Small group touring and the Lands Down Under – they add up to a perfect combination as we travel from Australia’s spectacular Great Barrier Reef and the storied Outback to sophisticated Sydney; from New Zealand’s towering Mt. Cook and breathtaking Milford Sound to high-spirited Queenstown and nautical Auckland.
Small group touring and the Lands Down Under – they add up to a perfect combination as we travel from Australia’s spectacular Great Barrier Reef and the storied Outback to sophisticated Sydney; from New Zealand’s towering Mt. Cook and breathtaking Milford Sound to high-spirited Queenstown and nautical Auckland.
Please note: This trip involves full days of sightseeing and significant amounts of walking on stairs and uneven surfaces. You should be in good physical condition to enjoy the tour to its fullest.
The order of your itinerary in the Outback may vary by departure.
| 1 | Depart U.S. for Cairns, Australia Depart U.S. for Cairns, Australia |
| 2 | Depart U.S. for Cairns, Australia Depart U.S. for Cairns, Australia |
| 3 | Arrive Cairns D D Read More This afternoon we arrive in Cairns, gateway to Australia’s Far North and the Great Barrier Reef. We transfer to our hotel where tonight we enjoy a briefing and dinner. This afternoon we arrive in Cairns, gateway to Australia’s Far North and the Great Barrier Reef. We transfer to our hotel where tonight we enjoy a briefing and dinner. |
| 4 | Cairns/Kuranda B B Read More We take an orientation tour of Cairns then board a historic railway to the mountain village of Kuranda. After time to explore here, we descend via the gondolas of Skyrail. We then return to our hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure. We take an orientation tour of Cairns then board a historic railway to the mountain village of Kuranda. After time to explore here, we descend via the gondolas of Skyrail. We then return to our hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure. |
| 5 | Great Barrier Reef B L B L Read More This morning we board a boat for a day-long excursion to the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest living organism and richest marine resource at 1,200 miles long. We pull up at Michaelmas Cay where we can swim, snorkel, or view the reef from a semi-submersible vessel. This morning we board a boat for a day-long excursion to the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest living organism and richest marine resource at 1,200 miles long. We pull up at Michaelmas Cay where we can swim, snorkel, or view the reef from a semi-submersible vessel. |
| 6 | Cairns/Alice Springs B L B L Read More We take an early morning flight to remote Alice Springs, where upon arrival we venture to Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm for a picnic lunch amid the sheer rock walls. Then we visit the Alice Springs School of the Air, which provides schooling to widely scattered Outback children. We take an early morning flight to remote Alice Springs, where upon arrival we venture to Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm for a picnic lunch amid the sheer rock walls. Then we visit the Alice Springs School of the Air, which provides schooling to widely scattered Outback children. |
| 7 | Alice Springs B D B D Read More This morning we embark on an Aboriginal “dreamtime” tour, where we meet Walpiri tribespeople and learn about their ancient culture. After this First Australians experience, we encounter the acclaimed Royal Flying Doctor Service then visit the Anzac Hill Monument to Australian and New Zealand soldiers. Tonight, we enjoy a traditional Outback Bushman’s Dinner around a campfire. This morning we embark on an Aboriginal “dreamtime” tour, where we meet Walpiri tribespeople and learn about their ancient culture. After this First Australians experience, we encounter the acclaimed Royal Flying Doctor Service then visit the Anzac Hill Monument to Australian and New Zealand soldiers. Tonight, we enjoy a traditional Outback Bushman’s Dinner around a campfire. |
