Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Meals

22 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

Others

Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Waiheke Island Wineries, Waiheke Island Your Journeys Highlight Moment: A day at Kohutapu, Rotorua Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Melbourne Foodie Walk, Melbourne Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Private Tour of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Exclusive Indigenous experience at Cooya Beach, Port Douglas. Trip to Waiheke Island Wineries. Visit glowworm caves. Queenstown gondola ride. Wilderness day cruise (winter) or overnight cruise (summer) in Fiordland National Park. Melbourne Foodie Experience. Sunrise interpretive walk at Uluru. Sydney Harbour dinner cruise. Indigenous Peoples Interpretive Walk in the Daintree Forest. Great Barrier Reef Excursion. Exclusive Indigenous experience at Cooya Beach. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Transport

Private vehicle, plane, train, boat, walking.

Accommodation

Hotel (22 nts).

Hygieneprotocol

As of October 1, 2021 G Adventures' Vaccinated Tours Policy applies: All travelers must meet the G Adventures requirements for joining their tours. The majority of tours require travelers to be fully vaccinated and the full/final COVID-19 vaccination must be at least 14 days before the first day of the tour. There are some tours and departures that are only ‘Travel-Ready’ which means all travelers must be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test within 96 hours before the first day of the tour. Please, double check with the G Adventures Support Team about the requirements of your tour and departure date.

Not included:

Others

Auckland - Maritime Museum Visit (20NZD per person) Rotorua - Hot Springs (30-50NZD per person) Franz Josef - Hiking (Free) - Franz Josef Kayaking (99-129NZD per person) Queenstown - Vineyard Tour (185-230NZD per person) - Shotover Jet Boating (155NZD per person) - Earnslaw Steamship Cruise (55-95NZD per person) Melbourne - 12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road - Yarra Valley Wine Tour (175-200AUD per person) Uluru - Outback Astronomy Tour (60-70AUD per person)

Flights

Flights are not included

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Auckland
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Auckland

Arrive at any time.Please make your own way to the joining hotel. Our CEO will have a welcome meeting this evening. Auckland is a fantastic city with so much to see and do. Should you want more time to explore on your own, we recommend booking pre-nights. Accommodation: - CityLife Auckland (or similar). Included Activities: - Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting Optional Extras to chose from: - Auckland Sailing: America's Cup Experience (Pre Tour) Additional Notes: Jump right into your adventure by adding the 'Auckland Sailing: America's Cup Experience' extra to your tour. Work with a crew to sail around Auckland's Waitemata Harbour on a competitive yacht, and take in the stunning views. PLEASE NOTE: If booking this extra, a pre-night in Auckland is highly recommended as this activity may start early in the morning on Day 1. If you are interested in visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set, we recommended that you book additional pre-trip accommodations and purchase a day trip from Auckland on (or prior to) Day 1 of this tour.
Day 2 Day 2: Auckland (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Auckland (1B)

Take an orientation walk in Auckland, one of the most multicultural cities in the Southern Hemisphere. We’ll then catch a ferry to beautiful Waiheke Island, a haven of world-class vineyards and idyllic beaches. Visit two wineries to learn about New Zealand's burgeoning wine industry and the history of viticulture in the country while sampling some of the local blends. Accommodation: - CityLife Auckland (or similar). Meals Included: - Breakfast Included Activities: - Orientation Walk - Waiheke Island Wineries
Day 3 Day 3: Auckland/Rotorua (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Auckland/Rotorua (1B)

Drive to the lakeside town of Rotorua, situated over an active geothermal zone and known for its volcanic features and rich Maori heritage. Stop en route at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm to see thousands of flickering glowworms light up in the dark.Rotorua sits over an active geothermal zone with bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools in different areas around the town. This is a fascinating region with Maori history and culture tied directly to the geothermal aspects of the land. Accommodation: - Millennium Rotorua (or similar). Meals Included: - Breakfast Transport: - Private Vehicle 07:00 - 08:00 Hr(s) Included Activities: - Waitomo Cave Excursion
Day 4 Day 4: Rotorua (1B, 1L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Rotorua (1B, 1L)

On a full-day excursion, head to the Maori-owned Kohutapu Lodge, our base for exploring New Zealand's indigenous culture. See ancient rock carvings and learn about their spiritual significance to the Maori people, both past and present. Watch as a hangi lunch is prepared the traditional way--buried in an underground pit—and enjoy the resulting feast with your Maori hosts. After lunch, take a walk through the 800-year-old podocarp trees in Whirinaki Rainforest, learning the history of the forest and spotting endemic birds and medicinal plants. Return to Rotorua for an optional evening meal or a well-deserved soak in the hot springs. Accommodation: - Millennium Rotorua (or similar). Meals Included: - Breakfast - Lunch Included Activities: - A day at Kohutapu
Day 5 Day 5: Rotorua/Christchurch (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Rotorua/Christchurch (1B)

