Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand

Tour Type: Regional Explorer
Brochure Type The Australia and New Zealand Book 2026 V1

Want a bit of everything? Sun, sand, city life, and wilderness all take centre stage on this Australia and New Zealand tour. Find yourself gliding across the Great Barrier Reef and getting to know the cities before Queenstown, Milford Sound, and hearing tales of Maori Warriors in just 18 incredible days.

Be My Guest
  • 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
Dining Summary
  • 3 Regional Dinner (RD)
  • 2 Dinner (D)
  • 17 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
  • 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
  • 2 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 3 Lunch (L)
Dive Into Culture
  • Rotorua Visit Te Puia for the Te Po experience, an evening of Maori culture and connection. Dine on traditional Hangi-inspired cuisine, followed by a captivating cultural performance.
Must-see Highlights
  • View Geothermal activity in Rotorua, and the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo
  • Explore The Sydney Opera House, All Blacks Experience in Auckland, Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata, National Kiwi Hatchery in Rotorua, Highlands Museum Cromwell, and Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve in Tekapo with a Local Specialist
  • Discover Melbourne, Sydney, Cairns, Auckland, Arrowtown, Queenstown, Lake Tekapo, and Christchurch
  • On the Great Barrier Reef, Milford Sound
Trafalgar Difference
  • Lake Tekapo This resort overlooks the pristine waters of Lake Tekapo in New Zealand's South Island.

Call (800) 435-5850 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18892066

Tour Operator
Trafalgar Tours
Offer
Offer valid through 12/31/2024
Duration
18 Days
Escorted
Escorted - Yes
DayDestinationDescription
Day 1MelbourneWelcome 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 a Welcome Reception at The General Assembly restaurant. Perched on the Yarra River's South Wharf, this modern pub is a great introduction to Melbourne's cosmopolitan vibe. Relax and tuck into a three-course dinner washing it down with your choice of local wines and 15 beers on tap.

Accommodations: Crowne Plaza
Day 3CairnsCairns, in the Tropics: Get ready for a change of scenery and ?locals? today as you fly north to Cairns. Then get right in the action meeting a Local Specialist for a private wildlife encounter at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures on a boat cruise through, where the crocs are the stars of the show popping up from the murky waters or lazing on the bank. Safe in your boat, your local guide will give you the inside scoop on the life and habits of these Cairns' area locals. Inspired by your introduction to wildlife, you'll love your next experience helping take part in a Rainforest Restoration project to protect the natural wonder of the nearby Notophyll Vine Forest, an area older than the Amazon. Your helping-hand planting trees supports the protection of this rare type of dry rainforest from development and restores it to its former glory as an important wildlife corridor rich with native birds - a mission you'll feel good contributing to. Back in town, enjoy your evening on your own visiting the Cairns Night Markets. *If you are departing on an early flight from Melbourne, a boxed breakfast will be provided.

Accommodations: Hilton
Day 4CairnsView Colourful Coral and Tropical Fish: No matter where you hail from, today is a bucket list experience exploring the tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef as we set sail on a high-speed catamaran - and you have a full day to do it. Kick off the day, then don your mask and fins for a snorkel (equipment provided) exploring this underwater wonderland up close. You'll think you're inside an aquarium as you wind your way through the rainbow of reefs and fish. Or, stay dry in your semi-submersible, air-conditioned craft with an underwater observatory to view the tropical species that live in the world's largest coral reef system. Your local guide shares all their insights on the reef and its ecology. Learn about the colourful fish and plants that call the reef home and why it's so important to protect this beautiful and fragile ecosystem. Refuel with a tropical buffet lunch and afternoon tea and coffee under the glorious Aussie sunshine before you cruise back into the city, all smiles after an amazing day.

Accommodations: Hilton
Day 5CairnsCairns, it's All Yours: Soak up the atmosphere of tropical Cairns with a free day to explore the town, head further afield, or relax by your hotel pool. You can also choose to join a popular Optional Experience aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway through a lush forest past gorges, ravines, and waterfalls to Kuranda 'village in the rainforest'. Explore this quaint village of trails, wildlife sanctuaries, shops, and markets within a World Heritage rainforest before returning to the lowlands soaring above the canopy on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Tonight, join the group to trade tales from the day at Ochre Restaurant. With views of the inlet and mountains, watch the boats come in over the Harbour Lights' boardwalk as you enjoy Australian cuisine featuring the best local produce.

Accommodations: Hilton
Day 6SydneyFly to Glorious Sydney: You're only six days into your Australia and New Zealand tour and the journey continues leaving the golden beaches of Cairns behind and heading to Sydney, Australia's largest city, harbour, and fun-loving metropolis. Settle into your centrally located hotel before an afternoon and evening free to explore. Why not soak up the incredible city views on a wander around the Royal Botanic Garden?

Accommodations: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
Day 7SydneySavour the Sights of Sydney: Kick off your Sydney exploring day with a Sydney Opera House Tour with a Local Specialist before experiencing the beauty of the city aboard a Harbour Cruise sailing past Circular Quay, Shark Island, magnificent homes, beaches and parkland and the iconic white sails of the Opera House. After free time for lunch, visit Urban Winery Sydney for a tour and tasting of wines from around the state. Unlock the art of winemaking on your Be My Guest tour as the head winemaker shares the art of the wine making process before a six-glass wine-flight from different wine regions of NSW. The evening is yours to check out the sites of the inner city or relax before another big day.

