Australia, Luxury Australia & New Zealand

Ultimate Australia & New Zealand
17 Days / 16 Nights

For the Independent Traveler
Departures: Monday, Friday
from $9025USD per person, double occupancy

Package Overview

Sydney • Ayers Rock • Lizard Island • The Great Barrier Reef • New Zealand
Lodges

Experience all that the land downunder has to offer on this exciting visit to Australia and
New Zealand. See the sights of cosmopolitan Sydney. Enjoy paradise on the Great Barrier
Reef. In Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, enjoy tropical luxury at the Cairns
International Hotel. Travel to the rugged outback and see magnificent Ayers Rock. Admire
the stunning beauty of New Zealand’s countryside and stay in luxurious lodge estates.

This “Ultimate Australia & New Zealand” vacation includes accommodations in some of
Australia’s most hospitable and luxurious hotels, resorts and lodges. The charming nature of
these elegant accommodations rivals that of the beautiful landscapes in which they are set.

A perfect blend of planned activity and relaxing days at leisure ensures this itinerary will suit
all tastes. Enjoy activities like hiking around Ayers Rock and swimming in the waters of the
Great Barrier Reef. Spend a leisurely day as you snorkel or dive at Voyages Lizard Island
Resort, located right in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef.

In New Zealand, your 1 bedroom suite at the Hyatt Residence in Auckland will delight you.
Huka Lodge’s international reputation for fishing and gourmet dining will surpass your
expectations. Wharekauhau Country Estate is beautifully located on 5,000 acres of lush
pasture and ancient rainforests and is a working sheep station.

Included
16 nights of accommodation
3 days deluxe Red Center touring
Domestic flight Cairns – Lizard Island
Scenic charter flight Lizard Island – Cairns
15 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 9 dinners
Private car transfers
Sydney city highlights
3 days Compact Auto A/C car rental, Wellington
Full day Air Safari
Note: International and domestic airfare not included (unless otherwise stated). Baggage
restriction on Lizard Island—Cairns flight.

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Sydney
Start your vacation in Australia’s most spectacular harbor city. Travel by private car to the
Shangri-La Hotel Sydney where you’ll have a breathtaking view overlooking Sydney Harbor.
Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Shangri-La Hotel Sydney, Deluxe Grand Harbor View Room for 3 nights

Day 2: Sydney City Sights
You’ll see the historic Rocks area, Macquarie Street, Kings Cross, Sydney Harbor National
Park and the southern beaches. The tour ends at Circular Quay at noon. The rest of the day
is at leisure. (B)

Day 3: Full-day Air Safari
Depart this morning for your full-day flightseeing adventure! Starting with a scenic flight
over the Blue Mountains (weather permitting), you will land at Middlebrook Station, an
11,000 acre working sheep and cattle station; enjoy a tour of the property, followed by
morning tea and lunch. In the afternoon, fly to Hunter Valley wine country for a private
ground tour of the vineyards and a wine tasting. On the way back to Sydney, enjoy the
coastal views of the Central Coast, Palm Beach, Manly, Sydney Harbor and Opera House.
Hotel pickup/ drop-off is included. (B,L)

Day 4: Sydney—Alice Springs
Transfer by private car to the airport to connect with your flight to Alice Springs (airfare not
included). Upon arrival you will be transferred to your first class hotel.
Overnight: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs, Mountain View Room for 1 night (B)

Day 5: Palm Valley and Kings Canyon
This morning you’ll be met by your friendly and knowledgeable guide and a small group of
like-minded travelers. Today visit Hermannsburg Historical Precinct to view Albert
Namatjira’s famous watercolor art display. Travel by 4WD tracks along the earth’s oldest
riverbed to Palm Valley in Finke Gorge National Park containing botanical relicts. Journey
onwards towards Watarrka National Park, featuring the spectacular Kings Canyon.
Overnight: Voyages Kings Canyon Resort, Deluxe Spa Room for 1 night (B,L)

Day 6: Kings Canyon and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Experience the magical sandstone formation of Kings Canyon on the Rim Walk. Arrive at
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for an afternoon tour to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a very sacred
place to the Aboriginal people. Enjoy sparkling wine and canapes while viewing a
spectacular Red Center sunset. Return to Ayers Rock Resort.
Overnight: Voyages Sails in the Desert Ayers Rock, Standard Room for 2 nights (L,D)

