New Zealand, Australian East Coast & Fiji - 17 Days

Welcome to New Zealand. On arrival at Auckland International Airport, make your own way to the hotel for check-in. Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and sits on a unique volcanic field, with harbours on both coasts.

This morning we will join a small-group half-day tour of Auckland. Set on 53 dormant volcanic cones, the "City of Sails" is New Zealand's largest and busiest city. Our tour is designed to introduce the history, key sights, and the way Aucklanders live and play.

We travel up Queen Street through the central business district, past Auckland University, and into the inner-city park known as the Domain. From here we continue through the picturesque suburb of Ponsonby, with its historic villas, before crossing the Harbour Bridge to Auckland's North Shore.

We will stroll along one of the beautiful white-sand beaches, with time for a coffee stop, before continuing up to the summit of Mt Victoria for panoramic views of Auckland city and historic Devonport. We then travel back over the Harbour Bridge to see Westhaven Marina, one of the largest marinas in the Southern Hemisphere.

You will have the remainder of the day at leisure to explore the city at your own pace. Optional Activities:

Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise - 2.5 hours In the evening, you can immerse yourself in Auckland’s harbour setting with a dinner cruise on the water. Enjoy canapés and a welcome drink as you depart the dock for the open water. The knowledgeable crew will share stories of Auckland’s history as you sail past iconic landmarks, with time to participate in the sailing, capture photographs, or simply relax and take in the views.

Dinner is served above deck as you enjoy the sea air, or you may choose to dine below deck in the comfortable cabin. Savour dessert from the cockpit as the city lights up during the leisurely return to the Viaduct Basin. A fully licensed bar on board offers a selection of locally produced wine and beer for purchase.

Need to know: Please check in to your cruise 15 minutes before departure Please confirm your meal selection at the time of booking - dietary requirements can be catered for Dress according to the weather and wear flat-soled shoes This cruise must be booked at least 3 hours prior to departure

Sky Tower including Sky Deck You can visit Auckland's iconic Sky Tower, a 328-metre landmark that has shaped the city’s skyline for over 25 years. Learn about this impressive feat of engineering and enjoy sweeping 360° views of Tāmaki Makaurau, from ancient volcanoes to sparkling harbours.

Today we will discover the rich cultural heritage of New Zealand and the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, combined with a visit to the famous glowworm caves at Waitomo.

We depart Auckland in the morning, travelling through the rolling farmlands of the Waikato and King Country regions while listening to commentary from our driver-guide. Hear about the region’s history as we pass sites such as Rangiriri, the location of a major battle in the New Zealand Wars in 1863.

Our first stop is in the small town of Waitomo, where we will join a 45-minute guided tour of the world-famous Waitomo Caves. We travel through limestone caverns formed over millions of years, and see stalactites, stalagmites, and striking rock formations. The tour concludes with a short but magical boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto, a cavern illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms.

We then continue to Rotorua, in the heart of the Central North Island. Here we visit the Māori Arts and Crafts Institute and Te Puia's marae (meeting house) for a traditional welcome and a Māori cultural performance, where ancient and modern stories are told through song, dance, poi, and stick games. This is a chance to gain a deeper understanding of Māori culture and history as we are entertained by talented performers.

At the end of the tour, we are transferred back to Auckland.

We recommend comfortable walking shoes and a warm jacket for the Waitomo Glowworm Caves guided tour.

Auckland - Christchurch. You will have the morning at leisure in Auckland.

In the afternoon, we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Christchurch. On arrival in Christchurch, we will be transferred to the hotel for check-in. You can enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or choose to pre-book an optional activity. Christchurch, often called the "Garden City", blends English heritage with modern, creative urban spaces.

Optional: Christchurch Hop On Hop Off Tram & Punting on the Avon You can explore Christchurch using an all-day tram ticket combined with a 30-minute punt ride on the Avon River. Collect your tickets from the Christchurch Attractions office in Cathedral Junction from 9:00 or from any of their attractions by presenting your booking confirmation.

