Grand Australia & New Zealand


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Detailed Trip Description

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.


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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - 2 - Melbourne, Australia

 
Hotels

A transfer is included from Melbourne Airport to Hotel.

Melbourne, Australia Hotels picture
River Cruises

Afternoon sightseeing includes a cruise on the Yarra River.

Join us for a welcome dinner aboard the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. Meals LD

Discover Melbourne’s Charm
Sightseeing

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


Day 3 - Alice Springs, Australia

 
A Town Called Alice.
Adventure

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

Alice Springs, Australia Adventure picture

Day 4 - Ayers Rock, Australia

 
Uluru (Ayers Rock), Desert Outback.
Sightseeing

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


Day 5 - Cairns, Australia

 
Fly to Cairns, Gateway to the Reef.
Commercial Flights

Fly to Cairns.

Rafting

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


Day 6 - 8 - Australia

 
Hayman Island & The Great Barrier Reef.
Sightseeing

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.

Sensual Indulgence on Hayman
Sightseeing

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.

Fly to Sydney
Commercial Flights

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


Day 9 - 11 - Sydney, Australia

 
Cruises – Sydney Harbour.
Sea Cruises

View iconic sights on a cocktail cruise through famous Sydney Harbour.

Sydney Opera House
Sightseeing

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


Day 12 - 13 - Auckland, New Zealand

 
Fly to Auckland, New Zealand
Commercial Flights

Fly to Auckland, known as the “City of Sails” because of its spectacular waterfront location; it is New Zealand’s largest city. Meals BD

Experience the Sights of Auckland
Sightseeing

Your accommodation, The Langham Hotel, Auckland, is located in the heart of Auckland, close to the waterfront and the commercial center. Meals BD


Day 14 - Rotorua, New Zealand

 
Rotorua and Maori Traditions
Adventure

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


Day 15 - New Zealand

 
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
National Parks

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


Day 16 - 17 - Queenstown, New Zealand

 
Milford Sound Cruise
Sightseeing

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


Day 18 - 20 - Christchurch, New Zealand

 
Explore Christchurch
Sightseeing

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

Christchurch at Leisure
Sightseeing

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

Journey Home
Commercial Flights

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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