Australia & New Zealand
Overview
Highlights
- Explore Sydney
- Visit a local winery, sampling vintages and learning about the wine-making process in New Zealand
- Visit Rotorua Museum
- Explore Queensland you'll discover the spectacular Twin Rivers on a thrilling hour-long optional jet-boat ride.
- Experience an amazing Milford Sound cruise
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Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Trip includes
- Choose to purchase Grand Circle's airfare, and your airport transfers, government taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges are included. Or, make your own air arrangements
- All flights within the South Pacific
- Accommodations for 16 nights
- 30 meals: 16 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 9 dinners (including 1 Home-Hosted Dinner)
- 18 included features: 12 guided tours and 6 exclusive Discovery Series events: Wetherby Station dinner & cattle demonstration • Aborigines Today discussion • Returned Services League dinner • The Rocks tour • Ohinemutu community visit • Home-Hosted Dinner
- Gratuities on your main trip for local guides and motorcoach drivers
- Personal headset for all included and optional tours on your main trip
- Exclusive services of a local Grand Circle Program Director (assigned to no more than 42 travelers)
- 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward your next Grand Circle trip—an average of $347
- Baggage handling for 1 piece of luggage per person, including tips
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Itinerary
You depart Los Angeles today and fly over the Pacific.
Crossing the International Date Line westbound, you lose a day as you travel to Australia (you’ll gain it back on your return flight).
Accommodations: Doubletree by Hilton Cairns or similar
You’ll arrive this morning in Sydney or Brisbane, and a Grand Circle representative will assist you in connecting with your flight to Cairns. On arrival at the airport in Cairns, another Grand Circle repres...
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodations: Doubletree by Hilton Cairns or similar
After breakfast this morning, depart for Hartley's Crocodile and Wildlife Park for an up-close visit with crocodiles, koalas, and kangaroos. Hartley's is a working crocodi...
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodations: Doubletree by Hilton Cairns or similar
After breakfast, you'll board a high-speed catamaran with a choice between two activities, both of which are located in the Great Barrier Marine Park—a UNESCO World Heritag...
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodations: Doubletree by Hilton Cairns or similar
This morning, perhaps you'll join us for an optional Tjapukai, Skyrail & Kuranda Village tour. At Tjapukai Aboriginal Culture Park, you'll watch Aboriginal people perf...
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodations: Primus Hotel Sydney or similar
This morning, you'll transfer to the Cairns Airport for your flight to Sydney. Upon arrival in Sydney late this afternoon, you'll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
After dinner, transfer to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodations: Primus Hotel Sydney or similar
After breakfast, get to know Australia's oldest and largest city on a guided tour.
Begin at the Opera House for an exploration of this famous landmark. Opened in 1973 by Que...
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodations: Primus Hotel Sydney or similar
You start this morning by riding to the historic “Rocks” area for an exclusive Discovery Series walking tour. Overlooking Sydney's beautiful harbor, the delightful Rocks district ...
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Primus Hotel Sydney or similar
Enjoy an additional day at leisure in Sydney and a chance to get to know Australia's largest and oldest city better. Perhaps you'll use the time to discover attractions in and around sprawli...
Meals Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodations: Rydges Lakeland Resort
After breakfast this morning, depart for the airport, and then fly to Queenstown, your home for the next three days as you start your New Zealand tour.
Upon arrival, you'll transfer...
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodations: Rydges Lakeland Resort
This morning, perhaps you'll discover the spectacular Twin Rivers on a thrilling hour-long optional jet-boat ride. A native New Zealand invention, the jet-boat takes in water and ejects i...
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodations: Rydges Lakeland Resort
Today, enjoy what is sure to be a highlight of your New Zealand tour, during a full-day tour of Milford Sound, hailed by Rudyard Kipling as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Dense forests,...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodations: Rydges Lakeland Resort
Today, you'll stroll the main street of charming Arrowtown on a guided tour, which has been faithfully reconstructed with wooden buildings that evoke a bygone era. The town today c...
