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15 Day Australia & New Zealand Exclusive
Highlights: Sydney, Ayers Rock, Port Douglas, Auckland, Queenstown, Christchurch
Trip start: Sydney
Trip end: Christchurch
* USD per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
Expand [+]

We have carefully selected hotels and destinations which create the best experiences Australia and New Zealand have to offer. Enjoy the contrasts of the Outback's blue sky and red earth, sip your favourite cocktail and take in the best of Queensland relaxing at exclusive properties in the Tropical North and the Whitsundays. In Sydney we take you further, literally. Enjoy the crisp air of the Blue Mountains and the gourmet food and wine of the Hunter Valley. At times you may have trouble comprehending that you are only a short distance from Australia's largest city, all of this before even setting foot in New Zealand! Arrive in the capital of New Zealand and experience New Zealand's best lodges. Enjoy the vast landscapes of Queenstown, the English charm of Christchurch and the spectacular rural terrain of the North Island.

NOTE: Tour does not include domestic airfare, which can be worked into your international ticket. You may also wish to speak to your travel agent about the Australian Air Pass with Qantas.

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Sydney
  • Sydney: Transfer - Private - Airport - Car/ Driver
  • Private - 1/2 d City Sightseeing - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Park Hyatt (5*) (B)
Day 2
Sydney
  • Shared - Seaplanes – Fly/Dine Cottage Point Inn (4hrs) - Seaplane
  • Lunch (included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Park Hyatt (5*) (B)
Day 3
Sydney
  • Private - Hunter Valley Wine Tour (with Lunch) - Vehicle/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Park Hyatt (5*) (B)
Day 4
Ayers Rock
  • Transfer - Private - Airport - Car/ Driver
  • Ayers Rock: Transfer - Longitude 131
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Longitude 131- touring program
  • Dinner (included)
Longitude 131° (5*)  (B,L,D)
Day 5
Ayers Rock
  • Longitude 131- touring program
  • Lunch (included)
  • Dinner (included)
Longitude 131° (5*)
(Alt: Sails In The Desert) (B,L,D)
Day 6
Port Douglas
  • Transfer - Longitude 131
  • Transfer - Private - Cairns - Port Douglas - Vehicle/Driver
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Port Douglas: Optional Activities - At Leisure
  • Dinner (not included)
Thala Beach Resort 
Day 7
Port Douglas
  • Shared - Bloomfield & Cape Tribulation Explorer - Coach
  • Lunch (included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Thala Beach Resort 
Day 8
Port Douglas
  • Ship-based - Luxury Sail and Snorkel Cruise (with BBQ Lunch) - Catmaran
  • Lunch (included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Thala Beach Resort 
Day 9
Auckland
  • Transfer - Private - Port Douglas - Cairns - Vehicle/Driver
  • Auckland: Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
Hotel DeBrett (5*) (B,D)
Day 10
Queenstown
  • Queenstown: Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
  • Auckland: Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Queenstown: Skyline Queenstown (gondola and buffet dinner) - Per Person
Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel  (B)
Day 11
Queenstown
  • Famous Routeburn Track (with Lunch) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel  (B)
Day 12
Queenstown
  • Shared - Milford Sound by Coach and Flight (with Lunch) - Coach/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel  (B)
Day 13
Christchurch
  • Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
  • Christchurch: Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
The George (5*) 
Day 14
Christchurch
  • Shared - Kaikoura Whale Watching Excursion - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch (included)
  • Dinner (not included)
The George (5*) 
Day 15
Christchurch
  • Transfer - International/Domestic Airport (private) - Car/Driver
Depart 
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 Sydney

Sydney is the most populous city in Australia, with a metropolitan area population of approximately 4.28 million. It is the state capital of New South Wales, and the site of the first British colony in Australia, established in 1788 at Sydney Cove by Arthur Phillip, leader of the First Fleet from Britain. Located on Australia's south-east coast, the city is built around Port Jackson, which includes Sydney Harbour, leading to the city's nickname, "the Harbour City". It is noted for the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, and its beaches. The metropolitan area is surrounded by national parks, and contains many bays, rivers and inlets.

