15 Day New Zealand & Australia 2017 Itinerary

15 days
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3.6/5 Great
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Group Tour
2 Auckland, 3 Queenstown, 2 Dunedin, 3 Sydney, 2 Melbourne

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Ascend the 1,100 foot tall Auckland Sky Tower for breathtaking views
    • Attend the Maori Cultural performance at Auckland Museum
    • Enjoy a scenic cruise of Milford Sound with stunning views of Mitre Peak
    • Tour Dunedin with its magnificent Victorian and Edwardian architecture
    • View many of Sydney's highlights, including the famous Opera House
    • Explore Melbourne's lively and cosmopolitan neighborhoods

What's this trip about?

    2 Auckland, 3 Queenstown, 2 Dunedin, 3 Sydney, 2 Melbourne

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Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age range12 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityOperator does not provide
End CityOperator does not provide

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus

Destinations

  • Australia
  • New Zealand

Attractions

  • Auckland
  • Blue Mountains
  • Dunedin
  • Melbourne
  • Queenstown
  • Sydney
  • Victoria

Trip includes

    • Flights Los Angeles-Auckland, Melbourne-Los Angeles
    • Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
    • All intra-flights: Auckland-Queenstown, Christchurch-Sydney & Sydney-Melbourne
    • 12 nights First Class accommodations 2 nights Auckland 3 nights Queenstown 2 nights Dunedin
    • 3 nights Sydney 2 nights Melbourne
    • Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
    • Hotel porterage
    • All transfers
    • 17 meals: 12 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners with wine or beer
    • Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
    • Services of English-speaking tour managers
    • Entrance fees per itinerary

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Itinerary

DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart for New Zealand
Depart for New Zealand

DAY 2, Thursday - En Route
Cross the International Date Line en route to New Zealand and skip a day ahead

DAY 3, Friday - Arrive in Auckland
Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, known as the "City of Sails". You'll be welcomed by our representative and transferred to the hotel. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a Welcome Drink and briefing by your Tour Manager on the exciting journey that lies ahead. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner at the hotel Overnight: Auckland Meals: Dinner

DAY 4, Saturday - Tour Auckland's Museum, Maori Cultural Performance
This morning's tour of this multicultural city begins at the renowned Auckland Museum, housed in one of New Zealand's outstanding historical buildings. Here, you'll see the monumental carvings, canoes and taonga (treasures) of the Maori people along with an impressive co...
DAY 5, Sunday - Flight to Queenstown
Depart Auckland on a flight to Queenstown, named for Queen Victoria. The town, nestled on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu, is considered New Zealand's adventure capital. Its fabulous outdoor attractions and resort like atmosphere are enjoyed by international tr...
DAY 6, Monday - Discover Milford Sound
Enjoy a full day tour to Milford Sound! Travel to World Heritage Fiordland National Park, rich with dense rainforest, lakes and waterfalls cascading from rugged mountain peaks. En route to Milford Sound, stop at Te Anau and the glacier hewn Eglinton Valley before embarki...
DAY 7, Tuesday - Full Day in Queenstown
Spend time on your own discovering always picturesque Queenstown. Walk along the streets of the sophisticated downtown area, with its trendy shops and restaurants or, be adventurous and ascend on the Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak, high above the city for magnificent view...
DAY 8, Wednesday - Queenstown to Dunedin
This morning, visit the charming gold rush village of Arrowtown, nestled among the peaks that surround the sparkling Arrow River. Time to walk along the tree-lined avenues of this colorful town filled with 19th century miner's cottages, or enjoy the delightful shops fill...
DAY 9, Thursday - Tour of Dunedin
A day to enjoy Dunedin, arguably New Zealand's most spectacular city in terms of contrasting landscapes, nestled in tree-clad hills at the head of a beautiful harbor. The city flourished during the 19th century gold rush and is now the major gateway to the Otago region. ...
DAY 10, Friday - Dunedin to Christchurch, Flight to Sydney
Depart Dunedin, following the east coast of the South Island north through Oamaru, renowned for its stunning limestone architecture. Travel through the small rural communities of Timaru and Ashburton before traversing the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch for a brief int...
DAY 11, Saturday - Explore Sydney
The panoramic tour of Sydney starts at world famous Bondi Beach and historic and fashionable Paddington with its unique terrace houses, continuing to Mrs. Macquarie's Chair and the Royal Botanic Gardens which offer extraordinary views of celebrated Sydney Harbour, the Ha...
DAY 12, Sunday - Full Day in Sydney
A last day in Sydney to pursue your personal pleasures. Perhaps, participate in the optional full day excursion to Featherdale Wildlife Park and the Blue Mountains. Featherdale is home to over 300 species of Australia's diverse wildlife. Here, you may cuddle a Koala (a m...
DAY 13, Monday - Flight to Melbourne
Departure flight this morning for the beautiful Victorian city of Melbourne on the shores of Port Phillip Bay. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure. This evening, get together for a three-course Farewell Dinner at the hotel Overnight: Melbourne Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 14, Tuesday - Melbourne City Tour
The tour of Melbourne this morning highlights the mingling of the city's cultures, monuments and scenic delights, from the magnificent gardens to the riverside complexes and bayside suburbs, with elegant 19th century architecture. In the afternoon, time to stroll on your...
DAY 15, Wednesday - Depart Australia
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight Meals: Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,849
Price per day$323
Last Updated: 4/29/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Gate 1 Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Gate 1 Travel offers escorted tours, European river cruises, independent vacations and customized international vacation packages for less. Our discount travel packages and tour packages to destinations worldwide provide exceptional value, saving our customers time and money. We have taken care of all the details so you don't have to. Find your dream vacation today.

