From only £2895 per person
31 days from only £2895
New Zealand is like no other place on earth -packed full of amazing and diverse landscapes. The North Island is dominated by ancient volcanoes, stunning coastal scenery and pristine beaches. The South Island is famous for its high mountain peaks, deep fiords, lush rain forest and magnificent glaciers.
A land of astonishing natural beauty, Australia is home to some of the world’s most incredible wonders of nature - unique wildlife, majestic Ayers Rock and the spectacular Great Barrier Reef. While incredible scenery and a great climate are the main attractions for many visitors, Australia’s coastal cities provide endless opportunities for exploration, from world famous landmarks and beautiful harbour settings to white sandy beaches and vibrant culture.
A Go Touring locally escorted holiday visits all the ‘must see’ attractions of Australia and New Zealand. With the added bonus of stopovers in two of Asia’s most exciting cities - Singapore and Bangkok - the 31 day Best of Australia and New Zealand tour is the ultimate holiday ‘down under’.
Tour HighlightsSingapore, Christchurch, Fox Glacier, Queenstown, Wellington, Rotorua, Auckland, Melbourne, Alice Springs, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Cairns, Sydney, Bangkok
Tour itinerary
B - Breakfast
L - Lunch
D - Dinner
Day 1 Depart UK
Our overnight flight to Singapore with Qantas leaves London Heathrow in the evening. Then it’s time to relax and enjoy the complimentary food and drink and excellent in-flight entertainment on personal seat-back screens. D
Day 2 Arrive Singapore
After collecting luggage, we’ll meet our local tour guide and transfer to our hotel, where we spend two nights. B
Day 3 Singapore
We begin our sightseeing tour with a drive through the “Colonial Heart” en route to one of Singapore’s oldest temples - Thian Hock Keng. From here, we pass through Chinatown to Merlion Park for a fantastic view of Marina Bay and the mythological Merlion. The tour continues with a stroll through the National Orchid Garden within the beautiful Botanic Gardens. Our final stop is Little India, where wall-to-wall shops entice passers by with the smell of freshly ground spices and colourful jewellery and clothing. The remainder of the day is free. Why not relax and unwind with a Singapore Sling at Raffles? B
Day 4 Depart Singapore
An optional excursion to Sentosa Island or the Chinese and Japanese gardens provides a pleasant contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city. Alternatively, make use of the hotel facilities, by simply relaxing by the pool. Rooms have been held into the afternoon. Evening transfer to the airport for our flight to Sydney with Qantas and connecting flight to Christchurch. B
Day 5 Arrive Christchurch
Once luggage has been collected we will meet our Coach Captain and transfer to the hotel. Christchurch is a charming city, famous for its many lovely parks and gardens. A gentle walk along the banks of the picturesque River Avon is a wonderful way to spend this free afternoon. B
Day 6 Christchurch
Our sightseeing tour begins with a drive through the Cashmere Hills to the Sign of the Takahe. From here we enjoy fantastic views spanning the edge of the Pacific Ocean and over the the Canterbury Plains, to the imposing Southern Alps in the distance. The tour continues with a stop at Cathedral Square and the excellent Arts Centre, housed in beautiful Gothic buildings. Before returning to the hotel, we stroll around Hagley Park and its pristine Botanical Gardens - home to New Zealand’s finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants. The remainder of the day is at leisure. B
Day 7 Christchurch - Fox Glacier
After breakfast, we embark on one of the most spectacular drives in New Zealand. Beginning among the patchwork fields of the Canterbury Plains we climb into the snow-tipped Southern Alps and across Arthurs Pass. We descend to the wild native forests and rocky beaches of the untamed west coast, to Franz Josef where we view New Zealand’s most famous glacier. We spend tonight in the charming little village of Fox Glacier. B
Day 8 Fox Glacier - Queenstown
There’s an opportunity this morning (weather permitting) to take an optional scenic helicopter flight over the glaciers to enjoy a close up view its pristine ice formations and crevasses. Leaving the wild and rugged west coast in our wake, we travel through Mount Aspiring National Park and wind our way between the glorious lakes of Wanaka and Hawea. We spend the following two nights in Queenstown. B
Day 9 Queenstown
