Tour Contrasts Of Australia And New Zealand (16 Days)

Meals

1 Welcome Reception (WR) 15 Breakfast (B) 2 Lunch (L) 3 Dinner (D) 3 Regional Dinner (RD) 1 Be My Guest (BMG) 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)

Transport

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Guide

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

Others

Hurunui: Step onto a working hill-country sheep farm. Experience what it is like to farm Merino sheep & Angus cattle in this beautiful part of the country. See the animals graze pastures in the open air and learn about where the best natural products come from. Rotorua: Immerse yourself in Maori traditions at a fun and entertaining evening, including a cultural performance and three-course seasonal meal meal at Te Pa Tu Maori Experience. Cairns: Join us to plant some trees which will help in the restoration of rainforest in Far North Queensland. Rotorua: Visit the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa and learn about the work being done to save New Zealand’s national bird. : Explore National Kiwi Hatchery in Rotorua, and Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve in Lake Tekapo with a Local Specialist : Discover Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, Queenstown, and Christchurch : Visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures in Cairns, Wendy’s Secret Garden in Lavender Bay and The Hobbit Trilogies movie set : View Mt. Cook, and Church of the Good Shepherd in Tekapo : Scenic Cruise on the Great Barrier Reef, Milford Sound : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver : Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted : All porterage and restaurant gratuities : Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals : Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras : All land transport shown. All transfers shown : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys) : Optional Experiences and free time : A Trafalgar bonus - all Intra-Air Flights: Melbourne to Cairns, Cairns to Sydney, Sydney to Auckland, Auckland to Queenstown An expert Travel Director and professional Driver Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted All porterage and restaurant gratuities Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras All land transport shown. All transfers shown Optional Experiences and free time A Trafalgar bonus - all Intra-Air Flights: Melbourne to Cairns, Cairns to Sydney, Sydney to Auckland, Auckland to Queenstown

Accommodation

Crowne Plaza Hilton Sofitel Sydney Wentworth The Grand by SkyCity Millennium Peppers Bluewater Resort Distinction

Hygieneprotocol

All guests travelling with Trafalgar through December 31, 2022 are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which may include a booster shot to keep the vaccination status current and valid, depending on the travel destination. Children not eligible for vaccination and/or booster at the time of travel must provide a verifiable and negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 72 hours prior to the start of the tour (taking time zones into consideration) for all tours departing until December 31, 2022. While highly recommended, COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are no longer required for guests traveling with us from January 1, 2023 onward. It is your client’s responsibly to comply with specific vaccine and/or booster requirements imposed by airlines and/or authorities in the destinations visited, as well as requirements for accessing restaurants and venues, which may be more restrictive than the above. No refunds will be given if they are unable to undertake some or all of their vacation due to failure to comply with these requirements.

Not included:

Flights

International flights are not included

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Welcome To Melbourne
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Welcome To Melbourne

Stylish and friendly Melbourne extends a warm welcome to your epic tour (flights to arrive prior to 12pm). You’ll soon see you’re staying right in the heart of the action on the banks of the Yarra River, the perfect springboard for your time in the city. After settling into your hotel, get to know your Travel Director and fellow travelers over a Welcome Reception at The General Assembly. Perched on the Yarra River’s South Wharf, this modern pub is a great introduction to Melbourne’s cosmopolitan vibe. Relax and tuck into a three-course dinner with specialties such as Fisherman’s bend pie, schnitzel, and mac & cheese croquettes, washing it down with your choice of local wines and 15 beers on tap.
Day 2 Day 2: Uncover Melbourne’S Laneways
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Uncover Melbourne’S Laneways

Delve into the city this morning on a private walk with your Travel Director to discover the little lanes, arcades, and café society of stylish Melbourne. View its famous, edgy street art - in the striking contrast to federation buildings and churches that Melbourne is known for - and immerse yourself in the city’s robust coffee aroma, admiring the exquisite Victorian façades lining grand boulevards. After your orientation, you have the rest of the day to get a feel for the city strolling or finding a spot on the Yarra River to grab a drink, taking advantage of the time to do a little souvenir shopping, relaxing back at your hotel, or choosing an Optional Experience such as the popular viewing of the daily sea-to-shore trek of the tiny, adorable penguins on Phillip Island. This rare wildlife encounter is a fascinating look at the penguins’ life and one you can’t find anywhere else in the world.
Day 3 Day 3: Cairns, In The Tropics
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Cairns, In The Tropics

