Highlights of Australia and New Zealand

22 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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USTOA

Group Tour
Connect with the Outback, untamed fiords and fascinating Māori legends, every bit as enchanting as looking up with a sense of awe and wonder at New Zealand's dark night sky.

Overview

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

Highlights

    • CITY TOUR in Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland
    • CRUISE on Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Harbour and Milford Sound
    • VIEW Sydney Harbour Bridge on your city tour and the renowned Field of Light installation in Uluru
    • VISIT Uluru, Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve

What's this trip about?

    Connect with the Outback, untamed fiords and fascinating Māori legends, every bit as enchanting as looking up with a sense of awe and wonder at New Zealand's dark night sky.

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeOperator does not provide
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityMelbourne (VIC)
End CityChristchurch (Nz)

Travel Themes

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

Destinations

  • Australia
  • New Zealand

Attractions

  • Alice Springs
  • Auckland
  • Cairns
  • Christchurch
  • Melbourne
  • Queenstown
  • Sydney

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Melbourne (3 Nights)

Melbourne's elegant façades and broad boulevards are your launchpad to an immersive encounter with Australia and New Zealand. On arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel (flights to arrive prior to 12pm). This evening, get to know your Travel Director and fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception including a Regional Dinner.

Day 2: Melbourne Sightseeing

Admire the city's Victorian architecture, arcades and eclectic little laneways revealing some of the world's most incredible street art as you 'Dive into Culture' on a private walking tour of the city - encounter the aroma of Melbourne's coffee culture around every corner.

Day 3: Melbourne Free Time

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore stylish Melbourne or consider an Optional Experience along the Great Ocean Road.

Day 4: Melbourne - Alice Springs

Journey to the heart of the continent, the gateway to central Australia's soul-stirring landscapes. On our first stop, we join 'Local Specialists' to delve into the support that the School of the Air provides to isolated communities and the historic Telegraph Station,...

Day 5: Alice Springs - Ayers Rock (2 Nights)

The rusty red landscapes of Uluru beckon today and we leave Alice Springs bound for Ayers Rock Resort. This evening, watch as the Outback sky ignites in shades of red, yellow and purple - the perfect backdrop for Uluru sundowners. Later, consider an optional authentic...

Day 6: Kata Tjuta

Watch night turn to day as you witness a magical sunrise over Uluru. 'Dive into Culture' and hear stories about the Anangu, caretakers of this remote arid landscape, touring the base of Uluru to discover its ancient rock art. This afternoon, continue your journey thro...

Day 7: Ayers Rock - Cairns (3 Nights)

Rise with the birds and visit the kaleidoscopic art installation in the desert, the Field of Light. This soul-stirring start to your morning gives way to yet another magical experience on top of a sand dune to watch the desert landscape awaken over Uluru with a hot dr...

Day 8: Cairns Free Time

Ease into the laidback lifestyle of Cairns - a full free day to explore this tropical city or consider an Optional Experience to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park or Hartley's Crocodile Adventures.

Day 9: Great Barrier Reef

Board a high-speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. Don your mask and fins for an up-close encounter with this natural wonderland (equipment provided) or stay dry and explore the world's largest living reef system from the comfort of a semi-submersi...

Day 10: Cairns - Sydney (3 Nights)

Fly south to Sydney and spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the beauty of this harbour city.

Day 11: Sydney Sightseeing

Delve into the story of a building 'that changed the image of an entire country' joining a 'Local Specialist' for a guided tour of Sydney Opera House. Dip your toes in the Pacific waters of Bondi Beach, then board a Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise as you sail past Sydney's iconic harbour sights.

Day 12: Sydney Free Time

Enjoy a full free day to explore Sydney on your terms or consider joining an Optional Experience to the Blue Mountains to connect with nature. Admire the small-town atmosphere of Leura, see the famous Three Sisters rock formation and visit a Wildlife Park to get up cl...

Day 13: Sydney - Auckland (2 Nights)

Set your sights on New Zealand as you fly to Auckland, where this evening you'll join your Travel Director for dinner at your hotel.

Day 14: Auckland Sightseeing

Dive Into Culture with a city sightseeing tour this morning, including Mission Bay, Bastion Point and the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial for sweeping views of Waitemata Harbour and the North Shore. Spend the afternoon at leisure.

Day 15: Auckland - Rotorua

Journey through the dramatic scenery and landscapes of Waikato, passing through Cambridge, 'The Town of Trees and Champions', on your way to Rotorua. Once there, explore the wonders and crystal-clear mineral springs of Rainbow Springs Nature Park. Join a Local Special...

Day 16: Auckland - Queenstown (3 Nights)

Enjoy breakfast in the charming village of Hobbiton, the movie set of the now iconic The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies, before continuing to Auckland to board your flight to Queenstown. Tonight, speak with your Travel Director about dining recommendations in Queenstown.

Day 17: Milford Sound

Journey along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and over the Devil's Staircase to Te Anau. Experience magnificent scenery afforded by the Mirror Lakes, Cleddau Valley and the Chasm. Emerge from the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel towards Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls before reaching Mi...

Day 18: Queenstown Free Time

A day at leisure could see you take an Optional Experience ride on the Shotover Jet boat or a cruise aboard New Zealand's oldest steamship the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet BBQ lunch. This evening, join your Travel Director for a Regional Dinner at The Boatshed.

Day 19: Queenstown - Lake Tekapo

Leave the alpine wonderland of Queenstown for Lake Tekapo, travelling through Arrowtown, with its lovingly-restored mining cottages, and Cromwell on the banks of Lake Dunstan. View the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. Spend the evening stargazing in the world-renowned UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

Day 20: Lake Tekapo - Christchurch (2 Nights)

Enjoy a relaxed start before heading north through South Canterbury, visiting the charming boutique village of Geraldine en route to Christchurch.

Day 21: Christchurch Sightseeing

After a city sightseeing tour, 'Connect with Locals' Isabelle and Tim Weston for a 'Be My Guest' morning tea at their home, Britten Stables. Formerly horse stables, the couple restored the property and transformed it into the exquisite home it is today. Spend the last evening with your travel companions and Travel Director at a Farewell Dinner.

Day 22: Depart Christchurch

Bid farewell to your newfound friends as your holiday concludes this morning after breakfast. You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight (flights anytime).

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Dates & Availability

Price From $9,675
Price per day$440
Last Updated: 8/27/2020

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Trafalgar.

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

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Mar 2024

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Best of Portugal

we enjoyed it very much. So much fun

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Robert Odonnell

Mar 2024

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Italy Bellissimo

Great price plus 5 percent discount for previous customers plus early registration discount as well.

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Gail

Mar 2024

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Both our guide, were THE BEST.

*personal info removed by Feefo* our skilled driver was great. He kept us safe and on time. *personal info removed by Feefo* our guide, was just wonderful. She...

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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
Their travelers enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service throughout the trips - everything is taken care of.
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

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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
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Meals Included
  • 21 breakfasts
  • 3 lunches
  • 9 dinners
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys) A Trafalgar bonus - all Intra-Air Flights: Melbourne to Alice Springs, Ayers Rock to Cairns, Cairns to Sydney, Sydney to Auckland, Auckland to Queenstown Cherry-picked hotels all tried and trusted Handcrafted Highlights Optional Experiences and free time All porterage and local charges included Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras An expert Travel Director and separate Driver, Driver Guide only on Mini-Stays All hotel tips, charges and local taxes Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday VIP entry to many sights
Trip ID
trafalgar-IMZB1M09

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