Australia and New Zealand Uncovered

22 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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USTOA

Small Group Tour
Uncover the core of Maori culture in New Zealand. Dive into the Outback essence of Australia. This is Oceania, a paradise in the South Pacific.

Overview

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

Highlights

    • Taste Maori culture at a Hangi lunch.
    • Join a local Kiwi family for a home cooked dinner.
    • At a memorable Sounds of Silence dinner, dine under the stars overlooking Uluru (Ayers Rock).
    • Sip lavender tea and enjoy culinary treats at a lavender farm in Barossa Valley.
    • Explore New Zealand’s pristine wilderness and coastlines on several easy walks.
    • Walk amongst the history and heritage of Maori culture.
    • Spend the day at the Great Barrier Reef at leisure – with included options to snorkel, hike, or chat with a marine biologist.
    • Set sail through the graceful natural beauty of Abel Tasman National Park.
    • Cruise through the dramatic Milford Sound.
    • Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the Sydney Opera House.

What's this trip about?

    Uncover the core of Maori culture in New Zealand. Dive into the Outback essence of Australia. This is Oceania, a paradise in the South Pacific.

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeOperator does not provide
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityOperator does not provide
End CityOperator does not provide

Destinations

  • Australia
  • New Zealand

Attractions

  • Adelaide
  • Cairns
  • Nelson
  • Queenstown
  • Sydney
  • Uluru (Ayers Rock)
  • Wellington

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Wellington, New Zealand - Tour Begins

Your journey starts in New Zealand. Feel the ever-present heartbeat of Maori culture on this set of islands. Comprised of natural beauty and striking contrasts, live the Kiwi lifestyle for the next 10 days. Say hello to Wellington, the colorful capital city of New Zealand. Take in the gourmet eats, seaside charm, and scenic coastline as you feel the warm ocean breeze of the “Windy City.”

Day 2 Wellington

Jump right into Maori culture as you are greeted with a traditional powhiri, an elaborate ceremony for welcoming guests. Marvel at the carved wakas, sleek canoes of intricate design, to get a glimpse into this captivating society at a Maori culture center. Get exclusi...

Day 3 Wellington - Nelson

Surrounded by green slopes and rolling mountains, the Cook Strait will offer a picturesque landscape as you cruise over the stunning waters on your way to the South Island. Visit Nelson, the oldest city on the island. Enjoy an evening at leisure to experience this coa...

Day 4 Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park - Nelson

Explore the Nelson Market, a bustling open-air market featuring delicious foods and goods from local artists. Chat with New Zealander artisans as you walk along the spirited stalls and peruse an ever-evolving library of Kiwi crafts. Venture on to Kaiteriteri, a coasta...

Day 5 Nelson - Cape Foulwind Seal Colony - Punakaiki or Hokitika

This morning meet with a local artist at his studio to learn about New Zealand greenstone carving. Then, venture to Cape Foulwind and find yourself set among dramatic ocean overlooks, towering mountains, and rustling foliage. Watch the dynamic colony of fur seals loun...

Day 6 Punakaiki or Hokitika - Franz Josef

This morning, it’s your choice! Start the day surrounded by ethereal flora as you meander along Truman Track, a path that weaves through thick rainforest and onto a hidden beach below -OR- soak in a bit of coastal serenity and enjoy a leisurely morning at your hotel. ...

Day 7 Franz Josef

Choose how to start your day because it’s your choice! View the Franz Josef Glacier with a local guide, traversing an exclusive trail not open to the public -OR- get a glimpse of kiwis at the West Coast Wildlife Centre, where you’ll learn more about conservation and r...

Day 8 Franz Josef - Queenstown

Journey through the thick rainforest and emerge on the “wild” west coast. With cliffs and beaches on your right and the southern snowcapped Alps on your left, there will be no shortage of riveting landscapes to capture your eye. Pause in Wanaka, a slice of tranquility...

Day 9 Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown

Take in the Milford Sound, a surreal fjord stretching through the Southern Alps. En route, enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley and cross through an ancient red beech forest. Take in the natural splendor around you as you cruise along the waters of the dr...

