Contrasts of Australia & New Zealand
Operated by: Trafalgar
17 Days from $5,198 per person
Countries Visited
Australia, New ZealandLocations Visited
Melbourne, Cairs, Sydney, Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Franz Josef Glac… more Melbourne, Cairs, Sydney, Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown-
Day 1
Arrive Melbourne (2 Nights)
Sophisticated Melbourne extends a warm welcome as your first stop. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel (flights to arrive prior to noon). Then it’s out on the town this evening for a Welcome Reception and dinner with your Travel Director and fellow travelers.
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Day 2
Melbourne Sightseeing
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.
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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. This evening, enjoy an evening at leisure to sample some of the city's famous seafood.
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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.
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Day 5
Cairns Free Time
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, traveling by Scenic Rail to the 'village in the rainforest' and return to the lowlands on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. This evening, connect with locals at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, where you'll hear stories of the Dreamtime and witness an entertaining high-impact performance by the indigenous dance group. Your Be My Guest dinner is served to the hypnotic sounds of the didgeridoo.
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Day 6
Cairns - Sydney (3 Nights)
We leave the golden beaches of Cairns behind, bound for Sydney. Settle into your splendid surrounds before boarding a Captain Cook Sunset Dinner 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 Meal on the water.
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Day 7
Sydney Sightseeing
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 as you visit the Returned Servicemen's Club for a Regional Meal. Join a local surf lifesaver who will take you on an exclusive tour through Australia's oldest surf lifesaving club and share insights into surf lifesaving and the history of Bondi, which has been welcoming beach-goers since 1882.
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Day 8
Sydney Free Time
Indulge in a full day at leisure to connect with the energy of this vibrant harbor 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 dinner in a waterfront restaurant.
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Day 9
Sydney - Auckland (2 Nights)
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.
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Day 10
Auckland Sightseeing
Embark on a city sightseeing tour, starting your journey at the city's beautiful waterfront. Ascend to Bastion Point and the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial for magnificent views of Waitemata Harbour, which you'll have an opportunity to cruise on before the rest of the day at leisure.
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Day 11
Auckland - Rotorua
Immerse yourself in New Zealand's horse racing culture during a visit to Lance and Bridgette O'Sullivan's home. Connect with locals over a sumptuous country-style lunch at the Red Barn on their beautiful Waikato farm. Later, dive into culture and gain a deeper understanding of Māori traditions at the Tamaki Family Marae where you will enjoy a traditional Hangi Regional Meal and concert.
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Day 12
Rotorua - Christchurch
Keep a keen eye out for the shy kiwis that find sanctuary in the lush surrounds of Rainbow Springs Nature Park, joining your Local Specialist for an immersive nature walk. Then, continue to Te Puia Thermal Reserve in Rotorua to see its bubbling geysers, mud pools and thermal springs in the company of a Local Specialist. We fly to Christchurch next.
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Day 13
Christchurch - Franz Josef
Experience a tor highlight this morning—a TranzAlpine train ride through the snow-capped Southern Alps to Arthur's Pass. This spectacular train journey dates to 1914 and is rated as one of the world's most scenic train trips, forging through tunnels and over viaducts with panoramic views of icy rivers, beech forests, gorges and river valleys. Later, admire vivid hues of greenstone during a visit to a jade factory in Hokitika, where you'll witness first-hand a Local Specialist master carver at work. Journey along the coastal road to Franz Josef Glacier for a short walk to view the imposing glacier and perhaps an optional scenic flight (weather permitting). Tonight, enjoy dinner with wine at your hotel in the midst of a rainforest.
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Day 14
Franz Josef - Queenstown (3 Nights)
Follow the Tasman Sea coastline en route to Queenstown. Continue over the Haast Pass, winding through Mount Aspiring National Park and past Lakes Wanaka and Hawea before arriving in historic Arrowtown with its lovingly restored mining cottages and tree-lined streets that were once home to determined gold prospectors. Later, get your bearings during an orientation tour in Queenstown, then spend the rest of your evening at leisure.
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Day 15
Milford Sound Cruise
Journey south, over the Devil's Staircase and along the shore of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, the gateway to South Island's spectacular fiords. The ancient rainforests of Fiordland National Park provide a lush, green backdrop for our drive past glaciers and mountain ranges. Emerging from the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel, we'll encounter the fragile beauty of Cleddau Valley and natural splendor Mirror Lake, the Chasm and Bowen Falls before reaching Milford Sound. Take to its still waters for an exclusive nature cruise with lunch, filled with pinch me moments. Return to Queenstown for an evening at leisure.
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Day 16
Queenstown Free Time
Push your boundaries today as you discover why Queenstown is New Zealand's adventure capital, joining a recommended Optional Experience. Ride the Shotover Jet or take a 4WD mini-bus tour through Skippers Canyon. This evening, we take a step back in time with our Travel Director for dinner at The Boatshed, set in the historic Railway 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 Farewell Dinner.
