From horse-drawn sleigh rides to a stunning lakeside chateau, join us on a breathtaking journey through the snow-dusted peaks and frozen lakes of the Canadian Rockies.
Step away from the crowds and enjoy a taste of the real Italy in beautiful Puglia, where you'll discover unique conical Trulli. houses, rock-carved Sassi dwellings and grand Baroque architecture.
From the natural beauty of Mount Fuji to the spectacular skyline of Tokyo, enigmatic Japan offers a unique holiday experience. Discover ancient temples, scenic landscapes and travel on the famous Bullet Train.
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Australia’s iconic sights unfold one after another on this sweeping journey from Sydney to Melbourne. Sydney offers the Opera House, Bondi Beach and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair before our route heads north, taking in the golden sands of Port Stephens and Byron Bay’s famous lighthouse en route to Brisbane. From Cairns, we’ll enjoy a catamaran cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, while a flight to the Red Centre brings sunrise and sunset visits to the monolith of Uluru, alongside the chance to view ancient Aboriginal rock art and enjoy an authentic bush barbecue. Adelaide’s wine country awaits next, with a tour and tasting in the renowned Barossa Valley, before the spectacular Great Ocean Road takes us to Melbourne. Along the way, there’s the option to watch the penguin parade on Phillip Island, a charming final flourish to a tour that captures the country’s vast scale and astonishing variety.
New Zealand’s dramatic scenery unfolds on this comprehensive journey taking us from Auckland to Christchurch. The North Island reveals an array of natural and geothermal wonders in Rotorua, including the glowworm grotto at Waitomo Caves, before we head to Napier’s art deco streets. A dinner and wine-tasting at the historic Mission Estate Winery set the scene for the capital, Wellington. A crossing of the iconic Cook Strait takes us to the South Island, where the TranzAlpine Train carries us through the spectacular Southern Alps in style, en route to Franz Josef Glacier and Queenstown. From here, a cruise on Milford Sound reveals towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and a sense of scale that’s hard to put into words, while Queenstown offers time at leisure for you to explore at your own pace. Our journey concludes back in Christchurch, having traced a route through fjords, glaciers, thermal springs and mountain passes that showcases why New Zealand’s landscapes are often described as among the most breathtaking on Earth.
Pace of trip: Active
For travellers who love to explore and discover multiple destinations - can include moderate walking and longer days
Your add-on includes
Add-on included holiday highlights
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Today, you will fly to Sydney, arriving in the early hours of day 3.
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You can spend today at leisure, settling in and exploring this vibrant city at your own pace.
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Our included sightseeing tour will show you Sydney's highlights, including the world-famous Harbour Bridge and Opera House, which dominate the vast and picturesque harbour. Other memorable sights include Bondi Beach, Hyde Park, Darling Harbour and Mrs Macquarie's Chair. This huge sandstone rock was hand-carved by convicts in the shape of a bench for Governor Macquarie's wife, Elizabeth, in 1810. It's a great vantage point, so take a few minutes to enjoy the view.
This evening, get to know your travelling companions better over a welcome drink and dinner.
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You can choose from a couple of exciting optional excursions today. If you've a head for heights, you could take in exceptional views of Sydney Harbour and the surrounding area on a guided Sydney Harbour Bridge climb. Don't worry, you'll get a safety briefing beforehand and will wear a harness at all times. At the end you'll receive a group photo, a cap, certificate and a pass to the Pylon Lookout for further sweeping views.
Another option is to step beneath the sails and enjoy a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. You'll learn about the history of the building, uncover stories about artists and the shows performed here and have an opportunity to visit areas usually off limits to the general public.
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If you choose to join today's optional excursion, you've a full day of thrills ahead. You head through the Blue Mountains, past the Three Sisters rock formation and along Jamieson Valley - Australia's answer to the Grand Canyon. Finally, you'll visit Scenic World, where you can opt to take a journey on the world's steepest incline railway into ancient rainforest, or enjoy a cable-car ride over the valley.
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We've a lovely journey along the coast this morning as we leave Sydney behind and head to Port Stephens. This idyllic coastal resort, known as the 'blue water paradise', is home to white-sand beaches, picturesque bays lapped by turquoise seas, and immense sand dunes. Enjoy some time at leisure here, lazing on the beach or maybe you'll choose to head off on an optional dolphin-watching cruise. Later, we'll continue to Port Macquarie.
