Grand Australia & New Zealand 2023
Dates & Prices
Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
---|---|---|---|---|
Monday, Sep 25, 2023 | Saturday, Oct 14, 2023 | $15,490 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Oct 02, 2023 | Saturday, Oct 21, 2023 | $15,490 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Oct 09, 2023 | Saturday, Oct 28, 2023 | $15,490 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Thursday, Oct 12, 2023 | Tuesday, Oct 31, 2023 | $19,590 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Monday, Oct 30, 2023 | Saturday, Nov 18, 2023 | $15,490 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Promotions
Call or submit a quote for award-winning value and service!
Tour Itinerary
Explore d esert Outback, tropical rainforests, coral reefs, glacier-capped mountains, dramatic fjords, and some of the worlds most popular cosmopolitan cities on our in-depth exploration of Australia and New Zealand... Keep your camera at the ready to capture the amazing sights of the Great Barrier Reef, the dramatic waters of Milford Sound, and the setting sun on Uluru (Ayers Rock). From a "Foodie Tour" of Sydney to a green-lipped mussel cruise, jet boat, sky tram and helicopter rides, a day in the Outback and a special Maori cultural experience, this comprehensive trip "down under" – enhanced by exclusive charter flights in Australia and New Zealand – creates memories of a lifetime.
Auckland , Ayers Rock , Blenheim , Great Barrier Reef , Marlborough , Melbourne , Milford Sound , Queenstown , Sydney , Te Anau , Uluru , Wellington
-
Day 1
Arrive Melbourne
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, The Langham Melbourne or Park Hyatt Melbourne. A transfer is included from Melbourne Airport to The Langham Melbourne or Park Hyatt Melbourne. Your journey begins with a welcome cocktail reception followed by dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Dinner -
Day 2
Discover Melbourne's Charm
You'll see a lot of Melbourne on a sightseeing tour of the city, including a guided walking tour to discover the real city (and its amazing coffee) along its distinctive laneways. The rest of the day and evening are yours to spend as you please in Melbourne; enjoy lunch and dinner as you please.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 3
Fly to Uluru & the Outback
Take a morning private charter flight to the heart of Australia's desert Outback, arriving at Ayers Rock (Uluru) for lunch and an overnight stay at Sails in the Desert in the country's "Red Centre." In the evening, the light of the setting sun bathes the mystical rock with a palette of ever-changing color... and you'll enjoy the natural "show" with canapés and champagne overlooking the monolith.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 4
Uluru to a Skyrail & More in Queensland
Aboriginal traditions define life in the Outback, especially at Uluru (Ayers Rock); learn about the "dreamtime" legends associated with this massive monolith on a guided tour this morning. Fly via private charter to Cairns in Queensland, gateway to the amazing Great Barrier Reef. Board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, taking you over and through the rainforest canopy; disembark in the mountain village of Kuranda. Continue on to Silky Oaks Lodge, your luxury eco lodge on the Mossman River adjacent to Daintree National Park, to begin a three-night rainforest resort stay.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 5
Choices at the Great Barrier Reef
Spend a full day exploring one of Earth's most incredible "living" sites, the Great Barrier Reef – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only living structure on Earth visible from the moon. Activity choices include a catamaran cruise to the Agincourt Reef; an adventure boat trip for scuba divers and snorkelers; or a relaxing spa day at the lodge. Enjoy a leisurely dinner and evening at your resort.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 6
Optional Balloon Ride / Day at Leisure
Early risers may choose to soar over the Atherton Tablelands on an optional hot air balloon ride* at dawn (an additional charge per person; see pricing details). The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish at your rainforest resort and spa, or explore the area as you please. Enjoy dinner tonight at the lodge.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 7
Crocodiles, koalas and on to SydneyIt's all about crocodiles at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures; have a meet and greet with a crocodile and blue tongue lizard and snake... plus visit a private enclosure where you might come across Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Agile Wallabies, Pademelons, Koalas, Wombats and more. You'll also have an opportunity to hold a koala and have your photo taken... attend a tour and feeding presentation... and take an exclusive boat cruise on the lagoon. After lunch, fly to Sydney via private charter for a three-night stay in the city's heart at InterContinental Sydney, in guest rooms overlooking Sydney Harbour.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 8
