In 25 Days, experience the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne, Australia's most scenic highway - the Great Ocean Road, awe-inspiring Ayers Rock, and the stunning harbor city of Sydney. Experiences abound with incredible cities, wildlife encounters, natural wonders, and stunning architecture delivered by Australia's best guides.

Start New Zealand in Queenstown. After taking in the awe-inspiring fiords, lakes, and thrill-inducing jetboats, travel by small group tour to Mount Cook – New Zealand’s highest Mountain and base for glacier experiences and breathtaking walking trails. Next, continue through the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, the capital of the South Island, before venturing to the Central North Island, experiencing bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers, natural hot springs, and the fascinating Maori culture in Rotorua. Finally, travel north to Hobbiton & the Waitomo Caves before concluding your trip with two nights in the beautiful harbour city of Auckland.

This is an independent trip, fully inclusive of flights, 4* accommodations, transfers, and small group tours. Itinerary customization and Air Upgrade options for Premium & business class are available.

• Roundtrip International Economy Class Flights from Los Angeles(domestic US flights can be added at an additional cost)
• Internal Australia flights
• Three nights in Melbourne at the 4.5* Pan Pacific Hotel
• Half Day Laneways & Arcades Walking Tour
• Full Day Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour
• Three days medium size automatic transmission car rental inclusive of insurance
• One night in Port Campbell at the 4* Southern Ocean Villas
• One-night Dunkeld at the 4* Royal Mail Hotel, including a light breakfast
• One night Ballarat at the 4* Provincial Hotel, Including breakfast
• Two nights Ayers Rock at the 4* Desert Gardens Hotel
• A Night at the Field of Light, including Dinner under the night sky
• Small group Uluru sunrise tour
• Small group Kata Tjuta National Park tour
• Four nights in Sydney at the 4.5* Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney
• Half-day small group city sights of Sydney
• Sydney Harbour cruise
• Sydney Opera House tour
• Full day small group tour to the World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains
• Private car service transfers on arrival in Melbourne & in Sydney
• Complimentary coach transfers in Ayers Rock
• Internal New Zealand flights
• 4 nights Queenstown in 4* accommodation
• Small group Wilderness Jetboat tour
• Small group Milford Sound tour & cruise
• Small group tour from Queenstown – Mt Cook - Christchurch
• 2-nights Christchurch in 4* accommodation
• 2 nights Rotorua in 4* accommodation
• Evening tour & Maori culture dinner experience
• Small group tour of Rotorua Geothermal parks & valleys
• Polynesian thermal Spa experience
• Small group tour from Rotorua to Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves to Auckland
• 2 nights Auckland in 4* accommodation
• Small group full day tour of Auckland city & stunning West Coast
• Airport shuttle transfers
• All taxes & fuel surcharges

Day 1 - Depart the US to Melbourne
Non-stop flights are available from LA, San Francisco, and Dallas to Melbourne, with connections from all US airports.

Ask about our upgrade options to Premium Economy and Business class.

Day 2 - Cross International Dateline

Day 3 - Arrive Melbourne
Welcome to Australia! On arrival in Melbourne, you will be met in the arrivals hall by your driver and transferred by car service to the Pan Pacific Melbourne. Enjoy 3 nights in exciting Melbourne – named the world’s most livable city for the sixth consecutive year.

Image: Tourism Australia

ACCOMMODATION - Shouldered by the Yarra River and in the heart of the South Wharf precinct, Pan Pacific Melbourne provides a riverside experience and a new perspective of Melbourne. Guest rooms are spacious private sanctuaries. Full-length windows infuse each room with light and provide stunning skyline views. Oversized bathrooms are calming and luxurious.

There is a lot to love about Melbourne - just ask the locals. This sophisticated world city in the southeast corner of mainland Australia inspires a deep passion in those who live there. Ranked as one of the world’s most livable cities, Melbourne is famous for its vibrant energy, restaurants, fashion boutiques, café filled laneways, cool bars, unbeatable galleries, spacious parks, and village-like inner suburbs, each with its unique character. Melbourne is less than 200 years old and never sits still. Modern, cutting-edge designs add to the fascinating mix of heritage architecture and ensure the skyline is constantly changing.