Private transfer from Sydney airport to the city/hotel, or vice versa.

Enjoy a half day private sightseeing tour in the company of a vehicle, driver and Expert Guide capturing the history of Sydney, stunning architecture, spectacular harbour views and the world famous Bondi Beach. Pass through the historical Rocks area and Circular Quay as you learn about the history and significance of the area. View the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, a chair specially designed for the governor’s wife to look out over the harbour. Travel through Chinatown, Darling Harbour, and the nightlife district of Kings Cross. Travel via Watson Bay and stop at “The Gap”, for fantastic views and photo opportunities before arriving at world famous Bondi Beach. Return to the city, passing the exclusive suburbs of Double Bay and Rose Bay.

Situated in the historic Rocks district, The Park Hyatt Sydney is now open after the largest and most comprehensive transformation in its 21 year history. Every aspect of the hotel has been dramatically transformed, setting a new benchmark in contemporary luxury. Architecturally designed guest rooms feature floor-to-ceiling glass that open onto private balconies, honouring Park Hyatt Sydney's coveted location, positioned right on the water's edge of Sydney Harbor, with spectacular views of the famous Harbor Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.. Renowned Australian artists including sculptors, painters and a photographer have been commissioned to create artwork especially for the new hotel. The hotel’s restaurants and bar, private dining rooms, day spa and recreational facilities have also been enhanced to reinforce Park Hyatt Sydney’s position as one of Australia’s premier hotels. The 158 air-conditioned guestrooms are the perfect place to relax and to have a good night's sleep. The award-winning harbourkitchen and bar offers a seasonal menu of modern Australian cuisine and an extensive cellar of Australian and imported wines are available to complete the experience. Enjoy a cocktail at the harbourbar, on one of the world's most glittering harbors and indulge at the Spa Park Hyatt, which prides itself in having some of Australia's top massage therapists who will cater to your specific needs.

Overnight at Park Hyatt (5*).


Sydney
Sydney
View of Sydney Opera House
View of Sydney Opera House
Park Hyatt Sydney
Park Hyatt Sydney
Day 2 Sydney

Enjoy a fly/dine experience with Sydney Seaplanes. A mere 20 minutes flying time from the hustle and bustle of Sydney is the exquisitely tranquil and award winning Cottage Point Inn. This beautiful restaurant is perched on the waters edge in the heart of the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and is renowned for offering exceptional modern Australian cuisine. Upon landing, we taxi the aircraft to the restaurant’s seaplane dock, where Cottage Point Inn’s friendly staff offer a warm welcome and any number of great Australian wines! After a leisurely 3 course à la carte lunch reboard your seaplane and return to Sydney Harbour. To top off a magical afternoon we offer you an incredible photo opportunity flying a circuit of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, before landing at Rose Bay.

Overnight at Park Hyatt (5*).


View from Cottage Point Inn as a waterplane lands
View from Cottage Point Inn as a waterplane lands
Day 3 Sydney

A trip to Sydney is not complete without a visit to the world class wineries of the Hunter Valley. We wind our way through the leafy Northern Suburbs, and then escape through the brilliant sandstone outcrops of Ku-ring-gai National Park to reach the mighty Hawkesbury River. We stop for a traditional Aussie morning tea deep in the bush and then continue on to the historic township of Wollombi, famous for its local brew called Dr Jurd’s Jungle Juice.From Mt View we descend into the Hunter Valley and begin our wine tasting at a few of the very special boutique wineries in the area. We chat to the owners, admire their cottage locations and let them show off the best of their vintages. At the foothills of the Broken Back Range, we enjoy a sumptuous lunch and then spend the afternoon visiting some of the larger vineyards for more superb wine tasting. As the afternoon approaches we return to Sydney via the scenic freeway to conclude this relaxing and enjoyable day

Overnight at Park Hyatt (5*).


