22 Day Tour of Australia & New Zealand from $5,999 USD

Travel Team > Australia – Independent Tours > 22 Day Tour of Australia & New Zealand from $5,999 USD

 

Day 1- 4   MELBOURNE, VIC Guest Room SAVOY HOTEL MELBOURNE (Or Similar hotel)

 

You will be met at Melbourne airport and transferred to your hotel.

 

You will love the convenience of staying in the very heart of all the action in the Melbourne city centre. Blending the zest of the Vibe Hotel brand with the beautiful façade of a heritage building, Vibe Savoy Hotel Melbourne is located only a couple of blocks from the hub of Melbourne’s Collins Street. The exciting Melbourne CBD is made up of precincts – distinct enclaves, each with their own flavour and charm. Vibe Savoy Hotel Melbourne is the perfect Melbourne hotel to base yourself; you are ideally located to take advantage of the Melbourne’s tram and rail network as well as easy access to the Etihad Stadium and exciting Southbank precinct as well as the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.

 

Day 2    Half Day Magnificent Melbourne – Morning City Sights   MELBOURNE, VIC

Discover the secrets of Melbourne. See Captain Cook’s Cottage, Queen Victoria Market, Fitzroy Gardens and Albert Park, home to the Australian Grand Prix. Stroll the Royal Botanic Gardens, see the Royal Exhibition Buildings and Federation Square. Visit the Shrine of Remembrance and see the Southbank waterfront precinct. See some of the city’s architecture including St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Princess and Regent theatres. Cross the Bolte Bridge for great city views.

 

 

Day 3 Phillip Island Tour w/Guided Ranger   MELBOURNE, VIC

Departing Melbourne at around midday, we journey to the city’s most colourful attraction – the iconic Brighton Beach bathing boxes – for an opportunity to visit the beach and take some time to admire these historic landmarks. We continue our journey through Melbourne’s bayside suburbs on the way to Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park. Here, we enjoy a guided wildlife walk where we have the opportunity to meet and hand-feed many species of native Australian animals. Learn about iconic species such as kangaroos, koalas, emus & wallabies, as well as some of our lesser-known favourites including quolls, owls, bandicoots & Tasmanian devils. Included in our visit here is the spectacular “Conservation in Action” wildlife show, which showcases a number of lesser-known Australian species in a series of interactive and engaging ranger presentations. Continuing on to Phillip Island, a visit to Point Grant and The Nobbies gives us an opportunity to enjoy views over Westernport Bay and the Bass Strait, including Seal Rocks, home to Australia’s largest population of fur seals. And then it’s onwards to the main event, where just after dark every night the world’s smallest penguins waddle ashore after spending the day fishing out at sea. You’ll be truly enchanted as the stars of the show emerge from the surf and pass right before your eyes on their journey back to their homes. Your ranger/guide will ensure you are able to get the very best beach front vantage point to enjoy the Penguin Parade. After the parade, we allow plenty of time to explore the Visitor Centre before beginning our own journey back to Melbourne. With drop off right back to your inner city accommodation, you’ll remember this day as a true highlight of your Australian holiday.

 

 

 

Days 4 – 6 ALICE SPRINGS, NT     Doubletree by Hilton Alice Springs (Or Similar hotel

 

You will be transferred from your hotel to Melbourne Airport.

 

Fly Melbourne to Alice Springs (Not Included – Your Travel Team agent will help in booking your flight)

 

You will be met at Alice Springs airport and transferred to your hotel.

 

Set against the MacDonnell Ranges, DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs offers guests the unique opportunity of enjoying a resort-style holiday, whilst also experiencing the spectacular ‘Red Centre’ and the true Australian outback. The 235 air-conditioned guest rooms and suites each feature free in-house movies, modem access and STD/IDD direct dial telephones, tea and coffee facilities, an iron and ironing board. All rooms offer glorious views of the MacDonnell Ranges or the hotel’s poolside area. Facilities include a gymnasium, spa and sauna, a swimming pool heated for those cool desert winters, and two floodlight tennis courts. DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs offers two restaurants for you to choose from, Ballons Bistro, which serves contemporary Australian cuisine, and Hanuman Restaurant, an award-winning favourite amongst locals and guests alike, with a Thai inspired menu of mouth-watering curries and sensational stir-fries.

