14-Nights Independent Best Of Australia & New - Independent Tour from $5,629

Itinerary Details

Independent Best Of Australia & New Zealand

Day 1 ARRIVE IN CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA
• Welcome to tropical Cairns! The balance of the day is at your leisure. Your Local Host is available to make recommendations for dining, shopping, and sightseeing.

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Day 2 CAIRNS. EXCURSION TO THE OUTER GREAT BARRIER REEF
• Prepare for the experience of a lifetime when you board a catamaran and cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Explore this underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of coral and sea life. Choose to snorkel, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, or attend a presentation by a marine biologist. Late this afternoon, return to Cairns.

(B,L)

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Day 3 CAIRNS
• A full day at leisure to explore more of Cairns.

(B)

Today's I-Time Tips
Perhaps select an optional excursion to see crocodiles, kangaroos, and koalas, or to the quiet mountain village of Kuranda via the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Other options: try your luck at fishing, visit the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest, or check out the many shops and galleries along Cairns’ famous Esplanade.

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Day 4 CAIRNS–ULURU (AYERS ROCK)
• Today, fly to Uluru. The rest of the day is at leisure.

(B)

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Day 5 ULURU
• Rise early for an inspiring sunrise over Uluru and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Witness incredible views over the dunes and stunning desert landscape. Continue to Walpa Gorge for a guided walk-through Kata Tjuta.
This afternoon, visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, which houses an amazing collection of ceramics, paintings, and punu (woodwork) from the Anangu people, the traditional custodians of Uluru.
Finish the day at “Sunset Strip” for a drink and canapés, and to witness the changing colors of the rock.

(B)

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Day 6 ULURU–SYDNEY
• Fly to beautiful Sydney, Australia’s largest city. The rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities. Why not grab dinner at a waterside restaurant and take in the energy of this vibrant city? Your Local Host is available to make recommendations and point you in the right direction.

(B)

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Day 7 SYDNEY
• Enjoy a morning guided sightseeing tour which includes a photo stop at the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Then, visit Bondi Beach, one of Sydney’s most beautiful beaches. The remainder of the day is yours to explore.

(B)

Today's I-Time Tips
You may want to enjoy a cruise on Sydney Harbour to admire stunning views of the city from the water or visit Taronga Zoo to see some of Australia’s native animals, such as koalas, kangaroos, and platypuses. Your Local Host will have suggestions for sightseeing, dining, and shopping.

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Day 8 SYDNEY
• Enjoy a full day at leisure in this beautiful city.

(B)

Today's I-Time Tips
With your free time today, why not see the city from new heights with a climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge or discover Sydney’s storied past on the Rocks Pub Tour. Travel out of town to the scenic Blue Mountains or sample wines in Hunter Valley. You may also choose to shop for souvenirs, explore the restaurants of Barangaroo, or take a ferry to nearby Manly Beach.

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Day 9 SYDNEY–QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND
• Fly to Queenstown, New Zealand’s “Adventure Capital.” The remainder of the day is at leisure. Your Local Host is available for sightseeing, shopping, and dining suggestions.

(B)

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Day 10 QUEENSTOWN. EXCURSION TO MILFORD SOUND
• Enjoy a full-day excursion to Milford Sound. First, travel by motorcoach along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park. View the Mirror Lakes as you pass through Eglinton Valley. From the Homer Tunnel, emerge into Cleddau Valley. Join your Milford Sound cruise for an unforgettable experience. Be on the lookout for wildlife such as dolphins and penguins and enjoy the breathtaking waterfalls and scenery. Return to Queenstown late this evening.

(B)

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Day 11 QUEENSTOWN
• Enjoy a full day to explore more of beautiful Queenstown.

(B)

Today's I-Time Tips
Choose an optional visit to a local winery to sample some of New Zealand’s best wines, take a thrilling jet boat ride on the Dart River, or tour some of the sites used in The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. Your Local Host will be available to make sightseeing, shopping, and dining recommendations.

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Day 12 QUEENSTOWN–ROTORUA
• Fly to Rotorua, known for its hot springs, geysers, and fascinating Maori culture. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

(B)

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Day 13 ROTORUA
• Guided sightseeing includes a visit to Agrodome, where you’ll learn about New Zealand’s sheep industry, the National Kiwi Hatchery, and to Te Puia, where you’ll explore this geothermal wonderland. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

(B)

Today's I-Time Tips
Choose to join an optional Maori (indigenous Polynesian people) cultural performance and Hangi dinner (roasted meats and vegetables cooked underground with hot stones). Other options include a relaxing soak in one of the therapeutic pools at the Polynesian Spa, a magical treetop walk through the Redwoods, or a helicopter tour to see this scenic region by air.

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Day 14 ROTORUA–WAITOMO–AUCKLAND
• Head north to Waitomo, where you will take a boat ride through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Continue to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. Your evening is at leisure.

(B,L)

Today's I-Time Tips
Why not taste some fresh local fare at one of Auckland’s many superb restaurants on the water? Sip a glass of local wine or try a craft beer. The choices are endless!


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Day 15 AUCKLAND
• Your stay in New Zealand ends with breakfast this morning. You may also choose to extend your time in Auckland and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase.

(B)

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