Day 4 Ayers Rock

Uluru, also referred to as Ayers Rock, is a large sandstone rock formation in the southern part of the Northern Territory, central Australia. It lies 335 km (208 mi) south west of the nearest large town, Alice Springs; 450 km (280 mi) by road. Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and Uluru are the two major features of the Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park. Uluru is sacred to the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara, the Aboriginal people of the area. It has many springs, waterholes, rock caves and ancient paintings. Uluru is listed as a World Heritage Site.

Private transfer from Sydney airport to the city/hotel, or vice versa.

Longitude 131 will arrange transportation to escort you between the airport and property.

After arriving at Longitude 131° and settling in, meet in the Dune House for a 3pm departure to the Cultural Centre where you will learn the cultural and spiritual meanings of Uluru & Kata Tjuta. Afterwards you will travel to Uluru, where we will take a short walk into Kantju Gorge. On arrival at the gorge we will serve refreshments 'inside' Uluru and watch the sunset. You will return to Longitude 131° at approximately 7.15pm.

On your return, relax in the Dune House over pre-dinner drinks and canapés before enjoying a gourmet dinner with your fellow travellers or for a special occasion a private dinner by the pool or on the Dune Top.

Luxurious, eco-sensitive and romantic, Longitude 131° (5*) offers immersion in the wilderness of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. This award-winning luxury wilderness camp in Australia's Red Centre has achieved new heights in ecotourism the world over. Longitude 131° is a deluxe camping experience like no other and set atop an isolated sand dune close to the border of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. In the crisp, white linen of a king-sized bed guest find the serene, silent sleep of the desert. Guests awake to their own private view of the amazing sun rising over Uluru (Ayers Rock).

Overnight at Longitude 131° (5*) .


Ayers Rock
Ayers Rock
Dining at Longitude 131
Dining at Longitude 131
Longitude 131° (5*)
Longitude 131° (5*)
Day 5 Ayers Rock

Depart Longitude 131° at 6am bound for Kata Tjuta. Upon arrival you will begin your journey with a guided tour of Walpa Gorge, where the natural history of Kata Tjuta is explained in great detail, learning how eons of weathering and continental upheaval have created what is seen today. You will return to Longitude 131° at approximately 10am.

Spend your afternoon at leisure or take the opportunity to enjoy any of our optional tours, such as a camel ride, Harley ride or helicopter tour over Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Enjoy sunset drinks and canapés on the Dune Top from 6pm. You will then be transferred to our outdoor dining venue, where you'll have an unforgettable dining experience under the stars. Return to the Dune House for complimentary after dinner drinks.

Overnight at Longitude 131° (5*) .


Walpa Gorge
Walpa Gorge
Day 6 Port Douglas

Port Douglas is a town in Far North Queensland, Australia, approximately 70 km (43 mi) north of Cairns. Its permanent population was 948 residents in 2006. The town's population can often quadruple, however, with the influx of tourists during the peak tourism season May-September. The town is named in honour of former Premier of Queensland, John Douglas. Port Douglas developed quickly based on the mining industry, other parts of the area were established with timber cutting occurring in the area surrounding the Daintree River and with settlement starting to occur on lots around the Mossman River by 1880.

Longitude 131 will arrange transportation to escort you between the airport and property.

Transfer between Cairns airport and the beautiful town of Port Douglas with private vehicle and driver.

We all need time out now and again, enter a laid back tropical oasis with sophisticated worldly comforts with a small friendly village atmosphere. Go from business suit to barefoot and frantic to free. Refresh, restore and revitalise, in the aquamarine reef waters of the Coral Sea, the crystal creeks of Mossman Gorge, and the palm fringed golden sands of Port Douglas' Four Mile Beach.

Thala Beach Lodge (5*) is a privately owned nature resort, situated 38 kilometres North of the city of Cairns and 16 kilometres South of the village of Port Douglas. Timber bungalows are scattered amongst a hundred and forty five acres of wooded headland and secluded beaches. It is one of the world's most beautiful private beach locations. The story of the natural history of Australia is unique and Thala nurtures this environment. The main building is designed to embrace all the elements of the tropics. Built from local timbers, it is open and spacious, allowing the cool sea breezes to flow.

