Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand
Tour Operator:
Tour Code:
QCANA2M24-91
Start City:
Melbourne
End City:
Christchurch
Tour Style:
Tour Quality:
First Class
Tour Length:
18 days
Dates & Prices
| Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, Jan 16, 2025 | Sunday, Feb 02, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Thursday, Jan 30, 2025 | Sunday, Feb 16, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Thursday, Mar 06, 2025 | Sunday, Mar 23, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Thursday, Mar 20, 2025 | Sunday, Apr 06, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote |
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Solo travelers have the option to pay the twin share rate and be matched with a same-sex traveler on nearly all itineraries. On many trips, travelers can choose a solo room for a low single supplement, and on some departures, the upgrade is free. Free solo room upgrades are not available on all trips and/or departures, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Discounts (except for Global Tour Rewards) are not applicable to the solo room surcharge portion of the booking. Other conditions may apply.
Tour Itinerary
Want a bit of everything? Sun, sand, city life, and wilderness all take centre stage on this Australia and New Zealand tour. Find yourself gliding across the Great Barrier Reef and getting to know the cities before Queenstown, Milford Sound, and hearing tales of Maori Warriors in just 18 incredible days.
Countries Visited
Cities Visited
Auckland , Cairns , Christchurch , Great Barrier Reef , Melbourne , Queenstown , Rotorua , Sydney
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Day 1
Welcome to MelbourneStylish and friendly Melbourne extends a warm welcome to your epic tour (flights to arrive prior to 12pm). You’ll soon see you’re staying right in the heart of the action on the banks of the Yarra River, the perfect springboard for your time in the city. After settling into your hotel, get to know your Travel Director and fellow travellers over a Welcome Reception at The General Assembly. Perched on the Yarra River’s South Wharf, this modern pub is a great introduction to Melbourne’s cosmopolitan vibe. Relax and tuck into a three-course dinner with specialties such as Fisherman’s bend pie, schnitzel, and mac & cheese croquettes, washing it down with your choice of local wines and 15 beers on tap.Accommodation: Crowne Plaza
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Day 2
Uncover Melbourne's LanewaysDelve into the city this morning on a walk with your Travel Director to discover the little lanes, arcades, and café society of stylish Melbourne. View its famous, edgy street art - in the striking contrast to federation buildings and churches that Melbourne is known for - and immerse yourself in the city’s robust coffee aroma, admiring the exquisite Victorian façades lining grand boulevards. After your orientation, you have the rest of the day to get a feel for the city strolling or finding a spot on the Yarra River to grab a drink, taking advantage of the time to do a little souvenir shopping, relaxing back at your hotel, or choosing an Optional Experience such as the popular viewing of the daily sea-to-shore trek of the tiny, adorable penguins on Phillip Island. This rare wildlife encounter is a fascinating look at the penguins’ life and one you can’t find anywhere else in the world.Accommodation: Crowne Plaza
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 3
Cairns, in the TropicsGet ready for a change of scenery and “locals” today as you fly north to Cairns. Then get right in the action meeting a Local Specialist for a private wildlife encounter at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures on a boat cruise through, where the crocs are the stars of the show popping up from the murky waters or lazing on the bank. Safe in your boat, your local guide will give you the inside scoop on the life and habits of these Cairns’ area locals. Inspired by your introduction to wildlife, you’ll love your next experience helping take part in a Rainforest Restoration project to protect the natural wonder of the nearby Notophyll Vine Forest, an area older than the Amazon. Your helping-hand planting trees supports the protection of this rare type of dry rainforest from development and restores it to its former glory as an important wildlife corridor rich with native birds - a mission you’ll feel good contributing to. Back in town, enjoy your evening on your own sampling some of the city’s famous seafood around the Cairns Marina or visiting the Cairns Night Markets, where you’ll find it hard to make a choice from over 70 open-air stalls of local specialities.Accommodation: Hilton
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 4
View Colourful Coral and Tropical FishNo matter where you hail from, today is a bucket list experience exploring the tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef as we set sail on a high-speed catamaran —and you have a full day to do it. Kick off the day, then don your mask and fins for a snorkel (equipment provided) exploring this underwater wonderland up close. You’ll think you’re inside an aquarium as you wind your way through the rainbow of reefs and fish. Or, stay dry in your semi-submersible, air-conditioned craft with an underwater observatory to view the tropical species that live in the world’s largest coral reef system. Your local guide shares all their insights on the reef and its ecology. Learn about the colourful fish and plants that call the reef home and why it’s so important to protect this beautiful and fragile ecosystem. Refuel with lunch and afternoon tea and coffee under the glorious Aussie sunshine before you cruise back into the city, all smiles after an amazing day.Accommodation: Hilton
