15 Day Classic New Zealand & Australia w/flights from $4,149

Travel Team > Australia – Escorted Tours > 15 Day Classic New Zealand & Australia w/flights from $4,149

DAY 3, Arrive in Auckland
Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, known as the “City of Sails.” After a late breakfast with your fellow travelers, transfer to the hotel. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a Welcome Drink and an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager on the exciting journey that lies ahead, followed by a Welcome Dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Auckland
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4, Tour Auckland’s Museum, Maori Cultural Performance
This morning’s tour of this multicultural city begins at the renowned Auckland Museum, housed in one of New Zealand’s outstanding historical buildings. Here, you’ll see the monumental carvings, canoes and taonga (treasures) of the Maori people along with an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits depicting the growth of the country. Afterwards, enjoy the Maori Cultural performance at Auckland Museum. The afternoon is at leisure to discover the many diverse delights of this fascinating city or, join the optional tour to Sky Tower. Standing at almost 1,100 feet tall, it is the highest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere and has become an iconic part of Auckland’s skyline. From the top, see breathtaking views of the sparkling harbor, the city and beyond. Savor delicious kiwi-inspired dishes at the restaurant that feature the best local and seasonal produce
Optional: Sky Tower Experience with dinner
Overnight: Auckland
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Flight to Queenstown
Depart Auckland on a flight to Queenstown, named for Queen Victoria. The town, nestled on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu, is considered New Zealand’s adventure capital. Its fabulous outdoor attractions and resort like atmosphere are enjoyed by international travelers and locals alike. Upon arrival, check into the hotel, then take a short walking tour of Queenstown, before having the rest of the day at leisure
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Discover Milford Sound
Enjoy a full day tour to Milford Sound! Travel to World Heritage Fiordland National Park, rich with dense rainforest, lakes and waterfalls cascading from rugged mountain peaks. En route to Milford Sound, stop at Te Anau and the glacier hewn Eglinton Valley before embarking on the cruise out into the fjord with scenic views of temperate rainforest, stunning Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls. Possible wildlife viewings include seals, birds and occasionally even dolphins or penguins. Late afternoon, return to Queenstown
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 7, Full Day in Queenstown
Spend time on your own discovering always picturesque Queenstown. Walk along the streets of the sophisticated downtown area, with its trendy shops and restaurants or, be adventurous and ascend on the Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak, high above the city for magnificent views of Queenstown, The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, and Lake Wakatipu. Alternatively, participate in the optionalSkippers Canyon adventure that follows this rugged road into the sheer cliff sides of the Shotover River Valley. During the tour, visit many historic sites and stop at Deep Creek to try your hand at gold panning at one of the richest gold bearing rivers in the world. Return to Queenstown along Skippers Road, with views of some of the “Lord of the Rings” film locations. Later, join the optional Sheep Farm & Kiwi Birdlife Park Excursion. Tour a family-run sheep farm and learn about raising sheep and producing wool. Afterward, visit the Kiwi Birdlife Park, a wildlife sanctuary where you observe more than 20 endemic species, including New Zealand’s namesake, the kiwi
Optional: Skippers Canyon 4WD Adventure
Optional: Sheep Farm & Kiwi Birdlife Park Excursion
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Queenstown to Dunedin
This morning, visit the charming gold rush village of Arrowtown, nestled among the peaks that surround the sparkling Arrow River. Time to walk along the tree-lined avenues of this colorful town filled with 19th century miner’s cottages, or enjoy the delightful shops filled with New Zealand crafts, art galleries and lovely cafes before continuing to an area known as the ‘Valley of the Vines’, because it is sandwiched in a valley surrounded by rugged mountains and running along the rocky Kawarau River gorge. This area produces superb wines, with worldwide recognition and an avalanche of international awards for the Pinot Noir. While here, visit a winery and enjoy a two-course lunch with wine tasting before continuing past the picturesque and historic townships of Cromwell, Clyde and the huge Clyde Dam to Alexandra. Later, drive along the Clutha River and past the multiple orchards that define this area as New Zealand’s fruit bowl before arriving in Dunedin, New Zealand’s oldest city, well known for its Victorian and Edwardian architecture and its close proximity to amazing wildlife
Overnight: Dunedin
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9, Tour of Dunedin
