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Best of Australia + Naturally New Zealand

Why not add Naturally New Zealand to the Best of Australia for a wonderful insight into two amazing countries?

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Itinerary
Map

The Olgas rock domes
Stunning Milford Sound
Queenstown
Perth and Swan River
Koalas
Milford Sound
Te Anau
Ayers Rock
Aborgines in the bush
Dunedin
Mount Cook
Alice Springs
Exploring The Great Barrier Reef
Malborough Sound
Rotorua
Cairns
Palm Valley
A Kiwi at Rainbow Springs
One of New Zealands many pretty inlets
Sydney Opera House
Sydney
Auckland
Parliament House, Canberra
Yarra River, Melbourne

DAY 1 to 2: Depart UK.

Overnight flight to Perth, via Singapore.

DAY 3: Perth.

Your flights arrives in to Perth at 00.30, spend the rest of the day taking your first glimpse into Aussie life.

DAY 4: Perth.

Beautifully located on the Swan River, Perth is a laid-back sunny city with a glittering, high-rise centre. This morning you'll experience the unique atmosphere and impressive landmarks of this vibrant, modern city on your sightseeing tour. Soak up views of Perth's soaring skyline and Swan River from Kings Park, see the city's exclusive suburbs and discover the stunning and historic Fremantle.

DAY 5: Perth.

See more of this beautiful city at your own pace.

DAY 6: Perth - Ayres Rock.

A midday flight will take you to Uluru, Australia's legend-swathed monolith. Travel to the Sunset Strip vantage point, where you will enjoy champagne and canapés while experiencing, and of course photographing, one of the world's great spectacles - Uluru at sunset.

DAY 7: Uluru (Ayers Rock) - Alice Springs.

Start your day with a morning tour of the Olgas, 28 spectacular rock domes. Another sacred Aboriginal site, these incredible formations are known as 'Heads of Giants' and are divided by a series of high gorges. Afterwards, enjoy a tour around the base of Uluru, the extraordinary monolith, whose circumference is studded with caves decorated with Aboriginal paintings and carvings. After returning to your hotel, drive to the outback town of Alice Springs.

DAY 8: Alice Springs.

The Red Centre of Australia is a totally unique area. In the geographic centre of the country, Alice Springs is close to some of the most awe-inspiring and colourful natural wonders of the world, including MacDonnell Ranges, Standley Chasm and Simpson's Gap. Enjoy a morning tour with a visit to the Old Telegraph Station, the School of the Air, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service (subject to opening times). The afternoon is yours to relax or explore further.

DAY 9: Alice Springs - Cairns.

Fly to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Australia's tropical rainforests.

DAY 10: Cairns - Great Barrier Reef.

The world's largest coral reef, made up of over 3,000 individual reefs and over 1,250 miles long, is one of our planet's most amazing natural wonders. Your catamaran cruise to Green Island, a 6,000 year old coral cay, will offer opportunities for strolling through cool rainforest, lazing on white coral sands, swimming or snorkelling on the surrounding coral reef. You may wish to take a ride on a glass bottom boat to see some of the world's most colourful coral and other marine life.

DAY 11 to 12: Cairns.

Set amongst lush rainforests, soaring peaks and the ocean, Cairns is one of Australia's most popular tourist destinations. It has many attractions, including a scenic railway which runs to the picturesque market town of Kuranda, and a cable car that glides over Australia's World Heritage listed Tropical Rainforest canopy. You have two full days to relax or explore.

DAY 13: Cairns - Melbourne.

Fly to Melbourne for three nights.

DAY 14: Melbourne.

The capital of Victoria and the second largest city in Australia, Melbourne's charm lies in the magnificently preserved Victorian architecture of its many public buildings and gracious homes. This morning, your city tour will take in the main highlights, starting in the city centre, then on to the exclusive suburbs of South Yarra and Toorak and finally to the Westgate Bridge for panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay. The afternoon is free to explore more of this lovely city.

DAY 15: Melbourne.

A full day to relax and explore.

DAY 16: Melbourne - Sydney.

Fly to Sydney for three nights.

DAY 17: Sydney.

Sydney is Australia's oldest and largest city, boasting one of the most beautiful harbours in the world, home to the instantly recognisable Sydney Harbour Bridge, and world famous architectural wonder - the Sydney Opera House. This morning, your sightseeing tour will take you through the commercial and shopping heart of Sydney. You'll see Chinatown and Darling Harbour, before heading to historical Mrs Macquarie's Chair, where you will have a great view of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. You'll also enjoy a cruise around the main harbour where the uninterrupted city skyline is best seen.

DAY 18: Sydney.

Day at leisure

DAY 19: Sydney - Auckland.

Known as the 'City of Sails', Auckland is situated on an isthmus with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Tasman Sea on the other. Your sightseeing tour will begin with a visit to the summit of Mount Eden where you will have expansive 360 degree views of the city.

DAY 20: Auckland.

DAY 21: Auckland - Bay of Islands.

