Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand
Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand
$11120
Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand
18 Days Starting in Melbourne, Australia and ending in Christchurch, New Zealand
Visiting: Melbourne, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Lake Tekapo, Christchurch
Tour operator:
Tour code:
QCANA26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand" tour, where you'll experience the vibrant cityscapes and serene countryside of these two stunning countries. Begin in Melbourne, exploring its art-filled lanes, then head to Cairns for a cruise at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures and a snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef. Discover Sydney's iconic Opera House and enjoy a harbor cruise before flying to Auckland, New Zealand. Immerse yourself in Maori culture at Te Pa Tu and explore the breathtaking landscapes of Queenstown and Milford Sound. Conclude your adventure in Christchurch, experiencing local hospitality and stunning scenery. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural experiences, natural wonders, and luxurious accommodations.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Melbourne
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne
Meals Included: Dinner
Settle into your hotel on the banks of the Yarra River and meet your Travel Director for a welcome reception and dinner at the South Wharf riverside pub, The General Assembly restaurant. It's a great opportunity to get to know everyone in a unique setting.
Day 2: Melbourne
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne
Take a deep dive into Melbourne’s art-filled lanes and alleys on a walking tour with your Travel Director. Spot a jazz bar or hidden restaurant you fancy? The afternoon is yours to indulge however you wish.
Day 3: Melbourne - Cairns
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: Hilton Hotel Cairns
Things start to heat up in Cairns, the heart of Tropical North Queensland. Jump aboard a cruise at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures to discover some of the wildlife that calls this part of the state home, koalas, wallabies and crocs among them, before helping protect their habitats by planting trees as part of our Rainforest Restoration project. Talk about a feel-good day.
Day 4: Great Barrier Reef
Location: Great Barrier Reef
Accommodation Name: Hilton Hotel Cairns
Meals Included: Lunch
The Great Barrier Reef deserves its World Heritage listing – it’s one of the most biodiverse marine environments on the planet, home to thousands of species of fish and corals, as well as six of the world’s seven sea turtles. Strap on a snorkel and dive in, or keep your hair dry and take in the drama from an underwater observatory and semi-submersible craft. Enjoy a buffet lunch on onboard before returning to Cairns.
Day 5: Cairns Free Time
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: Hilton Hotel Cairns
Meals Included: Dinner
Today is one of decisions: explore the Cairns Esplanade, or head up into the hills on an optional experience Scenic Railway journey to Kuranda. You’re surrounded by some of the world’s oldest rainforest as you return to base via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway (own expense). If that’s not humbling enough, tonight’s dinner at Ochre Restaurant on the waterfront uses native ingredients that the world’s oldest civilisation has consumed for millennia.
Day 6: Cairns - Sydney
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney
We hope you have a window seat for the flight into Sydney - the view over the harbour as you come in to land certainly sparkles. The rest of your day is free for you to acquaint yourself with this magical city. Ask your Travel Director for suggestions.
Day 7: Sydney
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney
Discover one of the great highlights of Sydney, the beautiful Sydney Opera House with a guided tour inside this iconic building, before a Sydney Harbour sightseeing cruise enjoying million dollar views. If there was ever a place that slipped from the pages of a fairy-tale, Wendy’s Secret Garden at Lavender Bay is it. Overlooking Sydney Harbour, this pocket of floral paradise is explained by a local volunteer – did you know this was once unused wasteland? Your visit provides a contribution to the ongoing maintenance of the enchanting garden.
Day 8: Sydney Free Time
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney
Meals Included: Dinner
You could spend weeks exploring Sydney. Months even. But you have today, so get set for a wild ride. Your agenda is completely up to you, but we have more than a few ideas. Perhaps a bird’s-eye perspective of the city on a Sydney BridgeClimb? Or a visit to the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains? This evening, celebrate Sydney at dinner with your travel companions.
Day 9: Sydney - Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: Horizon by SkyCity Auckland
Battle of the harbours: Sydney has one, but Auckland has two. Small wonder it’s known as the ‘City of Sails’.
