We have carefully selected hotels and destinations which create the best experiences Australia and New Zealand have to offer. You will enjoy the contrasts of the Outback's blue sky and red earth whilst enjoying your favourite cocktail and take in the best of Queensland with stays at exclusive properties in both the Tropical North and the Whitsundays. For Sydney, we take you futher, literally. You will 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! You arrive into the capital of New Zealand where you will experience New Zealand's best lodges. You will 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 1
Sydney
Take a pre-arranged shared transfer from Sydney airport to city hotel with Sunbus. 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. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Stunningly situated overlooking Sydney Harbour in the historic Rocks district, a short walk from the city's shopping and business centres, Four Seasons Hotel (5*) is vibrant and elegant, with dramatic harbourfront views and a luxurious day spa featuring exclusive skincare and aromatherapy treatments. The hotel offers 531 rooms and suites, elegantly decorated luxurious, contemporary style. World-famous iconic views of Sydney, from the guest rooms includes sunrise over the Royal Botanic Gardens ans Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour and beyond. Kable's, the Hotel's premier restaurant, offers a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere. It enjoys a substantial reputation, in a city known for its exciting dining. For those who want to work-out the hotel has a 24 hour fitness centre and an indoor pool available. 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.

Day 2
Sydney - Ayers Rock
Includes airport transfer to city/hotel with private vehicle, professional driver and local representative. You will be transfered from Ayers Rock airport to your hotel with private car and driver. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Arrive at Ayers Rock Airport, usually before 1.00 p.m. En route to Kata Tjuta (Olgas), you will stop to view the immense scale of the 36 domes, thought to have once been a single rock many times the size of Uluru (Ayers Rock). On arrival at Kata Tjuta, take a guided walk into majestic Walpa Gorge (Olga Gorge). Marvel at the sheer walls that flank you as you enter the gorge. Learn of the domes’ formation and of the flora and fauna of the region. Late in the day, return to watch the sunset over mighty Uluru. Admire the ever-changing colors of the monolith while the sun sinks below the horizon. Enjoy a glass of wine as the dusk deepens into night, unveiling a dazzling carpet of stars in the Outback sky. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Set amongst magnificent ghost gums and flowering native shrubs, the rooms at Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel feature the unique flora of the Central Australian Desert. Shaded walkways lead to spacious poolside rooms and some of the new deluxe rooms even offer spectacular views of Uluru. Under the private verandah or courtyard of your room, experience what is arguably Australia’s best sunset. When the sun has gone down, dine at White Gums Restaurant and savour Australian native delicacies or feast on the flavours of the a la carte Arnguli Grill. 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.

Day 3
Ayers Rock
Rise early and enter Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and enjoy a warming cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea as you witness the show of color as the sun’s first rays strike Uluru. With the sun climbing the morning sky, you can choose to climb Uluru or take the guided Mala Walk to Kantju Gorge and the guided Mutitjulu Walk. During the Mala Walk you can learn the stories of the Mala (Rufous Hair Wallaby) and mythical ancestors that lived at Uluru. Then make your way along the Mutitjulu Walk taking you to a sacred waterhole. View ancient cave paintings and learn about Aboriginal legends of Kuniya Tjukurpa (Python Dreaming). Visit the Cultural Center dedicated to interpreting Anangu culture and law. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Today you are free to enjoy the facilities of this beautiful property and the surrounding area. 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 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. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

Day 4
Ayers Rock - Port Douglas
You will be transfered from Ayers Rock airport to your hotel with private car and driver. AYQ-CNS Transfer between Cairns airport, and the beautiful town of Port Douglas with private vehicle and driver. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). 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. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). 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. 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.[1] 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.

Day 5
Cairns - Port Douglas
Travel north along scenic Captain Cook Highway and visit picturesque Mossman Gorge by coach along with fellow travellers. Cross the Daintree River on a cable-driven ferry to the Daintree Discovery Centre for morning tea. Climb the Canopy Tower or experience the rainforest aerial boardwalks. Enjoy a tropical lunch before exploring Cape Tribulation Beach. Continue to Alexandra Lookout and cruise the Daintree River while enjoying afternoon tea. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for 2,600 kilometres (1,600 mi) over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres (133,000 sq mi). The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland in northeast Australia. This reef structure is composed of and built by billions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps. The Great Barrier Reef supports a wide diversity of life, and was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1981.

