Auckland: Waltzing Matilda: Holiday of a Lifetime

Kia Ora and welcome to Auckland, New Zealand.

Upon arrival to Auckland International Airport, please make your own way to hotel.

AUCKLAND / TĀMAKI MAKAURAU - an exciting, sporting and cultural city, sprawled on a narrow isthmus, between two harbours. The Waitemata and Manukau Harbours, are a main feature of the city, along with numerous volcanic cones such as Mount Eden and Rangitoto Island. The city's many beaches, marinas and parks, make it ideal for outdoor pursuits such as yachting, rugby, cricket or a day at the beach. The Auckland metropolitan area is New Zealand's biggest city, and the population mix of European, Maori, and Pacific Islander, make Auckland the largest Polynesian city in the World.

Meet with your Goway Tour Director at hotel lobby for a city orientation tour this afternoon including the bustling downtown and waterfront areas, see panoramic views of the city from the Auckland Domain and the pretty north shore from the Auckland Harbour Bridge

Drop off to SkyCity Orbit Restaurant where 3 course dinner is reserved for this evening. Return to hotel after dinner.

Depart Auckland this morning. Meet your driver at the hotel for the journey to Rotorua including visit at Hobbiton and Waitomo Cave

Hobbiton Movie Set Tours|Hobbiton Movie Set Tour & Marquee Festive Feast Lunch

Join us and experience the real Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set, 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. Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey through the unequivocal beauty of the land, with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance. Your guide will then escort you around the set, showing the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made. You will be fully guided around the 12 acre set; past Hobbit Hole, the Mill and into the world-famous Green Dragon Inn, where you will be presented with a complimentary, exclusive Hobbiton Southfarthing beverage to conclude your own Middle-earth adventure.

Experience the taste of the Shire with a delicious buffet lunch served in the Party Marquee. The painted canvas exterior, vibrant bunting and colourful lanterns means visitors are immersed in the festive magic of the movies. The Party Marquee is adjacent to The Green Dragon Inn, with the garden bar seating overlooking the Hobbiton Movie Set, providing an exquisite view for all our guests. Your meal is served buffet style from a specially themed table, bursting with hobbit fare, with shared table seating to dine family style with your group.

Depart Hobbiton and travel to Waitomo. Arrive at Waitomo for a guided tour through the spectacular Waitomo Caves and an underground boat ride through the famous 'Glowworm Grotto'

Waitomo Glowworm Caves|Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Your guided tour will take you through over 250 metres of stunning underground scenery commencing with the impressive Cathedral. Your tour begins at the upper entrance of the cave and proceeds along a low narrow passage to the Tomo, a deep limestone shaft. Your experienced tour guide will deliver a highly informative commentary about the formations, sharing stories, cultural legends and the natural wonders of this living masterpiece and the history of the area. The highlight of your tour is an unrivalled boat trip through the spectacular Glowworm Grotto.

Marvel at Mother Nature's light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. Meander underground along the Waitomo River and gaze in silence at the myriad of glow worm lights that make up the Glowworm Grotto. As you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights, you'll immediately experience a serene ambience and be fascinated and intrigued by tiny glowworms that light your way. Duration: 45mins.

Continue journey to Rotorua. After check-in to hotel, dinner is reserved at hotel this evening.
ROTORUA - located on a volcanic plateau, and formerly a spa town, Rotorua is most famous for its geothermal activity. Rotorua is the main place in New Zealand where aspects of Maori traditions can be seen, from wood carvings, and meeting houses, to a Hangi Dinner and Maori dances. Native and introduced tree species abound locally and combined with several picturesque lakes, Rotorua is a fascinating mix of culture and nature.

Commence your Rotorua sightseeing and visit various attractions.

Agrodome| Farm Show & Farm Tour
An exciting and informative insight into agriculture in New Zealand. You’ll hear amazing facts and have a few laughs as you’re introduced to 19 breeds of sheep. Then, witness a live sheep shearing demonstration and a fun sheep auction with bidding from the floor and audience participation. But the animal stars are not just sheep. The remarkable farm dogs will amaze you, as they demonstrate their ability to respond to commands and keep those sheep (and ducks!) in line! If a hands-on experience is what you want, jump up on stage for the opportunity to feed the baby lambs or even hand-milk a cow! After the Farm Show, jump outside to the dog trial area to watch the talented dogs in the dog trial. Duration approx. 1 hour.
Climb aboard the all-weather, all-terrain vehicle. Along the way, there are fascinating things to learn - and a few laughs too! You’ll get to hand-feed and take photos with all sorts of friendly animals, including Romney sheep, cattle, deer, llamas, ostrich, pigs and alpaca! During your ride you may even spot some rare breeds of sheep. Duration approx. 1 hour.