Sydney Opera House, a Sydney Harbour cruise, and sightseeingBegin the day with a visit to one of Australia's most famous iconic sights, the amazing Sydney Opera House, and a private tour. Next, a private cruise on Sydney Harbour – complete with morning tea – is a fabulous way to introduce yourself to this extraordinary city, taking a good look at some of its landmark sites from the water. Sydney sightseeing continues as you view highlights on a city tour, then spend the rest of the day exploring as you please. Dinner this evening will be a "dine-around" from your choice of several select local restaurants.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 9
Walking tour of "The Rocks" & the time spent as you pleaseHistoric and legendary, discover Sydney's popular neighborhood of "The Rocks" this morning – a story beginning with the arrival of the Britain's "First Fleet" in 1788 and continuing to the present day. Afterwards, return to your hotel; the remainder of the day and evening are yours to spend as you wish in remarkable Sydney.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 10
Fly to WellingtonBid Australia a fond farewell this morning and board a flight across the Tasman Sea, bound for New Zealand Note: Your tour price does not include the Sydney – Wellington trans-Tasman flight on Day 10, which must be purchased with your international air ticket. First stop is Wellington, New Zealand's intimate waterfront capital with an impressive artistic and cultural edge. Accommodations for the next two nights are Club Rooms at InterContinental Wellington; enjoy a 3-course dinner at the hotel this evening.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 11
Wellington Wonders
Discover Wellington on a tour that begins city center with a cable car ride up to the city's Botanic Garden to see the award-winning rose garden and great views of the city, harbour, and Parliament Buildings. Next up is Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand's national museum, where you'll have a guided orientation to its five floors focusing on the country's exceptional nature, art, history, the Pacific and Maori culture. Touring its exhibits is like actually experiencing thousands of years of New Zealand's history in person, as motion simulators and interactive exhibits include you in the journey. The remainder of the day is free to explore Wellington as you please.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 12
Blenheim & Marlborough SoundsTauck puts a charter plane at your service today for a flight to Blenheim on New Zealand's South Island, and a two-night stay in the heart of the Marlborough wine country. Upon arrival, head off on a visit to the Marlborough Sounds. Besides producing great wine, this region is one of the most beautiful and picturesque areas in the country, and boasts delectable freshly caught seafood, including green-lipped mussels; sample them, along with local wines, on a luncheon cruise that celebrates New Zealand's bounty. Following your cruise, drive to Chateau Marlborough in Blenheim where you'll enjoy dinner at your leisure this evening.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 13
Blenheim's Bounty & a Warbird DinnerA memorable day in the Blenheim area begins with a visit to a working private farm for a sheep shearing demonstration and sheep dog experience; morning tea at the homestead with the farmer and his family; and a walk through their extensive gardens. Continue on to Brancott Winery for a wine tasting and three-course lunch with matching wines at the Brancott Heritage Centre, then return to the hotel for some free time. Join us this evening for a Tauck Exclusive event: a visit to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre – which displays an incredible collection of World War I and II aircraft and memorabilia owned by film director Sir Peter Jackson – for "Dinner with the Warbirds," featuring a tour of the museum's "Knights of the Sky" and "Dangerous Skies" exhibitions, and a three-course dinner showcasing seasonal Marlborough produce and a selection of quality Marlborough wines.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 14
Fly to QueenstownToday, depart Blenheim and fly off aboard Tauck's charter to beautiful Queenstown, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu – with the magnificent Southern Alps as a backdrop. The city prides itself as the gateway for outdoors adventure, water experience, and culinary and wine discoveries. An afternoon visit brings you for a visit – and lunch – at a renowned winery well-known for its production of Pinot Noir. The winery – and bistro – is situated in an iconic stone building with stunning views of breathtaking mountains and sparkling Lake Hayes. Return to Queenstown, where the remainder of the day is free for you to explore as you choose.