Meals included: B Accommodations: Distinction Rotorua Hotel or similar
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to New Zealand's North Island. Arriving in Rotorua, a small city known for its Maori culture and natural thermal pools, you'll check ...
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodations: Distinction Rotorua Hotel or similar
On today's included tour, explore the city of Rotorua with your Program Director, and get to know this gem of New Zealand's North Island better. You'll start by learning mor...
Meals: B L Accommodations: Rydges Auckland Hotel or similar
This morning, you'll visit Kaitao Middle School (when in session), supported in part by Grand Circle Foundation. You'll be greeted by the students with a powhiri, a traditional Maori welcoming ceremony...
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodations: Rydges Auckland Hotel or similar
This morning, enjoy a memorable hands-on sailing experience aboard the 50-foot sailboat, Pride of Auckland. As you cruise, you’ll enjoy a new perspective of Auckland Harbor, New...
Meals: BreakfastIf you've chosen our post-trip Bay of Islands extension, you'll transfer to Paihia in the morning. Otherwise, you'll transfer early this morning to the Auckland airport for a connecting flight in Sydney or Brisbane before your return flight to the United States. You'll gain a day as you fly east, crossing the International Date Line.
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Grand Circle 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.
Grand Circle Travel Reviews & Ratings
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value and service outstanding
I've traveled with this company 4 times and find the value and service outstanding. If you are on a slim budget try the " last minute" opportunities. We got an inc...
each one has been wonderful
Have taken 12 trips overseas with this company and each one has been wonderful.
Excellent service
Excellent service on ship, considerate of their clients, wonderful discovery trips.
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Tour Operator
Grand Circle Travel offers distinctive international vacations for older Americans. Established in 1958 by Ethel Andrus, educator and founder of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), we view world travel as a powerful lever for lifelong learning. We make it accessible through trips that deliver unmatched discoveries, leisurely pacing, more travel choices, and comprehensive value.
Our values are the foundation upon which our company is built. They are what our beliefs and actions are derived from. Our values shape our decisions, give direction to our growth, and allow us to measure our progress.
Teamwork: We believe in groups of people who work together to create excellent results, solve difficult problems, support each other personally and professionally, and recognize their success. In a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment each member of the team is critical for success. Empowered teams are committed to taking the necessary actions to ensure that the team will reach its goals. Every member must be fully accountable for the team’s and one’s own personal results.
Thriving in Change: In these times of rapid change, global competition, and high volatility in the travel industry, we must be prepared to change course and move forward. Being well organized may sometimes be less important than moving quickly. The goal is for each of us to maximize our effectiveness, and ultimately our success, in an unpredictable and ever-changing environment.
Quality: Our decisions must be made and actions taken in accordance with high standards of quality and service. Quality can be subjective, and in our business quality often involves a compromise between speed and perfection. When the level of quality required is in question, we will operate to the high standards expected by our customers. Excellence in our quality will continually enhance our repeat business and ultimately our financial performance.
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Accommodation
Doubletree by Hilton Cairns
Cairns, Australia Rating: First Class
The First-Class Doubletree by Hilton Cairns enjoys an oceanfront location overlooking the Coral Sea surrounded by lush gardens, while remaining close to the city center. Hotel amenities include a swimming pool and on-site restaurant. Your air-conditioned room features a flat-screen TV, wireless Internet access, and private bath.
Primus Hotel Sydney
Sydney, Australia
The Primus Hotel Sydney is located in the city’s central business district, near several attractions including the Harbor Bridge, the Opera House, and The Rocks district. The hotel also features complimentary Internet service, an on-site restaurant, as well as a heated outdoor pool. Each room includes coffee- and tea-making facilities, cable and satellite TV, in-room safe, and private bath with hair dryer.
Please note: Select departures feature similar accommodations.