Te Puia|Te Ra - 90 Minute guided Tour
Be guided through the greenstone, wood carving and flax weaving schools at the New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute, Rotowhio Pā, Kiwi Conservation Centre and Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley (an ancient valley where geysers, mud pools and boiling waters still play after 40,000 years) including Pōhutu geyser.

Te Pa Tu|Evening Experience
Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within our forest Pā (village) –blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and forest-formed amphitheatre.

Te Pā Tū shares Māori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across 4-hours of celebration and feasting. These events change with each season of the maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar.

Summer: Tū Te Rā - Across this lunar phase, the sun expresses optimal energy, the days are longer, and light nourishes the natural world. Tū Te Rā celebrates abundant harvest and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace.

These can include roasted tuna (native eel), creamy pāua (abalone) on rewena (bread) crostini, foraged greens, chunky smoked kahawai, ember warmed kumara and restorative kawakawa tea.

Torch light guides manuhiri (guests) to a lavish but relaxed four course feast. Hāngī remains hero but it shares the table with lesser-known Māori delicacies, prepared fusion style.

Wagyu pincanha, Watercress chimichurri, taro gratin – even kumara ice-cream - each dish is inspired by or infused with traditional ingredients, stories, or cooking techniques.
Whether dining al fresco or in our wharekai (dining room) we celebrate the spirit of hākari (feasting) and of Aotearoa, New Zealand

Meet with your driver today at hotel lobby and transfer to airport for your domestic flight to Queenstown

On arrival to Queenstown airport, meet with your driver and trasfner to hotel. After check-in to hotel, the rest of the day is free at leisure.

QUEENSTOWN/TAHUNA - is the South Island's most popular resort, set alongside the shores of Lake Wakatipu, under the gaze of the Remarkables Ranges. See the contrast of smooth glacier rounded hills, and jagged mountain summits that reach high above the ancient ice floor. The town is renowned for its jet boating, bungy-jumping, skiing and awe-inspiring scenery. Local story has it, that the gold prospectors of the 19th century pronounced the town as "fit for any Queen", and so she was called Queenstown.

Travelling along the Milford Road (between Te Anau and Milford) is one of the finest alpine drives in the world. The scenery is exceptional, ranging from broad grassy flats, dense rainforest, and towering mountains through to glacial lakes and alpine herb fields.

The schedule allows plenty of time for short nature walks and photo stops along the way.

On arrival at the Milford Wharf, board your Real NZ vessel for your cruise of Milford Sound. The cruise takes in the length of Milford Sound, and offers excellent viewing of waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. Hot plated meal included on cruise.

MILFORD SOUND: Stunning surroundings at the heart of Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area. In Maori legend, the fiords were created not by rivers of ice, but by Tu Te Raki Whanoa, a godly figure who came wielding a magical adze uttering incantations. Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) is without doubt his finest sculpture. Luxuriant rainforest clings to sheer rock walls washed with waterfalls. In the foreground stands Mitre Peak, dominating the skyline. Whatever the fiord’s mood, teeming with rain or with sun glistening on deep water, it will inspire you

Return to Queenstown in the early evening.

Today is at your leisure in Queenstown - the place to complete your adventure 'to do' list: Skydiving, bungy jumping, jetboating, canyon swinging, whitewater rafting, parapenting, heli-skiing. Home to the world's first commercial jet boating, bungy jump and river surfing, there's something in the air. Queenstown's reputation as the world's favourite adrenaline destination is well deserved. From the mild to the wild you'll find your adventure threshold here. The expansive natural physical environment offers superb air, water and land based activities. 

Depart Queenstown and travel to Christchurch. Drive through some of the most scenic landscapes in New Zealand, We will journey through the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, renowned as the “most English city outside of England”.

On arrival to Christchurch, enjoy an orientation city tour before check-in to hotel.

CHRISTCHURCH/OTAUTAHI - the Garden City, lies on the level plains that initially attracted the closely knit Church of England settlers that settled the area. The largest of the South Island cities, Christchurch retains something of the English nature of its origins - the willow and oak-lined River Avon and clustered mediaeval stone buildings.