Overnight at Thala Beach Resort.


Port Douglas
Port Douglas
Port Douglas Four Mile Beach
Port Douglas Four Mile Beach
Day 7 Port Douglas

Departing your hotel and joining your fellow travellers, we travel through the rich farming areas toward the World Heritage Listed forest region of Cape Tribulation. We step aboard our own personalised craft for a cruise on the mirrored smooth waters of the Daintree River. We cruise close to riverbanks and under the overhead canopy of the rainforest seeking out the vivid Ulysees Butterfly, Kingfishers and various other wildlife. The cruise takes us through silent backwaters where crocodiles can normally be seen basking on the muddy banks. Arriving on the northern side of the river you enjoy a homestyle morning tea at Thornton Beach before making your way towards Cape Tribulation and the Coral Sea. Usually we are the sole voyagers on this stretch of wilderness beach. Just before you arrive you will see an outstanding panoramic picture postcard view at Alexandra Range Lookout. From here you'll have a spectacular view of the mouth of the Daintree River, Snapper Island and on a clear day Port Douglas.

Overnight at Thala Beach Resort.


Alexandra Range Lookout
Alexandra Range Lookout
Day 8 Port Douglas

Be picked up and transported to the luxury 62 foot sailing catamaran Synergy II. This is for a maximum of twelve pampered passengers on board. This is a spectacular and memorable day with a difference. Synergy is also available for private charter seven days a week.

This exclusive, luxury boat will whisk you off to a dynamic reef ecosystem bursting with a huge variety of exciting marine life including over 1500 species of fish and 460 varieties of coral.

Meals are a gourmet affair like nothing else seen on the Outer Reef because they’re freshly cooked on board, served al fresco on the split level rear deck. A fine selection of champagne, wine, beer spirits and cocktails are also available from our extensively stocked bar.

Overnight at Thala Beach Resort.


Day 9 Auckland

Auckland is the largest city in the country, and has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world. It is one of the few cities in the world to have harbours on two separate major bodies of water. Auckland is popularly known as the "City of Sails" because the harbour is often dotted with hundreds of yachts, in fact over 135,000 are registered in the city. Many national treasures are displayed at the Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland War Memorial Museum, the National Maritime Museum, or the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT). Exotic creatures can be observed at the Auckland Zoo and Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World.

You will be picked up from your Port Douglas Hotel and taken by private car to Cairns City or airport.

A private vehicle with driver will provide a transfer between the Auckland Airport and Hotel.

Settled in Auckland CBD, the Hotel DeBrett (5*) links two unique precincts - High Street's hip fashion and Shortland Street's tailored commerce. Hotel's iconic building has been stylishly reinterpreted into a 25-room luxury boutique hotel. Every room is individually designed and complimented with eclectic furniture, New Zealand art and photography. Experience contemporary New Zealand cuisine featuring the best local produce prepared and cooked with care in the Kitchen. The hotel provides a gym and DVD and book library and bars.

Overnight at Hotel DeBrett (5*).


Auckland
Auckland
Hotel DeBrett
Hotel DeBrett
Day 10 Queenstown

Queenstown is a resort town in Otago in the south-west of New Zealand's South Island. It is built around an inlet on Lake Wakatipu, a long thin lake shaped like a staggered lightning bolt, and has spectacular views of nearby mountains. A resort town, Queenstown is a centre for adventure tourism. Skiing, jet boating, bungee jumping, mountain biking, tramping and fly fishing are all strong promotional themes. Queenstown is a major centre for snow sports in New Zealand, with four main mountain skifields (Cardrona Alpine Resort, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Treble Cone).

Relax during this transfer travelling between the airport and hotel.

A private vehicle with driver will provide a transfer between the Auckland Airport and Hotel.

Scenic Gondola ride and Taste of New Zealand buffet of legendary proportions in the Skyline Restaurant. The Skyline complex has fantastic views over Queenstown and towards the Remarkables Mountain range.