Meals: Lunch -
Day 15
"Lord of the Rings" or cruise Milford SoundYou'll have a choice today of exploring Milford Sound or doing a "Lord of the Rings" off roading experience – a Queenstown adventure safari via 4WD, filled with breathtaking "Lord Of The Rings" filming locations. Local guides bring the magic of Tolkien's Middle-earth to life with rare facts and thrilling tales; visit filming locations such as the Misty Mountains, the Pillars of the Kings (Argonath) and more, as well as taking a journey along a historic gold mining road. Alternatively, take a dramatic drive through the unparalleled scenery of New Zealand's Fiordland National Park, then set off aboard a private boat (with a naturalist onboard) for a scenic nature luncheon cruise among the sheer cliffs and glacier-hewn inlets of beautiful Milford Sound. Return to your hotel late afternoon, and enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 16
Adventures by jet boat & helicopter in QueenstownEven if you're not all that adventurous, today's thrilling high-speed jet boat ride* through the rapids and narrow gorges of Skippers Canyon on the Shotover River – followed by a helicopter ride* – will be memorable highlights. Head back down the mountain via Skyline gondola to spend the rest of the day and evening as you wish in Queenstown.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 17
Charter flight to AucklandTravel via Tauck's private charter flight from Queenstown to Auckland today for a three-night stay, arriving in time for lunch at a local restaurant. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Auckland as you please; following dinner at your hotel, your evening is free.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 18
Wine tasting & lunch on Waiheke Island
Depart from Auckland's Ferry Terminal and head to nearby Waiheke Island, a mecca of farmland, forest and beaches – and vineyards; enjoy some sightseeing and a unique wine tasting and lunch at Mudbrick Vineyard. Ferry back to Auckland where the remainder of the day is free to spend as you please.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 19
Cruise Auckland Harbour, attend a Maori cultural presentation & time to explore as you please
First up this morning, cruise Auckland Harbour the waters surrounding Auckland. Visit Auckland Museum, where you'll attend a Maori cultural presentation, then the afternoon is spent as you please exploring what interests you most in Auckland. Join us this evening for a farewell cocktail reception and dinner at your hotel in the heart of the city, a fitting finale to an incredible odyssey Down Under.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 20
Journey Home
Tour ends: Auckland. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from The Sofitel Auckland at Viaduct Harbour to Auckland Airport. You should allow three hours for check-in at the airport.
Meals: Breakfast
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Explore desert Outback, tropical rainforests, coral reefs, glacier-capped mountains, dramatic fjords, and some of the worlds most popular cosmopolitan cities on our in-depth exploration of Australia and New Zealand...Keep your camera at the ready to capture the amazing sights of the Great Barrier Reef, the dramatic waters of Milford Sound, and the setting sun on Uluru (Ayers Rock). From a "Foodie Tour" of Sydney to a green-lipped mussel cruise, jet boat, sky tram and helicopter rides, a day in the Outback and a special Maori cultural experience, this comprehensive trip "down under" – enhanced by exclusive charter flights in Australia and New Zealand – creates memories of a lifetime.
- TAUCK EXCLUSIVE - Tour and 3-course "Dinner with the Warbirds" at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre featuring World War I and II aircraft, owned by Sir Peter Jackson
- Private charter flights make the most of your travel time in the lands down under, speeding you from city to city in Australia and from one natural wonder to the next in New Zealand (6 flights in total) Note: The total price does not include the Sydney - Wellington trans-Tasman flight on Day 10, which must be purchased with your international air ticket.
- In Queenstown, take a jet boat ride on the Shotover River rapids at Skippers Canyon followed by helicopter sightseeing
- Farewell cocktail reception and dinner at The Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
- Full-day eco-cruise to the Agincourt Reef - swim and snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef
- Visit World Heritage Rainforest with Skyrail
Health and Safety Protocols for Tauck Tours
Traveling with Peace of Mind
Our commitment never wavers – to earn your trust by always doing the right thing. As we explore the world together again, this will be more important than ever as we adapt to living and traveling in the presence of COVID-19.
Tauck is 97-years young this year, and our ability to weather many storms over the decades is a result of our values and beliefs – as a family and as a family-owned and led company. In addition to the guiding light of these values, our extensive experience, local knowledge and global support network help to ensure your safety on every Tauck journey. Building upon our bedrock of award-winning guest care, we have worked tirelessly to prepare for your return following the COVID-19 hiatus in travel. With guidance from leading experts, including the CDC and WHO, together with our internal Global Response Team and, most importantly, with feedback from thousands of our guests, we have redefined how we will conduct our experiences as we resume travel.
Tauck is Prepared for the Unexpected
For decades, Tauck has operated in over 70 countries in all 7 continents. Over this time, our staff and network of supplier partners have always been there to support our guests and team on the road. Our guests travel with a comprehensive, built-in support system that starts with the care and local knowledge of our Tauck Directors and extends to our network of partners around the world, including hoteliers and transportation companies.
At the core of our ability to quickly and effectively respond to the unexpected is our Global Response Team - a group of over 50 employees across all departments who stand ready to spring into action around the world. This team has plenty of experience, from weather events, high and low water on rivers, earthquakes, volcanic ash, civil unrest and work stoppages. They have also dealt with past virus outbreaks including the SARS and Zika viruses.
