Itinerary

Day 1 Sydney

Sydney is the most populous city in Australia, with a metropolitan area population of approximately 4.28 million. It is the state capital of New South Wales, and the site of the first British colony in Australia, established in 1788 at Sydney Cove by Arthur Phillip, leader of the First Fleet from Britain. Located on Australia's south-east coast, the city is built around Port Jackson, which includes Sydney Harbour, leading to the city's nickname, "the Harbour City". It is noted for the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, and its beaches. The metropolitan area is surrounded by national parks, and contains many bays, rivers and inlets.

Includes airport transfer to city/hotel with private vehicle, professional driver and local representative.

Enjoy a half day private sightseeing tour in the company of a vehicle, driver and Expert Guide capturing the history of Sydney, stunning architecture, spectacular harbour views and the world famous Bondi Beach. Pass through the historical Rocks area and Circular Quay as you learn about the history and significance of the area. View the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, a chair specially designed for the governor’s wife to look out over the harbour. Travel through Chinatown, Darling Harbour, and the nightlife district of Kings Cross. Travel via Watson Bay and stop at “The Gap”, for fantastic views and photo opportunities before arriving at world famous Bondi Beach. Return to the city, passing the exclusive suburbs of Double Bay and Rose Bay.

The Four Seasons (5*) is stunningly situated overlooking Sydney Harbour in the historic Rocks district, a short walk from the city's shopping and business centres. The hotel is vibrant and elegant, with dramatic harbourfront views and a luxurious day spa featuring exclusive skincare and aromatherapy treatments. 531 rooms and suites are elegantly decorated in luxurious, contemporary style. World-famous iconic views of Sydney, from the guest rooms includes sunrise over the Royal Botanic Gardens and Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour and beyond.

Overnight at Four Seasons (5*).

Day 2 Blue Mountains

Discover a tempting combination of breathtaking nature, romantic accommodation, fine restaurants and indulgent shopping within two hours of Sydney, in the Blue Mountains World Heritage Listed National Park. Breathe the fresh mountain air and relax, as you marvel at a majestic landscape of waterfalls and awe-inspiring sandstone escarpments. Indulge at restaurants renowned for their creative use of fresh, local produce. Unwind with a rejuvenating day spa treatment.

You will be transferred from Sydney to enjoy the crisp air of the Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains is a mountainous region in New South Wales, Australia. It borders on Sydney's metropolitan area, its foothills starting approximately 50 kilometres west of the state capital. The area begins on the west side of the Nepean River and extends westward as far as Cox's River. Consisting mainly of a sandstone plateau, the area is dissected by gorges up to 760 metres deep. The highest point of the range is 1,190 metres above sea level. A large part of the Blue Mountains is incorporated into the Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Site, consisting of seven national park areas and a conservation reserve. Your Driver and Guide will pick you up from your Sydney hotel and transfer you to this region for a full day tour.

The Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa (4*) is nestled on the edge of the magnificent Jamison Valley, overlooking world heritage listed wilderness, is set amidst two acres of English style gardens. Superbly located on the cliff tops and promising spectacular views, the resort offers 85 boutique rooms themed in lavish pink, green or lilac. The resort features Darley's fine dining restaurant boasting modern Australian cuisine and a more casual dining option, Tre Sorelle Restaurant. At dusk, sit back at Lilianfels and sip champagne while you enjoy a fiery sunset that reflects off sandstone cliffs and plunging gorges. Surrender to the ultimate pampering pleasure at the Blue Mountains spa retreat, which is a revitalizing haven for your body and soul.

Overnight at Lilianfels Blue Mountains (4*).

Day 3 Hunter Valley

Hunter Valley is located north of Sydney and is known as "Wine Country". World class vineyards and picturesque countryside vie for attention with the awe inspiring wilderness in Barrington Tops and the spectacular lake and coast line of Lake Macquarie and Newcastle. From beautiful art galleries, gardens, bicycle tours & hot air ballooning, there are a myriad of things to do.

