Treasures of Australia and New Zealand
Treasures of Australia and New Zealand
Treasures of Australia and New Zealand
18 Days Starting in Melbourne, Australia and ending in Christchurch, New Zealand
Visiting: Melbourne, Cairns, Sydney, Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Lake Tekapo, Christchurch
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 35
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Treasures of Australia and New Zealand" tour, a thrilling 17-night adventure that takes you through the vibrant cities and stunning landscapes of both countries. Begin your journey in Melbourne, exploring its hidden laneways, before heading to Cairns for a wildlife adventure and a breathtaking visit to the Great Barrier Reef. Discover Sydney's iconic landmarks and enjoy a scenic dinner cruise on the harbour. In New Zealand, uncover Auckland's volcanic history, experience Maori traditions in Rotorua, and explore the adventure capital of Queenstown. Conclude your trip with stargazing at Lake Tekapo and a visit to the resilient city of Christchurch. Enjoy superior hotel accommodations, daily buffet breakfasts, and guided tours, all while traveling in modern, air-conditioned vehicles.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Merlbourne Arrival (-/-/D)
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Melbourne! On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. This evening, join your Travel Director for a welcome reception and dinner at the South Wharf riverside pub, The General Assembly. It's a great opportunity to get to know everyone in a unique setting.
Overnight in Melbourne
Day 2: Melbourne (B/-/-)
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast head out for a city sights tour that includes a private walk-through Melbourne's famous hidden laneways. You'll discover the city's eclectic little lanes, arcades, café society and fascinating street art. There's time afterwards to explore the city on your own, enjoy an optional experience or simply relax and watch the world go by.
Overnight in Melbourne
Day 3: Melbourne – Cairns (By Flight) (B/-/-)
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you will enjoy breakfast before being transferred to Melbourne Airport for your flight to Cairns, Queensland. On arrival join a private wildlife journey at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures. Enjoy a boat cruise and encounter koalas, wallabies, birds, crocodiles and more! There will be time to partake in regenerating the rainforest particular to the Wangetti Valley which Hartleys is located in. Feel free to join is as much or as little as you can with this tree planting project and be a part of keeping the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics alive. This evening is free for you to choose from the numerous restaurants that Cairns has to offer.
Overnight in Cairns.
Day 4: Cairns – Great Barrier Reef – Cairns (B/L/-)
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, get ready for an experience of a lifetime - board a high-speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. You can snorkel and view this natural living wonder up close (equipment provided) or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-submersible craft, just one metre underwater. Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch before you return to Cairns.
Overnight in Cairns
Day 5: Cairns (B/-/D)
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is a free day to do as you choose. A great option is the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda, be amazed as you travel over and through World Heritage rainforest, explore quaint Kuranda village and later board the Kuranda Scenic Rail for this historic rail journey. If youd prefer to spend the day relaxing by your hotel pool or sitting back at a local café you can do that too! In the evening re-join your travelling companions for a dining experience at Ochre Restaurant.
Overnight in Cairns
Day 6: Cairns – Sydney (By Flight) (B/-/D)
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Following a leisurely start to the morning, its time to switch the tropical vibes back to city highlights as you fly to Sydney. What a way to kick off your arrival to Sydney with a dinner cruise enjoying the famous Sydney Harbour! Youll pass under the Harbour Bridge, cruise past the Opera House and see many magnificent waterfront homes, beaches and parklands.
Overnight in Sydney
Day 7: Sydney (B/L/-)
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, discover the highlights of beautiful Sydney with a driving city tour. If there was ever a place that slipped from the pages of a fairy-tale, Wendys 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. Explore Sydneys inner west and enjoy a lunch with the locals at the pub. Then drive through Newtown to Batch Brewery where you will take part in a masterclass and learn how they combine creatively inspired limited release batches with sustainable practices.
Overnight in Sydney
Day 8: Sydney (B/-/D)
Location: Sydney
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The day is yours to explore at your leisure or book one of our optional activities. Dinner tonight is beside Sydney Harbour. Because can you ever get enough?
Overnight in Sydney
Day 9: Sydney – Auckland (By Flight) (B/-/D)
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Get ready to travel to New Zealand! After breakfast you will be transferred to Sydney airport and fly to Auckland.
Overnight in Auckland.
Day 10: Auckland (B/-/-)
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Have breakfast and then get your Auckland bearings on a city tour, before choosing a precinct to while away the afternoon in. Ask us for dinner tips.
Overnight in Auckland
Day 11: Auckland – Rotorua (B/-/D)
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
fter breakfast start your trip to Rotorua to see the cute and cuddly, NZs 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. This evening your dinner is prepared in an earthen hangi at the Mitai Māori Village. Its an eye-opening (and tasty) introduction to Māori culture.
Overnight in Rotorua
Day 12: Rotorua – Auckland – Queenstown (By Flight) (B/-/-)
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today youll get a taste of celebrity lifestyle when you sit down to breakfast in the village of Hobbiton, the movie set of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. Take a guided tour past Hobbit Holes and the Mill, and wave to your fans. After that transfer back to Auckland to take our flight to Queenstown. Enjoy the rest of your day in this lovely city.