 

Day 5 Half Day A Town Like Alice Tour    Alice Springs, NT

Tour the sights of ‘The Alice’ including The School of the Air. We learn how children who cannot access schools are educated by radio, we may have the opportunity to listen to and observe actual lessons in progress on air. Stop at the historic Telegraph Station, which marks the original site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs. Visit the Royal Flying Doctors Service, where you will see how medical aid reaches those who live in the remote ‘outback’. We also make a stop at the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, where you can see up close and maybe touch some of the lizards and snakes of Central Australia’s semi-arid desert, such as the Perentie Lizard and the Thorny Devil. The tour concludes with a panoramic view of the township of Alice Springs and the MacDonnell Ranges from the top of Anzac Hill.

 

Day 6   Red Centre Connection – Alice Springs to Ayers Rock  (Uluru)

Travel from Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock) aboard a luxury coach. Take in the rugged desert landscapes of the region, passing through the beautiful MacDonnell Ranges. Stop at the Camel Farm and learn about the impact camels had in opening up Central Australia. Camels, ideally suited to the hot, dry climate of Australia’s interior, were imported in the 19th century and remained the principal means of outback transport until railways and roads were established. You have the opportunity to ride a camel (own expense). While travelling through this remote country, your friendly Driver Guide will provide an informative and entertaining commentary. Learn the natural and geological history of the region, as well as the unique Australian desert flora and fauna such as the Perentie monitor lizard, the thorny devil and the red kangaroo. Hear about the traditional customs and beliefs of the local Aboriginals. There is time for a stop at Mt Ebenezer Road House for a quick morning tea break (own expense). View flat-topped Atila (Mt Conner) in the distance before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort rested, relaxed and ready to explore the amazing World Heritage-listed Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park.

 

 

Days 6 – 7 Desert Deluxe Room  AYERS ROCK, NT (Uluru)   VOYAGES DESERT GARDENS HOTEL (Or Similar hotel)

Offering the only rooms with views of Uluru in Ayers Rock Resort, the 4.5 star Desert Gardens Hotel features welcoming rooms, locally inspired dining options, and interactive arts experiences within an oasis of native gardens. Accommodation options are diverse, from deluxe rock view rooms to shady poolside rooms, all located under a canopy of towering gum trees and garden beds dotted with native flowers. Once you’ve satisfied the urge to explore the magic within Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, you will find guided and self-guided tours through Desert Gardens Hotel’s substantial and authentic native gardens, just outside your hotel door. Learning about Australia’s native fauna and traditional Indigenous bush foods will awaken an appetite to uncover Desert Gardens Hotel’s restaurants and bars. White Gums Restaurant helps prepare you for the day with an interactive buffet breakfast, while lunch served on Bunya Bar’s terrace comes with a side of total relaxation. Argnuli Grill’s Red Centre inspired a la carte grill menu provides a perfect ending to the day. Desert Gardens Hotel’s Mingkiri Gallery is home to both inspired arts experiences and one of a kind souvenirs to commemorate your unforgettable trip. Meet the Artist in Residence, learn about their craft, and watch them create masterpieces. Speak with the gallery staff if you feel inspired to participate in an art class or workshop. All of Ayers Rock Resort’s luxuries and conveniences, including numerous lookouts, Red Ochre Spa and Town Square, are within easy walking distance or accessible via the free shuttle bus.

