18-Nights All Over Australia and New Zealand from $15,195

Itinerary Details

Swain Destinations: All Over Australia and New Zealand

Day 1 Welcome to Auckland
Begin your time in Auckland with a private tour of the city combined with a transfer from Auckland Airport. You will be met on arrival for your transfer and half day introduction tour of Auckland before being taken to your accommodation.

Tamaki Makaurau, the Maori name for Auckland (meaning a city of 100 lovers), is aptly named with visitors experiencing first-hand why locals love this beautiful, geographically and culturally diverse city. Enjoy an extraordinary first impression of New Zealand and optimize your time on your first day in Auckland. The Auckland Private Tour will take in selected historical and cultural sites of significance, cityscapes, harbor views and coastlines, views of ancient volcanic peaks, and parks with unique flora and fauna in New Zealand's largest city.

The Grand By Skycity

Day 2 Travel to Rotorua via Waitomo
Your driver will collect you in Auckland and then head south, where suburban scenery gradually gives way to the farmlands of South Auckland. The Waikato River will accompany you for much of your journey through the green countryside. Travel via the city of Hamilton as well as through rich Waikato farmland, before arriving at Waitomo.

Below the hilly green pastures of the Waitomo region is a subterranean limestone landscape of caves, sinkholes and underground rivers. Arrive at Waitomo Caves and discover the ancient underground labyrinth and marvel at the limestone formations. You will join a group tour that descends into the caves, to experience the wonder of a unique boat trip through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto.

After lunch, continue to travel south, driving over the bush clad Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua where you will be set down at your accommodation.

On The Point - Lake Rotorua
Meals: B, L

Day 3 Rotorua City Supreme Tour
Travel to the Agrodome, a unique New Zealand Farm show where you will be introduced to the 19 breeds of sheep that are farmed extensively throughout the country. A demonstration of sheep shearing and wool handling will follow along with the amazing working farm dogs - live on stage and then outdoors over a typical New Zealand sheep-trial course. A short drive then takes you to Rainbow Springs, a great showcase of New Zealand flora, fauna, and magnificent Rainbow and Brown trout. Here, you will have an opportunity to see the endangered Kiwi and be part of an ongoing conservation campaign to help save this iconic bird. Take a fully guided behind the scenes Kiwi encounter tour, before heading off to drive through the Government Gardens and adjacent lake district.

There is time for lunch at a local café, or you may decide to try the authentic Maori hangi meal at the next stop, Te Puia. Set in the beautiful Whakarewarewa geothermal valley which is alive with boiling mud, steaming hot pools and the fantastic Pohutu and Prince of Wales Feathers geysers. At around 4pm, you will head back to your accommodation.

On The Point - Lake Rotorua
Meals: B, L

Day 4 Travel to Queenstown
Takeoff to Queenstown on the next stage of your adventure.

Azur Lodge
Meals: B

Day 5 Milford Sound Tour
The early morning departure from Queenstown begins with the lakeside drive to the south of Queenstown, which unfolds into the lush green of Southland's alpine farming country before heading for the unforgettable drama of Fiordland's scenery. After refreshments on the shores of New Zealand's second largest lake, Te Anau, the scenery en route to Milford Sound unveils astonishing beauty at every bend and ample opportunity for pictures.

Azur Lodge
Meals: B, L

Day 6 Dart River Wilderness Safari
Transfer from Queenstown by coach to Glenorchy and the mouth of the Dart River to board the 18-foot specially prepared jet boat. The Wilderness Safari takes you on a spectacular 90-minute jet-boat journey through the Dart's ever-changing braided river system where you'll be surrounded by snow-covered peaks, hidden valleys and waterfalls.

The tour includes an easy guided 30-minute bush walk at Rockburn at Paradise where your knowledgeable guide will enliven your walk with an informative and entertaining commentary about the native forest, the unique flora and fauna, as well as the fascinating Maori and colonial history of the area. Rejoin the jetboat for the 45-minute ride back to Glenorchy where you will board the coach for the 1 hour transfer back to Queenstown.

Azur Lodge
Meals: B

Day 7 Travel to Christchurch via Mount Cook
Your driver-guide will collect you from your Queenstown hotel to embark on your privately guided drive. The tour begins with a scenic drive through the spectacularly rugged Kawarau gorge where the mighty Kawarau River follows the road through precipitous bluffs and rock-strewn hillsides. Pass through Cromwell, in the true heart of the Central Otago wine and fruit-growing region - a quick stop at one of the local fruit stalls is a must. Traveling along the shores of Lake Dunstan into the Lindis country, one gets a sense of just how remote and sparsely populated the area is. Past Omarama, the first of two large alpine-fed lakes appears into view with Mount Cook, or Aoraki as it is known to the local Maori, forming an impressive backdrop.

Stop at the Hermitage Hotel, Mount Cook with time for lunch at your own expense, and optional activities such as scenic flights (additional cost and weather dependent). The journey then continues through the Mackenzie Country and down onto the fertile Canterbury Plains. On arrival into Christchurch, the Garden City and New Zealand's second largest city, enjoy a brief orientation tour of the city center before being dropped at your city accommodations.

