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Very Best of Australia & New Zealand

Resort:Very Best of Australia & New Zealand
Operator: Scenic
Destination: Australia & The Pacific, New Zealand
Price From: £7995.00

2020/2021 Melbourne > Auckland

Close in proximity, but so different in personality, these generous lands of striking diversity promise proud tradition and endless adventure.
In Melbourne, take a Scenic Freechoice excursion to Phillip Island or drive down the expansive Great Ocean Road. Walk amongst Australias much-loved marsupials during a Scenic Enrich excursion to a kangaroo sanctuary, before a sunset dining experience at Uluru. Continuing to Cairns, view the coral network of the Great Barrier Reef from above in a helicopter, before Sydneys sites are unveiled during an evening harbour dinner cruise. A cruise on the ethereal Milford Sound, introduces you to unique New Zealand. Witness the Franz Josef Glacier, go punting on Christchurchs River Avon and unwind in the geothermal pools of Rotorua, before a Scenic Enrich Mori experience. Conclude in Auckland after a visit to Hobbiton and embark on an excursion to the black sandy beaches and rainforests of Waitakere Ranges.
Tour Map

Full Itinerary:

  1. Day 1 – UK > Melbourne

    Fly with a world-renowned airline from a choice of UK airports.

    Meals: on board meal service and complimentary bar service.

  2. Day 2 – Arrive Melbourne

    Welcome to Melbourne. Youll be met at the airport by a Scenic Representative and transferred toyour hotelfor a three-night stay.

    Meals: on board meal service and complimentary bar service.

  3. Day 3 – Melbourne

    Spend your first day however you please. Why not visit one of the citys many art galleries and museums, or head to Federation Square?

    Enrich

    Discover the rare and beautiful plants, breath-taking landscapes and iconic buildings on a guided tour through the Botanical Gardens, before enjoying a welcome dinner. Explore behind the scenes and gain access to the national Herbarium and Melbourne Observatory.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4 – Melbourne

    Choose from a collection of Scenic Freechoice excursions.

    Freechoice

    Take a trip to Phillip Island and see the penguin parade, take a ride down the Great Ocean Road, or explore the citys treasures on a guided walking tour of the city. If sport is more your thing, celebrate the nations rich history at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and National Sports Museum. Learn about sporting triumphs, take a tour of the stadium and perhaps even see a match, or explore the delights of Yarra Valley on a wine tasting tour.

    Meals Included:Breakfast

  5. Day 5 – Melbourne > Alice Springs

    Today, fly to Alice Springs and begin your adventure through the Red Centre of Australia. Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service and learn about medical services in the outback. Enjoy an overnight stay.

    Enrich

    Take a laid back walk through the bush of the Kangaroo Sanctuary. A guide will be on hand to teach about the significance of the wildlife that inhabits the 90 acres of untouched land, founded by Chris Barnes, star of Kangaroo Dundee.

    Meals Included:Breakfast

  6. Day 6 – Alice Springs > Uluru (Ayers Rock)

    Travel through Australias desert landscape before arriving at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for a one-night Scenic Special Stay at a unique luxury retreat.

    Enrich

    Tonight, youre invited to a dining experience set amidst an outdoor exhibit called Field of Light. The mesmerising artwork, created by Bruce Munro, will be created from thousands of bulbs planted in the desert surrounding Uluru in the outback. As the sun sets and the lights twinkle, youll enjoy canaps, complimentary drinks and authentic Australian cuisine.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner

  7. Day 7 – Uluru > Cairns

    After watching the sun rise over Uluru, youll take a base tour of the gargantuan spectacle, which includes the Mala Walk and Mutitjulu Waterhole. Later, fly to Cairns for a four-night stay in the Tropical North of Australia. The first two-nights will be In Cairns.

    Meals Included:Breakfast

  8. Day 8 – Cairns

    Freechoice

    Soar over the Atherton Tablelands on a hot air balloon flight at sunrise, or journey through magnificent rainforest on the Kuranda Scenic Railway before returning by Skyrail.Alternatively, enjoy an Australian wildlife experience at Hartleys Crocodile Adventures or The Best of the Cairns Tablelands including local tastings of smoked meats and native herbs.Tonight, enjoy the Spirit of Cairns dinner cruise.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner

  9. Day 9 – Cairns > Great Barrier Reef > Port Douglas

    Travel to Port Douglas and take a catamaran to the Outer Barrier Reef. Snorkel amidst the labyrinth of coral with an instructor and enjoy underwater observatory on a semi-submersible boat. Afterwards, a delicious lunch will be served on the pontoon. Enjoy a two night stay.

    Enrich

    One of the highlights of your trip will be taking to the skies for a short helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef. A birds eye view really puts this striking phenomenon into perspective, offering unrivalled views of the extensive network of coral below.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch

  10. Day 10 – Port Douglas

    Relax today and enjoy the resort lifestyle of Port Douglas.

    Meals Included:Breakfast

  11. Day 11 – Port Douglas > Brisbane

    Travel back to Cairns to fly to Brisbane. Check into your hotel for a two-night Special Stay. Feel free to peruse the city at your leisure. Youll find yourself perfectly located, just a short stroll from the Brisbane river and not far from the heritage-listed Anzac Square.

