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April 13 — May 04, 2026 • 22 Days • 32 Meals

Highlights

Maori Culture in Wellington, Cook Strait, Nelson, Abel Tasman National Park, Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks, Choice on Tour: Franz Josef Glacier Hike or West Coast Wildlife Centre, Franz Josef, New Zealand's Wild West Coast, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Sydney Opera House, Adelaide, Barossa Valley, Great Barrier Reef

Essential Experiences

Day 1 - 2

Overnight Flight

Day 3 - 4

Rydges Wellington, Wellington

Day 5 - 6

The Hotel Nelson, Nelson

Day 7

Beachfront Hotel Hokitika, Hokitika

Day 8 - 9

Scenic Franz Josef Glacier Hotel, Franz Josef Glacier

Day 10 - 12

Heritage Queenstown Hotel, Queenstown

Day 13 - 15

PARKROYAL Darling Harbour Sydney, Sydney

Day 16 - 17

Peppers Waymouth Hotel, Adelaide

Day 18

Desert Gardens, Ayers Rock

Day 19 - 21

Flynn Crystalbrook Collection Hotel, Cairns

On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Apr 13, 2026 - Apr 15, 2026: Overnight Flight

Encounter the untamed vitality and the captivating culture of New Zealand and Australia - a perfect blend of wildlife and urban energy that is rooted in tradition but is ever evolving with the Outback air. Delve into the South Pacific heritage and get a close look at New Zealand's Maori lifestyle and the roots of Australia's Aboriginal groups.

Day 3

Apr 15, 2026: Wellington, New Zealand

Arrive in New Zealand. Feel the ever-present heartbeat of Maori culture on this set of islands. Comprised of natural beauty and striking contrasts, live the Kiwi lifestyle for the next 10 days. Say hello to Wellington, the colorful capital city of New Zealand. Take in the gourmet eats, seaside charm, and scenic coastline as you feel the warm ocean breeze of the "Windy City." This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Included Meals

  • Dinner
Day 4

Apr 16, 2026: Wellington

Jump right into Maori culture with an Impact Moment, as you experience a traditional powhiri, an elaborate welcome ceremony. Marvel at the carved waka, sleek canoes of intricate design, at a Maori culture center. Get exclusive access to an archaeological site not open to the public during a guided exploration of a waterfront pa (Maori for village). Take the chance to taste Maori heritage in a Hangi dish during lunch and discover the roots of the culture at the Te Papa Museum. Explore the city of Wellington during your free afternoon and evening.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Day 5

Apr 17, 2026: Wellington - Picton - Nelson

Surrounded by green slopes and rolling mountains, the Cook Strait will offer a picturesque landscape as you cruise over the stunning waters on your way to the South Island. Visit Nelson, the oldest city on the island. Enjoy an evening at leisure to experience this coastal hub, full of local works and a trending foodie scene. This local art hub highlights works from the area, artisan food markets, and sparkling waters.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
Day 6

Apr 18, 2026: Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park - Nelson

Today, venture out to Kaiteriteri, a coastal paradise where you'll set sail through the graceful natural beauty of Abel Tasman National Park. Coast over the crystal-clear waters and pass reaching trees huddled along the shore. A picnic lunch awaits at the Anchorage, a scenic bay set amongst gentle waves and sandy coasts.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Day 7

Apr 19, 2026: Nelson - Hokitika

See the natural phenomenon of Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks as you travel further south to Hokitika. Feel the spray of the ocean crashing against these unique limestone formations with a flapjack façade. Tonight, dine at your beachfront hotel, a natural haven of craggy peaks and lively waterspouts.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Day 8

Apr 20, 2026: Hokitika - Franz Josef

Wake up in Hokitika, better known as a "cool little town." Head to Hokitika Gorge for a taste of New Zealand's beloved West Coast nature. Return to town for a tour, ending with a walk along the beach and some free time to explore on your own. Make your way to Franz Josef, New Zealand's glacier country. Discover the area's rugged allure by combing the creek bed in search of New Zealand jade or perhaps you'll explore some of the many walking trails or eateries in town.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
Day 9

Apr 21, 2026: Franz Josef

Choose how to start your day because 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 to relax. Finish your day with dinner at the hotel.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Day 10

Apr 22, 2026: Franz Josef - Queenstown

Journey through the thick rainforest and emerge on the "wild" west coast. With cliffs and beaches on your right and the southern snowcapped Alps on your left, there will be no shortage of riveting landscapes to capture your eye. 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.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
Day 11

Apr 23, 2026: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown

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.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Day 12

Apr 24, 2026: Queenstown

Today is yours! Explore the adventure capital whichever way your heart desires. Perhaps you'll choose an optional tour to cruise Lake Wakatipu surrounded by Queenstown's stunning landscape aboard an iconic coal-fired steamship. Once on land, enjoy a BBQ lunch lakeside followed by a sheepdog demonstration.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Day 13

Apr 25, 2026: Queenstown - Sydney, Australia

Wish New Zealand goodbye and enter Australia, home to the expansive Outback and lively waterfront cities. Start your Aussie adventure in Sydney, the country's largest city.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
Day 14

Apr 26, 2026: Sydney

During a city tour get a glimpse at all the main highlights Sydney has to offer. Then, take a step into the past and explore the historic Rocks neighborhood, situated along the edge of Sydney Harbour. Continue along to the port Circular Quay before strolling through the winding paths of the Royal Botanical Gardens. Here, delve into Aboriginal culture by learning about native plants and foraging for traditional foods. Go behind the scenes of the Sydney Opera House on an expert-led guided tour of this legendary venue. As the sun sets, admire the city skyline on a dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour passing under the Harbour Bridge and by the iconic Sydney Opera House.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Day 15

