Australia & New Zealand: The Lands Down Under

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. Then, roam Melbourne’s fine arts and sporting precincts as well as its lush parklands. View cultural and historic highlights, such as the State Library Victoria and the Royal Exhibition Building. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner.

Explore the heart of Melbourne on foot, and then Ride Like a Local by tram, taking in the city’s rich and varied architectural landscape. Follow your guide through the city’s fascinating labyrinth of atmospheric arcades and alleyways, home to trendy cafés and eclectic boutiques, not to mention graffiti and street art. See landmarks like the Block Arcade and the former General Post Office. Following lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Fly to Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Upon arrival, transfer to your accommodations. Dine tonight at your hotel, enjoying views of the Coral Sea.

Embark on a full-day exploration of the Great Barrier Reef aboard a stylish vessel. Glide among islands adorned with white-sand beaches, coral gardens and sheltered lagoons. Explore the marvelous aquatic wonders of the reef on a guided snorkeling tour, viewing teeming undersea life up close in its native habitat, before an exhilarating cruise back to port.

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 experience designed exclusively for A&K guests. Next, visit the Wildlife Care Center for rescued wild and injured animals. Explore the park at your leisure before an A&K-exclusive visit to the Botanical Ark, a private ethnobotanical garden, for a Chef’s Table lunch. While on site, discover how the Botanical Ark, which began as one man’s quest to catalog the unique properties of indigenous plant life once known only to locals, has grown into a repository of knowledge and insight that showcases amazing flora from across Australia and from tropical zones all around the world. After your freshly made lunch and immersive visit with the Ark’s staff, return to Cairns for time at leisure.

Fly to Uluru (Ayers Rock) and visit a local Aboriginal art gallery, with the opportunity to meet the artist in residence. Transfer to your luxury tented camp — Longitude 131° — overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage-listed wilderness of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, and enjoy lunch on site. On a Scenic Sundowner, with chilled glass and canapé in hand, witness 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 ancient indigenous culture, and feast on four delicious courses complemented with premium Australian wines. Later, join your camp’s resident astronomer to observe the southerly constellations.

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. This afternoon, 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.

Fly to Sydney and settle into your hotel in the historic Rocks District, a short stroll from the harbor, with some of the city’s best dining and attractions. Sydney’s appeal is wide ranging, from its stunning harbor and iconic skyline to its fascinating museums and famed Bondi Beach. It is a world-class city that fairly pulses with the energy of its diverse and cosmopolitan inhabitants.

After breakfast, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities. Cruise Sydney Harbour, viewing the city’s inspiring highlights, including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Cycle Through Sydney with a top local guide, on electric bikes, viewing iconic sights and gliding along the city’s vibrant streets. Walk Through the Historic Rocks District, discovering the rich heritage of Sydney’s oldest neighborhood. Gather for lunch at the iconic Sydney Opera House, followed by a privately guided backstage tour. Then, enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. The next day is also at your leisure to explore this spectacular city, until you regroup for the final dinner of your journey in Australia.

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. The next day, after a morning at leisure, set out on foot to gain an insider’s understanding of the locals and sample the city’s culinary delights, joining your guide for tastings of coffee, chocolate, gelato and cheeses in foodie hotspots only the locals know.

Fly to Queenstown, located on New Zealand’s South Island. Upon arrival, tour the city, visiting the famed bungee-jump site of Kawarau Bungy Bridge, historic Arrowtown and beautiful Lake Hayes. Enjoy lunch along the way before checking in to your luxurious hotel. Tonight, dine at a local restaurant.

This morning, fly to Milford Sound (weather permitting), taking in the stunning alpine views along the way. On arrival, board a spacious vessel for a tour of the sound’s awe-inspiring scenery. Cruise New Zealand’s southern fjords amid towering cliffs, viewing sparkling waterfalls while watching for wildlife. Keep a lookout for seals basking on the rocks or dolphins frolicking in the water. Return by air to Queenstown for an evening at leisure.

Today, immerse yourself in the charming local life of Queenstown. Privately visit the home and gallery of a world-renowned 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 tour of the caves, where its vintages are stored for aging, and a tasting of the winery’s best wines.

Fly to Auckland, where you visit the Auckland Museum to enjoy a cultural performance and a guided walk through He Taonga Maori Gallery. This evening, gather for a special farewell dinner. The next day, transfer to the airport and depart.