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This morning, we'll take to the road once again, making our way along the coast to Byron Bay, famous for its beautiful beaches and laid-back surf culture. We'll stop here to admire its iconic lighthouse, which sits on a rocky headland.
We'll then continue along the stunning Gold Coast, renowned for its fabulous beaches, and on to Brisbane.
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You can spend today at leisure in Brisbane, or you could choose to join an optional excursion to North Stradbroke Island. Fondly known as Straddie by the locals, it is the world's second largest sand island at about 38km long and 11km wide. You can relax on the beach, or maybe head off on a bush walk, keeping an eye out for resident wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas and kookaburras - the largest member of the kingfisher family.
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Enjoy a morning tour of Brisbane, Queensland's cosmopolitan capital, which boasts spectacular architecture and is set on the Brisbane River.
This afternoon we'll fly to Cairns, where we'll stay, it's your gateway to the Great Barrier Reef!
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Today you have the chance to explore a whole new world on an included trip by catamaran to the outer Great Barrier Reef. Marine life comes incredibly close to the vessel, and you can experience the reef without getting wet from the comfort of a semi-submersible or an underwater observatory. Of course, you can also go snorkelling in this amazing underwater world – all the equipment and guidance you need is provided, as well as lunch.
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On this free day you can simply relax and soak up the sun. However, if you want to see more, a ride on the Kuranda Railway is an option to see the Atherton Tablelands.
Your first stop will be the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, where you'll glide over and through heritage rainforest. After free time in the village of Kuranda, you'll take a journey on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, with the Barron Falls just one of the incredible highlights.
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Today is a good chance to take a well deserved rest or to explore more that Cairns has to offer.
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This morning we'll fly to Ayers Rock, or Uluru, situated in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. This huge sandstone monolith, which is two miles long, 1,000ft high and measures six miles around the base, is a majestic sight and one of the world's most treasured natural wonders. It is a wondrous sight at any time of day, but even more so at sunrise and sunset, when its colours change dramatically. You will have the chance to admire Uluru at both of these magical times.
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We will visit Uluru as the sun rises this morning. We will also have the very special opportunity to step into some of the caves at the base of the rock and admire the fascinating Aboriginal art that graces the walls. Off in the distance you will spot the mysterious Kata Tjuta or the Olgas, a range of 36 spectacular rock domes. Later, we'll make our way to Alice Springs and head off on a fascinating tour that introduces you to the Flying Doctor Base and the old Telegraph Station, the original site of the first European settlement in central Australia, which is now a museum. You will also visit the famous School of the Air. This evening we'll enjoy an incredible Aussie bush barbecue.
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Your tour now continues as we fly to Adelaide, South Australia's cosmopolitan capital.
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We'll start the day with a tour of Adelaide's main highlights, including the cricket and football stadium, the Adelaide Oval, broad expanses of lush parkland and the imposing St Peter's Cathedral.
Next, we continue to the Barossa Valley, which is famous for its wines. At the Jacobs Creek visitor centre we'll stop for a tasting and lunch. On our way back to Adelaide, we'll travel through the historic village of Hahndorf, Australia's oldest surviving German settlement, located in the picturesque Adelaide hills.
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We'll depart Adelaide today and travel further along the coast to Warrnambool.
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Your journey to Melbourne today takes you along one of the most spectacular coastal routes in the world, the Great Ocean Road. As you go you'll see the Twelve Apostles, although only eight of these towering limestone stacks remain, the Arch and many other fantastic rock formations.
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Enjoy a tour of Melbourne this morning. Highlights include Federation Square, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Flinders Street Station and the Grand Prix Circuit that circles Albert Park Lake. Another stop is Fitzroy Gardens, which features pathways lined with towering elms, colourful floral displays and the Fairies' Tree sculpture - a centuries-old tree stump featuring delightful carvings. Why not join an optional excursion to Phillip Island to see the remarkable penguin parade this afternoon. At sunset, after a hard day's fishing, hundreds of these delightful creatures - the world's smallest penguin - appear from out of the ocean and waddle their way across the beach to their sand dune burrows. You can take in this marvellous spectacle from special viewing stands and boardwalks, which give you the chance to get up close to nature.