 

 

Day 6  Sounds Of Silence Dinner   AYERS ROCK, NT (Uluru)

Dine under a million stars at the award-winning Sounds of Silence restaurant. Travel out to a private dining setting in the middle of the desert. Sip on a glass of champagne with the sound of a lone didgeridoo filling the air as the sun slowly sets over The Olgas (Kata Tjuta) and Ayers Rock (Uluru). Dine on a gourmet BBQ of Australian delicacies and then sit back and take in the mystery of the desert at night as an astronomer takes you on a tour of the clear Southern night skies. Enjoy this evening’s Sounds of Silence Dinner including transfers to and from your hotel, champagne as you watch the sunset over Kata Tjuta and a gourmet barbecue dinner after which the resident astronomer will introduce you to the skies of the Southern Hemisphere.

 

 

 

Days 7 – 10  Superior Room  PACIFIC HOTEL CAIRNS  CAIRNS, QLD  (Or Similar hotel)

 

You will be transferred from your hotel to Ayers Rock Airport.

 

Fly Ayers Rock to Cairns (Not Included – Your Travel Team agent will help in booking your flight)

 

You will be met at Cairns airport and transferred to your hotel.

 

The Pacific Hotel Cairns boasts a magnificent location, personalised service and award-winning hospitality. The hotel features a stunning Cairns Esplanade location, new hotel rooms and suites, one of Cairns’ finest Brazilian-inspired churrasco restaurants and an exemplary catering department.

 

Day 8  Full Day Marine World Outer Barrier Reef Cruise –   CAIRNS, QLD

Depart directly from Cairns on a fast, stable catamaran providing a smoother ride and reduced travel time, leaving more of your day to experience the magic of the Great Barrier Reef. The all-weather Marine World platform caters for all activity levels. Snorkel in the sheltered coral lagoon, go scuba diving (no experience necessary) or join our Marine Biologist on a Guided Snorkel safari. Not a confident swimmer? Then stay dry and view the reef from the semi-submersible reef viewer, glass-bottom boat or underwater observatory, try a Helmet Dive for a scuba-style experience without getting your hair wet, or soar above it all on a spectacular Reef Scenic Helicopter Flight. With 5 hours at the reef, there is time to do it all. If simply relaxing & soaking up the tropical warmth is more your style then take time out on our spacious sundeck where you will also find the region’s only reef-based massage therapist.

 

 

Day 9  Full Day Kuranda Scenic Rail And Skyrail – Ex Cairns  CAIRNS, QLD

Start your tour from your hotel to commence your Kuranda, Scenic Rail and Skyrail Tour. Travel to the railway station to board the Kuranda Scenic Rail. This breathtaking journey on one of the world’s most scenic train routes will take you to Kuranda through hand-hewn tunnels and across bridges with amazing views. View Barron Falls before arriving at beautiful Kuranda Station. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore the “Village in the Rainforest”. Explore the markets or visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and colourful Birdworld. At your scheduled time, board Skyrail for the world’s most beautiful rainforest experience. Glide over the rainforest canopy and take advantage of the two stops en route to enjoy a walk through the rainforest or visit the CSIRO Interpretive Centre. Your journey ends at Caravonica Lakes, where your coach is waiting to take you back to your accommodation. Upon completion of the tour, you will be returned to your accommodation at approximately 5.00 pm.

 

 

 

Days 10 – 13  Standard Twin Room  HOLIDAY INN OLD SYDNEY SYDNEY, NSW (Or Similar hotel)

 

You will be transferred from your hotel to Cairns Airport.

 

Fly Cairns to Sydney (Not Included – Your Travel Team agent will help in booking your flight)

 

You will be met at Sydney airport and transferred to your hotel.

 

Holiday Inn Old Sydney is a unique hotel nestled between Sydney’s famous Harbour Bridge and Opera House, in the historic Rocks area. Outside its front door, you will find a cavalcade of Sydney’s finest restaurants and attractions, and if you venture a little further, you’ll discover the thriving heart of Sydney’s central business district. Take a stroll down the harbourside promenade past the Museum of Contemporary Art to Circular Quay, catch a ferry to Manly Beach, Watsons Bay, and Taronga Park Zoo, or enjoy a fabulous harbour cruise. The comfortable rooms and guest facilities combined with warm, professional and efficient staff will ensure an unforgettable stay.

