Highlights of Australia and New Zealand
Tour Type: Regional Explorer
Brochure Type: The Australia and New Zealand Book 2021 crossover
Connect with the Outback, untamed fiords and fascinating Maori legends, every bit as enchanting as looking up with a sense of awe and wonder at New Zealand's dark night sky.
Sightseeing Highlights
Brochure Type: The Australia and New Zealand Book 2021 crossover
Connect with the Outback, untamed fiords and fascinating Maori legends, every bit as enchanting as looking up with a sense of awe and wonder at New Zealand's dark night sky.
Sightseeing 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
- 21 breakfasts
- 3 lunches
- 9 dinners (including Connect with Locals)
- 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
Call (636) 978-5510 for more information or to book today! Mention code 15400938
- Tour Operator
- Trafalgar Tours
- Offer
- Offer valid through 3/31/2021
- Duration
- 22 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Melbourne | Arrive Melbourne (3 Nights): Melbourne's elegant facades 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. Crowne Plaza |
| Day 2 | Melbourne | 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 | Melbourne Free Time: Enjoy a day at leisure to explore stylish Melbourne or consider an Optional Experience along the Great Ocean Road. |
| Day 4 | Alice Springs | 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, connecting Australia's north and south - with a single wire. Later, we 'Connect with Locals' over a 'Be My Guest' dinner at the Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre, where we'll meet the famous Outback Paramedic Falzon brothers and learn about the sustainable lifestyle they've established. Mercure Alice Springs Resort |
| Day 5 | Ayers Rock | 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 Aussie BBQ Dinner under the glittering southern-night sky. Our home for the next two nights is one of Trafalgar's 'Stays with Stories' - the Desert Gardens Hotel which reveals the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Desert Gardens |
| Day 6 | Kata Tjuta | 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 through the desert plains to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and enjoy a walk amidst its towering domes through Walpa Gorge. Admire yet another magnificent sunset paired with sparkling wine. |
| Day 7 | Cairns | 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 drink in hand. Later, join your 'Local Specialist' Aboriginal artist for a fun introduction to Western Desert Art and craft your own story as a memento of the experience. This afternoon fly to Cairns. Shangri-La |
| Day 8 | Cairns | 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 | 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-submersible craft. Before your return to Cairns, you'll enjoy a tropical buffet lunch under the glorious Aussie sunshine. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a Regional Dinner on the Cairns waterfront. |
| Day 10 | Sydney | Cairns - Sydney (3 Nights): Fly south to Sydney and spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the beauty of this harbour city. InterContinental |
| Day 11 | Sydney | 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 | 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 close to some of Australia's cuddly creatures. Spend your last evening in Sydney with your Travel Director and companions enjoying a Regional Dinner at a waterfront restaurant. |
| Day 13 | Auckland | 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. The Grand by SkyCity |
| Day 14 | Auckland | 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 | Rotorua | 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 Specialist who will help you spot shy kiwi amongst the native bush, ferns and trees. This evening, Dive Into Culture at a Regional Dinner at the Tamaki Maori Village. Millennium |
| Day 16 | Queenstown | 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. Millennium |
| Day 17 | Milford Sound | 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 Milford Sound. Take to its still waters for a cruise filled with pinch-me moments. Return to Queenstown for a free evening. Speak to your Travel Director about dining recommendations in Queenstown. |
| Day 18 | Queenstown | 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 | Lake Tekapo | 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. Peppers Bluewater Resort |
| Day 20 | Christchurch | 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. Distinction |
| Day 21 | Christchurch | 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 | Christchurch | 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). |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- *Air: Please note that the prices include land and intra-trip airfares, which are required to be booked in order to fulfil the trip itinerary: Day 4 from Melbourne to Alice Springs; Day 7 from Ayers Rock to Cairns; Day 10 from Cairns to Sydney; Day 13 from Sydney to Auckland; Day 16 from Auckland to Queenstown. Return international airfares are not included in the prices.
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class
