Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand

18 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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USTOA

Group Tour
Want a bit of everything? Sun, sand, city life, and wilderness all take centre stage on this Australia and New Zealand tour. Find yourself gliding across the Great Barrier Reef and getting to know the cities before Queenstown, Milford Sound, and hearing tales of Maori Warriors in just 18 incredible days.

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Discover Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, Queenstown, and Christchurch
    • Explore the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa in Rotorua, and Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve in Lake Tekapo with a Local Specialist
    • Scenic Cruise on the Great Barrier Reef, Milford Sound
    • View Darling Harbour from your Sydney hotel room, Mt. Cook, Church of the Good Shepherd
    • Visit Hartley's Crocodile Adventures in Cairns and Wendy's Secret Garden in Lavender Bay
    • Connect With Locals
    • Dive Into Culture

What's this trip about?

    Want a bit of everything? Sun, sand, city life, and wilderness all take centre stage on this Australia and New Zealand tour. Find yourself gliding across the Great Barrier Reef and getting to know the cities before Queenstown, Milford Sound, and hearing tales of Maori Warriors in just 18 incredible days.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal transport included (including local flights)
Start CityMelbourne (VIC)
End CityChristchurch (Nz)

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Australia
  • New Zealand

Attractions

  • Auckland
  • Cairns
  • Christchurch
  • Melbourne
  • Queenstown
  • Sydney

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Melbourne

Stylish and friendly Melbourne extends a warm welcome to your epic tour (flights to arrive prior to 12pm). You’ll soon see you’re staying right in the heart of the action on the banks of the Yarra River, the perfect springboard for your time in the city. After settlin...

Day 2: Uncover Melbourne's Laneways

Delve into the city this morning on a private walk with your Travel Director to discover the little lanes, arcades, and café society of stylish Melbourne. View its famous, edgy street art–in the striking contrast to federation buildings and churches that Melbourne is ...

Day 3: Cairns, in the Tropics

Get ready for a change of scenery and “locals” today as you fly north to Cairns. Then get right in the action meeting a Local Specialist for a private wildlife encounter at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures on a boat cruise through where the crocs are the stars of the sh...

Day 4: View Colourful Coral and Tropical Fish

No matter where you hail from, today is a bucket list experience exploring the tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef as we set sail on a high-speed catamaran —and you have a full day to do it. Kick the day off, then don your mask and fins for a snorkel (equipment ...

Day 5: Cairns, it's All Yours

Soak up the atmosphere of sunny Cairns with a free day to explore the town, head further afield, or relax by your hotel pool. You can also choose to join a popular Optional Experience aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway through a lush forest past gorges, ravines, and wa...

Day 6: Fly to Glorious Sydney

We’re only six days into our Australia and New Zealand tour and the journey continues leaving the golden beaches of Cairns behind and heading to Sydney, Australia’s largest city, harbour, and fun-loving metropolis. Settle into your hotel in lively Darling Harbour - th...

Day 7: Sydney's Vibrant Inner West

Relax and enjoy a late start to the day before seeing another side of the city and exploring the true local side of Sydney. Tour Newtown, a community rich with lively culture and home to numerous street art sites that will surprise you. Continue through the suburb of ...

Day 8: Sydney Harbour from Another Angle

Begin your last day in Sydney visiting Wendy’s Secret Garden at Lavender Bay, a tranquil hideaway overlooking Sydney Harbour and the perfect place to spend your last day in town, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Meet a local volunteer and learn the story of how the g...

Day 9: Kia Ora Auckland New Zealand

Say a fond hoo roo to Australia on your Australia and New Zealand tour as you board your flight to Auckland. Upon arrival, ease into the warm, welcoming embrace of the City of Sails before meeting your Travel Director for dinner at your hotel right in the heart of the...

Day 10: Delve into Auckland

This morning, you’ll see how the city earned its name as the ‘City of Sails’ as you jump right in with a city sightseeing tour showcasing the beautiful waterfront of Mission Bay, historic overlook of Bastion Point, and spacious gardens and sunken pool at the Michael J...

Day 11: Rotorua, the Cultural Hub

Your time in Rotorua kicks off to an extra cute start with the first of two MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences today, visiting the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa for a tour with a Local Specialist. At this national leader in kiwi husbandry, learn about the work being do...

Day 12: Adventure Capital Queenstown

Hello, Hobbit fans, today is a bucket list adventure to the charming village of Hobbiton, the movie set of the now iconic The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. Enjoy breakfast “on set” before you’re treated to guided tour through the 12-acre set stopping in ...

Day 13: Cruise Milford Sound Fiord

Rise and shine journeying through some of the best natural and dramatic landscapes you'll ever experience along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and over the Devil's Staircase to Te Anau. Stroll the boardwalks of Mirror Lakes and amble through peaceful trees before watchin...

