Iconic Australia and New Zealand - Winter Itinerary 5/27/24 - 9/27/24
Tour Operator:
Tour Code:
4110-9358
Start City:
Auckland
End City:
Cairns
Tour Style:
Tour Quality:
First Class
Tour Length:
23 days
Age Requirement:
12+ Years Old
Tour Capacity:
16
Physical Rating:
2 - Classic
Dates & Prices
| Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, Aug 11, 2024 | Monday, Sep 02, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Sunday, Sep 08, 2024 | Monday, Sep 30, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote |
Promotions
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Tour Itinerary
Go behind the scenes at Sydney Opera house, take an interpretive walk with an Indigenous guide, snorkel with the fish in the Great Barrier Reef, witness thousands of glowworms lighting up the scenery
Countries Visited
Cities Visited
Auckland , Cairns , Christchurch , Franz Josef , Melbourne , Port Douglas , Queenstown , Rotorua , Sydney , Uluru
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Day 1
AucklandArrive at any time.
Activity: The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you're back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.
Accommodation: CityLife Auckland (or similar)
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Day 2
AucklandTake an orientation walk in Auckland, one of the most multicultural cities in the Southern Hemisphere. We'll then catch a ferry to beautiful Waiheke Island, a haven of world-class vineyards and idyllic beaches. Visit wineries to learn about New Zealand's burgeoning wine industry and the history of viticulture in the country while sampling some of the local blends.
Activity: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Activity: Catch the ferry to picturesque Waiheke Island to learn about the evolution of the highly celebrated wine industry in New Zealand in its founding region. Tour picturesque vineyards, tasting well known wines from the region while enjoying the views. Return to Auckland this evening via a scenic ferry ride.
Accommodation: CityLife Auckland (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 3
Auckland/RotoruaDrive to the lakeside town of Rotorua, situated over an active geothermal zone and known for its volcanic features and rich Maori heritage. Stop en route at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm to see thousands of flickering glowworms light up in the dark.
Transport: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Activity: Enjoy a peaceful boat ride through 30 million year old caverns covered with magical glowworms that are unique to New Zealand. Hundreds of thousands of these tiny creatures radiate luminescent light in underground caves carved by rivers and time. Take in more than 136 years of cultural and natural history on this unique excursion.
Accommodation: Millennium Rotorua (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 4
RotoruaOn a full-day excursion, head to the Maori-owned Kohutapu Lodge, our base for exploring New Zealand's indigenous culture. See ancient rock carvings and learn about their spiritual significance to the Maori people, both past and present. Watch as a hangi lunch is prepared the traditional way--buried in an underground pit—and enjoy the resulting feast with your Maori hosts. After lunch, take a walk through the 800-year-old podocarp trees in Whirinaki Rainforest, learning the history of the forest and spotting endemic birds and medicinal plants. Return to Rotorua for an optional evening meal or a well-deserved soak in the hot springs.
Activity: Travel to Kohutapu Lodge, a social enterprise owned by a local Maori family who are making a difference in their local community through community-driven initiatives. Led by your guide, set off on a short hike to the nearby sacred Maori rock carvings, carbon dated 400 years before the Great Migration. Witness the preparation of a ground cooked hangi and taste it for yourself. After a delicious lunch, set off for the Whirinaki rainforest- a Jurassic Podocarp forest- where you will be led by your Maori guide to discover more about the Maori culture and learn about the history of the forest. Spend a final few moments bathed in the forest's sights and smells while indulging in a cup of hot kawakawa tea.
Accommodation: Millennium Rotorua (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 5
Rotorua/ChristchurchEnjoy time at leisure this morning before catching a flight to Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island. Take some time to explore this small city on your own.
Transport: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Activity: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Accommodation: Distinction Christchurch Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 6
Christchurch/Franz JosefBoard the TranzAlpine train—one of the world's most scenic rail routes—for a breathtaking journey through verdant plains, beech forests, and majestic, misty mountains. After a whistle stop at Arthur's Pass—the highest pass in the Southern Alps— continue to the end of the line in Greymouth, gateway to the West Coast. Continue on a private vehicle to a rainforest lodge near the town of Franz Josef, our home for the next two nights.
Transport: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Transport: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 7
Franz JosefDiscover the natural wonders of the Franz Josef area on your own today. Opt to embark on a walk in the area; soak in natural hot pools surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery; and more.
