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Australia and New Zealand Panorama
Operated by Trafalgar
Tripcode: QPACA2M24
Overview
Destination:
Australia,
New Zealand,
Start:Melbourne, Australia
Finish:Auckland, New Zealand
Finish:Auckland, New Zealand
Duration:15 days
Type:Group tour (max 45)
Travel Period
March 2025 - March 2027
Your perfect two-week introduction to all the must-sees awaits on this Australia and New Zealand tour. Get out on the water at the Great Barrier Reef. Explore wildlife sanctuaries and scenic rainforests topped off with moving Maori villages, glittering glowworm caves, and a Queenstown adrenaline rush in epic New Zealand.
Sightseeing highlights
- Explore Sydney Opera House, Hartley's Crocodile Adventures in Cairns, and the National Kiwi Hatchery in Rotorua with a Local Specialist
- Discover Melbourne, Sydney, Cairns, Queenstown, Rotorua, Auckland
- Visit Wendy's Secret Garden in Lavender Bay, a geothermal valley at Whakarewarewa in Rotorua, and a farm in the Southern Alps
- View Sydney Harbour Bridge, a Maori cultural performance
- Scenic Cruise on the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, and on Sydney Harbour
- Scenic Drive through Queenstown with views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain Range
Dive Into Culture
- Rotorua: Visit Te Puia for the Te Po experience, an evening of Māori culture and connection. Dine on traditional Hangi-inspired cuisine, followed by a captivating cultural performance.
- Rotorua: Visit Whakarewarewa Living Village for insights into the lives of the Maori community and their special bond they share with their country, Aotearoa.
Standard inclusions
- 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
- 14 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- 4 Regional Dinner (RD)
- 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- Porterage where hotels provide this service
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- All land transport shown. All transfers shown
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences and free time
- A Trafalgar bonus - all Intra-Air Flights: Melbourne to Cairns, Cairns to Sydney, Sydney to Queenstown, Queenstown to Auckland
Itinerary
Expand all 
Collapse all
Collapse allWelcome to Melbourne
Begin your Australia and New Zealand tour discovering the style and spirit of Melbourne, your launch pad to an epic adventure through Australia and New Zealand (flights to arrive prior to 12pm). On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel on the Yarra River before celebrating the beginning of your journey at a Welcome Reception at The General Assembly restaurant. Located on the Yarra River, this restaurant is known for its modern pub fare. Dive in and raise your glass to the adventure. Cheers!
Discover the Magic of Melbourne
Get out and see the sights today on a guided walk with your Travel Director discovering the little lanes, arcades, and café society of stylish Melbourne. Gaze up at the beautiful Victorian façades lining grand boulevards. Stroll past famous, edgy street art that shows a stylish contrast to federation buildings and churches as Melbourne’s coffee aroma wafts overhead. Afterwards, the day is yours to relax back at your hotel, go for a scenic stroll, do a little souvenir shopping, or find a spot on the banks of the Yarra River to grab a drink. Or choose to venture outside of the city on an optional experience such as the viewing of the incredible Little Penguins on Phillip Island. On this rare wildlife viewing experience you’ll watch the tiny, adorable penguins make their daily trek from the sea to burrows on the beach.
North to Sunny Cairns
From city life to sunshine state of mind, today you’ll fly to laid-back Cairns. Get right into the action and meet your Local Specialist for a private wildlife journey at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures. Your boat cruise will take you through the woodlands and rainforest that provide sanctuary to koalas, tropical birds and, of course, crocodiles. See what critters are out today as your local guide shares their in-depth knowledge of the wildlife that call the sanctuary home. Continue your exploration of wildlife and wild places taking part in a Rainforest Restoration project to protect the natural wonder of Notophyll Vine Forest. Join in and plant a tree knowing that your visit is part of a larger scale effort to restore the rainforest since the land was cleared and overgrazed. Your contribution to the revitalization of this rare dry rainforest will help to bring back its native plants and birds. After a big day, enjoy an evening dining in one of the many restaurants in the nearby Cairns Marina. Or, pop into the Cairns Night Markets, choosing your favourite dinner option from over 70 local vendors.
