Day 1: Arrive Sydney
On arrival at Sydney Airport you will be transferred to your hotel, the METRO HOTEL ON PITT – Standard; FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON, DARLING HARBOUR – Superior; or SOFITEL WENTWORTH – First Class. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to explore.

Day 2: City Sights – Harbour Cruise
This morning visit famous Bondi Beach before a Sydney Harbour luncheon cruise. Later enjoy spectacular views of the city skyline and visit Manly beach. Overnight at the METRO HOTEL ON PITT – Standard; FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON, DARLING HARBOUR – Superior; or SOFITEL WENTWORTH – First Class. (B L)

Day 3: Blue Mountains
Visit Featherdale Wildlife Park, home to koalas and kangaroos. Continue to the spectacular Blue Mountains. Enjoy the views of the Three Sisters. Pass Homebush Bay, site of the 2000 Olympic Games, on your return to Sydney. Overnight at the METRO HOTEL ON PITT – Standard; FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON, DARLING HARBOUR – Superior; or SOFITEL WENTWORTH – First Class. (B)

Day 4: Sydney – Alice Springs
This morning you will be transferred to Sydney Airport for your flight to Alice Springs. On arrival in Alice Springs you will be transferred to your hotel, the AURORA ALICE SPRINGS – Standard; CROWNE PLAZA – Superior; or ALICE SPRINGS RESORT, RIVER GUM ROOMS – First Class. This afternoon enjoy a town tour including the Royal Flying Doctor Service and School of the Air. We stop for panoramic views of Alice Springs from Anzac Hill. (B)

Day 5: Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)
Depart early for Ayers Rock Resort, stopping at a camel farm where you may like to take an optional ride. This afternoon travel to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and walk through the domes to the Valley of the Winds Lookout. Take in a magnificent ‘outback’ sunset over Kata Tjuta with a complimentary glass of wine followed by a delicious Australian barbecue dinner under the stars. Overnight at the OUTBACK PINOEER HOTEL – Standard; DESERT GARDENS HOTEL – Superior; or SAILS IN THE DESERT HOTEL – First Class. (B HD)

Day 6: Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Rise early to view Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunrise. There is the opportunity to climb to the summit (optional). Tour the caves at the base and hear stories of the Aboriginal Dreamtime. View sunset at Uluru (Ayers Rock) this evening. Overnight at the OUTBACK PINOEER HOTEL – Standard; DESERT GARDENS HOTEL – Superior; or SAILS IN THE DESERT HOTEL – First Class. (B)

Day 7: Uluru (Ayers Rock) – Cairns
You will be transferred to Ayers Rock Airport for your flight to Cairns. On arrival at Cairns Airport you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the tropical city of Cairns or do some shopping. Overnight at the MERCURE HARBOURSIDE HOTEL – Standard; NOVOTEL OASIS CAIRNS – Superior; or CAIRNS INTERNATIONAL – First Class. (B)

Day 8: Great Barrier Reef
Cruise on the Great Adventures high-speed catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a reef education presentation and view the spectacular coral and tropical fish from the underwater observatory. Go snorkelling and view this natural living wonder up close (equipment provided). Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch on-board the pontoon at Norman Reef before we return to Cairns this afternoon. Overnight at the MERCURE HARBOURSIDE HOTEL – Standard; NOVOTEL OASIS CAIRNS – Superior; or CAIRNS INTERNATIONAL – First Class. (B L)

Day 9: Kuranda – Skyrail – Tjapukai
Join the famous Kuranda train for a breathtaking journey to the village of Kuranda. Visit the famous Kuranda Markets, before returning above the canopy of the rainforest on the Skyrail Cableway. Visit the award-winning Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Experience the History, Creative and Dance theatres where the legends of the Dreamtime are brought to life. Overnight at the MERCURE HARBOURSIDE HOTEL – Standard; NOVOTEL OASIS CAIRNS – Superior; or CAIRNS INTERNATIONAL – First Class. (B)

Day 10: Cairns – Auckland
This morning you will be transferred to Cairns Airport for your flight to Auckland. You will be met on arrival at Auckland Airport and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore. Perhaps visit the Sky Tower for spectacular views of the harbour and Auckland’s surrounding city or explore the Waitemata Harbour by ferry. Overnight at the SCENIC CIRCLE AIREDALE – Standard; CITY LIFE HOTEL – Superior; or SKY CITY GRAND HOTEL – First Class. (B)

Day 11: Auckland – Rotorua
Today travel south and enjoy a barbecue lunch at the Waitomo Caves complex. Join a guided tour of the famous Glow Worm Grotto, featuring an underground boat ride. Continue to Rotorua. This evening enjoy a Maori Hangi with meat and vegetables cooked in the traditional way. A concert including the spectacular Haka, Poi dance and Maori songs are also included for your enjoyment. Overnight at the KINGSGATE HOTEL – Standard; PARK HERITAGE – Superior; or MILLENIUM HOTEL – First Class. (B L HD)

Day 12: Rotorua – Queenstown
This morning see geysers and boiling mudpools at the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve at Te Puia, wildlife at Rainbow Springs and a performing sheep show at the Rainbow Farm Show. Early afternoon you will be transferred to Rotorua Airport for your flight to Queenstown. On arrival in Queenstown you will be transferred to your hotel. This evening is at leisure. Overnight at the KINGSGATE HOTEL TERRACES – Standard; RYDGES LAKELAND – Superior; or MILLENIUM HOTEL – First Class. (B)

Day 13: Milford Sound
Journey over the Devil’s Staircase and along Lake Wakatipu’s shore to Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland National Park. Enjoy a spectacular cruise on Milford Sound, with Bowen Falls and Mitre Peak standing high above you. Overnight at the KINGSGATE HOTEL TERRACES – Standard; RYDGES LAKELAND – Superior; or MILLENIUM HOTEL – First Class. (B L)

Day 14: Queenstown ‘Free Time’
A free day to enjoy the many leisure pursuits Queenstown has to offer. You may like to take a jet boat ride. KINGSGATE HOTEL TERRACES – Standard; RYDGES LAKELAND – Superior; or MILLENIUM HOTEL – First Class. (B)

Day 15: Fox Glacier – Franz Josef
Head north today and enjoy the rugged West Coast scenery through the Haast Pass and continue to the towns of Fox Glacier and Franz Josef. You may like to take an optional scenic flight (weather permitting). Overnight at the FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER HOTEL – Standard and Superior; or TE WEHEKA INN – First Class. (B)

Day 16: TranzAlpine Train
Travel to Greymouth and board the famous TranzAlpine train and traverse the Southern Alps. Travel across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, arriving early evening. Overnight at THE ELMS HOTEL – Standard; RYDGES HOTEL – Superior; or HERITAGE HOTEL – First Class. (B)

Day 17: Depart Christchurch
You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport to connect with your onward flight. (B)