Free Time: Opt for various hiking adventures in the area, the most popular being trekking to view Franz Josef glacier. If relaxing is more your style, there are shorter day hikes and bush walks or local hot pools to take a dip.
Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 8
Franz Josef/QueenstownSet out towards Queenstown on a drive along the South Island's magnificent west coast. Stop at tranquil Lake Matheson, where, on a clear day, you can capture a postcard-perfect image of New Zealand's highest peaks reflected in the water. Continue to Queenstown, pausing for short walks through the rainforest and visits to picturesque waterfalls.
Transport: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation: Peppers Beacon Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 9
Fiordland National Park Day TripDiscover the glacially carved wilderness of Fiordland National Park on a cruise. Glide past shimmering waterfalls and towering cliffs, and look out for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and little blue penguins with our naturalist guides. Travel back to shore, head to Queenstown for the night.
Transport: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Activity: Cruise through stunning Fiordland National Park, one of the most untouched, remote places in the world. Depending on the departure, the cruise will be in either Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound - two of the most stunning regions within the park. Marvel at the steep cliff walls and cascading waterfalls, and keep an eye out for area wildlife: dolphins, penguins, seals, and a variety of birds.
Transport: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation: Peppers Beacon Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 10
QueenstownAfter breakfast spend the rest of the day at leisure in this fun-loving lakeside town, known as the adventure capital of the world. Opt to visit a vineyard for a tour, or simply wander around, cafe hopping and sightseeing.
Free Time: There's plenty to see and do in Queenstown, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like mountain biking and jet boating. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask.
Accommodation: Peppers Beacon Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 11
QueenstownThe day is yours to explore Queenstown. Choose to cruise lake Wakatipu on a historic steamer; experience a thrilling jet boat ride; or visit a local winery to sample the region's award-winning vintages. This evening, enjoy a cable car ride to the top of Bob's Peak for panoramic vistas of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps and then have dinner together as a group.
Activity: Take a ride up to the top of the mountain by cable car gondola. Get a spectacular 220º view of Coronet Peak, the Remarkables mountain range, and Lake Wakatipu below.
Free Time: There's plenty to see and do in Queenstown, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like mountain biking and jet boating. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Accommodation: Peppers Beacon Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 12
Queenstown/MelbourneFly from Queenstown to Melbourne, Australia, and enjoy free time in the city.
Transport: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Accommodation: Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 13
MelbourneEmbark on a food tour of Melbourne with a local author and culinary storyteller. Home to many thriving immigrant communities, Melbourne has long been considered one of Australia's gastronomic hubs. On this foodie walk through the city's famed laneways, we'll experience a range of flavors and cuisines over lunch at three popular venues. Start with an Asian entree with wine; move on to an Italian restaurant for a main dish accompanied with more wine, and finish off the tour with a gelato dessert at our third stop. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Activity: Melbourne has long been considered a major centre for foodie culture in Australia. As home to many immigrant communities, the gastronomic expertise on offer here is both diverse and exciting. Explore this incredible city on a National Geographic Journeys-exclusive guided walk, led by local author and culinary storyteller, Monique Bayer. Enjoy lunch at three popular venues that showcase why contemporary dining in Melbourne is such a special experience. Through European flavours as well as those from across Asia, you'll gain a greater understanding of the city's history, its people, and its celebrated (and gorgeous) laneways.
Free Time: Free time to explore the city or take an excursion.
Accommodation: Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 14
MelbourneSpend the day exploring vibrant Melbourne. Set out on an optional excursion on the Great Ocean Road, following spectacular sea cliffs along the windswept Southern Ocean. Visit some of the region's top wineries or wander the city's narrow cobbled lanes and alleys, discovering quirky cafés and colorful murals.
Free Time: Melbourne is full of things to do - take advantage of this free day and get out to explore! Head out on a Yarra Valley Wine Tour or book an excursion along the Great Ocean Road.
Accommodation: Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 15
Melbourne/UluruCatch a flight to Uluru, in the heart of the Australian outback. Visit the Cultural Centre of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and learn about the beliefs and customs of the Anangu, the area's traditional Indigenous owners. Cap off the day with a glass of sparkling wine as you witness a crimson sunset over this fabled monolith.
Transport: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Activity: Learn about Indigenous Australian culture in the area to get a better perspective of the history, beliefs and present-day life of the Anangu people. Discover the wild world of bush tucker (indigenous food), find out which plants are used in bush medicine, and hear creation stories.