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 5
Cairns, it's All YoursSoak up the atmosphere of sunny Cairns with a free day to explore the town, head further afield, or relax by your hotel pool. You can also choose to join a popular Optional Experience aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway through a lush forest past gorges, ravines, and waterfalls to Kuranda 'village in the rainforest.' Explore this quaint village of trails, wildlife sanctuaries, shops, and markets within a World Heritage rainforest before returning to the lowlands soaring above the canopy on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Tonight, join the group to trade tales from the day at Ochre Restaurant. With views of the inlet and mountains, watch the boats come in over the Harbour Lights’ boardwalk as you enjoy Australian cuisine featuring the best local produce. Try their dry old Tablelands beef or Salt and Pepper Prawn with a craft beer, glass of wine from their extensive list, or cocktail highlighting their largest selection of Australian spirits in the region.Accommodation: Hilton
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 6
Fly to Glorious SydneyYou're only six days into your Australia and New Zealand tour and the journey continues leaving the golden beaches of Cairns behind and heading to Sydney, Australia’s largest city, harbour, and fun-loving metropolis. Settle into your centrally located hotel before an afternoon and evening free to explore. You could soak up the incredible city views on a ferry trip to Manly, wander around the Royal Botanic Garden, or get your adrenaline racing with an Optional Experience thrilling climb up (and over) the Sydney harbour Bridge.Accommodation: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 7
Savour the Sights of SydneyIt's the ultimate in Sydney sightseeing today when you join a behind-the-scenes Opera House Tour with a Local Specialist before exploring the city from another angle - aboard a harbour cruise, sailing past Circular Quay, Shark Island, magnificent homes, beaches, and parkland, and the iconic white sails of the Opera House. Cross the harbour Bridge, soaking in the beautiful blooms of Wendy’s Secret Garden at Lavender Bay. At this tucked away retreat overlooking Sydney harbour, meet a local volunteer and learn the story of how the garden was transformed, beginning in 1992 from unused railway land at the foot of founder Wendy’s house into a beautiful, whimsical secret spot. Take a walk around the grounds among the shrubs, herbs, and towering trees lining meandering paths, eyes peeled for the resident parrots, gulls, kookaburras and wagtails. Take a moment to enjoy the serenity of the garden, knowing that your visit, proudly a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, helps by contributing to the ongoing maintenance by volunteer gardeners of this enchanting garden. After a big morning, the rest of the day is yours to check out the sites.Accommodation: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 8
Sydney, It's Your ChoiceGet your final fix of Sydney by checking out its sights and sounds anyway you want on this free day. You might choose to wander further afield on an optional experience to the Blue Mountains, wander along the harbor foreshore through the Royal Botanic Garden or board a ferry to the beachside suburb of Manly. On your last night in town, take one last walk around the harbour before sitting down to a Regional Dinner saying a fond farewell to Australia before experiencing a change of scenery on the next leg of your journey in New Zealand.Accommodation: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 9
Kia Ora Auckland New ZealandSay a fond hoo roo to Australia on your Australia and New Zealand tour as you board your flight to Auckland. Upon arrival, ease into the warm, welcoming embrace of the City of Sails before meeting your Travel Director for dinner at a restaurant right in the heart of the city, and no doubt full of anticipation for your first full day in New Zealand tomorrow.Accommodation: The Grand by SkyCity
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 10
Delve into AucklandThis morning, you’ll see how the city earned its name as the ‘City of Sails’ as you jump right in with a city sightseeing tour showcasing the beautiful waterfront of Mission Bay, historic overlook of Bastion Point, and spacious gardens and sunken pool at the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial offering sweeping views of Waitemata Harbour and the North Shore. You’ll pass the Auckland Museum located on the dormant volcano Pukekawa, meaning 'hill of bitter memories' referring to tribal battles fought on the site until 1828. Your afternoon free. Pop into one of their many chocolate cafes for a treat after a full morning of exploring. Or you could join the All Blacks Rugby Optional Experience or go for a sail on the Ted Ashby.Accommodation: The Grand by SkyCity
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 11