Queenstown Park Hotel stands alone as Queenstown's newest luxury boutique hotel. Be awed and inspired by the incredible views, luxuriate in the quality, appreciate the stylish design and sophisticated service of an urban boutique hotel. Revel in the personal attention and local knowledge provided by your hotel hosts. Centrally located, yet surrounded by parklands, this 19 room architecturally-designed hotel compliments Queenstown's majestic mountain backdrop to perfection.

Overnight at Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel .


Queenstown
Queenstown
Entrance
Entrance
Day 11 Queenstown

Prepare for a full day walk within the ancient Beech forest of the Mount Aspiring National Park. Start the tour with a scenic drive to the northern end of Lake Wakatipu and into the Routeburn Valley. The high snow capped mountains provide a magnificent backdrop for the walk up this beautiful river valley. A journey along the edge of the lake from Queenstown, to the head of Lake Wakatipu is the ideal preparation for the splendour of the world-famous Routeburn Track. The walk begins amongst the towering tree's of the ancient Beech forest, making route gradually through blankets of forest moss and ferns.  The woodland eventually parts to reveal the rich grassland of Routeburn Flats, overlooked on all sides by cloud-scraping mountains, some so high they have permafrost and small glaciers. These flats provide the perfect location to enjoy a well earned lunch, before heading to the next stop at Routeburn Falls.

Overnight at Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel .


Hiking the Routeburn Track
Hiking the Routeburn Track
Day 12 Queenstown

Commence the days touring after being picked up by a coach, travelling alongside Lake Wakatipu and through the countryside to Te Anau. Continue along the picturesque Milford Road to Milford Sound, which takes approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival to the wharf, board the ship to enjoy a scenic cruise around Milford Sound, providing spectacular visuals including local wildlife, rainforests, mountains and waterfalls. Lunch is provided on board. Following the cruise, depart back to Queenstown by flight and enjoy the scenery by air. (Weather permitting).

Overnight at Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel .


En Route to Tasman Sea
En Route to Tasman Sea
Day 13 Christchurch

Christchurch is the regional capital of Canterbury, New Zealand. The largest city in the South Island, situated just north of Banks Peninsula. The large number of public parks has given Christchurch the name of The Garden City. Hagley Park and the 30-hectare (75 acre) Christchurch Botanic Gardens, founded in 1863, are in the central city. Other attractions include; Canterbury Museum, Ferrymead Heritage Park, Orana Wildlife Park, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Air Force Museum, Southern Encounter Aquarium and Kiwi House, International Antarctic Centre.

Relax during this transfer travelling between the airport and hotel.

A private vehicle with driver will provide a transfer between the airport and hotel.

Located picturesquely in the heart of Christchurch overlooking its very own "Central Park," this very individual boutique hotel is just steps away from all the key attractions including the tram, arts market, restaurants, theatres and gardens. The hotel’s spacious rooms are designed with a stylish eye for detail, complete with luxury amenities and, with a one-to-one ratio of staff to guests, impeccable service is guaranteed. Boasting two world class restaurants that rate amongst the best in New Zealand, visitors come from far and wide to savor the delicious cuisine in both Pescatore and 50 on Park. Stroll down to the city center and explore the city’s many attractions including the popular casino and world-class art gallery.

Overnight at The George (5*).


Christchurch
Christchurch
The George
The George
Day 14 Christchurch

Travel to Kaikoura, one of the few places in the world in the world that remain untouched and continue to boast such natural wonders. Located on the rugged east coast, Kaikoura is overlooked by majestic mountain range, and is the place to experience whales and many other species of marine wildlife from an excellent viewing level. This tour includes morning and afternoon tea, a spectacular whale watch cruise, and a cafe lunch at Kaikoura.  A return transfer to Christchurch is included.

Overnight at The George (5*).


Kaikoura Whale Watch
Kaikoura Whale Watch
Day 15 Christchurch

Private transfer from your hotel to Christchurch airport for your onward flight.

Depart from Christchurch International Airport - end of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.



Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
International and Internal Flights - Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.