Compare Grand Antipodean Odyssey by Titan Travel vs New Zealand Overnight Wilderness Trip - 11 Days by Travel for All

Day 1 London - In flight
VIP Outbound4Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your journey to London Heathrow Airport in time for a scheduled Qantas flight to Perth via Dubai.

Day 2 Perth
We arrive into Perth this evening and transfer to our hotel, the Mercure Perth (3T+), conveniently located in Perth’s vibrant city center with a choice of restaurants on your doorstep.

Day 3 Perth
An included tour of Perth is the perfect introduction, as we explore the city’s elegant streets and many parks. There is time to discover the eclectic colonial port area of Fremantle and take an included cruise along the Swan River, past the multi-million-dollar mansions that occupy the waterfront.

Day 4 Perth
Staying just a short stroll from the Swan River, Supreme Court Gardens and Perth Mint (home to the One Tonne Gold Coin!), it is easy to find ways to spend your free day. You may choose to venture to Rottnest Island if you wish to view the famously amusing local wildlife species, the Quokka. Or alternatively join an optional wine cruise excursion into the picturesque upper Swan Valley and the prestigious Sandalford Estate, for a unique ‘behind the scenes’ winery tour.

Day 5 Perth - Alice Springs
We transfer to the airport for a flight to Alice Springs and on arrival take a tour of this remote town, that began life in the late 1800s as a mere telegraph station. The great view from ANZAC Hill highlights the town’s compact size, before we continue to the Doubletree by Hilton (4T) or Chifley Alice Springs (4T), for an overnight stay.

Day 6 Alice Springs - Uluru
From Alice Springs, we transfer by coach to Australia’s most famous natural spectacle, Uluru. After settling into the Desert Gardens Hotel (3T+), we make our way to the rock area itself as the sun begins to set. As the rock’s hue captivatingly changes minute by minute, it is easy to see why this area is so magical and spiritually important to the local indigenous people.

Day 7 Uluru - Cairns
Wake early for a glorious sunrise viewing of Uluru, where a tour of the base illustrates its enormity. Nearby Kata Tjuta, a group of 36 red rocks soaring out of the desert, is our next destination. As well as a tour of the unusual rock shapes, you may spot some of the many species of animal and birdlife that call them home. Later we fly to Cairns and transfer to the Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort (4T) for four nights.

Day 8 Cairns
Today is free to spend as you wish. The hotel is a city-centre oasis and its lovely pool area may persuade you to relax in your surroundings and recharge your batteries. Or perhaps take a stroll and discover the shops and markets or the esplanade with its attractive lagoon.

Day 9 Great Barrier Reef
Today is a highlight for many as we step aboard the Ocean Spirit, a luxury sailing catamaran, for an incredible cruise to Michaelmas Cay. A small sand island on the outer Great Barrier Reef, the Cay is encircled by an exquisite fringing reef of beautiful coral gardens teeming with colorful marine life. Once our vessel reaches the Cay, there will be time to view the unique reef environment, from any aspect that you choose: view it from the deck; snorkel in the warm, calm, translucent water to meet the colorful reef fish face to face; or take the semi-submersible coral viewing tour. Morning and afternoon tea and buffet lunch are included before we return to Cairns later in the day.

Day 10 Cairns
Today is at leisure to enjoy Cairns and its tropical surroundings. Spend more time relaxing by the pool, or join an optional excursion further north to Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the sea.

Day 11 Cairns - Sydney
Our discovery of tropical Queensland at an end, we return to the airport for our flight to Sydney. On arrival, our coach transfers us to the Parkroyal Darling Harbour (4T), in the heart of Sydney, where we stay for three nights.

Day 12 Sydney
Australia’s most famous city is the final and perhaps the most anticipated Australian destination of our odyssey. We take a tour of Sydney’s highlights including the iconic Opera House, Australia’s oldest park - the wonderful Royal Botanical Gardens, and Hyde Park, home to Sydney’s ANZAC Memorial. A cruise of the famous harbor, with a buffet lunch included, allows us to see this eye-catching city from an alternative perspective.