Day 10: Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: Horizon by SkyCity Auckland
Get your Auckland bearings on a city tour, before choosing a precinct to while away the afternoon in. Ask us for dinner tips.
Day 11: Auckland - Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Meals Included: Dinner
Cute and cuddly, NZ’s national bird, the Kiwi, is also endangered. Go behind the scenes on a working kiwi nursery and hatchery to learn how breeding programs are helping the population thrive. Tonight, dive deep into Indigenous culture and traditions at Te Pā Tū Māori Experience. Enjoy a forest kai horotai (seasonal canapés) and chef choice aperitif, followed by a seasonal three-course dinner.
Day 12: Rotorua - Auckland - Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown
You're invited to an exclusive Be My Guest morning tea at the Red Barn on a working dairy farm in the Waikato district. Expect country banter and have a go at the forgotten art of butter churning. The feel-good vibes that endure will follow you all the way to Queenstown, the self-proclaimed adventure capital of New Zealand. It makes perfect sense – there are ski fields, white-water river and bridges strapped with bungy cords wherever you turn. And then there’s the dining scene; whether you’re in the mood for bulging burgers or lakeside tapas, ask us for recommendations on this leg of your Queenstown New Zealand tour.
Day 13: Milford Sound
Location: Milford Sound
Accommodation Name: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown
Sheer cliffs, thundering waterfalls, glaciers and rainforest – if there’s a destination more inspiring than Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, we’re yet to find it. After a cruise here (look out for dolphins and sea lions), we’re sure you’ll agree.
Day 14: Queenstown Free Time
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown
Meals Included: Dinner
Sleep in, find a rooftop wine bar for lunch, take a stroll around the lake… wherever you wander, meet your fellow travellers for a Highlight Dinner at 1860s Postmasters Cottage.
Day 15: Queenstown - Lake Tekapo
Location: Lake Tekapo
Accommodation Name: Peppers Bluewater Resort Lake Tekapo
Arrowtown and Cromwell are known for their natural drama; just as enticing is the tasty stone fruit. Take a bite. Arriving at Lake Tekapo, you’re far from anywhere. Which practically guarantees dazzling stargazing in the UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
Day 16: Lake Tekapo - Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Get an early start to watch the sun rise over the lake or sleep in before heading to Christchurch, where community spirit is strong; not only has the city rebuilt since the devastating 2010/11 earthquakes, but it's thriving, with architectural innovations like the world's first church built of cardboard.
Day 17: Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Travel north 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 stunning scenery, meet the farm animals and discover what it is like to live off the land on this unique By My Guest experience. Continue to a local vineyard, Waipara Springs Winery, where it's time to relax with a platter-style lunch among the vines. A big day leads to a big evening joining your Travel Director and travel mates for a celebratory Farewell Dinner featuring produce from the Canterbury region.
Day 18: Farewell From Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
It’s hard to say goodbye; so say Haere rā instead.
What's Included
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Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
A specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide will accompany you throughout the tour.
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4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The tour includes visits to 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: West Tropics of Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Opera House, and Te Wahipounamu (Fiordland National Park).
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Centrally located premium hotels
Accommodation in centrally located premium hotels is included throughout the tour.
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Return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers
Return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers are included.
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Internal-holiday flights
Internal-holiday flights are included: Melbourne to Cairns, Cairns to Sydney, Sydney to Auckland, and Auckland to Queenstown.
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Guided tour at the Sydney Opera House
A guided tour inside the iconic Sydney Opera House is included.
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Sydney Harbour sightseeing cruise
A Sydney Harbour sightseeing cruise is included, offering million-dollar views.
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Visit to Te Pa Tu Maori Experience
Experience Maori culture and traditions at Te Pa Tu Maori Experience, including a hangi dinner prepared in an underground oven.
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Visit to the Koorie Heritage Trust Gallery
Learn about Koorie peoples, cultures, and communities at the Koorie Heritage Trust Gallery in Melbourne.