A Natural Wonder, the Great Barrier Reef
On a bucket-list, day-long excursion, immerse yourself in Australia’s famous Great Barrier Reef boarding a high-speed catamaran for this underwater wonderland and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The choice is yours on how to explore: view the iridescent coral formations and colourful marine-life from your semi-submersible craft or get your feet wet and have an up-close encounter snorkelling with a rainbow of fish and coral (equipment provided). Whichever you chose, you’ll enjoy a full day of wildlife, insights from your local guide, and a tropical buffet lunch as you bask in the glorious Australian sunshine. You’ll return to Cairns after a day of sun and fun with a greater appreciation for this beautiful and fragile part of the world.
Time to Explore Tropical Cairns
Spend the day soaking up the sun discovering Cairns on your own terms. Relax in town or at the hotel pool or consider joining an Optional Experience such as the Scenic Rail journey to Kuranda to explore the remote and fascinating 'village in the rainforest'. All aboard as your day begins taking a historic train through the rainforest rich with gorges and waterfalls to Kuranda. The views alone are worth the trip, but you’ll also have time to explore this village’s unique shops and markets or experience more of this World Heritage rainforest taking to the trails or visiting a wildlife sanctuary. Return to the lowlands on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway though and above some of the oldest rainforest in the world. Tonight, join your travel mates for a Regional Dinner at Ochre Restaurant for views of the inlet and mountains as you enjoy Australian cuisine featuring the best local produce.
Set your Sights on Sydney
Say farewell to Cairns and fly to Sydney this morning for the next leg of your Australia and New Zealand tour, you’ll have a free afternoon and evening. You could soak up the incredible city views from Circular Quay and Mrs. Macquarie's Chair, or wander around the Royal Botanic Garden.
Sydney's Eclectic Sights
Kick off your day with guided tour of the Sydney Opera House with a Local Specialist. Then experience 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. Across the Harbour Bridge visit Wendy's Secret Garden at Lavender Bay, a peaceful hideaway with a special history, and a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Wind your way through the garden's nooks and crannies, where shrubs. herbs, and towering trees line meandering paths. After a morning of touring, the rest of the day is yours to explore a bit more of the city. Take a stroll around the harbour or find a spot by the Opera House and perhaps raise a glass as you watch the sunset over the bridge.
Sydney, It's All Yours Today
Get your final fix of Sydney with a full day to explore. Consider joining an Optional Experience to discover the spectacular Blue Mountains for fresh mountain air and stunning natural scenery. Animals lovers will not want to miss a visit to the Sydney Zoo to see some of Australia's unique native animals. Or get your adrenaline racing with an Optional Experience thrilling climb up (and over) the Sydney Harbour Bridge. On your last night in town, enjoy one last walk around the harbour before sitting down to a Regional Dinner with your Travel Director. After so many incredible experiences in Australia, get excited for the next leg of your journey in New Zealand.
Fly into Fun in Queenstown
New Zealand’s adventure capital beckons as you fly to Queenstown this afternoon for the next leg of your journey. Get your bearings around town, including your first views of stunning Lake Wakatipu which frames the town. Reminiscent of alpine village, you’ll love the mountain-town vibe of this adventure hub. Lucky for you the evening is free to explore the many walkable bars and restaurants before resting up in the cosy and contemporary central Millennium Hotel.
Say Hello to a local Farmer
Get a taste of country life combined with good old fashioned southern hospitality on this Be My Guest experience as you meet a ‘Southern Girl’ local farmer at Real Country. Have demonstrations of Horse communication and Working sheep dog mustering. Now it’s your turn to have some fun as you try your hand at a Stock whip cracking lesson, and feed and interact with the friendly farm animals. For every guest, we donate funds to the Fairlight Foundation, Advancing Women in Agriculture. After this fun insight into the real New Zealand, you'll be ready for a scenic afternoon, starting in gorgeous, quaint Arrowtown, a riverside town that boomed during the gold mining era of the mid-1800s. You’ll feel like the clocks been turned back as you stroll among the pioneer-constructed cottages, churches, as well as the boutique shops, art galleries, and cafés. Be sure to have a look at the Chinese Settlement at the edge of the Arrow River made of restored shelters and buildings originally constructed in 1868. From land to water, sit back on a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw before arriving at Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue Regional Dinner, piled high with local delicacies. After dinner at this historic homestead, learn how it all comes together watching the sheep dogs in action before cruising back to your Queenstown hotel.
