First Choice
Internal-vacation flights included
Internal-vacation flights included

Australia and New Zealand Panorama

15 Day Guided Vacation | Melbourne to Auckland

Just how many legendary Antipodean attractions can you tick off in one journey? This comprehensive Melbourne to Auckland tour does both Australia and New Zealand justice. There’s the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics of Queensland, Sydney Opera House, electric Melbourne lanes, Queenstown’s Remarkable Range, Rotorua’s steamy thermals and Auckland’s just-as-hot restaurants, just to name some highlights… whew!

Prices From CODE: QPACA

$8580

Adult Twin i A person 16 years and over (note a person 16–17 years must be accompanied by a person 18 years and over). All prices are per person, land only unless otherwise indicated.
Above lowest price is based on 2024-06-27 departure

$10705

Single i A person, who must be 18 years and over, travelling alone, must pay the single room price. All prices are per person, land only unless otherwise indicated.
Above lowest price is based on 2024-06-27 departure
Prices above are per person in USD
Single rooms are limited and subject to availability
Child prices may be available on request

*Internal-vacation flights: Please note that prices include land and internal-vacation airfares, which AAT Kings will book in order to fulfil the holiday itinerary.

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Trip Details

trip-details-whats-includedWhat's included

  • • Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
    • 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Opera House
    • Centrally located premium hotels

trip-details-diningDining

  • • 4 Dinners with Wine
  • • 16 Full Breakfasts
  • • 2 Lunches
  • • 2 Highlight Dinners
  • • 1 Farewell Dinner

trip-details-flight-infoFlight Information

  • Day 1 – flights to arrive prior to 12 noon into Melbourne Airport
    Day 15 – flights to depart after 2.00pm from Auckland Airport
    Internal-holiday flights: Please note that prices include land and internal-holiday airfares, which AAT Kings will book in order to fulfil the holiday itinerary:
    Day 3 – Melbourne to Cairns
    Day 6 – Cairns to Sydney
    Day 9 – Sydney to Queenstown
    Day 12 – Queenstown to Auckland
    Return airfares from your home port are not included in the price above.
    Return airport to hotel transfers are included in the vacation price

trip-details-what-to-bringWhat to Bring

  • • Comfortable walking shoes
  • • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
  • • Water bottle
  • • Warm layers in cooler months
  • • Camera

trip-details-fitness-level-requirementsFitness Requirements

    Low level of fitness required.

Itinerary Generating PDF...

image map

We recommend arriving early in Melbourne – there’s so much to see in the Victorian capital before you meet your fellow travel companions.

  Hotel: Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne

  Included Meals: Dinner with Wine

Today, reach for rainbows in Melbourne’s eye-popping street art. Follow the lead of a local to discover alleys emblazoned with murals by some of the world’s greatest aerosol artists. Take note of the hidden bars and restaurants you pass – we can help you make a booking for tonight. 

  Hotel: Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne

  Included Meals: Breakfast

Koalas, birds, wallabies, crocodiles – oh my! They all live side by side at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures in Cairns, as you’ll discover on a boat cruise you’ll with a private guide through this wilderness reserve. The Daintree Rainforest here is part of the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics of Queensland, and you’ll help protect it on a restoration project.

  Hotel: Hilton Hotel Cairns

  Included Meals: Breakfast

Did you know that the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef is home to 1,500 species of fish, 215 different birds, 3,000 molluscs, six of the world’s seven marine turtle species, and 30 species of dolphins and whales are residents? Get ready for an experience of a lifetime when you board a high-speed catamaran and cruise to the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Strap on a snorkel and mask to view this marine menagerie up close and personal.

  Hotel: Hilton Hotel Cairns

  Included Meals: Lunch, Breakfast

If you’re in the habit of getting up early now, you may wish to begin your day with a horizon-bending hot-air-balloon ride over the Atherton Tablelands. Prefer to stay grounded? Sign up for a guided walk through the Daintree Rainforest, or surround yourself with nature riding the Scenic Railway to Kuranda returning on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Tonight, join your companions for dinner, with native ingredients highlighted at Ochre Restaurant on the waterfront.

  Hotel: Hilton Hotel Cairns

  Included Meals: Dinner with Wine, Breakfast

Fly from Cairns to Sydney. The rest of the day is yours to do as you wish. You could walk to the Art Gallery of NSW or to Mrs. Macquarie's Chair for a panoramic views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Ask your Travel Director for evening dining suggestions.

 

  Hotel: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney

  Included Meals: Breakfast

You might have seen the Sydney Opera House from the outside, but have you ventured within? This incredible architectural feat holds many secrets, as your local guide will reveal. Now take to the water on a Sydney Harbour sightseeing cruise, enjoying million dollar views. If there was ever a place that slipped from the pages of a fairytale, Wendy’s Secret Garden at Lavender Bay is it. Overlooking Sydney Harbour, this pocket of floral paradise is explained by a local volunteer – did you know this was once unused wasteland? Your visit provides a contribution to the ongoing maintenance of the enchanting garden.

