Choose Your Departure Year:

Tour Overview

Discover the best highlights of the Land Down Under on this spectacular 20-day tour. In Australia, look forward to three nights in beautiful Sydney, three nights in stylish Melbourne, and three nights in Australia’s tropical Cairns. Discover world-famous attractions including the Sydney Opera House, Great Barrier Reef, and Kuranda Scenic Railway. In New Zealand, spend three nights on the North Island and four nights on the South Island. Explore a variety of natural wonders within Milford Sound, witness the spectacular Huka Falls, tour the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, and attend a Māori Cultural performance!

The Holiday Advantage
Airfare Included
Airfare Included
Low Deposit, Guaranteed Prices, & No Hidden Costs
Low Deposit, Guaranteed Prices, & No Hidden Costs
Exceptional Accommodations
Exceptional Accommodations
Most Meals Included
Most Meals Included
Premier Attractions
Premier Attractions
Professional Tour Directors
Professional Tour Directors
Call 1-800-826-2266 to Book

You can earn a $100 Travel Show Credit good for your next trip with Holiday Vacations by simply clicking the photo to watch the online travel show! The show is about 10 minutes long and at the end, you'll have the ability to submit your contact information and receive a travel credit which can be applied to this or any Holiday Vacations tour. Get started now!

EACC

Bucket-List Adventure

Discover the top highlights of Australia & New Zealand in one comprehensive 20-day tour. This remote paradise is filled to the brim with wonder, and this extensive tour provides ample opportunity to take in as much magic as possible.

Spectacular Wildlife

It’s a well-known fact that Australia & New Zealand are home to some of the world’s most unique animals, including kangaroos, koalas, kiwi, wallabies, and so many other species. Get to know these incredible creatures through immersive, up-close encounters on this adventure of a lifetime.

Immersive Culture

Enjoy a deep dive into the culture of these two spectacular destinations with an authentic Māori hangi feast, a tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House, a breathtaking Milford Sound cruise , and so many other one-of-a-kind attractions found only in this corner of the world.

Tour Highlights

Additional Tour Information

Your Holiday Vacations Experience Includes:

Accommodations

All Accommodations Featuring

  • 1 night Novotel Hamilton Tainui Hotel or Hidden Lake Hotel Cambridge
  • 2 nights in Lake Taupo
  • 1 night Distinction Te Anau Hotel
  • 2 nights Millennium Hotel Queenstown
  • 1 night Distinction Christchurch Hotel
  • 3 nights Rydges World Square Hotel in Sydney
  • 3 nights Crystalbrook Flynn in Cairns
  • 3 nights Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank
  • 1 night Near the Los Angeles International Airport
Attractions & Highlights

Attractions & Highlights

  • Auckland guided city tour
  • SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium
  • Hobbiton™ Movie Set
  • Orakei Korako Thermal Park
  • Huka Falls River Cruise
  • Milford Sound Cruise feat. Fiordland National Park
  • Queenstown & Lake Wakatipu
  • Kiwi Birdlife Park
  • Christchurch guided city tour
  • New Zealand’s Southern Alps feat. Lake Tekapo & Church of the Good Shepherd
  • Sydney guided city tour feat. Bondi Beach, Royal Botanic Gardens, Harbor Cruise & Opera House
  • Kuranda Scenic Railway (subject to maintenance closures)
  • Kuranda Koala Gardens
  • Birdworld Kuranda
  • Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
  • Great Barrier Reef cruise, scenic helicopter flight, reef viewer & glass-bottom boat (subject to weather)
  • Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
  • Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Sunset penguin parade at Phillip Island
  • Melbourne guided city tour
Meals

21 Excellent Meals Featuring

  • Pasture-to-plate lunch at The Red Barn
  • Dinner at Vine Eatery & Bar
  • Māori cultural performance & feast in Taupo
  • Dinner at the MacKinnon Restaurant Te Anau
  • Lunch at Sydney Tower
  • Tropical breakfasts in Cairns
  • Lunch at Frogs Restaurant in Kuranda
Tour Date & Pricing

Tour Dates & Pricing

Occupancy

Price Per Person

Space Limited. Call for availability.

Double

$9499

Space Limited. Call for availability.

Single

$11099

Space Limited. Call for availability.

Final Payment Date: 12/27/2023

Occupancy

Price Per Person

Request Booking Now

Double

$9699

Request Booking Now

Single

$11299

Request Booking Now

Final Payment Date: 08/07/2024

Occupancy

Price Per Person

Request Booking Now

Double

$9699

Request Booking Now

Single

$11299

Request Booking Now

Final Payment Date: 08/14/2024

Day Itinerary

Day Itinerary

Day 1 : Depart the USA

Following our included flight to Los Angeles International Airport, we meet our Tour Director and board an Air New Zealand flight bound for New Zealand. Enjoy tasty meals and attentive service en route to our destination.