Activity: Take a guided walk along the northwest side of Uluru to learn about the history of the area, hear the stories of the Anangu people and gaze upon these awe-inspiring uplifted sandstone rock formations. Afterward, gather together to witness the sun setting behind this sacred site.
Free Time: Relax and watch the sunset over Uluru.
Transport: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Activity: Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine while watching the sunset over Uluru. Marvel at the changing colours over the desert and keep reminding yourself that yes, you really are there.
Accommodation: Desert Gardens Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 16
UluruAwaken at dawn to witness the sunrise over Uluru and see the famous Field of Light installation. Then delve into a full-day exploration of the ancient, red-hued landscapes of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. After breakfast, make your way to Kata Tjuta, Uluru's neighboring natural wonder for a morning of exploration. Later set out on a guided walk around the base of the monolith, gaining insight into its sacred significance to the Anangu.
Activity: Head to the Field of Light for a sunrise experience you won't soon forget. The artist Bruce Munro created an art installation that becomes illuminated in the changing light. Observe the stunning display and watch the sun rise with views of Uluru (Ayers Rock) in the distance.
Activity: Take a walk in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to explore the beautiful, red, domed rocks that comprise the site. While Uluru is the most famous landmark in the park, we explore a bit further afield to enjoy this stunning landscape.
Free Time: Enjoy some time at leisure.
Accommodation: Desert Gardens Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 17
Uluru/SydneyEnjoy free time on our final morning in the Red Centre. Then pack up and head off to the airport for an afternoon flight to Sydney. Check in to our hotel and opt to join our CEO for a dinner out on the town in one of Sydney's famous neighbourhoods.
Transport: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Accommodation: Vibe Hotel Sydney (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 18
SydneyTake it slow with a leisurely morning, or get up early and join your CEO for a walk around the Rocks area, a waterfront neighborhood that marks the spot of the first European settlement in Australia. It also holds a spiritual significance for the area's indigenous people. Around midmorning, circle back and meet for a private tour of the Sydney Opera House. This afternoon, step aboard a private catamaran for a sunset sail around Sydney's famous harbor. Tuck into a delicious Australian Barbecue dinner as the sun sets in the background.
Transport: Get around underground via public transit.
Activity: During today's private tour of the Sydney Opera House the group will learn about the history of the opera house and how the architecture functions within the theatres to produce sound. You'll learn how during the mid-1950's a man from Denmark named Jørn Utzon created a sculpture on Sydney Harbour that dramatically shifted twentieth-century architecture. Hear stories of the how the architects, engineers, and artists built this engineering masterpiece together and spend time in the theatres themselves witnessing how the architecture of each space contributes to sound, as well as the ways that this space manipulates it.
Activity: Board a private yacht and enjoy a four-hour cruise navigating the bays and coves of Sydney Harbour. Relax and enjoy the iconic scenery as our crew share stories of Sydney and its famed harbour. Enjoy a casual Aussie BBQ as the sun sets over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House and watch the city lights come alive across the water.
Accommodation: Vibe Hotel Sydney (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 19
SydneyEnjoy a day at leisure to explore the best of Sydney. Walk the Rocks and stop by Maybe Sammy for a drink, which happens to be one of the best bars in Sydney. Take the ferry to Manly Beach or walk the Bondi Coastal walk and snap some photos. Or, spend a full day exploring the Blue Mountains on an optional excursion.
Free Time: Today is a free day and we recommend visiting the Australian Museum, Bondi Beach, or Darling Harbour.
Accommodation: Vibe Hotel Sydney (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 20
Sydney/Port DouglasFly to Cairns today and travel up the scenic coastal road to Daintree Rainforest, the world's oldest tropical rainforest and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Embark on an interpretive walk with an indigenous guide at the lush Mossman Gorge, learning about the traditional ways of life of the region's Kuku Yalanji people. Continue to the resort town of Port Douglas, our home for the next three nights.
Transport: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Transport: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Activity: Take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest. Follow an Indigenous guide and learn about bush food, medicinal plants and the lasting relationship of the Kuku Yalanji people with their natural environment. Find out how to make bush soap, watch an ochre painting demonstration and sample some bush tea.