Accommodations: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney
Day 8SydneySydney, It's Your Choice: Get your final fix of Sydney by checking out its sights and sounds anyway you want on this free day. But we have more than a few ideas. Perhaps a bird's-eye view of the city on the Sydney BridgeClimb. You might choose to wander further afield on an optional experience to the Blue Mountains. On your last night in town, take one last walk around the harbour before sitting down to dinner, saying a fond farewell to Australia before experiencing a change of scenery on the next leg of your journey in New Zealand. Tonight, celebrate your time in Sydney at a Regional Dinner with your Travel Director.

Accommodations: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
Day 9AucklandKia Ora Auckland New Zealand: Say a fond hoo roo to Australia on your Australia and New Zealand tour as you board your flight to Auckland. Upon arrival, ease into the warm, welcoming embrace of the City of Sails before meeting your Travel Director for dinner at The Grill and no doubt full of anticipation for your first full day in New Zealand tomorrow.

Accommodations: Horizon by SkyCity
Day 10AucklandDelve into Auckland: After a relaxed start, set your sights firmly on New Zealand's national game: rugby. The interactive All Blacks Experience explores an introduction to the game as a part of New Zealand culture. Afterwards get the lay of the land on a city sightseeing tour viewing the beautiful waterfront of Mission Bay, historic overlook of Bastion Point, and spacious gardens and sunken pool at the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial showing off views of Waitemata Harbour and the North Shore. You pass the Auckland Museum, located on the dormant volcano Pukekawa, meaning 'hill of bitter memories' referring to tribal battles fought on the site until 1828.

Accommodations: Horizon by SkyCity
Day 11RotoruaRotorua, the Cultural Hub: Experience the real Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set where you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. You will be fully guided around the 12-acre set; including into an interior Hobbit Hole experience. You'll have plenty of time for photo opportunities in the interactive hobbit hole and complimentary drink at The Green Dragon. Continue to Rotorua, where tonight you will Dive Into Culture and visit Te Puia's geothermal Valley. Learn about Maori history and culture on this Te Po guided experience, which includes a Regional Dinner of hangi-inspired cuisine and a cultural performance in a finely carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. It ends on a high at the Pohutu Geyser, where, armed with a hot chocolate, you'll view one of New Zealand's geothermal wonderlands.

Accommodations: Millennium
Day 13QueenstownCruise Milford Sound: Skirt Queenstown's gleaming Lake Wakatipu, and traverse the Devil's Staircase to Te Anau, the alpine gateway to World Heritage listed Fiordland National Park. Once you've paused to admire the drama at Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat, Hollyford Valley lookout and Cleddau Valley, you'll begin to understand why Rudyard Kipling called this the ?Eighth Wonder of the World'. Onboard your included nature cruise, enjoy commentary from your eagle-eyed Naturalist guide, who not only narrates on the immense geological history of the Fjord, but will point out fur seals and dolphins should they choose to come out to play. The cruise includes a delicious picnic lunch. After a day of natural beauty, return to Queenstown for a free evening to stay in and wind down or dine at one of the restaurants overlooking Lake Wakatipu.

Accommodations: Millennium
Day 14QueenstownIndulge Yourself in Queenstown: It's your final day in Queenstown and the world is your oyster. Oenophiles will want to join an Optional Experience touring three premium boutique vineyards in the famous Otago region known for Pinot Noir. Or feel the wind in your hair with an adrenalin filled jet boat ride on the mighty Shotover river. Perhaps take a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm for an authentic Kiwi Farming experience complete with a working sheep dog demonstration and morning or afternoon tea. With more sheep than people in New Zealand, you'll know this is the real thing! This evening, we take a step back in time with our Travel Director over a Regional Dinner at the Postmasters Cottage built in 1907 in nearby historic Arrowtown. You'll learn how after the cottage was almost demolished by developers, it was then saved and purchased by the passionate local community and ultimately restored and embellished with verandas and gardens. Lastly, sit down to fresh, local food and wines matched with friendly service that the Kiwis are known for.

Accommodations: Millennium
Day 16ChristchurchChristchurch, the Garden City: Get an early start to watch the sun rise over the lake or sleep in before heading north through South Canterbury to Christchurch, a beautiful English city rich in history and thriving after rebuilding itself from a devastating 2011 earthquake. Everywhere you look you can easily see how it's earned its name, the Garden City. Begin at the Cathedral in Latimer Square, the temporary home of the Christchurch Cathedral, to admire its colourful stained-glass windows and sustainable cardboard construction that gives it the nickname ?The Cardboard Cathedral". See the highlights of the city including Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Earthquake Memorial, Bridge of Remembrance, and see the English punting boaters in their striped hats along the Avon River.

Accommodations: Distinction
Day 17ChristchurchMeet a Local Farming Family: Travel 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 the stunning scenery while you enjoy morning tea, meet the farm animals, and discover what it is like to live off the land on this unique By My Guest experience. Then visit 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 with a celebratory Farewell Dinner featuring produce from the Canterbury region.

Accommodations: Distinction
Day 18ChristchurchFarewell Christchurch: Your adventure sadly comes to an end this morning. Before your transfer you to the Christchurch Airport, enjoy one last breakfast with your travel mates reflecting on your adventure, food, and wildlife-filled experiences across Australia and New Zealand (flights anytime).

Accommodations:
Dates/Pricing

Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
03/26/2026$12,211.22* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
Disclaimer
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- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class

Tours


  • Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand

    From $12,211.22 (USD)

    Tour Type: Regional ExplorerBrochure Type The Australia and New Zealand Book 2026 V1Want a bit of everything? Sun, sand, city life, and wilderness all take centre stage on this Australia and New Zealand tour.

 
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