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Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand
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5.0Based on
18 days
“
Packed with lots of amazing destinations, very informative and knowledgeable guides!
Laura | Traveled in May
5 - Excellent
Carbon neutral
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based on 1 review
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Highlights
Explore The Sydney Opera House, All Blacks Experience, Hobbiton Movie Set, National Kiwi Hatchery, Highlands Museum, and Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
Discover Melbourne, Sydney, Cairns, Auckland, Arrowtown, Queenstown, Lake Tekapo, and Christchurch
Visit Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, Te Po Maori Experience, and a Merino Sheep Farm
View Geothermal activity in Rotorua, and the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo
Scenic Cruise On the Great Barrier Reef, and Milford Sound
Melbourne: Enjoy a guided tour of a not for profit First Peoples arts and cultural gallery providing opportunities to learn and connect with the rich living cultural heritage of Aboriginal Victoria in this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience. Our guests will have an opportunity to experience part of the largest collection of First Peoples artifacts and artworks in South-East Australia. Our collections tell you a story of our unique culture and history across Victoria while our galleries allow you to explore how our young emerging and our most experienced artists are expressing their culture today through their amazing works. With our experienced First People guides, you will have an opportunity to listen to our stories and engage in conversation to further explore our culture. Then, guests will enjoy a short guided walk along the banks of the Yarra River where they will have the chance to learn about the history of the Birrarung and the Aboriginal Peoples of the Kulin Nation.
Rotorua: A feel-good encounter on your New Zealand tour, support the population of New Zealand’s national bird by teaming up with ‘Operation Nest Egg’ on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience at The National Kiwi Hatchery. Get up close and see kiwi eggs being incubated, the hatching process, and even newly hatched kiwi chicks. Located in Rotorua, this national leader in kiwi husbandry is helping to prevent kiwis from becoming extinct and without their crucial ongoing support it’s estimated that the brown kiwi will be extinct in the wild within two generations. You’ll learn how The National Kiwi Hatchery was launched in 2008 to become the most successful kiwi hatching facility in the world and has since hatched over 1850 eggs with a 98% survival rate. As you learn about the work being done to save this rare native bird, know that on your travels you’re contributing to this valuable conservation effort.
Bondi Beach: Rub shoulders with the bronzed, beautiful people of Bondi Beach, as you join a surf lifesaver who will take you through the Members Only facility of Australia's oldest surf lifesaving club, followed by lunch with views over the sparkling Pacific Ocean.
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.
Auckland: An immersive and emotive state-of-the-art guided journey that showcases the All Blacks though exceptional innovation and technology.
Lake Tekapo: This resort overlooks the pristine waters of Lake Tekapo in New Zealand's South Island.
Melbourne: Enjoy a guided tour of a not for profit First Peoples arts and cultural gallery providing opportunities to learn and connect with the rich living cultural heritage of Aboriginal Victoria in this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience. Our guests will have an opportunity to experience part of the largest collection of First Peoples artifacts and artworks in South-East Australia. Our collections tell you a story of our unique culture and history across Victoria while our galleries allow you to explore how our young emerging and our most experienced artists are expressing their culture today through their amazing works. With our experienced First People guides, you will have an opportunity to listen to our stories and engage in conversation to further explore our culture. Then, guests will enjoy a short guided walk along the banks of the Yarra River where they will have the chance to learn about the history of the Birrarung and the Aboriginal Peoples of the Kulin Nation.
Rotorua: A feel-good encounter on your New Zealand tour, support the population of New Zealand’s national bird by teaming up with ‘Operation Nest Egg’ on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience at The National Kiwi Hatchery. Get up close and see kiwi eggs being incubated, the hatching process, and even newly hatched kiwi chicks. Located in Rotorua, this national leader in kiwi husbandry is helping to prevent kiwis from becoming extinct and without their crucial ongoing support it’s estimated that the brown kiwi will be extinct in the wild within two generations. You’ll learn how The National Kiwi Hatchery was launched in 2008 to become the most successful kiwi hatching facility in the world and has since hatched over 1850 eggs with a 98% survival rate. As you learn about the work being done to save this rare native bird, know that on your travels you’re contributing to this valuable conservation effort.
Bondi Beach: Rub shoulders with the bronzed, beautiful people of Bondi Beach, as you join a surf lifesaver who will take you through the Members Only facility of Australia's oldest surf lifesaving club, followed by lunch with views over the sparkling Pacific Ocean.
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.
Auckland: An immersive and emotive state-of-the-art guided journey that showcases the All Blacks though exceptional innovation and technology.
Lake Tekapo: This resort overlooks the pristine waters of Lake Tekapo in New Zealand's South Island.
18 daysDuration
Group TourJoin a group of travelers
48 peopleMaximum group size
5 - 99 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Easy
Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.
Starts
Ends
Melbourne, Australia
Christchurch, New Zealand
Monthly Price Comparison
L
LauraVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent
Packed with lots of amazing destinations, very informative and knowledgeable guides!
Availability
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What's Included
Accommodation
Cherrypicked hotels, all tried and trustedPorterage where hotels provide this service
Meals
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Transport
All land transport shown. All transfers shownLuxury airconditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)Flight A Trafalgar bonus all IntraAir Flights: Melbourne to Cairns, Cairns to Sydney, Sydney to Auckland, Auckland to Queenstown
Guide
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Others
Mustsee sightseeingOptional Experiences and free time
For those who want it all, the "Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand" chill-out trip delivers 18 days of sun, city life, and wild escapes. Starting in Melbourne and ending in Christchurch, you’ll soak up the Great Barrier Reef, immerse in vibrant cities, and marvel at Queenstown’s adventure capital, Milford Sound’s grandeur, and Maori warrior tales. This easy-paced, guided tour for experienced travelers is defined by its variety—giving you the best of both countries’ landscapes and cultures in one well-crafted package.
day 1Welcome 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 travellers over dinner at a popular restaurant perched on the Yarra River's South Wharf, a great introduction to Melbourne's cosmopolitan vibe.
Meals
Dinner
Location Visited
Melbourne
Accommodation
Crowne Plaza
day 2Uncover Melbourne's Laneways
day 3Cairns, in the Tropics
day 4View Colourful Coral and Tropical Fish
day 5Cairns, it's All Yours
day 6Fly to Glorious Sydney
day 7Savour the Sights of Sydney
day 8Sydney, It's Your Choice
day 9Kia Ora Auckland New Zealand
day 10Delve into Auckland
day 11Rotorua, the Cultural Hub
day 12Adventure Capital Queenstown
day 13Cruise Milford Sound
day 14Indulge Yourself in Queenstown
day 15Breathtaking Lake Tekapo
day 16Christchurch, the Garden City
day 17Meet a Local Farming Family
day 18Farewell Christchurch
Good to Know
Travel Insurance
Visa
Other Practical Information
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