Australia and New Zealand Uncovered

From sacred stories to stunning natural wonders, journey through Australia and New Zealand, where untamed landscapes, captivating cities, and the enduring legacy of Aboriginal communities and Maori culture invite you to connect with the heart of the South Pacific.

Arrive in Adelaide, South Australia’s coastal capital. As arrival times will vary throughout the day, take time to settle in with no scheduled activities until late this afternoon, when you’ll meet for a briefing about the journey ahead. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Treat your taste buds to a full-day exploration of the Barossa Valley’s fine food and wine. Visit a local farmstead famed for its produce and enjoy a private interactive cooking demonstration. Your vintner voyage continues with a tour and tasting at the famous Seppeltsfield Winery, one of the oldest in the Barossa Valley, followed by lunch.

Fly from Adelaide to the spiritual heart of the Outback — Uluru. Upon arrival, travel into Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, where the iconic red monolith rises dramatically from the flat desert landscape. On a guided tour of Uluru's base, uncover the stories, traditions, and deep cultural significance of this site through the lens of Australia's Aboriginal people. As the sun begins to set, sip drinks and savor canapés while the colors of Uluru change before your eyes.

This morning, set out to explore Kata Tjuta — Uluru’s awe-inspiring neighbor. These towering, domed rock formations stretch across the desert for miles, offering a dramatic contrast to the surrounding landscape. Wander through the soaring red peaks and be rewarded with sweeping views that capture the raw beauty of the Outback. Return to your resort, where the rest of the day is yours — unwind, recharge, or take advantage of the resort’s activities.

Say goodbye to the Outback and hello to the tropics as you fly to Cairns, your gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a relaxed evening at leisure.

Set sail aboard a high-speed catamaran bound for the Great Barrier Reef await. Spend the day exploring this underwater paradise your way. Maybe you’ll soak up the sun on a tiny remote island,* located along the outer reef. Or consider snorkeling in the rolling waves or taking a glass-bottom boat uncovering a pod of vibrant sea life. You can also meet with a marine biologist or join an expert on a heritage trail walk along the island.

This morning, a short cruise takes you to the stunning wetland environment of an Indigenous Protected Reserve, where Aboriginal traditional owners from the Mandingalbay clan will welcome you with a smoking ceremony, introduce you to native foods and bush medicines, and share ancient Aboriginal traditions, customs, and artifacts. This afternoon, meet some of Australia’s famous wildlife, like the koala and kangaroo, on a guided tour at Rainforestation Nature Park.

Wish the tropics goodbye and touch down in Sydney, Australia’s dazzling harbor city and your home for the next three nights.

Get to know Sydney’s spirit on a guided city tour showcasing its many highlights. Step back in time in The Rocks, a historic harborside neighborhood and discover Circular Quay. Stroll through the winding paths of the Royal Botanical Gardens, and go behind the scenes of the Sydney Opera House on an expert-led tour of this legendary venue. As evening falls, admire the city skyline on a dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour, gliding past the Opera House and under the Harbour Bridge.

Make the most of your final day in Sydney with a full day at leisure — your included hop-on, hop-off bus pass makes it easy to explore at your own pace! You could soak up the laid-back vibe at Bondi Beach, visit a museum, or wander the lively waterfront at Darling Harbour.

Arrive in New Zealand. Feel the ever-present heartbeat of Maori culture on this set of islands. Surrounded by natural beauty and striking contrasts, embrace the Kiwi lifestyle for the next 10 days. Say hello to Wellington, the colorful capital city of New Zealand. Savor the city’s gourmet eats and seaside charm as the warm ocean breeze welcomes you to the “Windy City.”

Begin the day with an Impact Moment — experience a traditional powhiri, a powerful Maori welcome ceremony. At a cultural center, admire the carved waka (canoes), and see an archaeological site of a waterfront pa (village). Take the chance to taste Maori heritage with a hangi lunch and discover the roots of the culture at the Te Papa Museum. Explore the city of Wellington during your free afternoon and evening.

Cruise across the Cook Straight, surrounded by green slopes and misty mountains, to New Zealand’s South Island. Arrive in Blenheim, the heart of the Marlborough Wine Region. Enjoy an evening at leisure — perhaps you’ll explore local art galleries or indulge in the bustling food scene.

Today, begin your exploration of the Marlborough region at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, where fascinating exhibits and meticulously restored aircraft retell local wartime history. Then, head to Havelock to sample its famous green-lipped mussels. Cap off the day with a visit to one of Marlborough’s celebrated wineries, indulging in a wine-tasting session complemented by a vineyard-side lunch showcasing fresh local ingredients.

Today, journey to New Zealand’s Wild West Coast. At Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks, feel the ocean spray as waves crash against these unique limestone formations known for their flapjack-like facade. Tonight, dine at your beachfront hotel, nestled between the ocean and rainforest.

Wake up in Punakaiki, and make your way to Franz Josef, New Zealand’s glacier country. Discover the area’s rugged allure, perhaps combing the creek bed in search of New Zealand jade, exploring one of the many walking trails, or trying the eateries in town.

This morning, it’s your choice! View the Franz Josef Glacier with a local guide, traversing an exclusive trail not open to the public -OR- get a glimpse of kiwis at the West Coast Wildlife Centre, where you’ll learn more about conservation and rehabilitation of this national icon. Enjoy free time this afternoon, and finish your day with dinner at the hotel.

Journey through the thick rainforest and emerge on the untamed west coast — where the cliffs and beaches and the southern snowcapped Alps offer a feast for the eyes. Pause in Wanaka, a slice of tranquility nestled along a mountain-lined lake. Continue to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, and settle into your home for the next three nights.

Enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley and cross through an ancient red beech forest. Cruise along the waters of the dramatic Milford Sound, taking in the natural splendor around you. With cliffs rising up to nearly 4,000 feet, you’ll see why this is one of the most visited sights on the South Island. Following your cruise, you may choose to return to Queenstown via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

Today is yours to explore Queenstown however you choose. Perhaps you’ll opt for a cruise of Lake Wakatipu aboard a historic coal-fired steamship. Once ashore, enjoy a BBQ lunch and a sheepdog demonstration. Tonight, gather once more to toast to the unforgettable journey you’ve shared.

Your tour of Australia and New Zealand comes to a close today.