Enjoy time at leisure this morning before catching a flight to Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island. Take some time to explore this small city on your own.With free time in Rotorua this morning, opt to relax in one of the hot pools fed by water coming directly from the natural springs. Accommodation: - Chateau on the Park Hotel (or similar). Meals Included: - Breakfast Transport: - Plane 01:00 Hr(s) Included Activities: - Orientation Walk
Day 6 Day 6: Christchurch/Franz Josef (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Christchurch/Franz Josef (1B)

Board the TranzAlpine train—one of the world’s most scenic rail routes—for a breathtaking journey through verdant plains, beech forests, and majestic, misty mountains. After a whistle stop at Arthur’s Pass—the highest pass in the Southern Alps— continue to the end of the line in Greymouth, gateway to the West Coast. Continue on a private vehicle to a rainforest lodge near the town of Franz Josef, our home for the next two nights. Accommodation: - Rainforest Retreat (or similar). Meals Included: - Breakfast Transport: - Train 04:30 Hr(s) - Private Vehicle 02:30 - 03:00 Hr(s) Additional Notes: Please be aware that if you are traveling over the Christmas holiday the TranzAlpine train will not operate on December 25. Instead your CEO will drive the group through the Southern Alps on a similar route. An additional group holiday dinner will be provided as a substitute for missing the train experience.
Day 7 Day 7: Franz Josef (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Franz Josef (1B)

Discover the natural wonders of the Franz Josef area on your own today. Opt to embark on a walk in the area; soak in natural hot pools surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery; and more. Accommodation: - Rainforest Retreat (or similar). Meals Included: - Breakfast Additional Notes: Please note that when in Franz Josef optional activities may be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.
Day 8 Day 8: Franz Josef/Queenstown (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Franz Josef/Queenstown (1B)

Set out towards Queenstown on a drive along the South Island’s magnificent west coast. Stop at tranquil Lake Matheson, where, on a clear day, you can capture a postcard-perfect image of New Zealand’s highest peaks reflected in the water. Continue to Queenstown, pausing for short walks through the rainforest and visits to picturesque waterfalls.Early start to travel to the picturesque Lake Matheson. When the weather is right, you can get a great photo of the Southern Alps reflected in the lake. Follow the wild West Coast Road, through the rainforest before stopping for some short walks and waterfall visits. Accommodation: - Peppers Beacon Hotel (or similar). Meals Included: - Breakfast Transport: - Private Vehicle 08:00 - 09:00 Hr(s)
Day 9 Day 9: Fiordland National Park Day Trip (1B, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Fiordland National Park Day Trip (1B, 1D)

Discover the glacially carved wilderness of Fiordland National Park on a cruise. Glide past shimmering waterfalls and towering cliffs, and look out for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and little blue penguins with our naturalist guides. Travel back to shore, head to Queenstown for the night. Accommodation: - Fiordland Navigator Boat (or similar). Meals Included: - Breakfast - Dinner Transport: - Private Vehicle: Fiordland National Park to Queenstown 03:00 Hr(s) Included Activities: - Fiordland National Park Wilderness Cruise Additional Notes: Please note that the January 21, 2024 departure of this tour will have an overnight cruise in Milford Sound, instead of Doubtful Sound.
Day 10 Day 10: Queenstown (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Queenstown (1B)

After breakfast spend the rest of the day at leisure in this fun-loving lakeside town, known as the adventure capital of the world. Opt to visit a vineyard for a tour, or simply wander around, cafe hopping and sightseeing. Accommodation: - Peppers Beacon Hotel (or similar). Meals Included: - Breakfast
Day 11 Day 11: Queenstown (1B, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Queenstown (1B, 1D)

The day is yours to explore Queenstown. Choose to cruise lake Wakatipu on a historic steamer; experience a thrilling jet boat ride; or visit a local winery to sample the region’s award-winning vintages. This evening, enjoy a cable car ride to the top of Bob’s Peak for panoramic vistas of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps and then have dinner together as a group. Accommodation: - Peppers Beacon Hotel (or similar). Meals Included: - Breakfast - Dinner Included Activities: - Gondola Ride
Day 12 Day 12: Queenstown/Melbourne (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Queenstown/Melbourne (1B)

