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Australia & New Zealand Grand Explorer
19 Days
Overview:
Dive into Australia and see all there is to see in world-class Sydney, scenic Queensland, the Australian outback, trendy Melbourne and Phillip Island, before touring New Zealand’s Queens-town, Milford Sound, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, geothermal geysers, and so much more! From desert retreats to snow-capped mountains, you’re sure to enjoy all of the breathtaking nature sights. And, that’s in addition to all of the cityscape you will behold in Sydney like the iconic landmarks of the Sydney Tower and the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Get ready for a trip of adventure as you snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef, spot wildlife in Melbourne, and even skydiving if you’re up for it in Queens-town! Dine at the finest restaurants and stay at luxurious hotels, be ready for a trip of a lifetime. Australia and New Zealand are yours to explore and discover on this 19 day tour and you definitely won’t regret it or forget it.
3 Days in Sydney
3 Days in Cairns
3 Days in Ayers Rock
3 Days in Melbourne
2 Days in Queenstown
2 Days in Rotorua
3 Days in Auckland
The Plan:
Day 1 Sydney (Airport transfer, meet and greet)
Welcome to Sydney! Your private guide will assist you in getting your luggage, before introducing you to your driver.
Day 2 Sydney (11 Hour Tour)
Today’s adventure starts with a trip to Featherdale Wildlife Park for an up close and personal look at koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and emus. Later, you’ll set out for the Blue Mountains, where you’ll enjoy a stunning view of the famous Three Sisters from Eaglehawk Lookout, before feasting on a delicious lunch at Boiler House Cafe. In the afternoon, take in Govetts Leap, and the Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens.
Day 3 Sydney (Optional Activities)
Enjoy the city at your leisure today. Choose from a number of activities and attractions including the Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Tower, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Day 4 Sydney - Cairns (Flight not included)
Fly from Sydney to the beautiful city of Cairns today. A private transfer to the airport will be provided. The rest of the day will be yours to explore and relax.
Day 5 Cairns (9 Hour Tour)
Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef for a fun-filled day of snorkeling, diving lessons, and a glass-bottom boat tour. You’ll explore Upolu Cay, a marvelous work of art that ebbs and flows with the changing of the tide, before enjoying a fantastically fresh seafood lunch.
Day 6 Cairns (11.5 Hour Tour)
Enjoy a scenic drive to Cape Tribulation today. As you approach the Daintree River, note how lush farmland contrasts with the seascape. Enjoy an informative river cruise, ascend the Alexandra Range, and trek the National Park Boardwalk before sitting down to a delicious BBQ lunch.
Day 7 Cairns - Ayers Rock (Flight not included)
Transfer to the Cairns airport for your flight to Ayers Rock today. When you arrive, you can take the time to explore the area by yourself or get transported to your hotel for a day of rest and relaxation.
Day 8 Ayers Rock (Two Half Day Tours)
Travel to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park today, before taking a 40-kilometre journey through the desert to view the mighty rock formation the park is named after. After viewing the formation from unique vantage points, head to its western side to enjoy a picnic breakfast. Later, you’ll view the rest of the formation, which includes a trip to Walpa Gorge. Don’t forget to pack some water!
Day 9 Ayers Rock- Melbourne (Flight not included)
Enjoy a shared transfer to the airport for your flight to Melbourne. Enjoy your free time today with a visit to a restaurant, light exploring, or anything else you want to do before heading in for the night and resting for a long day tomorrow.
Day 10 Melbourne (12 Hour Shared Tour)
Enjoy views of the coast as you journey along the Great Ocean Road. Walk through an ancient eucalyptus forest and interact with the unique wildlife before marveling at the Twelve Apostles rock formation!
Day 11 Melbourne (8-9 hour tour)
Today you’ll discover Phillip Island, explore Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park, and, for dinner, stop at the town of Cowes. After dinner, enjoy the Penguin Parade!
Day 12 Melbourne - Queenstown - Auckland (Flight Not Included)
A private transfer will be arranged for your travel to the airport. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a welcome package from your guide!
Day 13 Queenstown (13 hours)
Travel by luxury coach to Milford Sound today- passing Lake Wakatipu and Te Anau. After a break at Te Anau, you’ll continue your journey to Milford Sound, where you’ll board the Milford Mariner for a relaxing cruise. Enjoy the opulent surroundings at Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area, before boarding a return coach back to Queenstown.
Day 14 Queenstown (optional activities)
Enjoy water rafting, skydiving, hang gliding, jet-skiing, and a plethora of other fun activities at your leisure today. In the Adventure Capital of the World, there’s something for everyone!
Day 15 Queenstown - Rotorua (Flight not included)
Enjoy a private transfer from Queenstown to the local airport for your flight today. When you arrive, you will be transferred to your hotel before you are free to do as you please for the rest of the day.