The heritage tram operates from 9:50 to 17:00 daily, with 18 stops where you can hop on and off throughout the day. Punting on the Avon operates from Antigua Boat Sheds from 9:00 to 17:00 in summer and from 10:00 to 16:00 in winter. Bookings are essential, and you should arrive at least 15 minutes early for check-in and a safety briefing. Punts depart promptly at the scheduled time.

This morning we will join a half-day coach tour of Christchurch. We begin with central city highlights including the Botanic Gardens, Museum and Arts Centre, the Avon River, the Bridge of Remembrance, and the city's innovative container-based retail precinct.

We then travel to Mona Vale, with its historic homestead and gardens, before heading up to the Sign of the Takahe. From this historic building we can enjoy sweeping views over the city, the Canterbury Plains, and the Southern Alps.

Our journey continues over the Port Hills to the port of Lyttelton, then through the harbour tunnel to the seaside suburb of Sumner and its distinctive Cave Rock. We finally return to the central city and our hotel.

You will have the remainder of the day at leisure.

Christchurch - Queenstown. Today we will board our coach and travel to Queenstown, with short breaks along the way. The journey takes us through classic South Island landscapes of plains, lakes, and mountains.

On arrival in Queenstown - New Zealand's adventure capital on the shores of Lake Wakatipu - we check in at our hotel.

You will have the next two days at leisure in Queenstown, New Zealand’s alpine adventure capital set beside Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy the freedom to explore the town’s lakeside paths, cafés, and scenic viewpoints at your own pace. These relaxed days give you the option to unwind or tailor your time with activities that suit your interests. Optional Activities

Central Otago Wine Tour Travel through the Gibbston, Bannockburn, and Cromwell sub-regions to visit boutique vineyards and sample renowned cool-climate wines. Enjoy a platter-style lunch at a vineyard restaurant and take a stroll through the historic precinct of Old Cromwell (weather permitting).

Full Day Milford Sound Experience Join a full-day journey into Fiordland aboard a glass-roof coach, with several scenic stops en route to Milford Sound. Board a purpose-built vessel for an extended cruise along the fiord, with the chance to spot waterfalls and wildlife such as dolphins, seals, and penguins in season. Return to Queenstown by coach.

Walter Peak Farm Tour with Vintage Steamship Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Enjoy an entertaining farm demonstration featuring sheepdogs and seasonal shearing, followed by afternoon tea at the Colonel’s Homestead.

Queenstown - Melbourne. This morning we check out from our hotel. At the arranged time, we will be transferred to Queenstown International Airport for our flight to Melbourne.

On arrival in Melbourne, we will be transferred to our hotel for check-in. You will then have the rest of the day at leisure to begin exploring this vibrant city of laneways, cafés, and cultural institutions.

This morning’s city tour will showcase Melbourne’s key sights and historic landmarks. We experience the hustle and bustle of Australia’s shopping capital as our driver-guide highlights places of interest along the way.

We begin in the city centre, where you will see fine examples of Melbourne’s architecture including St Paul's Cathedral and the Princess and Regent Theatres. We pass the Royal Exhibition Buildings and Federation Square, and stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens, home to rare and beautiful plants, landscaped lawns, and iconic buildings.

We then visit Fitzroy Gardens, established in the 19th century and recognised for their historic and horticultural significance. Here, you may visit the Conservatory, known for its floral displays, or wander through the quaint Tudor Village. You will see Captain Cook's Cottage from the outside (entrance not included); this charming cottage was the home of Captain Cook’s parents, transported from England and reconstructed in Melbourne.

The tour continues past the bustling Queen Victoria Market and Albert Park, home of the Australian Grand Prix. We stop for a photo at the Shrine of Remembrance, originally built to honour Victorians who served in the First World War and now a memorial to all Australians who have served.

The tour concludes at Federation Square around midday, after which you will have the rest of the day at leisure to explore the city at your own pace.

You will have a full day at leisure in Melbourne or you may pre-book one of the optional full- or half-day tours.