The Tauck Travel Well Pledge
Before we operate tours and cruises, all Tauck employees, our supplier partners and our guests will take Tauck’s Travel Well Pledge.
As a company, we will follow our enhanced protocols with diligence and rigor; review them frequently as the landscape changes and always make common-sense decisions grounded in purpose and pride. We embrace these new and necessary measures to combat COVID-19 and will do our very best to provide the Tauck care we have been honored to deliver for 97 years.
OUR NEW HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS
Consistent with our commitment to the well-being of our guests, we are implementing enhanced health and safety protocols. These protocols may vary by geographic regions and will certainly evolve over time, as science and society respond to new realities:
Tauck Staff
Prior to interacting with guests, each member of Tauck’s field staff is trained in enhanced protocols and participates in a personal health screening.
Once on tour, our Tauck Directors and supporting staff are responsible for maintaining these protocols with a special focus on cleanliness and physical distancing. They will relay critical information regarding requirements, advise when protocols are mandatory – such as wearing a face covering in group settings – and help facilitate guest care through communication with appropriate parties should a guest become ill on tour. All Tauck staff will adhere to the same requirements.
Guest Responsibility
When joining a Tauck journey, every guest is responsible for their own health and, in turn, the protection of their fellow travelers, the Tauck staff, our suppliers and the places we visit. Guests will pledge to follow the direction of the Tauck staff and adhere to health and safety protocols.
Guests are expected to wear face coverings in all group settings, to wash their hands frequently and to adhere to supplier and government regulations. While supplies of face coverings, gloves, and hand sanitizer will be available, guests are asked to bring such personal items for their own comfort.
Small is BIG
For many years, Tauck has emphasized and invested in more choices of activities, resulting in smaller groups for activities like sightseeing and events. This is consistent with our mantra that “Small is Big” – small groups and smaller ships with fewer guests.
We initially focused on these elements to improve the guest experience. Yet today they take on an additional dimension; small group experiences and more personal space are critical in providing the peace of mind our guests expect. Accordingly, we are offering even more small group experiences and limiting guest numbers across all of our journeys.
We have been working diligently with our partners to be prepared to welcome you back when the time is right.
Tauck has worked meticulously with our global supplier partners to plan for every itinerary following the hiatus in travel. All partners, whether they be a hotel, museum, small ship/riverboat, restaurant or other partner, have been thoughtful about how to provide a Tauck experience in this environment.
And while it's impossible to list all of the enhanced health and safety protocols for the hundreds of Tauck partners across the globe, we would like to share a representative sample of what you can expect:
Hotels
Our hotel partners all have world-class health and safety protocols. However, these guidelines may vary depending on local situations and regulations. Here are some typical examples:
- Upon-arrival, health questionnaires and temperature checks may be required. Some hotels may even require daily temperature scans.
- Social distancing may be required in public areas, bars and restaurants.
- High-touch areas such as railings, door handles and elevators will undergo enhanced cleaning.
- In-room measures may include removal of tent cards and magazines. Common use items, such as coffee makers and minibar amenities may be on demand.
- High-touch areas, such as light switches, thermostats, remote controls and door handles will be subject to enhanced and frequent cleaning.
- Guests will have the option to determine housekeeping frequency.
- All hotel staff will undergo daily health screenings.
Ships and Riverboats
We have worked closely with our cruise partners to ensure the best possible health and safety protocols and to ensure the care and service you expect from Tauck:
- Guests on cruises and river journeys will be required to complete a health questionnaire and will undergo a temperature check prior to boarding. In some instances, our ship partners will conduct daily temperature checks.
- Face coverings and physical distancing will be required in most public spaces for guests and crew alike.
- Meals may be offered at staggered times and self-serve buffets will be eliminated.
- In-cabin measures include removing common use items. Coffee makers, minibar amenities and housekeeping will be on demand at guest discretion.
- Ship staff will undergo daily health screenings.
- All vessels will have medical staff onboard.
Sightseeing and Local Activities
Many of our experiences are exclusive and/or private and that’s important in taking care of you. Whether it be a guided tour, a visit to an iconic museum or private home, a musical performance, or any other special Tauck activities, we are applying the same rigor to health and safety protocols:
- Tauck listening devices will be sanitized thoroughly and frequently.
- Sightseeing is being adjusted to ensure proper physical distancing.
- Admission times at venues may be altered to ensure no crowding.