Day 2 : New Zealand Bound

When we cross the International Date Line, we lose a calendar day.

Day 3 : Auckland

This morning we arrive in Auckland, the largest Polynesian city in the Southern Hemisphere. After clearing customs, we enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city including America’s Cup Village, lively Queen Street, and the Harbor Bridge. We visit SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium to view the world’s largest sub-Antarctic penguin colony display and the magical Seahorse Kingdom, then take an underwater journey to discover a diverse collection of aquatic life up close. We then embark on a pleasant countryside drive to the charming towns of Hamilton or Cambridge. Explore this beautiful area on your own with time at leisure and experience friendly Kiwi hospitality.

Day 4 : Hobbiton™ & Lake Taupo

We spend our morning at Alexander Sheep & Cattle Farm in Matamata, a working sheep farm and home to Hobbiton™, The Shire™ from Middle-earth™. Our visit includes a drive through the picturesque 1,250-acre farm with spectacular views across the Kaimai Ranges and a guided tour of the Hobbiton™ Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. The set has been completely rebuilt and remains as it was seen in these films. During our tour, we see Hobbit Holes™, The Green Dragon Inn™, the mill, the double-arched bridge, and other structures and gardens built for this beloved imaginary world. For lunch, we enjoy a traditional pasture-to-plate meal at The Red Barn, a 500-acre working dairy farm. Originally built at the turn of the previous century as a livery stable for horses journeying across the greater Waikato, The Red Barn showcases the very best of New Zealand cuisine and country hospitality. Later this afternoon, we arrive in the town of Taupo that sits at the edge of New Zealand’s largest lake. Taupo is home to award-winning attractions, activities, and breathtaking lake and mountain views. Our lodging features spacious rooms overlooking the thermally heated pool and an elegant restaurant, Vine Eatery & Bar, where we have dinner tonight.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 : Orakei Korako & Māori Performance

Our day begins with a visit to Orakei Korako, one of the finest thermal areas in the world. On our walk through the Hidden Valley, we see silica terraces, boiling pools, geysers, and an incredibly rare geothermal cave. After lunch at leisure in Taupo’s town center, we cruise the Waikato River and see impressive Huka Falls, New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction. Tonight, we enjoy a traditional and authentic Māori hangi feast, a customary cooking method that involves preparing food in an underground pit oven, followed by a powerful cultural performance of song and dance.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 : Gateway to Fiordland

This morning we fly to South Island and cross sheep-filled farming land to Te Anau, the “Gateway to Fiordland” and the closest town to Milford Sound. This town is nestled on the shores of beautiful Lake Te Anau, with a spectacular backdrop of Mt. Luxmore and the Murchison Mountains. The serene deep water of the largest lake on the island is bordered on its western shore by virgin forest. Tonight, we dine at the MacKinnon Restaurant and settle into our accommodations.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 : Milford Sound Cruise

Today we travel deep into Fiordland National Park where the beech forests reach the road’s edge and snowcapped peaks tower above. We journey through the beautiful Eglinton Valley to the Homer Tunnel before descending through the spectacular Cleddau Canyon to reach Milford Sound. Our cruise takes us past Mitre Peak, which rises 5,560 feet, as well as striking Stirling and Bowen Falls. Cascading more than 500 feet, the falls flow from valleys formed by receding glaciers. Watch for majestic wildlife along the way, including sea lions and a variety of birds. Afterwards, we return to Te Anau and continue our journey, crossing pasturelands to the Millennium Hotel Queenstown. Queenstown sits on the rippling shores of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu, set against the dramatic 7,000-foot Remarkables mountain range.

Breakfast

Day 8 : Queenstown

After breakfast at the hotel, we visit the Kiwi & Birdlife Park for rare opportunity to meet New Zealand’s most iconic bird, the kiwi, in specially designed nocturnal houses that allow us to view them during the day. Later, we visit the historic and picturesque “gold rush” settlement of Arrowtown and stop at the Kawarau River suspension bridge, where bungee jumpers come for thrills from all over the world. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy New Zealand’s adventure capital with jet boating, golf, picturesque walks, and abundant restaurants and shops in one of the most scenic settings in the world.

