Icons of Australia & New Zealand Itinerary
Day 1: London to Singapore
Make your way to London Heathrow Terminal 4 for the late evening flight with Qantas Airways direct to Singapore. Our company representative will be available at the check-in area 3 hours prior to the group’s scheduled departure time to offer assistance. Meals and drinks are included in-flight.
Day 2: Singapore
Arrive Singapore early evening. Our resident Singapore Tour Escort will greet you on arrival at Changi Airport and accompany you on the coach as you transfer to the hotel. This exciting 2 night stopover will help you adjust to the time difference, relax between flights and gain an insight into this vibrant and sophisticated city. After settling in, we have organised an informal cocktail party for you to meet your fellow travellers. Afterwards, you may like to take a stroll through the adjacent Bugis Junction shopping complex or dine in one of the hotel’s award winning restaurants.
In Singapore you will stay at the Intercontinental Hotle for 2 nights. Breakfast included.
Day 3: Singapore
This morning we explore the main sights of Singapore, including the intriguing ethnic quarters, historic riverfront area, sophisticated downtown and the beautiful Botanic Gardens. During the afternoon, enjoy some free time to sightsee or stroll through the many shops on Orchard Road. This evening you may wish to join our optional excursion of the world’s first and only Night Safari at Singapore Zoo.
Day 4: Singapore to Christchurch
Enjoy the day at leisure and the comfort of an extended checkout from your room. Shop in the fabulous malls, treat yourself to morning tea at Raffles, travel on the modern MRT rail system, or visit Sentosa Island by cable car. Late afternoon we transfer to the airport for the evening Qantas Airways flight via Sydney to Christchurch.
Day 5: Christchurch
Arrive Sydney in the early morning and transfer to the connecting Qantas Airways flight, crossing the Tasman Sea to the South Island of New Zealand. On arrival in Christchurch you will be greeted by your Coach Captain/Driver, who will transfer you to your hotel in the centre of the city. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Christchurch is a very welcoming city with tree lined avenues, leafy parks and the Avon River winding through its centre. This evening we have organised an informal cocktail party for your Tour Manager to welcome you to New Zealand.
In Christchurch you will stay at the Crowne Plaze Hotel for 3 nights. Breakfast included, plus dinner on day 5.
Day 6: Christchurch
You may like to take our optional dawn balloon flight before this morning’s tour of the central city highlights. View the gothic revival Cathedral in Cathedral Square, the grey-stone 19th century buildings of the Law Courts, Museum, and Arts Centre, Bridge of Remembrance and the lovely Botanical Gardens. From the inner city we pass several parks and gardens to see the University of Canterbury before climbing to the Sign of the Takahe on the Port Hills for spectacular views over the city, Canterbury Plains, Pacific Ocean beaches and Southern Alps. This afternoon you are free to explore the city at your leisure. You may like to take a ride on the city’s restored trams, take a punt on the River Avon, stroll through the Botanical Gardens or visit The Antarctic Centre, for a wonderful insight into this frozen continent. Tonight you are free to dine out in one of Christchurch’s many fabulous restaurants or alfresco cafes.
Day 7: Christchurch
A free day to relax in this lovely city or you could take one of our optional tours. Marvel at the whales off the coast of Kaikoura, visit the early French settlement of Akaroa, experience the TranzAlpine train journey to Arthur’s Pass and 4WD tour through the high country and land of Narnia before boarding a jetboat for your return on the river or take a leisurely tour of some of the spectacular gardens located near the city. This evening you can dine at your leisure either in the hotel or at another of the city’s fabulous restaurants.
Day 8: Christchurch to Queenstown
Today we travel across the Canterbury Plains and pass through Ashburton, the commercial centre of one of New Zealand's richest agricultural and pastoral regions. Our route then takes us through the small farming communities of Geraldine and Fairlie before we cross the golden, tussockcovered rolling hills of the MacKenzie Country to reach the glacial lakes of Tekapo and Pukaki. Marvel at their beautiful turquoise colour and the spectacular mountain scenery with views of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Mt Cook. Then it’s on through the Lindis Pass and the orchard and developing wine region of Cromwell to Queenstown.
In Queenstown you will stay at the Novotel Gardens for 3 nights. Breakfast included, plus dinner on day 8 and special meal on day 9.
Day 9: Queenstown
This morning we enjoy a sightseeing tour of the area - visit the Kawarau River Bridge where the bungy jumping craze started and then on to the historic and well preserved mining town of Arrowtown. Return to Queenstown via Arthur’s Point. This afternoon is free in New Zealand’s premier resort situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and overlooked by the dramatically beautiful Remarkable Mountains. You may like to experience the thrill of the famous Shotover Jet, enjoy the scenery by helicopter or just relax in this resort town. This evening we have arranged a special meal in the Skyline Restaurant, reached by gondola with spectacular views over the lake and mountains.
