Highlights of Australia and New Zealand

22 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
95%
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USTOA

Group Tour
Connect with the Outback, untamed fiords, and fascinating Māori legends as you explore the highlights of Australia and New Zealand - 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
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Discover Melbourne, Sydney, Queenstown, and Christchurch
    • Explore Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, Alice Springs, Sydney Opera House, Auckland, and the Dark Sky Reserve in Tekapo with a Local Specialist
    • Scenic Cruise on the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Harbour, and Milford Sound
    • View the renowned Field of Light installation in Uluru
    • Visit Uluru and Kata Tjuta, Bondi Beach in Sydney, and Tamaki Maori Village in Rotorua
    • Connect with Locals
    • Dive into Culture
    • Dive Into Culture
    • MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
    • MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

What's this trip about?

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

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportRound trip airfare and all internal transport included
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: Welcome to Melbourne

Melbourne’s elegant façades and broad boulevards are your launchpad to an immersive encounter with the highlights of Australia and New Zealand (flights to arrive prior to 12pm). You'll be transferred and welcomed to your hotel on the banks of the city’s own Yarra Rive...

Day 2: Uncover Melbourne's Eclectic Laneways

Jump into city life joining your Travel Director on a walking tour admiring Melbourne’s Victorian architecture, arcades, and eclectic little laneways revealing some of the world’s most incredible street art. Encounter the aroma of Melbourne’s coffee culture around eve...

Day 3: Melbourne, It's All Yours

Enjoy a day exploring stylish Melbourne just the way you like, indulging in world class fare at one of the city's famous eateries and stopping in unique shops. Browse Brunswick Street’s quirky boutiques and pop into one of laneways’ cafes to people watch and refuel on...

Day 4: A Town Called Alice

Experience a complete change of scenery on your Australia and New Zealand tour journeying to the heart of the continent. You’ll fly into Alice Springs over sparce, red sand desert, the McDonnell Ranges looming in the distance, before making your first stop at the Scho...

Day 5: Journey to Spiritual Uluru

The rusty red landscapes of Uluru beckon as we leave Alice Springs for Ayers Rock Resort, near the sacred ancient site of Uluru and your home for the next two days in Aussie’s cultural heartland. You’ll drive past dry salt lakes through red dirt on long roads past Out...

Day 6: Magical Uluru Sunrise and Kata Tjuta

Watch night turn to day as you head to the National Park at dawn - hot cocoa in hand - to witness a magical sunrise as the dawn creeps across the desert and lights up Uluru. Then, day underway, hear stories about the Anangu, caretakers of this remote arid landscape, t...

Day 7: Head to Tropical Cairns

Rise with the birds on an exclusive visit to the kaleidoscopic Field of Light art installation of artist Bruce Munro. Set against the darkened desert, walk through the lights and watch the changing colours of this innovative art bring the land to life, feeling as if y...

Day 8: Explore Cairns in Your Own Time

Ease into the laidback lifestyle of Cairns with a full free day to explore this tropical city or take your pick of the many tempting Optional Experiences. There’s something for everyone, no matter what you’re looking for. Take to the skies for a bird’s eye view with a...

Day 9: Great Barrier Reef Up-Close

Get ready for a bucket list adventure today as you board a high-speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. It’s up to you how you’d like to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site and underwater wonderland: Don your mask and fins (equipment provided)...

Day 10: Sparkling Sydney

We say farewell to Cairn’s flying south to Sydney and spend the rest of the day exploring the beauty of this harbour city. From your centrally located hotel, take a stroll around the waterfront Circular Quay enjoying the peaceful Royal Botanic Garden, visit of one of ...

Day 11: Sydney, the Choice is Yours

Enjoy a full free day to explore Sydney or consider joining an Optional Experience to discover even more further afield. Take a day trip to the spectacular Blue Mountains, whose eucalypt haze you’ll see looming in the distance, for fresh mountain air and stunning natu...

Day 12: More to Discover in Sydney

A day of sightseeing around this stunning harbour city awaits! Begin your day with a behind-the-scenes (entering through the stage door!) guided tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House with a Local Specialist, delving into the story of a building 'that changed the image...