Accommodation: Mantra PortSea (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 21
Port DouglasExplore the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day catamaran tour to the Outer Reef. Immerse yourself in the largest coral reef system in the world, which teems with 1500 species of tropical fish, as well as whales, dolphins and porpoises. Hop into the warm waters off Australia's east coast and experience this marine wonderland for yourself. Lunch will be served onboard. Back in Port Douglas the evening is yours to do as you please.
Activity: You haven't truly visited Australia until you've experienced the Great Barrier Reef. Climb aboard the Sailaway VII, a 25m (82ft) sailing vessel and take the journey to the Outer Barrier Reef. Spend time in the largest coral reef system in the world, snorkel amongst colourful fish and keep an eye out for nemo (of course). You'll sail along the coastline with spectacular views of the Daintree Rainforest and pass Snapper Island on the way out to the reef. You'll enjoy a guided snorkel tour, and a glass bottom boat which offers extra viewing opportunities for those not looking to get in the water. Afternoon tea, coffee, cakes, fruit, and a buffet lunch are included and all necessary snorkelling gear and equipment.
Accommodation: Mantra PortSea (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 22
Port DouglasEnjoy a free morning in charming Port Douglas. Stroll the town's boutique-lined streets and idyllic beaches or head to the Sunday markets to browse the stalls. Later in the day, join your fellow travelers for an exclusive cultural experience at Cooya Beach. Meet Indigenous guides for a welcome ceremony, and get acquainted with members of the Kuku Yalanji people. Our CEO will organize an optional farewell dinner to toast your adventures down under.
Free Time: In the morning explore charming Port Douglas. Head to the Sunday markets to see what souvenirs you can take home.
Activity: Enjoy an exclusive Indigenous experience at Cooya Beach featuring a welcome ceremony and a smoking ceremony, during which travellers will learn the purpose and meaning of these rituals and their significance to the Kuku Yalanji people.
Accommodation: Mantra PortSea (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 23
Port Douglas/CairnsAfter one last breakfast in Port Douglas, transfer back to Cairns where our tour ends at the airport mid-morning. Alternatively, extend your stay in Port Douglas.
Transport: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals: Breakfast
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Meals:
22 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
22 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Transportation:
Private vehicle, plane, train, boat, walking.
Private vehicle, plane, train, boat, walking.
Inclusions
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Waiheke Island Wineries, Waiheke Island Your Journeys Highlight Moment: A day at Kohutapu, Rotorua Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Melbourne Foodie Walk, Melbourne Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Private Tour of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Exclusive Indigenous experience at Cooya Beach, Port Douglas. Trip to Waiheke Island Wineries. Visit glowworm caves. Queenstown gondola ride. Wilderness day cruise (winter) or overnight cruise (summer) in Fiordland National Park. Melbourne Foodie Experience. Sunrise interpretive walk at Uluru. Sydney Harbour dinner cruise. Indigenous Peoples Interpretive Walk in the Daintree Forest. Great Barrier Reef Excursion. Exclusive Indigenous experience at Cooya Beach. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Waiheke Island Wineries, Waiheke Island Your Journeys Highlight Moment: A day at Kohutapu, Rotorua Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Melbourne Foodie Walk, Melbourne Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Private Tour of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Exclusive Indigenous experience at Cooya Beach, Port Douglas. Trip to Waiheke Island Wineries. Visit glowworm caves. Queenstown gondola ride. Wilderness day cruise (winter) or overnight cruise (summer) in Fiordland National Park. Melbourne Foodie Experience. Sunrise interpretive walk at Uluru. Sydney Harbour dinner cruise. Indigenous Peoples Interpretive Walk in the Daintree Forest. Great Barrier Reef Excursion. Exclusive Indigenous experience at Cooya Beach. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
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
4
Accommodations
3.6
Itinerary
4.1
Professional Staff
4.6
Repeat with Operator
4
Value for Money
3.7
Outstanding trip and tours with plenty of opportunities for planned and unplanned adventures. Knowledgeable, friendly, and capable guides who kept us moving while allowing adequate free time for exploring on one's own.
Affordable Tours was helpful, answered all questions, booked tour and all flights for us. Great experience! We will definitely book through AT again.
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Operator: GlobusStarts
BrisbaneEnds
Coral CoastDays
24From
$10548 -
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Operator: GlobusStarts
AucklandEnds
Coral CoastDays
23From
$10664
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The tour with was outstanding. The tour guide was exceptional. We did so much and it was all great.