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Melbourne to Christchurch
28 Days / 27 Nights from $5199
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Your Independent Adventure in the Land Downunder!
Melbourne, Penguin Parade, Alice Springs, Uluru/Ayers Rock, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Rainforest, Sydney, Blue Mountains
Auckland, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound
Tour Name
Australia and New Zealand Travel Adventure
Duration
28 Days/27 Nights
Description
The Travel Adventure is your perfect independent tour package to see all the top highlights of both Australia and New Zealand. Start your adventure in the cultural capital of Australia: Melbourne. Circle around the country, seeing the top highlights, including the Outback, Great Barrier Reef, and the Rainforest, before ending your Australia discovery in Sydney. But, your dream vacation does not end here! Catch a plane to New Zealand, where you will start exploring the nation's North Island: Auckland, Rotorua, and Wellington. Ferry across Cook Strait to the South Island where you will see the beautiful cities of Christchurch and Queenstown, journey to the impressive Franz Josef Glacier, and cruise the breathtaking Milford Sound! All the highlights of the South Pacific in one great, memorable trip! What more could you ask for!
Not quite what you are looking for?
Consider a fully-escorted version of this itinerary.
Or, learn about our Tailor-Made Tours.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Melbourne
Catch a taxi from Melbourne airport to your hotel in downtown Melbourne. If you are not too weary from your flight, spend the remainder of the day exploring the city. Or, simply have a nice, relaxing dinner and get rested for your exciting trip ahead!
Day 2: Melbourne at Leisure
Today is your day to explore Melbourne at your leisure. Catch a glimpse of the Parliament House of Victoria, go shopping at the Queen Victoria Market, and tour the Melbourne Museum. If you have time, maybe stop by the Melbourne Zoo or view the numerous bats and plantlife at the Botanical Gardens. Treat yourself this evening at one of Melbourne's premier restaurants.
Day 3: Melbourne, Phillip Island, Penguin Parade
This morning, join a city tour of Melbourne. After lunch, leave for Phillip Island, stopping along the way at the Warrook Cattle Farm to see kangaroos and native birds. Tour the Koala Conservation Centre before moving down to the beach for the Penguin Parade: see numerous penguins return to their beach homes as evening falls.
Day 4: Great Ocean Road
Hop on a bus again, today, as you travel up the Great Ocean Road, offering fantastic coastal views. Today's sights include Port Campbell National Park, the seaside resorts of Lorne and Apollo Bay, the Twelve Apostles, the remains of London Bridge and Loch Ard Gorge.
Day 5: Melbourne to Alice Springs
Say goodbye to Melbourne as you are transferred to the airport for your morning flight to Alice Springs - in the center of the great Australian Outback. (Flight not included.) Upon arrival in Alice Springs, you will be transferred to your hotel where you can catch your breath before joining an afternoon tour of the famous Outback town. See the Telegraph Station, School of the Air, the Reptile Centre, and - don't forget - the great views.
Day 6: Alice Springs to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Travel by coach to Ayers Rock Resort. One of the stops along the way is a camel farm - if you have never ridden a camel, make this one of your goals this vacation! This afternoon, explore Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. See the sunset over the Rocks as you sip wine and watch the stars come out.
Day 7: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park at Leisure
Hussle down to the National Park, this morning, to see the glorious sunrise over the Rocks. Consider climbing Uluru/Ayers Rock before your tour of the Park begins. Learn about Aboriginal traditions at the Cultural Centre before returning to the resort this afternoon. (There is time for a nap, if needed.) Return to the Park this evening for a final sunset viewing.
Day 8: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to Cairns
This morning is at your leisure before your airport transfer, this afternoon, for your flight to Cairns. (Flight not included.) Once you arrive in Cairns and check-in at your hotel, the remainder of your day is at leisure. Go snorkeling or shop at the Night Markets. Tired of being a tourist? Instead, attend a cricket match (or simply watch an amateur rugby game at one of Cairns parks), relax and soak-up-the-sun on the promenade and/or have a barbecue!
Day 9: Quicksilver Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Adventure out into the Great Barrier Reef on a high-speed catamaran. Get up-close-and-personal with the fish and coral. Spend the day snorkeling or - if you are really adventurous - go scuba diving (extra charge).
