15 Day New Zealand & Australia Tours

DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart for New Zealand

Depart for New Zealand.

DAY 2, Thursday - En Route

Cross the International Dateline en route to New Zealand and skip a day ahead.

DAY 3, Friday - Arrive in Auckland

Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, known as the "City of Sails". You'll be welcomed by our representative and transferred to the hotel. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Drink and briefing by your Tour Manager on the exciting tour that lies ahead.

Overnight: Auckland

DAY 4, Saturday - Tour Auckland's Museum and Sky Tower

This morning's tour of this multi-cultural city begins at the Sky Tower; standing at almost 1100 feet tall, it is the highest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere and has become an iconic part of Auckland's skyline. From the top, see breathtaking views of the sparkling harbor and the city and beyond. Then, on to the renowned Auckland Museum, housed in one of New Zealand's outstanding historical buildings. Here, you'll see the monumental carvings, canoes and taonga (treasures) of the Maori people along with an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits depicting the growth of the country. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the many diverse delights of this fascinating city. This evening, get together for a Welcome Dinner at the hotel.

Optional: Half Day West Coast Wilderness Experience (PM)

Overnight: Auckland

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Sunday - Flight to Queenstown

Depart Auckland on a flight to Queenstown, named for Queen Victoria. The town, nestled on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu, is considered New Zealand's scenic adventure capital. Its fabulous outdoor attractions and resort-like atmosphere are enjoyed by international travelers as well as by the local "kiwis". En route to the hotel, make a stop at the historic Kawarau bridge followed by a visit to the charming gold-rush village of Arrowtown, nestled among the peaks that surround the sparkling Arrow River. Time to walk along the tree-lined avenues of this colorful town filled with 19th century miner's cottages, or enjoy the delightful shops filled with New Zealand crafts, art galleries and lovely cafes before continuing to Queenstown via Arthurs Point, a small township beside the famous Shotover River.

Overnight: Queenstown

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6, Monday - Full Day in Queenstown

Spend time on your own discovering always-bustling Queenstown. Walk along the streets of the sophisticated downtown area, with its trendy shops and restaurants, or, be adventurous and ascend on the Skyline Gondola high above the city for magnificent views of Queenstown, The Remarkables, Coronet Park, and Lake Wakatipu. Alternatively, participate in the optional Skippers Canyon adventure that follows this rugged road into the sheer cliff sides of the Shotover River Valley. During the tour, visit many historic sites and stop at Deep Creek to try your hand at gold panning at one of the richest gold bearing rivers in the world. Return to Queenstown along Skippers Road, with views of some of the "Lord of the Rings" film locations.

Optional: Safari of the Scenes - Skippers Canyon 4WD Adventure (AM)

Overnight: Queenstown

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Tuesday - Full Day in Queenstown

Enjoy a full day at leisure, or join the optional full day tour to the Milford Sound. Travel to World Heritage Fiordland National Park, rich with dense rainforest, lakes and waterfalls cascading from rugged mountain peaks. En route to Milford Sound stop at Te Anau and the glacier-hewn Eglinton Valley before embarking on the cruise out into the fjord with scenic views of temperate rainforest, stunning Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls. Possible wildlife viewings include seals, birds and occasionally even dolphins or penguins. Late afternoon, return to Queenstown.

Optional: Full Day Milford Sound Cruise with Lunch

Overnight: Queenstown

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Wednesday - Queenstown to Dunedin

Travel today through the award-winning Gibbston Valley, known as the 'Valley of the Vines', one of the most scenic wine growing areas in the world. Vineyards are sandwiched, sometimes precariously, between rugged mountains and the rocky Kawarau River gorge. This area is known for its consistently superb wines, with worldwide recognition and an avalanche of international awards for the Pinot Noir. Continue past the picturesque and historic townships of Cromwell, Clyde and the huge Clyde Dam to Alexandra. Then, we journey along the Clutha River and past the multiple orchards that define this area as New Zealand's fruit bowl before arriving in Dunedin, New Zealand's oldest city, well-known for its Victorian and Edwardian architecture and its close proximity to amazing wildlife.

Overnight: Dunedin

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9, Thursday - Tour of Dunedin

A day to enjoy Dunedin, arguably New Zealand's most spectacular city in terms of contrasting landscapes, nestled in tree-clad hills at the head of a beautiful harbor. The city flourished during the great 19th century gold rush and is now the major gateway to the Otago region. Discover the city with a morning tour highlighted by a visit to the Dunedin Railway Station, a jewel in the country's architectural crown; Baldwin Street, the steepest residential street in the world; and the prestigious Otago University. Also, visit the Olveston historic homestead, built in the early 1900s, a superb turn-of-the-century house with lavish furnishings and a stunning art collection. The afternoon is at leisure.