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Today is free for you to do your own thing and explore more of Melbourne independently.
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We will transfer you to the airport today for your flight to Auckland. There is time to rest after your flight before we gather as a group for dinner.
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The beautiful city of Auckland is the largest in New Zealand, situated on the North Island in the Hauraki Gulf. We'll admire its spectacular skyline on an included tour this morning, which takes us to all the must-see sights. Later, you will have time to explore the city further in the company of your fellow travellers.
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The warm, emerald-green North Island was shaped by volcanic activity, and evidence of this remains in the thermal springs surrounding Rotorua. En-route we will journey through the dairy-rich Waikato farming region, home of the Maori kingdom, and visit the world-famous Waitomo Caves. The amazing glow-worm grotto is a fascinating sight and we will explore in the company of a Local Guide.
You can also take an optional flight today, either by float-plane or helicopter, over Mount Tarawera Volcano. You'll learn how the volcano's 1886 eruption - the largest in New Zealand's living memory - affected the landscape and, if you chose the helicopter flight, you will actually land at the site of the eruption. Those choosing the float-plane excursion will have the added excitement of taking off and landing on water at the Rotorua City Lakefront.
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Te Puia Thermal Reserve is home to the extraordinary boiling mud pools and spouting geysers that New Zealand is so famous for. We will call here this morning to see this spectacular sight for ourselves.
Later you have the option to join a tour of Hobbiton, the location created for the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit films. We'll explore the site, which includes hobbit holes and the Green Dragon Inn, while our guide offers fascinating insight – a must for fans of the films.
Tonight, you'll have a chance to experience a Maori concert and sample an authentic Hangi meal on an optional tour. This is where your food is cooked by steam underground using a centuries-old method that harnesses the power of nature.
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The route to Napier takes us through the Wairakei Valley, past the spectacular Huka Falls to beautiful Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest freshwater lake. We will pause here to take in the mesmerising views. Napier is home to one of the finest collections of Art Deco-style buildings in the world and has the ideal climate for growing grapes. Sampling some of the locally cultivated wines is certain to be a treat before we discover more about the town as we explore on foot in the company of your Holiday Director. We'll enjoy a group dinner this evening at a winery estate.
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Wellington, New Zealand's wonderful capital, enjoys a beautiful setting on the southern tip of the North Island. We'll head here today with an orientation tour on arrival to highlight the city's main sights.
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We have left today free for you to explore the city with your travelling companions. Perhaps take the cable car to the Botanical Gardens or visit the Te Papa Museum, which offers a wealth of information about New Zealand and its history, along with a collection of art.
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We set sail for the South Island today. Once back on land, we continue the drive to Christchurch, often referred to as the most English city outside of England. We'll enjoy the stunning scenery of the Kaikoura coast along the way.
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The TranzAlpine offers a spectacular journey into the Southern Alps. We'll be on board the train from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass, the South Island's highest railway station, passing through the contrasting scenery of the snow-capped Southern Alps and majestic gorges. At Arthur's Pass we rejoin our coach and continue south to the magnificent scenery and glaciers of the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier regions. Perhaps join a helicopter flight with a landing on the glacier for another view of this stunning landscape.
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The road through Westland National Park is one of the most scenic ever built, with tremendous ocean views to one side and spectacular forest views to the other. Experience it for yourself as we head to Queenstown, a popular resort in both summer and winter, travelling south crossing the Haast River Bridge and passing Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka along the way. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, why not take an optional ride on the Kawarau jet boat.
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Milford Sound is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful locations in New Zealand. Te Anau is the gateway to Fjordland National Park and our first port of call on today's tour. We continue through the lush beech forests of the Eglinton Valley and the eroded glacial canyons of the Hollyford Valley, before arriving at Milford Sound itself. A cruise on the Sound, which we include weather permitting, is a great way to appreciate the beauty of the area, and lunch is also included.
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Explore Queenstown in the company of your fellow travellers or perhaps join us on an optional excursion.
If you're feeling adventurous, there's a fantastic opportunity to take an exhilarating jet boat ride on the Dart River.
This evening, if you wish, you could enjoy a relaxing steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu and a gourmet barbecue dinner in the Colonel's Homestead at Walter Peak.