Get ready for a change of scenery and “locals” today as you fly north to Cairns. Then get right in the action meeting a Local Specialist for a private wildlife encounter at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures on a boat cruise through, where the crocs are the stars of the show popping up from the murky waters or lazing on the bank. Safe in your boat, your local guide will give you the inside scoop on the life and habits of these Cairns’ area locals. Inspired by your introduction to wildlife, you’ll love your next experience helping take part in a Rainforest Restoration project to protect the natural wonder of the nearby Notophyll Vine Forest, an area older than the Amazon. Your helping-hand planting trees supports the protection of this rare type of dry rainforest from development and restores it to its former glory as an important wildlife corridor rich with native birds - a mission you’ll feel good contributing to. Back in town, enjoy your evening on your own sampling some of the city’s famous seafood around the Cairns Marina or visiting the Cairns Night Markets, where you’ll find it hard to make a choice from over 70 open-air stalls of local specialties.
Day 4 Day 4: View Colorful Coral And Tropical Fish
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: View Colorful Coral And Tropical Fish

No matter where you hail from, today is a bucket list experience exploring the tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef as we set sail on a high-speed catamaran —and you have a full day to do it. Kick off the day, then don your mask and fins for a snorkel (equipment provided) exploring this underwater wonderland up close. You’ll think you’re inside an aquarium as you wind your way through the rainbow of reefs and fish. Or, stay dry in your semi-submersible, air-conditioned craft with an underwater observatory to view the tropical species that live in the world’s largest coral reef system. Your local guide shares all their insights on the reef and its ecology. Learn about the colorful fish and plants that call the reef home and why it’s so important to protect this beautiful and fragile ecosystem. Refuel with lunch and afternoon tea and coffee under the glorious Aussie sunshine before you cruise back into the city, all smiles after an amazing day.
Day 5 Day 5: Cairns, It’S All Yours
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Cairns, It’S All Yours

Soak up the atmosphere of sunny Cairns with a free day to explore the town, head further afield, or relax by your hotel pool. You can also choose to join a popular Optional Experience aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway through a lush forest past gorges, ravines, and waterfalls to Kuranda ’village in the rainforest.’ Explore this quaint village of trails, wildlife sanctuaries, shops, and markets within a World Heritage rainforest before returning to the lowlands soaring above the canopy on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Tonight, join the group to trade tales from the day at Ochre Restaurant. With views of the inlet and mountains, watch the boats come in over the Harbor Lights’ boardwalk as you enjoy Australian cuisine featuring the best local produce. Try their dry old Tablelands beef or Salt and Pepper Prawn with a craft beer, glass of wine from their extensive list, or cocktail highlighting their largest selection of Australian spirits in the region.
Day 6 Day 6: Sydney, It’S Your Choice
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Sydney, It’S Your Choice

Get your final fix of Sydney by checking out its sights and sounds anyway you want on this free day. You might choose to wander further afield on an optional experience to the Blue Mountains, wander along the harbor foreshore through the Royal Botanic Garden or board a ferry to the beachside suburb of Manly. On your last night in town, take one last walk around the harbor before sitting down to a Regional Dinner saying a fond farewell to Australia before experiencing a change of scenery on the next leg of your journey in New Zealand.
Day 7 Day 7: Kia Ora Auckland New Zealand
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Kia Ora Auckland New Zealand

Say a fond hoo roo to Australia on your Australia and New Zealand tour as you board your flight to Auckland. Upon arrival, ease into the warm, welcoming embrace of the City of Sails before meeting your Travel Director for dinner at your hotel right in the heart of the city, Gusto at the Grand. You’ll love their Italian cuisine with a New Zealand flair such as made-in-house pastas and made-from-scratch risotto and no doubt full of anticipation for your first full day in New Zealand tomorrow.
Day 8 Day 8: Delve Into Auckland
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Delve Into Auckland

