Itinerary Details
Abercrombie & Kent: Australia & New Zealand: The Lands Down Under
DAY 1 Melbourne, Australia
Arrive in Melbourne, where you are met and transferred
to your luxurious hotel, with your room pre-registered by
A&K for immediate check-in. Roam Melbourne’s fine arts
and sporting precincts as well as its lush parklands, and view
cultural and historic highlights, such as the State Library and
the Royal Exhibition Building. Tonight, gather for a welcome
dinner.
Park Hyatt Melbourne
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2 MelbourneThis morning, join a local expert guide as you explore the heart of Melbourne on foot, and then Ride Like a Local
by tram. Take in the city’s rich and varied architectural
landscape and stroll through its labyrinth of atmospheric
arcades and alleyways, home to trendy cafés and eclectic
boutiques, not to mention graffiti and street art. Following
lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Park Hyatt Melbourne
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 3 CairnsFly to Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree
Rainforest, one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Upon
arrival, transfer to your hotel, where you dine tonight while
enjoying views of the Coral Sea.
Crystalbrook Riley
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4 Great Barrier ReefEmbark by boat on a full-day exploration of the Great
Barrier Reef, a dazzling UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Join on-board marine biologists for guided snorkeling
expeditions of two different reef locations, and discover
the marvelous aquatic wonders inhabiting each, viewing
the teeming undersea life — including distinctive coral
formations and colorful schools of fish — up close, before an
exhilarating cruise back to port.
Crystalbrook Riley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 5 Daintree RainforestTravel overland to Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, which you explore privately with a park ranger, enjoying access to the koala and wallaby enclosures as well as the opportunity to hold a koala in your arms, on an experience designed exclusively for A&K guests. Also, visit the Wildlife Care Center for rescued wild and injured animals and explore the park at your leisure. Next, head out to a cattle station on the rich, fertile tablelands. You are personally welcomed onto this private property and into the historic homestead, which remains the family home. Built in 1878, it offers you a wonderful insight into the pioneering heritage of Australia. Following a hearty Aussie barbecue lunch on the verandah, hear a talk on cattle from the station owner and learn about the history of the station, their commercial beef cattle and the family’s sustainable land management practices. Also witness a whip cracking demonstration by the station master after which you may choose to try your hand at this venerable cattleman’s skill. Then, return to Cairns for time at leisure.
Crystalbrook Riley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6 UluruFly to Uluru (Ayers Rock) and visit a local Aboriginal art gallery that celebrates traditional and contemporary works.
Transfer to your luxury tented camp — Longitude 131° —
overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage-listed wilderness of
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, and enjoy lunch on site. On
a Scenic Sundowner, with chilled glass and canapé in hand,
witness the changing light reflected on Uluru’s surface as the
sun slips below the horizon. Tonight, dine among the dunes to
the sounds of an ancient indigenous culture and feast on four
delicious courses complemented with premium Australian
wines. Later, join your camp’s resident astronomer to observe
the southerly constellations.
Longitude 131°
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7 UluruRise early and set out for Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), stopping to
view sunrise over its majestic domes. In the company of your
guide, walk through Walpa Gorge and learn how its stark
landscapes were shaped. This afternoon, return to Uluru and
journey along the Mala walk at its base, pausing to view cave
paintings and sources of bush tucker. Later, see the walls of
Kantju Gorge ablaze with the light of the setting sun. Sip
sparkling wine and nibble on canapés, savoring the solitude
of the gorge as the daylight fades.
Longitude 131°
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8 SydneyFly to Sydney and settle into your hotel near the historic
Rocks District, in the heart of the city’s best shopping,
dining and attractions. Sydney’s appeal is wide-ranging,
from its stunning harbor and iconic skyline to its fascinating
museums and famed Bondi Beach. It is a world-class city
that pulses with the energy of its diverse and cosmopolitan
inhabitants.
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAYS 9–10 SydneyAfter breakfast, privately cruise Sydney Harbour, viewing
the city’s inspiring highlights, including the Sydney Opera
House and Harbor Bridge. Back on shore, gather for lunch
at the iconic Sydney Opera House, followed by a privately
guided backstage tour. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
The next day is also at your leisure to explore the city until
you regroup for the final dinner of your journey in Australia.
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Day 9); Breakfast, Dinner (Day 10)
DAY 11 Wellington, New ZealandThis morning, fly to Wellington, New Zealand’s trendsetting capital, where you encounter authentic “Kiwi” life. This
afternoon, take in highlights of this buzzworthy center of art
and cuisine. Ascend by cable car to a scenic outlook point for
incredible views over Wellington Harbour and the city to cap
your inspiring day.
Intercontinental Wellington
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12 WellingtonSet out on foot to gain an insider’s understanding of the
locals and a delightful Chef ’s Table experience, joining your
guide for tastings of coffee, chocolate, gelato and cheeses in
foodie hotspots only the locals know. After lunch, enjoy one
of these Design Your Day activities.
Visit the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa to
view its vast collection of cultural and indigenous treasures.
e-Bike the Wellington Waterfront, learning about key
historical figures that shaped the city’s heritage as you ride.
Walk the Wellington Waterfront with a Guide who
recounts local legends and stroll to a chic shopping district.
Return to your hotel.
Intercontinental Wellington
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 13 QueenstownFly to Queenstown, located on New Zealand’s South Island.
Upon arrival, tour the city, visiting the famed bungee-jump
site and the Lake Hayes area, and then enjoy lunch. Afterward,
check into your luxurious hotel. Tonight, dine at a local
restaurant.
Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 14 QueenstownThis morning, fly to Milford Sound (weather permitting),
taking in the stunning alpine views along the way. Upon
arrival, board a spacious vessel for a tour of the sound’s majestic scenery. Cruise New Zealand’s southern fjords amid
towering cliffs, viewing sparkling waterfalls while watching
for wildlife, such as seals basking on the rocks or dolphins
frolicking in the water. Return by air to Queenstown for an
evening at leisure.
Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 15 QueenstownToday, privately visit the home and gallery of a world-renowned
local artist to learn about the artist’s history and
techniques. Stop at a local restaurant for a delicious lunch
served with paired wines, and then proceed to a local winery
for a tour of the caves, where its vintages are stored for aging,
and a wine tasting.
Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAYS 16–17 AucklandFly to Auckland, where you visit the Auckland Museum
to enjoy a cultural performance and a guided walk of He
Taonga Maori Gallery. This evening, gather for a special
farewell dinner. The next day, transfer to the airport and
depart.
Park Hyatt Auckland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Day 16); Breakfast (Day 17)