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Today we travel via the gold-mining town of Arrowtown. New Zealand's spectacular scenery is never-ending and another stunning route delivers us to the Mount Cook region today. If you wish you can take an optional scenic flight over some of New Zealand's highest mountains and largest glaciers. Your pilot will provide interesting commentary as you admire them from the air.
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A lovely drive this morning takes us across Burkes Pass and onwards to Lake Tekapo. We will travel over the Canterbury Plains and on to Christchurch, where an orientation tour introduces us to all the main sights. This evening we will gather with the group to enjoy a farewell drink.
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We'll transfer to the airport for our flight back to the UK.
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The newly refurbished Furama Darling Harbour is situated right between the bustling China Town and newly developed Darling Square precinct. Take a leisurely stroll through Darling Harbour with its many attractions such as Cockle Bay, Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Wild Life Sydney Zoo and Madame Tussaud's Sydney. The hotel is also a heritage building constructed in 1890. Facilities include a renovated fitness centre, spa and laundry services.
Conveniently located in the town centre, Mercure Centro Port Macquarie provides an easy access to beaches, nature walks and shops. Hotel rooms feature en-suite facilities, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and tea/coffee-making facilities. Other hotel amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant with a terrace and a contemporary bar.
Located opposite the City Botanic Gardens and a 5 minute walk from the Queen Street Mall the Royal on the Park is a well reviewed hotel. With facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, bar and restaurant. Rooms feature floor to ceiling windows for views of the city or gardens, en-suite and coffee machine.
Transformed in 2019 with a new lobby, restaurant & bar, guest rooms and public spaces, discover Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort. This excellent resort has a sandy lagoon style pool boasting a swim up bar and lush tropical gardens
Situated within an oasis of native gardens, Desert Gardens Hotel offers elegant guestrooms. Each room is air-conditioned and has a TV with movies-on-demand and tea/coffee-making facilities. Other hotel facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and a bar. Arnguli Grill, restaurant located on-site, offers an à la carte menu of traditional Australian cuisine.
Experience eco-friendly settings and enjoy stunning views of the majestic MacDonnell Mountain Ranges when you stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Alice Springs. Conveniently located just off the Stuart Highway, hotel is within walking distance of downtown and provides easy access to many local attractions such as Anzac Hill. All hotel rooms feature air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and tea/coffee-making facilities. Other hotel amenities include fitness centre, outdoor heated swimming pool and restaurant, serving modern Australian cuisine.
Located right in the heart of the South Australian capital, the Majestic Roof Garden Hotel in Adelaide is only a few minutes walk from this vibrant cities popular spots, and offers a blend of old-world comfort and modern amenities, such as a roof garden with stunning views and bar, a restaurant, gym and free Wi-Fi. Each room has a TV, safe, air conditioning, tea and coffee, mini bar and ironing facilities.
Mid City Motel Warrnambool is located at the western end of the world-renowned Great Ocean Road, only 50 metres from the centre of the town and a short stroll to beautiful beaches nearby. Facilities include Elements Bar & Restaurant, in-room dining, outdoor swimming pool, spa and guest laundry for your convenience. Warrnambool is a friendly and relaxing town with a selection of bars and restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. All rooms feature en suite facilities, air conditioning, TV, phone and internet access.
The Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne is a heritage listed hotel. Within walking distance you can find shopping, dining & entertainment, perfect for exploring. There is also a bar, restaurant and fitness centre, if you wish to stay at the hotel. Rooms are furnished with air-conditioning, safe, TV and tea & coffee-making facilities.
Crowne Plaza Auckland is situated within walking distance from a range of shopping and dining options on Queen Street. It is also in close proximity to main sightseeing attractions of Auckland. Modern rooms feature en-suite facilities, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and sleep-aid aromatherapy kits. Other hotel facilities include gym, sauna, a lobby cocktail bar and a restaurant.
Millennium Hotel Rotorua is located a short walk away from the Lake Rotorua. Every hotel room is featuring free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minifridges and tea/coffee-making facilities. Other hotel amenities include an outdoor swimming pool and an indoor geothermal pool, as well as a fitness centre and a spa with saunas.