This morning, we transfer to Christchurch airport for our flight to Melbourne (airfare not included in tour cost, to be purchased separately). On arrival in Melbourne, enjoy a brief city orientation tour before transferring to our hotel for check-in. Melbourne is a magnet for people because its distinctive characteristics create memorable experiences and a vibrant lifestyle. Encircled by parkland, Melbourne is the cultural capital of Australia with everything from grand opera to sidewalk art. The city is rich in its multi-cultural identity, classic buildings, beautiful parks and gardens, sophisticated dining and enviable shopping.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before checking-in at your hotel.

Early evening, enjoy a visit to Eureka Skydeck. Nothing you have ever experienced will prepare you for the awe-inspiring views from the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere at Melbourne’s iconic Eureka Tower, currently the world’s tallest residential building. Skydeck 88 is Australia’s newest “must see” attraction with two dedicated lifts propel visitors to Level 88 in under 40 seconds. After the visit, enjoy evening at own leisure.

After breakfast this morning we discover the secrets and hidden treasures of Melbourne’s lanes and arcades on a walking tour. We will immerse ourselves in the heritage and culture of this cosmopolitan city, visit local artisans and up and coming fashion designers. Join the café society and soak up the atmosphere of old world charm as well as discover a little history, architecture, street art and more! Our walk will end with a tasty lunch and a glass of wine. Enjoy some free time to wander around the shops and take in the Melbourne atmosphere.

Later, we set out to see Koalas in the wild in the beautiful Australian bush. Your expert nature guide will share the knowledge of these wonderful pouched animals with you. You will also see mobs of free ranging Eastern-grey kangaroos in a natural bush setting and learn about many other Australian animals and birds at Serendip open-range sanctuary on the vast Western Plains near Melbourne. The tour is timed to coincide with sunset which is the best time to see large flocks of waterbirds return to the Serendip Sanctuary to overnight in safety. There is majesty and movement right across the sanctuary as the sun drops quietly into the savannah.
During dinner you will meet and talk to representatives of the Aboriginal tribal community. You will hear Aboriginal stories direct from the lips of Aboriginal people and hear the evocative music of the Didgeridoo. This is not a staged show but a shared experience where cultural interchange occurs in the traditional oral fashion. You will also learn about modern Aboriginal life. A delicious sundowner dinner is provided at Serendip.

Enjoy breakfast this morning at our hotel before transferring to the airport for our flight to Adelaide (airfare not included in tour cost, to be purchased separately) in the state of South Australia. On arrival, we head out to the Adelaide Hills and lunch at a local winery.  Lunch will be accompanied by wine tastings and a wine presentation.  After this, we will journey to the hotel for check in and the remainder of the evening is at leisure.

Breakfast is at your leisure this morning.   The day is free to explore the city.  Perhaps consider adding a day excursion to Kangaroo Island, known as Australia’s Zoo without fences.  Other options include city walking tours, 4WD safari style tours or even an intimate visit to the Adelaide Central Market (optional sightseeing not included in tour cost, to be purchased separately) 

OPTION THE GHAN - MUST BE PRE-BOOKED

Breakfast is at your leisure this morning before we transfer to the train station in time to board the world famous Ghan for an overnight journey through the remote outback region to Alice Springs. This is one of the world's great and legendary train journeys. This famous train was named after the Afghan Cameleers and their camel trains, the most efficient transport through the desert in the late 1800s, linking Central Australia and other parts of the continent.  After settling into Gold Service Cabins, lunch will be served as the train pulls out of Adelaide Station. Relax and enjoy the rhythm of the rails for the afternoon before our dinner sitting in the lovely Queen Adelaide Restaurant Car. 

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and all beverages while on the train

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for our flight to Alice Springs (airfare not included in tour cost, to be purchased separately.) On arrival, transfer to the hotel for check in.

Next, take a short drive to Alice Springs Train Station to collect your fellow guests who are arriving on the Ghan Train. When everyone is together again, we tour Alice Springs, the main service centre for the vast Outback region. Alice Springs is set against the rugged mountain backdrop of the magnificent MacDonnell Ranges 1500kms from the nearest capital city. 'Alice' was originally known as Stuart Town after the first European who, on his fifth attempt to cross Australia from Adelaide to Darwin surveying the route for the Overland Telegraph Line, discovered the spectacular mountain range now known as the MacDonnell Ranges. The largest of the many repeater Telegraph Stations completed in 1872, it was situated at Stuart Town, later renamed Alice Springs after the Postmaster's wife.

