Itinerary

Depart for Australia (1 Days)
Fly over the international date line on your way to Australia.

Arrive Alice Springs (1 Days)
Check into the Alice Springs All Seasons Oasis Hotel after 2:00pm, the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore.

Alice Springs (1 Days)
Meet your Contiki crew and start your tour with visits to Alice Springs Desert Park to see unique Outback animals, then it's on to Simpson's Gap for a group photo. Later we see ANZAC Hill and the Old Telegraph Station. Tonight you'll get to know your fellow travellers.

Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock) (1 Days)
An opportunity this morning to join an Aboriginal Bush Tucker tour. We then cross the oldest river in the world, the Finke River, before turning onto the Lassiter Highway. Continuing past amazing Mt Connor, we reach the modern Yulara Resort, our accommodation for the next two nights. Watch the sun set and rise over Uluru and explore this world-famous monolith.

Uluru (1 Days)
Uluru National Park and the famous 'big rock' await. We'll watch the amazing warm hues of an Uluru sunrise, followed by a visit to the excellent Cultural Center housing a display of information on Aboriginal history and culture. Then why not jump on the back of a Harley Davidson motorcycle to take in more of the Spinifex plains? Maybe take a flight over the area or challenge the vertical and climb Uluru? Later time for a swim and to enjoy a glass of bubbly to toast the Uluru sunset.

Uluru to Kings Creek Station (1 Days)
A last look at Uluru before we drive to the mysterious rock formations known as Kata Tjuta or the Olgas. Hike through the Valley of the Winds or Olga Gorge. This afternoon we're off to Kings Creek Station adjacent to Watarrka National Park. A chance to explore this working cattle and camel station by quad bikes. Enjoy food cooked in true outback style, before rolling out your sleeping swag under a blanket of brilliant stars.

Kings Creek Station to Alice Springs (1 Days)
Up early to take in the stunning sights as we wander along the ridge of Kings Canyon and discover the Garden of Eden and the Lost City. Then onwards to Alice Springs. Tonight why not enjoy a 'drovers blowout' dinner? Try outback delicacies like crocodile and emu.

Alice Springs (1 Days)
This morning there is the chance to watch dawn break over the MacDonnell Ranges from a hot air balloon before taking in the local sights of Alice Springs. We'll visit the ANZAC Hill Lookout and the original Alice Springs Telegraph Station. Time to say a final farewell as our tour ends in Alice Springs this afternoon.

Dates & Prices

Alice Springs
City sightseeing tour

Alice Springs
Visit ANZAC Hill lookout

Alice Springs
See Alice Springs Telegraph Station

Alice Springs
Visit Alice Springs Desert Park to see the unique Outback animals

Alice Springs
Visit the West MacDonnell National Park

Simpson's Gap
Visit the important Aboriginal cultural site, home to the blackfooted wallaby

Erldunda & Mt. Ebenezer
Visit a traditional Outback Roadhouse

Erldunda & Mt. Ebenezer
Spot kangaroos in their natural habitat

Erldunda & Mt. Ebenezer
See the unusually shaped Mt. Connor

Uluru
Uluru National Park entrance fee

Uluru
Visit Uluru at sunset and sunrise

Uluru
Hike the base of Uluru

Uluru
Visit the Uluru Cultural Centre

Uluru
Relax in the Yularu Resort

Uluru
Visit Kata Tjuta (The Olga's) & hike the Valley of the Winds

Kings Creek Station
Visit the cattle & camel station

Kings Creek Station
Enjoy an evening bush camp

Kings Creek Station
See the desert night sky & stars

Kings Canyon
Visit Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park

Kings Canyon
Hike along the canyon ridge

Kings Canyon
Visit the 'Garden of Eden' waterhole and the 'Lost City'

 

Itinerary

Arrive Alice Springs (1 Days)
Check into the Alice Springs All Seasons Oasis Hotel after 2:00pm, the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore.

Alice Springs (1 Days)
Meet your Contiki crew and start your tour with visits to Alice Springs Desert Park to see unique Outback animals, then it's on to Simpson's Gap for a group photo. Later we see ANZAC Hill and the Old Telegraph Station. Tonight you'll get to know your fellow travellers.

Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock) (1 Days)
An opportunity this morning to join an Aboriginal Bush Tucker tour. We then cross the oldest river in the world, the Finke River, before turning onto the Lassiter Highway. Continuing past amazing Mt Connor, we reach the modern Yulara Resort, our accommodation for the next two nights. Watch the sun set and rise over Uluru and explore this world-famous monolith.