Rotorua, the Cultural HubJourney through the dramatic scenery and landscapes of Waikato, passing through Cambridge, on your way to New Zealand’s cultural capital, Rotorua. On Cambridge’s tree-lined main street, learn about the town’s claim to fame as the training grounds for thoroughbred racehorses and famous jockeys. Your time in Rotorua kicks off to an extra cute start with the first of two MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences today, visiting the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa for a tour with a Local Specialist. At this national leader in kiwi husbandry, learn about the work being done to save this rare native bird. Get up close and see kiwi eggs being incubated, the hatching process, and even newly hatched kiwi chicks - leaving you with an appreciation for those trying to save New Zealand’s national bird. This evening, Dive Into Culture at a Regional Dinner at Te P? T? M?ori Experience, where you’ll journey into the forest to a time of warriors and ancient traditions. You’ll be welcomed by their Poi and Haka dances (and have the chance to join in). Top off this fun night with forest kai horotai (seasonal canapés) and chef-choice aperitif followed by a seasonal three-course dinner and live music under the stars.Accommodation: Millennium
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 12
Adventure Capital QueenstownGo from city to farm life today as you travel to the countryside for a dose of local hospitality at a Be My Guest experience in the Red Barn. Hear the history of this working dairy farm from local Dan, and get a feel for country life as you're invited to roll up your sleeves and make your own butter - butter churners, tiny mason jars and all! Later, sit down to a locally sourced farm to table morning tea prepared by the onsite chef. The feel-good vibes will follow you all the way to Queenstown, the self-proclaimed adventure capital of New Zealand. It makes perfect sense – there are ski fields, white-water river and bridges strapped with bungy cords wherever you turn. And then there’s the dining scene; Queenstown is home to some of the country’s most awarded restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for bulging burgers or lakeside tapas, ask us for recommendations on this leg of your Queenstown New Zealand tour.Accommodation: Millennium
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 13
Cruise Milford SoundRise and shine journeying through some of the best natural and dramatic landscapes you'll ever experience, along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and over the Devil's Staircase to Te Anau. Pass Mirror Lakes. Emerge from the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel towards Mitre Peak - named after its resemblance to a bishop’s mitre headdress - and Lady Bowen Falls before reaching World Heritage listed national park, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. You get to the experience this treasure on a scenic cruise getting up close to sheer cliffs, white-capped peaks, and waterfalls as you watch for dolphins, penguins, and seals. Take it all in as you learn how the dramatic landscapes of Milford Sound were carved out by the erosion of ancient glacial ice. After a day of natural beauty, return to Queenstown for a free evening to stay in and wind down or dine at one of the restaurants overlooking Lake Wakatipu.Accommodation: Millennium
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 14
Indulge Yourself in QueenstownIt’s your final day in Queenstown and the world is your oyster. Oenophiles will want to join an Optional Experience touring three premium boutique vineyards in the famous Otago region known for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. You’ll indulge in vineyard and barrel hall tours complete with early history of the region and, of course, plenty of tastings as well as a platter lunch with the vines as your backdrop. Perhaps cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm for an authentic Kiwi Farming experience complete with a working sheep dog demonstration and gourmet barbecue lunch. With more sheep than people in New Zealand, you’ll know this is the real thing! This evening, we take a step back in time with our Travel Director over a Regional Dinner at the Postmasters Cottage built in 1907 in nearby historic Arrowtown. You’ll learn how after the cottage was almost demolished by developers, it was then saved and purchased by the passionate local community and ultimately restored and embellished with verandas and gardens. Lastly, sit down to fresh, local food and wines matched with friendly service that the kiwis are known for.Accommodation: Millennium
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 15
Breathtaking Lake TekapoLeave the alpine wonderland of Queenstown for Lake Tekapo, travelling through Arrowtown’s lovingly restored mining cottages, and Cromwell on the banks of Lake Dunstan. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped inside a painting as you see the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd perched on the shores of the lake and built with stones gathered within a five-mile radius. Then the night sky calls as you spend the evening stargazing in the world-renowned UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. Your Local Specialist will show you the famous Southern Cross, Magellanic Cloud, and Milky Way as you gaze up in wonder and get a closer look using a powerful optical telescope. Cap off your adventures in this beautiful part of the world with an overnight at Peppers Bluewater Resort overlooking Lake Tekapo. Experience this location known for its bountiful stars strolling the sprawling grounds or from the comfort of your room.Accommodation: Peppers Bluewater Resort
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 16