Day 4 - Melbourne - Lanes & Arcades tour
This morning Indulge with a small casual group guided walking tour through Melbourne's lanes and arcades in small groups to engage in the life of this city, which many miss. Discover local designers and specialty retailers, tiny cafes, and more. A little history and attention to amazing architecture will inspire locals and visitors alike. Get orientated and return to those places you like best in the afternoon, at your leisure.

Day 5 - Melbourne - Phillip Island
Your 8-hour animal adventure will start with a visit to Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park, where you will have time to take photos and have close encounters with animals like kangaroos, wombats, and echidnas. Head to Phillip Island and Woolamai Surf Beach to glimpse the awesome waves and die-hard surfers. Cross the island to reach the dramatic west coast and the Nobbies, where you will be awe-struck by the crashing waves. Finally, it’s time for the main event, the Penguin Parade. There is a reason that this is one of Australia’s top attractions, and the little penguins will not disappoint! You will sit on the protective platform to see possibly hundreds of little penguins waddling onto the beach. Be a witness to this magical procession – it is a treat never forgotten.

Image: Tourism Australia

Day 6 - Melbourne - Port Campbell
Collect your car this morning and travel southwest from Melbourne on the Princes Highway to Geelong, the largest provincial city in Victoria. Depart Geelong and travel onto Torquay, the surfing capital of Australia. Follow the coast road through Anglesea to Lorne and visit the nearby Erskine Falls. The coastline from Lorne to Apollo Bay has been described as one of the most breathtaking drives in the world.

From Apollo Bay, the road leaves the coast and winds through the ferny slopes of Cape Otway; this rainforest country is silent and untouched. When the road meets the coast again, you will see some amazing rock formations, including the Twelve Apostles, huge stone pillars in the surf, carved over time by the crashing Southern Ocean waves. Continue to Port Campbell, where you will see London Bridge, the broken arch.

ACCOMMODATION - Ideally situated on the edge of the picturesque Port Campbell National Park, famous for its rugged beauty, shipwreck coast, and spectacular scenery, Southern Ocean Villas are positioned in a tranquil, landscaped environment. Conveniently located just off the Great Ocean Road, Southern Ocean Villas are within a short stroll of Port Campbell town center and beach.

Day 7 - Port Campbell - Dunkeld
From Port Campbell, travel northwest to Dunkeld, where you will stay for the night. Dunkeld's historic Royal Mail Hotel is idyllically located at the base of Mount Sturgeon, at the southern tip of western Victoria's Grampians Ranges. Originally established in 1855, the hotel retains its historic charm while providing guests with contemporary, architecturally designed facilities that take advantage of the stunning natural surroundings.

ACCOMMODATION - Dunkeld's historic Royal Mail Hotel is idyllically located at the base of Mount Sturgeon, at the southern tip of western Victoria's Grampians Ranges. Originally established in 1855, the hotel retains its historic charm while providing guests with contemporary, architecturally designed facilities that take advantage of the stunning natural surroundings. This historic hotel features sweeping views, a restaurant, open fires, bars, and luxurious motel rooms.

Image: Tourism Australia

Day 8 - Dunkeld to the Grampians & onwards to Ballarat
Depart Dunkeld this morning for Halls Gap, the heart of the Grampians National Park in the picturesque Fyans Valley. The township offers a comprehensive National Park visitor center. The sandstone ranges of the Grampians National Park surround Halls Gap, providing views of rugged escarpments and a tranquil atmosphere. The ridges and valleys are filled with Australian fauna, wildflowers, tree-fern gullies, strange rock formations, Aboriginal rock art, crystal clear rock pools, and many waterfalls like McKenzie Falls.

Departing Halls Gap, join the Grampians Road towards the towns of Ararat, Beaufort, and Ballarat – just 75 minutes from Melbourne Airport for your overnight stay at the Provincial Hotel.

ACCOMMODATION - The Provincial Hotel sits pretty on Ballarat's historic Lydiard Street. Built in 1909, the iconic building, recognized by the National Trust, has uniquely curated rooms for an inspiring and relaxing stay.

Day 9 - Melbourne – Ayers Rock (Uluru)
This morning self-drive to Melbourne Airport and return your rental car before boarding your non-stop flight to Ayers Rock. On arrival at Ayers Rock, take the courtesy shuttle transfer on arrival to the Desert Gardens hotel - your base for two nights.