Overnight in Queenstown
Day 13: Queenstown – Milford Sound – Queenstown (B/L/-)
Location: Milford Sound
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast you will head out to sheer cliffs, thundering waterfalls, glaciers and rainforest! If theres a destination more inspiring than Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, were yet to find it. After a cruise here (look out for dolphins and sea lions), were sure youll agree.
Overnight in Queenstown
Day 14: Queenstown (B/-/D)
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, 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.
Overnight in Queenstown
Day 15: Queenstown – Lake Tekapo (B/-/D)
Location: Lake Tekapo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Arrowtown and Cromwell are known for their natural drama; just as enticing is the tasty stone fruit. Take a bite. Arriving at Lake Tekapo, youre far from anywhere. Which practically guarantees dazzling stargazing in the UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
Overnight at Lake Tekapo
Day 16: Lake Tekapo – Christchurch (B/L/-)
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast you will go on an interesting experience. Ever wondered what life on the land is like? Meet Angie and Stan Taylor, who have farmed this countryside for more years than they care to remember. The stories youll hear over lunch.
Overnight in Christchurch
Day 17: Christchurch (B/-/D)
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. And then visit Christchurch! Community spirit is strong in Christchurch; not only has the city rebuilt since the devastating 2011 earthquakes, but its thriving, with architectural innovations like the worlds first church built of cardboard. Take in the sights with an in-the-know local.
Overnight in Christchurch
Day 18: Christchurch (B/-/-)
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Its hard to say goodbye; so, say ‘see you soon instead. After breakfast your will be transferred to the airport to take your flight back home.
What's Included
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17 Nights accommodation
17 Nights accommodation on a twin sharing basis at superior hotels or similar.
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Daily buffet breakfasts
Daily buffet breakfasts are included.
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04 Lunches at local restaurants
04 Lunches at local restaurants are included.
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04 Dinners at local restaurants
04 Dinners at local restaurants are included.
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05 Special dinners with Wine
05 Special dinners with Wine are included.
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Airport transfers
All Arrival and departure airport transfers are included.
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Transportation
All Transportation in AC modern vehicles is included.
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English-speaking guide
Services of an English-speaking guide during the tours are included.
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Sightseeing
All sightseeing as per the detailed itinerary is included.
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Entrance fees
All entrance fees as per the detailed itinerary are included.
What's Not Included
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Personal expenses
Items of a personal nature, tips and gratuities are not included.
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Visa fees
Visa fees, if applicable, are not included.
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Unmentioned items
Any item not mentioned as included is not part of the package.
Mode of Transport
Travel in modern, air-conditioned vehicles with all arrival and departure airport transfers included, along with domestic and regional flights between key destinations.
Accommodation
Enjoy 17 nights of superior hotel accommodation on a twin-sharing basis, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
Travel is provided in modern, air-conditioned vehicles with all arrival and departure airport transfers included, along with domestic and regional flights between key destinations.
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What type of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will enjoy 17 nights of superior hotel accommodation on a twin-sharing basis, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your journey.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, daily buffet breakfasts, 4 lunches at local restaurants, 4 dinners at local restaurants, and 5 special dinners with wine are included in the tour package.
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Is there a guide provided during the tour?
Yes, the services of an English-speaking guide during the tours are included.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour package?
Yes, all entrance fees as per the detailed itinerary are included.
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What activities are available in Cairns?
In Cairns, you can enjoy a private wildlife journey at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, a boat cruise, and encounter koalas, wallabies, birds, and crocodiles. You can also participate in a tree planting project to help regenerate the rainforest.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Great Barrier Reef?
You will board a high-speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. You can snorkel and view the reef up close or explore it from a semi-submersible craft. A tropical buffet lunch is also included.
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What unique experiences are offered in Rotorua?
In Rotorua, you will visit a working kiwi nursery and hatchery to learn about breeding programs. You will also enjoy a dinner prepared in an earthen hangi at the Mitai Māori Village, providing an introduction to Māori culture.
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What is included in the Sydney Harbour dinner cruise?
The dinner cruise includes passing under the Harbour Bridge, cruising past the Opera House, and seeing many magnificent waterfront homes, beaches, and parklands.
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What activities are available in Queenstown?
In Queenstown, you can enjoy a cruise in Milford Sound, known for its sheer cliffs, thundering waterfalls, glaciers, and rainforest. You may also spot dolphins and sea lions during the cruise.
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What can I expect during the visit to Lake Tekapo?
At Lake Tekapo, you can enjoy dazzling stargazing in the UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. You will also visit Arrowtown and Cromwell, known for their natural beauty and tasty stone fruit.
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What is the final destination of the tour?
The final destination of the tour is Christchurch, New Zealand.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.
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If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?
You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.
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Can I arrange flights via Indus Travels, too?
In some cases, yes. Indus Travels can provide flights from/to selected departure points in the USA. If you would like a quote inclusive of flights, please let us know and we'll be happy to check the details for you!
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.
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Low Deposit
Indus Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of indus travels charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.