Our day is free to take advantage of the incredible variety of activities and excursions available in and around New Zealand’s most glamourous alpine resort. A full day optional excursion to the magnificent Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound is an extremely popular tour. The scenic drive takes us through a variety of landscapes - farming areas, lush beech forests and impressive glacial valleys - before arriving at Milford to begin our cruise on the fiord. Only out on Milford Sound itself can the dramatic scenery be fully appreciated. Sheer peaks rise all around and spectacular waterfalls plunge into the calm water. The cruise takes in the impressive Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls, and seals and dolphins are often found playing in the waters. Alternatively, thrill seekers in the party might like to try the Shotover Jet boat - an exhilarating ride amongst the crags and boulders of the Shotover River canyon. For a more relaxing experience, join a tour of Queenstown’s lovely private gardens, or wine-lovers might like to follow the region’s wine trail - an enjoyable day spent wine tasting and sightseeing. B
Day 10 Queenstown - Christchurch
On leaving Queenstown, we head north over the Lindis Pass and make a stop at the turquoise coloured Lake Tekapo, which gains its beautiful colour from the melt water of a glacier. We continue through Mackenzie Country and across the Canterbury Plains to the Chateau on the Park in Christchurch where we stop overnight. B
Day 11 Christchurch - Wellington
Departing Christchurch, we travel along the South Island’s east coast to the picturesque fishing port of Picton. Our ferry leaves Picton through Queen Charlotte Sound and crosses the Cook Strait before reaching Wellington’s impressive harbour. Wellington’s interesting and varied architecture provides a good starting point for our brief orientation tour. We begin in the city’s administrative area, taking in Parliament House and the ‘Beehive’ (you’ll understand its name when you see it), before heading to the top of Mount Victoria for a stunning vista of the city and its picturesque harbour. The next two nights are spent at the Hotel Ibis, perfectly located in the heart of Wellington. B
Day 12 Wellington
New Zealand’s capital city is also its cultural centre - with a delightful selection of museums, galleries, cafés and restaurants. A visit to Te Papa museum is highly recommended during our free day - offering a fascinating insight into New Zealand’s rich history and cultural heritage. For great views of the city and to enjoy Wellington’s beautiful Botanic Gardens we recommend taking a short funicular ride from the city centre. B
Day 13 Wellington - Rotorua
After breakfast, we travel north along the Desert Road. Our arrival at the Tongariro National Park, with its three active volcanoes - Tongariro, Ruapehu & Ngauruhoe - marks the beginning of our journey through New Zealand’s main volcanic region. We continue alongside Lake Taupo, the country’s largest freshwater lake, before arriving in Rotorua for a two night stay. B
Day 14 Rotorua
Today we are taken to Te Puia and the Whakarewarewa thermal reserve to examine the amazing impact of geothermal activity on Rotorua and its surrounding area. Whakarewarewa’s gushing geysers and gurgling mud pools are understandably one of the major attractions in New Zealand. We have plenty of time to explore the reserve and nearby Maori Arts and Crafts Institute before returning to the hotel. The afternoon is left at leisure. Rotorua is at the heart of New Zealand’s rich Maori culture and tonight we attend a concert featuring traditional Maori songs and dance, including the famous war dance ‘The Haka’. A Hangi buffet dinner is included this evening, cooked using a traditional Maori method. B D
Day 15 Rotorua - Auckland
We leave Rotorua for the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Auckland. Our sightseeing tour this afternoon begins with a fantastic 360o view of the city from the top of Mount Eden, one of the many extinct volcanoes dotting the surrounding landscape. Our next stop is in Parnell, a fashionable suburb packed with boutique shops and Victorian buildings. We continue via Victoria Park Market (great for souvenir and craft stalls) to Viaduct Harbour, host to many America’s Cup celebrations. We spend our final two nights in New Zealand at Sky City Hotel, in the heart of Auckland’s main shopping and restaurant district. B
Day 16 Auckland
A day at leisure in New Zealand’s largest city. Auckland enjoys a beautiful waterside setting and an optional lunch cruise around Waitemata Harbour provides the fun and pleasure of a real sailing experience along with magnificent views of the city’s skyline. Alternatively, make the most of Auckland’s excellent shopping or pay a visit to Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World. B
Day 17 Auckland - Melbourne
