Grand Australia & New Zealand 2016

20 days
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USTOA

Small Group Tour
From the outback, reef, and cosmopolitan cities of Australia to the geysers, fiords, and Maori culture of New Zealand, experience the very best on Tauck's extraordinary New Zealand and Australia travels featuring exclusive charter flights in Australia and New Zealand.

Overview

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

Highlights

    • Exclusive business-class charter flights in Australia and New Zealand
    • Sydney Harbour luncheon cruise
    • 'foodie' tour of Sydney
    • aboriginal cultural presentations
    • Jet Boat ride
    • eco-cruise to Agincourt Reef of the Great Barrier Reef
    • Maori dance performance
    • luncheon cruise on New Zealand's Marlborough Sounds featuring wine and the delicate green-lipped mussels

What's this trip about?

    From the outback, reef, and cosmopolitan cities of Australia to the geysers, fiords, and Maori culture of New Zealand, experience the very best on Tauck's extraordinary New Zealand and Australia travels featuring exclusive charter flights in Australia and New Zealand.

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Details

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

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Australia
  • New Zealand

Attractions

  • Auckland
  • Cairns
  • Fiordland National Park
  • Great Barrier Reef
  • Melbourne
  • Queenstown
  • Sydney
  • Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Activities

  • Culture

Trip includes

    • Tauck's exclusive charter flights in Australia and New Zealand mean more sightseeing and less waiting Full-day eco-cruise to the Agincourt Reef - swim and snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef Ride a skytram through the rainforest, visit a crocodile farm and experience a special dinner that celebrates the culture of Australia's original people "Foodie Tour" of Sydney and visit to a wildlife park Private luncheon cruise on Sydney Harbour Luncheon cruise on New Zealand's Marlborough Sounds featuring wine and the delicate green-lipped mussels A Maori dance performance during a visit to a cultural center on Rotorua In Queenstown, a jet boat ride on the Shotover River rapids at Skippers Canyon, and a helicopter ride to the top of Bob's Peak Farewell cocktail reception and dinner at The Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour Small Group Departures average 24 Tauck guests, priced from $12,290 per person double; specific dates apply - inquire at time of booking Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted 43 meals (19 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 14 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

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 : Cairns, Great Barrier Reef

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 $229 per person). 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 : Port Douglas, Queensland

Day 7 Crocodile adventures and on to Sydney
Learn all about crocodiles at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, where a tour and feeding presentation precede an exclusive boat cruise on the lagoon. After lunch, fly to Sydney via private charter for a four-night stay in the city's heart. Your hotel overlooks Sydney Harbo...
Day 8 A Sydney Harbour cruise, the Opera House & more
Guided city sightseeing includes a tour of the Sydney Opera House, followed by a private luncheon cruise on Sydney Harbour. An orientation drive around Sydney offers you an overview of city sights, before you have the opportunity to discover what interests you most on your own. MEALS : B, L LODGING : InterContinental Sydney PORTOFCALL : Sydney

Day 9 Featherdale Wildlife Park & a Sydney "Foodie Tour"
Rise early for a visit to Sydney's Featherdale Wildlife Park, home to local animal residents that thrive in a natural bush setting, including cuddly koalas, friendly kangaroos and wallabies. A "foodie tour" follows as you taste your way through a variety of eateries incl...
Day 10 Sydney as you please
Enjoy the city at leisure. There is much to see and do and its temperate climate makes exploring a pleasure. Dine at a local restaurant this evening. MEALS : B, D LODGING : InterContinental Sydney PORTOFCALL : Sydney

Day 11 Fly to Wellington, New Zealand
Fly to Wellington, New Zealand's intimate waterfront capital with an impressive artistic and cultural edge. Stay two nights at the Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay; enjoy a 3-course à la carte dinner at the hotel tonight. MEALS : B, D LODGING : Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay PORTOFCALL : Wellington

Day 12 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 13 Fly to the South Island, cruise the Marlborough Sounds and fly to Te Anau
Board Tauck's charter flight to Blenheim and the Marlborough Sounds on New Zealand's South Island, prized for its seafood and wine-growing expertise. Experience a taste of life here on a wine and green-lipped mussel cruise that celebrates the bounty of land and sea. Fly ...
Day 14 Cruise gorgeous Milford Sound and a visit to Fiordland National Park
Enjoy a morning drive through the breathtaking scenery of New Zealand's Fiordland National Park en route to a luncheon cruise aboard a private boat (with a naturalist onboard) on Milford Sound, showcasing its sheer cliffs and glacier-hewn inlets. The evening is at leisur...
Day 15 To Queenstown for a winery visit & more
Travel across beautiful South Island landscapes to Queenstown. Enjoy 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 French-inspired sophistication in the heart of the city. MEALS : B, L, D LODGING : Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa PORTOFCALL : Queenstown

Day 16 Adventures by jet boat and helicopter in Queenstown
Queenstown is known for outdoor adventures, as you'll discover for yourself on today's exciting jet boat excursion* that races through the rapids of the Shotover River in Skippers Canyon, followed by yet another thrill - a helicopter ride* to the top of stunning Bob's Pe...
Day 17 A Lake Wakatipu steamer & South Island country life
Board the steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu en route to the Walter Peak High Country Farm, nestled at the foot of a mountain, for a New Zealand farm experience. The day's activities include sheep herding and shearing demonstrations, and a barbecue dinner. MEALS : B, D LODGING : Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa PORTOFCALL : Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu

Day 18 Geothermal wonders in Rotorua, Maori culture & on to Auckland
Tauck's charter flight brings you to Rotorua this morning, a region rich with geothermal wonders and steeped in 700 years of Maori culture and farming traditions. Visit the Te Puia Maori Cultural Center and Thermal Reserve to learn about time-honored traditions like the ...
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

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Dates & Availability

Price From $8,390
Price per day$420
Last Updated: 2/22/2018

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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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

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-NA2016

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