Day 6
Port Douglas
You will be picked up from your Port Douglas hotel and taken by shared coach along with fellow travellers for your experience of a lifetime. Our friendly crew will take you to a reef at the very edge of Australia's Continental Shelf, to an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and brilliance. We take you to Agincourt Reef, a magnificent ribbon reef where you can experience first hand the magic that is the Great Barrier Reef. You can choose to dive, snorkel, or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-sub, just one metre underwater. Watch the fish feeding from Quicksilver's unique underwater viewing platform and underwater observatory or fly in a helicopter over the reef. Whichever way you choose you'll bring home a lifetime of memories from this living natural wonder. The cruise includes morning tea and lunch. There is a $5 per person fuel surcharge payable directly to the catamaran company on boading the catamaran. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

Day 7
Port Douglas - Blue Mountains
You will be picked up from your Port Douglas Hotel and taken by private car to Cairns City or airport. You will be transfered from Sydney to enjoy the crisp air of the Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains is a mountainous region in New South Wales, Australia. It borders on Sydney's metropolitan area, its foothills starting approximately 50 kilometres west of the state capital. The area begins on the west side of the Nepean River and extends westward as far as Cox's River. Consisting mainly of a sandstone plateau, the area is dissected by gorges up to 760 metres deep. The highest point of the range is 1,190 metres above sea level. A large part of the Blue Mountains is incorporated into the Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Site, consisting of seven national park areas and a conservation reserve. Your Driver and Guide will pick you up from your Sydney hotel and transfer you to this region for a full day tour.
Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Nestled on the edge of the magnificent Jamison Valley, overlooking world heritage listed wilderness, Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa is set amidst two acres of English style gardens. Superbly located on the cliff tops and promising spectacular views, the resort offers 85 boutique rooms themed in lavish pink, green or lilac. The resort features Darley's fine dining restaurant boasting modern Australian cuisine and a more casual dining option, Tre Sorelle Restaurant. At dusk, sit back at Lilianfels and sip champagne while you enjoy a fiery sunset that reflects off sandstone cliffs and plunging gorges. Surrender to the ultimate pampering pleasure at the Blue Mountains spa retreat, which is a revitalizing haven for your body and soul.
Discover a tempting combination of breathtaking nature, romantic accommodation, fine restaurants and indulgent shopping within two hours of Sydney, in the Blue Mountains World Heritage Listed National Park. Breathe the fresh mountain air and relax, as you marvel at a majestic landscape of waterfalls and awe-inspiring sandstone escarpments. Indulge at restaurants renowned for their creative use of fresh, local produce. Unwind with a rejuvenating day spa treatment.

Day 8
Blue Mountains - Hunter Valley
You will be met at your accomodation in the Blue Mountains and enjoy a scenic transfer to the Hunter Valley, New South Wales's premier wine region. En route you will stop at selected wineries to experience first hand the diversity of the region. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Nestled in the heart of New South Wales Hunter Valley wine country, Peppers Guest House is surrounded by beautiful gardens and overlooks beautiful vineyards. The hotel offers 48 deluxe guestrooms that are tastefully furnished and facilitated with an array of contemporary amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay. Guests can dine at the onsite Chez Pok Restaurant, which serves delicious modern Australian cuisine with French, Asian and Italian influences and herbs picked from the retreat's own garden. You can also unwind at the cozy bar with your favorite drink. During your free time, take advantage of the hotel’s tennis court, swimming pool, spa, solarium and sauna. Hunter Valley is located north of Sydney and is known as "Wine Country". World class vineyards and picturesque countryside vie for attention with the awe inspiring wilderness in Barrington Tops and the spectacular lake and coast line of Lake Macquarie and Newcastle. From beautiful art galleries, gardens, bicycle tours & hot air ballooning, there are a myriad of things to do.