You will be met at your accommodation in the Blue Mountains and enjoy a scenic transfer to the Hunter Valley, New South Wales's premier wine region. En route you will stop at selected wineries to experience first hand the diversity of the region.

Nestled in the heart of New South Wales Hunter Valley wine country, Peppers Guest House is surrounded by beautiful gardens and overlooks beautiful vineyards. The hotel offers 48 deluxe guestrooms that are tastefully furnished and facilitated with an array of contemporary amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay. Guests can dine at the onsite Chez Pok Restaurant, which serves delicious modern Australian cuisine with French, Asian and Italian influences and herbs picked from the retreat's own garden. You can also unwind at the cozy bar with your favorite drink. During your free time, take advantage of the hotel’s tennis court, swimming pool, spa, solarium and sauna.

Overnight at Peppers Guest House (4*).

Day 4 Ayers Rock

Uluru, also referred to as Ayers Rock, is a large sandstone rock formation in the southern part of the Northern Territory, central Australia. It lies 335 km (208 mi) south west of the nearest large town, Alice Springs; 450 km (280 mi) by road. Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and Uluru are the two major features of the Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park. Uluru is sacred to the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara, the Aboriginal people of the area. It has many springs, waterholes, rock caves and ancient paintings. Uluru is listed as a World Heritage Site.

Today you leave the Hunter region and return to Sydney to continue your travel arrangements.

Longitude 131 will arrange transportation to escort you between the airport and property.

After arriving at Longitude 131° and settling in, meet in the Dune House for a 3pm departure to the Cultural Centre where you will learn the cultural and spiritual meanings of Uluru & Kata Tjuta. Afterwards you will travel to Uluru, where we will take a short walk into Kantju Gorge. On arrival at the gorge we will serve refreshments 'inside' Uluru and watch the sunset. You will return to Longitude 131° at approximately 7.15pm.

On your return, relax in the Dune House over pre-dinner drinks and canapés before enjoying a gourmet dinner with your fellow travellers or for a special occasion a private dinner by the pool or on the Dune Top.

Luxurious, eco-sensitive and romantic, Longitude 131° (5*) offers immersion in the wilderness of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. This award-winning luxury wilderness camp in Australia's Red Centre has achieved new heights in ecotourism the world over. Longitude 131° is a deluxe camping experience like no other and set atop an isolated sand dune close to the border of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. In the crisp, white linen of a king-sized bed guest find the serene, silent sleep of the desert. Guests awake to their own private view of the amazing sun rising over Uluru (Ayers Rock).

Overnight at Longitude 131° (5*) .

Day 5 Ayers Rock

Depart Longitude 131° at 6am bound for Kata Tjuta. Upon arrival you will begin your journey with a guided tour of Walpa Gorge, where the natural history of Kata Tjuta is explained in great detail, learning how eons of weathering and continental upheaval have created what is seen today. You will return to Longitude 131° at approximately 10am.

Spend your afternoon at leisure or take the opportunity to enjoy any of our optional tours, such as a camel ride, Harley ride or helicopter tour over Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Enjoy sunset drinks and canapés on the Dune Top from 6pm. You will then be transferred to our outdoor dining venue, where you'll have an unforgettable dining experience under the stars. Return to the Dune House for complimentary after dinner drinks.

Overnight at Longitude 131° (5*) .

Day 6 Port Douglas

Port Douglas is a town in Far North Queensland, Australia, approximately 70 km (43 mi) north of Cairns. Its permanent population was 948 residents in 2006. The town's population can often quadruple, however, with the influx of tourists during the peak tourism season May-September. The town is named in honour of former Premier of Queensland, John Douglas. Port Douglas developed quickly based on the mining industry, other parts of the area were established with timber cutting occurring in the area surrounding the Daintree River and with settlement starting to occur on lots around the Mossman River by 1880.

Longitude 131 will arrange transportation to escort you between the airport and property.