  Hotel: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney

  Included Meals: Breakfast

You could spend weeks exploring Sydney. Months even. But you have today, so get set for a wild ride. Your agenda is completely up to you, but we have more than a few ideas. Perhaps a bird’s-eye perspective of the city on a Sydney BridgeClimb? Maybe a ferry to Manly for fish and-chips on the beach? This evening, celebrate Sydney at dinner beside the harbour.

  Hotel: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney

  Included Meals: Dinner with Wine, Breakfast

New Zealand's adventure capital, Queenstown, awaits. Explore the alpine village and stunning Lake Wakatipu, then enjoy walkable bars and restaurants. Ask your Travel Director for tips.

  Hotel: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown

  Included Meals: Breakfast

Flying over New Zealand, the first thing you’ll notice is that there’s a lot of farmland. It’s fitting, then, that one of the first people you’ll meet is southern girl Laura, who will introduce you to the sheep farm she was born and raised on. Think sheep mustering and whip cracking as well as the chance to feed and pet the farm animals. Then you'll think you've stepped back in time when you arrive in the former gold-mining village of Arrowtown. Come dusk, cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw; the only thing more inspiring than the peaks of the Remarkables that surround is the festive atmosphere welcoming you to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where a gourmet barbecue Highlight Dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead awaits.

  Hotel: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown

  Included Meals: Highlight Dinner, Breakfast

You could spend a long time in and around Queenstown. But on your free day, we highly recommend either venturing into the end-of-the-Earth wilderness that is Milford Sound, to cruise past sheer cliffs, white-capped peaks and waterfalls. Or blissing out on an obligatory wine tour of the Otago region. It’s a difficult decision.

  Hotel: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown

  Included Meals: Breakfast

Touching down in Auckland, you’ll immediately understand why it’s known as the ‘City of Sails’ – New Zealand’s largest city has two lovely yacht-filled harbours, which you can explore at your leisure this afternoon.

  Hotel: The Grand by SkyCity

  Included Meals: Breakfast

Today is set to sparkle – quite literally – as thousands of bright green and blue glowworms light up your next destination: the cavernous Waitomo Caves. This evening, explore Te Puia’s geothermal valley, and learn about Māori history and culture on this guided experience, which includes a dinner of hangi-inspired cuisine and a cultural performance in a finely carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. It ends on a high at the Pohutu Geyser, where, armed with a hot chocolate you’ll view one of New Zealand’s geothermal wonderlands.

  Hotel: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua

  Included Meals: Highlight Dinner, Breakfast

Cute and cuddly, NZ’s national bird, the kiwi, is also endangered. Go behind the scenes on a working kiwi nursery and hatchery to learn how breeding programs are helping the population thrive. The natural drama reaches boiling point at Whakarewarewa, a geothermal reserve and the country’s only living Māori village, home to famous Pohutu Geyser and the bubbling beauty of mud pools. Cap off your day at a Farewell Dinner with your Travel Director and companions.

  Hotel: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua

  Included Meals: Farewell Dinner, Breakfast

Two countries, multiple adventures, an abundance of new friends… Just how do you say goodbye to a journey like this?

  Included Meals: Breakfast

Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change.


Australia and New Zealand Panorama

First Choice

15 Day Guided Vacation

Melbourne to Auckland

Just how many legendary Antipodean attractions can you tick off in one journey? This comprehensive Melbourne to Auckland tour does both Australia and New Zealand justice. There’s the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics of Queensland, Sydney Opera House, electric Melbourne lanes, Queenstown’s Remarkable Range, Rotorua’s steamy thermals and Auckland’s just-as-hot restaurants, just to name some highlights… whew!

Highlights

Local Connection

From city life in Sydney to farm life in New Zealand, go behind the scenes while meeting passionate locals. How does an exclusive backstage tour of the Opera House sound?

Cultural Immersion

Say goodbye to the run-of-the-mill barbecue and have your meal prepared underground in a hangi, a traditional Indigenous experience at Mitai Maori Village.

Sustainable Footprints

Operation Nest Egg may sound like it’s from a Bond movie, but it’s actually a way that the National Kiwi Hatchery is helping boost the population of kiwi birds in the wild. Your visit helps.

Wildlife & Nature

Cairns is a place two World Heritage Sites meet: The Wet Tropics of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef. Bring your sense of adventure to explore both.

Accommodation

Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort.
The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes:

Optional Experiences

Please note, prices for Optional Experiences are subject to change.

To ensure your holiday is filled with memorable experiences, we have included a range of quality Optional Experiences for you to choose from and partake in, if you wish, during your holiday. The experiences can be booked on tour through your Travel Director.

Down Under Tours Daintree Dreaming With Ngadiku Walk (Cairns)

Adult Price: AUD $330 Child Price: AUD $294

A cultural journey taking you from coast to rainforest experiencing natural beauty and ancient culture. Learn traditional hunting and gathering skills as you search for bush tucker of mud crabs, fish and mussels before tasting and sharing what you have caught and gathered. A short drive away is the lush rainforest of Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre. Here you will experience the splendour of the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest. Enjoy a guided interpretive walk through the ancient rainforest and along the banks of the pristine waters of the Mossman Gorge. Lunch & damper included.
Down Under Tours Daintree Dreaming With Ngadiku Walk

Down Under Tours Kuranda Skyrail and Scenic Railway (Cairns)

Adult Price: AUD $199 Child PriceAUD $105

Join your Down Under Tours coach transfer to Smithfield Station. Here you join Skyrail and marvel at the World's Most Beautiful Rainforest Experience, including time at both Red Peak and Barron Falls stations, both with spectacular lookouts. On arrival in Kuranda, the Village is yours to explore. The vibrant and colourful Heritage markets take place daily. Your return to Cairns is aboard the famous Kuranda Scenic Rail. Winding around curves, across bridges and through hand-hewn tunnels, this amazing engineering feat is a tribute to our pioneers. Upon arrival at historic Freshwater Station, you will board your coach back to your accommodation.

Down Under Tours Kuranda Skyrail and Scenic Railway

Great Adventures Introductory Dive (Cairns)

Adult Price: AUD 184.00

For an underwater adventure to remember, experience an introductory dive! It’s fun and no experience is necessary to take a fully supervised introductory dive. Professional and experienced instructors will guide you through every aspect of your dive, allowing you to have a relaxed, enjoyable experience.

Great Adventures Introductory Dive

Hot Air Cairns - 40 Minute Flight (Cairns)

Adult Price: AUD 440.00 + flight levy (Weekday), $495.00 + flight levy (Weekend)

Experience the fun & unique sensation of being in a Hot Air Balloon, flying gently high above the Atherton Tablelands, Australia. The balloon takes off from Mareeba on the Atherton Tablelands. Enjoy the picturesque landscape at dawn, floating in your Hot Air Balloon, time to really breathe in the wide-open spaces! We have Australia's largest fleet of Hot Air Balloons and a fun and highly trained crew to maximise the enjoyment of your balloon flight. It's just like a balloon festival, every day!

*Additional $30.00 insurance levy to be paid direct to Hot Air Cairns applies.

** If your tour ends in Cairns, you must have post tour accommodation or a late departing flight. Ask us for details

Hot Air Cairns - 40 Minute Flight

Nautilus Aviation (Cairns)

Adult Price: AUD $199

Take to the sky on a 10-minute scenic flight. You will have the best seat to witness the iconic Great Barrier Reef from above.

Nautilus Aviation

Phillip Island - Penguins, Koalas & Wildlife (Melbourne)

Adult Price: AUD $199.00 

Child Price: AUD $139.00

If you’re curious about our native wildlife or just love animals, we’ve got you covered today! Start the day off with a visit to the Koala Conservation Reserve where you’ll join an experienced park Ranger and explore the tree top boardwalks to see the koalas up close in their natural habitat. Then there is the main attraction – The little penguins waddling up the sand to their dune burrow homes returning from their daily fishing excursion. Arrive at Phillip Island Parade Visitors Centre and learn about the life cycle of the little penguins and learn of the environmental and conservation initiatives in place to ensure the wildlife and vulnerable geology of Phillip Island remains protected.  As the sun goes down, head to the beach and watch as the Little Penguins battle the surf and make their way to their dune burrows. See the Little Penguins up close as they return to their nests to greet their families.

FIND OUT MORE
Phillip Island - Penguins, Koalas & Wildlife

Pure Glenorchy - Lord of the Rings Scenic Tour (road-Queenstown)

NZ$189 Adult NZ$99 Child

Lord of The Rings Scenic Tour: Visit the stunning locations from Lord of The Rings. Encounter lsengard, Lothlorien Forest, The Misty Mountains, Ithilien and many more. Experience the absolute beauty of the Dart River Valley and our closest world heritage area. Learn about the remarkable history and unique culture of Glenorchy. Our tour feature’s some of the world’s most spectacular scenery visiting Mt Aspiring World Heritage Area, Glenorchy, The Dart River Valley and Paradise. Encounter ancient beech forest, braided rivers and glacier carved valleys.