Day 10: Queenstown
Enjoy the day at leisure or you may like to take one of our optional excursions to Milford Sound, the most famous and accessible of the fiords, take a boutique wine tour, see some of the locations used in the filming of the “Lord of the Rings” on the Dart River Jetboat Safari from Glenorchy or enjoy the “Safari of the Scenes” four wheel drive tour to Middle Earth. This evening you’re free to dine out at one of the many restaurants or alfresco cafés which are just a short stroll from your hotel.
Day 11: Queenstown to Rotorua
Transfer to the airport for our morning flight to Rotorua, renowned as the heartland of Maori culture. You will be greeted by your North Island Coach Driver/Captain and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon you are free to relax in this geothermal wonderland with its distinct scent of sulphur. You may like to visit the Rotorua Museum located in the beautiful Bath House building, bathe in the thermal waters of the Polynesian Spa or take the Rotorua Duck for a cruise on the lake. Tonight a feast awaits you, an authentic Maori Hangi and concert at the Tamaki Maori Village.
In Rotorua you will stay at the Novotel Lakeside Hotel for 2 nights. Breakfast included, plus special meal on day 11.
Day 12: Rotorua
This morning’s included sightseeing tour visits the Agrodome where we see an amazing display of trained sheep, working sheep dogs and pastoral exhibits. Then it’s on to Te Puia with its boiling mud pools and steaming geysers. We will see a model Maori Village, the Meeting House and watch the craftsmen at work at the craft centre. The afternoon is free for you to relax or you may like to take our optional scenic floatplane or helicopter flight to the active volcano of White Island in the Bay of Plenty or to the nearer Mount Tarawera, original site of the pink and white terraces destroyed by volcanic eruption in 1886.
Day 13: Rotorua to Auckland
This morning we travel across to Waitomo for a guided tour of the Glowworm Caves. At this subterranean wonderland we’ll discover an ancient underground labyrinth of limestone caves with amazing stalactites and stalagmites and then we’ll glide silently trough the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto by boat. Our next stop is nearby at the Otorohanga Kiwi House where we are assured of seeing kiwi on the guided tour of the nocturnal house.
Then we pass through Hamilton the main centre of the Waikato region, on our way to Auckland. The ‘City of Sails’ lies on a narrow volcanic isthmus between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea and has access to three harbours. It is New Zealand’s largest city and is surrounded by over 50 islands. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are at leisure. Auckland’s waterfront and Viaduct Basin have a huge choice of restaurants and we would suggest you dine in this area tonight.
In Auckland you will stay at the Skycity Grand Hotel for 2 nights. Breakfast included, plus special meal on day 14.
Day 14: Auckland
This morning we include a sightseeing tour of the city, enjoying Tamaki Drive with a special stop at Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World, Mt Eden, a volcanic crater with spectacular views of the city and then we will cross the famed Auckland Harbour Bridge to the North Shore. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore Auckland. Perhaps take a stroll through downtown Auckland, wander around the Viaduct Basin, home of the America’s cup village, explore the fashionable area of Parnell and do some shopping. Or you could take one of our optional tours and cruise on Waitemata Harbour or enjoy an America’s Cup Sailing Experience. This evening we have arranged a special dinner in the Orbit Restaurant of Sky Tower, tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, a wonderful venue for your last night in New Zealand.
Day 15: Auckland to Sydney
Following a relaxed and leisurely start, late morning we farewell New Zealand and transfer to Auckland International Airport for the Qantas Airways flight to Sydney. Wrapped around one of the most spectacular harbours on earth, Sydney is a vibrant, glamorous city and home to the instantly recognisable icons of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Arriving mid afternoon, we clear customs and immigration then transfer by luxury coach to the hotel.
In Sydney you will stay at the Four Points by Sheraton Darling Harbour for 4 nights. Breakfast included, plus dinner on day 15.
Day 16: Sydney
This morning we explore the city’s main sights, including the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Hyde Park, Kings Cross and Bondi Beach. The tour concludes at Circular Quay with a cruise on Sydney Harbour. During the afternoon, enjoy some free time to sightsee or perhaps discover the history of the Harbour Bridge at the Pylon Lookout exhibition. This evening you may wish to join our optional excursion at the Sydney Opera House for a night of indulgence which includes a guided tour, three course dinner and tickets to the performance of your choice.
Day 17: Sydney
Today is completely free for you to enjoy more of Sydney and its beautiful surrounds and we would recommend our exclusive optional excursion to the Blue Mountains. Just 90 minutes west of Sydney, this famous World Heritage listed National Park offers a natural wilderness of untamed bush, spectacular rock formations and native wildlife. This evening you are free to dine out in Sydney, perhaps at one of the harbour side restaurants in the historic Rocks district.
Day 18: Sydney
Enjoy a further day at leisure. Browse through the shops in the beautiful Queen Victoria Building, take a stroll through the delightful Royal Botanic Gardens, or catch the ferry to Manly. Alternatively, we can recommend some wonderful optional excursions. Experience magical views of the city from the air, or make the exhilarating climb to the top of the Harbour Bridge. Not wishing to place any restrictions on your day, we have once again left this evening free for you to dine out, perhaps in one of the vibrant restaurants on King Street Wharf.