Uluru, the true Aboriginal name for what many people know as Ayers Rock, rises from the broad desert plain in the deep center of Australia. It is one of the country's most recognizable natural icons. The famous "Rock" stands 348 meters high and is located 440 kilometers southwest of Alice Springs in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Forty kilometers west of Uluru is Kata Tjuta, also known as The Olgas. This massive pile of rock domes dates back 500 million years. Uluru and Kata Tjuta have great Aboriginal cultural significance for the Anangu traditional landowners. Learn about the area's local flora and fauna, bush foods, and Aboriginal Dreamtime stories.

ACCOMMODATION - Magnificent ghost gums and flowering native shrubs are the settings for this hotel. Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel is centrally located to all resort and touring facilities and offers a range of accommodations, from shaded poolside rooms to deluxe rooms overlooking the desert. Relax in the comfort of your private balcony or courtyard, or unwind in the pool, sipping cocktails from the Bunya bar. It is only a short stroll to the numerous lookouts, where you can view what is arguably one of the best sunsets, with the spectacular play of colors across the face of Uluru and the surrounding desert.

This evening enjoy the sunset over Uluru & "A Night at The Field of Light" tour. Your experience begins with a convenient hotel pick-up and transfer to the remote desert location with majestic views of Uluru. With Uluru as the backdrop, guests enjoy canapés and chilled sparkling wine to the sounds of a didgeridoo as the sun slowly sets. As darkness gradually falls and the colored lights of the 50,000 glass spheres come to life, guests enjoy a local Indigenous performance, welcoming them to this unique country, before being invited to join their fellow travelers at their dinner table for a unique three-course bush tucker-inspired buffet menu. A knowledgeable guide will provide insights and background to the monumental installation, and you can immerse yourself and walk through the Field of Light.

Image: Tourism Australia

Day 10 - Ayers Rock - Uluru Sunrise Tour & Afternoon Kata Tjuta
This morning you will be picked up from the Desert Gardens Hotel for your small group Uluru Highlights sunrise tour. Travel towards Uluru, where its vast shape rises from the dunes in the early dawn light highlighting its presence in this country. Stop at a special location to watch the sun rise over this striking monolith and enjoy a picnic breakfast. Travel to Mutitjulu Waterhole, where you will learn the Creation stories of Liru (poisonous snake) and Kuniya (python). Then drive around the base of Uluru, hearing the cultural narratives of the Mala people before returning to the resort.

This afternoon join your tour to Kata Tjuta National Park. This 3-hour tour travels to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, where unique flora and fauna thrive – Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Your guide will reveal the many attributes of this diverse environment and describe the cultural significance of Kata Tjuta as a sacred Aboriginal men’s ceremonial site. Arriving at Walpa Gorge, walk between the mighty conglomerate domes and hear how these 36 domes that make up Kata Tjuta have evolved over millions of years. Take time to listen to the wind (Walpa) far above and view the scale of the rock walls surrounding you. The spirituality of this unique location embraces everyone who ventures here

Day 11 - Ayers Rock - Sydney
Take the complimentary transfer to Ayers Rock Airport and board your flight to Sydney. On arrival, you will be met by your driver for a car service transfer to the Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney.

Blessed with a temperate climate, Sydney is Australia's favorite city with the world's most beautiful harbor. The harbor provides a playground for jet boating, sailing, swimming, harbor scenic flights, dining, fishing, climbing the harbor bridge, and sightseeing at the Opera House.

ACCOMMODATION - Stay four nights in the Heart of Sydney; The Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney features stylish accommodations, a contemporary restaurant & bar, a day spa, indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour room service. An easy walk to Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Circular Quay, The Rocks, Queen Victoria Building, and only a few minutes from Wynyard train station make Amora one of Sydney's most desired locations.

Image: Tourism Australia

Day 12 - Sydney - Half Day City Sights tour
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel for your small group Panoramic Sydney tour. Visit the historic Rocks area and hear about early convict history. Enjoy magnificent views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. See the city's shopping heart, Queen Victoria Building, and Sydney Tower. Visit Sydney's trendy Oxford Street district and travel through Paddington with its terrace houses before arriving at the Pacific Ocean. See the magnificent coast cliff walk around Tamarama and Bronte. Travel to famous Bondi Beach and visit the beachfront promenade with time to enjoy a coffee or cool drink (at your own cost). See Aussie lifesavers and Sydney's best panoramic view at Dover Heights. Return to Sydney via Double Bay, Kings Cross, and Mrs. Macquarie's Point for a final magical viewpoint over the harbour before returning to the city center.