 

 

Day 11 Half Day City, Harbour & Bondi Beach Including Opera House Tour  SYDNEY, NSW

Sydney, set on the beautiful blue Sydney Harbour, is a fast-paced city of cosmopolitan character and one of the world’s most beautiful places. Colonial history, stunning architecture, superb waterways, gracious harbourside suburbs and friendly people epitomise the vibrant nature of this spectacular city. Morning Sydney City Tour Highlight includes Spectacular Darling Harbour, Sydney Entertainment Centre, Chinatown, Sydney Aquarium and the Monorail, Sydney Opera House, The Rock’s – Sydney’s birthplace, Conservatorium of Music, Parliament House, Hyde Park, St James Cathedral, St Mary’s Cathedral, Art Gallery and the Domain, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, Royal Australian Naval Base at Garden Island, Kings Cross – Sydney’s ‘hot spot’, Exclusive Double Bay and Vaucluse, The Gap – stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Heads, Bondi Beach – Australia’s most famous surf beach, Historic and trendy Paddington, Sydney Tower, Sydney Town Hall. At the conclusion of the city tour, you will join a guided tour of Australia’s most famous building, the Sydney Opera House. Tour inside the world’s most recognizable sails and one of the busiest performing arts centres, an interactive audio-visual display will take you on an engrossing story with dramatic twists and turns.

 

 

 

 

Day 12  Full Day Blue Mountains & Wildlife Experience with Lunch  SYDNEY, NSW

Tour Highlights: – Travel over the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge – See Katoomba – the resort region capital of the Blue Mountains – Enjoy breathtaking views over the Jamison Valley – Visit Scenic World. You can ride the steepest incline Railway in the world down to a lush and hidden valley below. Or gently ascend on the Cableway taking in panoramic views and ride on the Skyway which glides between cliff tops 270 metres above ancient ravines and the rainforest canopy – Walk on the valley floor boardwalk under a canopy of tall tree ferns – Stop at Echo Point and see the famous Three Sisters rock formation up-close – Discover the shops in the quaint mountain village of Leura – free time to wander the streets – Embark on a unique local experience at Featherdale Wildlife Park which has the world’s largest collection of over 1,700 Australian native birds and mammals in a lush bushland environment “Walkthrough Koala Sanctuary” – plenty of photo opportunities with these furry favourites – Finish the day with a relaxing cruise down the Parramatta River and Sydney Harbour, enjoying the sunset with a glass of bubbly, wine, beer or juice with our compliments!

 

 

Days 13 – 15 Superior Room  RYDGES AUCKLAND      (Or Similar hotel)

 

You will be transferred from your hotel to Sydney Airport.

 

Fly Sydney to Auckland (Not Included – Your Travel Team agent will help in booking your flight)

 

You will be met at Auckland airport and transferred to your hotel.

 

A refreshing haven from the bustle of downtown Auckland, Rydges Auckland has the heart of the city at its front door. The hotel’s close proximity to the centre of the city makes it ideal for both business and leisure, with the casino and the Viaduct’s thriving bars and restaurants just a short walk away; for exploring beyond downtown Auckland, access to the motorway system is close at hand. The newly revitalised rooms at Rydges are designed to exude warmth and sublime comfort. Stylish yet affordable, each room includes a specialised workstation with broadband access and 32′ LCD television.

