Day : 1
Arrive Cairns (3 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Your leisurely vacation kicks off in the laid-back tropical city of Cairns, where lush green jungle meets the Great Barrier Reef (flights to arrive prior to 2pm). This evening, 'Connect with Locals' and join your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and Be My Guest dinner at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, including indigenous dancing and a Didgeridoo performance.
Day : 2
Great Barrier Reef
Number of Days : 1
Slice through the azure waters of the Coral Sea on board a high-speed catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef and to an astounding wonderland 'Downunder'. Witness the utopia beneath the ocean surface, observing the diversity of this living wall that spans over 2,000km along Australia's Queensland Coast. Sit back in a semi-submersible craft and admire the tranquil depths of the reef. You'll have an opportunity to go snorkelling (equipment provided), before indulging in a tropical buffet lunch with the knowledge that there's a whole other world swimming below.
Day : 3
Cairns At Leisure
Number of Days : 1
Slow it right down in true Cairns style. Today is yours to experience this port city at your leisure, or let loose into the tropical rainforests of Queensland on an Optional Experience.
Day : 4
Cairns - Uluru (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
We fly to the Red Center of Australia and to Uluru (Ayers Rock). This afternoon, put paint to canvas with the help of your 'Local Specialist' and Aboriginal artist, who will share the symbolism used in Western Desert Art. Then create your own masterpiece to take home as a memento of your experience. Later, take a leisurely educational drive through the Outback to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Embrace this place of peace before watching the red and orange hues signal the end of another day. We spend the next two nights at one of Trafalgar's 'Stays with Stories', the Desert Gardens Hotel.
Day : 5
Uluru (Ayers Rock) Sightseeing
Number of Days : 1
This morning behold an intoxicating pink, purple and yellow dawn canvas set against the majestic red sandstone mound of Uluru. It's well worth an early start to your day, hearing about the caretakers of this spiritual centre, the Anangu people, who have regarded this site as sacred for centuries. 'Dive into Culture' and spend your day in a soulful exploration of their ancient culture and traditions, until the larger-than-life sky turns a fiery shade of orange and red and gives rise to another opportunity to enjoy sundowners against an Uluru backdrop. Savour the flavours of an Aussie barbecue Regional Meal while the night sky lights up with billions of stars and a 'Local Specialist' shares insights into the southern hemisphere's constellations.
Day : 6
Uluru (Ayers Rock) - Sydney (3 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Spend a leisurely morning before departing the desert on your afternoon flight to cosmopolitan Sydney, where you have a full evening to explore. Spend the evening ambling along the promenades of Darling Harbour for great waterfront dining, cocktail bars and entertainment, before a busy day of Sydney sightseeing tomorrow.
Day : 7
Sydney Sightseeing
Number of Days : 1
Think beautiful beaches, iconic architecture and a tangible sense of vitality - Sydney will tick all these boxes and more. Join a 'Local Specialist' for a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House - its white sails an iconic addition to the bustling Sydney Harbour. But it's the beautiful people of Bondi Beach with whom we get to spend some time, dipping our toes into the deep blue sea. Our encounter with Sydney's picture-perfect harbour hasn't quite come to an end as we board a Captain Cook Lunch Cruise Regional Meal and enjoy a fresh seasonal menu, sailing past the magnificent waterfront mansions, parklands, coves and golden beaches. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Day : 8
Sydney At Leisure
Number of Days : 1
Today is yours to explore the vibrant cityscape. This evening join your Travel Director for dinner at a restaurant on the Darling Harbour waterfront.
Day : 9
Sydney - Auckland
Number of Days : 1
For now, it's time to say Hoo Roo Australia and Kia Ora New Zealand as we fly to the city of Auckland. This evening meet your Travel Director for dinner at your hotel.
Day : 10
Auckland - Rotorua (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Today we journey south towards a starry wonderland - a cavernous galaxy of twinkling bright green and blue glow worms that light up the Waitomo Caves. Join a 'Local Specialist' who will explain the cave's historical and geological significance. This evening, we 'Connect with Locals', joining the Tamaki Family for a personal encounter with Māori culture and tradition and a delicious Be My Guest Hangi feast. Experience the spine-tingling Karaanga and participate in the Poi Dance or Haka, before relaxing around a bonfire and sharing stories about life in New Zealand.
Day : 11
Rotorua Sightseeing
Number of Days : 1
Māori culture and traditions are explored today at the Whakarewarewa Living Thermal Village where you will join a 'Local Specialist' who will show you how the community uses the natural geothermal resources as part of their daily lives. Your next stop is Rainbow Springs Nature Park for a tour with a 'Local Specialist' where you may even spot New Zealand's shy kiwi, followed by a visit to the Agrodome Farm Show where you'll 'Dive into Culture' and gain insights into New Zealand farm life.
Day : 12
Rotorua - Queenstown (3 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Our journey through 100% Pure New Zealand takes us to South Island and to the adventure tourism hotspot of Queenstown. We delve into the historic gold mining heritage of Arrowtown before an orientation of this global adventure capital.
Day : 13
Queenstown At Leisure
Number of Days : 1
If bungy jumping or tree-to-tree ziplining aren't your cup of tea, take an Optional Experience through the rainforest of World Heritage Fiordland National Park for an unforgettable cruise on the Milford Sound.
Day : 14
Queenstown At Leisure
Number of Days : 1
You may need to put your feet up after a day of adventuring in the adrenalin capital of New Zealand, but there is plenty to do if you've not had your fill. This evening, we celebrate our leisurely trip through Australia and New Zealand with a Farewell Dinner hosted at the historic and restored New Zealand Railways Shipping Office built in 1936. Enjoy delicious traditional cuisine and wine with spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables at The Boatshed with new friends.
Day : 15
Depart Queenstown
Number of Days : 1
Bid farewell to your epic Antipodean adventure as you are transferred to Queenstown Airport for your onward flight (flights anytime).