The George
Meals: B, L

Day 8 Christchurch City Garden Tour
Explore the garden city and the surrounding areas of Christchurch with a small group of guests in a deluxe mini-coach. Departing from your hotel, the tour heads through Christchurch and by the city's center. Next, the tour heads towards the Port Hills, which overlook Christchurch, and offer stunning views of the city, Canterbury Plains, Lyttleton Harbour and the distant Southern Alps. After dropping into Lyttleton Harbour, you will have time explore a private garden that has been growing since 1865 and includes a variety of exotic trees, shrub rhododendrons, camellias and a good variety of New Zealand native plants. Head over the crater rim to another private garden that is 15 years old; the garden has a strong New Zealand theme and a largely formal layout. Within the evergreen structure of totara hedges, there are many native New Zealand plants and hybrids of exotic varieties raised in this country. The tour then heads back towards Christchurch city, stopping for a relaxing lunch, then a visit to the botanical gardens. Here you will see exotic trees that are some of the largest, the tallest or the oldest of their kind in New Zealand. You will see spectacular color, intriguing sculptures and memorial plantings that celebrate local and international history.

The George
Meals: B

Day 9 Travel to Sydney
Takeoff to Sydney and continue on the next stage of your adventure.

Shangri-La, Sydney
Meals: B

Day 10 Essential Sydney Tour
Your host greets you in the lobby of your hotel. A private Mercedes van then drives through the historic ‘Rocks' area with stories of Australia's wild colonial past. Your guide will point out Sydney's best downtown shopping places and restaurants on the way to Barangaroo, the hot, new place for wining and dining.

Next, visit the most famous building of the late 20th century, the Sydney Opera House. Join your Opera House guide and begin a group tour of this iconic building.

Drive historic Macquarie Street past State Parliament, the ‘Rum Hospital', World Heritage listed Hyde Park Barracks, the Great Synagogue and St Mary's Cathedral. Enjoy a short stroll in The Royal Botanical Gardens. Hopefully you'll spot a cockatoo or three between taking pictures of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Mrs Macquarie's Chair.

Wind through fashionable Paddington and Woollahra, featuring century old terrace houses, art galleries and boutiques. Reach the coast and be swept away by famous Bondi Beach. Promenade the boardwalk and explore the shops before your waterside lunch.

See the famous Macquarie Lighthouse and spectacular Sydney Heads before driving back to Rose Bay and taking a picture rich ferry service to Circular Quay past Sydney's most exclusive homes. Alternatively, your guide will drive you back to your hotel via Double Bay Village and Kings Cross. Either way, you'll definitely know the Sydney essentials.

Shangri-La, Sydney
Meals: B, L

Day 11 BridgeClimb Summit - Day Climb & Sydney At Leisure
BridgeClimb is a 3.5 hour guided journey to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It takes you along the outer arch of the bridge on catwalks and ladders all the way to the summit, 400 feet above Sydney Harbour. In climb groups of up to 14 people, you'll be led by a professional BridgeClimb leader on an adventure of the world's most recognizable bridge. The steady incline to the summit leaves you free to focus your attention on your Sydney experience, with opportunities to witness 360-degree views of Sydney, including east to the Sydney Opera House, west to the Blue Mountains and the Harbour city surrounds. When you reach the top you will have a sense of achievement that you will remember forever - you've conquered an Australian icon recognized the world over! The professional Climb Leaders will take pictures of you on the climb and at the end you will receive a commemorative Climber Certificate, a complimentary Climber Cap and group photograph, with all climbers in the group receiving an identical photo.

It is no surprise that when the British first arrived in Sydney they named the area Botany Bay. Even today, with a population of over 4 million people and a reputation for fun rather than flora, one is still surrounded by bush land in this bustling city. Native Waratah wind their way through the historic Rocks area, palm trees frame long stretches of pristine beach, and Eucalyptus embrace the endless and beckoning bays of Sydney Harbour.

It is Sydney's man-made wonders, however, that draw most visitors. The Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge are the most photographed icons on the continent. Choose a Seaplane Safari experience and enjoy a bird's eye view of the Opera House's signature sails. See the Harbour Bridge up close and personal by climbing the metal monolith to enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the glittering vista below with BridgeClimb as you climb to the top. Whether it is an early morning visit to the largest fish market in the southern hemisphere, or your very first surfing lesson on Bondi Beach, in this vibrant metropolis you will find no lack of energetic escapes and dynamic distractions.

There are many ways to enjoy the harbor: on a small luxury motor cruiser or sailing yacht, or ferries that take you to Taronga Park Zoo or Manly and the harbor suburbs. Take the Darling Harbour Rocket that connects Circular Quay to Darling Harbour where there are many restaurants and attractions such as The Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife World, The IMAX Theater and the Naval Museum. For a more leisurely afternoon, take a walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens and Hyde Park, or learn about Australia's National Gemstone, the Opal, at Altmann; Cherny or The National Opal Collection, right in the heart of the city on Pitt Street.