Day 7: Uluru
This morning, follow the ancestral stories of Uluru (Ayers Rock). Watch the sunrise as you
learn of the great “Rock’s” history and significance to the Anangu people. Short walks bring
you close to this wonderful place, viewing rock art, and waterholes. Amble, absorb images,
and gain insight into Uluru’s remarkable presence. The final stop is the Uluru and Kata Tjuta
Cultural Center. This evening, experience the romance of the desert: the sunset behind the
domes of Kata Tjuta and Uluru (Ayers Rock), the didgeridoo’s haunting sound, sumptuous
outback fare and the starfilled heavens. Includes dinner, resident astronomer and wine with
canapes. (B,D)

Day 8: Ayers Rock—Cairns
Transfer to the airport today and board your flight to Cairns (airfare not included). Upon
arrival, travel by private car to the Cairns International Hotel. Afternoon at leisure to
explore the seaside city of Cairns.
Overnight: Cairns International Hotel, Premium Harbor View Room for 1 night (B)

Day 9: Arrive Lizard Island
Travel via private car to the airport and fly to Lizard Island (included), one of the few islands
located on the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a gourmet dinner at Osprey’s Restaurant.
Overnight: Voyages Lizard Island, Anchor Bay Suite for 3 nights (B,D)

Day 10: Activities at Lizard Island
Take advantage of all the activities Lizard Island offers. From water sports like snorkeling,
scuba diving, sailing and fishing to land-based activities such as tennis and hiking, Lizard
Island has it all (some activities own expense). (B,L,D)

Day 11: R & R at Lizard Island
Relax and rejuvenate at the Azure Spa, a serene health spa overlooking the pool, take a
gourmet picnic in your very own dinghy to one of the 24 sandy white beaches or engage in
any activity that strikes your fancy. (B,L,D)

Day 12: Depart Cairns, Arrive Auckland—New Zealand
Fly to Cairns Airport via a charter flight (included). Then fly to Brisbane or Sydney and
connect with your flight to Auckland, New Zealand (airfare not included). Take a private car
transfer from the airport to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure.
Overnight: Hyatt Residence Auckland, 1 Bedroom Suite for 1 night (B)

Day 13: Travel to Huka Lodge
Arrive via private car at Auckland Airport for your short flight to Taupo (airfare not
included), then travel to Huka Lodge. Spend the evening in this world-class resort where
rustic charm meets luxurious service. Enjoy drinks and dinner in the main lodge.
Overnight: Huka Lodge, Lodge Room for 2 nights (B,D)

Day 14: Relax at Huka Lodge
Spend the day exploring the serene landscape of Huka Lodge. Set amid rich forest and the
Huka Falls, the lodge offers an array of outdoor pursuits. Enjoy a gourmet dinner in the
company of fellow guests or in private on the riverside terrace. (B,D)

Day 15: Travel to Wharekauhau Country Estate
Leave Taupo and fly onward to Wellington (airfare not included), pick up your rental car
and drive two hours to Wharekauhau Country Estate. Experience magnificent ocean views
while relaxing in front of your private fireplace.
Overnight: Wharekauhau Country Estate, Cottage Suite for 2 nights (B,D)

Day 16: Relax at Wharekauhau Country Estate
Explore the nearby Martinborough wine region, an area of world-renowned vineyards
where you can taste excellent Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. Or spend the day at leisure
enjoying a game of tennis, hiking or horseback riding. Return to the main house in the
evening for a gourmet dinner. (B,D)

Day 17: Depart Wharekauhau Country Estate
Return to Wellington Airport for your onward flight. (B)

1, 2, 3 Sydney Shangri-La Hotel Sydney
4 Alice Springs Crowne Plaza Alice Springs
5 Kings Canyon Voyages Kings Canyon Resort
6, 7 Ayers Rock Voyages Sails in the Desert Ayers Rock
8 Cairns Cairns International Hotel
9, 10, 11 Lizard Island Voyages Lizard Island
12 Auckland Hyatt Residence Auckland
13, 14 Huka Lodge Huka Lodge, Lodge Room
15, 16 Wharekauhau Country Estate Wharekauhau Country Estate

Accommodations
Day City Hotel

LUXURY
AUSTRALIA &
NEW ZEALAND

Have you ever

lived your dream?

Shangri-La Hotel Sydney
Crowne Plaza Alice Springs
Yoyages Kings Canyon Resort
Voyages Sails in the Desert Ayers Rock
International Hotel
Voyages Lizard Island
Hyatt Residence Auckland
Huka Lodge - Lodge Room
Wharekauhau Country Estate

1,2,3
4
5
6,7
8
9,10,11
12
13,14
15,16

Sydney
Alice Springs
Kings Canyon
Ayers Rock
Cairns
Lizard Island
Auckland
Huka Lodge
Wharekauhau

Private dining by the river at Huka Lodge