Transfer between Cairns airport and the beautiful town of Port Douglas with private vehicle and driver.

We all need time out now and again, enter a laid back tropical oasis with sophisticated worldly comforts with a small friendly village atmosphere. Go from business suit to barefoot and frantic to free. Refresh, restore and revitalise, in the aquamarine reef waters of the Coral Sea, the crystal creeks of Mossman Gorge, and the palm fringed golden sands of Port Douglas' Four Mile Beach.

Thala Beach Lodge (5*) is a privately owned nature resort, situated 38 kilometres North of the city of Cairns and 16 kilometres South of the village of Port Douglas. Timber bungalows are scattered amongst a hundred and forty five acres of wooded headland and secluded beaches. It is one of the world's most beautiful private beach locations. The story of the natural history of Australia is unique and Thala nurtures this environment. The main building is designed to embrace all the elements of the tropics. Built from local timbers, it is open and spacious, allowing the cool sea breezes to flow.

Overnight at Thala Beach Lodge (5*).

Day 7 Port Douglas

Departing your hotel and joining your fellow travellers, we travel through the rich farming areas toward the World Heritage Listed forest region of Cape Tribulation. We step aboard our own personalised craft for a cruise on the mirrored smooth waters of the Daintree River. We cruise close to riverbanks and under the overhead canopy of the rainforest seeking out the vivid Ulysees Butterfly, Kingfishers and various other wildlife. The cruise takes us through silent backwaters where crocodiles can normally be seen basking on the muddy banks. Arriving on the northern side of the river you enjoy a homestyle morning tea at Thornton Beach before making your way towards Cape Tribulation and the Coral Sea. Usually we are the sole voyagers on this stretch of wilderness beach. Just before you arrive you will see an outstanding panoramic picture postcard view at Alexandra Range Lookout. From here you'll have a spectacular view of the mouth of the Daintree River, Snapper Island and on a clear day Port Douglas.

Overnight at Thala Beach Lodge (5*).

Day 8 Port Douglas

Be picked up and transported to the luxury 62 foot sailing catamaran Synergy II. This is for a maximum of twelve pampered passengers on board. This is a spectacular and memorable day with a difference. Synergy is also available for private charter seven days a week.

This exclusive, luxury boat will whisk you off to a dynamic reef ecosystem bursting with a huge variety of exciting marine life including over 1500 species of fish and 460 varieties of coral.

Meals are a gourmet affair like nothing else seen on the Outer Reef because they’re freshly cooked on board, served al fresco on the split level rear deck. A fine selection of champagne, wine, beer spirits and cocktails are also available from our extensively stocked bar.

Overnight at Thala Beach Lodge (5*).
    
Day 9 Queenstown

Queenstown is a resort town in Otago in the south-west of New Zealand's South Island. It is built around an inlet on Lake Wakatipu, a long thin lake shaped like a staggered lightning bolt, and has spectacular views of nearby mountains. A resort town, Queenstown is a centre for adventure tourism. Skiing, jet boating, bungee jumping, mountain biking, tramping and fly fishing are all strong promotional themes. Queenstown is a major centre for snow sports in New Zealand, with four main mountain skifields (Cardrona Alpine Resort, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Treble Cone).

You will be picked up from your Port Douglas Hotel and taken by private car to Cairns City or airport.

Enjoy a private airport transfer to your accommodation with vehicle and driver.

Queenstown Park Hotel stands alone as Queenstown's newest luxury boutique hotel. Be awed and inspired by the incredible views, luxuriate in the quality, appreciate the stylish design and sophisticated service of an urban boutique hotel. Revel in the personal attention and local knowledge provided by your hotel hosts. Centrally located, yet surrounded by parklands, this 19 room architecturally-designed hotel compliments Queenstown's majestic mountain backdrop to perfection.

Overnight at Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel .

Day 10 Queenstown

This full day walk in the ancient beech forest of the Mount Aspiring National Park starts with a scenic drive to the northern end of Lake Wakatipu and into the Routeburn Valley. The high snow capped mountains provide a magnificent backdrop for the walk up this beautiful river valley. A journey along the edge of the lake from Queenstown to the head of Lake Wakatipu is the ideal preparation for the splendour of the world-famous Routeburn Track. Your walk begins among towering ancient beech forest, climbing gradually through blankets of forest moss and fern and skirting the thundering Routeburn through the gorge it has carved over the millennia. The woodland eventually parts to reveal the rich grassland of Routeburn Flats, overlooked on all sides by cloud-scraping mountains, some so high they have permafrost and small glaciers. The flats is a pristine sites for us to enjoy a well earned lunch, as is the next stop, Routeburn Falls, a short stride through more alpine forest. You and yours

Overnight at Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel .

Day 11 Queenstown

You will be picked up by coach and commence the journey alongside Lake Wakatipu and through the countryside to Te Anau. Continue along the picturesque Milford Road to Milford Sound. The coach journey is approximately 4hours in length. Enjoy a scenic cruise with Real Journeys on Milford Sound, and the chance to see wildlife, rainforest, mountains and waterfalls. Enjoy a picnic lunch on board. Following your cruise, depart back to Queenstown by flight and enjoy the scenery by air. (Weather permitting).

Overnight at Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel .

Day 12 Christchurch

Christchurch is the regional capital of Canterbury, New Zealand. The largest city in the South Island, situated just north of Banks Peninsula. The large number of public parks has given Christchurch the name of The Garden City. Hagley Park and the 30-hectare (75 acre) Christchurch Botanic Gardens, founded in 1863, are in the central city. Other attractions include; Canterbury Museum, Ferrymead Heritage Park, Orana Wildlife Park, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Air Force Museum, Southern Encounter Aquarium and Kiwi House, International Antarctic Centre.

Enjoy a private airport transfer to your accommodation with vehicle and driver.

Upon arrival you will be met and taken by private vehicle to your hotel.

Christchurch is often described as the most English of New Zealand cities, with many English influences clearly visible. As you join your fellow travelers, highlights of this morning tour include the Hagley Park Botanic Gardens, the Port Hills, offering superb views of Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains, Mona Vale Gardens, the beachside suburb of Summer and the port of Lyttelton. It also visits the Arts centre and Canterbury Museum.

Located picturesquely in the heart of Christchurch overlooking its very own "Central Park," this very individual boutique hotel is just steps away from all the key attractions including the tram, arts market, restaurants, theatres and gardens. The hotel’s spacious rooms are designed with a stylish eye for detail, complete with luxury amenities and, with a one-to-one ratio of staff to guests, impeccable service is guaranteed. Boasting two world class restaurants that rate amongst the best in New Zealand, visitors come from far and wide to savor the delicious cuisine in both Pescatore and 50 on Park. Stroll down to the city center and explore the city’s many attractions including the popular casino and world-class art gallery.

Overnight at The George (5*).

Day 13 Christchurch

We invite you to join us on a tour of discovery, featuring spectacular scenery. From Christchurch travel by road to Springfield at the foothills of the Southern Alps. At Springfield, board the world famous TranzAlpine train to travel through the Southern Alps to Arthurs Pass viewing the alpine scenery through panoramic windows. The TranzAlpine is renowned as one of the top ten train journeys in the world. From Arthurs Pass we tour by road over the snow-capped Southern Alps in the Arthurs Pass National Park and on to the Otira Gorge making a photo stop. Visit the old village of Otira before returning to Arthurs Pass for an included lunch at the Wobbly Kea Restaurant. After lunch explore the village and some of the many walks. The return journey to Christchurch is by road and a visit will be made to a farm for late afternoon tea, followed by a sheep shearing and sheep mustering demonstration.

Overnight at The George (5*).

Day 14 Christchurch

Upon arrival you will be met and taken by private vehicle to your hotel.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from Christchurch International Airport - end of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.

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