Rydges Lakeland Resort
Queenstown, New Zealand Rating: First Class
Nestled between the mountains and Lake Wakatipu, the First-Class Rydges Lakeland Resort is a modern lakefront hotel, convenient to a variety of the outdoor activities Queenstown has to offer, from horseback riding to water skiing. Shops and restaurants are just a short walk away, along the shore of Lake Wakatipu. The hotel features a bar and restaurant, heated outdoor pool, and a spa; your room includes co
Distinction Rotorua Hotel
Rotorua, New Zealand Rating: Superior First Class
Set among beautiful gardens, the Distinction Rotorua Hotel offers 133 rooms with amenities including a TV, refrigerator, coffee- and tea-making facilities, minibar, and Internet access. During your stay, enjoy the outdoor spa and swimming pools, underground grotto spas, and a choice of three on-site restaurants.ffee- and tea-making facilities, refrigerator, safe, satellite TV, and private bath with hair dryer.
Rydges Auckland Hotel
Auckland, New Zealand
The First-Class Rydges Auckland Hotel is located in the heart of the city, near the scenic Viaduct Harbor waterfront district, and provides easy access to a number of dining and shopping opportunities close at hand. The hotel features an on-site restaurant, bar, and coffee shop, while each room includes air conditioning, wireless Internet access, and private bath with hair dryer.
If you need to cancel your trip for any reason, please call us as soon as possible, and follow up in writing. You are also required to return any airline tickets that may have been issued to you. Cancellation refunds will be calculated as of the date we receive your written cancellation. We will issue your refund in the manner in which we received your payment. If you paid your deposit by credit card and your balance by check, your refund will be divided accordingly. Refunds are generated manually by our accounting department to ensure accuracy. Please allow for a 30-day processing period before receiving your refund
Cancellation Charges for Land Tours
Prior to departure and Charge
90 days or more will be charged $300
89-60 days will be 10% of selling price or $300—whichever is greater
59-30 days is of 65% of selling price
29 days–departure is of 100% of selling price
16 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 9 Dinners
While we specialize in vacations for travellers over 50, you can bring children aged 13 and older on Grand Circle trips. Please note, however, that our land-based programs often include lengthy motor coach sightseeing tours that may not be enjoyable for younger travellers.
Australia $ Newzealand trips provides an amazing post trip extension see below details.
Post-trip: New Zealand’s Bay of Islands
4 nights from: $1045
Discover the exotic Bay of Islands: the historical crossroads of European and Maori cultures. Explore one of New Zealand’s most unique ecosystems in this subtropical archipelago of nearly 150 islands. Revel in the pristine natural environment and stunning coastal scenery as we travel along crystal-clear turquoise waters, keeping watch for whales, dolphins, marlins, and penguins.
It's Included:
- Accommodations for 4 nights
- 7 meals: 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 2 dinners
- 3 included tours: Parry Kauri Park, Hole in the Rock cruise, Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Gratuities for local guides and motorcoach drivers on your extension and all optional tours
- Exclusive services of a Grand Circle Program Director
- All transfers
Pacing
- Walk 1-2 miles unassisted and participate in 4-5 hours of physical activities daily, including stairs
- Balance and agility are required to board watercraft. Not accessible for travelers using wheelchairs or scooters
- Travelers using walkers, crutches, or other mobility aids must travel with a companion who can assist them
- Program Directors reserve the right to modify participation or send travelers home if their limitations impact the group’s experience
Terrain & Transportation
- Uneven walking surfaces, including unpaved paths, hills, stairs, and cobblestones
- Travel by 45-seat motorcoach, 36-seat boat, high-speed catamaran, gondola, water taxi, steamship, jet-boat, 280-seat boat, and sailboat
- Climate
- Daytime temperatures range from 60-88°F during touring seasons
- December through March are the warmest months
Become a member
- Save up to $700 per person
- Access members-only specials
- Personalize trip recommendations