Highlights of Australia & New Zealand

On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. The next day, meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers at dinner. Get your bearings on a city tour that includes a private walk through Melbourne's famous hidden laneways. Along with the eclectic little lanes and arcades discover the city's café society and fascinating street art. The afternoon is yours to explore independently or, consider an optional experience to Phillip Island to see the nightly ritual of the Penguin Parade (at extra expense).

Fly north to the rusty red landscapes of Ayers Rock Resort, whose backdrop is Uluru, the world's largest rock monolith. You'll be guided to the perfect perch to catch the last light of the day, with a glass of bubbles in hand! There’s no better reason to get out of bed before dawn than to catch a magical Uluru sunrise and tour of its base. Later, head to Kata Tjuta where nature humbles you as you walk through the towering domes of this ancient rock formation.

An early start gives you the optional chance to glimpse the highly regarded "Field of Light" art installation, where 50,000 glowing spindles of light blanket the desert. Clamber to the top of a sand dune to marvel in the morning unfolding over this very special part of the world. Later, an Anangu artist will introduce you to Western Desert art, before you return to the airport and fly to Cairns (at extra expense). A day free to laze poolside or wander along the Cairns Esplanade.

Fly on to Sydney, Australia's largest city, with time at leisure to explore its buzzing harbour or unwind at the beach. Go behind the scenes at the Sydney Opera House, then see the city from the water on a Harbour Highlight Lunch Cruise. Pad along the sand at Bondi with Sydney's beautiful people. On day11, the hardest decision is whether to explore more of Sydney or head to the Blue Mountains World Heritage wilderness (at extra expense) – the choice is yours! On your last day, fill your time as you please.

Bid farewell to Australia and fly across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand for the next leg of your adventure. Following a relaxed start, set your sights firmly on Auckland’s main love: rugby. The interactive All Blacks Experience explores the game as part of New Zealand culture. Afterwards, get the lay of the land on a city sightseeing tour including Bastion Point and Mission Bay.

Travel to the charming village of Hobbiton for a guided tour through the 12-acre set. There's ample time for photo opportunities on the interactive hobbit hole and the Mill. After a stop for lunch (at extra expense), continue to Rotorua. Embark upon the Te Po experience at Te Puia, learning about Maori history and culture, feasting on hangi-inspired cuisine and watching a cultural performance.

The day begins at the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, where you join a Local Specialist for a tour. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience is not only fun but gives a fascinating insight into New Zealand's national bird. Later, travel on to Queenstown, the country's self-proclaimed adventure capital. The next day, Travel to Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park for a cruise amidst the sheer cliffs, thundering waterfalls, glaciers and rainforest.

En route to Lake Tekapo, visit charming Arrowtown and Cromwell, famed for its stone fruit, then discover some of the rarest cars in NZ motorsport history during your visit to the Highlands Museum. On arrival at Lake Tekapo, it’s apparent you’re far from anywhere, which practically guarantees dazzling stargazing in the UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

Get an early start to watch the sun rise over the lake or sleep in before heading north through South Canterbury to Christchurch. Take in the sights of a city coming back to life in a whole new way. The next day, travel to Hurunui Hills, a hill country farm in North Canterbury, to experience warm Kiwi hospitality with the Bamford family. Soak up the stunning scenery, meet the farm animals and discover what it’s like to live off the land during this unique Be My Guest experience.

Bid farewell to new friends as you transfer to the airport for your onward journey.