A relaxing morning before boarding our coach to the airport and bidding farewell to New Zealand. Our Qantas flight arrives into Melbourne in the early evening. Once luggage has been collected, we’ll meet our local Australian tour manager and transfer to the Travelodge Southbank. The hotel is perfectly located on the banks of the Yarra River and close to a whole host of cafes and restaurants. It’s easy to understand why Melbourne has been identified as ‘one of the world’s most liveable cities’. Its elegant Victorian architecture, leafy parks and gardens, accessible beaches and fine dining provide endless opportunities for both exploration and relaxation. B
Day 18 Melbourne
After breakfast, we explore the city sights, including Captain Cook's Cottage and the Old Melbourne Gaol - where Ned Kelly was incarcerated - and take a stroll around Melbourne's spectacular Royal Botanical Gardens. We also visit the historic Shrine of Remembrance in the peaceful Kings Domain Gardens. The afternoon is free to further explore Melbourne. Alternatively, there is a chance to take an optional trip to Phillip Island to see fairy penguins emerge from the sea during the ‘Penguin Parade’. B
Day 19 Melbourne - Alice Springs
Our morning flight takes us from Victoria to the Northern Territory and Australia’s ‘Red Centre’. On arrival at Alice Springs airport, we board our coach and enjoy a sightseeing tour of central Australia’s largest town. Alice Springs was originally established in the 1870’s as a staging post for the overland telegraph line between Darwin and Adelaide. During our sightseeing tour we relive that bygone era at the Old Telegraph Station historic reserve, which faithfully re-creates the settlement’s earliest years. Other stops are made at the remarkable Royal Flying Doctor Service and the School of Air. These unique institutions provide a real insight into life in the vast Australian Outback. The School of Air, for example, educates around 140 children living on properties covering more than one million square kilometres of central Australia. We spend the following two nights in Alice Springs. B
Day 20 Alice Springs
Our day is free to relax in the outback town of Alice Springs or take advantage of one of the optional activities on offer. A trip to the nearby Western McDonnell Ranges is an excellent way to get a real feel for life in the outback. The full day excursion takes us through the spectacular scenery of Jay Creek and Standley Chasm. An interesting stop is made at Glen Helen Homestead to learn about how pioneer pastoralists had to adapt their lifestyles to deal with the area’s harsh physical environment. Later, there’s an opportunity to join an optional dinner in an open bush setting. The evening features an authentic Aboriginal performance of dancing, weaponry and cultural history, accompanied by the playing of a didgeridoo. B
Day 21 Alice Springs - Ayers Rock (Uluru)
Leaving Alice Springs, we head west through amazing outback landscapes to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, where we visit the impressive series of rounded sandstone domes known as The Olgas. Next, we make our way to Ayers Rock - the icon of the Australian outback. Ayers Rock is a majestic sandstone monolith rising from the flat surrounding scrubland and is a site of deep cultural significance to the Aboriginal communities of the Northern Territory. We relax and enjoy Uluru (the Aboriginal name for the rock) as it changes colour dramatically during sunset. It’s truly a photographer’s delight. We spend tonight at the Outback Pioneer Hotel, conveniently located within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. B
Day 22 Ayers Rock (Uluru) - Cairns
For early risers, a dawn visit to Ayers Rock has been arranged. Seeing Uluru at sunrise, from a different position and in a different light, offers a totally new perspective on the constantly changing colours and character of the rock. We take a gentle stroll around the base of the rock and learn more about its historical and cultural importance. Leaving the national park, we head to the airport for our afternoon flight to Cairns, our home for the next three nights. B
Day 23 Cairns
The only living organism visible from space and stretched over a vast 2000 kilometres, the Great Barrier Reef is without doubt one of the natural wonders of the world. Its vibrantly coloured marine life and coral make this World Heritage listed site a must see for any visitor to Australia. During our full day Great Barrier Reef excursion we board our catamaran, sail to the Outer Barrier Reef and anchor next to a floating pontoon. A marine naturalist will provide us with an insight into ‘reef life’ and we are then free to choose our own way to explore this incredible wonder of nature. Perhaps head to the Underwater Viewing Observatory, take a semi-submersible boat tour or the more adventurous members of the party may like to take advantage of the reef’s incredible snorkelling. Following lunch, there are further opportunities for exploration or relaxation, and there is also a possibility of taking an optional scenic helicopter flight. B L * Please note - tours departing prior to September 2009 will visit the sand island of Upolu Cay and Oyster Reef.