Christchurch, the Garden CityGet an early start to watch the sun rise over the lake or sleep in before heading north through South Canterbury to Christchurch, a beautiful English city rich in history and thriving after rebuilding itself from the devastating 2011 earthquake. Everywhere you look you can easily see how it’s earned its name, the Garden City. Begin at the Transitional Cathedral in Latimer Square, the temporary home of the Christchurch Cathedral, to admire its colourful stained-glass windows and sustainable cardboard construction that gives it the nickname “The Cardboard Cathedral.” You’ll take a tour of the highlights of the city including Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Earthquake Memorial, Bridge of Remembrance, and see the English punting boaters in their striped hats along the Avon River.Accommodation: Distinction
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 17
Meet a Local Farming FamilyTravel through rolling countryside to Hurunui Hills, a hill-country farm in North Canterbury. Enjoy warm kiwi hospitality with the Bamford Family, who have been farming at Hurunui since 1884, with six generations focused on producing premium Merino sheep, wool, and Angus cattle. Soak up the stunning scenery while you enjoy morning tea, meet the farm animals, and discover what it is like to live off the land on this unique By My Guest experience. Then visit a local vineyard, Waipara Springs Winery, where it's time to relax over a platter-style lunch among the vines. A big day leads to a big evening, joining your Travel Director and travel mates for with a celebratory Farewell Dinner featuring produce from the Canterbury region.Accommodation: Distinction
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 18
Farewell ChristchurchYour adventure sadly comes to an end this morning. Before your transfer you to the Christchurch Airport, enjoy one last breakfast with your travel mates reflecting on your adventure, food, and wildlife-filled experiences across Australia and New Zealand (flights anytime).
Meals: Breakfast
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Dining Summary
- 2 Welcome Reception (WR)
- 17 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Lunch (L)
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 3 Regional Dinner (RD)
- 2 Be My Guest (BMG)
- 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
Be My Guest
- Waikato District: Get a feel for country life at a Be My Guest morning tea on a dairy farm in the North Island.
- Hurunui: Step onto a working hill-country sheep farm. Experience what it is like to farm Merino sheep & Angus cattle in this beautiful part of the country. See the animals graze pastures in the open air and learn about where the best natural products come from.
Dive Into Culture
- Rotorua: Immerse yourself in Maori traditions at a fun and entertaining evening, including a cultural performance and three-course seasonal meal meal at Te Pa Tu Maori Experience.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Sydney: You'll learn who was the inspiration behind this secret garden on the Sydney Harbour foreshore.
- Rotorua: Visit the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa and learn about the work being done to save New Zealand's national bird. Your visit contributes to saving the kiwi bird.
Must-see Highlights
- : Explore National Kiwi Hatchery in Rotorua, and Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve in Lake Tekapo with a Local Specialist
- : Discover Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, Queenstown, and Christchurch
- : Visit Hartley's Crocodile Adventures in Cairns, Wendy's Secret Garden in Lavender Bay and The Hobbit Trilogies movie set
- : View Mt. Cook, and Church of the Good Shepherd in Tekapo
- : Scenic Cruise on the Great Barrier Reef, Milford Sound
Whats Included
- : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- : Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- : Porterage where hotels provide this service
- : Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- : Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- : All land transport shown. All transfers shown
- : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- : Optional Experiences and free time
- : A Trafalgar bonus - all Intra-Air Flights: Melbourne to Cairns, Cairns to Sydney, Sydney to Auckland, Auckland to Queenstown
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- Porterage where hotels provide this service
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- All land transport shown. All transfers shown
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences and free time
- A Trafalgar bonus - all Intra-Air Flights: Melbourne to Cairns, Cairns to Sydney, Sydney to Auckland, Auckland to Queenstown
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?
Each person is allowed one "check-in," and one "carry-on." Remember to take all valuables with you as "carry-on", because electronic equipment, cameras, laptops, jewelry, business documents and money are not covered by the airlines' liability, so always carry them aboard with you.
Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?
Airfare from your point of origin to and from the trip is not included in the land price.
Overall Rating
3.8
Accommodations
3.9
Itinerary
4.5
Professional Staff
3.9
Repeat with Operator
3.7
Value for Money
3.2
The Tour Directors in New Zealand and Australia were excellent. They were knowledgeable,helpful and patient. Their support and advice made a great trip even better.
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Operator: Gate1Starts
CairnsEnds
QueenstownDays
16From
$7399 -
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Operator: GlobusStarts
SydneyEnds
AucklandDays
16From
$4379
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Overall good trip but a couple of the Accommodations were not up to standard I thought