Uluru (1 Days)
Uluru National Park and the famous 'big rock' await. We'll watch the amazing warm hues of an Uluru sunrise, followed by a visit to the excellent Cultural Center housing a display of information on Aboriginal history and culture. Then why not jump on the back of a Harley Davidson motorcycle to take in more of the Spinifex plains? Maybe take a flight over the area or challenge the vertical and climb Uluru? Later time for a swim and to enjoy a glass of bubbly to toast the Uluru sunset.

Uluru to Kings Creek Station (1 Days)
A last look at Uluru before we drive to the mysterious rock formations known as Kata Tjuta or the Olgas. Hike through the Valley of the Winds or Olga Gorge. This afternoon we're off to Kings Creek Station adjacent to Watarrka National Park. A chance to explore this working cattle and camel station by quad bikes. Enjoy food cooked in true outback style, before rolling out your sleeping swag under a blanket of brilliant stars.

Kings Creek Station to Alice Springs (1 Days)
Up early to take in the stunning sights as we wander along the ridge of Kings Canyon and discover the Garden of Eden and the Lost City. Then onwards to Alice Springs. Tonight why not enjoy a 'drovers blowout' dinner? Try outback delicacies like crocodile and emu.

Alice Springs to Tennant Creek (1 Days)
Dreamtime and Devils Marbles. Why not take the opportunity of a lifetime and see the dawn break over the MacDonnell Ranges from a hot air balloon and upon returning to terra firma, feast on chicken and champagne? We'll cross the Tropic of Capricorn on our way to the Devils Marbles. Then north to Tennant Creek which is the site of the last gold rush in Australia. Remember, not everything that glitters is gold - however here it just might be. All discovered nuggets must be passed onto the Contiki crew!

Tennant Creek to Katherine (1 Days)
Try a cold beer at the oldest Territory pub. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal waters of Mataranka Thermal Pools or take a look at the Elsey Homestead. Onwards to Katherine for tonight's get together - because by now you know everyone and everyone knows you!

Katherine to Kakadu National Park (1 Days)
A morning stop in Katherine then onto Nitmiluk National Park and the sensational Katherine Gorge. Why not take in the beauty of nature's sculpture with a leisurely boat trip through two of the many ancient gorges. This afternoon we'll head to Kakadu National Park and Jabiru. Our accommodation is right in the middle of the park and it's soon time for another romantic sunset at Ubirr Aboriginal rock art site. Relax this evening in a tropical poolside setting. Why isn't life always like this?

Kakadu National Park (1 Days)
Rise early and you have the chance to see the wonders of Kakadu from the air. This scenic flight will leave you breathless and it's not the altitude. You really will understand why this is a world heritage region. Then on to Nourlangie Rock, famous for its Aboriginal art. View the wetlands and spend the afternoon on a wildlife cruise.

Kakadu National Park to Darwin (1 Days)
We'll head north towards Darwin, the most northerly city in Australia. We visit the Northern Territory Museum then there's free time this afternoon to shop till you drop or if the pace is getting to you - just drop. Tonight is our last night together. Uh-huh - time to party hard! Try your luck at the casino then dance the night away at one of Darwin's clubs.

Darwin to Litchfield National Park (1 Days)
Start planning your next Contiki holiday. Litchfield National Park is 650 square kilometres (255 square miles) of top end treasure, enclosing a spectacular sandstone plateau. We'll swim at picturesque Florence Falls. All good things must come to an end and so it's back to our Darwin hotel where our tour - not the friendships made - ends.

Dates & Prices

Alice Springs
City sightseeing tour

Alice Springs
Visit ANZAC Hill lookout

Alice Springs
See Alice Springs Telegraph Station

Alice Springs
Visit Alice Springs Desert Park to see the unique Outback animals

Alice Springs
Visit the West MacDonnell National Park

Simpson's Gap
Visit the important Aboriginal cultural site, home to the blackfooted wallaby

Erldunda & Mt. Ebenezer
Visit a traditional Outback Roadhouse

Erldunda & Mt. Ebenezer
Spot kangaroos in their natural habitat

Erldunda & Mt. Ebenezer
See the unusually shaped Mt. Connor

Uluru
Uluru National Park entrance fee

Uluru
Visit Uluru at sunset and sunrise

Uluru
Hike the base of Uluru

Uluru
Visit the Uluru Cultural Centre

Uluru
Relax in the Yularu Resort

Uluru
Visit Kata Tjuta (The Olga's) & hike the Valley of the Winds

Kings Creek Station
Visit the cattle & camel station

Kings Creek Station
Enjoy an evening bush camp

Kings Creek Station
See the desert night sky & stars

Kings Canyon
Visit Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park

Kings Canyon
Hike along the canyon ridge

Kings Canyon
Visit the 'Garden of Eden' waterhole and the 'Lost City'