Breakfast

Day 9 : Southern Alps

This morning we travel across the fruitlands of Central Otago, famous for the production of summer fruit - apricots, peaches, nectarines and plums. Our stop at Jones Family Fruit Stall provides time to explore the orchards and fruit varieties as we hear how this business that started as a small, single fruit stall has expanded throughout the last 40 years. We then travel over Lindis Pass and through the tussock-covered plains of Mackenzie Country towards Mount Cook National Park. Have your camera handy, because this park has some of the most spectacular peaks in the Southern Alps. We drive along Lake Pukaki to Lake Tekapo, nestled among snowy peaks. The glacial blue waters of this lake are one of the most photographed sights in New Zealand. We stop to view the Church of the Good Shepherd and the bronze statue of a sheep dog, erected as a tribute to the important role played by these animals in the development of high-country farming. Afterwards, we cross the picturesque farmland of the Canterbury Plains en route to our overnight accommodations in Christchurch.

Breakfast

Day 10 : Australia

Following a guided city tour of Christchurch, we bid farewell to New Zealand and fly to Sydney, Australia’s most vibrant city. Upon arrival, we transfer to our centrally located accommodations.

Day 11 : Sydney Sights & Opera House

This morning we discover Sydney’s many interesting landmarks on a guided city tour. Our stops include the famous Harbor Bridge, the longest single span bridge in the world, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Hyde Park, bustling Kings Cross, and popular Bondi Beach. We then tour the famous Sydney Opera House, an architectural masterpiece and performing arts center. During our lunch in revolving Sydney Tower, we see panoramic views of the harbor and city. Later, there’s time to visit the attractions of Darling Harbor, Sydney’s favorite destination for leisure and entertainment, with various restaurants, cafes, museums, parks, theaters, and specialty shops.

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12 : Harbor Cruise & The Rocks

Our day starts with a visit to the historic Rocks. Stroll through one of the most prestigious areas in Sydney with beautifully restored buildings, spectacular views across the harbor, and cobbled streets and pathways. After lunch, we embark on a delightful harbor cruise to soak up Sydney’s sparkling waterfront. Gain a glimpse of the Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge, sail past pristine parks, golden beaches, and charming harborside neighborhoods. We then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure for individual exploration.

Day 13 : Tropical Cairns

Our morning begins with a flight to tropical Cairns in Far North Queensland. This is the gateway city to many of Australia’s natural wonders, including the famous Great Barrier Reef. Our stunning five-star hotel is adjacent to the waterfront and esplanade. Enjoy the rest of your day discovering its many amenities, including three restaurants and bars, glass swimming pools, and the Eléme Day Spa and Wellness Center.

Day 14 : Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail

We start our day with one of the most spectacular rail excursions in the world, the Kuranda Scenic Railway. As we ascend, our journey provides unsurpassed views of World Heritage rainforest, steep ravines, and picturesque waterfalls within Barron Gorge National Park. Afterwards, we visit the fascinating Kuranda Koala Gardens, an award-winning native Australian wildlife attraction featuring some of Australia’s most popular wildlife. A highlight of this stop is the unique opportunity to pet a koala and hand-feed tame kangaroos or wallabies. Following lunch at Frogs Restaurant, we visit Birdworld Kuranda, a natural habitat of over 60 native species including the endangered and stately Cassowary. There’s also time to visit the Kuranda Heritage Markets before we descend the MacAlister Range on Skyrail, a nearly 5-mile gondola cableway. Enjoy spectacular views of the rain forest, the Coral Sea, and the lush Cairns Highlands as we glide over the dense rain forest canopy.

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 15 : Great Barrier Reef & Scenic Helicopter Ride

We experience one of the highlights of our tour, a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. We cruise to Moore Reef, located along the outer edge of the world’s largest living organism. The reef is one of Australia’s greatest national treasures and one of the seven natural wonders of the world, stretching more than 1,200 miles along the coast. We view vividly colored tropical fish and coral from the reef viewer, underwater observatory, and glass bottom boat. Learn about the interesting fish and marine life that inhabit this underwater wonderland while enjoying breathtaking sights of the Great Barrier Reef on a scenic helicopter flight. Then, take time to swim, snorkel, or relax in this beautiful marine setting. This evening, we return to our hotel with dinner on our own.

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 16 : Melbourne

This morning, we fly to the charming Victorian capital of Melbourne, renowned for its lovely parks and gardens. After checking in to our hotel, the remainder of the day is free to wander along Southbank’s waterfront and Crowne Casino precinct or Melbourne’s famous hidden laneways and pedestrian arcades.

