Highlights of Australia & New Zealand
Visit the Land Down Under!
Experience the best of Australia and New Zealand on this 20-night adventure! Begin in Melbourne and travel around Australia to start, including visits to Uluru, Cairns, and Sydney. Then hop across the Tasman Sea to Auckland, New Zealand! Spend time in Rotorua, Christchurch, Franz Josef, and Queenstown before flying back home. Your vacation includes sightseeing tours, travel by luxury coach, and the services of a travel director! All you have to worry about is how to get all of your souvenirs home after nearly three weeks away!
You can find safety advice and alerts for Australia travel here.
What's Included
- Roundtrip economy class airfare into Melbourne (MEL), out of Queenstown (ZQN)
- All airport transfers
- Accommodation in hotels listed, or similar:
- 3 nights in Melbourne at the Crowne Plaza Melbourne Hotel
- 1 night in Alice Springs at the Mercure Alice Springs Resort
- 2 nights in Ayers Rock at the Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort
- 3 nights in Cairns at the Hilton Hotel Cairns
- 3 nights in Sydney at the InterContinental Hotel Sydney
- 2 nights in Auckland at the Stamford Plaza Hotel
- 1 night in Rotorua at the Millennium Hotel
- 1 night in Christchurch at the Distinction Hotel
- 1 night in Franz Josef at the Te Waonui Forest Retreat
- 3 nights in Queenstown at the Millennium Hotel
- Guided sightseeing as described in the itinerary, including the following:
- Melbourne Sightseeing Tour
- Uluru Sunrise & Caves Tour
- Western Desert Art experience with local artist
- Catamaran cruise to the Great Barrier Reef with snorkeling and lunch
- Sydney sightseeing tour with Opera House & Bondi Beach
- Captain Cook cruise with lunch
- Half-day Auckland City Tour with cruise on Waitemata Harbour
- Traditional Hangi dinner & cultural performance at the Tamaki Family Marae
- Visit to Rainbow Springs Nature Park
- Geothermal Tour in Te Puia with Maori guide
- TranzAlpine Train to Franz Josef
- Orientation tour of Arrowtown & Queenstown
- Milford Sound cruise with lunch
- Breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 8 dinners
- One-way economy class flight from Melbourne (MEL) to Alice Springs (ASP)
- One-way economy class flight from Ayers Rock (AYQ) to Cairns (CNS)
- One-way economy class flight from Cairns (CNS) to Sydney (SYD)
- One-way economy class flight from Sydney (SYD) to Auckland (AKL)
- One-way economy class flight from Rotorua (ROT) to Christchurch (CHC)
- Services of an experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
- Travel by luxury coach
Note: Please schedule your arrival flight to arrive no later than 12 noon into Melbourne Airport
Helpful links for travel to New Zealand:
Great Ways to Explore
-
Visit more than 10 cities across Australia and New Zealand!
- Board catamarans and boats for spectacular sightseeing of the Great Barrier Reef, Auckland, and Milford Sound!
-
Visit the world-famous Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Bondi Beach!
-
Watch a spectacular sunrise over Uluru, an amazing sandstone monolith!
-
Discover the incredible Maori culture all across New Zealand!
This is an escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation.
This 20-night package brings you through the must-see sights of Australia and New Zealand! Begin in Melbourne, with a few nights of guided and independent exploration. Continue on to Alice Springs, Uluru, and Ayers Rock. Witness a sunrise over Uluru and a sunset over Kata Tjuta, two spectacular rock formations!
Your adventure continues to Cairns, where you'll board a catamaran to experience the Great Barrier Reef! Get up close by snorkeling, or stay dry and admire from afar. Sydney is your next stop, and includes a tour of the Sydney Opera House! Visit Bondi Beach, see the Sydney Harbour Bridge, take a lunch cruise, and more!
Say farewell to Australia and fly to Auckland, New Zealand! Take a sightseeing cruise and enjoy free time here. Travel to Rotorua where you'll be introduced to the Maori culture through a hangi dinner and concert! Visit nature parks and geothermal hot springs before flying to Christchurch.
From Christchurch, you'll board the incredible TranzAlpine train to travel through the Southern Alps en route to the Franz Josef Glacier! You won't soon forget the scenery along the way!
Queenstown is your final destination. Here, you'll enjoy access to the Milford Sound and an amazing sightseeing cruise! Fit in some last minute souvenir shopping and wine tasting before it's time to pack up and fly home!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Roundtrip economy class airfare into Melbourne (MEL), out of Queenstown (ZQN)
- All airport transfers
- Accommodation in hotels listed, or similar:
- 3 nights in Melbourne at the Crowne Plaza Melbourne Hotel
- 1 night in Alice Springs at the Mercure Alice Springs Resort
- 2 nights in Ayers Rock at the Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort
- 3 nights in Cairns at the Hilton Hotel Cairns
- 3 nights in Sydney at the InterContinental Hotel Sydney
- 2 nights in Auckland at the Stamford Plaza Hotel
- 1 night in Rotorua at the Millennium Hotel
- 1 night in Christchurch at the Distinction Hotel
- 1 night in Franz Josef at the Te Waonui Forest Retreat
- 3 nights in Queenstown at the Millennium Hotel
- Guided sightseeing as described in the itinerary, including the following:
- Melbourne Sightseeing Tour
- Uluru Sunrise & Caves Tour
- Western Desert Art experience with local artist
- Catamaran cruise to the Great Barrier Reef with snorkeling and lunch
- Sydney sightseeing tour with Opera House & Bondi Beach
- Captain Cook cruise with lunch
- Half-day Auckland City Tour with cruise on Waitemata Harbour
- Traditional Hangi dinner & cultural performance at the Tamaki Family Marae
- Visit to Rainbow Springs Nature Park
- Geothermal Tour in Te Puia with Maori guide
- TranzAlpine Train to Franz Josef
- Orientation tour of Arrowtown & Queenstown
- Milford Sound cruise with lunch
- Breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 8 dinners
- One-way economy class flight from Melbourne (MEL) to Alice Springs (ASP)
- One-way economy class flight from Ayers Rock (AYQ) to Cairns (CNS)
- One-way economy class flight from Cairns (CNS) to Sydney (SYD)
- One-way economy class flight from Sydney (SYD) to Auckland (AKL)
- One-way economy class flight from Rotorua (ROT) to Christchurch (CHC)
- Services of an experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
- Travel by luxury coach
Note: Please schedule your arrival flight to arrive no later than 12 noon into Melbourne Airport
Helpful links for travel to New Zealand:
-
Visit more than 10 cities across Australia and New Zealand!
- Board catamarans and boats for spectacular sightseeing of the Great Barrier Reef, Auckland, and Milford Sound!
-
Visit the world-famous Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Bondi Beach!
-
Watch a spectacular sunrise over Uluru, an amazing sandstone monolith!
-
Discover the incredible Maori culture all across New Zealand!
This is an escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation.
This 20-night package brings you through the must-see sights of Australia and New Zealand! Begin in Melbourne, with a few nights of guided and independent exploration. Continue on to Alice Springs, Uluru, and Ayers Rock. Witness a sunrise over Uluru and a sunset over Kata Tjuta, two spectacular rock formations!
Your adventure continues to Cairns, where you'll board a catamaran to experience the Great Barrier Reef! Get up close by snorkeling, or stay dry and admire from afar. Sydney is your next stop, and includes a tour of the Sydney Opera House! Visit Bondi Beach, see the Sydney Harbour Bridge, take a lunch cruise, and more!
Say farewell to Australia and fly to Auckland, New Zealand! Take a sightseeing cruise and enjoy free time here. Travel to Rotorua where you'll be introduced to the Maori culture through a hangi dinner and concert! Visit nature parks and geothermal hot springs before flying to Christchurch.
From Christchurch, you'll board the incredible TranzAlpine train to travel through the Southern Alps en route to the Franz Josef Glacier! You won't soon forget the scenery along the way!
Queenstown is your final destination. Here, you'll enjoy access to the Milford Sound and an amazing sightseeing cruise! Fit in some last minute souvenir shopping and wine tasting before it's time to pack up and fly home!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to Melbourne!
Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure.
Tonight, you will meet your Travel Director and fellow travel companions for a welcome dinner!
Transfer from Melbourne Airport to hotel
Check-in - Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne
Located on the Yarra River, Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne offers a comfortable and convenient choice hotel. Guests will enjoy free WiFi, premium bedding, complimentary toiletries, and more. Clarendon St Grill offers simple and fresh dishes for breakfast and dinner, while the Lobby Bar is the perfect choice for a pre-dinner cocktail or business lunch. The hotel features a fitness center, pool, and business center to meet the needs of every type of guest. Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne is within walking distance to many of Melbourne's finest attractions, including Bourke Street, Flinders Street Station, St. Paul's Cathedral, and so much more!
Day 2. Melbourne
You'll be led on a sightseeing tour of Melbourne this morning! After, discover the arcades and alleyways of the city on a private walking tour. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps finding a waterfront restaurant for dinner!
Day 3. Melbourne
Today is a free day in amazing Melbourne! Consider a trip to the Great Ocean Road or St. Kilda's, or stroll down Flinders Street and Degraves Street! The cafe culture is incredible here with so many delicious looking places to choose from! Be sure to catch the sunset over the Yarra River!