Fly from Queenstown to Melbourne, Australia, and enjoy free time in the city. Accommodation: - Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne (or similar). Meals Included: - Breakfast Transport: - Plane 04:00 Hr(s)
Day 13 Day 13: Melbourne (1B, 1L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Melbourne (1B, 1L)

Embark on a food tour of Melbourne with a local author and culinary storyteller. Home to many thriving immigrant communities, Melbourne has long been considered one of Australia’s gastronomic hubs. On this foodie walk through the city’s famed laneways, we’ll experience a range of flavors and cuisines over lunch at three popular venues. Start with an Asian entree with wine; move on to an Italian restaurant for a main dish accompanied with more wine, and finish off the tour with a gelato dessert at our third stop. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Accommodation: - Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne (or similar). Meals Included: - Breakfast - Lunch Included Activities: - Melbourne Foodie Walk Additional Notes: Occasionally Monique Bayer may not be available for the Melbourne Foodie Walk. In the event this happens, an equally qualified guide will lead the walk.
Day 14 Day 14: Melbourne (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Melbourne (1B)

Spend the day exploring vibrant Melbourne. Set out on an optional excursion on the Great Ocean Road, following spectacular sea cliffs along the windswept Southern Ocean. Visit some of the region’s top wineries or wander the city’s narrow cobbled lanes and alleys, discovering quirky cafés and colorful murals. Accommodation: - Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne (or similar). Meals Included: - Breakfast Optional Extras to chose from: - 12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road Additional Notes: Due to exceptional demand, if you are interested in participating in the 12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road optional activity, it must be pre-booked in order to secure a spot during your tour.
Day 15 Day 15: Melbourne/Uluru (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Melbourne/Uluru (1B)

Catch a flight to Uluru, in the heart of the Australian outback. Visit the Cultural Centre of the Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and learn about the beliefs and customs of the Anangu, the area’s traditional Indigenous owners. Cap off the day with a glass of sparkling wine as you witness a crimson sunset over this fabled monolith.Accommodations in Uluru are limited and of varying amenities. We do our best to secure a mid-range hotel, but on occasion a more simple accommodation with fewer amenities may be used. Accommodation: - Sails in the Desert (or similar). Meals Included: - Breakfast Transport: - Plane 03:00 Hr(s) - Private Vehicle 00:30 Hr(s) Included Activities: - Indigenous Cultural Centre Visit - Uluru Mala Walk & Sunset charter - Sunset at Uluru Additional Notes: Airline schedules and flight availability are outside of our control and are always subject to change without notice. While we do our best to book direct flights, on occasion we may have to connect though another city. The Mala Walk at Uluru is not permitted if temperatures exceed 36°C (98°F). During these hot months, we try to offer all walks early in the day to avoid the midday sun. Our CEOs will monitor the weather conditions to gauge the safety of any included walks and may need to call off a given day's walk due to extreme heat.
Day 16 Day 16: Uluru (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Uluru (1B)

Awaken at dawn to witness the sunrise over Uluru and see the famous Field of Light installation. Then delve into a full-day exploration of the ancient, red-hued landscapes of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. After breakfast, make your way to Kata Tjuta, Uluru’s neighboring natural wonder for a morning of exploration. Later set out on a guided walk around the base of the monolith, gaining insight into its sacred significance to the Anangu. Accommodation: - Sails in the Desert (or similar). Meals Included: - Breakfast Included Activities: - Sunrise at Field of Light - Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Additional Notes: Between November and March, there is extreme heat with temperatures averaging between 43-46°C (109-115°F) in the middle of Australia, especially around Uluru. This can lead to heat exhaustion and potentially become very dangerous. Be sure to drink plenty of water and replenish electrolytes by drinking sports drinks, coconut water or water mixed with electrolyte powder packets.
Day 17 Day 17: Uluru/Sydney (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Uluru/Sydney (1B)

Enjoy free time on our final morning in the Red Centre. Then pack up and head off to the airport for an afternoon flight to Sydney. Check in to our hotel and opt to join our CEO for a dinner out on the town in one of Sydney's famous neighbourhoods. Accommodation: - Vibe Hotel Sydney (or similar). Meals Included: - Breakfast Transport: - Plane
Day 18 Day 18: Sydney (1B, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Sydney (1B, 1D)

Take it slow with a leisurely morning, or get up early and join your CEO for a walk around the Rocks area, a waterfront neighborhood that marks the spot of the first European settlement in Australia. It also holds a spiritual significance for the area’s indigenous people. Around midmorning, circle back and meet for a private tour of the Sydney Opera House. This afternoon, step aboard a private catamaran for a sunset sail around Sydney's famous harbor. Tuck into a delicious Australian Barbecue dinner as the sun sets in the background. Accommodation: - Vibe Hotel Sydney (or similar). Meals Included: - Breakfast - Dinner Transport: - Metro Included Activities: - Private Tour of the Sydney Opera House - Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise
Day 19 Day 19: Sydney (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Sydney (1B)

