New Zealand and Australia Explorer Tour 2026

• Morning ferry to Waiheke Island
• Wine tastings at local vineyards
• Vineyard lunch
• Return to Auckland in the afternoon
• Evening free

Breakfast at the hotel is included this morning
Meet your driver in the hotel lobby and transfer to the Downtown Ferry Terminal.
Includes: 40 minute return ferry ride to Waiheke Island (and back) where you will spend the day experiencing a taste of what the island has to offer.
Includes: on arrival you are met by your local guide for your Essence of Waiheke Wine tour. Enjoy a tour of the island, enjoy some wine tasting and lunch at a local restaurant or vineyard.

On arrival back into Auckland meet your coach and transfer back to the hotel.

Dinner tonight at own expense

• Depart for Rotorua with a scenic drive
• Visit Hamilton Gardens
• Farm-style lunch at Crosshills Farm
• Arrival in Rotorua and short city tour
• Check in at the Millennium Hotel (Lake View room)
• Optional visit to Polynesian Spa Pools

Breakfast at the hotel is included this morning
Check out of your hotel and meet your driver/guide. You will leave Auckland for your journey to Rotorua via Hamilton and the Waikato region
Includes: admission and guided tour of Hamilton Gardens, a public garden park in the south of Hamilton owned and managed by Hamilton City Council. The 54-hectare park is based on the banks of the Waikato River and includes enclosed gardens, open lawns, a lake, a nursery, and a convention centre. Take a guided tour of Hamilton Gardens with one of our experienced guides who will share their behind-the-scenes knowledge.
Includes: lunch at Crosshills Farm.
Your hosts Fraser and Debbie provide a delicious home-cooked buffet lunch which may include ham, salads, ice cream and fruit, accompanied by local wine with views of rolling, grassed hills beyond, you’ll be tempted to walk further, watched by inquisitive Jersey cows, along peaceful walkways.
After lunch, continue to Rotorua, where you will enjoy an orientation tour of the city upon arrival.
Check in at the hotel and time at leisure.
We recommend: admission to the Polynesian Spa Pools – Deluxe Lake Spa. Nestled on the shores of Lake Rotorua lies Polynesian Spa, a geothermal bathing and soul-searching retreat. Relax and unwind in the natural springs that nourish the skin and relieve tired muscles, aches, and pains. Embrace nature's sanctuary and slip into five mineral hot pools overlooking the lake. Lounge on geothermal recliners and enjoy the deluxe changing rooms – open until 23.00h. Approx: NZD 77.00 per person
**** Dinner tonight at own expense ****
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Rotorua – Lake View Room x 2 nights
Inclusion: Full breakfast daily

• Visit Whakarewarewa Māori Village
• Kiwi Hatchery experience
• Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park
• Evening: Mitai Māori Cultural Experience with Hangi Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel is included this morning
Enjoy a day of sightseeing around the Rotorua region, including Kuirau Park.

09.00h Includes: guided walk of Whakarewarewa Living Maori Village.

Set amidst a landscape of erupting geothermal activity, hot thermal springs and bubbling hot pools is the living thermal village of Whakarewarewa. Discover the unique lifestyle and traditions by joining a guided tour.

10.45h Includes: admission and guided tour of the National Kiwi Hatchery

The National Kiwi Hatchery is the national leader in kiwi husbandry, egg incubation systems, hatching techniques and kiwi chick rearing. You'll get to see kiwi eggs being incubated, the hatching process and newly hatched kiwi chicks.
After the tour time for some lunch at own arrangements before you continue your tour.

13.30h Includes: admission and guided tour of Hell’s Gate Thermal Park.

Just 15 minutes from central Rotorua, experience a land where myth and legend come to life, where the earth boils, mud heals, and steam disappears into the clouds. Take a one hour guided tour or a self-guided walk around this geothermal reserve. See erupting waters, an active mud volcano, land coral and a hot waterfall, or try your hand at Maori carving. Duration: 1.5 hours

18.00h Includes: evening Maori Cultural experience at Mitai including dinner and return transfers.

