Tour begins: 5:00 PM, The Langham Melbourne. A transfer is included from Melbourne Airport to The Langham Melbourne. Your journey begins with a welcome cocktail reception followed by dinner at the hotel.

You'll see a lot of Melbourne on a sightseeing tour of the city, including a guided walking tour to discover the real city (and its amazing coffee) along its distinctive laneways. The rest of the day and evening are yours to spend as you please in Melbourne; enjoy lunch and dinner as you please.

Take a morning private charter flight to the heart of Australia's desert Outback, arriving at Uluru (formerly known as Ayers Rock) for lunch and an overnight stay at Sails in the Desert in the country's "Red Centre." In the evening, the light of the setting sun bathes the mystical rock with a palette of ever-changing color... and you'll enjoy the natural "show" with canapés and champagne overlooking the monolith.

Aboriginal traditions define life in the Outback, especially at Uluru (formerly known as Ayers Rock); learn about the Dreamtime legends associated with this massive monolith on a guided tour this morning. Fly via private charter to Cairns in Queensland, gateway to the amazing Great Barrier Reef. Board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for a journey above the tropical rainforest canopy, with opportunities for short, ranger-guided walks to discover more about this remarkable ecosystem. Continue on to Silky Oaks Lodge, your luxury eco-lodge on the Mossman River adjacent to Daintree National Park, to begin a three-night rainforest resort stay.

Spend a full day exploring one of Earth's most extraordinary natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest coral reef system. Activity choices include a catamaran cruise to Agincourt Reef, where you can snorkel, view marine life from an underwater observatory, or take a semi-submersible ride; an adventure boat excursion for scuba divers and snorkelers; or a relaxing spa day at the lodge. Enjoy a leisurely dinner and evening at your resort.

Early risers may choose to soar over the Atherton Tablelands on an optional hot air balloon ride* at dawn (an additional charge per person; see pricing details). The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish at your rainforest resort and spa, or explore the area as you please. Enjoy dinner tonight at the lodge.

It's all about crocodiles at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, one of Queensland's most renowned wildlife parks and a leader in crocodile conservation. Here, you'll come face to face with some of Australia's most iconic creatures, with opportunities to learn about the park's wildlife and conservation efforts. Your visit includes a private crocodile feeding presentation and an exclusive boat cruise on Hartley's lagoon, gliding through waters that are home to resident saltwater crocodiles. After lunch, fly to Sydney via private charter for a three-night stay in the heart of the city at InterContinental Sydney, in guest rooms overlooking iconic Sydney Harbour.

This morning, set out on a guided walking tour through The Rocks, one of Sydney's oldest neighborhoods, where the city's colonial history comes vividly to life. Located near Sydney Harbour Bridge, this historic district was among the earliest areas of European settlement following the arrival of Britain's First Fleet in 1788. Along its narrow laneways, sandstone buildings, and heritage-listed pubs, discover stories of the convicts, sailors, merchants, and families who helped shape the growing settlement. Your guide brings the neighborhood's colorful past into focus, revealing how this once-bustling port community has evolved into a lively district of galleries, cafés, and historic landmarks. After lunch, return to your hotel, with the remainder of the afternoon and evening free to enjoy Sydney as you wish.

Discover Wellington, New Zealand's waterfront capital, beginning with a special early-opening visit to Te Papa Tongarewa, the country's national museum. Enjoy the opportunity to explore before regular opening hours, with a guided orientation introducing you to its remarkable collections of New Zealand's natural environment, art, history, and Māori and Pacific cultures. Continue with a sightseeing tour of Wellington, taking in sweeping views from Mount Victoria before visiting the Parliament precinct and He Tohu, home to three of New Zealand's most important founding documents, including the Treaty of Waitangi. Your tour concludes at the top of the Wellington Cable Car, with panoramic views across the city and harbor. The remainder of the day and evening are yours to explore as you wish.

Tauck puts a charter plane at your service this morning for your flight to Blenheim on New Zealand's South Island, gateway to the sunlit valleys of Marlborough wine country. Framed by the Wither Hills and nourished by crisp sea air, this region produces some of the world's most celebrated Sauvignon Blancs – and a landscape as generous as the wines themselves. Arrive for a two-night stay in the heart of the region and begin your discovery of Marlborough's rural life with a visit to a privately owned working farm. Meet the family, watch an expert sheep-shearing demonstration, and see the remarkable partnership of shepherd and sheepdog at work. Join your hosts for morning tea at the homestead before continuing to Wither Hills Winery, set against rolling vineyards, for a wine tasting and a three-course lunch paired with select regional wines. Afterward, settle into The Alfred, your contemporary riverside hotel in Blenheim, with time to relax or explore the town. Dinner tonight is at the hotel.

This morning, set out to explore one of New Zealand's most captivating coastal regions – the Marlborough Sounds. Formed by a network of ancient sunken river valleys, these waterways and forested hills stretch along the northern tip of the South Island. Once navigated by Māori communities and later visited by European settlers, the Sounds are known for their secluded coves, sheltered bays, and ridgelines that descend to the sea. Board your vessel for a leisurely luncheon cruise through this spectacular landscape, sampling green-lipped mussels, a Marlborough delicacy, paired with local wines. As you sail, the panorama shifts with every turn – blue water, emerald headlands, and sweeping coastal views. Return to The Alfred this afternoon for some time at leisure before tonight's Tauck Exclusive Event. This evening, experience the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, home to an extraordinary collection of historic aircraft and aviation memorabilia presented through immersive exhibitions. Discover the stories behind these remarkable aircraft before sitting down to Dinner with the Warbirds, a memorable evening surrounded by aviation history.

This morning, travel to beautiful Queenstown, situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu amid the dramatic landscapes of New Zealand's Southern Alps. Along the way, stop for lunch at Ayrburn, a historic estate near Arrowtown that has been transformed into a distinctive destination for dining and wine. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine on arrival before sitting down to lunch in a setting that blends the property's 160-year heritage with contemporary New Zealand hospitality. Continue to Queenstown, where your accommodations at Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa offer French-inspired sophistication in the heart of the town. Dinner is included this evening.

Even if you're not all that adventurous, today's thrilling high-speed jet boat ride* through the narrow gorges of Skippers Canyon on the Shotover River – followed by a scenic helicopter flight* – will be memorable highlights. With the excitement of the morning behind you, return to Queenstown for an afternoon and evening at leisure, with time to explore the town's shops, restaurants, and beautiful lakeside setting as you wish.

Travel via Tauck's private charter flight from Queenstown to Auckland today for a two-night stay in Club Floor rooms at InterContinental Auckland with harbor views. After lunch, visit Auckland Museum, where exhibits explore New Zealand's natural history, Māori heritage, and the stories of the people who have shaped the country. Return to your waterfront hotel, with dinner included this evening at the hotel or at one of Auckland's many restaurants.

Depart from Auckland's ferry terminal for nearby Waiheke Island, a picturesque landscape of farmland, forests, beaches, and vineyards. Explore the island's beautiful scenery and enjoy a distinctive whisky tasting at The Heke before continuing to Mudbrick Vineyard for a farewell lunch overlooking the surrounding countryside and waters of the Hauraki Gulf. Return to Auckland by ferry, then gather this evening for a farewell cocktail reception at your waterfront hotel.

Tour ends: Auckland. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from InterContinental Auckland to Auckland Airport. You should allow three hours for check-in at the airport.