Day 24 Cairns
Today is left free to relax or take one of the many optional trips available from Cairns. An excursion to Kuranda is a fantastic day, beginning with a scenic railway journey to the picturesque market town of Kuranda. Known as the ‘village in the rainforest’, Kuranda is a lovely place to while away a few hours visiting the daily markets, the butterfly sanctuary or the Koala Gardens. The tour returns to the waiting coach using the Skyrail rainforest cableway, a beautiful journey gliding over the rainforest canopy. B
Day 25 Cairns - Sydney
A morning at leisure until our afternoon flight to Sydney. On arrival in Sydney, our waiting coach will transfer us to the centrally located hotel. Sydney is a city that takes full advantage of its natural setting - its sparkling harbour plays host to the world famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and the majestic Opera House, and the suburbs are blessed with lush native bushland and pristine sandy beaches. Add to this excellent restaurants and cafes, a vibrant culture, and you’ll understand why Sydney is one of the world’s favourite cities. B
Day 26 Sydney
This morning’s sightseeing tour of Sydney begins at the world famous Bondi Beach, before taking the scenic harbourside route to the central attractions of the city. We travel by Hyde Park and Parliament House to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in the Royal Botanical Gardens, where we stop for the classic photo opportunity of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Following the sightseeing tour, the rest of the afternoon is at leisure. B
Day 27 Sydney
Today we have the opportunity to join an optional trip to the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains are a perfect example of native Australian bushland, with gum trees, majestic peaks and deep gorges stretching as far as the eye can see. We experience the panoramas from a series of lookouts, including Echo Point - a prime position to view the famous Three Sisters rock formation. The excursion also visits the pretty villages of Wentworth Falls and Leura, which are famous for their annual garden festivals and play host to many of the region’s local artists. On our final evening, we bid farewell to Australia in the best possible way - with an included dinner cruise around Sydney’s beautiful Harbour. The views of the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the many dream homes nestled along the edge of the water are truly amazing. B D
Day 28 Sydney - Bangkok
A leisurely day before transferring to the airport for our late afternoon flight to Bangkok. Why not take this opportunity to visit Taronga Zoo, where Australia’s finest collection of native animals is housed? Otherwise, you might like to take a guided tour of the major theatres and halls of Sydney’s magnificent Opera House. On arriving in Bangkok, we’ll meet our local tour guide and transfer to our hotel - home for the final two nights of our tour. B
Day 29 Bangkok
We board our coach after breakfast for a half day sightseeing tour of the Grand Palace complex and Wat Po. The tour includes the beautifully ornate Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s holiest shrine, and the Grand Palace itself, built to house the Kings of Siam and still used today for major ceremonial occasions. Our final stop is at Wat Po to see Bangkok’s oldest and largest temple - the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. The remainder of the day is free. B
Day 30 Bangkok
Thailand’s rich heritage, ancient traditions and monuments and its colourful floating markets make any of Bangkok’s many optional sightseeing tours a fascinating experience. We have held all rooms until 6 o’clock this evening, allowing a full day in Bangkok before returning to our rooms to freshen up for the final leg of our journey. We transfer to the airport for our night flight with Qantas. B
Day 31 Bangkok - UK
Morning arrival into London Heathrow. B
Your Hotels
Peninsula Excelsior Hotel - Singapore
Chateau on the Park - Christchurch
Glacier Country Hotel - Fox Glacier
Kingsgate Terraces - Queenstown
Hotel Ibis - Wellington
Sudima Hotel - Lake Rotorua
Sky City Hotel - Auckland
Travelodge Southbank - Melbourne
Lasseters - Alice Springs
Outback Pioneer - Ayers Rock
The Hotel - Cairns
Travelodge Wynyard - Sydney
Royal Princess Hotel - Bangkok
Please note, tours departing between October 2008 and July 2009 will follow a slightly different itinerary from day 10 to day 17. A brief summary is as follows:
Day 10 Queenstown - Wellington
(travel from Queenstown to Christchurch for an evening flight from Christchurch to Wellington)
2 nights in Wellington.
Day 11 Wellington
Day 12 Wellington – Rotorua
2 nights in Rotorua.
Day 13 Rotorua
Day 14 Rotorua – Auckland
2 nights in Auckland.
Day 15 Auckland
Day 16 Auckland – Melbourne
3 nights in Melbourne.
Day 17 Melbourne