Situated just 10 minutes from Rotorua central, your evening of Maori culture begins with a warm and personalised welcome from a beautiful Maori Maiden dressed in traditional costume. See fierce warriors in traditional dress paddle an ancient warrior canoe. Be captivated by songs, dances and games in a rich powerful entertaining cultural concert, complete with the fiery “Haka” Maori war dance. View the uplifting of the hangi dinner from the earth oven and enjoy a traditionally cooked hangi meal. An informative guided walk introduces you to traditional medicinal uses and the way the Māori people lived in the past. Visit the rare glow-worms before being returned to your accommodation. Includes complimentary pick up/drop off from central Rotorua accommodation. Duration: 3 hours

• Stop at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
• Visit Huka Falls
• Cruise Lake Taupo, including lunch and view of Māori rock carvings
• Continue to Tongariro National Park
• Dinner: 3-course meal at Skotel Alpine Resort

Breakfast at the hotel is included this morning
08.00h This morning you will be met by your Driver/guide, as you head out of Rotorua and on to the Tongariro National Park, via Lake Taupo.

08.30h Includes: admission and guided tour of Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.

Sculptured out of volcanic activity and thousands of years in the making, Wai-O-Tapu is considered to be New Zealand’s most colourful and diverse geothermal sightseeing attraction. You are introduced to a uniquely different natural landscape – the key to what you see lies below the surface – one of the most extensive geothermal systems in New Zealand. Clearly defined tracks provide you with the opportunity to enjoy the diversity of this area through a series of different walks taking from 30 to 75 minutes or more, each with their own unique volcanic vistas to fascinate all ages.
The nature of the reserve being an active volcanic area and the undulating terrain may present some difficulties for people with various disabilities.

10.45h Travel south to the stunning and powerful Huka Falls.

Continue your journey on to the beautiful vistas of Lake Taupo.

11.30h Includes: cruise on the lake with Chris Jolly Outdoors – Private charter

In Taupo join your boat for a two hour chartered cruise of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s biggest lake. Cruise out to see the stunning Maori rock carvings, only accessible by boat while you enjoy a delicious lunch on board.
Includes: Lunch on board the cruise.

12.30h After the cruise join your coach for the journey to the Tongariro National Park.

From the snow-capped mountains and dense forests, to the dry desert-like tussocks of the Central Plateau, dominated in the background by the three peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro.

This evening, enjoy a group dinner with your fellow travellers at your hotel.

Includes: 3-course dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Accommodation: Skotel Alpine Resort – View Room x 1 night

• Scenic drive south through the North Island
• City tour of Wellington: Mt. Victoria lookout, Cable Car, Te Papa Museum
• Check in at Rydges Wellington (Deluxe Harbour View Room)
• Evening at leisure

07.00h Breakfast at the hotel is included this morning
08.00h This morning, you will be met by your Driver/guide to begin your journey off the Central Plateau and down to the bottom of the North Island, to New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington.
+/-14.00h Upon arrival in Wellington, enjoy a city sightseeing tour with a local guide – approx 3 hours.
You will drive past Courtney Place and the Embassy Theatre, Oriental Parade, visit Mt Victoria, the War Memorial, Parliament, and the Beehive.
Includes: Ride on the Wellington Cable Car and stroll through the Botanical Gardens

16.00h Includes: Te Papa – New Zealand’s National Museum – 60-minute guided highlights tour.
Drop off at the hotel and the rest of the evening at leisure.

**** Dinner tonight at own expense ****
Accommodation: Rydges Wellington – Deluxe Harbour View Room x 1 night
Inclusion: Full breakfast daily

• Morning at leisure
• Flight to Queenstown
• Transfer to hotel, meet local guide
• Check-in at Holiday Inn Express Queenstown
• Optional activities available

Breakfast at the hotel is included this morning
Time at leisure in Wellington.
After lunch, you will be met by your Driver/guide, to travel out to Wellington’s Airport. Farewell the North Island and begin your journey down to the heart of the South Island, Queenstown.
Flight NZ 607 1355/1520 - Wellington to Queenstown – **** Not included in quote****

On arrival in Queenstown you will be met by your South Island Driver/guide and will be transferred to your Queenstown hotel.