Day 4. Melbourne - Alice Springs
This morning, you'll fly to Alice Springs! Once there, you'll visit the School of the Air and the Royal Flying Doctor Service headquarters. Tonight, you'll join a local family for a home-cooked bbq dinner and engage in a lively discussion about ecology, astronomy, and culture!
Transfer to Melbourne Airport
Flight from Melbourne to Alice Springs
Transfer to Alice Springs hotel
Check-in - Mercure Alice Springs Resort
Mercure Alice Springs Resort is located on the Todd River, within walking distance to the center of the town. Guests can enjoy free WiFi, air conditioning, complimentary toiletries, and more in each room. Barra on Todd Restaurant and Bar serves international cuisine. Sip a cocktail before taking a dive in the refreshing pool. Cool off in your room before walking across the river to find a trendy restaurant for dinner!
Day 5. Alice Springs - Uluru
Today's travels bring you through the West MacDonnell Ranges to Uluru! This evening, watch the sunset over the giant sandstone monolith as you sip sparkling wine.
Check-in - Desert Gardens Hotel
Desert Gardens Hotel is the only hotel with rooms offering views of Uluru! Guests can enjoy free WiFi, complimentary toiletries, television, air-conditioning, coffee/tea making facilities, and more in every room. Enjoy a lite bite at Mangata Bistro & Bar for any meal, or dine at Arnguli Grill & Restaurant for a more hearty, indigenous Australian meal. Sit poolside and enjoy the Australian sunshine, or take a stroll through the gardens.
Day 6. Uluru & Kata Tjuta
Rise early this morning to witness a spectacular sunrise over Uluru! After, you'll head to the caves at the base of Uluru. Continue on to Kata Tjuta and walk through these majestic rocks, where you'll watch the sunset!
Day 7. Uluru - Cairns
Today, join an Indigenous artist for an introduction to Western Desert Art! You'll learn about the customs, designs, totems, and create your own artwork. This afternoon, you'll fly to Cairns!
Transfer to Cairns Airport
Flight from Uluru to Cairns
Transfer to Cairns hotel
Check-in - Hilton Hotel Cairns
Hilton Hotel Cairns is located on the water, just minutes from the Cairns Convention Center, Cairns Airport, and more! Guests can easily explore the Daintree Rainforest or Great Barrier Reef from this location. Guests can enjoy air-conditioned rooms with complimentary toiletries and premium television. Choose to dine at Mondo on the Waterfront with beautiful views of Trinity Inlet and an international menu, or at Simply Italian for fantastic Italian dishes. Unwind with a trip to the lagoon-style pool or with a luxurious treatment at the on-site spa. Sip a cocktail at Gin Social Bar while you watch the sunset, and then do it all again tomorrow!
Day 8. Cairns
Enjoy a free day today in Cairns! Spend your time however you please. There is plenty of sightseeing that can be done in the area near your hotel! Tonight, consider dining on the waterfront. Rest up for a big day at the Great Barrier Reef tomorrow!
Day 9. Great Barrier Reef
Today, you'll board a high-speed catamaran and cruise to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef! You'll have the option to stay dry or go snorkeling, depending on your preference. A tropical buffet lunch will be served on board. A waterfront dinner with wine is included tonight!
Day 10. Cairns - Sydney
Fly from Cairns to Sydney today! Upon arrival, spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Transfer to Cairns Airport
Flight from Cairns to Sydney
Transfer to Sydney hotel
Check-in - InterContinental Hotel Sydney
InterContinental Hotel Sydney is located in Circular Quay, within walking distance to many of Sydney's top attractions. Guests can enjoy free WiFi in air-conditioned rooms. Cafe Opera serves buffet-style meals with international flare, while Meat and Wine Co serves a la carte meals. The Cortile offers a variety of beverages to suit your needs morning, noon, and night. Indulge in a luxurious spa treatment, take a dip in the pool, and relax in your spacious room. Then, put your walking shoes on and venture to the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbor Bridge, Mrs. Macquaire's Chair, and the Royal Botanic Gardens!
Day 11. Sydney
Today, you'll be joined by a local guide who will bring you to the Sydney Opera House for a tour! After, you'll visit beautiful Bondi Beach.
Lunch today will be on board a Captain Cook Lunch Cruise! Dine on the water and experience the beauty of Sydney Harbour!
Spend the evening at leisure.
Day 12. Sydney
Spend a day at leisure in Sydney! There are many amazing sights to behold, including Hyde Park, Mrs. Macquarie's Chair, and Darling Harbour. Tonight, you'll dine at a waterfront restaurant with your Travel Director. Tomorrow, it's on to New Zealand!