 

 

 

Day 14  Auckland City Revealed – Morning Tour     AUCKLAND

Experience the best sights of Auckland City in the morning. Auckland is set on 53 dormant volcanic cones and between two harbours, the sparkling Waitemata and the brooding Manukau. Known as the City of Sails, it is New Zealand’s largest and busiest city. You will travel through Auckland’s central business district, past the Auckland University and through the inner city park, known as the Domain. Then continue on through the picturesque suburb of Ponsonby with its historic buildings, before heading over the Harbour Bridge to Auckland’s North Shore for a stroll on one of the white sand beaches before continuing up to the summit of Mt Victoria with it’s stunning panoramic views of Auckland City and the historic Devonport. You will then travel back over the Harbour Bridge to Westhaven Marina, one of the largest marinas in the Southern Hemisphere.

 

Day 15  Waitomo & Rotorua Experience AKL – ROT (Boxed Lunch)  AUCKLAND

Travel south from Auckland through the rich farmland of the Waikato on to Waitomo. Once at Waitomo take a guided tour through the long galleries and lofty chambers of the Caves with a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto, illuminated by thousands of tiny lights from the glowworms suspended from the cave ceiling. Continue on to Rotorua by a coach while enjoying a picnic lunch onboard. Once in Rotorua watch a farm show including a dog trial at Agrodome Farm, and enjoy a guided tour of Te Puia, view mighty geysers and boiling mud pools and a Maori cultural performance. The tour concludes in Rotorua.

 

 

Days 15 – 16  ROTORUA     Superior Room with 2 Double beds  NOVOTEL ROTORUA LAKESIDE  (Or Similar hotel)

 

Novotel Rotorua Lakeside is located on the lakefront of picturesque Lake Rotorua. Its central location places you in the heart of the café and restaurant district and only minutes walk to the Energy Events Centre, Convention Centre, and CBD. Novotel also features its very own Maori cultural performances at the nightly Hangi and Concert in Matariki. The Hotel is also in close proximity to all Rotorua’s major tourist attractions. Rotorua’s stunning natural scenery, geothermal wonders and a vast array of leisure activities make Rotorua the ultimate holiday, incentive, or conference destination. All 199 accommodation rooms have individually controlled air-conditioning and views of the magnificent Lake Rotorua or Rotorua city. The contemporary and modern décor enhance the room ambience, with its wood furnishings and natural tones, to make your stay enjoyable.

 

 

Days 16 – 17  CHRISTCHURCH  NOVOTEL CHRISTCHURCH   Superior Room (Or Similar hotel)

 

You will be transferred from your hotel to Rotorua Airport.

 

Fly Rotorua to Christchurch (Not Included – Your Travel Team agent will help in booking your flight)

 

You will be met at Christchurch airport and transferred to your hotel.

 

The Novotel Christchurch is a premium, landmark hotel located in the heart of Christchurch. Featuring 154 contemporary rooms, high-end amenities and WIFI internet (surcharge). Hotel facilities include a gym, guest laundry, restaurant, bar and meeting rooms catering for up to 250 delegates. The Novotel Christchurch is only moments to main attractions, Cathedral Square, Cashel St Pop-Up Mall, New Regent Street, Avon River, Hagley Park, Christchurch Business District and 30 minutes from Christchurch Airport. The hotel re-opened for business in August 2013 effectively like a brand new hotel.

 

Day 17  Discover Mount Cook CHC – ZQN (Lunch included)  CHRISTCHURCH

Your tour today takes you from Christchurch, through diverse farmland to Lake Tekapo, where you can view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd. Your tour continues along the Tasman River before arriving at the location of New Zealand’s tallest mountain Aoraki – Mount Cook. On arrival, lunch is included at The Hermitage. There is also time to experience an optional scenic helicopter or ski plane flight (weather permitting) before departing for New Zealand’s Adventure Capital, Queenstown.

 

 

 

Days 17 – 20  QUEENSTOWN, NZ     NOVOTEL QUEENSTOWN LAKESIDE, Superior Lakeside Room (Or Similar hotel)

Novotel Queenstown Lakeside is located right on the waterfront of spectacular Lake Wakatipu, and just a step from the cosmopolitan centre of Queenstown. Relax in the spa, take in the amazing views across Queenstown Bay to Walter Peak while lunching in the hotel’s renowned Rose Garden or enjoy the myriad of adventure and leisure activities in this four-season resort town. The hotel’s international facilities and professional team are committed to ensuring their guest’s enjoy the definitive Queenstown experience.