Day 10: Daintree Rainforest, Kuranda
Visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park where you will learn about Aboriginal traditions through theater, shows, and dances. Travel onto the beautiful village of Kuranda via the Skyrail Cableway, floating right above the rainforest trees. Explore the village and the local markets before returning the Cairns via the Kuranda train.
Day 11: Cairns to Sydney
Fly from Cairns to Sydney - your final stop in Australia. (Flight not included.) After transferring to your hotel, the rest of your day is at leisure. Walk down to the Harbour and visit some of Sydney's many museums. Sydney is home of many of the country's great restaurants and bars, providing many options for an exciting night on the town!
Day 12: Sydney
Today's full-day tour of Sydney will allow you to see all the highlights: the Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kings Cross, and the Harbour Bridge. You will visit the famous Bondi Beach, Manly Beach, and travel the Harbour aboard a luncheon cruise. Just don't forget your camera!
Day 13: Blue Mountains and Wildlife Park
Travel west to the amazing Blue Mountains, visiting Featherdale Wildlife Park along the way. Your day will be filled with memories of koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and views of the striking Three Sisters rock-formation.
Day 14: Sydney to Auckland
As you leave Sydney, say adieu to Australia. But don't despair! Your trip is only half done, and you are now on your way to the beautiful, exotic New Zealand! (Flight not included.) Upon arrive in Auckland you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of your day is at your leisure.
Day 15: Auckland at Leisure
Today is your day to explore New Zealand's largest city. Relax in one of Auckland's many parks, enjoying views of the "City of Sails," journey up the Sky Towers, and visit Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World. Spend the evening wining and dining in Auckland's trendy Parnell District.
Day 16: Auckland to Waitomo Caves to Rotorua
Travel to Rotorua via coach, stopping for a boat cruise through Waitomo Caves. Tonight, in Rotorua, attend a Maori Hangi (a traditional feast) and concert.
Day 17: Rotorua
Your morning sightseeing tour will show you all the highlights of Rotorua: impressive geysers, mud pools, and a visit to the Agrodome, where you will learn about rural life in New Zealand. Your afternoon is free to explore other sights, relax in the thermal springs, hike through the parks, or even go trout fishing.
Day 18: Rotorua to Wellington
Travel down to the southern tip of the North Island, to the capital city of Wellington. Be sure to have your camera ready for the impressive scenery along the way: the beautiful Lake Taupo, towering Mt Tongariro, Nagaruahoe, and Ruapehu, the Manawatu plains, and the North Island's western coastline.
Day 19: Wellington at Leisure
Take a morning tour of Wellington to see the Parliament Buildings, Old St. Paul's Cathedral, and travel up Mt Victoria for fantastic views of the city. Spend the afternoon exploring Te Papa (New Zealand's National Museum) and walking through the Botanic Garden. Go out to dinner before attending a show at one of Wellington's great theaters.
Day 20: Wellington to Picton to Christchurch
Today, travel to New Zealand's South Island. Catch the ferry across Cook Strait, through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, to Picton. Then, board the TranzCoastal train, which travels along the eastern coast to Christchurch.
Day 21: Christchurch at Leisure
Explore Christchurch at leisure. Settled by the English in the mid-1800s, you will feel like you have traveled to the UK. Visit the Cathedral, the Art Gallery, and go punting on the Avon River. Discover why Christchurch is called "The Garden City" or go shopping on High Street.
Day 22: Christchurch to Greymouth to Franz Josef via TranzAlpine Train
Hop aboard the TranzAlpine train, through the Canterbury Plains, across the mountains over to Greymouth, on the West Coast. Continue south by coach along the coastline to Franz Josef, in glacier land.
Day 23: Franz Josef at Leisure
Click to make a tentative booking
or call 800.788.0829 to speak to
one of our travel professionals.
Notes:
- Prices in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
- We have limited space on this package and it is subject to availability and prior sale.
- All package prices are per person based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted
- Prices reflect cash discount.
- Due to constantly changing policies to baggage restrictions, please check with your airline directly for latest updates and restrictions.
- Information, including prices are subject to change without notice
- Restrictions and change and/or cancel penalties apply.
- Taxes and airport fees not included.
- UBI-600-307-872-WA
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