Grand Australia & New Zealand 2024

20 days
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USTOA

Small Group Tour
Explore the lands "down under" from the desert Outback, colorful coral reefs, tropical rainforests and cosmopolitan cities of Australia to the stunning islands, dramatic fiords, and indigenous Maori culture of New Zealand on this comprehensive 20-day journey.  
From$14,990
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Overview

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

Highlights

    • Explore desert Outback
    • tropical rainforests
    • coral reefs
    • glacier-capped mountains
    • dramatic fjords
    • and some of the worlds most popular cosmopolitan cities on our in-depth exploration of Australia and New Zealand...Keep your camera at the ready to capture the amazing sights of the Great Barrier Reef
    • the dramatic waters of Milford Sound
    • and the setting sun on Uluru (Ayers Rock). Froma 'Foodie Tour' of Sydney to a green-lipped mussel cruise
    • jet boat
    • sky tram and helicopter rides

What's this trip about?

    Explore the lands "down under" from the desert Outback, colorful coral reefs, tropical rainforests and cosmopolitan cities of Australia to the stunning islands, dramatic fiords, and indigenous Maori culture of New Zealand on this comprehensive 20-day journey.  

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Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start City Melbourne, Australia
End CityAuckland

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture

Trip includes

    • 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 Private charter flights make the most of your travel time in the lands down under, speeding you from city to city in Australia and from one natural wonder to the next in New Zealand (6 flights in total) –Note:The total price does not include the Sydney – Wellington trans-Tasman flight on Day 10, which must be purchased with your international air ticket). In Queenstown, take a jet boat ride on the Shotover River rapids at Skippers Canyon followed by helicopter sightseeing Farewell cocktail reception and dinner at The Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour Full-day eco-cruise to the Agincourt Reef – swim and snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef Visit World Heritage Rainforest with Skyrail

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Arrive Melbourne

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, The Langham Melbourne or Park Hyatt Melbourne.
A transfer is included from Melbourne Airport to The Langham Melbourne or Park Hyatt Melbourne. Your journey begins with a welcome cocktail reception followed by dinner at the hotel.

MEALS : D

LODGING : The Langham, Melbourne

PORTOFCALL : Melbourne, Australia

Day 2 Discover Melbourne's Charm

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 a...

Day 3 Fly to Uluru & the Outback

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 ...

Day 4 Uluru to a Skyrail & More in 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 Queens...

Day 5 Choices at the Great Barrier Reef

Spend a full day exploring one of Earth's most incredible "living" sites, the Great Barrier Reef – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only living structure on Earth visible from the moon. Activity choices include a catamaran cruis...

Day 6 Optional Balloon Ride / 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 re...

Day 7 Crocodiles, koalas and on to Sydney

It's all about crocodiles at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures; have a meet and greet with a crocodile and blue tongue lizard and snake... plus visit a private enclosure where you might come across Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Agile Wallabi...

Day 8 Sydney Opera House, a Sydney Harbour cruise, and sightseeing

Begin the day with a visit to one of Australia's most famous iconic sights, the amazing Sydney Opera House, and a private tour.  Next, a private cruise on Sydney Harbour is a fabulous way to introduce yourself to this extraordinary city, t...

Day 9 Walking tour of "The Rocks" & the time spent as you please

Historic and legendary, discover Sydney's popular neighborhood of "The Rocks" this morning – a story beginning with the arrival of the Britain's "First Fleet" in 1788 and continuing to the present day. Afterwards, return to your hotel; the...

Day 10 Fly to Wellington

Bid Australia a fond farewell this morning and board a flight across the Tasman Sea, bound for New Zealand Whether you purchase your international flights independently or through Tauck, all guests are required to purchase an additional on...

Day 11 Wellington Wonders

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 Tong...

Day 12 Blenheim & 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. Beside...

Day 13 Blenheim's Bounty & a Warbird Dinner

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...

Day 14 Fly to Te Anau & a choice of sightseeing

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. You'll have a choice this afternoon of a visit to the Glow Worm Caves or a s...

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 inl...

Day 16 To Queenstown and lunch at a winery

This morning, travel to the beautiful town of Queenstown, situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu with the Southern Alps as a backdrop. Have lunch at the Ayrburn Winery; wine tasting at the winery offers an immersive experience in a...

Day 17 Adventures by jet boat & helicopter 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 be memorable highlights. Head...

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. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to the Auckland Museum featuring a Maori cultural pre...

Day 19 Whisky tasting & lunch on Waiheke Island

Depart from Auckland's Ferry Terminal and head to nearby Waiheke Island, a mecca of farmland, forest and beaches – and vineyards; enjoy some sightseeing and a unique whisky tasting at The Heke. Ferry back to Auckland where you'll sp...

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 $14,990
Price per day$750
Last Updated: 11/7/2024

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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May 2024

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Susan

Jun 2023

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Nine Tours and Done

Sad to see a once good tour company stumble and fall into mediocrity. That’s Tauck post-Covid. My May 2023 tour of Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley was done o...

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Cougess

Jan 2023

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Skip this cruise - not worth it

My husband and I went on the Treasures of the Mediterranean Isles Trip jn October 2022. This was our third Tauck cruise with Ponnant but our first post covid and the...

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Tour Operator

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
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Additional Information
Trip ID
tauck-NA2024

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