Day 14: Indulge Yourself in Queenstown

It’s your final day in Queenstown and the world is your oyster. Oenophiles will want to join an Optional Experience touring three premium boutique vineyards in the famous Otago region known for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. You’ll indulge in vineyard an...

Day 15: Breathtaking Lake Tekapo

Leave the alpine wonderland of Queenstown for Lake Tekapo, travelling through Arrowtown’s lovingly restored mining cottages, and Cromwell on the banks of Lake Dunstan. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped inside a painting as you see the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd ...

Day 16: Christchurch, the Garden City

Watch the sun rise over the lake or enjoy a relaxed start before heading north through South Canterbury, en route to Christchurch. You’ll stop in the charming town of Geraldine, known for its boutique shops, a farmers' market and - perhaps most unusual - the world's l...

Day 17: Sights of Innovative Christchurch

You’ll enjoy your last full day in Christchurch, a beautiful English city rich in history and thriving after rebuilding itself from the devastating 2011 earthquake. Everywhere you look you can easily see how it’s earned its name, the Garden City. Begin at the Transiti...

Day 18: Farewell Christchurch

Your adventure sadly comes to an end this morning. Before your transfer you to the Christchurch Airport, enjoy one last breakfast with your travel mates reflecting on your adventure, food, and wildlife-filled experiences across Australia and New Zealand (flights anytime).

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Dates & Availability

Price From $9,851
Price per day$547
Last Updated: 6/24/2024

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

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.

Trafalgar Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
33,977
Great
9,087
Average
2,715
Disappointing
827
Terrible
535
C

Carol

Mar 2023

Written on

Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand

The tours and optional excursions in Australia and New Zealand were exceptional adventures! We watched the adorable little blue penguins come out of the ocean go b...

J

Jeffrey Biegen

Nov 2022

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Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand

I have no comment to make here

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Dong Ha Hwang

Nov 2022

Written on

Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand

Hotels and their locations were good.

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Other Trafalgar Reviews

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Michael Waldo

Nov 2024

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A perfect Autumn trip

Both the Tour Director and driver were first rate. The team was as knowledgeable and competent as they were friendly and seemed to work well together. Jeannine rea...

T

Trusted Customer

Nov 2024

Written on

European Dream

Fast paced and fun!

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Tour Operator

Trafalgar

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At Trafalgar, we passionately believe in the power of travel to broaden the mind and build bridges between people. By sharing with you the hidden places not mentioned in guidebooks, the local people you wouldn’t otherwise meet, and the traditions you may not have experienced by yourself, we ensure that you get the ‘insider’ view, an authentic and enhanced experience you simply could not have had on your own.

It is this dedication to taking our guests beyond the obvious sights that has helped us grow over the past 65 years into one of the most trusted and successful international guided vacation/holiday companies in the world. From Europe to the United States, South America to South Africa, and with the recent addition of Asia, we pride ourselves on uncovering the hidden gems, cultural highlights and not-to-be-missed attractions of the places you visit. We’ll help you delve deep into the heart of each city and capture the true essence of each new destination.

We are committed to establishing lasting relationships with our guests by exceeding their expectations the first time and every time, through consistently outstanding quality of service, experience and value.

We're proud to be the most globally awarded guided travel company. Every year, we win some of the most prestigious travel accolades around the world – from the Travel Globes to the Agents' Choice Awards. We've collected 46 major travel awards over the last five years alone, as well as the Gold Trusted Merchant Award from independent reviews provider Feefo.

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About the company:

As the world’s most awarded and loved travel company, Trafalgar unlocks the best of the world for every traveller. From the iconic sites to breaking bread with locals at private Be My Guest experiences, guests can be assured of a dream holiday without the stress of 'what ifs'. Committed to Make Travel Matter, Trafalgar aims to make a positive impact on locals, communities and wildlife visited, and the planet we call home. With tried and tested tours, created by local travel experts in destination and enjoyed by more than 5million happy guests, Trafalgar’s proud to be recognised by its Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award.

Trafalgar is part of the family-owned and run The Travel Corporation (TTC), driven by service for over one hundred years.

 

Why we love this operator
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What they’re known for
Tours and experiences that include everything from the iconic sites to breaking bread with locals, guided by expert travel directors.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Distinction,
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
  • 2 Be My Guests
  • 16 Breakfasts
  • 7 Dinners
  • 1 Farewell Dinner
  • 1 Lunch
  • 2 Regional Dinners
  • 1 Welcome Reception
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
  • A Trafalgar bonus - all Intra-Air Flights: Melbourne to Cairns, Cairns to Sydney, Sydney to Auckland, Auckland to Queenstown
  • All land transport shown. All transfers shown
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • Optional Experiences and free time
Trip ID
trafalgar-QCANA1M22

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