Breakfast

Day 17 : Penguin Parade & Wildlife Park

This morning we travel through the picturesque Yarra Valley to sample chocolates at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. Watch closely as the chocolatiers at work create over 150 different types of chocolate! Afterwards, we visit Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary, home to over 200 species of Australian birds, mammals, and reptiles in a natural setting. Next, we go to Phillip Island, a wonderful safe haven for seals and birds. Following an included dinner, our day concludes with perhaps our most unique wildlife encounter as we witness the world-famous penguin parade. As the sun sets over this beautiful landscape, we get an up-close and personal view of the world’s smallest penguins as they return home to one of the largest penguin colonies in Australia.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 18 : Royal Botanic Gardens

Our day starts with a guided sightseeing tour of Melbourne. This fascinating tour includes Fitzroy Gardens, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Queen Victoria Market, and a view of the impressive Parliament House. We also visit the Royal Botanic Gardens to stroll through a collection of over 8,500 species of plants from around the world. Afterwards, we enjoy a Farewell Lunch together to reminisce on the incredible adventures we’ve had. Then, soak up one more evening at leisure in the Land Down Under.

Lunch, Dinner

Day 19 : Los Angeles

We bid farewell to Australia. Cross the International Date Line and gain a day arriving in Los Angeles early in the afternoon.

Day 20 : Arrive Home

Tour Map

Tour Map

Tour Map for Australia & New Zealand Highlights
Departure Cities

Departure Cities

Airport Pickups

Choose a State:

Birmingham - Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

Bentonville - Northwest Arkansas National Airport

Little Rock - Little Rock National Airport

Phoenix - Sky Harbor International Airport

Los Angeles - Los Angeles International Airport

Orange County - John Wayne Airport

San Diego - San Diego International Airport

San Francisco - San Francisco International Airport

Denver - Denver International Airport

Hartford - Bradley International Airport

Washington - Ronald Reagan National Airport

Washington - Washington Dulles International Airport

Fort Lauderdale - Fort Lauderdale International Airport

Fort Myers - Southwest Florida International Airport

Jacksonville - Jacksonville International Airport

Miami - Miami International Airport

Orlando - Orlando International Airport

Tallahassee - Tallahassee International Airport

Tampa - Tampa International Airport

West Palm Beach - Palm Beach International Airport

Atlanta - Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Cedar Rapids - Eastern Iowa Airport

Des Moines - Des Moines International Airport

Boise - Boise Airport

Chicago - O'Hare International Airport

Moline - Quad City International Airport

Evansville - Evansville Regional Airport

Fort Wayne - Fort Wayne International Airport

Indianapolis - Indianapolis International Airport

South Bend - South Bend International Airport

Wichita - Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

Lexington - Blue Grass Airport

Louisville - Louisville International Airport

Baton Rouge - Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport

Lafayette - Lafayette Regional Airport

New Orleans - Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

Shreveport - Shreveport Regional Airport

Boston - Boston Logan International Airport

Baltimore - Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

Detroit - Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport

Grand Rapids - Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Saginaw - MBS International Airport

Duluth - Duluth International Airport

Minneapolis - Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport

Kansas City - Kansas City International Airport

Springfield - Springfield-Branson National Airport

St Louis - St. Louis Lambert International Airport

Gulfport - Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport

Jackson - Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport

Billings - Billings-Logan International Airport

Bozeman - Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport

Missoula - Missoula Montana Airport

Charlotte - Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Greensboro - Piedmont Triad International Airport

Raleigh - Raleigh-Durham International Airport

Bismarck - Bismarck Airport

Fargo - Hector International Airport

Grand Forks - Grand Forks International Airport

Omaha - Eppley Airfield

Newark - Newark Liberty International Airport

Albuquerque - Albuquerque International Airport

Las Vegas - McCarran International Airport

Albany - Albany International Airport

Buffalo - Buffalo Niagara International Airport

New York - Kennedy International Airport

New York - La Guardia Airport

Rochester - Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport

Syracuse - Syracuse Hancock International Airport

Cincinnati - Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport

Cleveland - Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

Columbus - John Glenn Columbus International Airport

Dayton - Dayton International Airport

Oklahoma City - Will Rogers World Airport

Tulsa - Tulsa International Airport

Portland - Portland International Airport

Allentown - Lehigh Valley International Airport

Harrisburg - Harrisburg International Airport

Philadelphia - Philadelphia International Airport

Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh International Airport

Charleston - Charleston International Airport

Greer - Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport

Rapid City - Rapid City Regional Airport

Sioux Falls - Sioux Falls Regional Airport

Knoxville - McGhee Tyson Airport

Memphis - Memphis International Airport

Nashville - Nashville International Airport

Austin - Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Dallas - Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