Queenstown to Spend as You Wish
Good morning, Queenstown! You have a final day in New Zealand's adventure capital and the choice is yours on how to spend it. Nature lovers can take advantage of an Optional Experience on a cruise of breathtaking Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Experiencing this world heritage listed national park and majestic fiord carved by glacial ice will bring you up close to sheer cliffs, white-capped peaks, and waterfalls. Each turn of the boat will have you “oohing” and “aahing” at this dramatic landscape but be sure to keep an eye out for fur seals basking on the rock. If you’d prefer to stay on dry land sample flavours of this world-renowned wine region, join an Optional Experience touring three premium boutique vineyards in the Otago region. You’ll enjoy vineyard and barrel hall tours complete with early history and, of course, tastings of the area’s famous Pinot Noir, and other local varieties paired with a platter lunch.
Fly North to Auckland
Today you’ll say farewell to Queenstown as you fly north to Auckland, the 'City of Sails'. You’ll easily see how the city got its nickname soaring in over the islands and boats in the harbour. Auckland is also known for being built on 53 dormant volcanoes each rich with Maori history for you to uncover. And if you’re seeking a cosmopolitan vibe, Auckland will not disappoint. The city’s melting pot of cultures means there are a variety of restaurants, from the glamorous to the local hot spots, for you to sample both international and New Zealand fare. This evening is free and this is your chance to explore the city, so why not dine in the heart of the city Federal Street, a hotspot for food lovers right on your doorstep?
Culture Capital Rotorua
Begin your dive into the rich culture and natural beauty of Rotorua journeying through King Country, the centre of the New Zealand Wars in the 1860s, to the starry wonderland of the Waitomo Caves. In the cave, you’re enveloped in a galaxy of twinkling green and blue glowworms lighting up the walls - a dazzling and unforgettable experience you’ll carry with you outside of this magical cave. This evening you'll Dive Into Culture and Maori traditions at Te Puia. Your Regional Dinner, succulent meats and vegetables cooked in a Hangi, is served while you overlook the spectacular geothermal valley. Cap it off with a moving Māori cultural performance in the beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua.
Delve into Maori Culture
It may be the last day on tour, but there’s still so much more to see. Begin the last day visiting the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa for a tour with a Local Specialist. You’ll love this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, learning all about New Zealand’s national bird and the work being done by this leader in kiwi husbandry to save the iconic creature. See kiwi eggs being incubated, the hatching process, and newly hatched kiwi chicks as you get an insider’s look at this fascinating bird. Next up Dive Into Culture at the Living Māori Village Whakarewarewa, where you’ll gain an even deeper insight into the lives of the Māori and the special bond they share with this ancient land. You’ll learn about the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people who lived on top of a volcanic crater since 1886. Explore the trails winding through geothermal fields past steaming lakes.
Depart Rotorua and Auckland
Your Australia and New Zealand tour concludes this morning after breakfast. Savour one hearty breakfast in this beautiful place and say farewell to your newfound friends before your transfer from Rotorua to Auckland Airport for your onward flight (flights to depart after 2pm).
Departure dates
Select your preferred date or enquire
Operator
Trafalgar
The best of the world unlocked for you. Imagine unmissable experiences you’ve always dreamed of, getting to know the locals and having everything taken care of every step of the way. Here's what you'll experience: Must-sees to local secrets: Visiting bucket list sites are a highlight of travelling, however, travelling on your own can make them hard work. Don’t queue with other sightseers for hours, with Trafalgar our experts unlock doors – think exclusive access to the Vatican out of hours or a tour of Versailles and its grounds with an expert. This, coupled with the intimate glimpses and hidden gems our local specialists show you, are the life-changing experiences that make you feel like an insider, not a tourist. One-of-a-kind experiences: Thanks to our global network you’ll unlock local access to communities and people around the world. Our 100+ Be My Guest experiences are a signature Trafalgar exclusive, where you will enjoy the hospitality of locals as you are welcomed into their homes to hear their stories and learn about their cultures. In every destination, you’ll also enjoy unique “Stays with stories” accommodation: more than just a place to rest your head, they are part of the heritage and fabric of the communities you visit. Responsible travel at heart: When you choose Trafalgar, you are choosing to make your travels a force for good and support our goal to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®. We recognise our responsibility to ensure we make a positive impact on the planet we call home, the people we visit, and the rich wildlife we find. We ensure that the impacts of our business and your travels are positive in two ways: through our TreadRight Foundation, and our 5-year sustainability strategy How We Tread Right.
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Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
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