Highlights of Australia & New Zealand
24 Days
Tour Code: OZN
Though the journey is long, the chance to explore the grand expanse of Australia and the dramatic natural beauty of New Zealand’s islands is well worth the trip!
Australia begins with a tour of Melbourne with its gracious architecture and beautiful gardens. Next stop, is Alice Springs; enjoy a tour of this unique outback town and travel to a genuine Aussie outback homestead, Ooraminna, to enjoy a special barbecue dinner and learn about the five generations of the Hayes family living on the land.
Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine while watching the spectacular sunset at mighty Uluru (Ayers Rock) and in the morning rise early to watch the sunrise before traveling over the desert plains to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas).
Fly over to Cairns, your base for visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a cruise on a high-speed catamaran to the reef and view the coral and fish from a semi-submersible craft and even snorkel along the reef. While in Cairns you will also have the chance to encounter unique Australian animals at the Cairns Wildlife Dome.
In Sydney, you’ll embrace this captivating city from the waters of Sydney Harbor along with a visit to famous Bondi Beach. You will see the Sydney Opera house, Royal Botanic Gardens, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
You will then fly to Auckland and cruise on the Waitemata Harbour and visit the America’s Cup Village. From here you will travel to visit the Waitomo Glow Worm Grotto and a special Maori cultural experience will include a visit to Te Puia and enjoy a guided tour of the geothermal reserve followed by a delicious Hangi dinner and concert.
On the South Island, travel over the Southern Alps and discover breathtaking mountains, glaciers, lakes and river gorges.
Stay in a fantastic selection of First Class accommodations throughout as well as 29 meals, including 21 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches and 5 Dinners.
To ensure a comfortable travel experience, our motorcoaches are equipped with large panoramic windows, reclining seats, air-conditioning and restroom facilities.
Tour price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement or you can choose to participate in our room share program
***This tour is operated by our sister company.
Your Tour Price Includes
VIP Door-to-Door TransferTransfers you from your door step to select airports. Start your vacation in style with our outbound VIP Door-to-Door Town Car airport transfer service available on every tour from over 40 cities throughout the USA. Our service will collect your from you home and transfer you to your departure airport. We will arrange a pick-up time from your home that suits you, and your driver will meet you at your front door and assist with your bags before transporting you to the airport with ample time for check-in. |
Professional Tour DirectorYour tour will be conducted by the most experienced Tour Directors in the business and will be with you throughout the tour. |
| Inter-Tour Flights |
First Class HotelsHotels are an expensive element of any tour and certainly one of the most important. For our tours we reserve European Standard First Class Hotels (or best available) and all hotel rooms feature a private bathroom. You’ll enjoy our selection of hotels such as Radisson, Hilton and Sheraton. |
TransportationLuxury motorcoach with A/C, panoramic windows, reclining seats & emergency restroom. Airport arrival and departure transfers as noted in itinerary included with the purchase of combined air and land package. |
28 MealsWelcome Drink, 20 Full Buffet Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Hotel Dinners, and 3 Exciting Highlight Dinners |
Travel DocumentsTravel wallet, travel planner & map. $100 Frequent Traveler Discount upon return for a future tour. |
Included Tour Highlights
See the sights of MelbourneTour of Melbourne includes the Botanic Gardens, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Parliament House. |
Waitomo Caves and Glow Worm GrottoGuided boat tour of the Glow Worm Grotto and visit the Waitomo Caves. |
Tour the town of Alice SpringsEnjoy a tour of this unique outback town. Visit the historic Telegraph Station, the Royal Flying Doctor Sservice to see how medical aid reaches those who live in the remote ’outback’ and the School of the Air. |
Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and Maori dinner and concertVisit Te Puia and enjoy a guided tour of the geothermal reserve, followed by a delicious Hangi dinner and concert. |
Discover Uluru (Ayers Rock)Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine this evening while watching a spectacular sunset at mighty Uluru (Ayers Rock). The next morning, rise early to view Uluru at sunrise. |
Agrodome Sheep Show |
Explore Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)Travel through the desert plains to Kata Tjutu (the Olgas). In the evening, celebrate the glorious sunset at Kata Tjuta with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. |
TranzAlpine train journeyBoard the famous TranzAlpine train and travel over the Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass. |
Cruise the Great Barrier ReefCruise on a high-speed catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef. View the coral and fish from a semi-submersible vessel and snorkel along the reef. Enjoy a reef education presentation on this living wonder and a delicious buffet lunch. |
Franz Josef Glacier |
| Visit the Cairns Wildlife Dome |
Milford SoundMilford Sound Enjoy a cruise on the waters of this natural wonder, with Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls high above you. |
Sydney City Tour and harbour cruiseVisit the Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair and Kings Cross. Visit famous Bondi Beach, with time to stroll along the beach, then return to the city for a Sydney Harbour luncheon cruise. |
Lake Tekapo & Church of the Good ShepherdStop at Lake Tekapo and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd. |
Waitemata Harbour and America’s Cup VillageCruise on Waitemata Harbour and later visit the America’s Cup Village. |
Optional Excursions
Optional excursions can be purchased upon arrival.