Day 19: Sydney to Cairns
This morning we transfer to the airport for the flight to Cairns. Framed by a spectacular backdrop of rainforest mountain ranges and fringed by the sparkling Coral Sea, this friendly coastal city enjoys a leisurely, outdoor focussed lifestyle and offers a perfect base from which to explore the attractions of Tropical North Queensland. The remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy at leisure. Experience a revitalising treatment in the day spa, take a walk down to the Esplanade and relax by the saltwater swimming lagoon, or follow the boardwalk along the Foreshore Promenade.
In Cairns you will stay at the Cairns International Hotel for 3 nights. Breakfast included, plus dinner on day 19.
Day 20: Great Barrier Reef
This morning we travel north by coach along the beautiful coastline to Port Douglas. Here we join Quicksilver’s wave piercing catamaran and cruise at high speed to the floating activity platform at Agincourt Reef to enjoy a tropical buffet lunch and host of activities. Take a trip on a semi-submersible, walk into the underwater observatory or join a snorkelling tour with a Marine Biologist. This afternoon, as an alternative to cruising back we offer an optional excursion to fly directly back from the platform by helicopter. Experience thrilling views as you fly low over the reef before reaching the green canopy of World Heritage rainforest. This evening you are free to dine out and enjoy the fresh local produce and tropical flavours of the region.
Day 21: Cairns
Today is completely free for you to enjoy at leisure and we can recommend some wonderful optional excursions. Take a spectacular balloon flight over the Australian bush at sunrise, combine Tjapukai, Skyrail and the Kuranda Scenic Railway for the ‘Ultimate Kuranda Experience’, explore the diverse and fascinating ecosystem of Trinity Inlet, or discover the Daintree River Region, where the rainforest meets the reef at World Heritage listed Cape Tribulation. This evening you are once again free to dine out, perhaps in one of the lovely restaurants overlooking Marlin Marina.
Day 22: Cairns to Ayers Rock
This morning we transfer to the airport for the flight to Ayers Rock. Here, amongst the rugged landscape of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, we experience the real Australian outback. Discovered by explorers in 1872, Uluru (the Aboriginal name for Ayers Rock) is justifiably one of Australia’s most famous sights and sacred to the Aboriginal people since the dawn of time. The award winning Voyages Ayers Rock Resort is a luxurious oasis just 10 km north of Uluru. The afternoon is completely free for you to relax and enjoy the resort facilities. This evening, as an alternative to dining at the hotel, you may wish to join our optional excursion and dine in the desert, a truly unique experience.
At Ayers Rock you will stay at the Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel for 2 nights. Breakfast included, plus dinner on day 22.
Day 23: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
This morning you can take an optional sunrise tour by Harley-Davidson or helicopter before joining the rest of the group as we visit the base of Uluru and then continue on to the Uluru- Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, where dynamic displays, video and artwork explain the world heritage landscape from the perspective of the traditional Aboriginal owners. This afternoon we visit the immense rock domes and peaks of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and take a walk to Olga Gorge to experience the unique landscape. This evening you are free to dine out. The resort features more than 10 restaurants to choose from with the convenience of charge-back to your room account.
Day 24: Ayers Rock to Perth
This morning you have some free time for a refreshing swim in the pool, or to visit the acclaimed Mulgara Gallery at the Voyages Sails in the Desert Hotel, before we transfer to the airport for the flight to Perth. The most remote regional capital on the planet, Perth is a beautiful city with a relaxed atmosphere. The remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy at leisure. Take in the stunning views of the city skyline from the Swan Bells Tower, stroll through the malls in Murray and Hay Street, hop aboard a free central area transit bus, or spend time exploring the untouched bushland, Botanic Gardens and walkways of Kings Park.
In Perth you will stay at the Sheraton Hotel for 3 nights. Breakfast included, plus dinner on day 24 and special meal on day 26.
Day 25: Perth and Fremantle
This morning we tour the city’s highlights and then continue along the beaches to cosmopolitan Fremantle, home of the 1987 America’s Cup Challenge. Enjoy some time exploring this bustling historic port at leisure. The striking new WA Maritime Museum is an international landmark showcasing Western Australia’s rich maritime heritage, whilst the Round House was the Swan River Colony’s first gaol and Fremantle’s oldest surviving building. Mid afternoon, rejoin the group at Victoria Quay for a leisurely cruise along the Swan River back to Perth. This evening you are free to dine out.
Day 26: Perth
Today is completely free for you to enjoy more of Perth and its beautiful surrounds and we have prepared an exciting selection of optional excursions. Take a picturesque cruise to the historic Swan Valley wine region, spend the day exploring beautiful Rottnest Island, or swim with wild bottlenose dolphins in Rockingham. This evening we have organised a special Farewell Dinner in the hotel, a fitting finale to your Icons of New Zealand & Australia tour.
Day 27: Perth and Home
This morning you have some free time to relax or explore at leisure, before we transfer to the airport for the late afternoon Qantas flight via Singapore to London.
Day 28: Back in London
Arrive London Heathrow Terminal 4 in the early morning at the end of your tour. Arrangements conclude.