Day 10 Queenstown

Today is yours! Explore the adventure capital whichever way your heart desires. Perhaps you’ll choose an optional tour to Mt. Nicholas Farm, where you’ll get a hands-on experience with merino wool. Or you might choose to experience the thrill of a jetboat ride on the Shotover River. Tonight, gather around the table as a welcomed guest when you join a local Kiwi family for a home cooked dinner.

Day 11 Queenstown - Sydney, Australia

Wish New Zealand goodbye and enter Australia, home to expansive Outback and lively waterfront cities. Start your Aussie adventure in Sydney, the country’s largest city. Acquaint yourself with the streets on an orientation tour, gathering your bearings and getting a gl...

Day 12 Sydney

Take a step into the past and explore the historic Rocks neighborhood, situated along the edge of Sydney Harbour. Continue along to the port Circular Quay before strolling through the winding paths of the Royal Botanical Gardens. Here, you’ll delve into Aboriginal cul...

Day 13 Sydney

Make the most of your final day in Sydney with a full day at leisure! You may choose to go on an optional Sydney Foodie Safari or take in a performance at the Sydney Opera House. Included harbor ferry passes will help you get around.

Day 14 Sydney - Adelaide - Hahndorf

Set off on a short flight to Adelaide, the cosmopolitan hub of South Australia. Indulge in a wine tasting at d’Arenberg Cube, home to eccentric architecture and vibrant surroundings, and discover why the wine maker is referred to as the “Willy Wonka of Wines.” Visit H...

Day 15 Hahndorf - Barossa Valley - Hahndorf

Treat your taste buds to a full-day exploration of the Barossa Valley’s fine food and wine. Breathe in the calming essence of lavender at Lyndoch Lavender Farm, joining an expert on a guided tour of the estate. Savor a light lunch during a lavender tea party, featurin...

Day 16 Hahndorf - Adelaide - Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Your adventure continues to the mesmerizing Uluru (Ayers Rock). After your flight from Adelaide Hills, relish in free time this afternoon before gathering for an unforgettable evening set in the stunning backdrop of this Aboriginal destination. Experience the Sounds o...

Day 17 Ayers Rock - Cairns

Get a close look at the iconic, monstrous red rocks emerging from the earth, sprung up as if beckoned toward the clouds. On a guided tour of Uluru’s base and the neighboring Kata Tjuta rock formations, discover the heritage of Australia’s Aboriginal people. Fly to Cairns and enjoy an evening at leisure, getting to know this gateway to an underwater paradise.

Day 18 Cairns - Great Barrier Reef - Cairns

Board a catamaran and sail to the Low Isles to discover the aquatic realm of the Great Barrier Reef. Spend the day however you please, perhaps choosing from a selection of included activities. Maybe you will soak up the sun and sprawl out on the shore of a tiny sand i...

Day 19 Cairns

Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax or explore the tropical city of Cairns. Toast to the end of your journey at a farewell dinner, reflecting on your Outback escapade.

Day 20 Cairns - Tour Ends

Your tour of New Zealand and Australia comes to a close today.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,199
Price per day$282
Last Updated: 11/5/2019

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Collette.

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.

Collette Reviews & Ratings

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Other Collette Reviews

L

Lara

Oct 2022

Written on

It was a wonderful trip and experience!

It was a wonderful trip and experience! We are still sorting all the pictures and memories about it, and some of them I would like to share with you - read my diary ...

D

David

Sep 2020

Provided byCollette

we had an absolute wonderful time

My wife & I just returned from your National Parks tour and we had an absolute wonderful time. Great itinerary, tour director (Merrin) and driver (John). First c...

W

Worst and most poorly planned guided tour I have evr taken

Oct 2023

Written on

Do not travel with Collette They area subpar company

This is worst tour I have ever taken. Poorly planned and not worth the money. Collette brought you to Lisbon where we sat for three days because NO TOURS or sited w...

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Tour Operator

Collette

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True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across all seven continents.

Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you have to do is enjoy the adventure.