Day 13 - Explore Sydney Harbour and Sydney Opera House
Explore Sydney harbor onboard the Hop on Hop Off Sydney Harbour Explorer. Travel aboard a 25-meter motorized Rocket Ferry vessel and enjoy a fun and easy way to explore Sydney, including commentary on selected routes. Then, relax as your vessel cruises around Sydney Harbour and stops at six harbourside attractions, including Circular Quay, Manly, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, Shark Island, and Darling Harbour. Then, hop off and reboard as many times as you wish as you explore the best of Sydney!

This afternoon enjoy a one-hour guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. The Sydney Opera House is one of the world's most recognizable landmarks, and this is your chance to truly get up close. Run your hands over the world-famous shell tiles, take a seat in the elegant custom-made white birch timber chairs, and marvel at the vaulted ceilings. Next, visit areas off-limits to the public and capture photographs from rare vantage points. Finally, explore theatres and foyers where more than 1600 concerts, operas, dramas, and ballets occur yearly.

Day 14 –Sydney – Visit the World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains
This 10-hour tour will commence with a drive over Anzac Bridge, passing the Sydney Fish Market and heading to Canada Bay as you make your way west. Just 1.5 hours away, arrive in the heart of the Blue Mountains District, take in the scenery, and smell the fresh air with unbelievable views of the Jamison Valley. Your First Stop is Echo Point, the closest and best view of the Three Sisters. You will be able to witness the blue haze and the vast expanse of the Jamison Valley. Feel the spiritual presence of the Three Sisters, hear the Dream Time Stories, and experience for yourself the raw magic the Blue Mountains create. Visit Scenic World and start your adventure on Scenic Skyway. Experience the thrill of walking on air with a see-through glass floor showing views of the valley 200 meters below. Dare yourself to ride the steepest railway in the world. After a stroll through the ancient rainforest, ride the Scenic Cableway, Australia’s steepest cable car. See spectacular views of the Three Sisters and the vast expanse of the Jamison Valley. Visit Multiple secret locations around the Blue Mountains that provide fantastic views of the Jamison Valley and cascades away from the crowds. Your guide will drop you off at Leura, a quaint village in the Blue Mountains. You will have the opportunity to select your own lunch and visit the beautiful shops in the region. On your way back to Sydney, you will venture to the Western suburbs to visit Sydney Zoo, Sydney’s ultimate wildlife experience. See a Koala or baby Wallabies. There are also Emu, Wombats, crocodiles, and countless nocturnal animals. Your trip to Sydney is incomplete without a Ferry Trip on the Parramatta River to Circular Quay. Before disembarking at Circular Quay, you will travel under the Harbour Bridge and past the Opera House.

Day 15 - Sydney to Queenstown
This morning you will be transferred by private car service to Sydney International Airport and your flight to New Zealand.

On arrival into Queenstown, you will be transferred to your accommodation. Queenstown, surrounded by majestic mountains and nestled on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Whakatipu, offers diverse, world-class experiences, a warm welcome and a cosmopolitan vibe. Queenstown has fueled imaginations and inspired many to explore. Whether you are chasing the snow, exploring the trails, indulging in food and wine, discovering stunning fairways or seeking adrenaline thrills, Queenstown sets the stage for adventure.

ACCOMMODATION - Enjoy 4 nights at 4.5* The Rees Hotel Queenstown. Showcasing breath taking panoramic lake and mountain views, this sophisticated property is conveniently located just a gentle lakeside walk from Queenstown’s town center. Boasting luxurious accommodation options including hotel rooms, apartments and 5 Lake Front Residences, all offer full service, complimentary Wi-Fi, free movies, a fine dining onsite restaurant, an extensive wine cellar, purpose-built gymnasium, complimentary ski lockers, spa treatment services, library and private jetty.

Image: Tourism New Zealand

Day 16 - Queenstown
Today enjoy a half Day Wilderness Jetboat Safari. Discover and explore every aspect of this magnificent area through a combination of exciting wilderness jet boating, an informative guided walk and picturesque back-country drive. Surrounded by breathtaking snow-covered peaks, hidden valleys, waterfalls and glacial valleys frozen in time, you’ll be thrilled by an exciting jet boat journey navigating the ever-changing shallow channels of the Dart Rivers braided river system. Your jet boat driver will stop along the way to highlight points of interest and discuss the natural and cultural significance of this exceptional area. Walk amongst the ancient beech tree forests – an atmosphere you may recognize from The Lord of the Rings films.