Day 9
Sydney - Wellington
Today you leave Sydney and transfer to Hunter Valley airport. Enjoy dinner (included in tour price). InterContinental Wellington is at the centre of the capital’s political, commercial and corporate worlds and a comfortable walk from history, culture and shopping. Te Papa Museum of New Zealand; the Museum of Wellington City & Sea and a host of art galleries are nearby. The Wairarapa Wine Region and Karori Wildlife Sanctuary make interesting excursions. Wellington is the capital of New Zealand and the southern-most capital city in the world, at the southern tip of the North Island. Wellington is home to Te Papa Tongarewa (the Museum of New Zealand), the Museum of Wellington City & Sea, the Katherine Mansfield Birthplace Museum, Colonial Cottage, the New Zealand Cricket Museum, the Cable Car Museum, Old St. Paul's, and the Wellington Law school (largest wooden building in the southern hemisphere) and the Wellington City Art Gallery.

Day 10
Wellington
Enjoy breakfast (not included in tour price). Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax in your hotel. Enjoy dinner (included in tour price).

Day 11
Queenstown
Private transfer from airport to hotel. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Take a scenic gondola ride for quick and easy access to Queenstown's most spectacular views! Gondola rises 450 vertical metres above Queenstown on an average incline of 37.1° to the Skyline complex on Bob's Peak. Once up at the complex, experience a fun filled gravity ride for all ages and abilities on two luge tracks situated behind the Skyline complex and accessed by chairlift and walking track.
Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Centrally located, Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa combines local spirit with French tradition or the most sophisticated sense of luxury. As well as 82 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, all with private double spa bath, the hotel features the Vie Brasserie, Nue Lounge, a technically impressive Boardroom, Cellar and LeSpa. Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa offers personalised services including concierge, valet parking, inroom dining, evening turndown and Bathology, a specialist bath service.
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 spectactular views of nearby mountains. A resort town, Queenstown is a centre for adventure tourism. Skiing, jet boating, bungy 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).

Day 12
Queenstown
You will make the scenic journey by coach to Milford Sound, where you will be transferred to your boat cruise. Explore dramatic, moody Milford Sound in a leisurely and relaxed way with our nature guides. Our vessels are designed along the lines of traditional trading scows. They have been purpose built to operate in the fiords and offer a laid back, extended cruise option. Throughout your cruise, our nature guide provides an engaging commentary about the magnificent scenery and wildlife (English only). Keep a look out for dolphins, seals and penguins. You will then be returned to your hotel, again by coach.

Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

Day 13
Queenstown - Christchurch
Private transfer from hotel to airport. Upon arrival you will be met and taken by private vehicle to your hotel. Christchurch is often described as the most English of New Zealand cities, with many English influences clearly visible. As you join your fellow travelers, highlights of this morning tour include the Hagley Park Botanic Gardens, the Port Hills, offering superb views of Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains, Mona Vale Gardens, the beachside suburb of Summer and the port of Lyttelton. It also visits the Arts centre and Canterbury Museum. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). 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.

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.

Day 14
Christchurch
We invite you to join us on a tour of discovery, featuring spectacular scenery. From Christchurch travel by road to Springfield at the foothills of the Southern Alps. At Springfield, board the world famous TranzAlpine train to travel through the Southern Alps to Arthurs Pass viewing the alpine scenery through panoramic windows. The TranzAlpine is renowned as one of the top ten train journeys in the world. From Arthurs Pass we tour by road over the snow-capped Southern Alps in the Arthurs Pass National Park and on to the Otira Gorge making a photo stop. Visit the old village of Otira before returning to Arthurs Pass for an included lunch at the Wobbly Kea Restaurant. After lunch explore the village and some of the many walks. The return journey to Christchurch is by road and a visit will be made to a farm for late afternoon tea, followed by a sheep shearing and sheep mustering demonstration. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

Day 15
Christchurch
Upon arrival you will be met and taken by private vehicle to your hotel. Kensington Tours donates a portion of our proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities. Depart from Christchurch International Airport - end of itinerary.