Houston - George Bush Intercontinental Airport

San Antonio - San Antonio International Airport

Salt Lake City - Salt Lake City International Airport

Norfolk - Norfolk International Airport

Richmond - Richmond International Airport

Seattle - Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Spokane - Spokane International Airport

Appleton - Appleton International Airport

Baldwin - Groome Transportation

Eau Claire - Groome Transportation

Green Bay - Austin Straubel International Airport

Hudson - Groome Transportation

Madison - Dane County Regional Airport

Menomonie - Groome Transportation

Milwaukee - Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport

Charleston - Yeager Airport

Choose Your Departure Year:

Australia & New Zealand Highlights

Discover the best highlights of the Land Down Under on this spectacular 20-day tour. In Australia, look forward to three nights in beautiful Sydney, three nights in stylish Melbourne, and three nights in Australia’s tropical Cairns. Discover world-famous attractions including the Sydney Opera House, Great Barrier Reef, and Kuranda Scenic Railway. In New Zealand, spend three nights on the North Island and four nights on the South Island. Explore a variety of natural wonders within Milford Sound, witness the spectacular Huka Falls, tour the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, and attend a Māori Cultural performance!

The Holiday Advantage
Airfare Included
Airfare Included
Low Deposit, Guaranteed Prices, & No Hidden Costs
Low Deposit, Guaranteed Prices, & No Hidden Costs
Exceptional Accommodations
Exceptional Accommodations
Most Meals Included
Most Meals Included
Premier Attractions
Premier Attractions
Professional Tour Directors
Professional Tour Directors
View Dates & Book Online Call 1-800-826-2266 to Book

You can earn a $100 Travel Show Credit good for your next trip with Holiday Vacations by simply clicking the photo to watch the online travel show! The show is about 10 minutes long and at the end, you'll have the ability to submit your contact information and receive a travel credit which can be applied to this or any Holiday Vacations tour. Get started now!

EACC

Bucket-List Adventure

Discover the top highlights of Australia & New Zealand in one comprehensive 20-day tour. This remote paradise is filled to the brim with wonder, and this extensive tour provides ample opportunity to take in as much magic as possible.

Spectacular Wildlife

It’s a well-known fact that Australia & New Zealand are home to some of the world’s most unique animals, including kangaroos, koalas, kiwi, wallabies, and so many other species. Get to know these incredible creatures through immersive, up-close encounters on this adventure of a lifetime.

Immersive Culture

Enjoy a deep dive into the culture of these two spectacular destinations with an authentic Māori hangi feast, a tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House, a breathtaking Milford Sound cruise , and so many other one-of-a-kind attractions found only in this corner of the world.

Additional Tour Information

Your Holiday Vacations Experience Includes:

Accommodations

All Accommodations Featuring

  • 1 night Novotel Hamilton Tainui Hotel or Hidden Lake Hotel Cambridge
  • 2 nights in Lake Taupo
  • 1 night Distinction Te Anau Hotel
  • 2 nights Millennium Hotel Queenstown
  • 1 night Distinction Christchurch Hotel
  • 3 nights Rydges World Square Hotel in Sydney
  • 3 nights Crystalbrook Flynn in Cairns
  • 3 nights Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank
  • 1 night Near the Los Angeles International Airport
Attractions & Highlights

Attractions & Highlights

  • Auckland guided city tour
  • SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium
  • Hobbiton™ Movie Set
  • Orakei Korako Thermal Park
  • Huka Falls River Cruise
  • Milford Sound Cruise feat. Fiordland National Park
  • Queenstown & Lake Wakatipu
  • Kiwi Birdlife Park
  • Christchurch guided city tour
  • New Zealand’s Southern Alps feat. Lake Tekapo & Church of the Good Shepherd
  • Sydney guided city tour feat. Bondi Beach, Royal Botanic Gardens, Harbor Cruise & Opera House
  • Kuranda Scenic Railway (subject to maintenance closures)
  • Kuranda Koala Gardens
  • Birdworld Kuranda
  • Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
  • Great Barrier Reef cruise, scenic helicopter flight, reef viewer & glass-bottom boat (subject to weather)
  • Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
  • Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Sunset penguin parade at Phillip Island
  • Melbourne guided city tour
Meals

21 Excellent Meals Featuring

  • Pasture-to-plate lunch at The Red Barn
  • Dinner at Vine Eatery & Bar
  • Māori cultural performance & feast in Taupo
  • Dinner at the MacKinnon Restaurant Te Anau
  • Lunch at Sydney Tower
  • Tropical breakfasts in Cairns
  • Lunch at Frogs Restaurant in Kuranda

Tour Dates & Pricing

Occupancy

Price Per Person

Space Limited. Call for availability.

