Adventure Travel; Australia; Cairns; coral reefs; Discovery; dramatic fiords; Explore Melbourne; glacier-capped mountains; Hayman Island; Milford Sound; New Zealand; tropical rainforests; Uluru;
Cosmopolitan cities, desert outback, tropical rainforests, thermal geysers and majestic mountains await your discovery on Tauck's ultimate Australia & New Zealand adventure! Your Australia tour and New Zealand travel adventure includes desert outback, tropical rainforests, coral reefs, glacier-capped mountains, dramatic fiords, and cosmopolitan cities. Bring plenty of film to capture the amazing sights of the Great Barrier Reef, the dramatic waters of Milford Sound, and the setting sun on Uluru (Ayers Rock). From koalas to kangaroos, jet boat rides to formal garden tours, luxurious Hayman Island to five-star elegance in the Outback desert, Aboriginal traditions to Aussie barbecues, you get a full sampling of "Down Under" culture.
A transfer is included from Melbourne Airport to Hotel.
Afternoon sightseeing includes a cruise on the Yarra River.
Join us for a welcome dinner aboard the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. Meals LD
A tour of Melbourne is highlighted by sites such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Parliament House, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the Shrine of Remembrance (ANZAC War Memorial); the rest of the day is free. Meals B
A morning flight from Melbourne brings you to Alice Springs, where an Aboriginal Dreamtime lunch precedes a visit to the Alice Springs Desert Park. Learn how the Aborigines have managed the land for tens of thousands of years, and witness the unique flora and wildlife. Attend a barbecue dinner under the stars tonight, featuring bush tucker and stories. Meals BLD
Soar over the remote Australian desert outback on an optional ($175 per person) hot air balloon flight and a champagne breakfast, with incomparable views of red kangaroos and cattle stations. Fly to Uluru (Ayers Rock); the massive monolith looms high above the flat desert and is Aboriginal sacred ground. Have canapés and champagne as you watch the incredible desert sunset, where a spectrum of color changes the face of Uluru. Meals BLD
Fly to Cairns.
Spend free time this morning at Uluru, then take a flight to Cairns in tropical Queensland; your hotel is close to just about everything. Meals B
A short flight from Cairns takes you to Hamilton Island, where a catamaran transports you to one of the world’s top resorts, Hayman Island. Tranquility, adventure, indulgence, and relaxation are hallmarks of your three-night stay.
Spend the day your way on Hayman Island. Swim, snorkel or sunbathe; scuba dive down deep or soar high above by seaplane; sail away on a cocktail cruise under the stars; or try your hand at putting – or lobbing – or sending a rush shot to the wicket. Spend the day at the spa, or relax by the extraordinary pool – and when it comes to dining, Hayman promises superbly innovative and traditional cuisine with gracious, unintrusive service. Meals BD
The afternoon is free to enjoy a variety of activities from the plentiful resort menu. Meals BLD.
Depart your tropical paradise this morning for three nights in Sydney, one of the most exciting cities in the world. Your historic hotel is located right in the heart of Sydney, close to the Botanical Gardens and Circular Quay. The rest of the day is free upon your arrival. Meals B
View iconic sights on a cocktail cruise through famous Sydney Harbour.
A guided visit to the impressive Sydney Opera House takes you inside for a fascinating in-depth, behind-the-scenes look. The remainder of the day is free. Meals B
Fly to Auckland, known as the “City of Sails” because of its spectacular waterfront location; it is New Zealand’s largest city. Meals BD
Your accommodation, The Langham Hotel, Auckland, is located in the heart of Auckland, close to the waterfront and the commercial center. Meals BD
Have lunch at Longlands Farm, a combination working farm and country garden, and visit the Agrodome to learn about sheep farming, one of New Zealand’s critical industries. Arrive in Rotorua for a walk through the Whakarewarewa Thermal Village to see the bubbling mud pools and geysers, as well as exhibits detailing village life and crafts of the Maori. Meals BLD
Travel by air to the South Island’s Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, in the heart of the Southern Alps. You have an opportunity to take an optional helicopter flightseeing excursion to view the scenic beauty of Mount Cook if the weather cooperates (additional $195 per person; inquire at time of booking). A short flight takes you to Te Anau this afternoon. Meals BLD
Begin the day in Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A cruise along the stunning waters and dramatic landscapes of Milford Sound includes sights such as rainforests with waterfalls cascading down sheer cliffs, glacier-carved inlets, and occasionally seals on the shore. Journey to Queenstown, New Zealand’s premier alpine resort area. Meals BLD
Fly to the garden city of Christchurch, where gracious willow trees line the banks of the Avon River. Sightseeing includes beautiful public parks, gardens and historic sites of Christchurch, as well as a visit to the fascinating exhibits of the Canterbury Museum. Meals B
Your entire day is free in Christchurch to pursue your own special interests. Please join us this evening for a farewell reception and dinner. Meals BD
Tour ends: Christchurch. A transfer is included from Crowne Plaza Hotel Christchurch to Christchurch International Airport. Please allow 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in at the airport. Meals B
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Accommodation for 19 nights mentioned in the itinerary. Entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary, Meals and Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary, Flights as listed in the itinerary, transfers & sightseeing as per itinerary. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. International Air is Additional - Tauck can book your international air, for travel originating in the United States.
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