Day 13 Sydney
Today is a free day, in a city with much to do. Perhaps travel to quiet Botany Bay, where Captain James Cook and, later, the First Fleet of convicts anchored in Australia, or stay in the city to visit the museums dedicated to Australia’s past. Sydney Harbour Bridge, Pylon Lookout, and numerous galleries are also an option, or explore historic alleyways of The Rocks, relax in the lovely Botanical Gardens, or maybe see a show at the Opera House.

Day 14 Sydney - Queenstown
Leaving Australia behind, we transfer to the airport for our flight to New Zealand. We arrive in the South Island and attractive Queenstown, a town on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and flanked by The Remarkables mountain range. We transfer to the Crowne Plaza (4T), excellently located for exploration of the area reminiscent of an alpine ski resort.

Day 15 Milford Sound
Part of Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site, stunning Milford Sound is set within the heart of Fiordland National Park. Bounded by steep cliffs that soar vertically from the fjord and surrounded by a dense rainforest, that creates temporary waterfall cascades in days of heavy rain, Milford Sound is a beautiful serene area. Perhaps its most impressive sight is Mitre Peak, standing 1,692m above sea level and as you sail towards it, you may even spot a bottlenose dolphin. The day is a long one, however, the journey from Queenstown along one of the world’s finest alpine roads, is just as spectacular as the destination itself.

Day 16 Queenstown
Enjoy a free day in a town that offers adventure and relaxation. The Skyline Gondola is just a short stroll from the hotel, offering views of Bob’s Peak across Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. Or a walk along the shores of the scenic lake is an ideal way to absorb this stunning setting and it becomes clear why the Remarkables Mountains gained their name, as the ever-changing colors play across their faces. Those seeking something a little more adventurous may like to spend some of their free time by taking an optional helicopter flight or boat ride.

Day 17 Queenstown - Wanaka
Gibbston Valley Winery is one of Otago’s founding wineries and their produce is world renowned. A visit is included today, for a glimpse of the making and an enjoyable tasting, of the lovely soft Pinot Noir for which the area is famous. Afterward we continue to Wanaka and the Edgewater Resort (4T), with lawns stretching to the scenic shores of Lake Wanaka, one of New Zealand’s largest and deepest lakes.

Day 18 Wanaka - Franz Josef
Our coach takes us past Lake Hawea and on through the Haast Pass and Mount Aspiring National Park, to embark on an exhilarating river safari on the Haast River to Roaring Billy Falls. Onwards to Westland National Park and the world-renowned glaciers of Franz Josef and Fox. We stay overnight at the Scenic Hotel (3T+).

Day 19 Franz Josef - Arthur’s Pass - TranzAlpine - Christchurch
Following an included breakfast we head inland and up into the spectacular Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass. Here we board the award-winning TranzAlpine train, for probably one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world, heading back down the mountain range through spectacular gorges and plummeting river valleys to Christchurch where we stay at the Chateau on the Park a DoubleTree by Hilton (3T+) for two nights.

Day 20 Akaroa
Our destination today is the historic French Village of Akaroa and its spectacular harbor, where we join a cruise sailing through majestic scenery that exists around an extinct volcanic crater. A number of species of wildlife may make an appearance: the rare Hector's Dolphin, native to New Zealand; the white-flippered penguin, the smallest penguin in the world; or the endangered yellow-eyed penguin. There are also five different cormorant or shag species that call the harbor home and a number of New Zealand fur seals. There will be free time after the cruise to purchase lunch in Akaroa, before returning to our hotel later in the day.

Day 21 Christchurch - Rotorua
We depart the South Island today, traveling to Christchurch Airport for a flight to Rotorua on New Zealand’s North Island. On arrival, we transfer to the Holiday Inn Rotorua (4T), excellently located, overlooking the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Reserve.