Everyone at Collette believes travel is vital to a life well-lived and our executive team sets the tone. Drawing on a diverse set of skills that includes operations, sales, information technology, law and financial planning, they work across three offices to bring you the best experience possible.

Go Guided:

There are so many benefits to letting someone else take on all the details that come with having The Perfect Trip. See why more and more travelers choose to Go Guided — and why they never go back.

5 Reasons to Go Guided:

Go Tour Managers!

On Day 1 of your trip, you’ll meet a friendly person who sure does know a lot about your tour and the destinations you’re visiting. This highly skilled professional is your tour manage and from the moment you meet this key player on your tour, you’ll know you’re in good hands. With their rich travel backgrounds, as well as their useful information about language, currency, and all things local, you can relax and enjoy the ride.

Go Culture!

Visiting a destination gives you a taste of the local culture. But imagine actually becoming part of that culture. Staying overnight in an Irish castle like Old-World royalty…feeling the cool waters of the Great Barrier Reef envelop you as you snorkel in its turquoise paradise…or rolling dough with an Italian chef to make the perfect pizza. It’s not just about all the iconic spots that will make for the best photos, it’s about diving into another world that makes for the best memories.

Go Product Team!

Our product experts are probably on the road right now — scoping out the best of our worldwide destinations. They go, take it all in, and find the moments they love best. Those are the moments they create for you. Those experiences and sights comprise each itinerary and make each one extra-special. Best of all, you don’t have to plan a thing. You just need to choose which itinerary best suits you.

Go Social!

Travel is social by nature. Guided travel is extra social. Meet a cast of characters: your fellow travelers, tour manager, driver, local guides and more. The social aspect of guided travel is one of the best parts! Many travelers on our tours have forged lasting friendships. Think of all the wonderful people waiting to meet you out in the world.

Go Worry-Free!

Your peace of mind is the most important thing to us. And that starts with our roundtrip home to airport sedan service. Forget taxis, airport fees, or public transportation. We will get you there...and back. And if for any reason you need to cancel your tour, you can do so — right up until the day before departure — and receive a full refund (thanks to our travel protection plan).

There are many ways to experience the world:

Among Collette’s worldwide collection of tours we offer a variety of guided travel choices. No matter where (or how) you want to go, Collette can take you there.

Small Groups, Big Experiences

From vibrant cities to remote villages, immerse yourself in other worlds. As part of a small group, enjoy accommodations chosen to capture the spirit of the destination, savor spectacular local cuisine, and take the time to explore on your own. Along the way Explorations sets the stage for the unexpected moments that make travel so special. With just 12-24 passengers, these are the personal adventures that today’s cultural explorers dream about.

Amazing Family Moments Included

Collette's Family tours bring travelers of all ages together to experience the world’s greatest destinations. There’s no better classroom than the world, no better education than taking a walk through history. Today’s parents — and grandparents — want to share the riches of travel with their children and grandchildren. Each tour in our family line is specially crafted with the best local experiences, iconic must-see's, family-oriented hotels and immersive cultural activities. Children ages 14 and under enjoy substantially discounted rates.

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Collette's Cancel for Any Reason Travel Protection Plan

The Traveling Well Experience

Our Commitment to Your Well-being and Enjoyment

There’s no denying that life and travel will likely look a little different for the foreseeable future, which is why we worked with our partners all over the world to create enhanced protective measures for our guests. These measures are intended to help safeguard guests’ health and well-being, while allowing for an enjoyable travel experience.  

From flexible booking to more open space on the coach and much more – all aspects of travel have been considered. This is The Traveling Well Experience.

  • Travel Protection Plan – cancel for any reason up until 24 hours before departure, plus provides numerous on-tour protections
  • More Physical Space – on the coach, in restaurants, and more
  • Wellness Protocols – for partners like motor coach operators, hotels, restaurants, and airlines
  • Enhanced Tour Manager Training ­– our tour managers are destination experts and highly equipped to handle a variety of unexpected situations – including illnesses and emergencies

Before Your Tour

Cancel for Any Reason Waiver

Our Travel Protection Plan financially protects you in the event you need to cancel or move your trip to a different date. Learn more here

Pre-Tour Health Screenings

We will ask all travellers to complete a wellness declaration form before joining their tour.