Double

$9499

Single

$11099

Final Payment Date: 12/27/2023

Occupancy

Price Per Person

Request Booking Now

Double

$9699

Single

$11299

Final Payment Date: 08/07/2024

Occupancy

Price Per Person

Request Booking Now

Double

$9699

Single

$11299

Final Payment Date: 08/14/2024

Day Itinerary

Day 1 : Depart the USA

Following our included flight to Los Angeles International Airport, we meet our Tour Director and board an Air New Zealand flight bound for New Zealand. Enjoy tasty meals and attentive service en route to our destination.

Day 2 : New Zealand Bound

When we cross the International Date Line, we lose a calendar day.

Day 3 : Auckland

This morning we arrive in Auckland, the largest Polynesian city in the Southern Hemisphere. After clearing customs, we enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city including America’s Cup Village, lively Queen Street, and the Harbor Bridge. We visit SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium to view the world’s largest sub-Antarctic penguin colony display and the magical Seahorse Kingdom, then take an underwater journey to discover a diverse collection of aquatic life up close. We then embark on a pleasant countryside drive to the charming towns of Hamilton or Cambridge. Explore this beautiful area on your own with time at leisure and experience friendly Kiwi hospitality.

Day 4 : Hobbiton™ & Lake Taupo

We spend our morning at Alexander Sheep & Cattle Farm in Matamata, a working sheep farm and home to Hobbiton™, The Shire™ from Middle-earth™. Our visit includes a drive through the picturesque 1,250-acre farm with spectacular views across the Kaimai Ranges and a guided tour of the Hobbiton™ Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. The set has been completely rebuilt and remains as it was seen in these films. During our tour, we see Hobbit Holes™, The Green Dragon Inn™, the mill, the double-arched bridge, and other structures and gardens built for this beloved imaginary world. For lunch, we enjoy a traditional pasture-to-plate meal at The Red Barn, a 500-acre working dairy farm. Originally built at the turn of the previous century as a livery stable for horses journeying across the greater Waikato, The Red Barn showcases the very best of New Zealand cuisine and country hospitality. Later this afternoon, we arrive in the town of Taupo that sits at the edge of New Zealand’s largest lake. Taupo is home to award-winning attractions, activities, and breathtaking lake and mountain views. Our lodging features spacious rooms overlooking the thermally heated pool and an elegant restaurant, Vine Eatery & Bar, where we have dinner tonight.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 : Orakei Korako & Māori Performance

Our day begins with a visit to Orakei Korako, one of the finest thermal areas in the world. On our walk through the Hidden Valley, we see silica terraces, boiling pools, geysers, and an incredibly rare geothermal cave. After lunch at leisure in Taupo’s town center, we cruise the Waikato River and see impressive Huka Falls, New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction. Tonight, we enjoy a traditional and authentic Māori hangi feast, a customary cooking method that involves preparing food in an underground pit oven, followed by a powerful cultural performance of song and dance.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 : Gateway to Fiordland

This morning we fly to South Island and cross sheep-filled farming land to Te Anau, the “Gateway to Fiordland” and the closest town to Milford Sound. This town is nestled on the shores of beautiful Lake Te Anau, with a spectacular backdrop of Mt. Luxmore and the Murchison Mountains. The serene deep water of the largest lake on the island is bordered on its western shore by virgin forest. Tonight, we dine at the MacKinnon Restaurant and settle into our accommodations.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 : Milford Sound Cruise

Today we travel deep into Fiordland National Park where the beech forests reach the road’s edge and snowcapped peaks tower above. We journey through the beautiful Eglinton Valley to the Homer Tunnel before descending through the spectacular Cleddau Canyon to reach Milford Sound. Our cruise takes us past Mitre Peak, which rises 5,560 feet, as well as striking Stirling and Bowen Falls. Cascading more than 500 feet, the falls flow from valleys formed by receding glaciers. Watch for majestic wildlife along the way, including sea lions and a variety of birds. Afterwards, we return to Te Anau and continue our journey, crossing pasturelands to the Millennium Hotel Queenstown. Queenstown sits on the rippling shores of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu, set against the dramatic 7,000-foot Remarkables mountain range.

Breakfast

Day 8 : Queenstown

After breakfast at the hotel, we visit the Kiwi & Birdlife Park for rare opportunity to meet New Zealand’s most iconic bird, the kiwi, in specially designed nocturnal houses that allow us to view them during the day. Later, we visit the historic and picturesque “gold rush” settlement of Arrowtown and stop at the Kawarau River suspension bridge, where bungee jumpers come for thrills from all over the world. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy New Zealand’s adventure capital with jet boating, golf, picturesque walks, and abundant restaurants and shops in one of the most scenic settings in the world.