A day to enjoy Dunedin, arguably New Zealand’s most spectacular city in terms of contrasting landscapes, nestled in tree-clad hills at the head of a beautiful harbor. The city flourished during the 19th-century gold rush and is now the major gateway to the Otago region. Discover the city with a morning tour highlighted by a visit to the Dunedin Railway Station, a jewel in the country’s architectural crown; Baldwin Street, the steepest residential street in the world; and the prestigious Otago University. Visit Olveston historic homestead, built in the early 1900s, a superb turn of the century house with posh furnishings and a stunning art collection. The afternoon is at leisure or, join the optional Otago Peninsula Tour with Wellers Rock Cruise. Enjoy a tour to the Otago Peninsula home to sea lions, fur seals and penguins. Travel to New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle, which was built in 1871 by William Larnach, a merchant baron and politician, featuring magnificent architecture and superb craftsmanship. Lastly, embark on a one-hour wildlife cruise with an opportunity to view the exciting diversity of wildlife which abounds on spectacular Taiaroa Head, the only mainland nesting place for Northern Royal Albatross in the world
Optional: Otago Peninsula Tour with Wellers Rock Cruise (PM)
Overnight: Dunedin
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10, Dunedin to Christchurch, Flight to Sydney
Depart Dunedin, following the east coast of the South Island north through Oamaru, renowned for its stunning limestone architecture. Travel through the small rural communities of Timaru and Ashburton before traversing the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch for a flight to Sydney, Australia. Get ready for the next adventure as you’re welcomed by your new Tour Manager to Sydney. Tonight, enjoy your first dinner in Australia at a local restaurant
Overnight: Sydney
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11, Explore Sydney
The panoramic tour of Sydney starts at world famous Bondi Beach and historic and fashionable Paddington with its unique terrace houses. Continuing to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair and the Royal Botanic Gardens which offer extraordinary views of celebrated Sydney Harbour, the Harbour Bridge and the striking Sydney Opera House poised majestically on the water’s edge, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pass historic buildings including the Parliament House, St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Queen Victoria Building. Then, head to The Rocks, a historic area where the city was founded by Captain Arthur Phillip and his working party of convicts. Shop for Opals at a local shop, the best in the world – Australia provides approximately 97% of the world’s supply. Spend the balance of the day at leisure. If you are feeling adventurous, have the experience of a lifetime on an optional invigorating climb to the top of the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. A professional team of experienced climbers will escort you to the very top and will provide you with a lasting memento. Tonight, join the optional Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise. Sail by iconic landmarks, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, while watching the vivid colors of sunset wash over the skyline. Then, sit down for a delectable dinner of international dishes
Optional: Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
Optional: Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise
Overnight: Sydney
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12, Full Day in Sydney
A last day in Sydney to pursue your personal pleasures. Perhaps, participate in the optional full day excursion to Featherdale Wildlife Park and the Blue Mountains. Featherdale is home to over 300 species of Australia’s diverse wildlife. Admire the koalas, feed the kangaroos, view the Fairy Penguins, and see the colorful parrots, cockatoos and lorikeets. For wilderness and wildlife, the magnificent Blue Mountains region is a must see for any visitor to Sydney. Travel through quaint mountain villages, past spectacular lookouts, and through the rugged Australian Bush to Katoomba Scenic World. Returning to Sydney in the late afternoon
Optional: Blue Mountains with Featherdale Wildlife Park
Overnight: Sydney
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 13, Flight to Melbourne
Board your flight this morning for the beautiful Victorian city of Melbourne on the shores of Port Phillip Bay. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and spend the balance of the day at leisure. This evening, get together for a Farewell Dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Melbourne
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 14, Melbourne City Tour
The tour of Melbourne this morning highlights the mingling of the city’s cultures, monuments and scenic delights, from the magnificent gardens to the riverside complexes and bayside suburbs, with elegant 19th century architecture. In the afternoon, time to stroll on your own, or join the not to be missed optional tour to Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Depart the busy city and suburbs, traveling out into the rural countryside to visit Australia’s most popular wildlife attraction and home to the one of the largest Little Penguin colonies in the world
Optional: Phillip Island Little Penguin Parade
Overnight: Melbourne
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 15, Depart Australia
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast