Grand Australia & New Zealand 2019

20 days
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USTOA

Small Group Tour
Explore from the outback, reef, and cosmopolitan cities of Australia to the islands, fiords, and Maori culture of New Zealand on the most comprehensive of our Australia New Zealand tours.

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Exclusive business-class charter flights in Australia and New Zealand
    • Sydney Harbour cruise
    • 'foodie' tour of Sydney
    • aboriginal cultural presentations
    • Jet Boat ride
    • eco-cruise to Agincourt Reef of the Great Barrier Reef
    • Maori cultural experience at Auckland Museum
    • luncheon cruise on New Zealand's Marlborough Sounds featuring wine and the delicate green-lipped mussels
    • 'Dinner with the Warbirds' at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

What's this trip about?

    Explore from the outback, reef, and cosmopolitan cities of Australia to the islands, fiords, and Maori culture of New Zealand on the most comprehensive of our Australia New Zealand tours.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityMelbourne, Australia
End CityAuckland, New Zealand

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural

Destinations

Attractions

  • Auckland
  • Melbourne
  • Queenstown
  • Sydney

Activities

  • Culture

Trip includes

    • Tauck's exclusive charter flights in Australia and New Zealand mean more sightseeing and less waiting Tauck Exclusive - Tour and 3-course "Dinner with the Warbirds" at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre featuring World War I and II aircraft owned by Sir Peter Jackson Full-day eco-cruise to the Agincourt Reef - swim and snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef Visit World Heritage Rainforest with Skyrail, check out a crocodile farm and experience a special dinner that celebrates the culture of Australia's original people "Foodie Tour" of Sydney Private morning cruise on Sydney Harbour Luncheon cruise on New Zealand's Marlborough Sounds featuring wine and the delicate green-lipped mussels A Maori cultural experience and music concert at the Auckland Museum In Queenstown, a jet boat ride on the Shotover River rapids at Skippers Canyon, and a helicopter ride Farewell cocktail reception and dinner at The Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted 43 meals (19 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 13 dinners); gratuities to local guides, service charges, taxes and porterage

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Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Melbourne
Tour begins: 5:30 PM, The Langham Melbourne. A transfer is included from Melbourne Airport to The Langham Melbourne; you'll enjoy a river-view room. Your tour kicks off with a welcome cocktail reception and dinner at the hotel. MEALS : D LODGING : The Langham, Melbourne PORTOFCALL : Melbourne, Australia

Day 2 Discover Melbourne's Charm
Melbourne is brimming with Victorian-era charm and a distinctive European feel; today's sightseeing includes a guided walking tour to discover the real city (and its amazing coffee) along its distinctive laneways, the Shrine of Remembrance, and the Royal Botanic Gardens....
Day 3 On to Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Take a morning private charter flight to the heart of Australia's desert Outback, arriving at Ayers Rock (Uluru) 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 wi...
Day 4 Explore the mysteries of Uluru, then fly to Queensland
Aboriginal traditions define life in the Outback, especially at Uluru (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 Barr...
Day 5 Cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only living structure on Earth visible from the moon. Cruise to the Agincourt Reef today, at the edge of Australia's Continental Shelf, for a day of swimming, snorkeling and underwater discoveries. Dinner is back at your rainforest lodge. MEALS : B, L, D LODGING : Silky Oaks Lodge PORTOFCALL : Mossman, Australia

Day 6 Optional balloon ride and a day at leisure
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 a special themed dinner tonight at the lodge. MEALS : B, L, D LODGING : Silky Oaks Lodge PORTOFCALL : Mossman, Australia

Day 7 Crocodile adventures and on to Sydney
Learn all about crocodiles at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures; have a meet and greet with a crocodile and blue tongue lizard and snake... visit a private enclosure where you might come across Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Agile Wallabies, Pademelons, Koalas, Wombats and more - ...
Day 8 Sydney Harbour cruise & a "Foodie Tour"
A private cruise on Sydney Harbour - complete with morning tea - is a fabulous way to introduce yourself to this extraordinary city, taking a good look at some of its landmark sites from the water. Accompanied by an informative, knowledgeable local guide, taste your way ...
Day 9 Sydney Opera House & the city at leisure
One of Australia's most famous iconic sights takes center stage today when you visit the amazing Sydney Opera House on a personally guided tour. Afterwards, return to your hotel; the remainder of the day and evening are yours to spend as you wish in remarkable Sydney. MEALS : B LODGING : Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney PORTOFCALL : Sydney, Australia