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore the best of Sydney. Walk the Rocks and stop by Maybe Sammy for a drink, which happens to be one of the best bars in Sydney. Take the ferry to Manly Beach or walk the Bondi Coastal walk and snap some photos. Or, spend a full day exploring the Blue Mountains on an optional excursion. Accommodation: - Vibe Hotel Sydney (or similar). Meals Included: - Breakfast
Day 20 Day 20: Sydney/Port Douglas (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Sydney/Port Douglas (1B)

Fly to Cairns today and travel up the scenic coastal road to Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest tropical rainforest and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Embark on an interpretive walk with an indigenous guide at the lush Mossman Gorge, learning about the traditional ways of life of the region’s Kuku Yalanji people. Continue to the resort town of Port Douglas, our home for the next three nights.We catch a very early flight to ensure we make the most of the day. Accommodation: - Mantra PortSea (or similar). Meals Included: - Breakfast Transport: - Plane 03:00 Hr(s) - Private Vehicle 01:00 Hr(s) Included Activities: - Indigenous Peoples Interpretive Walk Additional Notes: Please note that the max luggage allowance on domestic flights within Australia is 1 checked bag (20 kgs) and 1 carry on (7 kgs) per person. Any additional luggage is subject to airline fees and is not included.
Day 21 Day 21: Port Douglas (1B, 1L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Port Douglas (1B, 1L)

Explore the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day catamaran tour to the Outer Reef. Immerse yourself in the largest coral reef system in the world, which teems with 1500 species of tropical fish, as well as whales, dolphins and porpoises. Hop into the warm waters off Australia's east coast and experience this marine wonderland for yourself. Lunch will be served onboard. Back in Port Douglas the evening is yours to do as you please. Accommodation: - Mantra PortSea (or similar). Meals Included: - Breakfast - Lunch Included Activities: - Great Barrier Reef Excursion With Sailaway
Day 22 Day 22: Port Douglas (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 22: Port Douglas (1B)

Enjoy a free morning in charming Port Douglas. Stroll the town’s boutique-lined streets and idyllic beaches or head to the Sunday markets to browse the stalls. Later in the day, join your fellow travelers for an exclusive cultural experience at Cooya Beach. Meet Indigenous guides for a welcome ceremony, and get acquainted with members of the Kuku Yalanji people. Our CEO will organize an optional farewell dinner to toast your adventures down under. Accommodation: - Mantra PortSea (or similar). Meals Included: - Breakfast Included Activities: - Exclusive Indigenous experience at Cooya Beach
Day 23 Day 23: Port Douglas/Cairns (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 23: Port Douglas/Cairns (1B)

After one last breakfast in Port Douglas, transfer back to Cairns where our tour ends at the airport mid-morning. Alternatively, extend your stay in Port Douglas. Meals Included: - Breakfast Transport: - Private Vehicle 01:00 Hr(s) Additional Notes: Please book your departing flights no earlier than 1pm out of Cairns. The tour will end at the airport in Cairns. If you have booked extra nights you will be staying at the final hotel in Port Douglas about an hour north from the airport. Please note that should you book extra nights you will be responsible for getting yourself to the airport in Cairns from Port Douglas.

+20

23 days tour

Iconic Australia And New Zealand National Geographic Journey

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Iconic Australia And New Zealand National Geographic Journey

Day 1: Auckland

Day 2: Auckland (1B)

Day 3: Auckland/Rotorua (1B)

Day 4: Rotorua (1B, 1L)

Day 5: Rotorua/Christchurch (1B)

Day 6: Christchurch/Franz Josef (1B)

Day 7: Franz Josef (1B)

Day 8: Franz Josef/Queenstown (1B)

Day 9: Fiordland National Park Day Trip (1B, 1D)

Day 10: Queenstown (1B)

Day 11: Queenstown (1B, 1D)

Day 12: Queenstown/Melbourne (1B)

Day 13: Melbourne (1B, 1L)

Day 14: Melbourne (1B)

Day 15: Melbourne/Uluru (1B)

Day 16: Uluru (1B)

Day 17: Uluru/Sydney (1B)

Day 18: Sydney (1B, 1D)

Day 19: Sydney (1B)

Day 20: Sydney/Port Douglas (1B)

Day 21: Port Douglas (1B, 1L)

Day 22: Port Douglas (1B)

Day 23: Port Douglas/Cairns (1B)

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