Apr 27, 2026: Sydney

Make the most of your final day in Sydney with a full day at leisure where you can take advantage of your included hop-on, hop-off bus passes! You could take the bus out to Bondi Beach for the surf culture, visit one of the many local museums, or take in the sights at Darling Harbour.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
Day 16

Apr 28, 2026: Sydney - Adelaide

Set off on a short flight to Adelaide, the cosmopolitan hub of South Australia. Experience the famous food and drink this region is known for at the Adelaide Central Market, one of the one of the largest undercover fresh produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere. Indulge in tastings of Australia's multicultural cuisine as you stroll the market stalls alongside a local guide. Afterward, explore more of Adelaide on foot with a walking tour passing Rundle Mall and down Peel Street, an iconic laneway known for its restaurants. Later tonight, gather for dinner at the hotel.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Day 17

Apr 29, 2026: Adelaide - Barossa Valley - Adelaide

Treat your taste buds to a full-day exploration of the Barossa Valley's fine food and wine. Visit a one of the local farmsteads, 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.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Day 18

Apr 30, 2026: Adelaide - Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Your adventure continues with a flight from Adelaide to Uluru (Ayers Rock). Arrive in Uluru and get a taste of the local indigenous flavors as you enjoy a native high tea. Then, travel into Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park to get a close look at the iconic, massive red rock emerging from the earth, sprung up as if beckoned toward the clouds. On a guided tour of Uluru's base, discover the heritage of Australia's Aboriginal people in this spiritual place before gathering for a spectacular sunset view of the iconic rock formation. While having drinks and canapés, watch the colors of Uluru change before your eyes as the sun sets and the Milky Way starts to twinkle over Australia's greatest natural wonder.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Day 19

May 01, 2026: Uluru (Ayers Rock) - Cairns

Say goodbye to the outback and hello to the tropics, as you fly to Cairns and enjoy an evening at leisure, getting to know this gateway to an underwater paradise.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
Day 20

May 02, 2026: Cairns - Great Barrier Reef - Cairns

Board a high-speed catamaran and sail to the Low Isles to discover the aquatic realm of the Great Barrier Reef. Spend the day however you please, perhaps choosing from a selection of included activities. 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.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Day 21

May 03, 2026: Cairns

This morning, a short cruise takes you to a stunning wetland environment where Traditional Aboriginal Owners greet you with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. Afterwards your indigenous guides will introduce you to native foods and bush medicines, as well as ancient Aboriginal traditions, customs, and artifacts. This afternoon is at your leisure to relax or explore the tropical city of Cairns. Toast to the end of your journey at a farewell dinner, reflecting on your Outback escapade.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Day 22

May 04, 2026: Cairns - Tour Ends

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

Included Meals

  • Breakfast

Extend Your Vacation With

4 Days 3-Night Fiji Post Tour Extension

Rate: $1,599.00 USD per person, double, land & air inclusive
4 Meals: 3 breakfasts, 1 Dinner

The overall activity level of this extension is a level 1. This means you can handle at least one flight of stairs, board a coach, and walk unassisted at a relaxed pace for up to 60 minutes without difficulty, covering up to one mile. You can easily handle altitudes up to 5,000 feet.

Independently explore this destination! While this extension is not hosted or guided, it is intended to give you freedom and flexibility to explore a destination - or return to a favorite one.

Due to flight schedules, on some departures the optional Fiji extension is 2 nights and is slightly lower priced.

We reserve the right to cancel this extension if a minimum of 6 passengers is not met to operate.

Extensions are subject to availability and applicable charges at time of request.

If you require any special assistance while on tour, please make us aware at time of reservation so the necessary request form can be sent to your attention.

Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Single rate subject to change based on availability.

A local representative will accompany you from the airport to the hotel and be available at designated times.

For air-inclusive reservations, the name provided at time of booking must match your government-issued ID that will be used during travel. Name changes are subject to penalties.

Air inclusive rate is valid for guests who have purchased our air package for the full tour, depending on the air schedule selected. Rate may vary for those who have purchased their own air.

Available Options

Cairns

The Outer Reef Experience - Rate: $150.00 USD per person

Jump in and explore a vibrant, colorful world teeming with life at the Moore Reef at the very center of the Great Barrier Reef. This massive reef system, the largest in the world, can actually be seen from space. Cruise across the water by catamaran to the Great Adventures pontoon where a diverse, bountiful ecosystem is yours to discover. You may enjoy the fish feeding from the unique underwater platform. You're sure to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience exploring one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Duration: Approximately 9 hours. Please note a minimum of 1 passengers is required. Transportation is included.

Queenstown

Walter Peak Farm Experience - Rate: $119.00 USD per person

Cross the picturesque Lake Wakatipu on the famous TSS Earnslaw steamboat and head to Walter Peak Farm. Enjoy a visit to an authentic sheep farm where you'll get to watch a sheep-herding demonstration in the company of other farm animals. Soak in the surrounding panoramic views before enjoying lunch at the farm's restaurant. TSS Earnslaw undergoes annual maintenance from late May to early July. Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours. Please note a minimum of 2 passengers is required. Transportation is included.

Cancellation Waiver

Pricing

Save $150 per person*

* Included in Price: Round Trip Group Transfer from Pacific Grove to San Francisco Intl Airport, Round Trip Air from San Francisco Intl Airport, Inter-flights from Queenstown, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges, Hotel Transfers
* Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $699 per person