The rest of the day is at leisure.

**** Dinner tonight at own expense ****
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Queenstown – Standard Room x 3 nights
Inclusion: Full breakfast daily

• Tour of Gibbston Valley Winery, including cave tour and lunch
• Visit Kawarau Gorge and Arrowtown
• Optional: Walter Peak gourmet BBQ dinner cruise (not included)

Breakfast at the hotel is included this morning
Morning at leisure to explore the town on your own.
Meet your driver for your sightseeing tour at the hotel.
11.30 Depart hotel
12.15 Arrive Gibbston Valley Winery
12.30 Gibbston Valley Wine Cave Tour including wine tasting
13.00 Gibbston Valley – 2-course lunch
14.30 Depart for Queenstown via AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy Bridge and Arrowtown
Drop off at the hotel.

We recommend: Walter Peak Cruise and Gourmet BBQ Dinner (1800-2200). Depart Queenstown Wharf on a picturesque cruise across the lake to Walter Peak High Country Farm. At the elegant Colonel’s Homestead, enjoy a delicious gourmet barbeque buffet meal in a stunning lakeside setting. Watch the skilful farm dogs in action with a sheep-herding demonstration and meet the other farm animals before the return cruise. Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours. Approx NZD 172.00 per person.

**** Dinner tonight at own expense ****

• Morning: 4WD "Safari of the Scenes" Lord of the Rings filming locations
• Afternoon free
• Evening: Skyline Gondola and buffet dinner overlooking Queenstown

Breakfast at the hotel is included this morning.
08.00 Pick up from your hotel by Nomad Safaris.

Includes: Safari of The Scenes Wakatipu Basin Tour
An adventure safari packed with breathtaking scenery, thrilling 4WD action whilst discovering Lord of the Rings filming locations. Visit the filming locations of Minas Tirith, Misty Mountains, the Pillars of the Kings (Argonath), Gladden Fields, the Ford of Bruinen, and more. Travel an historic gold mining road, following the Arrow River, stop for a refreshing morning or afternoon tea, and have the opportunity to try your hand at gold panning. Take in the spectacular panoramic views over the Wakatipu Basin.

12.15 Arrive back at the hotel
Rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

18.00 Early evening, you will be transferred to Skyline Queenstown.
18.45 Includes: Skyline Queenstown – Return Gondola Ride and Farewell Buffet Dinner.

Take a cable car ride to the summit of Bob’s Peak. The best views are found her,e spread out in a 220-degree panorama. Enjoy a buffet dinner at one of Queenstown's most spectacular locations.
Return to the hotel by private coach.

• Transfer to Queenstown Airport
• Flight to Sydney
• Arrival and private coach transfer to Parkroyal Darling Harbour
• Free evening in Sydney

Breakfast at the hotel is included this morning.
Time at leisure if time permits.
Transfer out to the airport, followed by check in for your flight to Sydney.

Arrival in Sydney

Guide: Meet & Greet
You will be met at the airport by your local guide, who will accompany you on the transfer to your hotel and assist with check-in.
Coach Charter: International Airport to City Hotel

Accommodation: Parkroyal Darling Harbour - Superior Room incl daily breakfast
3 Nights - In: Wednesday 21 Oct 26 - Out: Saturday 24 Oct 26
1 x Porterage

Welcome to Parkroyal Darling Harbour, Sydney – your gateway to the vibrant heart of Australia's most iconic city. Nestled between Sydney's famous Darling Harbour and the bustling CBD, this hotel offers the perfect blend of convenience and charm, placing you at the epicenter of Sydney's cultural and entertainment hub. Whether you're here for business or leisure, immerse yourself in the best of both worlds with unparalleled access to renowned attractions, dining experiences, and shopping destinations.