Day 17 - Queenstown
An early morning starts today to experience a full day small group tour to Milford Sound (approx. 12 hours duration).

Set off from Queenstown and travel along Lake Wakatipu towards Te Anau – enjoying many scenic stops enroute. Continue to Milford Sound, with several stops for short walks and photo opportunities. At Milford Sound, board a Boutique Small Boat cruise. Enjoy your packed lunch box and complimentary coffee on board while cruising past sheer cliff faces and cascading waterfalls. The smaller size of the vessel enables you to get you up close and personal with the local wildlife, like New Zealand fur seals, dolphins, and the rare Fiordland crested penguin. A “Glacial Facial” under the Stirling Falls is an experience not to be missed. After the cruise returns, travel back to Queenstown after an amazing day in Fiordland. Optional upgrade to scenic flights back to Queenstown available for an additional cost (weather permitting)

Day 18 - Queenstown
Explore Queenstown at your leisure or consider adding one of our tour options - Some of our favorites (additional cost applies):

• Appellation Central Wine Tours
  Appellation Central offers guided tours showcasing Central Otago's fine wine and cuisine. These tours venture into the heartland of Central Otago visiting vineyards in Gibbston, Bannockburn and Cromwell. Small groups and custom fit minibuses ensure a relaxed and interactive day out from Queenstown and a great way to experience Central Otago.
• Nomad Safari - Skippers Canyon
  A half-day heritage tour that follows the rugged and once treacherous Skippers Road. Hacked by hand into the sheer cliff sides of the Shotover River Valley. Navigate this awe-inspiring canyon and visit many historic sites such as the Skippers Suspension Bridge, township of Skippers, and the restored schoolhouse - gain a real insight into the local heritage through photos and histories of life in this tough environment.
• Skyline Gondola & Zipline Ecotour
  Commence an ecotour on Queenstown's original zipline course and the perfect starter to your adventure experience. Comprised of four ziplines, starting and finishing at the top of the Skyline gondola, the tour is designed to start low and slow and gradually build your confidence as it gets progressively longer, higher and faster. All ages love the interaction this guided aerial tour has to offer.

Day 19 - Queenstown – Mount Cook – Christchurch
Depart Queenstown on your small group tour to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest mountain. Leaving Queenstown, your journey will take you north through the historic gold mining region of the rugged Kawarau River Gorge and past Cromwell, famed for its fruit-growing. Skirting the shores of Lake Dunstan, cross the Lindis Pass to Omarama for morning tea (own expense). Continue through the rugged high-country landscape of the Mackenzie Basin to arrive at Mount Cook Village, where you can gaze up at the 3,724m/12,218ft high mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook, an important landmark in Maori mythology. While in the national park you have four hours free time to enjoy free walks/hikes or one of the extra optional activities (pre-booking recommended). Options include The Hooker Valley hike – thought to be one of New Zealand’s most beautiful hikes, a Heli hike on the Tasman Glacier, or a scenic flight including a landing on the Tasman Glacier. Farewelling Aoraki/Mount Cook Village, continue your journey to Lake Tekapo, famous for its pristine beauty and turquoise blue water, before descending to the Canterbury Plains and into the city of Christchurch. On arrival into Christchurch, check into your hotel for your two-night stay.

ACCOMMODATION - Enjoy 2 nights at 4.5* Distinction Hotel Christchurch. Centrally located in Cathedral Square in the heart of the city, the hotel is a short stroll from the Avon River, Botanical Gardens, Christchurch Casino, and City Mall. Offering 179 elegant, air-conditioned rooms, all are fitted out with the latest technology and free unlimited Wi-Fi. The hotel bar and restaurant are the perfect place to enjoy drinks and delicious cuisine. A Gym, sauna and valet car parking are also available.

Image: Tourism New Zealand

Day 20 - Christchurch
Otautahi Christchurch is New Zealand’s second largest city, its newest and perhaps its most exciting. This urban hub at the heart of the immensely visitable South Island is stacked with street art and long-standing visitor attractions, world-class hospitality and diverse accommodation, and state of the art architecture alongside the country’s best heritage gems. Wander the walkable central city to discover riverside markets and global cuisine, laneway shopping and rooftop bars. Within easy reach are numerous beaches bordering the Pacific Ocean, the majestic Southern Alps, and an ancient volcanic peninsula.

