Iconic New Zealand & Australia Adventure

Today's Auckland Tour is a small group tour and is the most comprehensive 8-Hour Auckland Day Tour available. It is designed for those who want to spend the entire day exploring Auckland and the beautiful surrounding areas and want to see as much of Auckland as possible. 

Today you will see all of the most famous of Auckland attractions, including the most important tourist attractions in Auckland. In additional to renowned tourist attractions, this tour showcases the spectacular beauty, history, culture, fauna and flora of Auckland. We take you off the regular routes so you can see the real Auckland and also do some included Wine Tasting at one of the first Vineyards in Auckland and New Zealand.

Experience two North Island icons on a day tour from Auckland.  Travel south from Auckland to Hobbiton. On arrival at Shire’s Rest, embark on your Hobbiton Film Set tour. You see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge and the Party Tree. At this stunning location you can take a photo at the gate to Bilbo’s house, “Bag End”. Finish with a visit to the Green Dragon Inn for a drink.  Following your drink, you will be treated to a sumptuous buffet lunch in the marquee and there will be time to shop for souvenirs before continuing on to Waitomo.  

On arrival in Waitomo, join a 45-minute guided tour of the incredible Waitomo Glow Worm caves. Enjoy the delicate cave formations and be wowed in the Cathedral, before taking the iconic boat rode through the glow worm grotto (subject to water levels). Marvel in silence at thousands of magical glow worms. Return to Auckland in the early evening.

Check out of your Auckland hotel this morning, and catch a taxi to the airport in time for your domestic flight to Christchurch. On arrival in Christchurch, catch another taxi to your hotel and enjoy time to relax or start exploring the South Island’s largest city.

Experience the grand architecture, beautiful gardens and scenic view points on a half-day city tour of Christchurch. Morning and afternoon departures available – please let your My Travel Experience consultant know your preference.

The tour commences in the central city of Christchurch and covers the area which was completely devastated by the Christchurch earthquakes in February 2011. The guide will explain both the history of the city and the effects of the earthquake, you will see for yourself both the destructive powers of nature and the inspiring rebuild taking place. On leaving the inner city, the tour travels to Mona Vale, a historic homestead and gardens. We then travel to the Sign of the Takahe, an historic building with a lookout providing spectacular views over the city, Canterbury Plains and to the Southern Alps. The tour then continues via the Port Hills and Lyttleton Harbour, by way of the Sign of the Kiwi and Governors Bay to the Port of Lyttleton. The tour proceeds through the Lyttleton harbour tunnel to the seaside suburb of Sumner and cave rock, before returning to the central city where the tour will conclude.

Today, join a tour of discovery and spectacular scenery. From Christchurch travel by road to Springfield and board the world famous TranzAlpine train to travel through the Southern Alps to Arthurs Pass, viewing the alpine scenery through panoramic windows. The TranzAlpine is renowned as one of the top ten train journeys in the world. From Arthurs Pass, we tour by road over the snow-capped mountains in the Arthurs Pass National Park and on to the Otira Gorge with photo stops. Time and weather-permitting, visit the old village of Otira before returning to Arthurs Pass for lunch. After lunch explore the village and some of the many walks. The return journey to Christchurch is by road, stopping for a visit to a farm for late afternoon tea, followed by a sheep shearing and sheep mustering demonstration.

Make your own to the airport for the flight from Christchurch to Queenstown today. Upon arrival, catch a taxi to check into your hotel and remainder of the day is free to explore Queenstown at leisure. Queenstown, New Zealand, sits on the shores of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu, set against the dramatic Southern Alps.

Sit back, relax and soak up the scenic sights on this fun and informative morning of guided sightseeing. Begin with breath-taking panoramic views at a local observation point on Queenstown Hill, where you can take the best panoramic photos in Queenstown. Travel to the “Valley of the Vines,” Gibbston wine region, and discover the site of New Zealand’s first commercial bungy bridge. Watch intrepid jumpers and feel the adrenaline as they plummet at a height of 43 m!  Stop at Gibbston Valley Winery and enjoy a wine tasting or tea/coffee.

Sneak a peek at one of the “LOTR” filming locations envisioning the “Pillar of the Kings” scene on the cliffs overlooking the Kawarau River.  Continue on to explore the 1860’s gold rush era and colonial architecture of historic Arrowtown with time to wander the picturesque high street and Chinese Settlement. Return home via Arthurs Point, viewing the dramatic Shotover River and capture a glimpse of a jet boat speeding through the narrow Shotover Canyons. The afternoon is free to explore more of Queenstown at your leisure.

Spend the day discovering the wonders of Fiordland National Park by both coach and catamaran! Hop aboard a modern coach, settle into a comfortable seat, enjoy the stunning scenery along the Milford Highways and your driver’s insightful commentary. Two hours after departing Queenstown, there is a stop made in Te Anau, the Gateway to Fiordland, to allow a stretch of the legs, use of the bathrooms, and a caffeine fix before continuing into the National Park. On arrival at Milford Sound, board a catamaran for a cruise and a delicious on-board lunch. The purpose-built vessel with large indoor viewing decks and an open top deck gives unlimited 360-degree views and photo opportunities of amazing Milford Sound.  The scenic cruise travels the length of the fiord to the Tasman Sea and back, where all passengers can enjoy close-up viewing of seal colonies, towering waterfalls, and ancient rainforests. 

