Compare Australia & New Zealand Uncovered by Audley Travel
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 23 days |
| Price From | $ 11,096 |
| Price Per Day | $ 482 |
| Highlights |
N/A
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | |
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
| Description |
A continent in its own right, Australia’s landscapes range from tropical rainforests to the red deserts of the Outback via vineyards, surf beaches and cosmopolitan cities. Thanks to an efficient network of internal flights, you can experience many of these places within the same trip. |
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Sydney.
Day 2 : International outbound flight
On-board your international outbound flight to Sydney.
Day 3 : Sydney
You will arrive into Sydney today and transported to your city accommodation for a three night stay. Take an hour long guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, learning about its unique architecture and history.
Day 4 : Sydney
You will have a guided bike tour of the highlights in Sydney. This is a great excursion and an excellent way to learn your way around the city before spending a few days here.
Day 5 : Sydney
You will be collected this morning and taken on a small group tour to the Blue Mountains in a smart 4WD accompanied by a friendly and knowledgeable guide. You will explore the flora and fauna, culture and history of this wonderful region while avoiding the busier tourists bottlenecks. Lunch is included at a beautiful lookout point.
Day 6 : Uluru/Ayers Rock
You will fly out to Uluru/Ayers Rock in the Red Centre today for your first real taste of the outback. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day will be yours to spend at leisure.
Day 7 : Uluru/Ayers Rock
Early this morning you will be collected from your hotel for a sunrise tour of the nearby Kata Tjuta rock formation. Your guide will teach you of the areas geological composition and its significance to the indigenous peoples of the area, whose mark is left by the intricate rock art found here. You will return to your hotel for lunch.This afternoon you will head out in the evening for a sunset tour of the fascinating Uluru, where you'll see ancient Aboriginal artwork as your guide teaches you all about the geological history of Uluru, as well as its cultural significance to the area's indigenous peoples.
Day 8 : Palm Cove
This morning is at leisure. In the afternoon, you will fly to Cairns, in tropical north Queensland today. On arrival you'll be met and transferred the short distance up the coast to the beautiful Palm Cove, where you will spend the next four nights.
Day 9 : Palm Cove
This morning you will head into the ancient Daintree Rainforest on a small group 4x4 tour. Enjoy learning about aboriginal bush food and medicines, look out for saltwater crocodiles on the Daintree River and travel to the stunning Cape Tribulation lookout - the point where the Great Barrier Reef meets the rainforest.
Day 10 : Palm Cove
Spend the day exploring the incredible marine life of the Great Barrier Reef as you head out on 30 metre luxury sailing catamaran. There will be opportunities for snorkelling and relaxing as well as options to take a trip on a glass bottom boat. Lunch and light refreshments are served on board.
Day 11 : Palm Cove
Today you will have a full day at leisure to enjoy in Palm Cove. You may wish to try your hand at some more watersports or simply relax on the beautiful stretch of beach.
Day 12 : Auckland
This morning you will have an early start back to Cairns for your flight across to Auckland in New Zealand. Upon arrival in Auckland you will be met and transferred to your accommodation in the centre of the city.After you have settled into your hotel room you can head out into Auckland to explore. We recommend to take a boat ride around the harbour or visit the city's many shops and museums. In evening, the harbour area is a great place to find some excellent bars and restaurants.
Day 13 : Rotorua
This morning you will explore Auckland's highlights on a guided tour, making for a fantastic introduction to the city and New Zealand as a whole. In the afternoon, collect your hire car and make your way south to the fascinating Rotorua - a centre of geothermal activity.
Day 14 : Rotorua
Today enjoy all of Rotorua`s top attractions, from the breath taking geysers and mud pools of the Te Puia Cultural and Geothermal Center, to the soothing natural blessing of the Polynesian Spa pools.In the evening you will be collected from your accommodation and head to a local Maori cultural center. Enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi meal and cultural experience at the Mitai Maori Village. You will learn of New Zealand's indigenous culture, be treated to a Haka performance, and walk through the sacred Fairy Springs, which is a renowned spot for glow worms.
Day 15 : Wellington
This morning you will drop your hire car at Rotorua airport and board your domestic flight to Wellington. The afternoon is then free to explore New Zealand's capital city, take a look around Te Papa Museum and learn about Maori and settler history.
Day 16 : Blenheim
Make your way to the ferry terminal this morning and board the InterIslander ferry across to Picton on the South Island. Upon arrival, collect your hire car and drive into the Blenheim and Marlborough winelands. Spend the afternoon exploring the vineyards around Blenheim either on your own or on an organised trip. A great option here is to hire a bike and visit the well known vineyards such as Cloudy Bay or Oyster Bay.
Day 17 : Christchurch
This morning you will make your way south to Christchurch, where you'll be able to see the rebuilding effort following the recent earthquakes that caused much damage to the city. You will stay one night in Christchurch.
Day 18 : Fox Glacier
Today make your own way to the train station where you will board the TranzAlpine train across the Southern Alps through Arthur's Pass National Park to Greymouth on the west coast.Upon arrival in Greymouth, collect your hire car and enjoy a leisurely drive to the stunning Fox Glacier where you will stay two nights.
Day 19 : Fox Glacier
An early morning visit to nearby Lake Matheson to watch the sun rise is a must this morning - the reflection of Mount Cook in the lake's surface makes for some striking photographs. Follow this with a guided walk to the terminal face of Fox Glacier and if you have time, you can arrange to take a helicopter flight over Mount Cook and the Glaciers.
Day 20 : Queenstown
This morning, make your way across the Haast Pass to the lakeside town of Queenstown. This afternoon is at leisure after your long drive.
Day 21 : Queenstown
Today experience what is arguably New Zealand's most dramatic setting, the awe inspiring Milford Sound amongst the otherworldly Fjordlands. You will be collected from your hotel early this morning and will brought to the Sound on a coach bus, specially designed to provide passengers with panoramic views throughout the drive. Spend the day cruising the Sound, taking in its astounding cliffs, gorges and waterfalls. You will return to Queenstown via coach and brought back to your hotel.
Day 22 : International return flight
Please make your own way to the airport in time for your onward flight.
Day 23 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