Pure Glenorchy - Lord of the Rings Scenic Tour

Milford Sound Day Trip (Queenstown)

Adult: $219.00 NZD
Child: 119.00 NZD

Enjoy Milford Sound’s awe-inspiring scenery from the comfort of our modern, spacious vessels. Our Scenic Cruise vessels have purpose-built observation lounges and large decks, so you can be sure you’ll get some great viewing opportunities. You’ll see the geological drama of sheer cliffs, massive waterfalls, glaciers and rainforest. Keep a look out for wildlife like seals basking on the rocks or dolphins. During the cruise, our friendly crew provide commentaries in several languages and point out the sights such as Mitre Peak and the Pembroke Glacier.

Dinner and Harbour Cruise on Spirit of Cairns (Cairns)

Adult Price: From AUD 119.00
Child Price: From AUD 69.00

A Cairns Dinner Cruise is the perfect way to end a perfect day in paradise. Step aboard the luxury catamaran Spirit of Cairns for a 2.5 hour evening cruise through the calm water inlet and waterfront precinct of Cairns. Enjoy fabulous dining and live music with the lights of Cairns City and mountain silhouettes as your backdrop.

Dinner and Harbour Cruise on Spirit of Cairns

Sydney Opera House Behind the Scenes Tour (Sydney)

Adult: $43.00

Child: $23.00

Join a Local Guide on a behind the scenes tour of the Sydney Opera House as you go on a journey to uncover untold stories, anecdotes and history as you discover the magic beneath the sails. Watch unforgettable moments from past Concert Hall performances, learn the history and future of this world-famous building that boasts heritage inspired interiors and state or the art technology and of course marvel at the soaring cathedral interiors.

Sydney Opera House Behind the Scenes Tour

Blue Mountains & Australian Wildlife (J15) (Sydney)

Adult Price: AUD 135.00
Child Price: AUD  95.00

Discover the vast wonders of the Blue Mountains, a World Heritage-listed site spanning over one million hectares. Immerse yourself in the diverse landscape, from lush rainforests to untouched bushland and awe-inspiring cliffs. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the charming streets of Leura and then witness the magnificent Three Sisters rock formation up close at Echo Point. From there, embark on your personalized exploration of this remarkable region, creating your own unique adventure.

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Blue Mountains & Australian Wildlife (J15)

Bridge Climb (Sydney)

Adult Price: AUD 344.00
Child Price: AUD 149.00

The Bridge Climb is a 3 1/2 hour guided journey to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It takes you along the outer arch of the Bridge on catwalks and ladders all the way to the summit, 134 metres above Sydney Harbour. Climbing in groups of up to 14 people, you’ll be led by one of BridgeClimb’s professional Climb Leaders on an adventure of the world’s most recognisable Bridge. Various tours available and prices from:
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS / NEED TO KNOW: A general level of fitness is required. Guests aged 75 years of age or older require a Certificate of Fitness signed by a medical professional. To download the certificate template and view all health and safety advice, please visit https://www.bridgeclimb.com/plan-your-visit/pre-climb-checklist.
Bridge Climb

Hands On Country Eco Tour (Cairns)

Adult: $149.00 AUD
Child: $79.00 AUD

Travel in a small group fully hosted by Traditional Owners on their traditional Country discovering a stunning wetland environment just 10 minutes cruise from the Cairns City. In the distance, rainforest clad mountains soar – today’s destination. Turn up Hills Creek, where salty sea and mountain freshwaters meet, arriving to a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. Visit a working Indigenous Ranger base from where the Mayi Bugan Rainforest Trail begins. Join your Indigenous Guides to discover native foods and bush medicines, as well as ancient Aboriginal traditions, customs, and artefacts. Enjoy light refreshments surrounded by the sounds of nature before returning to the Cairns Harbour arriving at the Marina close to the CBD, shops, restaurants and cafes.

Hands On Country Eco Tour

Real Journeys - Milford Sound (Queenstown)

Coach/Cruise/Coach: NZ$255 Adult NZ$159 Child

Enjoy Milford Sound’s awe-inspiring scenery from the comfort of our modern, spacious vessels. Our Scenic Cruise vessels have purpose-built observation lounges and large decks, so you can be sure you’ll get some great viewing opportunities. You’ll see the geological drama of sheer cliffs, massive waterfalls, glaciers and rainforest. Keep a look out for wildlife like seals basking on the rocks or dolphins. During the cruise, our friendly crew provide commentaries in several languages and point out the sights such as Mitre Peak and the Pembroke Glacier.

Real Journeys - Milford Sound

Waterfall, Wetlands & Skyrail Adventure (Kuranda)

Adult: $299.00 AUD
Child: $225.00 AUD

Embark on a Make Travel Matter® guided Waterfall, Wetlands & Skyrail adventure from Cairns. Explore Cattana Wetlands' palm forest with your experienced driver guide and Barron Falls with a Djabugay cultural guide. Savour lunch at Skybury, then journey to Emerald Creek Ice Creamery. Finish the day on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway travelling over and through the World Heritage Listed rainforest.

Waterfall, Wetlands & Skyrail Adventure
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