New Zealand and Australian Explorer

New Zealand and Australian Explorer Itinerary

• Day 1 Auckland

  Welcome to Auckland. This evening meet your Travel Director for a welcome reception at your hotel in Auckland.

• Day 2 Auckland - Rotorua

  Travel to the Waitomo Caves to see the incredible Glow-worm Grotto and Limestone Caves with a local guide. Glide silently through the subterranean cavern lit by thousands of tiny glowworms. This evening join your travelling companions for a memorable Be My Guest Dinner. Experience the heart pounding wero (challenge) from a Maori warrior during a Powhiri, a ceremonial welcome, at the Tamaki Family Marae. Journey into the village and gain an insight into life in New Zealand before European settlement. Feast on succulent meats and vegetables cooked in a hangi, the traditional Maori method of cooking in the earth.

• Day 3 Rotorua

  Today is your chance to experience the scenic wonders of the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. You could explore Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park, and take a ‘behind the scenes’ tour through the working kiwi nursery and hatchery. Visit Te Puia and join a guided tour through the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, home to famous Pohutu Geyser and the bubbling beauty of the mud pools. Later, why not spend a little more time experiencing the thermal wonders, with a soak in the hot mineral waters of the Polynesian Spas? Your AAT Kings Travel Director will assist you in booking all of your chosen optional experiences.

• Day 4 Rotorua - Queenstown

  This morning you’ll fly from Rotorua to Queenstown. Airfare is not included and must be booked by you or your travel agent. When you arrive you’ll board your coach and travel to the delightful gold rush village of Arrowtown, on the sparkling Arrow River, once one of the world’s richest rivers. Afterwards you’ll get a feel for Queenstown and surrounds on an orientation tour. See Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables mountain range and home of the Bungy Jump at Kawarau Bridge.

• Day 5 Queenstown

  You have a free day so why not take an optional experience to break taking Milford Sound for an unforgettable cruise on the majestic fiord.

• Day 6 Queenstown

  Today’s your last chance to soak up the atmosphere in New Zealand’s adventure capital. You could ride the Shotover Jet Boat, take a mini-bus excursion through skipper’s canyon, tempt your tastebuds on a wine tour or just explore Queenstown on your own.

• Day 7 Queenstown - Melbourne

  It’s time for us to bid you farewell as you are transferred to Queenstown Airport for your onward flight to Melbourne. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. This evening you will join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner. It's a great opportunity to get to know everyone.

• Day 8 Melbourne Sights & ‘Free Time’

  Melbourne is known for its eclectic little laneways, arcades, café culture and street art. This morning your Travel Director will show you these hidden gems on a private walking tour. The rest of your day is free, and your Travel Director will point you in the right direction for you to explore the city on your own terms. You might want to use the free CBD trams and explore The Queen Victoria Markets to try gourmet foods and fresh local produce. This evening is your chance to experience some of Melbourne's well known restaurants or you could take in a show at one of the many theatres.

• Day 9 Melbourne – Uluru

  Today you fly from Melbourne to Uluru. After checking into your hotel at Ayers Rock Resort we traverse the vast outback with Kata Tjuta looming into focus. Walking into the rising walls of Walpa Gorge you will feel and hear why this is such a significate place to the local people. Staying longer in Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park for sundowners and nibbles as you witness the striking colour changes of a spectacular sunset over Uluru.

• Day 10 Uluru – Sydney

  Rise early to experience the desert awakening and the spectacular sunrise over Uluru. Dive into the culture and gain insight in to the traditional aboriginal owners of the land as you discover the Uluru Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. Explore aboriginal rock art caves and through to waterholes under immense Uluru. In the afternoon you will fly from Uluru to Sydney.

• Day 11 Sydney

  Sydney is full of iconic sights and this morning you will see the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and the beautiful Bondi Beach. On this morning’s city sights tour you will not only see the iconic sights but also some hidden gems. Then you will do what the locals do and hit the water on a Sydney Harbour Cruise. This afternoon you have free time to explore Sydney sights the way you want.

• Day 12 Sydney

  Wake up to another day to explore Sydney. Today you have the flexibility to explore the city any way that you want. You might want sleep in or choose an optional activity to travel further afield to the beautiful Blue Mountains or climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge for spectacular views of the city. Your Travel Director will be able to assist you to get the most out of your day.

• Day 13 Sydney – Cairns

  This morning you will fly from Sydney to tropical Cairns. After some free time for lunch and a bit of a wander around this tropical city, you will journey to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures for an opportunity to encounter native Australian animals. After getting up close to a crocodile you will join your fellow travellers to give back and plant a tree as part of our rainforest restoration project.

• Day 14 Cairns

  Today is a day to explore the best of the Cairns region. You might choose to tick off the Great Barrier Reef of your bucket list or if getting on the water isn’t your thing, your Travel Director can find you something more your style. You could take to the rainforest and join the Skyrail ride through the tree tops and a scenic railway journey from the beautiful town of Kuranda. After another day of exploring the way you want, you will join your fellow travellers for a waterfront farewell dinner.

• Day 15 Cairns

  This morning you say goodbye to tropical Cairns and your fellow travellers as your trip comes to an end after breakfast.