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Day 17
Depart Queenstown
Our journey together has sadly come to an end. Say farewell to newfound friends as we transfer you to Queenstown Airport for your onward flight (flights anytime).
16 hot buffet breakfasts, 4 lunches, 8 dinners.
Included Highlights
Connect with Locals
- Experience an evening of indigenous theatre, dance and music, including a Didgeridoo performance and a personal Welcome to Country ceremony at a privately hosted Be My Guest dinner at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park in Cairns, Tropical North Queensland.
- In the Waikato region of New Zealand, join your hosts the O'Sullivans for a Be My Guest lunch at the Red Barn on their dairy farm.
Dive into Culture
- Discover Melbourne's eclectic hidden lanes, arcades and fascinating street art.
- Gain an insight into their indigenous culture and traditions at the Tamaki Maori Village in Rotorua.
Local Specialist
- For included sightseeing in Sydney, Rotorua, Hokitika.
Sightseeing Highlights
- City Tour in Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, Christchurch
- Cruise on Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park
- View Darling Harbour from your Sydney hotel room, the Southern Alps from the TranzAlpine train
- Visit Hartley's Crocodile Adventures in Queensland, Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, Te Puia Geothermal Valley in Rotorua
Dates & Prices
Airfare is not included, but can be added to quote upon request-
Definite Departure
- Important Note
| Start Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
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| 5 Sep 19 | 21 Sep 19 |
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$5,775$5,198pp | SAVE: $577Promo Code: PPTD119AARP members save an additional $100 | Call 1-877-622-9109 Book Now | ||
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Important Note
|
14 Nov 19 | 30 Nov 19 |
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$6,295pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |
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Important Note
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6 Feb 20 | 22 Feb 20 |
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$6,295pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |
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Important Note
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13 Feb 20 | 29 Feb 20 | $6,295pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Important Note
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27 Feb 20 | 14 Mar 20 |
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$6,295pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |
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Important Note
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5 Mar 20 | 21 Mar 20 | $6,295pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Important Note
|
12 Mar 20 | 28 Mar 20 | $6,295pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Important Note
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19 Mar 20 | 4 Apr 20 | $6,295pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now |
- Important Note: This departure is subject to price, itinerary and hotel modification.
Optional Add-Ons
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Melbourne
Phillip Island Penguins Kangaroos And Koalas
Visit the Maru Koala & Animal Park to see koalas, kangaroos and other animals. View Seal Rocks and the Nobbies, overlooking one of the most treacherous oceans in the world, Bass Strait. At the Penguin Parade witness the wild Little Penguins emerge from the sea after a hard day’s fishing and waddle across the sand to their nests.
Phillip Island Penguins Up Late
Travel directly to the Penguin Parade. Enjoy panoramic views of the French Island before witnessing the amazing nightly ritual. Watch penguins march up the sand to their nests and enjoy time browsing through the educational centre. Travel express back to Melbourne. (Operates Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat in Winter, Daily in Summer)
Adult Price: $130.50
Cairns
Spirit of Cairns
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 cruise of dining, entertainment, and panoramic mountain and city views. Throughout the evening you cruise the calm water inlet and waterfront precinct of Cairns, whilst enjoying fabulous dining, live music, and (optional!) dancing after dinner. (Operates Wednesday to Saturday)
Adult Price: $95.00
Daintree walkabout
After arriving at Mossman Gorge, you will be treated to a guided rainforest walk along private, easy graded tracks, visiting special places and culturally significant sites, past traditional bark shelters and over cool rainforest streams. Your experienced interpretive Indigenous guides demonstrate traditional plant use, identify bush tucker sources, share their dreamtime legends, explain the history of cave paintings and provide an enchanting narrative of the rainforest and their special relationships within this unique tropical environment. After your 1.5hr walk, enjoy tea, damper and question time with guide. Later enjoy a fascinating hour cruising through this wildlife environment, which is home to birds, tree snakes, unique plants and the estuarine crocodile – a great photo opportunity. Enjoy afternoon tea after your cruise. Lunch included. (Operates Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday)
Adult Price: $216.00
Down Under Tours Kuranda Skyrail And Scenic Railway
Join your luxury Down Under Tours coach for the journey to Caravonica Lakes. Here you join Skyrail and marvel at the technology that has created the World's Most Beautiful Rainforest Experience. Stop at Barron Falls Station and learn more about this amazing Eco-system at the CSIRO Interpretive Centre. View the Barron Falls or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the rainforest boardwalk. 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. Spectacular scenery is the order of the day before arriving at historic Freshwater Station, where you will board your coach back to your accommodation.
Adult Price: $164.00
Hot Air Cairns 30 Minute Flight
Enjoy a spectacular balloon flight over the Atherton Tablelands the hot air ballooning capital of the southern hemisphere. *Additional $30.00 insurance levy to be paid direct to Hot Air Cairns applies.
