital, nestled on Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by majestic mountains. Check into your hotel and enjoy free time before dinner.

Overnight: Queenstown | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8 | Sunday – Milford Sound Scenic Cruise

Full-day tour to Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park:

• Stop at Te Anau and the glacier-hewn Eglinton Valley

• Cruise the fjord with spectacular views of Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, and temperate rainforest

• Spot seals, birds, dolphins, and occasionally penguins

Overnight: Queenstown | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9 | Monday – Queenstown Leisure or Adventure

Spend the day exploring Queenstown or join optional adventures:

• Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak for panoramic views of the Remarkables, Coronet Peak, and Lake Wakatipu

• Optional Skippers Canyon 4WD Adventure with historic sites and gold panning

Optional: Skippers Canyon 4WD Adventure (AM)
Overnight: Queenstown | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10 | Tuesday – Fly to Sydney

Arrive in Sydney, Australia’s premier cosmopolitan city. Check into your hotel and enjoy leisure time. Dinner included.

Overnight: Sydney | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11 | Wednesday – Sydney Panoramic Tour & Optional Harbour Cruise

Panoramic sightseeing:

• Bondi Beach and Paddington terraces

• Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair & Royal Botanic Gardens with Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge views

• Historic landmarks: Parliament House, St. Mary’s Cathedral, and Queen Victoria Building

• Explore The Rocks, Sydney’s historic birthplace, and shop for opals

Optional Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise: sail past iconic landmarks at sunset and enjoy a gourmet dinner.

Optional: Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise
Overnight: Sydney | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12 | Thursday – Flight to Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Fly to Uluru, sacred monolith in central Australia. Check into your hotel and enjoy leisure time. Optional Uluru Sunset Tour with BBQ Dinner:

• Scenic drive through Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

• Watch the colors of Uluru change at sunset with sparkling wine

• Casual barbecue dinner under the desert sky

Optional: Uluru Sunset with BBQ Dinner
Overnight: Ayers Rock | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 13 | Friday – Arrive in Cairns

Arrive in Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Check into your hotel and enjoy leisure time. Dinner included.

Overnight: Cairns | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 14 | Saturday – Cairns Optional Wildlife & Skyrail Tours

Optional Hartley’s Wildlife Tour: eco-park and crocodile farm experience with native Australian wildlife.
Optional Kuranda Skyrail with Dinner: gondola ride over tropical rainforest with guided tours and historical insights.

Optional: Hartley’s Wildlife Tour with Lunch | Skyrail Experience with Dinner
Overnight: Cairns | Meals: Breakfast

DAY 15 | Sunday – Great Barrier Reef Adventure

Catamaran journey to a pontoon on the Outer Great Barrier Reef:

• Snorkel or explore via semi-submersible or underwater observatory

• Observe colorful coral and marine life

• Enjoy lunch and relaxation on the sun deck
  Evening farewell dinner with your Tour Manager

Overnight: Cairns | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 16 | Monday – Depart Australia

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight, concluding an unforgettable journey through New Zealand and Australia.

Escorted Package Includes:

• International flights: Los Angeles–Auckland & Cairns–Los Angeles

• Intra-flights: Rotorua–Queenstown, Queenstown–Sydney, Sydney–Ayers Rock, Ayers Rock–Cairns

• 13 nights accommodations: Auckland (2), Rotorua (2), Queenstown (3), Sydney (2), Ayers Rock (1), Cairns (3)

• 22 meals: 14 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 6 dinners

• Modern air-conditioned motor coach sightseeing

• English-speaking Tour Managers

• Entrance fees as per itinerary

• Hotel porterage, taxes, and service charges

• All transfers included

Special Features:

• Explore Waiheke Island, vineyards, olive groves, and pristine beaches

• Visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve and learn about Maori traditions

• Scenic Milford Sound cruise with Mitre Peak views

• Sydney Opera House guided tour and city highlights

• Marvel at Uluru, sacred Aboriginal site

• Discover the Great Barrier Reef

Not Included: Optional tours and gratuities (unless specified)