Breakfast

Day 9 : Southern Alps

This morning we travel across the fruitlands of Central Otago, famous for the production of summer fruit - apricots, peaches, nectarines and plums. Our stop at Jones Family Fruit Stall provides time to explore the orchards and fruit varieties as we hear how this business that started as a small, single fruit stall has expanded throughout the last 40 years. We then travel over Lindis Pass and through the tussock-covered plains of Mackenzie Country towards Mount Cook National Park. Have your camera handy, because this park has some of the most spectacular peaks in the Southern Alps. We drive along Lake Pukaki to Lake Tekapo, nestled among snowy peaks. The glacial blue waters of this lake are one of the most photographed sights in New Zealand. We stop to view the Church of the Good Shepherd and the bronze statue of a sheep dog, erected as a tribute to the important role played by these animals in the development of high-country farming. Afterwards, we cross the picturesque farmland of the Canterbury Plains en route to our overnight accommodations in Christchurch.

Breakfast

Day 10 : Australia

Following a guided city tour of Christchurch, we bid farewell to New Zealand and fly to Sydney, Australia’s most vibrant city. Upon arrival, we transfer to our centrally located accommodations.

Day 11 : Sydney Sights & Opera House

This morning we discover Sydney’s many interesting landmarks on a guided city tour. Our stops include the famous Harbor Bridge, the longest single span bridge in the world, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Hyde Park, bustling Kings Cross, and popular Bondi Beach. We then tour the famous Sydney Opera House, an architectural masterpiece and performing arts center. During our lunch in revolving Sydney Tower, we see panoramic views of the harbor and city. Later, there’s time to visit the attractions of Darling Harbor, Sydney’s favorite destination for leisure and entertainment, with various restaurants, cafes, museums, parks, theaters, and specialty shops.

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12 : Harbor Cruise & The Rocks

Our day starts with a visit to the historic Rocks. Stroll through one of the most prestigious areas in Sydney with beautifully restored buildings, spectacular views across the harbor, and cobbled streets and pathways. After lunch, we embark on a delightful harbor cruise to soak up Sydney’s sparkling waterfront. Gain a glimpse of the Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge, sail past pristine parks, golden beaches, and charming harborside neighborhoods. We then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure for individual exploration.

Day 13 : Tropical Cairns

Our morning begins with a flight to tropical Cairns in Far North Queensland. This is the gateway city to many of Australia’s natural wonders, including the famous Great Barrier Reef. Our stunning five-star hotel is adjacent to the waterfront and esplanade. Enjoy the rest of your day discovering its many amenities, including three restaurants and bars, glass swimming pools, and the Eléme Day Spa and Wellness Center.

Day 14 : Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail

We start our day with one of the most spectacular rail excursions in the world, the Kuranda Scenic Railway. As we ascend, our journey provides unsurpassed views of World Heritage rainforest, steep ravines, and picturesque waterfalls within Barron Gorge National Park. Afterwards, we visit the fascinating Kuranda Koala Gardens, an award-winning native Australian wildlife attraction featuring some of Australia’s most popular wildlife. A highlight of this stop is the unique opportunity to pet a koala and hand-feed tame kangaroos or wallabies. Following lunch at Frogs Restaurant, we visit Birdworld Kuranda, a natural habitat of over 60 native species including the endangered and stately Cassowary. There’s also time to visit the Kuranda Heritage Markets before we descend the MacAlister Range on Skyrail, a nearly 5-mile gondola cableway. Enjoy spectacular views of the rain forest, the Coral Sea, and the lush Cairns Highlands as we glide over the dense rain forest canopy.

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 15 : Great Barrier Reef & Scenic Helicopter Ride

We experience one of the highlights of our tour, a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. We cruise to Moore Reef, located along the outer edge of the world’s largest living organism. The reef is one of Australia’s greatest national treasures and one of the seven natural wonders of the world, stretching more than 1,200 miles along the coast. We view vividly colored tropical fish and coral from the reef viewer, underwater observatory, and glass bottom boat. Learn about the interesting fish and marine life that inhabit this underwater wonderland while enjoying breathtaking sights of the Great Barrier Reef on a scenic helicopter flight. Then, take time to swim, snorkel, or relax in this beautiful marine setting. This evening, we return to our hotel with dinner on our own.

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 16 : Melbourne

This morning, we fly to the charming Victorian capital of Melbourne, renowned for its lovely parks and gardens. After checking in to our hotel, the remainder of the day is free to wander along Southbank’s waterfront and Crowne Casino precinct or Melbourne’s famous hidden laneways and pedestrian arcades.