Adult Price: $230.00
Ochre Restaurant 2 Course Dinner
Ochre Restaurant has created a whole new Australian Cuisine utilising the abundant and, until recently, untapped traditional native fruits, berries, game meats and seafood, as well as the best of Australian wines and beers.
Adult Price: $50.00
Great Barrier Reef
Cape Tribulation Day Tour
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 a driver/guided tour & morning tea at the Mossman Gorge Centre, delicious tropical lunch set amongst the rainforest, and a walk on famous Cape Tribulation Beach.
Adult Price: $214.00
Down Under Tours Kuranda Skyrail And Scenic Railway
Join your luxury Down Under Tours coach for the journey to Caravonica Lakes. Here you join Skyrail and marvel at the technology that has created the World's Most Beautiful Rainforest Experience. Stop at Barron Falls Station and learn more about this amazing Eco-system at the CSIRO Interpretive Centre. View the Barron Falls or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the rainforest boardwalk. 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. Spectacular scenery is the order of the day before arriving at historic Freshwater Station, where you will board your coach back to your accommodation.
Adult Price: $164.00
Sydney
Sydney Tower Restaurant Dinner
Enjoy a memorable evening perched high above the city with uninterrupted panoramic views. This delicious buffet dinner includes over 40 freshly prepared dishes, from a range of cuisines including Australian, Chinese, Italian, Vietnamese and a selection of fresh seafood.
Adult Price: $75.00
Blue Mountains And Australian Wildlife
Discover the spectacular Blue Mountains and see native wildlife whilst you explore the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. Pass by Homebush Bay, site of the 2000 Olympics. Discover Leura village, a delightful blend of groomed gardens and quaint shops. Stop at Echo Point and see the famous Three Sisters rock formation. See Katoomba in the heart of the Blue Mountains. Visit Scenic World for a chance to ride the steepest railway in the world (own expense). Enjoy an afternoon encounter at Featherdale Wildlife Park. Have your photo taken with a cuddly koala. See kangaroos, wombats, dingoes and cute little penguins.
Bridge Climb
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. In Climb 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.
Sydney Heli Tours
This is the best way to see Sydney in all its glory. See full panoramic views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Manly Cove and Sydney’s spectacular Harbour and city skyline. This tour will leave you breathless! Great Views, Great Flight! After a safety briefing, we will use your own camera for some happy snaps in front of your helicopter to begin the memories of a sensational Heli Tour. Within 5 minutes your professional pilot will have you over the harbour flying past icons such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, Rose Bay and Manly Cove. Throughout the flight your pilot will be providing you with expert commentary via voice activated headset.
Adult Price: $220.00
The Rocks Pub Walk
Tread in the footsteps of the convicts, larrikin gangs & locals of the past as you share a drink in 4 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. The Rocks Pub Walk runs 11:30am and 2:30pm daily (except Friday nights). Commences from Harts Pub, Essex St & Gloucester Street, The Rocks.
Adult Price: $90.00
Christchurch
Haast River Safari
Travel 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.
Adult Price: $109.00
Mountain Scenic Spectacular Flight
Discover the gigantic expanse of the Franz Josef and Fox snowfields 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.
Adult Price: $460.00
Twin Glacier Flight
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 a snow landing at the head of the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier.
Adult Price: $320.00
Queenstown
Milford Sound Flight Back To Queenstown
A scenic flight from Milford Sound to return back to Queenstown. During the 35 minute flight take in panoramic views of spectacular scenery including glaciers, rivers, lakes and rainforest.
Adult Price: $420.00
Shotover Jet
Enjoy a 30-minute jet boat ride down the mighty Shotover River and through Shotover Canyon with the only company permitted to operate in this area. A major highlight is experiencing the famous “Shotover Jet Turn” where your boat spins through a full 360 degrees turn. Includes return transfers from Queenstown. (Duration: 1.5 hours in total)
Skippers Canyon Scenic Tour and Jet Boat Ride
Skippers Canyon Jet are the only company to offer a complete 4WD tour of Skippers Canyon and access to the unique mining relics available in the Sainsbury gold claim museum. Following the winding, yet majestic Skippers road, which carves its way down from the Coronet Peak ski road, over the saddle and down “Long gully” through to Skippers Canyon; your guide will detail the history of the road, hardships of the miners and how many miners were killed building the road over a century ago.
Adult Price: $195.00
Tss Earnslaw Cruise And Walter Peak Dinner
Relive the elegance of turn-of-the-century travel with a cruise on Queenstown’s iconic vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. Launched in 1912, the TSS Earnslaw is the largest and grandest vessel ever to ply Lake Wakatipu. The TSS Earnslaw makes several trips daily across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm on the western shores. A cruise on this gracious heritage vessel is the perfect way to experience Queenstown’s magnificent alpine scenery. Upon reaching Walter Peak High Country Farm, you can disembark for an insight into New Zealand’s farming lifestyle. Enjoy an evening dining at the Colonel’s Homestead followed by an entertaining Sheep Show!
Adult Price: $145.00
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