Road Trip: Highlights of Australia and New Zealand

Starting from The Rocks, a buzzing historic precinct in the heart of the city, learn about Sydney's oldest neighborhood that was built by castaways and convicts. See well-preserved old sandstone buildings on cobblestone streets, Australia's first church, and buskers enlivening the waterfront promenade that overlooks one of the world's greatest natural harbors. Next up, pass by local landmarks such as Hyde Park, The Mint, the gothic-style St Mary's Cathedral, and a heritage complex housing the Parliament of New South Wales. Admiring myriad native Australian fauna at the picturesque Royal Botanic Gardens, visit Mrs. Macquarie's Chair. Enjoy a walking tour around this viewpoint that affords stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House! Eastbound, passing through King's Cross and Rushcutters Bay, stop by for lunch at the stylish Cruising Yacht Club of Australia. Later, desiring the prestigious addresses of Darling Point, navigate Rose Bay, and Watsons Bay to continue along the coastal neighborhoods. Soon after, soak up the sunny vibes at the world-famous Bondi Beach frequented by travelers and Sydneysiders alike. Enjoy people watching, street art sessions, and lazing on the beachside lawns. Finally, heading inland to Paddington, stroll on Oxford Street where you can hop between local brand stores and lifestyle boutiques set within terrace houses complimenting the colonial-era architecture. As the sun dips, return to your accommodations. (Full Day; Private Activity & Transfer; Lunch, with a bottle of beer/glass of wine/soft drink included; Fitness level: Moderate; Notes: Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes)

Unravel the mysteries of an ancient culture with an aboriginal guide and interpreter on this fascinating tour. Understand how the indigenous people of the region have managed to live in this inhospitable environment over generations. Stop by sacred sites around Uluru or Ayers Rock and watch your expert guide interpret the rock art for you. Explore the cave where the Mala people set up home when they first arrived at Uluru and wander around the kitchen where they prepared their meals. Join the local aboriginal artists and have fun mastering the techniques of dot painting. Learn all about the various symbols and styles used to create exquisite pieces of art that tell a story of their own to create a masterpiece as a souvenir of your unique experience! (Duration: Half Day; Shared Activity & Transfers; Group Size: Small, 1-16 guests; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Discover the fascinating underwater world and come up close with endemic marine species! Cruise in comfort on the “Ocean Freedom”, a luxury catamaran, to two spectacular locations at Upolu Cay and the Reef. Fuel up with tea, coffee, fresh fruit, and Danish pastries before the vessel moors at a private location on the outer edge of Upolu Reef. You could swim or snorkel in the clear waters and also choose to go diving in order to get a better look at the gorgeous corals. Hop into a glass-bottom boat with a marine naturalist to learn more about this fragile ecosystem. Relish lunch with fresh seafood delicacies as you sail to the second location. Explore the water world some more or sunbathe on the deck as you soak in the splendid views. Afterward, enjoy a freshwater shower before you munch on cheese, cake, and crackers while the catamaran sails back. (Duration: Full Day; Time: 0715 hrs; Group Size: 1-75 Guests; Shared Activity; Afternoon and Morning Tea, Lunch Included; Fitness Level: Easy. Snorkeling equipment and instructions are included.)

Witness indigenous art and craftwork up close on this evening tour in Rotorua. Start off from your hotel early in the evening with one of Te Puia’s best known local experts. Begin your tour at local weaving and carving schools where you can see pupils at work under the tutelage of master weavers and carvers. Afterwards you can visit some of regions award-winning galleries to see products on display and have each explained to you in as much detail as you wish. Also visit Kiwi House to view New Zealand’s famous flightless bird from up close! Next on your itinerary is a visit to unique natural wonders in the area, including geysers and mud pools. Relax for a while and then continue on to Te Keketanga-a-Rangi (Heavenly Origins), a beautiful space where twelve carved structures reach skyward. This is where you can truly experience Maori culture and traditions, listening to tales and legends of the past and then gathering at the gateway of the marae or sacred site. Be welcomed in traditional Maori style and witness typical ceremonies such as a warrior’s challenge and a ‘kapa haka’ artistic performance as well. (Duration: Half Day; Time: 1630 hrs; Travel time to Activity: 30 mins; Shared Activity)

Soak in the natural beauty of the Milford Sound area with this coach tour and cruise. Set off from Queenstown in a comfortable glass-roofed coach, passing along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to move past the southern farmlands toward Lake Te Anau. Stretch your legs with a morning tea break before journeying on to Fiordland National Park. Make use of the opportunity to capture stunning photographs of the panoramic landscape along Milford Road. Enjoy splendid views as you go across the main divide of the Southern Alps through the Homer Tunnel, a passage carved into solid rock, which lets you pass under the mountains. Step aboard a cruise boat in Milford to savor superb views of the spectacular mountain range from the water. Cruise along passing by forested cliffs where majestic waterfalls gush down hundreds of meters into the fiord. Watch out for seals, penguins, and dolphins frolicking in the calm waters of the fiord. Relish a delicious boxed lunch as the boat sails past the magnificent scenery before disembarking to board the coach for your journey back to your hotel. (Time of Day: 0645/0720 hrs; Duration: 12 hrs; Box Lunch included; Shared Activity; Fitness Level: Easy.)