The list below is a sampling of excursions that may be offered by your tour director.
Melbourne - Penguins with Kangaroos & KoalasSee Port Phillip Bay and the prestigious bayside suburbs on your way to Phillip Island. Visit the Koala Conservation Centre, then observe the nightly ritual of the world famous Penguin Parade. Every day at dusk you can experience the natural wonder of the Little Penguins returning from a day of fishing. This unique scene is viewed from elevated stands under subdued floodlights. Koalas can be seen in their natural environment, and there is the opportunity to inspect the Visitor Information Centre to learn about the animals that inhabit Phillip Island. |
Cairns - Tjapukai by NightJourney into dreamtime legend and discover the magic of Australia’s ancient indigenous culture. Immerse yourself in the traditions of Tjapukai ’The people of the rainforest’ through traditional and contemporary cultural performances. Includes a welcome drink and face painting upon arrival to ’initiate’ you into the Tjapukai tribe, solemn didgeridoo blessing, cultural performances, lake side fire making ceremony and an international buffet dinner. |
Melbourne - Colonial Tramcar RestaurantDine and see the sights aboard the famous colonial Tramcar Restaurant. The restored 1927 trams are amongst the oldest in Melbourne. Included in your fare is a delicious meal, full bar service-including wine, beer, spirits and liqueur with dessert. |
Cairns - Ochre Restaurant and CateringOchre Restaurant and Catering has created a whole new Australian Cuisine utilizing the abundant and, until recently, untapped traditional native fruits, berries, game meats and seafood, as well as the best of Australian Wines and Beers.
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Alice Springs - Overlanders SteakhouseThe Overlanders Steakhouse was established in 1971 to honour the men and women of Australia who ventured ’further out’ into the great outback of Australia. Explorers, miners, settlers, bush workers and the ’overlanders’ - the people involved in the largest movements of cattle in the history of Australia and the World. The first building, where the Steakhouse now stands, was the old, and original Alice Springs ’ Town Hall. Enjoy the signature ’Drovers Blowout’ menu, featuring four courses with a unique Australian theme. |
Cairns - Habitat Cruises (3 hr cruise)Enjoy a calm water cruise on Trinity Inlet, while discovering the secrets of the mangroves, wildlife, history and culture of the harbour and its trade. See crocodiles and a variety of native birds in their natural habitat, and then get close-up to crocodiles during the Crocodile Farm Tour on Australia’s largest commercial crocodile farm. Enjoy a delicious morning or afternoon tea, while cruising back to Cairns via the sugar cane fields. |
Alice Springs - Outback Bush BBQ DinnerEnjoy an evening around the campfire with a fine meal of prime central Australian beef. This fun filled evening under the stars in the atmosphere of an early cattle camp will long be remembered. Your evening includes a boomerang throwing demonstration, bush damper making, an informative insight into the early Aboriginal way of life, bush balladeer and star gazing at our clear outback skies. Return transfers to your hotel are included. |
Cairns - Cape Tribulation Day TourTravel to the Daintree River, crossing the river by vehicular ferry. Travel through dense rainforest before arriving at the Daintree Discovery Centre. Here you can take a closer look at life in the rainforest from the Rainforest Canopy Tower. There is time to walk along Cape Tribulation Beach before enjoying lunch. Enjoy a cruise through mangroves along the Daintree River before returning to your hotel. |
Alice Springs - Outback BallooningYour adventure begins with the balloons being inflated just as the sun lights up the rugged MacDonnell Ranges. Whilst floating gently in the air you will appreciate the vast remoteness, scenery and wildlife of the Australian outback. The tour includes your return transfers and a fresh cooked breakfast accompanied by champagne and tropical fruit juice cocktails. Please note this excursion is not recommended for the elderly or a less agile person. If you are unsure, please discuss your situation directly with Outback Ballooning. An aviation insurance levy of $25.00 per person is payable direct to Outback Ballooning. |
