Lands Down Under: Australia & New Zealand
17 days | Melbourne to Auckland
From $15,995 per person
From $15,995 per person
On this Abercrombie & Kent Lands Down Under journey from Melbourne to Auckland, you’ll venture through stunningly diverse natural settings from Australia’s fabled Outback and Great Barrier Reef to New Zealand’s dazzling Milford Sound. Along the way, you’ll experience cultural and culinary wonders in the region’s most stylish cities.
This Small Group Journey is limited to 18 guests and is led by an A&K Resident Tour Director along with expert local guides, providing exclusive insider-access moments during your journey.
Abercrombie & Kent is an undisputed leader in luxury travel and offers a collection of small group travel experiences.
Peace of Mind Travel: All A&K Small Group Journeys emphasize the safety of their guests and incorporate all current health and safety protocols as well as local health regulations.
Trip Highlights
- Relax during a luxurious stay at Longitude 131°, a five-star tented eco-camp with unparalleled views of majestic Uluru
- Discover the wonders of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef on a full-day excursion aboard an elegant vessel
- See the sights of Sydney Harbour on a private cruise, and then privately explore the iconic Sydney Opera House
- Visit the Botanical Ark to learn about its fascinating mission, and then stay for lunch, during an experience exclusively for A&K guests
- Cruise New Zealand’s Milford Sound amid soaring, glacier-carved mountain peaks that reflect in its pristine waters
- Discover life in Queenstown as you visit the private home and gallery of a world-renowned local artist and savor a private wine tasting in New Zealand’s largest wine cave
Itinerary at a Glance
DAY 1: Arrive Melbourne
Arrive in Melbourne, where you are met and transferred to your luxurious hotel. Spend the day exploring Melbourne. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner.
DAY 2: Melbourne | City of Magnificent Architecture
Explore the heart of Melbourne on foot, and then Ride Like a Local by tram, taking in the city’s rich and varied architectural landscape. Your guide will take you through the city’s fascinating labyrinth of atmospheric arcades and alleyways, home to trendy cafés and eclectic boutiques. See landmarks like the Block Arcade and the former General Post Office.
DAY 3: Cairns | Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef
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 accommodations. Dine tonight at your hotel, enjoying views of the Coral Sea.
DAY 4: Great Barrier Reef | Exploring Underwater Gems
Embark on a full-day exploration of the Great Barrier Reef aboard a stylish vessel. Glide among islands adorned with white-sand beaches, coral gardens and sheltered lagoons. Explore the marvelous aquatic wonders of the reef on a guided snorkeling tour.
DAY 5: Daintree Rainforest | Exclusive Botanical Ark Visit
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. Then, enjoy an exclusive visit to the Botanical Ark, a private ethnobotanical garden, for a Chef ’s Table lunch.
DAY 6: Ulura | An Undeniable Presence
Fly to Uluru (Ayers Rock) and visit a local Aboriginal art gallery with the opportunity to meet the artist in residence. Transfer to your luxury tented camp — Longitude 131° — overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage-listed wilderness of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Tonight, dine among the dunes to the sounds of an ancient indigenous culture and feast on four delicious courses complemented with premium Australian wines.
DAY 7: Ulura | Sunrise Over the Olgas
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.
DAY 8: Sydney | Luxury on the Rocks
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.
DAY 9: Sydney | Harbor Cruise and Opera House
Enjoy a private 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.
DAY 10: Sydney | Day at Leisure
Day at your leisure to explore the city until you regroup for the final dinner of your journey in Australia.
DAY 11: Wellington | An Eclectic Capital
Fly to Wellington, where you encounter authentic “Kiwi” life. This afternoon, take in highlights of this center of art and cuisine. Ascend by cable car to a scenic outlook point for incredible views over Wellington Harbor and the city to cap your inspiring day.
DAY 12: Wellington | Design Your Day
After breakfast, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities:
- Visit the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
- e-Bike the Wellington Waterfront
- Walk the Wellington Waterfront with a Guide
DAY 13: Queenstown | Exploring the City
Fly to Queenstown, located on New Zealand’s South Island. Upon arrival, tour the city, visiting the famed bungee-jump site and beautiful Lake Hayes, and then enjoy lunch. Afterward, check into your luxurious hotel.
DAY 14: Queenstown | Magnificent Milford Sound
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 and cruise New Zealand’s southern fjords.
DAY 15: Queenstown | Private Artist Visit & Wine Tasting
Today, privately visit the home and gallery of a world-renowned local artist to learn about the artist’s history and techniques. Visit a local winery for a tour of the caves, where its vintages are stored for aging, and a wine tasting.
DAYS 16-17: Depart Auckland
Fly to Auckland, where you visit the Auckland Museum to enjoy a cultural performance and a guided walk through He Taonga Maori Gallery. This evening, gather for a special farewell dinner. The next day, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Accommodations
Park Hyatt | Melbourne, Australia
Luxurious Travel + Leisure World’s Best hotel, in the heart of the city.
Crystalbrook Riley | Cairns, Australia
Chic, contemporary luxury hotel with unspoiled views of the Coral Sea.
Longitude 131° | Uluru, Australia
Award-winning, eco-friendly luxury tented camp offering a secluded ambience and overlooking majestic, UNESCO-listed Uluru (Ayers Rock).
Four Seasons Hotel | Sydney, Australia
Newly refurbished luxury hotel with views of the Sydney Opera House.
InterContinental | Wellington, Australia
Luxury hotel centrally located on the city’s waterfront.
Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa | Queenstown, New Zealand
Luxury accommodation located steps from scenic Lake Wakatipu.
Park Hyatt | Auckland, New Zealand
New luxury hotel in Auckland, perfectly located on the water’s edge
Dates and Pricing
September 2022 – December 2023 | From $15,995 per person
(Internal air from $3650 per person)
Multiple departure dates are available in 2022 and 2023. Prices are per person, double occupancy for the itinerary as published, and subject to availability. Pricing reflects A&K’s recommended months of travel of this itinerary. Supplements may apply over holiday periods, festivals and special events. Air not included.
Contact us for complete departure and pricing information.
Extend Your Journey
Tasmania Pre-Tour Extension | 4 Days from $3,295 per person
(Internal air from $395)
Learn how the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) helped shape Tasmania into a cultural epicenter; explore Salamanca Place and its galleries and craft shops; enjoy a catamaran cruise of Peppermint Bay and visit one of Tasmania’s oldest apple orchards.
Includes 3 nights accommodation at the stunning MACq 01 Hotel, a contemporary boutique hotel on Hobart’s iconic Ocean Pier.
Inclusions
- English-Speaking Resident Tour Director® and Local Guides
- Hand-Selected Luxury Accommodations
- Airport Meet and Greet with Private Transfers
- Travelling Bell Boy® Luggage Handling
- Breakfast in Bed on Select Days
- Full Breakfast Daily; Select Lunches and Dinners
- Your Choice of Activity on Design Your Day®
- Traveller’s Valet® Laundry Service
- Internet Access
- Entrance Fees, Taxes and All Gratuities Except Resident Tour Director
- 24/7 A&K On-Call Support
- Guaranteed Departures with Just Two Guests
About A&K Small Group Journeys
Luxury Small Group Journeys are led by an A&K Resident Tour Director, who guides the journey from start to finish with help from specialist local guides offering unparalleled exclusive insider-access moments, along with the hospitality of the world’s finest luxury hotels and luxury amenities.
We work closely with you and in conjunction with A&K to create a made-to-order journey of a lifetime, optimized to make sure you get the most out of every moment.
Contact us for more information about travel adventures with Abercrombie & Kent.