Venture through stunningly diverse natural settings, from Australia’s fabled Outback and Great Barrier Reef to New Zealand’s dazzling Milford Sound, and experience cultural and culinary wonders in the region’s most stylish cities.
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
DAY 6
DAY 7
DAY 8
DAYS 9–10
DAY 11
DAY 12
DAY 13
DAY 14
DAY 15
DAYS 16–17
DAY 1
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
This 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
Fly 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
Embark 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
Travel 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
Fly 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
Rise 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
Fly 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
After 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
This 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
Set 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
Fly 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
This 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
Today, 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
Fly 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)
Learn how MONA helped shape Tasmania into a cultural epicenter, view stunning vistas and stay at MACq 01 Hotel.
4 days from $3,295 per person
Single Supplement from $1,095 per person
Internal air from $395
Hobart/Melbourne
Available to add to select departure dates.
DAY 1
Fly to Hobart, Tasmania, and transfer to your hotel. Explore Salamanca Place, with its galleries and craft shops. Tonight, enjoy dinner.
MACq 01 Hotel
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAYS 2-3
Ferry up the river to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) for an out-of-this-world art experience. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and the rest of your day at leisure. The next day, cruise to Peppermint Bay on a catamaran. After a lunch featuring local produce, visit a local artisan farm and cheesery for a sampling of cheese and spirits. Continue to cider maker Willie Smith’s and one of Tasmania’s oldest orchards for a tour and tasting.
MACq 01 Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4
Transfer to the airport and fly to Melbourne.
Meals: Breakfast
Park Hyatt Melbourne
Crystalbrook Riley
Longitude 131°
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
InterContinental Wellington
Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa
Park Hyatt Auckland