- Paper tickets, handouts and the like may be eliminated.
Dining
Tauck has always been known for a la carte dining; having more freedom to decide when and with whom to dine now has more value than ever. Additionally, our partners whether they be hotels, ships, special venues or restaurants, are raising their already rigorous hygienic standards. Here are some examples:
- Waitstaff will likely be wearing face coverings and gloves.
- Seating will be adjusted to accommodate physical distancing.
- Self-serve buffets will be eliminated. Common use menus will no longer be used unless sanitized.
On-Tour Transportation
Keeping on-tour transportation safe is a major focus of our team who has worked with hundreds of partners to ensure continuity in health and safety protocols:
- On motorcoaches and other on-tour ground transportation, such as airport transfers, guest should expect physical distancing and will be required to wear face coverings.
- Prior to each trip, our motorcoaches, vans, airport transfer vehicles and on-tour aircraft will undergo a deep sanitizing process.
- Luggage may also be sanitized at each movement.
- Drivers will wear gloves and face coverings during all guest-facing interactions.
- Drivers will frequently clean handrails, door handles, arm rests, tables, seats, air conditioning/HVAC units, restrooms and overhead storage areas.
Our Supplier Partners are ready for you
Tauck is proud to have worked closely with our partners around the world, many of them for decades, to deliver the quality, comfort and safety you expect. Whether it be hotels and resorts, riverboats and small ships, restaurants, event venues or transportation companies, their meticulous health and safety protocols reflect their leadership and well-earned respect in the travel industry. The following are some select health and safety protocols. We will update these on a regular basis.
In addition to our supplier partners, we have also been actively engaged with global travel organizations to standardize health and safety protocols throughout the travel industry. TourCare is one example:
TourCare are health and sanitation guidelines developed by the tour industry's major global associations: the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), The Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) and the European Tourism Association (ETOA). Tauck, and our supplier partners, meet and exceed these guidelines that require members to adhere to the highest standards in the industry.
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa
InterContinental Sydney
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
InterContinental Wellington
Silky Oaks Lodge
The Langham, Melbourne
Sails in the Desert
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?
Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?
Tauck consistently does an amazing job and finds ways to exceed our expectations. This 3 week land tour of AUS and NZ was off the charts fantastic and a very easy way to see so much in so little time considering the distances between sites.
Tour director was noteworthy... very organized and sensitive to individuals needs. Loved the charter flights associated with this trip
This was our 7th trip with this operator, and as always, was excellent. The private planes made the extensive itinerary not only possible, but very enjoyable. We were pampered during the whole trip. The director, Marcie, was knowledgeable, funny, and worked constantly toward our enjoyment. She arranged a special place and transportation for us to watch the Super Bowl. The people we travelled with were interesting and fun. Thanks again, Tauck and Affordable Tours. Thanks to Sonny for arranging and booking the trip, as always, you do a great job. See you the next time. Roger & Debbie Shellhamer
The Tauck Grand Australia & New Zealand was a remarkable trip which was made even better by having a professiomal, personable, & knowledgeable Tour Director. There were 2 hotels that were not of Tauck quality but they were the finest hotels in the location we were visiting. The itinerary was full with numerous early morning starts & late afternoon returns. All in all it was a trip of a lifetime.
Great trip! Love Tauck Tours!
Touring with Tauck is an excellent experience. While costing a little more you get 150% more in value. Every aspect of the trip is top shelf.
Australia and New Zealand was our first tour with Tauck and they provide a premium experience consistent with their premium prices. Though we loved Tauck, we will continue to decide future tours with the major operators primarily based on itineraries, length of tour, and departure dates.
This was our best trip ever. Tauck never disappoints.
Call Us Now 1-800-935-2620
How It Works
Vacationing has never been easier or cheaper with the help of a dedicated travel consultant from AffordableTours.com
1. Free Quote
Find your perfect trip on our website and simply request a free quote. Need to speak to a live person? Call us 7 days a week at 1-800-935-2620. No robots here!
2. Dedicated Travel Consultant
Your personal travel consultant will reach out and be your point of contact for your entire travel experience from start to finish. Did we mention you'll be working with an award winning team? Sweet!
3. Lowest Price Guaranteed
Because we're one of the largest sellers of travel, we're able to give you a discount on your vacation package. No one beats our prices!
4. Stress Free Travel
Knowing you got the best deal, all that's left is for you to pack your bags and enjoy your vacation!
Our goals were met and exceeded by Affordable Tours.