Australia & New Zealand: The Lands Down Under

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Australia & New Zealand: The Lands Down Under



Tour Description:

Venture through stunningly diverse natural settings,
from Australia’s fabled Outback and Great Barrier
Reef to New Zealand’s dazzling Milford Sound, and
experience cultural and culinary wonders in the
region’s most stylish cities.

Map for Australia & New Zealand: The Lands Down Under
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Dates & Pricing

Sunday 07 Sep 25 — Tuesday 23 Sep 25Starting at $24,895 Get a Quote
Sunday 05 Oct 25 — Tuesday 21 Oct 25Starting at $24,895 Get a Quote
Sunday 12 Oct 25 — Tuesday 28 Oct 25Starting at $24,895 Get a Quote
Sunday 26 Oct 25 — Tuesday 11 Nov 25Starting at $24,895 Get a Quote
Sunday 02 Nov 25 — Tuesday 18 Nov 25Starting at $24,895 Get a Quote
Sunday 14 Dec 25 — Tuesday 30 Dec 25Starting at $25,895 Get a Quote


ITINERARY

Day 1 - Melbourne, Australia
Arrive in Melbourne, where you are met and transferred to your luxurious hotel, with your room pre-registered by A&K for immediate check-in. Roam Melbourne’s fine arts and sporting precincts as well as its lush parklands, and view cultural and historic highlights, such as the State Library and the Royal Exhibition Building. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner.

Day 2 - Melbourne
This morning, join a local expert guide as you explore the heart of Melbourne on foot, and then by tram. Take in the city’s rich and varied architectural landscape and stroll through its labyrinth of atmospheric arcades and alleyways, home to trendy cafés and eclectic boutiques, not to mention graffiti and street art. Following lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 3 - Uluru
Fly to Uluru (Ayers Rock), where upon arrival you are transferred to your luxury tented camp — Longitude 131° — overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage-listed wilderness of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Enjoy lunch on site, and later, savor a Scenic Sundowner, with chilled glass and canapé in hand, witnessing the changing light reflected on Uluru’s surface as the sun slips below the horizon. Tonight, dine among the dunes to the sounds of an indigenous culture and feast on four delicious courses complemented with Australian wines. Later, join your camp’s resident astronomer to search the southerly skies.

Day 4 - Uluru
Rise early and set out for Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), stopping to view sunrise over its majestic domes. In the company of your guide, walk through Walpa Gorge and learn how its stark landscapes were shaped. Return to Uluru and journey along the Mala walk at its base, pausing to view cave paintings and sources of bush tucker. Later, see the walls of Kantju Gorge ablaze with the light of the setting sun. Sip sparkling wine and nibble on canapés, savoring the solitude of the gorge as the daylight fades.

Day 5 - Palm Cove
Fly to Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Upon arrival transfer up the coast to your hotel in Palm Cove, a charming, cosmopolitan beach-side village. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 6 - Great Barrier Reef
Embark by boat on a full-day exploration of the Great Barrier Reef, a dazzling UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join on-board marine biologists for guided snorkeling expeditions of two different reef locations, and discover the marvelous aquatic wonders inhabiting each, viewing the teeming undersea life — including distinctive coral formations and colorful schools of fish — up close, before an exhilarating cruise back to port.

Day 7 - Daintree Rainforest
Travel overland to Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, which you explore privately with a park ranger, enjoying access to the koala and wallaby enclosures as well as the opportunity to hold a koala in your arms, on an A&K-exclusive experience. Also, visit the Wildlife Care Center for rescued wild and injured animals and explore the park at your leisure. Next, journey to a private estate in the Daintree Rainforest, where you are welcomed by the family that has owned it for over 30 years. Set out on an interpretive walk through the rainforest, led by a longtime resident intimately familiar with this UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s an immersive experience that blends local cultural and natural heritage with ecological values and biodiversity to reveal the fascinating interrelationships of a deeply complex ecosystem.

Day 8 - Sydney
Fly to Sydney, enjoying a city tour on arrival. Sink your toes in the sand at the surfer’s paradise of Bondi Beach and stroll the boutique shops of Paddington, a neighborhood filled with Victorian and Georgian architecture. Transfer to your luxury hotel, perfectly set near Sydney Harbour.

Day 9 - Sydney
After breakfast, privately cruise Sydney Harbour, viewing the city’s highlights, such as the Harbor Bridge. Back on shore, enjoy lunch at a restaurant near the iconic Sydney Opera House, followed by a privately guided backstage experience at the celebrated venue.

Day 10 - Sydney
Finish your journey in Australia with a day at your leisure. Tonight, gather for a Chef’s Table experience at a local restaurant with grand views of the city.

Day 11 - Wellington, New Zealand
This morning, fly to Wellington, New Zealand’s trendsetting capital, where you encounter authentic “Kiwi” life. This afternoon, take in highlights of this buzzworthy center of art and cuisine. Ascend by cable car to a scenic outlook point for incredible views over Wellington Harbour and the city to cap your inspiring day.

Day 12 - Wellington
Set out on foot to gain an insider’s understanding of New Zealand’s culinary capital, joining your guide for tastings of gourmet products in foodie hotspots only the locals know. Then, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities. Visit the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa to view its vast collection of cultural and indigenous treasures. e-Bike the Wellington Waterfront, learning about key historical figures that shaped the city’s heritage as you ride. Walk the Wellington Waterfront With a Guide who recounts local legends and stroll to a chic shopping district. Return to your hotel.

Day 13 - Queenstown
Fly to Queenstown, located on New Zealand’s South Island. Upon arrival, explore the city, visiting the famed bungee-jump site and Arrowtown, and then enjoy lunch. Afterward, check in to your luxurious hotel.

Day 14 - Queenstown
This morning, fly to Milford Sound (weather permitting), taking in the stunning alpine views along the way. Upon arrival, board your vessel for a tour of the sound’s majestic scenery. Cruise New Zealand’s southern fjords amid towering cliffs, viewing sparkling waterfalls while watching for wildlife, such as seals basking on the rocks or dolphins frolicking in the water. Return by air to Queenstown for dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 15 - Queenstown
Today, privately visit the home and gallery of a noted local artist to learn about the artist’s history and techniques. Stop at a local restaurant for a delicious lunch served with paired wines, and then proceed to a local winery for a private tour and a wine tasting.

Day 16 - Auckland
Fly to Auckland, where you visit the Auckland Museum to take in a cultural performance and go on a guided walk of He Taonga Maori Gallery. This evening, gather for a special farewell dinner.

Day 17 - Auckland
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departing flight.