Spend the day exploring Christchurch on foot or take an optional tour to Arthurs Pass National Park via the Tranz Alpine Express (additional cost applies)

Travel across the Canterbury Plains by small group tour into high country and spectacular Arthur’s Pass National Park with its rugged mountain ranges. You will be transferred to Arthur’s Pass by TranzAlpine train. Your journey will take you west across the rich agricultural belt of the Canterbury Plains to Springfield where you will have the opportunity to take photos of the mountains rising above you. The train journey through the gorge is spectacular before you make your way to the high mountains of the Southern Alps and Arthur’s Pass. View the Waimakariri River and enter Arthur’s Pass National Park where short walks can be taken to experience forests, rivers, and mountain vistas. Enjoy lunch at an historic high-country hotel. Follow the old stagecoach route and view the spectacular Otira Gorge, testament to the road builders of the 1860’s and the route taken by the Maori in their quest for greenstone. Visit Cave Stream where it burrows underground in an area of limestone cliffs, gorges and craggy outcrops (this area was used for the filming of CS Lewis’s “The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe”) or visit the incredible Castle Hill rocks, unique weatherworn outcrops of limestone and regarded sacred by the Maori. Return to Christchurch via sub-alpine Porter’s Pass and the Canterbury Plains.

Day 21 - Fly Christchurch to Rotorua
This morning depart on your nonstop flight to Rotorua. On arrival in Rotorua, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Located in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, Rotorua is the place to enjoy some of the country’s most iconic natural attractions and geothermal landscapes, incredible experiences from adventure to enrichment and relaxation, and welcoming people who are proud of sharing their rich Maori culture with you.

ACCOMMODATION - Enjoy 2 nights at 4* Regent of Rotorua. Born from a 1950's Motel built on the site, this boutique hotel has been transformed and renovated into a chic, central city hotel. All the guest accommodations combine their signature modern styling, unexpected touches with a hint of glamour, while still providing all the mod-conveniences. Step out of your gorgeous room or suite and stroll to the vibrant restaurant zone or lakefront area.

Late afternoon you will be picked up from your hotel for a tour and evening experience at Te Puia -Be guided through the greenstone, wood carving and flax weaving schools at the New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute, Rotowhio Pa, Kiwi Conservation Centre and Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley including Pohutu geyser. Te Puia's world-famous hangi buffet dinner is served in Pataka Kai Restaurant, Bar & Café. Beverages are at own cost. The cultural performance will take place a beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. It will include a pohiri (traditional welcome), waiata (song), moteatea (traditional chant) poi and haka. The evening culminates with hot chocolate and steamed pudding surrounded by steam and the geyser terrace bathed in colored light.

Image: Tourism New Zealand

Day 22 - Rotorua
This morning join your small group half day tour to visits Rotorua's most natural and popular geothermal parks, Wai O Tapu and Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Your local naturalist guide will explain the volcanic processes of Rotorua and New Zealand. See volcanoes, geysers, New Zealand's largest boiling mud pool and hot springs on a scenic drive around volcanic landscapes, native and exotic forests. The two heritage parks offer a variety of thermal activity; at Wai-o-tapu the amazingly colorful hot springs and moon like landscapes are the key features along with the famous Lady Knox geyser. At Waimangu Volcanic valley, learn about the Mt Tarawera eruption, native flora and fauna and the geothermal features which were blown open in 1886.

This afternoon relax and unwind on the tranquil shores of Lake Rotorua at Polynesian Spa. Channeling geothermal marvels in its backyard, the 27 mineral pools at Polynesian Spa are fed from two natural springs for a combination that both nourishes the skin and relieves tired muscles, aches, and pains. The two types of mineral waters that feed the pools are called alkaline pool Whangapipiro and acidic pool Te Pupunitanga and have been used by Maori for generations. Deluxe Private Pools offer panoramic views over Lake Rotorua. The pools are filled with soothing alkaline mineral water leaving your skin soft and supple. Enjoy 30 minutes of private bathing

