Highlights of Australia and New Zealand

Arrive at any time. There are no activities planned until the evening welcome meeting.

Head north to Cape Tribulation. Stop en route to explore Mossman Gorge and take a Dreamtime walk through the Daintree Rainforest.

With a free day, opt for a trip to the Great Barrier Reef or to explore Daintree National Park.

Depart the Rainforest and return to Cairns in the afternoon with free time to explore this laid-back city. En route, stop by Port Douglas for lunch and opt to check out the local market.

Depart early for a full day of travel to reach Airlie Beach, enjoying scenic views along the way, including some of Australia's 'Big Things' such as Tully's Golden Boot & the Big Mango.

Spend the day out on the water boating around the Whitsunday Islands, visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Opt to swim or snorkel, and hike to an island lookout over Whitehaven Beach, known for its stunning white sand. Return to Airlie Beach for the night.

Fly to Brisbane and transfer to Byron Bay for two nights. A blend of laid-back surf culture and stunning natural beauty, it is Australia’s easternmost point and the first to see the sun each morning.

Spend a free day exploring Byron. Opt to prebook a kayaking tour, head to the beach for a surf lesson or get your adrenaline pumping sky diving. Pre-book the "Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional experience on your tour.

Spend the morning wandering the town checking out the local shops or having one last coffee on the beach before heading to the coastal township of Port Macquarie, featuring all the beauty of the beach set alongside gorgeous national parks. Enjoy an evening in Port Macquarie.

Before departing Port Macquarie stop at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital to see the work they are doing to protect the local koala population. Then travel from Port Macquarie to the Blue Mountains. These mountains in Australia are best known for their soaring sandstone ridges. As you drive, pass by charming mountain towns, ancient Aboriginal rock art, lush green valleys, and loads of craggy cliffs. It doesn’t matter if the journey is shrouded in clouds or glowing in the sinking sun, you’ll still spot beauty around every turn.

Travel deeper into the majestic Blue Mountains and experience the natural beauty of this World Heritage Area. Explore the landscape around Leura and Katoomba, view the Three Sisters, take a walk in Jamison Valley, and ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest railway in the world.

This morning, leave the Blue Mountains behind and continue onward to Sydney. Once you arrive head out for an orientation walk before taking advantage of some free time to keep exploring. Opt to rent a bike, stroll the botanical gardens, or visit the iconic Opera House.

Get a feel for the city. Relax seaside at Bondi Beach. Enjoy an optional night out with the group.

Say goodbye to Australia and hop on a flight to Auckland, New Zealand. After transferring from the airport, enjoy some free time to explore this vibrant city.

Enjoy a free day to explore Auckland. Visit the Maritime Museum, walk the waterfront, or even take the ferry to Waiheke Island.

Drive to the lakeside town of Rotorua, situated over an active geothermal zone and known for its volcanic features and rich Maori heritage. Stop en route at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm to see thousands of flickering glowworms light up in the dark.

Today is yours to explore Rotorua, opt to check out the geothermal area, go whitewater rafting, or one of the many other activities in the area. In the evening visit a Maori village for traditional ceremonies, a Hangi meal and entertainment.

Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North Island as you travel to the capital, Wellington. Stop along the way at places like the mighty Huka Falls and the 'Gumboot capital of NZ', Taihape.

Enjoy the atmosphere in this relaxed but lively city. After an orientation walk, enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to visit the Te Papa Museum or take the cable car up to the botanical gardens.

Fly to the South Island and travel to the seaside town of Kaikoura, known for its diverse marine life. Stop en route for a wine tasting at a local winery.

Enjoy a free morning in Kaikoura. Opt to go on a whale watching tour and search for giant sperm whales. Or head out on a tour to swim in the open ocean in a place often visited by wild dolphins. In the afternoon, travel to Hanmer Springs. Opt to take a soak in the hot springs.

Take in the stunning scenery while travelling across the Southern Alps to the rugged and remote West Coast, before staying in the rainforest near Franz Josef Glacier, or, as its known in local Māori legends, Kā Roimata-o-Hine Hukatere (the frozen tears of Hine Hukatere).

Enjoy a free day to explore the area around Franz Josef. Opt to explore the glacier with a heli hike. There are plenty of optional activities in the area to suit just about any budget and preference. Try heli hiking, scenic helicopter flights, skydiving or lake kayaking.

Hit the road to the adventure capital of the world — Queenstown. Sit back, relax and gaze out the window as you drive away from Glacier Country and wind through lush forests back to the coast and into the mountains over Haast Pass. The photo opportunities will seem endless (make sure those cameras are charged).

With free time here, opt to go bungee jumping (in its birthplace), jet boating (also born here!), skydiving or hiking. Or take it a little slower and travel by gondola to the top of a local peak. Opt to pre-book the "Queenstown Jet Boating" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.

Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Doubtful Sound on a day cruise. Take in the waterfalls and wildlife, then return to Queenstown for the night.

Travel north through the centre of the South Island to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, named after New Zealand's highest peak. Spend the afternoon hiking the region, taking in the alpine scenery. Learn more about mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary at the Visitor's Centre, before a short but scenic journey to Tekapo Village.

Continue on to Christchurch and take in an orientation drive with your CEO. Enjoy one final night together with the group. Travel to the Garden City of Christchurch, a little piece of England in New Zealand, one of New Zealand's most vibrant cities.

Depart at any time.

Hotels/motels (26nts), Rainforest cabin (2nts).

Private vehicle, plane, boat, walking