Day 13: Hoo Roo Sydney - Kia Ora Auckland

Set your sights on New Zealand as you fly to Auckland, the City of Sails. You’ll see how the city got its nickname as you fly in over the islands and boats in the harbour. In fact, one in four New Zealanders owns a boat! On land, Auckland is known for being built on 5...

Day 14: Sights of Auckland, City of Sails

Embark on a city sightseeing tour this morning including Mission Bay, Bastion Point and the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial to New Zealand's first Labour Prime Minister. Admire the sunken pool and landscaped gardens as you’re treated to sweeping views of Waitemata Harb...

Day 15: Rotorua, Cultural Capital

Begin your journey to Rotorua through the dramatic scenery and landscapes of Waikato, passing through Cambridge, ‘The Town of Trees and Champions.’ Learn about Cambridge’s claim to fame as the training grounds for thoroughbred racehorses and famous jockeys as you crui...

Day 16: Take off to Adventure in Queenstown

Step into the land of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies as you spend an unforgettable morning in the charming village of Hobbiton. Your big day begins over breakfast “on set” at Hobbiton before a guided tour where you’ll be mesmerized by the rolling green...

Day 17: Cruise on Magical 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: Your Choice in Queenstown

The day is yours to explore Queenstown as you like, and good news...you have plenty of options to choose from. Take to the water riding the thrilling Shotover Jet boat through cliffs and gorges. Or explore a slice of Kiwi farming history and soak in the views cruising...

Day 19: To Turquoise Lake Tekapo

Today you say farewell to Queenstown as you make your way to another beautiful destination, Lake Tekapo. The journey alone will have you falling in love with the South Island as you travel to Cromwell on the banks of Lake Dunstan. On arrival in Tekapo you’ll be greete...

Day 20: Innovative Christchurch

Rise early and watch the sunrise over the lake or curl up in bed and Enjoy a leisurely morning before heading north through South Canterbury to Christchurch stopping in the charming village of Geraldine. Enjoy Geraldine’s boutique shops, galleries, and a tasty lunch i...

Day 21: Sights of Creative Christchurch

Start your day in Christchurch with a sightseeing tour including the Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Earthquake Memorial, Bridge of Remembrance, and many streets lined with bars, cafes, and riverside markets. Stop at the Transitional Cathedral in Latimer Square, the t...

Day 22: Farewell Christchurch

Bid farewell to your newfound friends as your holiday concludes this morning after breakfast as you're transferred to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight. You’ll surely leave with plenty of stunning photos and, most importantly, memories of this beautiful part of the world (flights anytime).

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Dates & Availability

Price From $12,505
Price per day$568
Last Updated: 5/5/2024

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.

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Trafalgar Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
23,360
Great
6,928
Average
1,997
Disappointing
609
Terrible
399
Y

Yvonne Brown

Feb 2023

Written on

Highlights of Australia and New Zealand

Great look at locations in both countries

M

Merrie Mulka

Oct 2022

Written on

Highlights of Australia and New Zealand

The hotels were exquisite! However, I would have preferred to save some money by staying in 4 star rather than 5 star hotels and transporting my own luggage. The i...

A

Annette Jolley

Oct 2022

Written on

Highlights of Australia and New Zealand

Well planned and we saw so many beautiful places in both countries.

J

John Cottreau

Oct 2022

Written on

Highlights of Australia and New Zealand

It was good. The hotels were good, But, for reasons noted above, the purchase was only good.

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Anonymous

The guides are very knowledgeable and answered all the questions asked by the guests.

V

Victor Kuebler

May 2024

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Hawaii Four Island Adventure First Class

Need more time at the attractions especially at per harbor .

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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
  • 21 Breakfasts
  • 2 Dinners
  • 1 Farewell Dinner
  • 3 Lunches
  • 4 Regional Dinners
  • 1 Welcome Reception
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
  • A Trafalgar bonus - all Intra-Air Flights: Melbourne to Alice Springs, Ayers Rock 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-IMZB1M22

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