 

 

Day 18  QUEENSTOWN, NZ  Milford Coach & Nature Cruise ex Queenstown – 0715 Departure (Oct-Apr)

Today you will board your Real Journeys luxury glass-roofed coach in Queenstown and enjoy a trip along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. After a morning tea break in Te Anau continues along the spectacular Milford Road. On reaching Milford Sound, board the Milford Mariner for a relaxing cruise of Milford Sound. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time is available to enjoy waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. Following your cruise reboard the coach for the return journey to Queenstown.

 

 

Day 20  QUEENSTOWN, NZ   Coach Service – Queenstown to Franz Josef

Departing from Queenstown your journey to Franz Josef takes approximately 8 hours with multiple stops en route.

 

Days 20 – 21    FRANZ JOSEF    SCENIC HOTEL FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER   Standard Room – Graham Wing (Breakfast Included) (Or Similar hotel)

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier sits at the edge of the Westland World Heritage Park and is just moments from one of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural attractions, the Franz Josef Glacier. It makes the most of its alpine location and offers quality accommodation in two separate hotels ‘wings’. Stay in either the Douglas or Graham wing, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings within Franz Josef village. The Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier has 130 rooms, comprising 46 rooms in the Graham Wing and 84 in the Douglas Wing, the latter with desk space and balconies.

 

 

Day 21  FRANZ JOSEF  Coach Service – Franz Josef to Greymouth

Intercity offer a daily service between Franz Josef and Greymouth. Departing from the Franz Josef Bus Stop, Main Road (selected hotel pickups are also available), this service takes approx. 3 hours 50 minutes with multiple stops en route.

 

Day 21  GREYMOUTH  Tranz Alpine (Greymouth – Christchurch)

The TranzAlpine is one of the world’s great scenic train trips from one coast of New Zealand to another through the dramatic contrast of dry beech forests and tussock land on one side of the Alps and lush green landscapes on the other. From Greymouth travel past beautiful Lake Brunner through sub-tropical rainforest and emerge from the long Otira Tunnel before stopping at Arthurs Pass. Then descend the alpine scenery through a series of spectacular viaducts, follow the Waimakariri River and cross the patchwork farmland of the Canterbury Plains and on to Christchurch.

 

 

Day 21  CHRISTCHURCH  Transfer: Christchurch Railway Station to City Hotel

Your Super Shuttle and driver will be waiting for you outside the Railway Station to transfer you to your accommodation. If you do not see them, please phone Super Shuttle on freephone 0800 748 885 and they will dispatch a vehicle to collect you. Please note that your transfer will not depart until all pre-booked passengers have checked in with the driver and your Super Shuttle driver may pick up and drop off other travellers en route.

 

Days 21 – 22   CHRISTCHURCH  NOVOTEL CHRISTCHURCH  Superior Room (Or Similar hotel)

The Novotel Christchurch is a premium, landmark hotel located in the heart of Christchurch. Featuring 154 contemporary rooms, high-end amenities and WIFI internet (surcharge). Hotel facilities include gym, guest laundry, restaurant, bar and meeting rooms catering for up to 250 delegates. The Novotel Christchurch is only moments to main attractions, Cathedral Square, Cashel St Pop-Up Mall, New Regent Street, Avon River, Hagley Park, Christchurch Business District and 30 minutes from Christchurch Airport. The hotel re-opened for business in August 2013 effectively like a brand new hotel.

 

 

Day 22  CHRISTCHURCH – Christchurch City to Airport

 

You will be transferred from your hotel to Christchurch Airport.

 

Depart Christchurch for your flight back home.