Cairns - Kuranda Rail, Skyrail & Tjapukai Day TourJoin the famous Kuranda Railway for a breathtaking journey on one of the world’s most scenic railways to the village of Kuranda. Stroll through the famous Kuranda markets. Return to the lowlands by the Skyrail Cableway which takes you above the rainforest canopy. Visit the award-winning Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, meet your indigenous guide and learn about this ancient culture through theatres, stage shows and demonstrations. You are then transferred back to your hotel. |
Ayers Rock - Fixed Wing Scenic Flight - Ayers Rock & the OlgasExperience the beauty of these great Australian landmarks with an amazing aerial view. The incredible rock formations of The Olgas are a must-see from the air. |
Cairns - Flames of the Forest Rainforest DinnerThe evening features two local indigenous brothers sharing some of their remarkable culture with you in a setting where they adventured as children. The rainforest setting is the natural, authentic backdrop for this spiritual and mystic culture, a performance unique to the Flames of the Forest, where you will learn about their timeless oral traditions in an intimate and personal setting. This evening of theater, tropical dining, authentic aboriginal culture explored through story telling and music is a must do for anyone interested in history, Aboriginal culture, the rainforest, meeting new people and great Australian food. |
Ayers Rock - Fixed Wing Scenic Flight - Ayers Rock, Olgas & Lake AmadeusFly over the Northern Territory’s largest salt lake and witness the amazing contrast of colours. Fully experience the Australian desert environment, with the possibility to see wild camels. |
Sydney - The Blue Mountains & Wildlife DinnerTravel to the spectacular Blue Mountains. Opportunity to ride the Scenic Railway, Skyway Cable Car or the new Sceniscender (own expense). View the Three Sisters, a giant rock formation of Aboriginal legend. Visit Featherdale Wildlife Park, home to native Australian wildlife and birds. Travel through Homebush, the site of the 2000 Sydney Olympics on your return to Sydney. |
Ayers Rock - Fixed Wing Scenic Flight - Ayers Rock, Olgas & Kings CanyonSee it all! With its amazing sheer cliff walls and surrounding valleys, Kings Canyon is an awe-inspiring landmark best appreciated from the air. |
Sydney - Hunter Valley Wine TastingDepart the city via the Harbour Bridge and travel through the spectacular Hawkesbury district, stopping in historic Wollombi for morning tea. Enjoy private wine tastings at Lindeman’s Winery. Increase your knowledge of wine with an introductory DVD about the wine making process. Learn about styles, techniques and how to blend your own wine. Visit the home of Bluetongue Beer and enjoy a tasting paddle of available varieties (own expense). A smorgasbord lunch of tasting platters offering you a range of dishes is included, while the cellarmaster shows you how food ’marries’ with the wines. Enjoy boutique wine at its best with a tasting at Oakvale, one of Australia’s oldest working wineries. Enjoy the quaint village of Hunter Valley Gardens. View lush rolling hills and small wineries dotted across the landscape as you journey back to Sydney. |
Ayers Rock - Helicopter FlightsExperience the spectacular views of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (Olgas). Photograph these magnificent formations whilst listening to the commentary provided by your pilot.
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Sydney - Sydney Tower RestaurantIconic Sydney tower restaurant is the highest revolving restaurant in the southern hemisphere. It’s the ideal location to enjoy all Sydney has to offer from over three-hundred meters above the city center. Taking a leisurely seventy minutes to complete a full revolution, you are treated to a three-hundred and sixty degree panoramic view of Sydney whilst enjoying quality local and international cuisine from the self-select buffet. |
Ayers Rock - Camel RideMeet your friendly camel and enjoy your ride from the Uluru Camel Depot to view sunrise or sunset over Ayers Rock. Return to the depot for billy tea and baked beerbread (sunrise) or a glass of sparking wine and nibbles (sunset). Return transfers to your hotel included.