This morning, you’ll see how the city earned its name as the ‘City of Sails’ as you jump right in with a city sightseeing tour showcasing the beautiful waterfront of Mission Bay, historic overlook of Bastion Point, and spacious gardens and sunken pool at the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial offering sweeping views of Waitemata Harbor and the North Shore. You’ll pass the Auckland Museum located on the dormant volcano Pukekawa, meaning ’hill of bitter memories’ referring to tribal battles fought on the site until 1828. Your afternoon free. Pop into one of their many chocolate cafes for a treat after a full morning of exploring. You could join an Optional Experience to Waiheke Island for a wine tour, or, if you have a sweet tooth, join an experience to Giapo’s ice cream.
Day 9 Day 9: Rotorua, The Cultural Hub
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Rotorua, The Cultural Hub

Journey through the dramatic scenery and landscapes of Waikato, passing through Cambridge, on your way to New Zealand’s cultural capital, Rotorua. On Cambridge’s tree-lined main street, learn about the town’s claim to fame as the training grounds for thoroughbred racehorses and famous jockeys. Your time in Rotorua kicks off to an extra cute start with the first of two MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences today, visiting the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa for a tour with a Local Specialist. At this national leader in kiwi husbandry, learn about the work being done to save this rare native bird. Get up close and see kiwi eggs being incubated, the hatching process, and even newly hatched kiwi chicks - leaving you with an appreciation for those trying to save New Zealand’s national bird. This evening, Dive Into Culture at a Regional Dinner at Te Pā Tū Māori Experience, where you’ll journey into the forest to a time of warriors and ancient traditions. You’ll be welcomed by their Poi and Haka dances (and have the chance to join in). Top off this fun night with forest kai horotai (summer season canapés) and chef-choice aperitif followed by a seasonal three-course dinner and live music under the stars.
Day 10 Day 10: Adventure Capital Queenstown
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Adventure Capital Queenstown

Hello, Hobbit fans, today is a bucket list adventure to the charming village of Hobbiton, the movie set of the now iconic The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. Enjoy breakfast “on set” before you’re treated to guided tour through the 12-acre set stopping in the Alexander family sheep farm, past Hobbit Holes, and the Mill as your guides points out how the movie was made, famous locations, and the sets’ artistic details. Even if you’ve never seen the films or read the books, you’ll be entranced by the rolling green hills and lush landscape surrounded by the distant Kaimai Range. It’s no wonder this beautiful land has become the site of a worldwide sensation. After you’ve experienced the countryside, you’ll return to Auckland to board your flight to Queenstown, adventure capital of the world. Settle into town and talk to your Travel Director for recommendations of the best restaurants to soak in the city views you’ve come to love.
Day 11 Day 11: Cruise Milford Sound Fiord
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Cruise Milford Sound Fiord

Rise and shine journeying through some of the best natural and dramatic landscapes you’ll ever experience, along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and over the Devil’s Staircase to Te Anau. Pass Mirror Lakes. Emerge from the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel towards Mitre Peak - named after its resemblance to a bishop’s mitre headdress - and Lady Bowen Falls before reaching World Heritage listed national park, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. You get to the experience this treasure on a scenic cruise getting up close to sheer cliffs, white-capped peaks, and waterfalls as you watch for dolphins, penguins, and seals. Take it all in as you learn how the dramatic landscapes of Milford Sound were carved out by the erosion of ancient glacial ice. After a day of natural beauty, return to Queenstown for a free evening to stay in and wind down or dine at one of the restaurants overlooking Lake Wakatipu.
Day 12 Day 12: Indulge Yourself In Queenstown
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Indulge Yourself In Queenstown