| 8 | Alice Springs/Ayers Rock B D B D Read More We reach our Ayers Rock hotel early afternoon. After lunch on our own, we visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is the traditional land of the Anangu Aboriginal peoples and home to the Olgas rock formations and Uluru (Ayers Rock). This evening we watch the sun set over this fabled sandstone monolith that rises to a height of 1,114 feet. We reach our Ayers Rock hotel early afternoon. After lunch on our own, we visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is the traditional land of the Anangu Aboriginal peoples and home to the Olgas rock formations and Uluru (Ayers Rock). This evening we watch the sun set over this fabled sandstone monolith that rises to a height of 1,114 feet. |
| 9 | Ayers Rock/Sydney B D B D Read More This morning we visit the base of Uluru and the interesting museum here. At midday, we fly to Sydney, arriving late afternoon. This morning we visit the base of Uluru and the interesting museum here. At midday, we fly to Sydney, arriving late afternoon. |
| 10 | Sydney B L B L Read More Today’s tour features The Rocks historic neighborhood, Darling Harbour and Mrs. Macquarie’s Point, Rose and Watson’s bays, and popular Bondi Beach. Then we board a catamaran for a lunch cruise around Sydney Harbour. Today’s tour features The Rocks historic neighborhood, Darling Harbour and Mrs. Macquarie’s Point, Rose and Watson’s bays, and popular Bondi Beach. Then we board a catamaran for a lunch cruise around Sydney Harbour. |
| 11 | Sydney B D B D Read More This morning we tour Featherdale Wildlife Park, where wombats, dingos, and koalas reside. Then the afternoon is at leisure; tonight we enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant. This morning we tour Featherdale Wildlife Park, where wombats, dingos, and koalas reside. Then the afternoon is at leisure; tonight we enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant. |
| 12 | Sydney/Christchurch, New Zealand B B Read More After a late morning tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House, this afternoon is free for independent exploration. This evening we board a flight to Christchurch, New Zealand’s “Garden City.” After a late morning tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House, this afternoon is free for independent exploration. This evening we board a flight to Christchurch, New Zealand’s “Garden City.” |
| 13 | Christchurch/Mount Cook National Park B L D B L D Read More This morning’s orientation tour features the Botanic Gardens and Cathedral Square, the beating heart of Christchurch and site of Christchurch Cathedral. Then we board our motorcoach for the journey south to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in the Southern Alps. En route, we stop in the town of Geraldine for lunch and to see sheep dogs and a sheep shearer in action at a local farm. We continue on to Mount Cook, arriving late this afternoon. This morning’s orientation tour features the Botanic Gardens and Cathedral Square, the beating heart of Christchurch and site of Christchurch Cathedral. Then we board our motorcoach for the journey south to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in the Southern Alps. En route, we stop in the town of Geraldine for lunch and to see sheep dogs and a sheep shearer in action at a local farm. We continue on to Mount Cook, arriving late this afternoon. |
| 14 | Mount Cook B D B D Read More This morning’s tour of alpine Mount Cook Village includes a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center, where we see a 3D planetarium movie about the region. We also visit the Hillary Gallery, comemorating Sir Edmund’s achievements, including the first ascent of Mount Cook’s difficult South Ridge in 1948 (at 12,316 feet, Mount Cook is New Zealand’s tallest mountain). After time in the village for lunch on our own, this afternoon is at leisure to relax amid the breathtaking scenery, hike, or take an optional scenic flight (weather permitting). This morning’s tour of alpine Mount Cook Village includes a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center, where we see a 3D planetarium movie about the region. We also visit the Hillary Gallery, comemorating Sir Edmund’s achievements, including the first ascent of Mount Cook’s difficult South Ridge in 1948 (at 12,316 feet, Mount Cook is New Zealand’s tallest mountain). After time in the village for lunch on our own, this afternoon is at leisure to relax amid the breathtaking scenery, hike, or take an optional scenic flight (weather permitting). |
| 15 | Mount Cook/Queenstown B D B D Read More We depart this morning for Queenstown, stopping en route in historic Arrowtown for lunch on our own followed by a visit to Kawarau Bridge Bungy, the world’s first bungy jump operation open to the public. Mid-afternoon we reach Queenstown, New Zealand’s “adventure capital.” We dine tonight at our hotel. We depart this morning for Queenstown, stopping en route in historic Arrowtown for lunch on our own followed by a visit to Kawarau Bridge Bungy, the world’s first bungy jump operation open to the public. Mid-afternoon we reach Queenstown, New Zealand’s “adventure capital.” We dine tonight at our hotel. |
| 16 | Milford Sound B L B L Read More Our day-long excursion to Milford Sound includes a nature cruise through the breathtaking fjords. We have lunch on board then later have the opportunity to return to Queenstown on an optional scenic flight (weather permitting). Our day-long excursion to Milford Sound includes a nature cruise through the breathtaking fjords. We have lunch on board then later have the opportunity to return to Queenstown on an optional scenic flight (weather permitting). |
| 17 | Queenstown B B Read More Today is at leisure to enjoy New Zealand’s adventure capital as we wish. Today is at leisure to enjoy New Zealand’s adventure capital as we wish. |
| 18 | Queenstown/Rotorua B D B D Read More We depart today for the Maori center of Rotorua, with its geysers, bubbling mud pools, and hot thermal springs. Upon arrival, we take a panoramic tour of this city on the shores of Lake Rotorua. This evening we visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve and Cultural Centre for a traditional hangi dinner and Māori performance. We depart today for the Maori center of Rotorua, with its geysers, bubbling mud pools, and hot thermal springs. Upon arrival, we take a panoramic tour of this city on the shores of Lake Rotorua. This evening we visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve and Cultural Centre for a traditional hangi dinner and Māori performance. |
| 19 | Rotorua B B Read More This morning we visit Paradise Valley Springs, which showcases New Zealand’s biodiversity with native flora and wildlife, including alpaca, llama, and wallabies. Then we drive to National Kiwi Trust, dedicated to rehabilitating injured kiwis, the national bird This morning we visit Paradise Valley Springs, which showcases New Zealand’s biodiversity with native flora and wildlife, including alpaca, llama, and wallabies. Then we drive to National Kiwi Trust, dedicated to rehabilitating injured kiwis, the national bird |
| 20 | Rotorua/Auckland B B Read More En route to Auckland, we stop this morning at Ruakuri Caves to see the unique glowworms that illuminate the underground grottoes and caves. We reach Auckland late this afternoon; we’re on our own for dinner tonight. En route to Auckland, we stop this morning at Ruakuri Caves to see the unique glowworms that illuminate the underground grottoes and caves. We reach Auckland late this afternoon; we’re on our own for dinner tonight. |
| 21 | Auckland B D B D Read More Our half-day tour of this city set atop 48 volcanic hills features glittering Auckland Harbour and the America’s Cup Village. We also visit the War Memorial Museum, with its prized Māori and Pacific Islander collections. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner at our hotel. Our half-day tour of this city set atop 48 volcanic hills features glittering Auckland Harbour and the America’s Cup Village. We also visit the War Memorial Museum, with its prized Māori and Pacific Islander collections. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner at our hotel. |
| 22 | Depart for U.S. B B Read More This afternoon we depart for the airport for the flight to Los Angeles (via Sydney) and our return flights home. This afternoon we depart for the airport for the flight to Los Angeles (via Sydney) and our return flights home. |
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Sydney | 78 | 78 | 76 | 71 | 66 | 67 | 71 | 74 | 77 |
| Alice Springs | 97 | 95 | 90 | 81 | 73 | 81 | 88 | 93 | 96 |
| Queenstown | 71 | 70 | 67 | 60 | 52 | 56 | 60 | 64 | 69 |
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Sydney | 78 | 78 | 76 | 71 | 66 | 67 | 71 | 74 | 77 |
| Alice Springs | 97 | 95 | 90 | 81 | 73 | 81 | 88 | 93 | 96 |
| Queenstown | 71 | 70 | 67 | 60 | 52 | 56 | 60 | 64 | 69 |
Enjoy additional time in the sparkling “City of Sails,” at your own pace.
