Wanderlust Collection: Grand Australia & New Zealand

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, when we meet our Tour Director at our hotel. Our journey begins with a welcome cocktail reception followed by dinner at the hotel.

You'll see a lot of Melbourne on a sightseeing tour of the city, including a guided walking tour to discover the real city (and its amazing coffee) along its distinctive laneways. The rest of the day and evening are yours to spend as you please in Melbourne; enjoy lunch and dinner as you please.

Take a morning private charter flight to the heart of Australia's desert Outback, arriving at Ayers Rock (Uluru) for lunch and an overnight stay at Sails in the Desert in the country's "Red Centre." In the evening, the light of the setting sun bathes the mystical rock with a palette of ever-changing color... and you'll enjoy the natural "show" with canapés and champagne overlooking the monolith.

Aboriginal traditions define life in the Outback, especially at Uluru (Ayers Rock); learn about the "dreamtime" legends associated with this massive monolith on a guided tour this morning. Fly via private charter to Cairns in Queensland, gateway to the amazing Great Barrier Reef. Board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, taking you over and through the rainforest canopy; disembark in the mountain village of Kuranda. Continue on to Silky Oaks Lodge, your luxury eco lodge on the Mossman River adjacent to Daintree National Park, to begin a three-night rainforest resort stay.

Spend a full day exploring one of Earth's most incredible "living" sites, the Great Barrier Reef – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only living structure on Earth visible from the moon. Activity choices include a catamaran cruise to the Agincourt Reef; an adventure boat trip for scuba divers and snorkelers; or a relaxing spa day at the lodge. Enjoy a leisurely dinner and evening at your resort.

Early risers may choose to soar over the Atherton Tablelands on an optional hot air balloon ride* at dawn (an additional charge per person; see pricing details). The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish at your rainforest resort and spa, or explore the area as you please. Enjoy dinner tonight at the lodge.

 

Begin the day with a visit to one of Australia's most famous iconic sights, the amazing Sydney Opera House, and a private tour.  Next, a private cruise on Sydney Harbour is a fabulous way to introduce yourself to this extraordinary city, taking a good look at some of its landmark sites from the water. Sydney sightseeing continues as you view highlights on a city tour, then spend the rest of the day exploring as you please. Dinner this evening is at your leisure.

A walking tour across Sydney this morning introduces you to its most historical and popular neighborhood - The Rocks, whose history dates back to the late 18th century! As you explore this historic part of the city, you'll be treated to a gelato tasting followed by lunch at a local eatery. Afterwards, return to your hotel; the remainder of the day and evening are yours to spend as you wish in remarkable Sydney.

Discover Wellington on a tour that begins city center with a cable car ride up to the city's Botanic Garden to see the award-winning rose garden and great views of the city, harbour, and Parliament Buildings. Next up is Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand's national museum, where you'll have a guided orientation to its five floors focusing on the country's exceptional nature, art, history, the Pacific and Maori culture. Touring its exhibits is like actually experiencing thousands of years of New Zealand's history in person, as motion simulators and interactive exhibits include you in the journey. The remainder of the day is free to explore Wellington as you please.

Tauck puts a charter plane at your service today for a flight to Blenheim on New Zealand's South Island, and a two-night stay in the heart of the Marlborough wine country. Upon arrival, head off on a visit to the Marlborough Sounds. Besides producing great wine, this region is one of the most beautiful and picturesque areas in the country, and boasts delectable freshly caught seafood, including green-lipped mussels; sample them, along with local wines, on a luncheon cruise that celebrates New Zealand's bounty. Following your cruise, drive to Chateau Marlborough in Blenheim where you'll enjoy dinner at your leisure this evening.

A memorable day in the Blenheim area begins with a visit to a working private farm for a sheep shearing demonstration and sheep dog experience; morning tea at the homestead with the farmer and his family; and a walk through their extensive gardens. Continue on to Wither Hills Winery for a wine tasting and three-course lunch with matching wines, then return to the hotel for some free time. Join us this evening for a Tauck Exclusive event: a visit to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre – which displays an incredible collection of World War I and II aircraft and memorabilia owned by film director Sir Peter Jackson – for "Dinner with the Warbirds," featuring a tour of the museum's "Knights of the Sky" and "Dangerous Skies" exhibitions, and a three-course dinner showcasing seasonal Marlborough produce and a selection of quality Marlborough wines.

Today, depart Blenheim and fly off aboard Tauck's charter to Manapouri (Te Anau) in the magnificent Fiordlands region, for two nights at an ideally located hotel. You'll have a choice this afternoon of a visit to the Glow Worm Caves or a scenic Fjordland National Park boat ride. Return to Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas for an evening spent as you please.

Take a dramatic drive through the unparalleled scenery of New Zealand's Fiordland National Park, then set off aboard a private boat (with a naturalist onboard) for a scenic nature luncheon cruise among the sheer cliffs and glacier-hewn inlets of beautiful Milford Sound.  Enjoy lunch at your hotel, then join us at Fiordland Cinema for the Fiordland World Heritage Status wilderness presentation. Mysterious, evocative, exhilarating and utterly spectacular, filmed mostly from a helicopter across extremes of season, climate and terrain, it will take you on an unforgettable journey through one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth. Enjoy some wine and cheese before returning to your hotel for the evening.

This morning, travel to the beautiful town of Queenstown, situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu with the Southern Alps as a backdrop. Have lunch at the Ayrburn Winery; wine tasting at the winery offers an immersive experience in a unique setting. Located in the historic Ayrburn estate near Queenstown, the winery blends its 160-year-old heritage with modern charm. Have lunch, and learn about the local terroir and winemaking techniques – a versatile atmosphere for wine enthusiasts to enjoy the stunning surroundings. Your accommodations at the Sofitel Queenstown exude French-inspired sophistication in the heart of the city.

Even if you're not all that adventurous, today's thrilling high-speed jet boat ride* through the rapids and narrow gorges of Skippers Canyon on the Shotover River – followed by a helicopter ride* – will be memorable highlights. Head back down the mountain via Skyline gondola to spend the rest of the day and evening as you wish in Queenstown.

Travel via Tauck's private charter flight from Queenstown to Auckland today for a two-night stay, arriving in time for lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to the Auckland Museum featuring a Maori cultural presentation. Following dinner at your hotel, your evening is free.

Depart from Auckland's Ferry Terminal and head to nearby Waiheke Island, a mecca of farmland, forest and beaches – and vineyards; enjoy some sightseeing and a unique whisky tasting at The Heke. Ferry back to Auckland where you'll spend the afternoon as you please exploring what interests you most in Auckland, then join us this evening for a farewell cocktail reception and dinner at your hotel in the heart of the city.

Tour ends: Auckland. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from The Sofitel Auckland at Viaduct Harbour to Auckland Airport. You should allow three hours for check-in at the airport.