It’s your final day in Queenstown and the world is your oyster. Oenophiles will want to join an Optional Experience touring three premium boutique vineyards in the famous Otago region known for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. You’ll indulge in vineyard and barrel hall tours complete with early history of the region and, of course, plenty of tastings as well as a platter lunch with the vines as your backdrop. Perhaps cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm for an authentic Kiwi Farming experience complete with a working sheep dog demonstration and gourmet barbecue lunch. With more sheep than people in New Zealand, you’ll know this is the real thing! This evening, we take a step back in time with our Travel Director over a Regional Dinner at the Postmasters Cottage built in 1907 in nearby historic Arrowtown. You’ll learn how after the cottage was almost demolished by developers, it was then saved and purchased by the passionate local community and ultimately restored and embellished with verandas and gardens. Lastly, sit down to fresh, local food and wines matched with friendly service that the kiwis are known for.
Day 13 Day 13: Breathtaking Lake Tekapo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Breathtaking Lake Tekapo

Leave the alpine wonderland of Queenstown for Lake Tekapo, traveling through Arrowtown’s lovingly restored mining cottages, and Cromwell on the banks of Lake Dunstan. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped inside a painting as you see the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd perched on the shores of the lake and built with stones gathered within a five-mile radius. Then the night sky calls as you spend the evening stargazing in the world-renowned UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. Your Local Specialist will show you the famous Southern Cross, Magellanic Cloud, and Milky Way as you gaze up in wonder and get a closer look using a powerful optical telescope. Cap off your adventures in this beautiful part of the world with an overnight at Peppers Bluewater Resort overlooking Lake Tekapo. Experience this location known for its bountiful stars strolling the sprawling grounds or from the comfort of your room.
Day 14 Day 14: Christchurch, The Garden City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Christchurch, The Garden City

Get an early start to watch the sun rise over the lake or sleep in before heading north through South Canterbury to Christchurch, a beautiful English city rich in history and thriving after rebuilding itself from the devastating 2011 earthquake. Everywhere you look you can easily see how it’s earned its name, the Garden City. Begin at the Transitional Cathedral in Latimer Square, the temporary home of the Christchurch Cathedral, to admire its colorful stained-glass windows and sustainable cardboard construction that gives it the nickname “The Cardboard Cathedral.” You’ll take a tour of the highlights of the city including Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Earthquake Memorial, Bridge of Remembrance, and see the English punting boaters in their striped hats along the Avon River.
Day 15 Day 15: Meet A Local Farming Family
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Meet A Local Farming Family

Travel through rolling countryside to Hurunui Hills, a hill-country farm in North Canterbury. Enjoy warm kiwi hospitality with the Bamford Family, who have been farming at Hurunui since 1884, with six generations focused on producing premium Merino sheep, wool, and Angus cattle. Soak up the stunning scenery while you enjoy morning tea, meet the farm animals, and discover what it is like to live off the land on this unique By My Guest experience. Then visit a local vineyard, Waipara Springs Winery, where it’s time to relax over a platter-style lunch among the vines. A big day leads to a big evening, joining your Travel Director and travel mates for with a celebratory Farewell Dinner featuring produce from the Canterbury region.
Day 16 Day 16: Farewell Christchurch
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Farewell Christchurch

Your adventure sadly comes to an end this morning. Before your transfer you to the Christchurch Airport, enjoy one last breakfast with your travel mates reflecting on your adventure, food, and wildlife-filled experiences across Australia and New Zealand (flights anytime).

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16 days tour

Contrasts Of Australia And New Zealand (16 Days)

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Contrasts Of Australia And New Zealand (16 Days)

Day 1: Welcome To Melbourne

Day 2: Uncover Melbourne’S Laneways

Day 3: Cairns, In The Tropics

Day 4: View Colorful Coral And Tropical Fish

Day 5: Cairns, It’S All Yours

Day 6: Sydney, It’S Your Choice

Day 7: Kia Ora Auckland New Zealand

Day 8: Delve Into Auckland

Day 9: Rotorua, The Cultural Hub

Day 10: Adventure Capital Queenstown

Day 11: Cruise Milford Sound Fiord

Day 12: Indulge Yourself In Queenstown

Day 13: Breathtaking Lake Tekapo

Day 14: Christchurch, The Garden City

Day 15: Meet A Local Farming Family

Day 16: Farewell Christchurch

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