Auckland, North Island
Auckland, North Island
Rotorua Landscapes & Rich Maori Culture
Rotorua Landscapes & Rich Maori Culture
TranzAlpine train travelling through New Zealand
TranzAlpine train travelling through New Zealand
  1. Home
  2. Victoria
  3. Melbourne
  4. Iconic Australia and New Zealand

Iconic Australia and New Zealand

22 nights from £11,389 per person

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 23-day journey to explore the cultural and natural treasures of New Zealand and Australia. Begin your adventure on New Zealand’s North Island with a traditional Maori feast in Rotorua, before heading south to cruise through the breathtaking, wildlife-packed fjords. Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, will offer plenty of thrills, before you fly to Australia and indulge in a walking lunch tour of Melbourne. Go behind the scenes at the Sydney Opera House and take the plunge to explore the Great Barrier Reef on a snorkelling trip. Conclude your journey in Queensland with an afternoon spent with members of Australia’s Indigenous community. (GA - ONANG)

This small group tour is a maximum size of 16, letting you have an immersive experience in each destination.

Highlights

  • Explore the hidden wonders of the Sydney Opera House  
  • Join an Indigenous guide for an insightful interpretive walk  
  • Dive into the Great Barrier Reef and snorkel with vibrant marine life  
  • Marvel at the magical glowworms lighting up the landscape  
  • Experience the breathtaking night sky at Lake Tekapo’s International Dark Sky Reserve  

Tour locations:
Auckland – Rotorua – Christchurch – Lake Tekapo – Queenstown – Melbourne - Uluru – Sydney - Port Douglas - Cairns

Whats included?
  • Flights & taxes
  • Accommodation
  • Checked baggage
  • ATOL protection
  • In resort assistance & 24 hour contact centre
Why Book with Australian Sky?
  • Hassle-free - book direct quickly and easily
  • Choice of airlines and the option to switch
  • A friendly, family run business with a wealth of experience.
  • Great deals on offer for multiple destinations
  • Low deposits
Why Australian Sky?
Award Winning
We're award winning Our awards reflect our dedication to delivering incredible tailor-made holidays.
Why Australian Sky?
Protected
Your money is safe We safeguard your money with ATOL protection and have membership to codes of best conduct.
Why Australian Sky?
Award Winning
We answer quickly On average, calls are answered within three rings. We also respond within hours to emails.
Why Australian Sky?
Award Winning
We offer expert advice and great service Our luxury tailor-made holidays are created with impeccable service from start to finish.

Day 1

Auckland

Arrive at any time and make your own way to the joining hotel. The tour CEO will hold a welcome meeting this evening.

Day 2

Auckland

Take an orientation walk through Auckland, one of the most multicultural cities in the Southern Hemisphere, before catching a ferry to Waiheke Island. Explore its world-class vineyards and stunning beaches, visit wineries to learn about New Zealand’s wine industry, and enjoy tastings of local wines.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3

Auckland to Rotorua  - 275KM

Travel to Rotorua, a lakeside town renowned for its geothermal activity and rich Maori heritage. Stop at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and enjoy a boat ride through the caves, watching thousands of glowworms light up the dark.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4

Rotorua

Take a full-day excursion to the Maori-owned Kohutapu Lodge. See ancient rock carvings and discover their spiritual significance. Enjoy a traditional hangi lunch and take a walk through the Whirinaki Rainforest, spotting endemic birds and medicinal plants. Optional evening meal or a soak in the hot springs.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Day 5

Rotorua to Christchurch via internal flight

Visit the National Kiwi Hatchery for a private tour and learn about conservation efforts to protect the kiwi. In the afternoon, fly to Christchurch on the South Island, where you’ll have free time to explore the city.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6

Christchurch

Board the TranzAlpine train for a scenic journey through verdant plains, beech forests, and the Southern Alps. Visit a working sheep farm, enjoy a BBQ lunch, and watch a sheep shearing demonstration. Return to Christchurch with free time in the afternoon.

**Please note that if you are travelling over the Christmas and New Year period, the TranzAlpine train may not be operational. In this case, you will drive through the Southern Alps on a similar route. An additional group holiday dinner will be arranged to make up for the missed train experience.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Day 7

Christchurch to Lake Tekapo – 225KM

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Christchurch before heading to Lake Tekapo. After dinner, join an exclusive astronomy experience in the International Dark Sky Park for an extraordinary view of the Southern Hemisphere’s stars and planets.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8

Lake Tekapo

Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, dedicated to the famous explorer, and take a guided walk along the Kea Point track for spectacular views of Mount Sefton and Aoraki/Mt Cook.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9

Lake Tekapo to Queenstown – 260KM

Travel to Wanaka for free time and lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy an orientation of Arrowtown, a historic gold mining town, before heading to Queenstown for the evening.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 10

Queenstown

Take a cruise through Fiordland National Park, surrounded by waterfalls and cliffs. Look out for dolphins, seals, and penguins, before returning to Queenstown.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Day 11

Queenstown

Enjoy a free day in Queenstown, with optional activities like a jet boat ride, wine tasting, or a historic steamer cruise on Lake Wakatipu. Join the group for a farewell dinner in the evening.