Shangri-La, Sydney
Meals: B

Day 12 Travel to Ayers Rock & A Night at Field of Light
Takeoff to Ayers Rock and continue on the next stage of your adventure.

A night at Field of Light combines the award-winning 'Sounds of Silence' buffet BBQ dinner under the outback sky with the once-in-a-lifetime Field of Light art installation. With magnificent views of Uluru at sunset, a special three-course bush tucker menu, premium selection of Australian wines & beers, fascinating star talk and a self-guided walk through the Field of Light art installation, your 'A Night at Field of Light' experience is complete.

Your evening begins with a convenient hotel pick-up and transfer to the remote desert location with majestic views of Uluru. As the sun sets on the horizon to the music of a lone didgeridoo, enjoy gourmet canapés and chilled sparkling wine. As darkness falls and the colored lights of the 50,000 glass spheres gently come to life, join your table of fellow travelers for an exceptional three-course menu infused with bush tucker flavors. As the night ignites with countless stars, settle back and listen to the resident star talker decode the southern night sky.

The host will provide insights to the art installation that awaits you, before you're invited to immerse yourself in the Field of Light, its pathways glistening softly with rhythms of colored light, beckoning you to explore. Take a lasting look back at Field of Light from the dune top viewing area before boarding the return transfer to Yulara Resort.

Sails In The Desert
Meals: B, D

Day 13 Kata Tjuta Sunrise Tour & Uluru and Sunset Tour
Revel in the early morning serenity of a truly spiritual place as the sunrise colors change on Kata Tjuta. Enjoy an outback picnic breakfast. Learn about this diverse environment while walking between the mighty conglomerate rock walls and into Walpa Gorge. Hear how the many domes that make up Kata Tjuta have evolved over millions of years. Take time to listen to the wind (Walpa) far above and view the scale of the rock walls that surround you. The spirituality of this amazing location embraces everyone who ventures here.

Later you will travel through the landscape to the entrance of Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. From this point, it is only a matter of minutes before the spectre of Uluru rises from the sand dunes to demonstrate its enormity and presence - the first stop allows you a photographic opportunity of this amazing icon. With Uluru looming in front, walk with your guide to a place of tranquility at the base. The closer you wander, the more you surrender to the realization of the sheer size of this monolith. Driving around the base, immerse yourself in the area. Stops are made for a short walk into Mutitjulu Waterhole. There, you will visit rock-art sites and the local waterhole with your guide to learn of Uluru's significance to the Anangu (local Aboriginal people). As you continue the drive around the rest of the base, experience the Mala walk before adjourning to the Talinguru Nyakunytjaku viewing area where you will observe a sunset from a different perspective over Uluru with Kata Tjuta in the distance. Enjoy sparkling wine and light refreshments.

Sails In The Desert
Meals: B

Day 14 Travel to Cairns
Takeoff to Cairns and continue on the next stage of your adventure.

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Day 15 Reef and Rainforest Helicopter Flight
This awe-inspiring flight combines sights of both the Reef and Rainforest - an opportunity to witness the only place in the world where two world heritage-listed sites meet. Departing over Port Douglas and 4 Mile Beach, first enjoy sights offered on the 30 Minute Rainforest Scenic over the town of Mossman and Mossman Gorge, followed by the Daintree River mouth, Cape Kimberley and past Snapper Island with views of Cow Bay and Cape Tribulation. The flight concludes with breathtaking views of Low Isles and sights of the Great Barrier Reef.

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Meals: B

Day 16 Daintree Dreaming - Traditional Aboriginal Fishing with Ngadiku Walk
Experience the region's rich Aboriginal history and culture on this exclusive journey from coast to rainforest.

Travel along one of Australia's most scenic coastal drives as you head north of Port Douglas to Cooya Beach (Kuku Kuku). This special place is a traditional fishing ground of the Kuku Yalanji people and has three diverse ecosystems - beaches, mangroves and coastal reefs. Join a member of the Kubirri Warra clan on their daily journey through these ecosystems to spear and gather food for their family. You will be introduced to their traditional fishing and gathering techniques that have been passed down through generations and are still used today by their people.

Next, travel to the Mossman Gorge Centre for lunch in their café before joining the Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk that will be conducted by a local indigenous guide. Ngadiku (Nar-di-gul) means stories and legends from a long time ago in local Kuku Yalanji language. You are greeted with a traditional smoking ceremony conducted by the Aboriginal people with a specialized cultural knowledge to welcome people to their land. During the 90-minute guided walk your experienced indigenous guide demonstrates traditional plant use, identifies bush food and traditions like making bush soaps & ochre paint. The walk meanders through stunning rainforest while your guide provides an enchanting narrative of the Rainforest and the Kuku Yalanji's special relationship with this unique environment. Return to the vehicle for your transfer back to your accommodation after a unique day of cultural discovery.

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Meals: B, L

Day 17 Depart Cairns
Ahead of your flight, you will be transferred from your accommodations to the Cairns Airport.

Meals: B