If you are lucky, you may be treated to more rare marine life such as dolphins, or the elusive Fiordland Crested Penguin.  The friendly crew is what makes this tour so memorable, as they share what they know about their place, help spot wildlife from the bridge, offer great service at the on-board Cafe Bar, and sing and dance with you beneath the waterfalls!

After the cruise returns to shore, the coach will be waiting for you at the terminal to return back to Queenstown.

Today it’s time to bid farewell to New Zealand. Check out of the hotel in the morning and catch a taxi to Queenstown airport for your flight Australia.

After approximtely 3.5 hours in the air arrive in Sydney, Australia’s cosmopolitan premier city. Make your way to the hotel by taxi, where you can check in after 2pm or store your luggage if arriving earlier. 

Experience the beauty of Sydney with this full day tour with driver and guide. Tick off iconic landmarks, like Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Stroll around vibrant districts like Bondi Beach, Kings Cross and explore the beauty of Mrs Macquarie’s Chair (gives the best view of Sydney Opera House & Harbour Bridge). Visit Milson Point, a suburb of lower North Shore of Sydney, and the other Northern Beaches. In the end, visit The Rocks, a place with some of the city’s oldest pubs and many of the upscale restaurants.

After a convenient meeting point in Sydney, voyage into the heart of the Blue Mountains - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop at secluded lookouts offering magnificent views of the Three Sisters rock formation away from large crowds. At Scenic World, ride on the Scenic Cableway, which spans 2 cliffs and awards you fantastic panoramic views. Learn about local flora from your guide as you walk through the ancient rainforest on the Scenic Walkway. 

Listen for the native lyre bird and enjoy a peaceful moment in the trees. Discover the thrill of a 52-degree incline when riding the steepest passenger railway in the world - the Scenic Railway. The Railway experience through a cliff-side tunnel, emerging out of the ancient rainforest at the Jamison Valley floor is a definite highlight for many visitors.

Your included lunch comes with various menu options to cater to many dietary needs. Visit one final lookout only accessible to small groups away from large coaches before your next stop to see native animals like koalas, echidnas, and saltwater crocodiles, with the opportunity to hand-feed kangaroos. End your adventure-filled day in the Blue Mountains and travel back to Sydney.

Today is free day to explore Sydney at leisure. Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia's largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs. 

Make your own way to the airport to depart Sydney on a domestic flight to Cairns. On arrival, catch a taxi from Cairns Airport to the hotel and spend the evening at leisure in the tourist capital of tropical North Queensland and gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

On this tour you will gain a greater understanding of the Mossman Gorge ecosystem from top to bottom. Stroll through the ancient Daintree Rainforest, cruise down the Daintree River, walk along the beach at Cape Tribulation and enjoy stunning views of the region from popular lookout points.

Enjoy a convenient morning pick-up from your hotel, then travel to the Mossman Gorge Centre. Enjoy morning tea before boarding the shuttle bus into the Gorge. Follow your informative guide into the Daintree Rainforest, breathe in the fresh air and soak up the enchanting woodland setting. After exploring the Gorge, we make our way to the Daintree River for a 1-hour river cruise; marvel at the abundant wildlife species that call its calm water home including the estuarine crocodile. Next stop is the private access rainforest of Noah Valley. Enjoy a walk through the creek-side rainforest before a delicious BBQ lunch. Laid out under the sky-high forest canopy, this midday meal features fresh fish and tropical fruit, followed by a steaming cup of regional Daintree Tea. 

Emerging from one of the world's oldest rainforests, venture to Cape Tribulation on the coast. Amble along the beach and take in views of the stretching coastline and captivating coral reefs from the Kulki Lookout. Time for an afternoon refreshment at the Daintree Ice Cream Company. Here you will enjoy a delicious cup of fruit ice cream made from exotic fruits grown on their own on-site orchard. Our final stop is at Alexandra Lookout. Situated over the Daintree River estuary, this breathtaking ledge offers expansive views of Snapper Island, the Alexandra Range and the glimmering Coral Sea. Now sit back and relax on the journey home after exploring the World Heritage Rainforest.

Today, set out from Cairns for a day of snorkelling and sightseeing at two spectacular destinations in the Outer Great Barrier Reef. A large, modern vessel carries you to exclusive, protected locations far away from the crowds, where the spectacle of nature is waiting. 

Your captain will choose from 12 exclusive moorings at 6 reef locations, based on the water and weather conditions on the day, making sure you get the best experience to be found. Seasoned dive masters are on hand to provide an in-depth briefing on your gear and what to expect at each site. Relax aboard the vessel as you leave the Australian coast behind and get your gear ready for some quality time in the sea. 