Overnight:
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 12

Queenstown to Melbourne via internal flight

Fly from Queenstown to Melbourne and enjoy free time to explore this cultural hub.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 13

Melbourne

Embark on a guided food tour through Melbourne’s laneways, tasting a variety of cuisines and learning about the city's rich culinary history.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Day 14

Melbourne

Explore Melbourne at your leisure or take an optional excursion along the Great Ocean Road, visiting wineries or enjoying the coastal views.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 15

Melbourne to Uluru via internal flight

Fly to Uluru in the heart of the Australian Outback. Visit the Cultural Centre and learn about the Anangu people, then take a guided walk around the base of Uluru.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 16

Uluru

Explore the red-hued Kata Tjuta rock formations in the morning, followed by some free time before enjoying a glass of sparkling wine at sunset over Uluru.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 17

Uluru to Sydney via internal flight

Watch the Field of Light installation at dawn before flying to Sydney in the afternoon.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 18

Sydney

Take a leisurely morning before joining a private tour of the Sydney Opera House. In the evening, enjoy a sunset sail around Sydney Harbour, complete with an Australian barbecue dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner

Day 19

Sydney

Spend a day exploring Sydney at your leisure. Optional activities include a ferry to Manly Beach, a Bondi Coastal walk, or an excursion to the Blue Mountains.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 20

Sydney to Port Douglas via internal flight to Cairns

Fly to Cairns and travel to the Daintree Rainforest for an interpretive walk with an Indigenous guide. Continue to Port Douglas for a 3-night stay.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 21

Port Douglas

Take a full-day catamaran tour to the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel among coral reefs teeming with tropical fish and marine life.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Day 22

Port Douglas

Enjoy a free morning in Port Douglas before meeting Indigenous guides for a cultural experience at Cooya Beach.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 23

Port Douglas to Cairns – 70KM

After breakfast, transfer to Cairns where the tour ends. Alternatively, extend your stay in Port Douglas.

Please book your departing flights no earlier than 1pm out of Cairns.

Meals included: Breakfast
 

  • International & internal flights
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • Departure transfer to Cairns Airport
  • Tour Director (CEO – Chief Experience Officer) during your tour
  • 22 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 dinner
  • Sheep Shearing Experience, Canterbury Plains
  • Tekapo Dark Sky Experience, Lake Tekapo
  • Private Tour of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney
  • Waiheke Island Wineries
  • Waitomo Caves tour
  • Kohutapu Local Maori Community Initiative
  • National Kiwi Hatchery
  • Scenic TranzAlpine train
  • Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
  • Aoraki Mount Cook Kea Point Trek
  • Wilderness day cruise in Fiordland National Park
  • Melbourne Foodie Experience
  • Sunrise interpretive walk at Uluru
  • Sydney Harbour dinner cruise
  • Indigenous Peoples Interpretive Walk in the Daintree Forest
  • Great Barrier Reef Excursion
  • Exclusive Indigenous experience at Cooya Beach

What’s not included

  • Arrival transfer on your first day
  • Meals unless stated
  • Optional excursions

Optional excursions can be booked locally with your CEO. Rates are from price per person

Auckland

  • Auckland Sailing: America's Cup Experience (Pre Tour) (195NZD per person)
  • Maritime Museum Visit (24NZD per person)

Rotorua

  • Hot Springs (45-75NZD per person)

Christchurch

  • Christchurch Gondola Ride
  • Christchurch Botanic Gardens
  • Queenstown
  • Vineyard Tour (210-240NZD per person)
  • Shotover Jet Boating (159NZD per person)
  • Gondola Ride (66-80NZD per person)
  • Earnslaw Steamship Cruise (99-120NZD per person)

Melbourne

  • 12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road
  • Yarra Valley Wine Tour (175-200AUD per person)

Please note that rates can change at any time without notice

 

The maximum luggage allowance on domestic flights within Australia is 1 checked bag (20kg) and 1 carry-on (7kg) per person.
As you will be travelling frequently, we recommend packing as lightly as possible.

For convenience, we suggest using a backpack, or a medium-sized suitcase if preferred. Heavy luggage is not advised, as the CEO will be responsible for loading the storage trailer. Due to space limitations, only one piece of main luggage per person can be accommodated. A daypack (20-35L) is essential to carry your personal items for the day, as access to luggage between destinations will be limited. This daypack should hold your personal belongings, lunch, and a water bottle.
 

Holly Reid
Book today

Talk to our travel experts for more information and to book or tailor-make your holiday

01342 310 580 Call us 9am-7pm Mon-Fri / 9am-5pm Sat-Sun

Australian Sky also recommends