Ti Tree
Visit the Red Sands Art Gallery to see Aboriginal art & didgeridoos

Wycliffe Well
Visit the town known for its UFO sightings

Devil's Marbles
Visit the rock formation

Tennant Creek
Visit the site of Australia's last gold rush

Daly Waters
Visit the famous Outback pub

Mataranka
Swim in the thermal pools

Mataranka
Visit Elsey, the historic "We of the Never Never" homestead

Katherine
Visit Katherine Gorge & see the sheer rock walls and wildlife

Kakadu National Park
Stay in Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park
Hike to see the Aboriginal rock art

Kakadu National Park
Visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre

Kakadu National Park
Cruise to see crocodiles & native bird life

Darwin
City sightseeing tour

Darwin
See the harbour & East Point Military Reserve

Darwin
Visit the Darwin Museum to see the Cyclone Tracy display

Litchfield National Park
See the termite mounds

Litchfield National Park
See the rainforests & sandstone formations

Litchfield National Park
Enjoy a swim at Florence Falls

 

Itinerary

Depart for New Zealand (2 Days)
Fly over the international date line on your way to New Zealand.

Auckland to Bay of Islands (1 Days)
Today will be the day for awesome scenery, great fun and extreme adventure that take on new meanings! Meet your Contiki crew and view the beauty of Auckland's famous harbour as we cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Heading towards the subtropical region of Northland, we'll explore Parry Kauri Park before checking into our Resort in Paihia. In the evening get to know your fellow travellers during dinner.

Bay of Islands (1 Days)
A day of adventure and fun. The day is yours to enjoy the overwhelming beauty of the Bay of Islands. How about a Catamaran cruise through the "Hole-in-the-Rock", maybe sail to a deserted island for lunch, perhaps travel along Ninety Mile Beach to Cape Reinga at "lands end".

Bay of Islands to Waitomo (1 Days)
We head south, stopping in Auckland for lunch before travelling through the lush Waikato farming region to Waitomo, home of magical limestone formations and sparkling Glow-worms. Tonight there's the chance to meet the local characters.

Waitomo to Rotorua (1 Days)
There will be time today, if you wish, to visit the Glow-worm grotto or try underground cave rafting. Then we'll visit the Agrodome farm show, on our way to the thermal area of Rotorua. Maybe try the Zorb or end the day by relaxing in a Polynesian thermal pool, before taking in an optional Maori Hangi meal and concert.

Rotorua to Taupo (1 Days)
What a day for your travel diary, along the steaming Wairakei Valley to the raging Huka Falls before continuing to our exclusive resort beside New Zealand's largest lake - Taupo. This afternoon you're free to wander the shops, enjoy a parasail high over the lake or challenge gravity on the Rock n' Ropes. Tonight maybe try fishing and later enjoy the famous local nightlife.

Taupo to Wellington (1 Days)
The mountains of Tongariro National Park provide a spectacular sight on the way to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. A scenic waterfront drive to the top of Mt Victoria acts as the perfect introduction to this cosmopolitan city famed for its cafes, restaurants and trendy bars.

Wellington (1 Days)
A full day to explore the city and its surrounding area. Take your time to enjoy the amazing Museum of New Zealand, known as Te Papa 'Our House'. Maybe do some shopping or see the sights of the Lord of the Rings trilogy or just relax in one of the city's many cafes. Later this evening join us for a walkabout dinner.

Wellington to Christchurch (1 Days)
Board the Inter-Island ferry and do the north to south island hop through Marlborough Sound and Cook Strait to Picton. Then make sure your camera has film for the spectacular views along the Kaikoura Coastline. If we're lucky, we'll spot one of the many seal colonies in this area. Then, via the Canterbury Plains, we'll head towards the city of Christchurch.

Christchurch to Franz Josef Glacier (1 Days)
We'll cross the spectacular Southern Alps via majestic Arthur's Pass and take in the jade greenstone carving at Hokitika. Then we'll journey along the South Island's rugged coast to the awesome Westland National Park, home to Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers.

Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown (1 Days)
Today there's the chance to explore the incredible Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers with professional guides that will be on hand to show you the beauty of this natural wonder. We'll then journey through Haast Pass to Queenstown and our lodge high above Lake Wakatipu. Hold onto your hat - Queenstown beckons!

Queenstown (2 Days)
Leisure is probably the wrong word as Queenstown is known as the 'Adventure-Adrenaline capital of the world', one of those places that you can literally do as much or as little as you like. A number of options to astound you await! Ever tried Bungy jumping, Sky diving, Jet boating, River boarding, White water rafting, Helicopter riding, Luging, Canyon Swinging, Four wheeldriving, Hiking???? Be extreme! Action by day, action by night - that's Queenstown. Yes, when you've dried off and caught your breath, it'll be time to experience Queenstown's legendary nightlife, and there's no shortage of venues for dining and socialising - why not try an optional meal at the world famous Skyline gondola complex.

