Day 1: Arrive Melbourne

You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the fabulous alfresco eateries, jump on a tram or enjoy the international shopping. Overnight: Melbourne, Novotel Melbourne on Collins for 3 nights.

Day 2: Melbourne City Highlights & Tramcar Dinner

Depart with your Driver/Guide this morning and view Melbourne’s lush parklands, elegant heritage and contemporary architecture. Highlights of this city sights tour include the Yarra River, Captain Cook’s Cottage, Queen Victoria Market, Fitzroy Gardens and Albert Park, home to the Formula One Grand Prix. Visit the historic Shrine of Remembrance and stroll along Southbank’s waterfront precinct. Return to your hotel mid-afternoon. This evening a treat is in store! Dine aboard a magnificently restored 1927 tramcar as it trundles the streets of Melbourne. (D)

Day 3: Phillip Island Penguins Tour

This luxury tour begins around 1:00pm and travels through exclusive bayside Melbourne suburbs to the Mornington Peninsula for stunning views over Port Phillip Bay. Head eastward to Phillip Island, the “wildlife island.” Penguins come ashore at dusk from their ocean feeding grounds. The large penguin colony enters the beach in groups and “walk and talk” loudly as they work their way into the dunes where their burrow nests are situated. Boardwalks enable you to gain close contact with the penguins in the dune area. Return to Melbourne, arriving late evening. (D)

Day 4: Melbourne—Cairns

This morning you will be transferred by private car to the airport for your flight to Cairns (flight not included). You will be met on arrival and transferred to Kewarra Beach Resort. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or take a rainforest walk. Kewarra Beach is a peaceful haven overlooking both the beach and the rainforest. Overnight: Kewarra Beach, Kewarra Beach Resort for 3 nights

Day 5: Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef Cruise

This morning board a cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef on a wave-piercing catamaran. Includes delicious lunch, semi-submersible boat ride and snorkeling. Swim, snorkel and relax on the Great Barrier Reef from the floating pontoon moored at Agincourt Reef. (L)

Day 6: Kewarra Beach Relaxation

Many activities are available today; we highly recommend the Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest Day, including a wildlife cruise along the Daintree River (own expense).

Day 7: Cairns—Sydney

Today you will be transferred by private car to Cairns Airport where you will connect with your onward flight to cosmopolitan Sydney (flight not included). The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore this remarkable city. Overnight: Sydney, The Grace Hotel for 3 nights

Day 8: Sydney City Sights

This morning you will be met by your driver/guide at your hotel. You will have a chance to get an overview of the city and surroundings as you view the Opera House, Botanic Gardens and Conservatorium of Music. Travel to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair for a view of the city and harbor. Continue through exciting Darling Harbor, home to shops and restaurants, before heading for Kings Cross. Travel through the exclusive suburbs of Double Bay and Rose Bay, known for their Rodeo Drive ambience. Then on to The Gap for spectacular ocean views. Arrive at Bondi Beach where you will see the famous Bondi Lifesavers. Enjoy a short stop here, then continue back to Sydney via trendy Paddington.

Day 9: Blue Mountains Luxury 4WD Tour

Your friendly and knowledgeable guide will pick you up in a luxury touring vehicle. You’ll travel through the historical Rocks area. Experience the magnificent World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. Lunch at a unique rainforest hut and continue on to the Three Sisters. This afternoon, seek out the kangaroos that roam the area. On your return to Sydney, pass by the Olympics 2000 site en route to your hotel. (L)

Day 10: Sydney—Queenstown

Today you will be met and transferred by private car to the Sydney Airport for your onward flight to Queenstown, New Zealand (flight not included). On arrival you will be met and transferred by shuttle to your hotel. Queenstown is a beautiful year-round alpine resort, perfect for adventurers or leisure seekers alike. Overnight: Queenstown, Grand Mercure St. Moritz for 3 nights

Day 11: Queenstown at Leisure

Quality shopping can be found in Queenstown, where you can find the perfect gift for friends/family back home. Why not try an exhilarating jet boat ride? Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand.

Day 12: Milford Sound Cruise & Scenic Flight

Travel along the edge of Lake Wakatipu, beneath the rugged Remarkables, to Te Anau before entering the Fiordland National Park. Stop at the Mirror Lakes before passing through the Hollyford Valley and the Homer Tunnel, then descend down to Milford Sound. Take an unforgettable Red Boat Cruise on the majestic Milford Sound followed by a spectacular flight to Queenstown. (L)

Day 13: Queenstown—Mt Cook—Christchurch

Depart Queenstown, continue on to Mt Cook National Park, which boasts New Zealand’s highest peak. Time to take an optional scenic flight (own expense). Continue on to Christchurch via beautiful Lake Tekapo and the “Church of the Good Shepherd.” Overnight: Christchurch, Heritage Christchurch for 2 nights

Day 14: Christchurch City Highlights

This morning meet your guide for an informative tour through the “Garden City.” Boasting modern architecture and historic buildings, Christchurch is set against a backdrop of beautiful parks, gardens and rivers. A highlight of this tour includes Cathedral Square and Canterbury Museum, morning tea at Mona Vale, a visit to the Museum cafe, and a drive up to the Port Hills for scenic views of the city. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 15: Christchurch—Rotorua— Maori Hangi Concert

This morning you will be met and transferred to the Christchurch Airport for your flight to Rotorua (flight not included). You will be met on arrival and transferred by shuttle to your Rotorua hotel. From the moment you enter Rotorua, you know you are somewhere quite different. Minutes from the city center, geysers of steaming water roar from the ground and the occasional scent of sulphur wafts through the air—a remarkable wonder of New Zealand. This evening you are welcomed into the world of the Maori people. Experience the pre-European lifestyle and customs of Maori ancestors as you enter the Maori Village. Tribal songs and dance performances are a highlight. Enjoy a night of traditional culture and entertainment while feasting on foods cooked in an earthen oven. Overnight: Rotorua, Lakeside Novotel for 2 nights (D)

Day 16: Rotorua’s Famous Attractions

This morning depart early to a landscape of erupting geysers, hot thermal springs and bubbling mud pools at Te Puia Thermal Village. From here, travel to a showcase of New Zealand’s flora and fauna including a kiwi bird, and an authentic farm tour and shearing demonstration. Then enjoy the spectacular views from the gondola. Return to your hotel around 2:30pm. (L)

Day 17: Rotorua to Auckland—Dinner Cruise

This morning transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Auckland (flight not included). You will be met on arrival and transferred to the SKYCITY Hotel by private car. Tonight features a unique combination of sailing and dining aboard the Pride of Auckland. Enjoy fresh seafood produce in a calm and magnificent harbor setting. After dinner, the sails go up for an exhilarating sailing experience while watching the fairytale lights of Auckland pass by. Overnight: Auckland, SKYCITY Hotel (D)

Day 18: Depart Auckland

Tour concludes with your transfer to Auckland Airport.