Day 22 Rotorua
Rotorua is one of the ‘jewels’ of New Zealand and the heart of the Maori culture - its crystal clear lake, thermal wonders and lush forests are a joy to explore. Today we visit the Whakarewarewa Thermal Village, where the Maori continue to live in harmony with this unique landscape, amidst the eruptions of geothermal activity. Later, we drive to Tamaki Maori Village to have an all-embracing cultural experience complete with a traditional ‘hangi’ accompanied by song and dance.

Day 23 Rotorua - Auckland
We head north to Auckland, where on arrival we take a tour of New Zealand’s largest city, formed on the ridges of volcanic lava flows. Our city tour introduces us to the heart of the ‘Queen City’ and its founder, Captain Hobson, before making our way to the suburbs and Parnell Village with its quaint boutiques, restaurants and Victorian-styled shops. The rest of the day is free to meander around the city with its sparkling waterfront location. Our hotel for two nights is the Crowne Plaza (4T) or Rydges Auckland (4T).

Day 24 Auckland
With a free day in Auckland, maybe ascend Auckland’s Sky Tower for breathtaking views over the city and its incredible backdrop, or if you feel like venturing a little further, there are several small islands reachable by ferry from Auckland’s two harbors. Alternatively, take an optional cruise along Waitemata Harbour.

Day 25 Auckland - In flight
Our odyssey almost at an end, we transfer to Auckland Airport for a scheduled Qantas flight to Sydney and onward flight to London via Dubai.

Day 26 London
VIP InboundArrival at London Heathrow Airport where you will be met and guided to your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.

Day 1: Arrival in Christchurch

The first thing you’ll see once you’ve arrived in Christchurch is our smiley faces, ready to scoop you up and deliver you to your awesome accommodation. Settle in and enjoy Sumner, a seaside suburb of Christchurch. This place has beach, boardwalk, cafés, funky restaurants and bars. It’s the perfect spot to shake off your jet lag and prepare yourself for the next days of action.

The beautiful landscape of New Zealand glows in the morning light

Day 02: River Rafting

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

It’s an early start this morning as we need to meet the river crew 3 hours away. This is over the Lewis Pass, where Mauria River waits for us, nestled in the native beech and surrounding mountains. This class 2/ 3 river transports us and our equipment into the wilderness Freedom of river life, experience real wilderness.

When navigating the Mauria River where its waters spill from the mountains of the Lewis Pass; you will wind through a heavily forested and remote valley, making this trip a real gem. We spend the night camping beside the river, with a fire and great company. Also for the keen angler, Rainbow and Brown Trout fishing is legendary here giving you great challenge and fun, whatever your skill level.

Available to all abilities, making this possible is our Aqua harness. A fully releasable system to make you sit up on the raft (even without trunk control!). Leg floats, if you feel like floating through the pools, dry suits for those that do not have climate control (only hands and head are exposed). Tonight you camp in the wilderness, cooking on a fire. Experiencing why we call this pure New Zealand.

Wilderness Camping

Day 03: White Water Rafting

Meals: Brakefast

This morning, awaken to the sounds of native bird song and the flowing river. A great night’s sleep, on air and feathers (no pressure issues). After a hearty breakfast and when you’re ready, (accessible toilet facilities are carried with) its back on the river, going with the flow.

With the gear packed, it’s straight back into action as we tackle Maruia‘s white water once more. The rafts bob and weave their way around boulders and through waves, into the isolated valley where crystal clear pools nestle between rapids, giving us time to drift, swim, relax and take in the scenery. We can stop in many places along the river. We can even drift the craft in the middle to fish towards the sides, usually unheard of in the fishing community, on a river. As we ride the final rapids, the valley starts to open again and the river converges with the road to take us to our waiting transport. This afternoon we drive down the Buller Gorge to the wild West Coast, our accommodation waits next to the setting sun.