• Visit Bondi Beach, The Gap, Watsons Bay
• 2-course lunch cruise on Sydney Harbour
• Guided Sydney Opera House tour
• Return to hotel by coach

Guide: 8 Hours Guide Service
Your local guide will accompany you for 8 hours.

Coach Charter: 4 Hours City Sights
Half Day Sydney City Sights
Experience the vibrancy of Sydney on this introductory half day tour of Sydney, one of the world's most spectacular cities. You first visit Sydney's eastern beaches with Watsons Bay and Bondi Beach. Here you can take a lovely coastal walk along the bays. heading back towards the city center pass interesting viewpoints along the way and drive through the historic suburb of Paddington and “The Rocks”.

2-Course Harbour View Lunch Cruise
Captain Cook Cruises' Harbour Lunch Cruise is a great way to combine great food with spectacular Sydney Harbour. Featuring two-course à la carte dining, this is one waterfront restaurant with endless and ever-changing Sydney Harbour views. Sightseeing, weekday work lunche,s or weekend lunch escapes are a breeze with this zippy 90-minute on-water venue.
Inclusions:
2-course à la carte menu
1 Hour Exclusive Tour of the Sydney Opera House guided tour

The Sydney Opera House is considered by many to be one of the wonders of the modern world. Fifty years ago, a young Danish architect conceived the masterpiece, which pushed the limits of creative and scientific possibilities. Guests will discover the captivating history of one of the world’s most iconic buildings. Explore inside this remarkable architectural achievement, which is UNESCO world heritage listed, and hosts over 1800 performances each year.

Discover insider secrets and stories of the Sydney Opera House artists and performances, and step inside the iconic theatres and foyers that bring to life over 1,800 performances each year. Explore the building with our knowledgeable guides, learn about how Jørn Utzon’s vision came into existence against impossible odds.

Today, enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Walk back to your hotel.

• Free day to explore Sydney independently
• Optional tour: Blue Mountains with Featherdale Wildlife Park & lunch
• Evening at leisure

Today, enjoy a day at leisure.

Optional Tour: Blue Mountains Day Tour with Featherdale Wildlife Park & Lunch with English Speaking Guide

A day in the Blue Mountains offers an unforgettable escape into one of Australia’s most stunning natural landscapes. First you visit the Featherdale Wildlife Park, which is completely dedicated to Australian wildlife. You'll see kangaroos, koalas, crocodiles, wombats, emus and many other native animals. The largest private collection of Australian birds is also located here. Continue to the Blue Mountains, one of the most popular excursion destinations for Sydneysiders. Enjoy beautiful walks in the quiet eucalyptus forests and marvel at the iconic Three Sisters, a towering rock formation steeped in Aboriginal legend. The Blue Mountains promise a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.

Lunch is included today.

• Transfer to Sydney Airport
• Flight to Cairns
• Check-in at Crystalbrook Flynn (Urban Room)
• Walkable access to Esplanade, shopping, restaurants

Sydney - Guide: Departure Assistance
You will be met at the hotel by your local guide, who will accompany you on the transfer to the airport and assist with check-in.
Coach Charter: City Hotel to Airport

Cairns
Meals: daily breakfast
Guide: Meet & Greet
You will be met at the airport by your local guide, who will accompany you on the transfer to your hotel and assist with check-in.
Coach Charter: Airport to City Hotel
Accommodation: Crystalbrook Flynn - Urban View Room incl. breakfast
3 Nights - In
1 x Porterage
Fun and energetic, Crystalbrook Flynn is a social butterfly - the natural life of the party. Just steps from Cairns Esplanade boardwalk, feel like you’re at the centre of the action. Prepare to be entertained. Breathe, take the plunge, unwind a while, then do it all again. Sitting at the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Crystalbrook Flynn is the place to see and be seen. Luxury accommodation, unparalleled sea views, glass swimming pools and a social hub of restaurants and bars, all in the heart of Cairns, close to all attractions such as the Cairns Aquarium & Cairns Museum.