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Sydney - Italian VillageWith amazing service and some of Sydney’s best modern cuisine, Italian Village is at the forefront of Australian dining. Ideally located in the Rocks, the restaurant is surrounded by 360 degree views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This price includes a 2 course set menu. |
Ayers Rock - Motorcycle RideSee spectacular Uluru (Ayers Rock) from a legendary, late model Harley Davidson motorcycle. Expert riders will take you on a Pa’s Special (30 minutes) to the Uluru viewing point or you may prefer to cruise around Uluru (60 minutes), both with a photo stop. Return transfers to your hotel included. |
Franz Josef Glacier - Mountain Scenic Spectacular Flight (40 min)Discover the gigantic expanse of the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier snowfalls on this 40 minute scenic flight. Cross the main divide for breathtaking views of Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. Highlights include a snow landing, Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and Mt Cook. |
Ayers Rock - Sounds of Silence DinnerDine under a million stars at the award winning Sounds of Silence Restaurant. Sip on a cool drink with the sound of a lone didjeridu filling the air, all with a view over Ayers Rock and the Olgas. Dinner includes a gourmet barbecue of Australian delicacies accompanied by fine Australian wines. Later enjoy a tour of the Southern night skies in a stargazing session. |
Franz Josef Glacier - Twin Glacier Flight (30 min)From a mantle of pure white snow, massive rivers of ice wind their way down glacier valleys - explore the glaciers, an incredible natural phenomenon on this 30 minute scenic flight. Highlights include landing at the head of the Franz Josef Glacier and a snow or icefall landing. |
Cairns - Hot Air BallooningDeparting Cairns daily, enjoy a spectacular balloon flight over the Atherton Tablelands - the hot air ballooning capital of the southern hemisphere! See kangaroos and enjoy some of the most reliable and best priced ballooning in the world. After the flight enjoy a full hot and cold breakfast buffet and champagne. |
Franz Josef Glacier - Neve Discoverer Flight (20 min)Lift off and fly up and over the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier to land amongst this alpine wonderland on a 20 minute scenic flight. Highlights include landing at the head of the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier and a snow or icefall landing. |
Cairns - Scenic Helicopter Flight (10-minute ride)Experience the exhilaration of flying above one of the wonders of the world. Opal like formations of coral appear to float in the pristine blue waters, while the sun pierces through and enhances this natural beauty. Flying above such a vast array of marine life and spectacular colour provides irresistible photo opportunities. An aerial perspective of the Great Barrier Reef is a vision that stays with you long after you return home. A must see, must experience, option on your day at the reef. |
Franz Josef Glacier - Haast River SafariTravel on a purpose built fully enclosed river jet boat with front-loading access. Great visibility is ensured, yet you remain warm, dry and comfortable, making this a unique and safe experience suitable for anyone of any age to participate in and enjoy. While the scenic value is terrific on a sunny day, the valley is equally awesome during rain with mist shrouding the forest, and waterfalls in full flow. Learn from the local & highly experienced driver/guides about the physical attributes of this remarkable glacial valley, where temperate rainforest thrives. Hear stories of true Kiwi spirit that enabled a community to survive on the edge of the wilderness in this rugged landscape that is truly one of New Zealand’s last frontiers. |
Cairns - Great AdventuresNo experience is necessary to take a fully supervised introductory dive and explore the reef and its amazing marine life. Snorkel tours are a great way to maximize your experience on the Great Barrier Reef with many magnificent sites to capture the excitement. Age and medical restrictions may apply to diving. |
Queenstown - Shotover Jet (30-minute ride)Enjoy a 30 minute jet boat ride down the mighty Shotover River and through the Shotover Canyon with the only company permitted to operate in this area. Once aboard, your driver puts the famous big red jet boat through its paces, speeding past rocky outcrops with only inches to spare and twisting through narrow canyons. A major highlight is experiencing the famous ’Shotover Jet Turn’ where your boat spins through a full 360 degrees turn. Includes transfers from your hotel. Duration 1.5 hours in total. |
Cairns - Cairns Night ZooEnjoy a delicious Aussie barbeque dinner of steak, sausages, chicken, fish, baked potatoes, fresh prawns and a selection of salads followed by dessert. Relax with a drink from our licensed bar. After dinner, our guides will provide you with a torch and lead you into the darkness to meet the creatures of the night. On clear nights our guides will take you star gazing. Follow our guides as they lead you safely through the crocodiles’ lair. See the croc eyes glow in your torchlight. In the Aussie bush, there’s always a chance you will cross paths with a ’Swaggie’ (an original Australian bushman). Join our hospitable Swaggie for billy tea and damper by the campfire. After complimentary cold beer or wine, join in the fun of some famous Aussie Bush Dances. Return hotel transfers included. |
Queenstown - Milford Sound to Queenstown Scenic FlightAfter our drive into Milford, we cruise Milford Sound, and then you will be transferred to Milford Airport for your 45 minute scenic flight from Milford Sound back to Queenstown. The friendly and experienced pilots will show you the famous Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, the Greenstone Valley and upper reaches of the Dart River and Lake Wakatipu. A full informative commentary is provided during your flight and a guaranteed window seat for everyone! |
Cairns - Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural ParkVisit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park where the legends of the Dreamtime are brought to life. Three theaters, a museum, art gallery and a traditional Aboriginal camp combine to give a fascinating glimpse of the rich and ancient culture of the traditional inhabitants of the region. Try your hand at boomerang and spear throwing too! |











