Day 16 Rotorua (4.5 hour tour)
Experience the gushing geysers, boiling mud pools, and incredible geothermal activity at the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland today. Later enjoy a Waimangu Volcanic Valley nature walk, before a Maori Hangi dinner and cultural concert.
Day 17 Rotorua - Auckland (Shared transfer)
Enjoy a day trip to Auckland, passing the lush farmscape, and the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves. After lunch and a tour of the caves, take a fascinating boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto!
Day 18 Auckland (Half Day Tour)
Take a trip over the Harbour Bridge and visit Mount Eden, the Auckland Domain, Parnell Village, and Tamaki Dr. before heading back downtown. You may also get the rare opportunity to view (and even participate in) the America’s Cup!
Day 19 Auckland (airport transfer home)
Today marks your last day here in Auckland. A private transfer will be arranged for your trip to the airport, where you’ll board your flight home. Bon Voyage!
Must See:
Sydney:
Darling Harbour, Port Jackson,The Rocks
Cairns:
Palm Cove, Daintree Rainforest, Paronella Park
Ayers Rock:
Ayers Rock, The Olgas, MacDonnell Ranges, Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta National Park, Mount Olga, Walpa Gorge, Sounds of Silence
Melbourne:
Yarra River, Flinder Street Railway Station, Queen Victoria Market
Queenstown:
Coronet Peak, Hollyford Track, Lake Wanaka
Rotorua:
Polynesian Spa, Wharenui, Helium Gallery
Auckland:
Auckland War Memorial Museum, Rainbow’s End, Aotea Square
Memory Makers:
Sydney
Sydney Taronga Zoo
Love the animals? This excursion allows you to get up close and personal with kangaroos, koalas, and wombats!
Port Stephens Day Tour with Dolphin Watching, Sandboarding, and Australian Wildlife
This 1.5 hour cruise will take you into nature as you look for bottlenose dolphins in Port Stephens and explore the diverse wildlife at the Australian Reptile Park.
Cairns
Kuranda Scenic Railway Day Trip from Cairns
Take a day trip out to Kuranda by Kuranda Scenic Railway to visit the sites of Tjupakai Aboriginal Cultural Park and Rainforestation Nature Park. You will experience the wildlife and greenery from all perspectives as you walk through the village, ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, and eat a delicious buffet lunch.
Tully River Full Day White Water Rafting from Cairns including BBQ Lunch
Get active and get wet as you paddle through grade 4 rapids on Tully River. Not only will you get to look at the beautiful scenic views that surround you, you’ll also get a chance dive into the waters.
Melbourne
Yarra Valley Wine and Winery Tour from Melbourne
Explore the region’s most popular wineries, enjoy the scenery, and master the art of wine tasting!
Koalas and Kangaroo in the Wild Tour from Melbourne
Get close and personal with nature as you explore You Yangs Park to try and spot animals native only here like emus, kangaroos, koalas, and cockatoos.
Queenstown
Queenstown Skyline Gondola and Restaurant
Look at Queenstown from a completely different point of view as you ride a gondola to a skyline restaurant where you can enjoy a meal at the Stratosfare Restaurant and bar.
Skydive Queenstown
Calling all daredevils to complete a bucket list item of skydiving in the beautiful Queenstown, New Zealand’s outdoor adventure capital. You have the choice of tandem skydiving with a jump from 9,000, 12,000, or 15,000 feet where you can gaze at the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range.
Rotorua
Rotorua Maori Hangi Dinner and Performance
See and take part in the traditional Maori feast called hangi at the Tamaki Maori Village. You will be escorted by a local guide to learn about the local customs and experience a welcome ceremony and haka song and dance.
Kaituna River White Water Rafting from Rotorua
Calling all the adventurers who want to river raft in the Okere Falls Scenic Reserve. This class 5 white water rapids will definitely give you a sense of adventure as you paddle through a 21 foot drop down the Tutea Falls.
Auckland
Bay of Islands Day Tour from Auckland
This full day tour will take you to the Waitangi Treaty House and the seaport of Russell in the Bay of Islands for a significant cultural learning experience and fun time as you explore the beaches, cafes, and museums on this beautiful island.
Tiritiri Matangi Island Day Trip from Auckland with Optional Guided Walk
Enjoy a ferry ride from Auckland to the bird sanctuary of Tiritiri Island to see some of the rarest birds like the New Zealand robin, and other wildlife in the world in a protected environment. You can see first hand the Island’s recovery from deforestations and what all the volunteer conservation projects are doing in the area.
Weather and climate
Australia
The northern section of the continent is typically more tropical- hot and humid in the summer, and warm and dry in the winter.The southern part touts milder summers, but cool, rainy winters.
New Zealand
A temperate climate with subtropical weather during the summer, and cooler temperatures in the winter. Most of the country lies close to the coast, and experiences mild temperatures, moderate rain, and plenty of sunshine.
Inspiration Tags
Adventure
Beach
Cruise
Cuisine & Wine
Family
Luxury