Leaving Auckland, travel to the Bay of Islands, enjoying spectacular rural and coastal scenery en route. The afternoon is free for you to explore this pristine natural environment.

DAY 22: Bay of Islands.

Today board your cruise boat and head out to the clear waters of the beautiful Bay of Islands. On the way to Cape Brett you may be lucky enough to see dolphins racing alongside the boat. Further on, you will cruise through the grand Cathedral Cave, and the famous 'Hole in the Rock'.

DAY 23: Bay of Islands - Rotorua.

This morning, visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the British and Maori signed New Zealand's most important document of state in 1840, before driving to Rotorua, where you will stay for two nights. This evening you may wish to discover some of the Moari history by joining an optional dinner including a Maori hangi and concert.

DAY 24: Rotorua.

This morning begins with a visit to the Agrodome to learn more about one of the country's major industries - sheep! Then on to Rainbow Springs, home to rainbow trout and the flightless kiwi bird in its nocturnal 'Kiwi House'. Continue on to Te Puia, Rotorua's most prominent thermal area with New Zealand's largest geyser, boiling mud pools, and silca terraces. This evening there is the chance to sample the hospitality of a local family with dinner in their own home.

DAY 25: Rotorua - Wellington.

Today drive along the 'Desert Road', named after the effects of volcanic ash, towards Lake Taupo and the mighty Huka Falls. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of Mount Tongariro as well as two active volcanoes - Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe.

DAY 26: Wellington - Interislander ferry - Nelson.

Today, cross the Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry through the bays of the Queen Charlotte Sound and the glorious maze of deep coves on the way to Nelson.

DAY 27: Nelson.

A fascinating day awaits, enjoy a full day excursion to the Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand’s smallest but perhaps most beautiful national park, where you will board a cruise to view the fur seal colony on Tonga Island.

DAY 28: Nelson - Franz Josef.

Leaving Nelson, travel today to the small town of Franz Josef, stopping en route to explore the Franz Josef glacier. Often described as a gem on the West Coast, the glacier lies just 5km from the town providing the perfect opportunity to witness the magnificent snow falls for yourself.

DAY 29: Franz Josef – Queenstown.

Today enjoy fantastic views as you journey through the snow-capped peaks, waterfalls and rugged mountain terrain of New Zealand's Southern Alps towards Queenstown, where you will spend the next three nights.

DAY 30: Queenstown.

Nicknamed the 'Adventure Capital' of the world, Queenstown is an alpine resort dominated by the Remarkables mountain range, and located on the shore of Lake Wakatipu. As this day is yours to spend at leisure, you may wish to join an optional excursion to a local vineyard, or take a thrilling Kawarau Jet Boat Ride on the fast moving waters of the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers.

DAY 31: Queenstown.

Today, perhaps join one of the many optional excursions available in and around Queenstown, or just relax and enjoy the stunning scenery, shopping, restaurants and bars of this bustling ski town.

DAY 32: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Te Anau.

Journey into Fiordland National Park, through the Homer Tunnel and on to spectacular Milford Sound for a late morning cruise on this awe-inspiring 16 kilometre inlet, lined with soaring walls of rock. Rising above the Sound is the vast, usually snow-capped form of Mitre Peak. Your day ends in the small, yet charming town of Te Anau.

DAY 33: Te Anau - Dunedin.

Take leave of Te Anau and journey to the Pacific coastline, reaching Dunedin in the afternoon when you will see some of the main sights. The city is built around an octagon in place of the traditional square. Known as the 'Edinburgh of the South' because of its strong Scottish connections, Dunedin has preserved many of its grand Victorian and turn-of-the-century buildings.

DAY 34: Dunedin.

The day is yours at leisure to enjoy the historic town of Dunedin.

DAY 35: Dunedin - Twizel.

This morning, motor across the patchwork Canterbury Plains on the way to Twizel, gateway to the Mount Cook National Park. Enjoy the spectacular view of Lake Pukaki on your drive into the park, and the opportunity for some short walks in the beautiful alpine environment.

DAY 36: Twizel - Ashburton.

Today you will journey to Ashburton, where the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure.

DAY 37: Ashburton - Christchurch - UK.

Depart Ashburton and transfer to Christchurch airport for your flight to the UK, or extend your stay in Bangkok.

DAY 38: Home landing in the UK.

Accommodation on Tour

Perth: Novotel Perth Langley; Uluru: Outback Pioneer; Alice Springs: All Seasons Oasis/Chifley; Cairns: The Lakes; Melbourne: Mercure Spring Street; Sydney: Travelodge Wynyard; Auckland: Mercure; Bay of Islands: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands; Rotorua: Ibis; Wellington: Ibis; Nelson: Trailways Nelson; Franz Josef: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef; Queenstown: Mercure; Te Anau: Distinction Luxmore Hotel; Dunedin: Mercure or Scenic Hotel Southern Cross; Twizel: MacKenzie Country Inn; Ashburton: Hotel Ashburton. Note: Tour hotels will be as specified or alternatives of a similar standard.

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Best of Australia + Naturally New Zealand

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