With outer reef locations chosen for their variety and the striking contours of the ocean floor, you're in for an outstanding experience when you plunge into the water. Once you've had a chance to mingle with the amazing sea life of beautiful corals and tropical fish, kick back aboard the vessel to enjoy a barbecue lunch before you cruise back to shore with a complimentary glass of wine to toast to a fabulous day on the Great Barrier Reef!

Make your own way to the airport to depart Cairns on a flight to Melbourne. On arrival at Tullamarine Airport, please catch taxi or SkyBus to the Melbourne hotel. The rest of day is free to explore the city. Melbourne is the coastal capital of the southeastern Australian state of Victoria. At the city's centre is the modern Federation Square development, with plazas, bars and restaurants by the Yarra River. In the Southbank area, the Melbourne Arts Precinct is the site of Arts Centre Melbourne - a performing arts complex - and the National Gallery of Victoria, with Australian and Indigenous art.

Miles of rugged beaches, wave-carved rock formations, and dense rainforest await on this full-day adventure along Australia's most famous scenic highway. Drive along the Great Ocean Road to see icons like the 12 Apostles, stroll beneath towering trees to spot koalas and lorikeets and linger over lunch in seaside Apollo Bay.

Head out of Melbourne and hit the road—the Great Ocean Road, that is. This 151-mile (243-km) highway winds its way along the southeastern coast of Victoria and is the world's largest war memorial. Your first stop en route is at Surf Beach, where you can take a beach walk while watching surfers catch waves before continuing on to Memorial Arch.

Venture into the woods to look for koalas perched in the treetops, colourful parrots and lorikeets and the gum tree-loving kookaburra. In Apollo Bay, relax over lunch as you soak in the atmosphere of this waterfront locale and then work off your meal with a guided bush walk through the towering trees that line the Maits Rest boardwalk in the Otway Ranges, a cool and ancient temperate rainforest.

The drive continues to the striking 12 Apostles, limestone stacks rising up from the waves, and Loch Ard Gorge, where you can take a walk while listening to the tale of Australia's most notorious shipwreck. Your final stop is for great photo opportunities and where you can feel the breeze off the sea before heading back to Melbourne.

Embark on an immersive journey through the wonders of Melbourne, a city renowned for its spectacular landmarks, enchanting gardens, vibrant culture, and rich history. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you'll delve into the heart of Melbourne's inner city and uncover its captivating secrets.

Begin your adventure at the elegant “Paris-end” of Collins Street, where the fusion of sophistication and vibrant energy sets the tone for your exploration. Immerse yourself in Melbourne's sporting culture as you visit the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground and Sports Precinct, where champions have made history.

Capture a picture-perfect moment at the striking St Patrick's Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece that radiates serenity and grandeur. Pay tribute to the fallen heroes at the Shrine of Remembrance, a solemn memorial that stands as a symbol of reverence and gratitude.

Indulge your senses in the tranquility of the Royal Botanic Gardens, where lush landscapes, vibrant flower beds and serene lakes create an oasis in the heart of the city. 

Immerse yourself in art, culture and natural history as you explore the historic Exhibition Buildings and Melbourne Museum in Carlton Gardens. Experience the lively atmosphere of Lygon Street, known as Melbourne's Little Italy. Then, visit Albert Park, home of the Grand Prix, surrounded by picturesque scenery that adds to the allure of this renowned racing destination. And no visit to Melbourne is complete without a stop at the iconic St Kilda, where you can enjoy the coastal views and catch a glimpse of the whimsical Luna Park. 

At the end of this captivating journey, you will be conveniently dropped off at central Melbourne city location, allowing you to continue exploring Melbourne's wonders at your leisure or reflect upon the memories of an extraordinary day.

Spend the day exploring Phillip Island and Brighton Beach on this day trip from Melbourne. See native wildlife at the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park and coastal views at Brighton Beach, Nobbies Boardwalk and Phillip Island Penguin Parade. 

Start the day by being picked up by an air-conditioned vehicle and head to Brighton Beach. Explore the area and take photos of the iconic Brighton beach boxes. From here, you can also see views of the Melbourne skyline.

Next is a visit to Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park. Here you will experience the magic of Australia's native wildlife at Moonlit Sanctuary, where you'll meet adorable koalas, playful kangaroos and other fascinating creatures in a natural bushland setting. There will be time to purchase lunch here before driving to the next location.

Cross the bridge to Phillip Island, then stop at Nobbies Tourist and Information Centre to learn about Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rock precinct. Then walk along Nobbies Boardwalk and enjoy coastal views.

After a relaxing walk along Nobbies Boardwalk, visit Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Purchase dinner before watching the penguins emerge from the rolling waves just after sunset and make their way across the sand to their burrows. From here, head back to Melbourne and be dropped off at your accommodation in the late evening.

The exciting Down Under journey concludes this morning, when you check out of the hotel and catch a taxi or Uber to the airport if you’re flying out today. We hope you have enjoyed exploring the best of New Zealand and Australia