“Scott went above and beyond to ensure we had the trip of our dreams. His commentary and shared personal experience of the countries visited greatly added to our enjoyment and knowledge.”
Suzann Stamps
Colleyville, TX
“Patricia was fabulous in every way. Helpful, friendly, knowledgeable. She went way above the call of duty.”
Carolyn McClurkan
Bremerton, WA
“David was fabulous… He was very knowledgeable, personable, attentive to everyone, and had a good sense of humor. He kept us on time without being overbearing.”
Andrew Lips
Pittsfield, MA
“In my 16 trips with Odysseys, the tour directors have been outstanding, but Chas stands out as the best of the best! The breadth and depth of his experience and knowledge was amazing.”
Edythe Holubec
Taylor, TX
“Elizabeth was outstanding in all areas and obviously worked very hard to give us a wonderful and problem-free experience. She is what an excellent tour director should be!”
George & Cathy Castille
Baton Rouge, LA
"She’s a gem! Wonderful sense of humor. Got to know everyone and pointed out things of special interest to one or another."
Barbara Bruhn
Chagrin Falls, OH
“I can’t imagine a more knowledgeable, compassionate, kind human being than John… A combination of his competence and sense of humor kept our group feeling secure and happy.”
Larry & Janet Sheir
Moreland Hills, OH
Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
“We loved Hayley. She went above and beyond what anyone could have expected.”
Monica Moore
Saint Louis, MI
“Allan was a wonderful asset. Totally knowledgeable and experienced. Had lots of interesting stories that really added depth to the trip.”
Kathryn Fudge
Huntington, NY
Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
“Based on our 10+ years of overseas tours, we rate Ms. Fouracres as ‘the best of the best’ because of her capable attention to all tour members.”
Joe & Susan Yea
San Jose, CA
“Sharron was outstanding – very thorough and knowledgeable. She was extremely helpful with free time.”
Pat Torres-Smith & Clay Smith
Centennial, CO
“I can’t imagine a more knowledgeable, compassionate, kind human being than John… A combination of his competence and sense of humor kept our group feeling secure and happy.”
Larry & Janet Sheir
Moreland Hills, OH
“In my 16 trips with Odysseys, the tour directors have been outstanding, but Chas stands out as the best of the best! The breadth and depth of his experience and knowledge was amazing.”
Edythe Holubec
Taylor, TX
“David was fabulous… He was very knowledgeable, personable, attentive to everyone, and had a good sense of humor. He kept us on time without being overbearing.”
Andrew Lips
Pittsfield, MA
“Sharron was outstanding – very thorough and knowledgeable. She was extremely helpful with free time.”
Pat Torres-Smith & Clay Smith
Centennial, CO
Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
“Patricia was fabulous in every way. Helpful, friendly, knowledgeable. She went way above the call of duty.”
Carolyn McClurkan
Bremerton, WA
“Allan was a wonderful asset. Totally knowledgeable and experienced. Had lots of interesting stories that really added depth to the trip.”
Kathryn Fudge
Huntington, NY
Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
“We loved Hayley. She went above and beyond what anyone could have expected.”
Monica Moore
Saint Louis, MI
"She’s a gem! Wonderful sense of humor. Got to know everyone and pointed out things of special interest to one or another."
Barbara Bruhn
Chagrin Falls, OH
“Scott went above and beyond to ensure we had the trip of our dreams. His commentary and shared personal experience of the countries visited greatly added to our enjoyment and knowledge.”
Suzann Stamps
Colleyville, TX
“Based on our 10+ years of overseas tours, we rate Ms. Fouracres as ‘the best of the best’ because of her capable attention to all tour members.”
Joe & Susan Yea
San Jose, CA
“Elizabeth was outstanding in all areas and obviously worked very hard to give us a wonderful and problem-free experience. She is what an excellent tour director should be!”
George & Cathy Castille
Baton Rouge, LA
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