Our tour includes visits to the Royal Flying Doctor Service to see how this marvelous facility operates to provide a "Mantle of Safety" to the people of the Outback and the School of the Air - a school with a difference & the first of its kind. The School of the Air covers 1.3 million square kilometres including most of the NT, northern SA and eastern WA. You’ll learn about this unique school at the Visitors Centre, one of the most popular attractions in Alice Springs. This evening, we enjoy an entertaining Outback BBQ Dinner

After breakfast commence a fascinating journey through the semi-arid desert that is known by the locals as the ‘Red Centre’ to the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. On the way, we will make a short comfort stop. We will explore the fascinating base of Ayers Rock and hear some of the Aboriginal legends about this sacred land. The Rock has become one of the symbols of Australia that is recognized everywhere in the world. Nothing can give a sense of its size except standing beneath the towering 348 meters wall of rock.

As we tour the Rock's base with our knowledgeable driver/guide, we will fully appreciate not only its size but also the way it appears to continually change. From one angle it looks almost like a huge box; from another, it sprawls elegantly across the plain. Visit the Cultural Centre where there is the opportunity to purchase lunch.

We have time to freshen up at our hotel before being transferred the site of the amazing immersive cultural experience and outback sunset dinner.
After a short journey from Ayers Rock Resort our Wintjiri Wiru experience begins with a gentle evening stroll through the desert along an elevated walkway until we reach the open-air theatre, set upon a dune top. We'll be greeted with delicious cocktails, infused with native ingredients while taking in the incredible views and watch on in awe as the sun slowly sets over Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

We’ll embark on a culinary adventure with a gourmet dinner hamper where native ingredients are combined with modern culinary techniques to create a masterpiece for the palette. With the heart of Australia as the backdrop, a story passed on for thousands of generations, now passes to you. Witness the ancient Mala story re-told like never before with ground-breaking technology. Choreographed drones, lasers, and projections will take flight, lighting up the night sky in a modern, artistic expression of an ancient, Anangu story. We’ll feel a powerful connection to country as you listen to a traditional Inma soundtrack and narration in the local Pitjantjatjara language, and immerse yourself in a living story.

After breakfast at our hotel, our Driver and coach will be waiting to transfer us out to the Olgas, also known in the Aboriginal language as "Kata Tjuta" translated as "many heads." The Olgas are a collection of smaller, more rounded rocks, located 32km to the west of Ayers Rock. Each of the 36 domes has a story in mythology and is of significance to the Aboriginal Dreamtime (legends).

The tour concludes at the airport to connect with flight to Cairns (airfare not included in tour cost, to be purchased separately).

Cairns is a modern, vibrant city and the unofficial capital of tropical North Queensland. Not only is the city the gateway to two amazing natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree National Park, it is also connected to a strong Aboriginal Culture and historical links to WW II and the battles for the Pacific. On arrival, transfer to the hotel for check in. Tonight, enjoy a 3 course dinner at Peppers Crane Terrace in the hotel

Another great day today as we board the Great Adventures catamaran for our Great Barrier Reef experience. Details of your chosen option - Green Island or Outer Reef Excursion -- are outlined below.
Green Island/Outer Reef Option: Depart Cairns on Great Adventures fast catamaran for the short trip to Green Island, a true coral cay. On arrival, you have 2 hours free time to explore the island. The island is perfect for strolling through cool rainforest, lazing on white coral sands, swimming or snorkeling on the surrounding coral reef or relaxing around the resort's pool. From Green Island, you re-board the catamaran and head to Great Adventure's 3-level pontoon on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. The pontoon features undercover seating and tables where you will enjoy a sumptuous buffet lunch. The pontoon also has a large sundeck, full bar facilities, an underwater observatory, and a semi-submersible coral viewing tour. You will be able to snorkel or dive (surcharge applies for diving) among the reef's spectacular coral gardens and beautiful marine life. Return to Cairns at approximately 5:30 pm.

Green Island Only Option: Depart Cairns on Great Adventures fast catamaran for the short trip to Green Island, a true coral cay. On arrival, you have the rest of the day to explore the island. The island is perfect for strolling through cool rainforest, lazing on white coral sands, swimming or snorkeling on the surrounding coral reef or relaxing around the resort's pool. While on the island, your snorkeling equipment and an excursion on a glass-bottom boat are included. A delicious lunch is also included in the island's resort restaurant. Return to Cairns at 2:30pm or you can choose to stay until 4.30pm.

For both options we strongly recommend you take a hat, swimsuit and plenty of sunscreen lotion. This evening is at leisure.

After breakfast, we board the Kuranda Scenic Railway for one of the most spectacular journeys in Australia. We will enjoy "Royale Service" as the train slowly winds its way up the epic pioneer track with every turn revealing a new panorama - sugar plantations, Barron Falls and Stoney Creek Falls. Our Royale service includes champagne and orange juice which we can sip while we listen to the informative commentary as the majesty of this area unfolds.