Private Sedan Service

Your ride to and from the airport will be stocked with fresh water for every pickup and all surfaces will be disinfected daily and after every passenger.

Air Travel

Specific details will vary by airline, but standard operations typically include flight attendants wearing masks, sanitizing all surfaces between flights and physical distancing. For links to major airlines, head to the bottom of the page, or visit your airline’s website for specific information.

On Your Tour

Smaller Groups

Tours will operate with a number of empty seats to allow guests to space out for a more comfortable experience.

Your Tour Manager

We have employed new and enhanced hygiene & physical distancing protocols for tour managers. They are local experts and highly trained to handle a variety of unexpected situations — including illnesses and emergencies. They are also available 24/7 for guests throughout the tour should any situation arise.

Use of Face Coverings

Face coverings will be included with your pre-tour documents and will be required throughout many experiences on tour including the motor coach and air travel.

Motor Coach

All surfaces will be sanitized often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitizer will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear when appropriate.

On-Tour Experiences

We work closely with our local partners to ensure adequate physical distancing during meals, experiences, and sightseeing. Guests may be rotated in smaller sub-groups when necessary.

On-Tour Insurance Coverages

When you purchase our Travel Protection Plan, you’ll have access to telehealth services should you need it, plus you’re covered on tour for emergency assistance, baggage loss, trip interruption, medical expenses, and more. Learn more here

Self-Screening

We will ask all travellers to monitor their health throughout their tour, with protocols in place in the event someone becomes ill.

Hotels

Specific protocols will vary from destination to destination, hotel to hotel. Overall, rooms and areas like restaurants, fitness centres, etc. will be deep-cleaned regularly, with rooms disinfected thoroughly between guests. High-traffic areas like lobbies and elevators will be cleaned hourly.

After Your Tour

Post-Tour Survey

After you get home, you’ll be able to share your opinions of your tour experience, allowing us to constantly improve for the benefit of future guests.

Why we love this operator
With a history that spans back to 1918, they have unparalleled expertise in the guided tour industry and can cater to all types of travelers.
What they’re known for
A huge variety of expertly-guided international trips that include cultural activities unique to the destination.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • The land price does not include air travel, airline fees, airport or departure taxes, transfers, visas, customary end-of-trip gratuities for your Tour Manager, driver, local guides, hotel housekeepers, cruise ship waitstaff, and any incidental charges.
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 .
Meals Included
31
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities

Flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown - $325

Queenstown Soar over the plunging cliffs, snowfields and alpine lakes of the pristine Southern Alps on a flightseeing plane that carries you back from Milford Sound to Queenstown. Seeing Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park from the air will give you a whole new perspective on the overwhelming beauty of this region. You’ll be captivated by 9,000 foot peaks and frozen lakes that can only be seen from above. Enjoy amazing views and skip the lengthy return coach ride to Queenstown. A truly spectacular trip! Transportation is included. A minimum of 1 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Availability for flightseeing is limited. This option is only available to purchase while on tour through your Tour Manager. This option operates on a weather permitting basis only. Duration: 40 minutes. This option does have a weight restriction, which your Tour Manager will advise as it varies by aircraft type.

A Blaze of Glory on the Shotover River! - $125

Queenstown Zoom through the sheer canyons of the Shotover River on this thrilling ride. Shotover Jet boats race along in mere centimeters of the glacial water which flows down from the Southern Alps, providing an exhilarating, but safe and enjoyable ride for all ages. You may get a little wet, but it is a unique and fun way to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the South Island of New Zealand and absorb a little of the spirit that has made Queenstown a world center for adventure tourism. Many people think adventure is only for the young. Guests on these jet boats consistently illustrate otherwise – this adventure is perfect for the young at heart! Duration approximately 1.5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 1 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Weather may be cold (boat has heated handlebars) and you may get wet during this option. Actual high speed boating time is 25 minutes.
Trip ID
collette-12212

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