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Cruise at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
A cruise at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures to discover local wildlife is included.
What's Not Included
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Flights to and from the start/end of the trip
Flights to and from the start/end of the trip are not included in the trip price.
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Optional experiences
Optional experiences such as the Scenic Railway journey to Kuranda and the Sydney BridgeClimb are not included and are at your own expense.
Mode of Transport
Enjoy included internal-holiday flights from Melbourne to Cairns, Cairns to Sydney, Sydney to Auckland, and Auckland to Queenstown. Return airport to hotel transfers are also included.
Accommodation
Stay in centrally located premium hotels including Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne, Hilton Hotel Cairns, Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney, Horizon by SkyCity Auckland, Millennium Hotel Rotorua, Millennium Hotel Queenstown, Peppers Bluewater Resort Lake Tekapo, and Distinction Christchurch Hotel.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of cultural experiences can I expect on this tour?
You will have the opportunity to learn about Māori culture and traditions at Te Pa Tu Maori Experience, where you'll enjoy a hangi dinner prepared in an underground oven. Additionally, you will visit the Koorie Heritage Trust Gallery in Melbourne to learn about Koorie peoples, cultures, and communities.
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Are there any activities involving wildlife on this tour?
Yes, you will visit Hartley's Crocodile Adventures in Cairns to see koalas, wallabies, and crocodiles. You will also go behind the scenes at a working kiwi nursery and hatchery in Rotorua to learn about breeding programs for New Zealand's national bird, the Kiwi.
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What kind of physical fitness is required for this tour?
A low level of fitness is required for this tour.
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Are internal flights included in the tour package?
Yes, internal-holiday flights are included in the tour package. These flights are from Melbourne to Cairns, Cairns to Sydney, Sydney to Auckland, and Auckland to Queenstown.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in centrally located premium hotels, such as the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Melbourne, Hilton Hotel in Cairns, Sofitel Wentworth Hotel in Sydney, Horizon by SkyCity in Auckland, Millennium Hotel in Rotorua and Queenstown, Peppers Bluewater Resort in Lake Tekapo, and Distinction Christchurch Hotel in Christchurch.
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What are some of the unique dining experiences on this tour?
You will enjoy a welcome reception and dinner at The General Assembly restaurant in Melbourne, a dinner at Ochre Restaurant in Cairns using native ingredients, a seasonal three-course dinner at Te Pā Tū Māori Experience in Rotorua, and a Highlight Dinner at 1860s Postmasters Cottage in Queenstown. Additionally, you will have a platter-style lunch at Waipara Springs Winery in Christchurch.
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What kind of activities are available during free time on this tour?
During your free time, you can explore Melbourne's art-filled lanes and alleys, take a Scenic Railway journey to Kuranda in Cairns, go on a Sydney BridgeClimb or visit the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains, and enjoy a rooftop wine bar or lakeside stroll in Queenstown.
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What kind of impact activities are included in the tour?
You will participate in a Rainforest Restoration project in Cairns, where you will help protect wildlife habitats by planting trees.
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What are some of the natural highlights of this tour?
You will visit the Great Barrier Reef, Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, and Lake Tekapo, which is part of the UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve for stargazing.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers are included in the tour package.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a holiday with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It is important to adhere to departure times while on tour for the comfort of everyone on-board, and to make sure no one misses out on the planned experiences. The coach will not be able to wait for you, and in some instances, if you miss a departure time you will need to make your own way to the next destination to re-join the tour.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
AAT Kings operated Guided Holidays have competitive single supplement rates available if you prefer to confirm your own room. Or we can match you to share with a guest of the same gender at no extra cost. If we fail to match you, we will accommodate you in a single room at no extra cost.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 100 years
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
We will email your documents to you approximately four weeks before your departure date provided you have completed your pre trip registration using the My Travel Portal. If you’ve booked through a travel agent, your documents will be emailed directly to your agent.
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Low Deposit
AAT Kings requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of aat kings charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.