Optional Activities

Full Day Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles Departure Time: 08:00 You can join a full-day tour along the famed Great Ocean Road. Discover the popular coastal township of Lorne, a favourite with surfers, and pass fern-filled gullies and river inlets as you travel this spectacular coastline.

There will be a lunch stop in Apollo Bay (lunch at your own expense) before continuing along the Great Ocean Road, with its towering limestone cliffs, sweeping beaches, and forest scenery. Visit the iconic Twelve Apostles, dramatic limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean, and walk along the boardwalk to enjoy views from various lookouts.

You will also see Loch Ard Gorge and hear the moving story of the Loch Ard shipwreck. Explore Port Campbell National Park and learn about the many ships wrecked along this coastline. The tour continues beyond Port Campbell to view the remnants of London Bridge before beginning the return journey to Melbourne. The tour ends at approximately 20:00, after which hotel drop-offs commence.

Puffing Billy Heritage Steam Train Journey Departure Time: 08:10 You can travel into the Dandenong Ranges, low mountain ranges located around 35 km east of Melbourne, known for their lush rainforests and cool-climate gardens.

There may be an opportunity to hand-feed colourful Crimson Rosella birds (seeds are provided). Ride the restored Puffing Billy steam train, passing through Sherbrooke Forest with its towering mountain ash and fern-filled gullies, and admire the scenic views. Enjoy Devonshire tea before visiting the quaint village of Sassafras, known for antiques and local crafts, with free time to wander. The tour returns to Melbourne around 13:00, ending at Federation Square.

Afternoon Phillip Island You can head on an afternoon and evening excursion to Phillip Island. Travel through some of Melbourne’s most affluent suburbs, where modern architecture stands alongside grand federation homes from the late 1800s, then continue into more rural landscapes along the South Gippsland Highway.

Pass through San Remo, the gateway to Phillip Island and a local seafood hub, before crossing the bridge onto the island. While Phillip Island is best known for its Little Penguin Parade, it is also renowned for its rugged coastline, surf beaches, and wildlife. At the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre, you can learn about the island’s history and its wildlife, with a special focus on the Little Penguins.

In the evening, head down to Summerland Beach to witness the Penguin Parade. Just after sunset, Little Penguins emerge from the sea and waddle up the beach to their dune burrows. Phillip Island is home to the world’s largest colony of these smallest penguin species, and all revenue from the parade supports research, conservation, and education to protect them.

This tour ends at approximately 22:30 (April - September) or 23:30 (October - March), after which hotel drop-offs commence.

Optional: Afternoon Lanes and Arcades Tour Departure Time: 14:00 Departure Point: Time Out Café near the Visitor Centre at Federation Square

You can join a guided afternoon walk through Melbourne’s famous laneways and arcades. Discover artisan and specialty shops, quirky cafés, independent designers, street art, and notable architecture. This relaxed walking tour includes afternoon tea and finishes at around 17:00 in the city.

Melbourne - Sydney. Early this morning you will make your own way (no transfer included) to Melbourne’s Southern Cross Railway Station to board your train to Sydney. This rail journey offers a different perspective on south-east Australia.

On arrival at Sydney Central Station, make your own way to the hotel (no transfer included). You will have the rest of the day at leisure to explore the harbour city at your own pace.

This morning we will join a half-day city tour of Sydney (no hotel transfer included). The meeting point is Wheat Road, street side behind the Sydney Aquarium in Darling Harbour, and the tour departs at 08:00.

We explore key sights including the historic Rocks area, the Sydney Opera House, and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for superb views of the harbour and city skyline. We then travel to Bondi Beach, Australia’s most famous surf beach, where you can stroll along the shoreline or dip your toes in the Tasman Sea.

Next, we continue to the entrance of Sydney Harbour at the Gap, where dramatic ocean cliffs offer magnificent views along the coastline. We return to the city via the suburbs of Double Bay, Paddington, and Kings Cross.