Day 13. Sydney - Auckland
Today, you'll say farewell to Australia, and hello to New Zealand! Fly across the Tasman Sea to Auckland!
Tonight, you'll dine with your Travel Director at your hotel.
Transfer to Sydney Airport
Flight from Sydney to Auckland
Transfer to Auckland hotel
Check-in - Stamford Plaza Hotel Auckland
Stamford Plaza Hotel Auckland is located just three blocks from the harbor and waterfront. Guests can expect comfortable rooms with free WiFi, bathrobes and slippers, coffee/tea making facilities, and more. The hotel offers a variety of dining options including Koa Restaurant, Kabuki Teppanyaki Restaurant, Grasshopper Thai Restaurant, and Koa Lobby Bar. Additional amenities include a swimming pool, fitness center, and meeting rooms.Â
Day 14. Auckland
Spend the morning on a sightseeing tour and cruise around Waitemata Harbour! Spend the rest of the day at leisure in Auckland.
Day 15. Auckland - Rotorua
Today, you'll drive from Auckland to Rotorua! En route, stop for a country style lunch on a Waikato farm. Tonight, discover the Maori culture with a hangi dinner and concert!
Check-in - Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Nestled next to glistening Lake Rotorua, this contemporary hotel offers lush garden grounds, cozy rooms, wellness facilities, and stylish decor. Check-in with the friendly 24-hour reception team, then stroll through the ornate halls to your comfortable room. Open the door and find crisp air conditioning, TV, plush bedding, WiFi, bath amenities, and much more.Â
Unpack your swimsuit and take a dip in the sparkling pool, or work all your stresses away in the fitness center. Why not pamper yourself with a decadent spa treatment? When you work up an appetite, treat yourself to a delicious meal at Restaurant Nikau, Brasserie Poolside Restaurant, or Bar Zazu. Check the schedule for nightly cultural shows!
Day 16. Rotorua - Christchurch
Discover the Rainbow Springs Nature Park and Te Puia today in Rotorua before flying to Christchurch in the evening! You'll love the native flora and fauna, as well as the geothermal hot springs!
Transfer to Rotorua Airport
Flight from Rotorua to Christchurch
Transfer to Christchurch hotel
Check-in - Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Step into luxury at the Distinction Christchurch Hotel, located in the heart of the city near the Avon River, Botanical Gardens, and other iconic landmarks! Check-in with the friendly 24-hour reception team, then admire the stylish decor placed throughout the hotel. Open the door to your room and find crisp air conditioning, Smart TV, plush bedding, and much more. Work all your stresses away in the fitness center, then feed your appetite at the trendy onsite Gumption Restaurant and Bar.
Day 17. Christchurch - Franz Josef
Board the legendary TranzAlpine train today for a journey you won't soon forget! Travel through the Southern Alps, stopping in Hokitika before reaching Franz Josef Glacier!
Check-in - Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Nestled among vibrant greenery and lush rainforest, Te Waonui Forest Retreat boasts comfortable rooms, stylish decor, and luxurious amenities. Just a short drive from Franz Josef Glacier, this tranquil hideaway offers eco-friendly touches, like organic cotton sheets and locally-sourced produce.
Upon arrival, check-in with the friendly 24-hour reception team. Then, head up to your room and open the door to find plush bedding, free WiFi, TV, pretty views, and more. When you work up an appetite, treat yourself to a delicious meal at the onsite restaurant.
Day 18. Franz Josef - Queenstown
Visit Cromwell and Arrowtown today en route to Queenstown! Upon arrival, take an orientation tour of the city. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
Check-in - Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Millennium Hotel Queenstown is located just minutes from shopping, dining, and entertainment in the heart of the city. Guest rooms are furnished with free WiFi, coffee/tea making facilities, in-room entertainment, and more. The Observatory Restaurant features national New Zealand cuisine and is open for breakfast and dinner. Unwind from the day with a cocktail at The Club Bar. Guests will also enjoy a spa, sauna, and fitness center!Â
Day 19. Milford Sound
Drive along Lake Wakatipu this morning towards Te Anau, through Fiordland National Park, and arriving at Milford Sound. Board a sightseeing cruise of this majestic place, taking in the waterfalls, glaciers, and rainforest!Â
Return to Queenstown in the evening and find a local restaurant to try some New Zealand specialties!
Day 20. Queenstown
It's the final full day of your vacation! Spend time today however you please in Queensland. Consider a variety of optional tours, or squeeze in some last minute souvenir shopping. Tonight, join your fellow travel companions at The Boatshed for a farewell dinner!
Day 21. Depart New Zealand
Your incredible vacation comes to an end this morning. Eat breakfast, pack up your belongings, cram your souvenirs into your suitcases, and head for the airport for your flight home!