Picture of Buller Gorge on the Maruia River in New Zealand

Day 04: Scenic Flight

Enter into a relaxing morning waking to the sound of the sea. When we are ready the scenic road will take you to Hokitika greenstone and gold. Fingers crossed today is clear and calm as we drive the West Coast highway, with mountains on the left, ocean on the right and native forest galore. Soon after lunch, we arrive at Franz Josef Township where our next adventure awaits.

Here we meet the awesome crew that will fly us into glacier wonderland. This is the West Coast; helicopters are mandatory to access our piece of paradise. This scenic flight takes us onto the snowfields where Makingtrax ski-chair gets you up close and personal.

This evening we stay in Franz Josef.

Day 05: Lake Wanaka

A big day driving over the Gates of Haast to Wanaka. Although a big journey, the flora and fauna changes dramatically throughout, making this drive fly past. You’ll be there before you know it. Welcome to Lake Wanaka.

Day 06: Lake Wanaka

Enjoy the Lake Wanaka this morning, kayaking on the beautiful mountain lake or paragliding above. Today we head to Queenstown for more adventure, with its stunning mountainous backdrop. For the rest of the day, feel free to roam the streets of Queenstown, check the surrounding areas or relax by the lake. Your wish is our command.

This evening we stay in the beautiful area of Queenstown.

Bright blue skies with pearly white clouds seen across the distance of Lake Wanaka New Zealand

Day 07: Queenstown

You’re free to roam the streets of Queenstown, hit up more inclusive adventure. Another night spent in the spectacular Queenstown.

Colorful picture of the mountains near Queenstown New Zealand

Day 08: Milford Sounds

No trip to New Zealand is complete without visiting the infamous Milford Sounds. Enjoy an early flight out of Queenstown, this morning, as you fly into Milford Sound an area of extraordinary beauty. It offers a majestic fiord, dramatic and awe inspiring scenery and prolific flora and fauna.

Combine this with an optional Milford cruise on the fiord. Your pilot personally escorts you to the boat docks to board the ‘Pride’ to enjoy your Milford Sound Scenic Cruise. Spacious outdoor viewing decks allow you to take in all of the Fiordland scenic highlights, including waterfalls taller than Niagara Falls, and an array of indigenous flora and fauna. This is an optional experience, you can also enjoy a day of relaxation.

Soaring snow-capped mountain peaks reach for the deep blue sky in this picturesque scene of Milford Sounds in New Zealand

Day 09:Tekapo

Our northern journey starts today as we change our compass bearing and head to Tekapo. Aoraki, Kiwi Land’s highest mountain awaits your visit as we journey north. The backbone of the Southern Alps and the turquoise lakes pass you by, with a stop at Mt Cook salmon farm to select your dinner (if you’re a fish fan).

But the day is just beginning…the horses are waiting for you. No better place to enjoy a horse trek, Lake Tekapo. Our team will tailor this to your abilities; nothing’s an issue. A big day of adventure needs the perfect evening and the dark sky reserve star gazing or soaking in the hot pools is just that.

Spectacular fall foliage is reflected in the waters of Lake Tekapo in New Zealand

Day 10: Sky Diving

It’s our last day….so let’s finish on a high. 13,000 feet high to be precise… Skydiving! Makingtrax has a leg harness that makes this available to all abilities, The harness keeps your legs together in free fall and lifts your legs after your canopy is deployed, sliding in on your tandem master’s butt, not yours. Whilst you are still buzzing, it’s back to where we started, Sumner! You now can relax, absorb the last 10 days and get merry, as it’s your last night in this magical land.

Day 11: Departure

Wake up invigorated knowing your guide is going to collect you to take you to the airport, when required, leaving you time to find your new favourite café and reflect on your journey of self-discovery, what you have achieved and memories you have gained for a lifetime. Today your new journey begins as an adventurer…unstoppable!