The tour ends around midday and you may disembark in either Darling Harbour or Circular Quay. Make your own way back to the hotel (no transfer included). The afternoon is at leisure.

Harbour Highlights Cruise Departure Time: 14:30 Departure Point: No. 6 Jetty, Circular Quay

You can make your own way to Circular Quay to join a Captain Cook Cruises Harbour Highlights cruise. Travel aboard a motor vessel and enjoy classic views of Sydney Harbour, including the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, exclusive harbourside suburbs, and Darling Harbour. The cruise returns to the same departure point.

You will have the day at leisure in Sydney or you may pre-book an optional full-day tour. Optional Activities:

Blue Mountains, Featherdale Wildlife Park, and River Cruise You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Wheat Road, street side behind the Sydney Aquarium in Darling Harbour, to board your coach. Relax as you head west towards the Blue Mountains while your driver-guide outlines the day’s itinerary.

Visit the charming village of Leura, where you can purchase morning tea (own expense), then continue to Scenic World for impressive views over the Jamison Valley. You may choose to ride the Railway, Cableway, or Skyway (own expense).

Next, stop at Echo Point for spectacular views across the Megalong and Jamison Valleys to the Three Sisters rock formation, and hear the Aboriginal Dreamtime story associated with it. You may also visit the Waradah Aboriginal Centre (entry at own expense).

Continue to Featherdale Wildlife Park, where you can hand-feed kangaroos, wallabies, and emus, and enjoy close-up encounters with a koala. The day concludes with a relaxing cruise down the Parramatta River into Sydney Harbour, passing waterfront suburbs and city landmarks. You can disembark in either Darling Harbour or Circular Quay. The tour finishes at approximately 18:00.

Sydney - Nadi (Coral Coast). This morning we check out from our hotel. At the arranged time, we will be transferred to Sydney International Airport for our flight to Fiji.

Welcome to Fiji. On arrival at Nadi International Airport, make your own way to your hotel on the Coral Coast for check-in (no transfer included). You will have the remainder of the day at leisure to relax.

Your days in this tropical paradise begin with relaxation by the beach. Today you can enjoy the Coral Coast at your own pace - swim in the lagoon’s clear waters, stroll along white-sand beaches, sunbathe, or simply unwind and soak up the island atmosphere.

Optional Activities:

Sigatoka River Safari From Sigatoka town, you can join a guided safari into Fiji’s interior. Travel with your guide to the Sigatoka River Safari jetty while learning about the history of the area and nearby villages.

Board a jet boat and head up the Sigatoka River, with commentary and photo stops along the way, until you reach a host village. Here, you will meet the village guide and take part in a traditional Sevusevu (kava) ceremony, with the opportunity to taste kava and meet the village chief and elders. This is followed by lunch and local entertainment.

Afterwards, return by jet boat and then travel back towards Sigatoka town, with time for a brief shopping stop. The tour departs from the Coral Coast and includes courtesy transfers from Nadi and Coral Coast hotels.

Off Road Cave Safari You can take the road less travelled on an ATV safari to explore Fiji’s interior and its largest cave system. Travel along the Sigatoka River, learning about local legends and history, before arriving at the home of the Bete (High Priest).

With your guide, venture into the Naihehe Cave and hear stories connected to this sacred place. There is a freshwater swimming hole within the cave system, so a change of clothes is recommended if you wish to swim. The tour departs from the Coral Coast and includes courtesy transfers from Nadi and Coral Coast hotels.

Sleeping Giant Zipline with Lunch You can experience a world-class zipline course set in pristine tropical rainforest near the Sleeping Giant area. The course includes 10 ziplines spanning over 1.3 km, some up to 160 metres long, with speeds of up to 60 km/h.

A deli-style lunch is included, featuring freshly made sandwiches, salads, and a fruit drink. Alcoholic beverages can be purchased at the sky bar. The tour departs from Nadi.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel. Make your own way to Nadi International Airport (no transfer included) for your flight back home. We hope you will leave with unforgettable memories of New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji.