Highlights of Australia & New Zealand
22 Day Guided Vacation | Melbourne to Christchurch
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Highlights of Australia & New Zealand
22 Day Guided Vacation
| Melbourne to Christchurch
Travel period
Highlights of Australia & New Zealand
22 Day Guided Vacation
Melbourne to Christchurch
A perfect mix of modern cities and ancient landscapes characterises this epic journey across two nations. The Great Barrier Reef and breathtaking Milford Sound complement a world of ancient Aboriginal tradition in Australia’s Red Centre and vivid Māori culture in Rotorua. From tropical Cairns to the towering mountain peaks of the land of The Long White Cloud, you’ll be amazed at every turn.
Why you'll love this trip:
- Enjoy an exclusive, local outback dinner under the stars
- Journey on the TranzAlpine through the Southern Alps
- Take a private tour of the Sydney Opera House
- Walk through the spectacular Field of Light at Uluru
Highlights of Australia & New Zealand (Travel Period: 01 Apr 2020 – 31 Mar 2021)
Local Connection
Join a local family for a 'Be My Guest' morning tea and hear tales of the amazing world record-setting motorcycle designed in their garage.
Insider Knowledge
Explore the vibrant, cosmopolitan streets of Melbourne, gaining an indepth perspective on iconic sights and hidden gems.
Cultural Immersion
Visit a traditional Māori marae at Tamaki Māori Village, and enjoy a concert and an authentic earthoven 'hangi' dinner.
Sustainable Footprints
Your contribution to National Parks and Wildlife protects Australia’s wilderness, including Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
Meet your Travel Director this evening at a Welcome Reception and dinner.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne, 3 nights
Included Meals: Dinner with wine
Explore Melbourne on a city sights tour this morning, then discover its gracious arcades, eclectic laneways and vibrant street art on a private walking tour.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Today is free to further explore Melbourne.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Fly to Alice Springs and visit the School of the Air and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Join the Falzon family for a home-cooked Be My Guest gourmet barbecue dinner.
Hotel: Mercure Alice Springs Resort
Included Meals: Breakfast, Be My Guest Dinner
Travel through the West MacDonnell Ranges to Uluru. Sparkling wine is served as you watch the sun set over the world’s largest monolith.
Hotel: Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock Resort, 2 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
Witness the magical Uluru sunrise, then tour the caves at the base of Uluru. Later, travel over red desert plains to Kata Tjuta, and take a walk through the towering domes of this majestic rock formation. Share a drink with your traveling companions over another glorious sunset.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Depart the resort in total darkness for the short drive to Bruce Munro’s renowned Field of Light. Later, join an Indigenous artist for a fun introduction to Western Desert Art. In the afternoon, fly to Cairns.
Hotel: Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns, 3 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
Today is free time for you in tropical Cairns
Included Meals: Breakfast
Board a high-speed catamaran and cruise to the iconic Great Barrier Reef. You can go snorkeling (equipment provided), or view the coral and tropical fish from the underwater observatory and semi-submersible craft. Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch on board before you return to Cairns. Dine tonight at a restaurant on the waterfront.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with wine
This afternoon you’ll fly to Sydney for an evening at leisure.
Hotel: Intercontinental Hotel Sydney, 3 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
Join a local guide for a tour of the Sydney Opera House before visiting legendary Bondi Beach. Prime your sea legs next as you board a Captain Cook Lunch Cruise.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy a free day to explore Sydney. Celebrate your last evening in Sydney with your Travel Director at a restaurant right on the waterfront.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with wine
Fly across the Tasman Sea this morning to the island nation of New Zealand, and meet your Travel Director for dinner at your hotel.
Hotel: Stamford Plaza Auckland, 2 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with wine
A morning city sightseeing tour is followed by free time to relax or explore Auckland.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Discover native flora and fauna at Rainbow Springs Nature Park. This evening, enjoy a traditional Māori Hangi Highlight Dinner and a concert at the Tamaki Māori Village.
Hotel: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua
Included Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
There’s time this morning to consider an optional experience before boarding your flight to Queenstown.
Hotel: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown, 3 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
Drive through Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. Cruise among sheer cliffs, massive waterfalls, glaciers and rainforest before you return to Queenstown in the late afternoon.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Relax and explore in Queenstown today. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a Highlight Dinner at The Boatshed.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
Visit the historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown before indulging in delicious stone fruit at Cromwell and then journey over the Haast Pass and along the coastal road to Franz Josef Glacier
Hotel: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Stop at Hokitika for a demonstration by a master jade carver. Take an unforgettable journey through the spectacular Southern Alps to Christchurch on the legendary TranzAlpine train.
Hotel: Distinction Christchurch Hotel, 2 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
Meet Isabelle and Tim Weston for a By My Guest morning tea at their home, Britten Stables. Formerly horse stables, the couple restored the property and transformed it into the exquisite home it is today. Spend the last evening with your Travel Director at a Farewell Dinner.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Be My Guest morning tea, Farewell Dinner
Say farewell when your vacation comes to an end this morning after breakfast.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change.
Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort.
The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes:
Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne is located on Spencer Street on the fringe of the CBD. Just a short stroll to Crown Casino, Docklands and South Wharf, Crowne Plaza Melbourne is a Southbank hotel ideally situated on the bank of the Yarra River.
- 220/240 V AC
- Air Conditioning
- Radio
- Direct Dial Telephone
- Satellite/cable colour TV
- Wi-Fi
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Microwave
- Hair Dryer
- Communal self-catering kitchen
- Manual temperature control
Features
Situated on the banks of the famous Todd River, Mercure Alice Springs Resort offers spectacular views of the towering River Red Gum. Well-manicured lush green lawns of the hotel create a relaxing atmosphere, letting you soak in the Australian Outback charm in the Northern Territory (NT).
- Air Conditioning
- Hair Dryer
- Coffee/tea making facilities
- Radio
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Mini Bar
Features
Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel is centrally located to all resort and touring facilities and offers a range of accommodation, from shaded poolside rooms to deluxe rooms overlooking the desert.
- Air Conditioning
- Radio
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Private veranda or courtyard
- Heater
- ISD/STD phone
- Mini Bar
- In-room safe
- In-house movies
- Coffee/tea making facilities
Features
Located on the marina in the heart of Cairns, the five-star Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina Cairns is the ultimate place to stay for business or pleasure. Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina Cairns is conveniently situated at the marina, with uninterrupted panoramic views of spectacular Trinity Bay, world-class Marlin Marina and breathtaking mountain ranges allowing you to experience the tropical north at its best.
- Wi-Fi
- Private balcony or courtyard
- In-room safe
- Hair Dryer
- Mini Bar
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Swimming Pool
- Gym facilities
- Business Facilities
- Work Desk
- Direct Dial Telephone
- In-house movies
- Pillow Menu (Choice of pillows)
- Bathtub and shower
- Bathroom Amenities
- Bathrobe
- Flat Screen TV
Features
Located in the heart of the city, just a short stroll from the Viaduct harbour and Auckland's best shopping and nightlife. Stamford Plaza Auckland hotel is the ideal spot for a luxury unwinding. Stamford Plaza Auckland hotel is one of Auckland's premier accommodation choices with extensive hotel facilities and amenities.
- Wireless Internet access
- Executive Desk
- Safety deposit box (laptop size)
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- In-room Movies (fee applies)
- Bathrobe and slippers
- Work Desk
- Mini Bar
- Phone
- Gym facilities
- Bathtub and shower
Features
Centrally located in the city beside mystical Lake Rotorua, this hotel is just a brief stroll from the Rotorua Museum, Convention Centres and adjacent to a Polynesian Spa.
- Air Conditioning
- Mini Bar
- Coffee/tea making facilities
- Internet Access
- Sky TV
- Personalised message and wakeup service
- Work Desk
- Radio
- Hair Dryer
- In-room safe
- Iron / Ironing Board
Features
Millennium Hotel Queenstown is only minutes from Queenstown shopping, entertainment and outdoor activities such as bungee jumping, white water rafting and jet boating.
- Air Conditioning
- Colour TV
- Refrigerator
- Mini Bar
- Phone
- In-room safe
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Hair Dryer
- Electric blankets
- Broadband Internet access
Features
A haven from the city rush, a foray into New Zealand’s pristine wilderness – Te Waonui Forest Retreat is truly a place to relax and refresh. All focus has been on creating a healthy, environmentally safe habitat to maximise guests’ wellbeing. With a natural, earthy ambience and attentive service, there’s no better place to take a deep breath and simply unwind.
Te Waonui Forest Retreat seamlessly incorporates measures that greatly reduce its environmental impact. Designed to stand the test of time, Te Waonui’s durable, New Zealand building design blends in with its stunning natural setting. Management and staff at Te Waonui actively support community-based projects to preserve our outstanding natural heritage in Franz Josef Glacier Town.
- In-room safe
- Wireless Internet access
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Pillow Menu (Choice of pillows)
- Luxurious bed linen
- Private balcony or courtyard
- Electronic security key system
- Air-conditioning
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Mini Bar
- TV
Features
The newly renovated Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth whilst standing proud amongst the buzz of the rejuvenation of Cathedral Square.
Ideally positioned in the heart of the city only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanical Gardens, Christchurch Casino, Cashel Mall and future Christchurch Convention Centre.
- Wi-Fi
- Sauna
- Gym facilities
- TV
Features
Need accommodation before or after your tour?
Our special discounted rates make booking accommodation with us during your holiday both easy and affordable at selected AAT Kings hotels and resorts. Find out more
- Quality accommodation
- Travel in luxury coach
- Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
- Airport Transfers (see flight information below)
To ensure your holiday is filled with memorable experiences, we have included a range of quality Optional Excursions for you to choose from and partake in, if you wish, during your holiday. The excursions can be booked on tour through your Travel Director.
Adult Price: AUD 165
Child Price: AUD 82
Explore the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains. Stretching over one million hectares, the Blue Mountains is an inspiring mix of rainforest, canyons, tall forests and heathlands. Visit the famous Three Sisters rock formation up close from Echo Point before arriving at Scenic World where you can witness the vastness of the Blue Mountains as you join the Scenic Railway, Cableway and Skyway. These rides are a great way to see the steep valleys and canyons and follow the boardwalk along the valley floor. Stop in picturesque Leura at lunchtime and grab a bite to eat at one of the many cafés. Encounter koalas, kangaroos, wombats and other native animals.
FIND OUT MOREAdult Price: AUD 308.00
Child Price: AUD 208.00
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. Prices from:
Adult Price: AUD 75.00
Child Price: AUD 22.00
Enjoy a memorable evening perched high above the city with uninterrupted revolving views. This delicious buffet dinner includes over 40 freshly prepared dishes across a range of international cuisines including a selection of fresh seafood, salads, hot dishes and desserts. Prices from:
Adult Price: From AUD 95.00
Tread in the footsteps of the convicts, larrikin gangs & locals of the past as you share a drink in four of Sydney's oldest pubs. Between watering holes, your guide will take you through the alleys & cobbled streets of The Rocks as they share the gossip, shouts and stories of Australia's first European settlement. Tour includes: A choice of a beer (285ml/10oz), house wine or soft drink at each pub. 2.5 hours in duration. Runs 2:30pm & 6.30pm daily. Commences from Harts Pub, Essex St & Gloucester Street, The Rocks.
Adult Price: From AUD 240.00
Child Price: From AUD 240.00
A 40 minute, fixed wing scenic flight is a great way to take in this amazing landscape. These small plane options with extended flights that include both Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Adult Price: From AUD 160.00
Child Price: From AUD 160.00
Experience a scenic helicopter flight over the Red Centre and see Uluru from the Air. Prices from:
Adult Price: From AUD 139.00
Child Price: From AUD 139.00
Enjoy the thrill of a hot lap around Uluru or even travel a little further on the back of a motorcycle. Whatever blows your hair back! Prices from:
Adult Price: AUD 138.60
Child Price: AUD 69.30
Enjoy a unique and exclusive dining experience with Uluru as your stunning backdrop. There’s sparkling wine on arrival followed by a classic barbecue of steak, lamb sausages, skewered chicken and garlic prawns. There is also a selection of fresh salads and a tasty dessert. There’s even time for stargazing.
Adult Price: AUD 173.00
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.
Adult Price: AUD 199.80
Child Price: AUD 107.10
Your tour today offers the wonders of the rainforest, as well as our unique indigenous culture. Visit the award-winning Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Experience the history, creation and dance theatres where the legends of the dreamtime are brought to life. Glide over and through the World Heritage rainforest with Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, before free time in Kuranda. Wander through the colourful Heritage Markets and find some intersting arts and crafts. You then take a spectacular journey along the Scenic Railway through the curves and waves of the rainforest to Freshwater Station. Your coach awaits for your transfer back to your accommodation.
FIND OUT MOREAdult Price: AUD 57.00
Child Price: AUD 57.00
Ochre is an award winning restaurant with a dedication to local produce, crafting native ingredients into modern exciting cuisine. The menu changes seasonally and is unique in its use of Australian native foods and regional produce.
Adult Price: AUD 93.00
Child Price: AUD 60.50
Watch Indigenous performers bring the world’s oldest living culture to life through traditional dance, art and interactive demonstrations.
