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The stillness of Milford Sound and the dark night sky dot your travels through New Zealand, but not before a brush with the surfing splendour of Aussie's Bondi Beach and the Great Barrier Reef.
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Travel Style - Regional Explorer
Gain the insights into the diversity of two or more countries.
Sophisticated Melbourne extends a warm welcome as your first stop. On arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel (flights to arrive prior to 12pm). This evening enjoy a memorable Welcome Reception and Regional Dinner with your Travel Director and fellow travellers.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Crowne Plaza
'Dive into Culture' and into the little lanes, arcades and café society of stylish Melbourne. Discover its edgy street art and immerse yourself in the robust aroma of coffee for which this city is so famous.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 3
Melbourne - Cairns (3 Nights)
We fly north to Cairns, where we'll meet a 'Local Specialist' for a private wildlife encounter at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures. Here the crocs are the star of the show as we take to Hartley's Lagoon to see them cruise the murky waters or laze on the bank. Then, 'Join Trafalgar' and take part in a Rainforest Restoration project to protect this natural wonder.This evening, enjoy an evening at leisure to sample some of the city's famous seafood.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Hilton
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 4
Great Barrier Reef
Dip more than your toes in the tropical waters that surround the Great Barrier Reef - a full day to explore this underwater wonderland up close. Board a high-speed catamaran, then don your mask and fins for a leisurely snorkel (equipment provided) or stay dry in your semi-submersible craft to see the tropical species that live in the world's largest coral reef system. A tropical buffet lunch is served on board under the glorious Aussie sunshine before returning to Cairns.
Soak up the leisurely atmosphere of Cairns with a free day to explore the city and its surrounds on your terms. Consider joining an Optional Experience to Kuranda, travelling by Scenic Rail to the 'village in the rainforest' and return to the lowlands on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. This evening, you'll witness a Welcome to Country ceremony, hear stories of the Dreamtime, and see a performance by an Indigenous dance group, followed by a Regional Dinner at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.
We leave the golden beaches of Cairns behind, bound for Sydney. Settle in to your splendid surrounds before boarding a Harbour Cruise. Watch day turn to night against the backdrop of the beloved Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge as you enjoy a two course à la carte Regional Dinner on the water.
Admire one of the great iconic buildings of the 20th century during a guided sightseeing tour of the Sydney Opera House with a 'Local Specialist'. Later, rub shoulders with the bronzed, beautiful people of Bondi Beach and 'Connect With Locals' as you join a surf lifesaver who will take you on a 'Be My Guest' exclusive tour through the Members Only facility of Australia's oldest surf lifesaving club, which has been welcoming beach-goers since 1882, followed by lunch with views over the sparkling Pacific.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 8
Sydney Free Time
Indulge in a full day at leisure to connect with the energy of this vibrant harbour city or consider joining an Optional Experience to the nearby Blue Mountains. Watch as the shimmering blue haze on the horizon turns to a dense canopy of eucalyptus trees and see the Three Sisters that tower above Jamison Valley. This evening, join your travel companions for a Regional Dinner at a waterfront restaurant.
Say a fond hoo roo to Australia as you board your flight to Auckland, New Zealand. Ease into the warm, welcoming embrace of the City of Sails before meeting your Travel Director for dinner at your hotel.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - The Grand by SkyCity
'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.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 11
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, visit Rainbow Springs Nature Park for a tour with a 'Local Specialist' of the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, the national leader in kiwi husbandry. Learn about the work being done to save New Zealand's national bird, see kiwi eggs being incubated, the hatching process and newly hatched kiwi chicks. This evening, 'Dive Into Culture' at a Regional Dinner at the Tamaki Maori Village.
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.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Millennium
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 13
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 an evening at leisure.
Your final day in Queenstown could see you take an Optional Experience tour of the region's popular wineries or a cruise on Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue lunch. This evening, we take a step back in time with our Travel Director for dinner at The Boatshed, set in the historic Railways Shipping Office built in 1936. Restored and relocated to its lakefront setting, The Boatshed, with its spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables, is the perfect venue for your exclusive Regional Dinner.
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.
Enjoy a relaxed start before heading north through South Canterbury, visiting the charming boutique village of Geraldine en route to Christchurch.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Distinction
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 17
Christchurch Sightseeing
Pop into the Transitional Cathedral in Latimer Square, the temporary home of the Christchurch Cathedral. After a city sights tour, you're invited to 'Connect With Locals' at the home of Tim and Isabelle Weston, for a unique 'Be My Guest' experience over morning tea in their home, which was formerly a horse stables. This evening, join your Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest, Farewell Dinner
Day 18
Depart Christchurch
Our Australia and New Zealand adventure has come to an end. This morning we'll transfer you to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight (flights anytime).
17 breakfasts, 3 lunches (Including Connect With Locals), 9 dinners
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On-trip Transport
Land transportation included. Where applicable, Intra-air between cities may be included, please contact us for details.
The Trafalgar difference
Connect with Locals
Meet a local surf lifesaver, who will share insights into the history of Bondi Beach at Australia's oldest surf lifesaving club (Day 7).Join the Weston's and hear about the world-record-setting motorcycle that was designed and built in the garage at their home (Day 17).
Dive into Culture
Discover Melbourne's eclectic hidden lanes, arcades and fascinating street art. (Day 2) Gain an insight into their indigenous culture and traditions at the Tamaki Maori Village in Rotorua. (Day 11)
Local Specialist
For included sightseeing in Sydney, Rotorua and Lake Tekapo (Days 7, 11, 15).
Make A Difference
Join us to plant some trees which will help in the restoration of rainforest in Far North Queensland (Day 3).
Sightseeing highlights
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CITY TOUR in Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland and Christchurch.
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CRUISE on Great Barrier Reef in Queensland and Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park
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VIEW Darling Harbour from your Sydney hotel room, Mt. Cook, Church of the Good Shepherd
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VISIT Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Cherry-picked hotels all tried and trusted
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Handcrafted Highlights
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Optional Experiences and free time
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All porterage and local charges included
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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An expert Travel Director and separate Driver, Driver Guide only on Mini-Stays
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
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VIP entry to many sights
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LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS REVIEWS
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Craig Manahan in RochesterMy Account Icon
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A once in a lifetime experience down under.
Trip Rating
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5
The itinerary offered something for everyone - scenery, architecture, history and great food. Optional experiences were first class.
The hotels were very comfortable and conveniently located. We only had one long day on a coach (due to weather) but it was comfortable and the WIFI worked. USB ports at each row of seats was very handy. The flights were fine and the tour guides were very good at ushering the group through the airports
This was the best guided trip we have ever taken. This was our first Trafalgar trip, but we have traveled with Insight in the past. There were some unfortunate scheduling issues and weather issues that were beyond anyone's control, but both of our Tour guides (one in each country) were pleasant, efficient and extremely professional.
We were able to experience a wide range of adventures in the time we had. The hotels were within walking distance of many sites and the hotel meals were wonderful.
Air: Please note that pricing does not include internal flights, with the exception of guests booking and travelling from the USA and Canada. Land Only price requires the following intra-trip flight to be purchased separately in order to fulfil the trip itinerary: Day 3 from Melbourne to Cairns – VA1291; Day 6 from Cairns to Sydney – VA1418; Day 9 from Sydney to Auckland – VA135; Day 12 from Auckland to Queenstown – NZ623. Trafalgar guarantees to quote you the lowest possible airfare available to us on the day that you book.
This trip is operated in conjunction with our sister company and South Pacific Specialists - AAT Kings.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
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