• Full-day catamaran cruise to Michaelmas Cay
• Snorkeling, glass-bottom boat, buffet lunch, marine biology presentation
• Return to Cairns in the afternoon

Great Barrier Reef Michaelmas Cay Cruise including lunch
Meet at the hotel lobby for the short bus transfer to the port where you will board your vessel. After a 2 hour motorised sail on board the 32 meter sailing Catamaran, Ocean Spirit, you will arrive at Michaelmas Cay where there is so much to see and do. Enjoy snorkelling in the cay’s protected shallow waters, try an introductory scuba dive in the fringing reefs, cruise in the Semi-submarine/glass bottom boat for a diver’s view of the reef, watch the fish feeding presentation, observe the bird life or just chill out on Ocean Spirit’s spacious decks or on the beach. Throughout the day, the ‘beach buggy shuttle’ will transfer you between Ocean Spirit and the beach.

Inclusions:
Includes return coach transfer from your hotel, Environmental Management Charge, morning & afternoon teas, snorkelling equipment, use of lycra suit, hot & cold buffet lunch, semisubmarine tour, informative ecological presentations by qualified Marine Biologist.

Guide: 10 Hours Guide Service
Your local guide will accompany you for 10 hours.

– Optional full-day tour:
– Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
– Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience & Dance
– Rainforest Amphibious Army Duck tour
– Lunch and free time at Kuranda Village
– Kuranda Scenic Railway return to Cairns
– Farewell Dinner: Dundee’s on the Waterfront

Today, enjoy a day at leisure.
Optional Tour: Kuranda with Skyrail, Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience and Kuranda Scenic Rail with English-speaking guide

Experience Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, smells and tranquillity of one of the world’s most botanically fascinating areas that has remained relatively unchanged for 130 million years. Enjoy a truly unique perspective of this ancient landscape with unsurpassed panoramic views of Barron Gorge and Australia’s Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Glide metres above the pristine jungle canopy between Smithfield (Cairns) and Kuranda, enroute descend to explore the rainforest close up at Red Peak and Barron Falls.

The Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience at Rainforestation Nature Park invites you to discover authentic Indigenous Australian culture. Local Indigenous Pamagirri Guides welcome you to join them on a journey to discover the Dreamtime and learn about the fascinating customs and ancient traditions that are kept alive in the rainforest of Kuranda, in Tropical North Queensland. The Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience includes both the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dance Performance held in the Rainforest Amphitheatre and the Dreamtime Walk conducted either before or after the show.

Far North Queensland’s Wet Tropics World Heritage-listed rainforests are among the oldest on earth. Thousands of species of plants and hundreds of unique creatures inhabit this lush green world. The famous Kuranda Scenic Railway winds its way on a journey from Gimuy (Cairns) via Bubundji (Freshwater), to Ngunbay (Kuranda), the village in the rainforest. Rising from sea level to 327 metres, the journey to Kuranda passes spectacular waterfalls as it moves through the stunning Din Din (Barron Gorge). Experience old-world charm while travelling in historical timber carriages featuring bench-style seating. Be captivated by the stunning World Heritage-listed rainforest scenery and waterfall views through large open windows as you relax onboard.

On arrival in Cairns you’ll walk back to your hotel.

19:00 3 Course Dinner Menu B
Includes: 1 x Drink per person
With an extensive menu catering to each and every individual Dundee’s Restaurant on the Waterfront’s modern Australian menu features tender Australian bred beef grilled to perfection; fresh local seafood, pastas, salads and unique Australian fare such as kangaroo and crocodile as well as house made desserts. Locally owned and operated for the past 30+ years Dundee’s Restaurant on the Waterfront understands the wants and expectations of Cairns locals and international tourists alike and strives to continue to set the standard for years to come. No matter what the occasion or appetite, you will be catered to beyond expectation at Dundee’s.
Inclusions: Dinner roll, 3 course dinner, tea & coffee
Remarks: No local tour guide included