Queenstown to Milford Sound (1 Days)
Need an adrenalin boost? We'll take you to a bridge to jump off! The bungee jumping bridge provides a hair-raising, gob-stopping adrenalin rush. It is one of the options on this tour that separates the tourists from the purists. Pure fun. Pure rush. Why don't you try it? After this we travel to Fiordland National Park, where we head through the Homer Tunnel (D'OH!) for our first view of Mitre Peak and Milford Sound. Then it's all aboard the Milford Wanderer, for an overnight cruise taking in all the beauty of the fjord. There's the chance to kayak and see whales, dolphins and penguins along with towering mountains and breathtaking waterfalls. It'll be an evening to treasure!

Milford Sound to Lake Ohau (1 Days)
In the morning we'll breakfast on board before heading back to the mainland. We travel past Lake Te Anau and the Clutha River to Arrowtown for the chance to find gold. Then we head to the Southern Alps to our lodge at Lake Ohau which affords views over Australasia's tallest peak, Mt Cook.

Lake Ohau to Christchurch (1 Days)
If heights don't scare you (we saw you bungee jump two days ago), then why not take the option of a spectacular glacier flight over Mt Cook? Later, we'll head through the MacKenzie country, home to the sheep industry. to Christchurch where you may join us for an end-of-tour, we-must-keep-in-touch-what-tour-are-you-taking-next, dinner.

Christchurch (1 Days)
Say a final farewell to your new friends as your trip ends this morning after breakfast.

Dates & Prices

Auckland
Cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge

Auckland
See the impressive city skyline & Sky Tower

Auckland
See the 'City of Sails' harbor made famous by the America's Cup

Parry Kauri Park
Walk through native Kauri Forest

Waitomo
Visit Waitomo & a traditional New Zealand country pub

Waitomo
Enjoy a pizza party

Rotorua
City sightseeing tour

Rotorua
Visit the Agrodome farm to see the World renown sheep show

Huka Falls
Visit the mighty falls

Taupo
View Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake

Tongariro National Park
Dramatic drive through the Volcanic landscape made famous in the 'Lord of the Rings'

Tongariro National Park
See the active volcano Mt. Ruapehu

Wellington
City sightseeing tour

Wellington
Visit Mt. Victoria & enjoy the panoramic views

Wellington
See more of the sights made famous in the 'Lord of the Rings'

Cook Strait
Cruise the scenic Marlborough & Queen Charlotte Sounds

Picton
Drive through New Zealand's largest wine growing region

Kaikoura Coast
Spectacular coastal drive & visit a seal colony

Christchurch
City sightseeing tour

Arthur's Pass
Scenic drive through Arthur's Pass National Park

Hokitika
See traditional Maori Greenstone carving

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier
Coastal drive through Westland National Park with views of the glaciers & rainforests

Haast Pass
Stunning drive through the Southern Alps

Haast Pass
See Lake Hawea & the Crown Range

Queenstown
City sightseeing tour

Queenstown
View the Remarkables Mountains & Coronet Peak

Queenstown
Stop at AJ Hackett's Kawarau Bridge

Queenstown
Visit Arrowtown, the historic gold mining town

Milford Sound
Travel through the Homer Tunnel

Milford Sound
Unique overnight cruise on Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park

Milford Sound
Cruise past towering cliffs & spectacular waterfalls

Milford Sound
See the awe inspiring Mitre Peak

Lake Ohau
See Mt. Cook across this beautiful blue glacial lake

Lake Tekapo
See the beautiful turquoise coloured glacial lake

 

Itinerary

Depart for New Zealand (1 Days)
Fly over the international date line on your way to New Zealand.

Auckland to Bay of Islands (1 Days)
Today will be the day for awesome scenery, great fun and extreme adventure that take on new meanings! Meet your Contiki crew and view the beauty of Auckland's famous harbour as we cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Heading towards the subtropical region of Northland, we'll explore Parry Kauri Park before checking into our Resort in Paihia. In the evening get to know your fellow travellers during dinner.

Bay of Islands (1 Days)
A day of adventure and fun. The day is yours to enjoy the overwhelming beauty of the Bay of Islands. How about a Catamaran cruise through the "Hole-in-the-Rock", maybe sail to a deserted island for lunch, perhaps travel along Ninety Mile Beach to Cape Reinga at "lands end".

Bay of Islands to Waitomo (1 Days)
We head south, stopping in Auckland for lunch before travelling through the lush Waikato farming region to Waitomo, home of magical limestone formations and sparkling Glow-worms. Tonight there's the chance to meet the local characters.

Waitomo