Day 23 – Rotorua – Hobbiton – Waitomo Caves – Auckland
This morning you are collected from your Rotorua accommodation by shuttle and are transferred to Hobbiton Movie Set. On arrival at Shire’s Rest, you embark on your Hobbiton movie set tour. This location is the largest “green set” in the world and the only part of the set remaining in New Zealand. You see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill, and the Party Tree. At this stunning location you can take a photo at the gate to Bilbo’s house, “Bag End”, looking out over the whole set to the hills in the distance. The tour ends with a visit to the Green Dragon Inn for a drink. Following your drink, you will be treated to a sumptuous buffet lunch in the marquee. There is time for shopping before your tour continues to Waitomo. On arrival in Waitomo, join a 45-minute guided tour of the incredible Waitomo Glow Worm caves. Discover an ancient world 30 million years in the making. Enjoy the delicate cave formations and be wowed in the Cathedral, before taking the iconic boat ride through the glow worm grotto. Marvel in silence at thousands of magical glow worms, which are unique to New Zealand before exiting the cave. After your tour at Waitomo travel north to Auckland and dropped off at your hotel.

Image: Tourism New Zealand

ACCOMMODATION - Enjoy 2 nights at 4.5* Voco Auckland. Located within one of Auckland’s tallest buildings in the heart of the city, this hotel embraces sustainability initiatives and all of the element’s characteristic of the Voco lifestyle. Guest rooms are designed around the brand’s Me Time concept incorporating premium beds, superior showers, user-friendly technology, and innovative lighting. These are joined by an all-day restaurant and bar, as well as a guest fitness center.

Day 24 - Auckland
Don't think of Auckland as a city, even though it's New Zealand's largest. Think of it as half urban, half marine - a cosmopolitan experience wrapped up in a fascinating water world and surrounded by over 50 islands.

Experience Auckland City highlights on a small group tour with its stunning harbour and many volcanoes as well as Auckland’s famous West Coast. Combine the very best Auckland has to offer including the sights of the Auckland City Half Day Tour and a West Coast Half Day Tour into one full day luxury experience which includes lunch. Be amazed by spectacular views of both the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea plus dramatic views of several volcanoes, city & regional parks. Explore untamed coastline, black as well as golden sand beaches, subtropical rainforest with the famous Kauri trees, plus unique indigenous flora, and fauna.

Image: Tourism New Zealand

Day 25 – Depart Auckland
Enjoy your last morning in New Zealand at leisure or if time permits, consider taking the 35 minute ferry to Waiheke Island, “the Island of wine” and sample wines, olive oil tastings, visit quirky shops and enjoy taking in the Island’s numerous idyllic beaches.

Early evening you will be transferred to Auckland International airport for your flight back to the US

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• Note: Daily departures, this package is an independent itinerary with flexible departures (not a group tour)
• Single Supplement: From $3,500

Before committing to a trip, please ensure you have a valid passport. Australia welcomes US travelers with an approved Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter Australia.

Read More about the Australian entry requirements

Before committing to a trip, please ensure you have a valid passport. New Zealand welcomes US travelers with an approved Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).

Read More about NZETA & IVL

Add on airfares are available from most major airports – please ask an Aspire consultant for a quote

• Upgrade to premium economy from $1,100 per person each way*
• Upgrade to business class from $4,000 per person each way*
Can take the upgrade one way or round trip and combine premium/business classes on same ticket

* Upgrade from pricing based on Sunday through Wednesday departures from Los Angeles - ask an Aspire consultant for the upgrade fee from other departure points and travel Thursday through Saturday.

Terms & Conditions:

The package from pricing is based on double occupancy (2 people sharing a room) for low-season stays for travel Sundays through Wednesdays from Los Angeles. A $50 air supplement applies each way for international travel from Thursday to Saturday. A $75 per person supplement applies for a Saturday night stay in Melbourne. Add-on fares are available from other cities. Specific blackout dates apply to the accommodation and tour value add offers. Seats are limited and may only be available on some flights. Hotels are subject to availability. All prices reflect discounts for purchases made by check/wire; please see the terms and conditions for credit card payments. Cancellation penalties and other restrictions apply.

To guarantee the package price & purchase the airline tickets, full payment is due at the time of booking. The purchase of travel Insurance is highly recommended for travel to Australia. Aspire Down Under partners with CSA Travel Protection. Travel insurance covers cancellation penalties under the cancellation benefit should you test positive for COVID-19 immediately before traveling to Australia. In the unlikely event your scheduled travel date is impacted by Australian government entry restrictions, Aspire Down Under will permit a change of travel dates within 12 months from your original booking date without any fees or penalties (the applicable price of the new trip itinerary will apply).