    Freechoice Dining

    Spend the evening indulging in Japanese cuisine in the hotels Kabuki Teppanyaki restaurant as you taste the TSUBAKI set menu. Alternatively, enjoy a delicious three-course menu at the hotels The Brasserie or experience the Spirits of the Red Sand Aboriginal show and dinner.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner

  12. Day 12 – Brisbane

    Freechoice

    Discover Brisbane by bike or alternatively, take the Croc Express to Australia Zoo, or cruise along Brisbane River to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. If youd prefer, visit Lamington National Park and experience a thrilling Tree Top Canopy Walk at OReillys Rainforest Retreat.

    Meals Included:Breakfast

  13. Day 13 – Brisbane > Sydney

    Welcome to Sydney, upon arrival take a guided tour of Sydneys most famous house, the Opera House, and discover the stories, history and magic behind this iconic landmark. Later check into your hotel, for a three-night stay. Enjoy its central location in the Darling Harbour Leisure precinct of Sydney.

    Meals Included:Breakfast

  14. Day 14 – Sydney

    Freechoice

    Visit Taronga Zoo, wander around Sydneys Botanical Garden, or take a day trip to the Blue Mountains and discover some local wildlife along the way. Alternatively visit Sydney Tower, the tallest building in Sydney, and the Aquarium, some of the citys most popular attractions.

    Meals Included:Breakfast

  15. Day 15 – Sydney

    Discover the city independently. Stroll the famous Bondi and Bronte beaches or bush-walk through Sydney Harbour National Park.

    Freechoice Dining

    Take a fabulous cruise, which includes dinner, complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks, dine at the hotel restaurant ABODE, or enjoy a seafood platter for two at Nicks Seafood Restaurant, Darling Harbour.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner

  16. Day 16 – Sydney > Queenstown, New Zealand

    Early this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Queenstown. Enjoy a three-night stay. The afternoon is yours to spend at your leisure, taking in the magnificent views of the lake and the Remarkables Mountains.

    Freechoice Dining

    Take a steamship cruise on TSS Earnslaw and enjoy dinner at Walter Peak, ride the Skyline Gondola and dine overlooking Queenstown or simply relax at the hotels restaurant.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner

  17. Day 17 – Queenstown

    Freechoice

    Take the Dart River Wilderness Jet or tour local wineries. Alternatively feel exhilarated on the Shotover jet, a 4WD tour of Skippers Canyon or Safari of the Scenes tour exploring The Lord of The Rings film set.

    Meals Included:Breakfast

  18. Day 18 – Queenstown

    Journey to Fiordland National Park for an unforgettable cruise on Milford Sound. The sublime landscape is an isolated utopia, carved by ancient glaciers.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch

  19. Day 19 – Queenstown > Franz Josef

    Travel to the West Coast via the picturesque town of Wanaka. Arrive in Franz Josef and stand in wonder at Franz Josef Glacier with its ever changing face. Enjoy an overnight stay.

     

    Optional flight: Take a helicopter flight over Franz Josef or Fox Glacier and experience the wonder of landing in this natural alpine landscape. (Additional expense).

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner

  20. Day 20 – Franz Josef > TranzAlpine > Christchurch

    Visit the home of New Zealands native greenstone, Hokitika. Join the TranzAlpine this afternoon for your rail journey across the Southern Alps back to Christchurch, considered one of the top six train journeys in the world. Enjoy a two-night stay at your hotel, situated just moments from Cathedral Square and Hagley Park. This evening, youre invited to dinner at your hotel.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner

  21. Day 21 – Christchurch

    Freechoice

    Go punting on the tranquil River Avon or explore the nearby Botanical gardens. Visit the award-winning Antarctic Centre for a truly immersive experience, or if youd prefer, embark on an open top bus tour of the city.

    Meals Included:Breakfast

  22. Day 22 – Christchurch > Rotorua

    After transferring to the airport and flying to Auckland in the North Island, youll travel to Rotorua for a two-night stay.

    Meals Included:Breakfast

  23. Day 23 – Rotorua

    Freechoice

    Attend the Agrodome Sheep Show and see the rare Kiwi at Rainbow Springs, or embark on an amphibious duck tour of Rotouras city and lakes. If youd prefer, you can relax in the regions famous geothermal pools on a Polynesian Spa Day or enjoy a ride on the gondola to Skyline with an opportunity to taste local wines.

    Enrich

    This evening, youll be warmly welcomed at Tamaki Village by local Mori people, who will put on an insightful cultural show before telling stories of their ancestors. A delicious dinner will then be served, which has been cooked using a traditional Hangi.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner

  24. Day 24 – Rotorua > Auckland

    Be amazed by Rotouras unique geothermal activity during a breakfast visit to Te Puia. Discover the award-winning Hobbiton movie set on a guided tour with lunch, and experience the real Middle-earth, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Later, continue on to Auckland for a two-night Special Stay.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch

  25. Day 25 – Auckland

    Today, Auckland is yours to discover.

    Freechoice

    Explore Waiheke Islands history, nature, beaches and cuisine, or take a morning cruise through the City of Sails harbour. Alternatively, you can visit the Waitakere Ranges, walk the rainforest and stroll the black sand beaches, or explore the city of Auckland on a guided tour.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner

  26. Day 26 – Auckland > UK

    After breakfast, youll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

    Meals: On board meal service and complimentary bar service.

    Meals Included:Breakfast

  27. Day 27 – Arrive UK

    Welcome home.