Company Background & Highlights

Mission: To deliver More of the World for Less by developing quality, affordable vacations for North Americans. To provide exemplary service to our customers and to earn their loyalty. To respect our partners. To invest in our employees, providing a safe and comfortable work environment. To know and understand our products and destinations. To constantly innovate and be a leader in technology.

Founded in 1981 with 3 employees; now with over 200 employees worldwide

Headquarters: Fort Washington, PA (Suburban Philadelphia)

Overseas Offices: Hungary, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, Morocco, Argentina, Indonesia, Great Britain, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Peru, Ecuador, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

30+ years of providing travel services to clientèle

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Target Consumer Market

Gate 1 Travel's target market is a traveler seeking high quality, affordable travel ranging from a superior tourist class to moderate deluxe class level of accommodations with the highest level of service.

Financial Security

Gate 1 Travel is backed by the largest, most well-respected financial institutions and insurance providers, guaranteeing the greatest level of financial security to every passenger. Gate 1 welcomes your inquiries of any of those independent offices.

Gate 1 Travel's active membership in USTOA (United States Tour Operators Association), a professional organization representing the world's leading tour operators, requires that Gate 1 meet a minimum requirement of $1 million professional liability insurance (Gate 1 maintains a $5 million policy).

Additionally , Gate 1 is required to participate in the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program, requiring them to post $1 million in security, held by USTOA, in the unlikely event of bankruptcy or insolvency.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • *Not Included:Optional tours and gratuities.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
12 years and up
Optional Activities
Half Day West Coast Wilderness Experience with picnic lunch In just 30 minutes you leave behind the bustle of the city and step into the tranquility of the rainforest of the Waitakere Ranges. Travel to the Arataki Centre perched high on the ridge of the Waitakere Ranges and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Learn about and admire the magnificent traditional Maori carvings. Continue on to the lush rainforest where you can walk the easy bush tracks amongst New Zealand’s famous kauri trees and giant tree ferns. Experience the power of the wild and rugged West Coast. Feel the black sand beneath your feet as you stroll along some of the most awe-inspiring beaches the world has to offer. During the tour, enjoy an included picnic-style lunch at a scenic setting. Hotel pick up and drop off provided. Comfortable Walking Shoes & suitable outdoor clothing are suggested. Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 5 hours. OnDay : 4 Price : $121 Safari of the Scenes - Skippers Canyon 4WD Adventure This scenic Skippers Canyon tour is an adventure that follows the rugged and once treacherous Skippers Road. You will travel the road that was hacked by hand into the sheer cliff sides of the Shotover River Valley making this an exciting opportunity. During the tour, you will visit many historic sites such as the Skippers Suspension Bridge and historical township of Skippers. The tour will also visit the restored school house where you will gain a real insight into the local heritage through photos and the histories of life from the early days of this settlement. On the return journey, you will stop at Deep Creek where you can immerse yourself in the customs of the local area by trying your hand at gold panning at one of the richest gold bearing rivers in the world. The tour also offers you a view of some of the Lord of the Rings film locations along Skippers Road which was voted as one of the 25 most scenic roads in the world. Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 4 hours. OnDay : 7 Price : $129 TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Station Gourmet BBQ Enjoy a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm on board the TSS Earnslaw, a 103 year old Vintage steamship - an iconic Queenstown experience. Located in the heart of a stately farm, the Colonel's Homestead Restaurant has a unique ambience and is the perfect place to enjoy your barbecue dinner which includes an expansive array of local specialties. Included are grilled meats, delicious vegetables and salads, homemade desserts, New Zealand cheeses, and freshly brewed tea & coffee. After dinner, tour the farm and woolshed, where you will watch an entertaining demonstration that provides a glimpse into high country farming life. Then, it is time to board the TSS Earnslaw for your evening cruise back to Queenstown. Sing along with the ship's pianist, or stroll on the moonlit decks as you soak in the magical glow of the lights of Queenstown. Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 4 hours. OnDay : 7 Price : $95 Otago Peninsula with Wellers Rock Cruise This afternoon enjoy a stunning tour to the Otago Peninsula, home to many species of wildlife including seabirds, sea lions, fur seals and penguins. You will travel to New Zealand's only castle, Larnach Castle, which was built in 1871 by William Larnach, a merchant baron and politician. Featuring magnificent architecture and superb craftsmanship and still privately owned, the castle is even more famous for its tragic and scandalous history. You will also have an opportunity to take photos in the Castle grounds before continuing to the Headland and Wellers Rock. Lastly, enjoy a one hour wildlife cruise with an opportunity to view the exciting diversity of wildlife which abounds on spectacular Taiaroa Head, the only mainland nesting place for Northern Royal Albatross in the world and home to New Zealand fur seals. You may also see dolphins, sea lions and a fascinating array of rarely seen ocean birds including other species of albatross, penguins and marine mammals in their natural environment. Return to Dunedin on completion. During winter season (Apr-Sep) the tour will be visited in different order. Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 4 hours. OnDay : 9 Price : $96 Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb Experience the climb of your life! Enjoy an invigorating climb to the top of the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and admire panoramic views of the city and harbor below. A professional team of experienced climbers will escort you to the very top. A complimentary photo of your climb is included. Prior to the climb, passengers must pass an alcohol breath test. Any persons over the limit will not be allowed to climb and their ticket becomes invalid. Rubber soled shoes are recommended. Children must be age 11 or older to participate. Pick-up and drop off at hotel is not included. Details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 3.5 hours. OnDay : 11 Price : $232 Lunch Cruise on Sydney Harbour Take a two-hour luncheon cruise by catamaran on Sydney Harbour. You'll feast on a seafood buffet while cruising Sydney Harbour in a luxury air-conditioned catamaran - an unforgettable dining experience! You'll see all the sights of Sydney Harbour from the catamaran's extensive decks, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and Fort Denison. The buffet lunch, freshly prepared onboard features hot & cold dishes, a selection of salads, fresh fruit and tea or coffee. Pick-up and drop off at hotel is not included. Details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 2 hours. OnDay : 11 Price : $84 Full Day Blue Mountains with Featherdale Wildlife Park For wilderness and wildlife, the magnificent Blue Mountains is a must see for any visitor to Sydney. Today's full day tour to the region will give you a chance to see it for yourself. Visit Featherdale Wildlife Park where you may take a photo with one of the friendly Koala’s, feed the kangaroos, view the Fairy Penguins, and see the colorful Parrots, Cockatoos and Lorikeets. Walk through the reptile area, the native bird aviaries and see other unique Australian wildlife. Pass through quaint mountain villages, magnificent views over Megalong Valley and the unique smell of the Australian Bush. View the unique Three Sisters rock formation, and visit Scenic World where you will ride the vertical railway (the steepest in the world according to Guinness Book of Records), skyway or cableway into the deep canyon. Drive through picturesque Katoomba and the quaint village of Leura before descending the mountains. Return to the city in the late afternoon. Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 11 hours. OnDay : 12 Price : $147 Afternoon/Evening Little Penguin Parade This afternoon travel to Phillip Island and visit Australia's most popular wildlife attraction and home to the one of the largest Little Penguin colonies in the world. The Little Penguin is the world's smallest penguin and the Penguin Parade is the best place to experience this natural phenomenon. Every sunset, wild Little Penguins emerge from the sea and waddle across the beach to their sand dune burrows. Experience the parade from the viewing area at the beach and then wander the boardwalks and watch the penguins return to their burrows. Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 8 hours. Note: Duration of the tour depends on the timing of the Penguins' arrival on the beach and your return to the hotel varies from 9 pm to midnight. Note: Penguins have sensitive eyes and a bright, sudden flash or unusual light can frighten or disorientate a penguin. To ensure penguins keep coming back to this special area we ask you to not use your cameras, camcorders or camera phones at the Penguin Parade. OnDay : 14 Price : $117
Additional Information

Additional Information: This package is based on pre-confirmed flights via Air New Zealand and may only be purchased with these flights.

Trip ID
gate1-NZ-AU-15DNZAU-PKG-17

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