Australia & New Zealand / INDEPENDENT TOURING
17
14 Day New Zealand & Australia Express Independent
KEY TO MAP
Port Douglas
2
1
Cairns
Great Barrier Reef
Coach Air No . of nights stay
2 Uluru ( Ayers Rock )
AUSTRALIA
2
Sydney
Waitakere
Ranges 2
Waitomo Caves
Auckland
2
Rotorua
Milford Sound
2
Queenstown
NEW ZEALAND
Experience the best of both countries combined on this itinerary . Explore the cosmopolitan city of Auckland , cruise by boat through the glowworm caves at Waitomo , view mighty geysers in Rotorua and visit the picture perfect Milford Sound in the World Heritage Fiordland National Park . This is before taking the short flight to Australia to enjoy a lunch cruise on the Sydney Harbour , viewing Uluru ( Ayers Rock ) on an early morning sunrise tour and snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef in Northern Queensland .
Day 1 : Arrive Auckland Upon arrival in Auckland you will be transferred to your downtown accommodation . Auckland is New Zealand ’ s largest city , blending harbour islands , Polynesian culture and a vibrant city centre , Auckland has been ranked amongst the top in the world as a lifestyle city .
Day 2 : Auckland sightseeing Experience the best of Auckland today , visiting the highlights the inner city offers before heading out to the untamed coastline of the rugged West Coast with deep black beaches and subtropical rainforests . Travel to the Arataki Centre perched high on the ridge of the Waitakere Ranges and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean .
Day 3 : Auckland – Waitomo Caves – Rotorua Travel south through the rich farmland of the Waikato on to Waitomo . After lunch ( included ) begin your guided tour through the long galleries and lofty chambers of the caves . Your tour continues with a boat ride through the glowworm grotto , illuminated by thousands of tiny lights from the glowworms suspended from the cave ceiling . Continue on to Rotorua .
Day 4 : Rotorua sightseeing Enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of Rotorua ’ s top attractions , including a visit to Te Puia and the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute where you can view mighty geysers and boiling mud pools . Visit Rainbow Springs , a unique showcase of New Zealand ’ s flora and fauna . Experience the Agrodome Sheep Show . Ride the Skyline Gondola ride to the top of Mt . Ngongotaha . A buffet lunch is included . This evening see warriors in traditional dress paddle an ancient warrior canoe ( waka ) down the Waio-whiro stream as you experience a traditional Maori Hangi ( feast ).
Day 5 : Rotorua – Queenstown ( flight not included ) With a transfer to the airport , you will leave the North Island today and fly south to the four season mountain resort town of Queenstown .
Day 6 : Milford Sound day tour Today you will travel on an unforgettable journey from Queenstown into Milford Sound . Located within the World Heritage Fiordland National Park , this region is rich with dense rainforest , lakes and waterfalls cascading from rugged mountain peaks . Board your vessel for a spectacular cruise on New Zealand ’ s most famous waterway and return by coach to Queenstown .
Day 7 : Queenstown – Sydney ( flight not included ) With a transfer to the airport , you will leave New Zealand today to fly to Sydney , Australia .
Day 8 : Sydney sightseeing and cruise Set on beautiful blue Sydney Harbour , this fast paced city of cosmopolitan character is one of the world ’ s most beautiful places . Enjoy an unforgettable cruise with buffet lunch aboard Captain Cook Cruises while taking in the splendour of Sydney Harbour and surrounds . Your tour will cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Manly and the Northern Beaches .
Day 9 : Sydney to Uluru ( Ayers Rock ) ( flight not included ) With a transfer to Sydney Airport , you will leave New South Wales and fly to Ayers Rock in the Red Centre . This evening dine under a million stars at the awardwinning Sounds of Silence outdoor restaurant in the middle of the desert .
Day 10 : Uluru ( Ayers Rock ) sunrise and guided walk Rise early to travel to the Uluru sunrise viewing area to watch the first rays of the sun hit Uluru . After sunrise , accompany your guide on the Kuniya Base Walk from Kuniya Piti , a sacred site at Uluru . Afterwards walk to the Mutitjulu Waterhole where your guide will indicate the natural features of the landscape and then continue to Kantju Gorge . Later visit the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre .
Day 11 : Uluru ( Ayers Rock ) – Cairns ( flight not included ) With a transfer to the airport , you will leave this spectacular iconic region and fly into Cairns , located on the stunning coast of Northern Queensland .
Day 12 : Cairns – Great Barrier Reef – Port Douglas Travel by catamaran today out to Agincourt Reef , at the very outer edge of the Barrier Reef . Here , special reefs known as ‘ ribbons ’ run parallel to the Continental Shelf . Adjacent to the Coral Sea trench , these ribbon reefs are recognised as the most pristine ecosystems in the reef ’ s environment . You will enjoy lunch , snorkeling , coral viewing by a semi-submersible , underwater observatory and informative talks by a marine biologist . Later return to Port Douglas .
Day 13 : Port Douglas at leisure Take a day to relax in this quaint seaside town , or join an optional tour up to Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest .
Day 14 : Port Douglas – Cairns ( flight not included ) Transfer by shuttle to Cairns to connect with your outbound flight .
Package includes : 13 nights of accommodation , airport transfers , transportation , sightseeing and attractions as listed .
Moderate pricing from . $ 3159 Superior pricing from . $ 3395 Deluxe pricing from . $ 3865 Pricing is per person , double occupancy
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