Optional: Otago Peninsula Tour with Wellers Rock Cruise (PM)

Overnight: Dunedin

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10, Friday - Dunedin to Christchurch, Flight to Melbourne

Depart Dunedin, following the east coast of the South Island north through Oamaru, renowned for its stunning limestone architecture. Travel through the small rural communities of Timaru and Ashburton before traversing the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch for a brief introductory tour before continuing to the airport. Bid farewell to your New Zealand Tour Manager and board the flight to Melbourne, Australia. Get ready for the next adventure as you're welcomed by your Australian Tour Manager in the beautiful Victorian city of Melbourne on the shores of Port Phillip Bay. Arrive late tonight at the hotel.

Overnight: Melbourne

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 11, Saturday - Melbourne City Tour

The tour of Melbourne this morning highlights the mingling of the city's cultures, monuments and scenic delights, from the magnificent gardens to the riverside complexes and bayside suburbs with elegant 19th century architecture. In the afternoon, time to stroll on your own, or join the not-to-be-missed optional tour to Phillip Island. Depart the busy city and suburbs, traveling out into the rural countryside to visit Australia's most popular wildlife attraction and home to the one of the largest Little Penguin colonies in the world.

Optional: Afternoon/Evening Little Penguin Parade

Overnight: Melbourne

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12, Sunday - Flight to Sydney

Morning flight to vibrant Sydney, one of the world's most beautiful cities. Upon arrival, the panoramic tour starts at world famous Bondi Beach and historic and fashionable Paddington with its unique terrace houses, continuing to Mrs. Macquarie's Chair and the Royal Botanic Gardens which offer extraordinary views of celebrated Sydney Harbor, the Harbor Bridge and the striking Sydney Opera House poised majestically on the water's edge, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pass historic buildings including the Parliament House, St. Mary's Cathedral and the Queen Victoria Building. Then, to The Rocks, a historic area where the city was founded by Captain Arthur Phillip and his working parties of convicts. Shop for Opals at a local shop, the best in the world - Australia provides approximately 97% of the world's supply. Spend the balance of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Sydney

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 13, Monday - Full Day in Sydney

There is much to see, and much to do in Sydney! Enjoy your leisure time traveling around the city independently. Be sure to linger in The Rocks area with its charming pubs, bistros, and galleries along the main streets and squares. Or, travel out to one of Sydney's famous beaches for some fun in the sun with the locals. If you're feeling adventurous, have the experience a lifetime on an optional invigorating climb to the top of the world-famous Sydney Harbor Bridge. This morning, a professional team of experienced climbers will escort you to the very top and will provide you with a lasting memento. The rest of the day is yours! Or an optional alternative is a lovely Lunch Cruise by catamaran on Sydney Harbour where you'll feast on a seafood buffet while enjoying the sights of Sydney from the catamaran's extensive decks.

Optional: Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb (AM)*

Optional: Lunch Cruise on Sydney Harbour*

Overnight: Sydney

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 14, Tuesday - Full Day in Sydney

A last day in Sydney to pursue your personal pleasures. Perhaps, participate in the optional full day excursion to Featherdale Wildlife Park and the Blue Mountains. Featherdale is home to over 300 species of Australia's diverse wildlife. Here, you may cuddle a Koala (a must-do for everyone visiting Australia!), feed the kangaroos, view the Fairy Penguins, and see the colorful Parrots, Cockatoos and Lorikeets. For wilderness and wildlife, the magnificent Blue Mountains region is a must see for any visitor to Sydney. Travel through quaint mountain villages, past spectacular lookouts, and through the rugged Australian Bush to Scenic World. Returning to the city in the late afternoon. This evening, get together for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant and bid a fond farewell to your new-found travel mates, your Tour Manager, and a wonderful journey in New Zealand and Australia.

Optional: Full Day Blue Mountains with Featherdale Wildlife Park*

Overnight: Sydney

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 15, Wednesday - Depart Australia

Transfer to the airport for your flight.

Meals: Breakfast

*Sep 23 & Mar 16 departures: please note that the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb Optional and the Lunch Cruise on Sydney Harbour Optional will be offered on Day 14 and the Full Day Blue Mountains with Featherdale Wildlife Park Optional will be offered on Day 13.