You will stay at the Scenic Hotel Te Pania perfectly located on the edge of Hawkes Bay. Hotel facilities include a restaurant and bar. Bedrooms have private facilities, TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee-making facilities.
The 4-star James Cook Hotel has a great location in the heart of Wellington, close to Lambton Quay's shopping district. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar and fitness room. Bedrooms have private facilities, TV, minibar and tea- and coffee-making facilities.
Distinction Christchurch Hotel is located in the heart of the city just a few steps away from the Avon River, Botanical Gardens, Christchurch Casino and many more attractions. Each hotel room is air-conditioned and features free Wi-Fi, smart TVs, minifridge and tea/coffee-making facilities. Other hotel amenities include restaurant and a bar, the perfect place to enjoy delicious cuisine and drinks.
Scenic Franz Josef Hotel is located close to one of New Zealand's most spectacular natural attractions, the Franz Josef Glacier. Hotel facilities include restaurant, bar/lounge and spa. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, mini-bar, tea/coffee-maker, TV and hairdryer.
Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road has a peaceful setting amongst alpine scenery and picturesque lakes. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, sauna and tennis court. Bedrooms have private facilities, tea and coffee-making facilities, TV, hairdryer and Wi-Fi.
Heritage Gateway Hotel in Omarama is set amongst landscaped gardens offering wonderful views of the surrounding mountains. Hotel facilities include a restaurant and bar. Bedrooms have private facilities, TV, iron, refrigerator, tea/coffee-maker and hairdryer.
Distinction Christchurch Hotel is located in the heart of the city just a few steps away from the Avon River, Botanical Gardens, Christchurch Casino and many more attractions. Each hotel room is air-conditioned and features free Wi-Fi, smart TVs, minifridge and tea/coffee-making facilities. Other hotel amenities include restaurant and a bar, the perfect place to enjoy delicious cuisine and drinks.
Experience even more of your destination by adding one or more optional excursions to your holiday before you set off. Take a look below at the extra trips you can enjoy on this tour.
When you book a holiday, you will be asked to pay a deposit, this will be made clear at the time of booking. In most cases we will charge the following deposit amount;
On some holidays we may charge a slightly higher deposit, to cover any costs we have to pay immediately to secure your booking with our suppliers. This will be made clear at the time of booking.
If you choose a tour that is within 84 days of departure you will need to pay the full balance when you book.
If you decide to cancel your confirmed booking you must notify us (or your travel agent) in writing, as soon as possible. Since we incur costs in cancelling your arrangements, you will have to pay the applicable cancellation charges up to the maximum shown below.
Our full cancellation policy can be found in our booking terms and conditions, section 8.
We have partnered with Sherpa, an on-line self service tool that allows you to search up-to-date information regarding travel entry requirements for all countries and also allows you to apply for eVisas or eTAs via their on-line portal. Just click on this link to find out more – Travel requirement & Visa Service.
You can also refer to the Foreign Travel Advice section on the gov.uk website: Foreign travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Click on your destination and then click on 'Entry Requirements'. For Health Requirements, the Department of Health also offers travellers health advice on www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, click on country information to locate your destination.
It is important to remember that passport, visa and health requirements can change before departure; therefore, we recommend you regularly familiarise yourself with the latest requirements before you travel. If you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements, we are unable to accept any responsibility.
For some destinations, it is not always discernable that a visa is required for entry at the border. For example, for some customers, to travel to the United States, an ESTA may be required. For Canada, an ETA and to India, an e-visa may be needed. Please do check your requirements to avoid any unnecessary cost and delays.
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Discover the emerald-green landscapes, thermal springs and hot geysers of the North Island, then journey to the South Island with its snow-capped mountains, shimmering glaciers and sparkling lakes on this holiday showcasing New Zealand's natural wonders and fascinating cities. This tour also includes an extended stay at Manuia Beach Resort in the Cook Islands.
Iconic cities, famous landmarks and natural wonders are yours to discover on an incredible journey from Sydney to Melbourne.
Iconic cities, famous landmarks and natural wonders are yours to discover on an incredible journey from Sydney to Melbourne.
Explore the beauty and grandeur of New Zealand after your holiday in Australia. Visiting both countries in one trip will certainly make for a holiday of a lifetime. End your ultimate Australasian adventure with a stay in the Cook Islands.
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