Breakfast

Day 17 : Penguin Parade & Wildlife Park

This morning we travel through the picturesque Yarra Valley to sample chocolates at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. Watch closely as the chocolatiers at work create over 150 different types of chocolate! Afterwards, we visit Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary, home to over 200 species of Australian birds, mammals, and reptiles in a natural setting. Next, we go to Phillip Island, a wonderful safe haven for seals and birds. Following an included dinner, our day concludes with perhaps our most unique wildlife encounter as we witness the world-famous penguin parade. As the sun sets over this beautiful landscape, we get an up-close and personal view of the world’s smallest penguins as they return home to one of the largest penguin colonies in Australia.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 18 : Royal Botanic Gardens

Our day starts with a guided sightseeing tour of Melbourne. This fascinating tour includes Fitzroy Gardens, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Queen Victoria Market, and a view of the impressive Parliament House. We also visit the Royal Botanic Gardens to stroll through a collection of over 8,500 species of plants from around the world. Afterwards, we enjoy a Farewell Lunch together to reminisce on the incredible adventures we’ve had. Then, soak up one more evening at leisure in the Land Down Under.

Lunch, Dinner

Day 19 : Los Angeles

We bid farewell to Australia. Cross the International Date Line and gain a day arriving in Los Angeles early in the afternoon.

Day 20 : Arrive Home

Tour Map

Tour Map for Australia & New Zealand Highlights

Departure Cities

Airport Pickups

Choose a State:

Birmingham - Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

Bentonville - Northwest Arkansas National Airport

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Orange County - John Wayne Airport

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Denver - Denver International Airport

Hartford - Bradley International Airport

Washington - Ronald Reagan National Airport

Washington - Washington Dulles International Airport

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Atlanta - Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

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Boise - Boise Airport

Chicago - O'Hare International Airport

Moline - Quad City International Airport

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Fort Wayne - Fort Wayne International Airport

Indianapolis - Indianapolis International Airport

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Wichita - Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

Lexington - Blue Grass Airport

Louisville - Louisville International Airport

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New Orleans - Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

Shreveport - Shreveport Regional Airport

Boston - Boston Logan International Airport

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Detroit - Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport

Grand Rapids - Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Saginaw - MBS International Airport

Duluth - Duluth International Airport

Minneapolis - Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport

Kansas City - Kansas City International Airport

Springfield - Springfield-Branson National Airport

St Louis - St. Louis Lambert International Airport

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Jackson - Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport

Billings - Billings-Logan International Airport

Bozeman - Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport

Missoula - Missoula Montana Airport

Charlotte - Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Greensboro - Piedmont Triad International Airport

Raleigh - Raleigh-Durham International Airport

Bismarck - Bismarck Airport

Fargo - Hector International Airport

Grand Forks - Grand Forks International Airport

Omaha - Eppley Airfield

Newark - Newark Liberty International Airport

Albuquerque - Albuquerque International Airport

Las Vegas - McCarran International Airport

Albany - Albany International Airport

Buffalo - Buffalo Niagara International Airport

New York - Kennedy International Airport

New York - La Guardia Airport

Rochester - Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport

Syracuse - Syracuse Hancock International Airport

Cincinnati - Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport

Cleveland - Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

Columbus - John Glenn Columbus International Airport

Dayton - Dayton International Airport

Oklahoma City - Will Rogers World Airport

Tulsa - Tulsa International Airport

Portland - Portland International Airport

Allentown - Lehigh Valley International Airport

Harrisburg - Harrisburg International Airport

Philadelphia - Philadelphia International Airport

Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh International Airport

Charleston - Charleston International Airport

Greer - Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport

Rapid City - Rapid City Regional Airport

Sioux Falls - Sioux Falls Regional Airport

Knoxville - McGhee Tyson Airport

Memphis - Memphis International Airport

Nashville - Nashville International Airport

Austin - Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Dallas - Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

Houston - George Bush Intercontinental Airport

San Antonio - San Antonio International Airport

Salt Lake City - Salt Lake City International Airport

Norfolk - Norfolk International Airport

Richmond - Richmond International Airport

Seattle - Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Spokane - Spokane International Airport

Appleton - Appleton International Airport

Baldwin - Groome Transportation

Eau Claire - Groome Transportation

Green Bay - Austin Straubel International Airport

Hudson - Groome Transportation

Madison - Dane County Regional Airport

Menomonie - Groome Transportation

Milwaukee - Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport

Charleston - Yeager Airport

Stories from Australia, New Zealand & Tahiti