Day 10 G'day to Australia, hello to New Zealand
Bid Australia a fond farewell this morning and board a flight across the Tasman Sea, bound for New Zealand! First stop is Wellington, New Zealand's intimate waterfront capital with an impressive artistic and cultural edge. Accommodations for the next two nights are at th...
Day 11 Wonders of Wellington
Discover Wellington on a tour that begins city center with a cable car ride up to the city's Botanic Garden to see the award-winning rose garden and great views of the city, harbour, and Parliament Buildings. Next up is Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand's national museum, w...
Day 12 To Blenheim & the Marlborough Sounds
Tauck puts a charter plane at your service today for a flight to Blenheim on New Zealand's South Island, and a two-night stay in the heart of the Marlborough wine country. Upon arrival, head off on a visit to the Marlborough Sounds. Besides producing great wine, this reg...
Day 13 Farm life, a winery lunch & "Dinner with the Warbirds"
A memorable day in the Blenheim area begins with a visit to a working private farm for a sheep shearing demonstration and sheep dog experience; morning tea at the homestead with the farmer and his family; and a walk through their extensive gardens. Continue on to Brancot...
Day 14 Fly to Te Anau
Today, depart Blenheim and fly off aboard Tauck's charter to Manapouri (Te Anau) in the magnificent Fiordlands region, for two nights at an ideally located hotel. Dinner at your leisure at the hotel is included tonight. MEALS : B, L, D LODGING : Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas PORTOFCALL : Te Anau, New Zealand

Day 15 Fiordland National Park & Milford Sound
Take a dramatic drive through the unparalleled scenery of New Zealand's Fiordland National Park, then set off aboard a private boat (with a naturalist onboard) for a scenic nature luncheon cruise among the sheer cliffs and glacier-hewn inlets of beautiful Milford Sound. ...
Day 16 To Queenstown and lunch at a winery
Make your way across more beautiful South Island landscapes to Queenstown, where you'll have lunch at the Amisfield Winery, set in an iconic stone building with gorgeous mountain views and known for its Pinot Noir. Your accommodations at the Sofitel Queenstown exude Fren...
Day 17 Adventures by jet boat & 'copter in Queenstown
Even if you're not all that adventurous, today's thrilling high-speed jet boat ride* through the rapids and narrow gorges of Skippers Canyon on the Shotover River - followed by a helicopter ride* - will both be memorable highlights of Tauck's tours to Australia and New Z...
Day 18 Charter flight to Auckland & Maori culture
Travel via Tauck's private charter flight from Queenstown to Auckland today for a two-night stay, arriving in time for lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy an afternoon visit to the Auckland Museum with a Maori cultural presentation and music concert. Have dinner at your hotel tonight. MEALS : B, L, D LODGING : Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour PORTOFCALL : Auckland, New Zealand

Day 19 A wine tasting & more on Wahiheke Island, and a farewell evening in Auckland
Take a ferry to nearby Waiheke Island, a free-spirited mecca of farmland, forest and beaches - and boutique vineyards. A sightseeing drive around the island takes you to Mudbrick Vineyard for lunch and a wine tasting, before returning to Auckland by return ferry. Join us...
Day 20 Journey Home
Tour ends: Auckland. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from The Sofitel Auckland at Viaduct Harbour to Auckland Airport. You should allow three hours for check-in at the airport. MEALS : B PORTOFCALL : Auckland, New Zealand

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Dates & Availability

Price From $13,590
Price per day$680
Last Updated: 0/8/2019

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Tauck.

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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Tauck

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It's easy to see the world's sights. To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. We believe that travel should be easy. It should be fun. It should be worth your time and the price you paid. It should re-energize and transform. And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. Because how you see the world matters.

In 1882, Herman Tauck arrived in New York City from Germany in search of the American dream. His determination and values were passed on to his son, Arthur Tauck, who would realize that dream. With ingenuity and an innovative spirit, Arthur started Tauck Motor Tours, a travel company that would give birth to a new industry. The first tour, through the back roads of New England, was created by this 27-year-old in 1925. It embodied the same successful formula used by Tauck today: do the right thing. Craft a life-enriching travel experience; provide it at a single all-inclusive price; ensure there is great value for money; and rely on recommendations of satisfied customers to build a following and grow the business.

Two elements that did change over the next 90+ years – and three generations of Taucks – were the scope of destinations served and the variety of modes of travel used. Today Tauck delivers life-enriching travel experiences to every corner of the globe, incorporating small cruise ships, premium riverboats, trains, helicopters and more. What started as a New England motor coach tour company has truly evolved into an extraordinary global travel company. The fourth generation of Taucks is now involved in the company. While remarkable in any business, this seamless continuity across generations speaks to shared vision and values.

Throughout its history, the concept of “family” at Tauck has gone far beyond those sharing the surname to include hundreds of valued employees, and hundreds of thousands of loyal guests. The story of Tauck is the story of a unique American family company celebrating a passion for travel – a story that will continue to inspire generations to come.

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What they’re known for
Fun group tours and cruises that are culturally-focused and great for families and seniors on vacation.

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Logistics

Accommodation

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
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
tauck-AUNZ2019

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