On arrival into Kuranda Station - a cool, tropical environment of native shrubs, ferns and flowers - we will have some free time to browse around the quaint township before enjoying a restaurant lunch. After this, we head to our next adventure at Rainforestation.

Our visit includes the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers who perform in the Rainforest Amphitheatre, a guided Dreamtime Walk, a boomerang throwing demonstration and an exciting ride on an amphibious army duck for an informative tour through the rainforest. Later we will also have the opportunity to visit the native animal enclosure to meet a koala. From Rainforestation, we take our coach back down to Cairns arriving at approximately 5.00pm. Rest and relax before this evenings dinner at a local highly awarded restaurant then a casual stroll through Cairns Night market.

Transfer to airport this morning after breakfast for our flight to Sydney (airfare not included in tour cost, to be purchased separately). On arrival in Australia's largest city, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Sydney, Australia's gateway city and the capital of New South Wales, is a vibrant city of unsurpassed style and variety. Established in 1788 as a convict settlement, Sydney has grown from these humble beginnings to become Australia's biggest, oldest and liveliest city and one of the great international cities of the world. Today, over 5 million people live in Sydney and its suburbs. Sydney is built around one of the largest and most beautiful natural harbours in the world. Miles of surfing beaches stretch north and south of the city on the shores of the Pacific Ocean.

The most famous of Sydney's landmarks are the Harbour Bridge and the spectacular Opera House with its graceful 'sails' - the centre of Sydney's cultural activities. Combined with a sunny climate and a relaxed outdoor lifestyle, Sydney is a magnet for the best the world has to offer.

A full day tour today takes us to the Blue Mountains outside of Sydney. Visit Scenic World and enjoy rides on the Skyway - a glass bottomed aerial cable car, the Scenic Cableway - the steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere and the Scenic Railway, the steepest passenger railway in the world followed by a short walk through the Cold Mountain Rainforest.
We then stop for lunch at Echoes Restaurant perched at the absolute edge of the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park, with views of mountains, cliff edges and lush rainforest valleys right through the Jamison Valley to Mittagong, 80 kilometres away. Echoes Restaurant is renowned for its modern Australian cuisine with an Asian influence using fresh and local produce, all whilst enjoying the magically panoramic views of the Blue Mountains escarpment and Jamison Valley from the terrace.

After lunch we head to one of the lookout points to experience the full beauty of the Blue Mountains. The views from the park’s lookouts are magnificent; we will look out over hazy blue forests, waterfalls and interesting rock formations. We return to Sydney in the late afternoon.

After a relaxing breakfast this morning at our hotel, we head out of downtown Sydney via the historic Rocks area and through the suburb of Paddington known for its turn-of-the century terraced houses before arriving at Sydney’s famous surfing mecca, Bondi Beach. Here, join Discover Bondi guided tour and spend time with a true blue Bondi lifesaver. Learn all about the colourful history of Bondi, how surf lifesaving began and the famous Black Sunday. Take a guided walk along Bondi’s famous coastal headland and discover aboriginal rock carvings, spot marine life and the best viewing points of Bondi and surrounding beaches. Continue to Watson’s Bay and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Then transfer by water taxi to Circular Quay, where you will join a private tour of Sydney’s famous landmark – Opera House.

The Opera House is Australia's premier venue for the performing arts and home to the Australian Opera Company, the Australian Ballet, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and the Sydney Theatre Company. It was designed by Jorn Utzon, and, on completion in 1973, was officially opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Beneath the huge sail roofs are four major halls which are acoustically balanced to suit its own particular form of entertainment. In addition to the spectacular architecture, the appeal of the Opera House is its location on the harbour foreshores, bounded by the Botanical Gardens, Circular Quay and overlooked by the Harbour Bridge. At the completion of this tour, we will walk back to hotel.

After a short break, transfer by private coach to Darling Harbour where you will join 3hr dinner cruise on Sydney’s only glass boat dining cruiseEnjoy Unique dinner experience showcasing the best of Sydney Harbour. You will be seated in Air-con dining deck with glass-wrapped windows for 360° views. Enjoy Chef’s signature 4-course dinner starting with hors d'oeuvres while cruising around famous Sydney Harbour. 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning at the hotel.  This is the end of your Holiday of a Lifetime.  If you are flying out of Sydney today you will be transferred to the airport.  Of course, if you have the time, why not stay longer and explore some different parts of Australia.