Adult Price: AUD 154.00
Child Price: AUD 93.50
More than just a dinner and show; Tjapukai by Night takes you on a magical adventure into the legends of Australia’s dreamtime. Here you will enter another world as Australia’s Aboriginal culture is brought to life through a series of award winning performances as you feast on modern cuisine from the Far North.
Adult Price: AUD 169.00
Child Price: AUD 85.00
Take a breath and enjoy a relaxed and unhindered view of the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge all before lunch, beating the traditional afternoon rush. En route let us take you on a journey inland, reaching Port Campbell National Park to marvel at the iconic limestone stacks in the morning. Spend the afternoon with your experienced Driver Guide, meandering along the winding Great Ocean Road, taking in the spectacular coastal scenery, the Otway Rainforest and seaside townships.
FIND OUT MOREAdult Price: AUD 172.00
Child Price: AUD 86.00
If you’re curious about our native wildlife or just love animals, we’ve got you covered today! You’ll get up close to Australian animals, including koalas and kangaroos. On Phillip Island the main attraction awaits – the Little Penguins waddling up the sand to their dune burrow homes returning from their daily fishing excursion.
FIND OUT MOREAdult Price: AUD $235.80 Child Price: AUD $217.80
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.
Adult Price: AUD $198.90 Child Price: AUD $104.40
Enjoy this historical rail journey to Kuranda, with breathtaking views across the cane fields of Cairns, to the tropical rainforest of Kuranda. Upon arrival you will have around one hour to explore this fascinating village of colourful and interesting arts and crafts. At 11.30am, make your way directly to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to experience this iconic rainforest. After arriving at the Smithfield Skyrail Terminal, the coach will transfer you to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. Explore the park, including the unique eco experience of the Wetlands cruise through the ecologically significant Melaleuca wetlands; the domain of the saltwater crocodile. (Operates Daily)
Adult Price: AUD $201.60 Child Price: AUD $135.00
Travel in air-conditioned comfort in your luxury purpose-built vehicle to Cape Tribulation, through some of the oldest rainforest in the world. Included is morning tea and a driver guided walk at Mossman Gorge, a cruise on the Daintree River, delicious tropical BBQ lunch set amongst the rainforest, and a walk on famous Cape Tribulation Beach.
Adult Price: AUD $153.90 Child Price: AUD $81.00
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.
Adult Price: AUD $199
Take a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef - spectacular! Prices from
Optional Experiences indicated are Australian or New Zealand dollars. Please note that occasionally weather or seasonal conditions may not permit their operation. Some also depend on a minimum number of participants and suitable time being available. Please see your Travel Director for a full list of experiences.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- Water bottle
- Warm layers in cooler months
- Swimwear and beach towel (if swimming)
Fitness Requirements
- Moderate level of fitness required for walks at Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon
- Walking on uneven surfaces is required to complete the walks, though there are alternate options available
Dining
- 21 Full buffet breakfasts
- 1 Be My Guest morning tea
- 3 Lunches
- 1 Be My Guest Dinner
- 4 Dinners with wine
- 2 Highlight Dinners
- 1 Farewell Dinner
Flight Information
- Day 1 - Flights to arrive prior to 12 noon into Melbourne Airport
- Day 22 - Flights to depart anytime from Christchurch Airport
- Required Internal Flights listed below are to be purchased in order to fulfil the itinerary and are not included in the land content price
- Day 4 – Melbourne to Alice Springs: QF796
- Day 7 – Ayers Rock to Cairns: QF1854
- Day 10 – Cairns to Sydney: VA1418
- Day 13 – Sydney to Auckland: VA141
- Day 16 – Rotorua to Queenstown: NZ5785/NZ5653 (except below departure dates)
- Tour Start Date - 12 April 2020: Day 16 – Rotorua to Queenstown NZ5783/NZ5653
- Tour Start Date - 08 November 2020: Day 16 – Rotorua to Queenstown NZ5785/NZ5655
- Tour Start Date - 13 December 2020: Day 16 – Rotorua to Queenstown NZ5785/NZ5655
- Tour Start Date - 27 December 2020: Day 16 – Rotorua to Queenstown NZ5785/NZ5655
- Tour Start Date - 03 January 2021: Day 16 – Rotorua to Queenstown NZ5785/NZ5653
- Tour Start Date - 10 January 2021: Day 16 – Rotorua to Queenstown NZ5785/NZ5653
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