Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand

Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand

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18 Days From

$11726

$10304

Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand

18 Days Starting in Melbourne, Australia and ending in Christchurch, New Zealand

Visiting: Melbourne, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Lake Tekapo, Christchurch

Tour operator:

AAT Kings

Tour code:

QCANAF25

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English
From: $11726 $10304 Operator discount: -$1422 -12%

NB: Prices correct on 08-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand" tour, where you'll explore the vibrant cities and stunning landscapes of these two captivating countries. Begin your adventure in Melbourne, delving into its artistic lanes, before heading to the tropical paradise of Cairns and the iconic Great Barrier Reef. Experience the cultural richness of Sydney with a guided tour of the Opera House and a cruise on the harbor. Cross the Tasman Sea to Auckland, New Zealand, where you'll immerse yourself in Maori traditions and the breathtaking beauty of Fiordland National Park. With centrally located premium accommodations and internal flights included, this tour offers a seamless blend of cultural exploration and natural wonders, guided by a specialist team ensuring a memorable experience.

Highlights

  • content:

    Make Travel Matter

    Make a positive impact while you learn about Koorie peoples, cultures, and communities at the Koorie Heritage Trust Gallery in Melbourne.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome To Melbourne

Location: Melbourne

Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne

Meals Included: Dinner

Settle into your hotel on the banks of the Yarra River and meet your Travel Director for a welcome reception and dinner at the South Wharf riverside pub, The General Assembly restaurant. It's a great opportunity to get to know everyone in a unique setting.

Day 2: Melbourne

Location: Melbourne

Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Hotel 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. Discover more of Melbourne over a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience tour and walk at Koorie Heritage Trust Gallery. Make a positive impact while you learn about Koorie peoples, cultures and communities. You’ll love discovering the importance of Koorie peoples as part of a broader 21st century community over a tour and talk. With a vison to ensure the rich cultural heritage, history and knowledge systems of First Peoples are valued, celebrated and an active part of society, the Koorie Heritage Trust is an organization you’ll be happy to support. There's time afterwards to explore the city on your own, enjoy an optional experience to Phillip Island to see the nightly ritual of the Penguin Parade (own expense). Or simply relax and watch the world go by.

Day 3: Melbourne - Cairns

Location: Cairns

Accommodation Name: Hilton Hotel Cairns

Things start to heat up in Cairns, the heart of Tropical North Queensland. Jump aboard a cruise at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures to discover some of the wildlife that calls this part of the state home, koalas, wallabies and crocs among them. Now that you’ve appreciated the beauty of the area, you can put your passion into practice helping with a Rainforest Restoration project, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, to protect the natural wonder of the nearby Notophyll Vine Forest, an area older than the Amazon. By jumping in and helping the team plant trees, you’re supporting the protection of this rare type of dry rainforest from development and restoring it to an important wildlife corridor of native birds. Talk about a feel-good day. *If you are departing on an early flight from Melbourne, a boxed breakfast will be provided.

Day 4: Great Barrier Reef

Location: Great Barrier Reef

Accommodation Name: Hilton Hotel Cairns

Meals Included: Lunch

Go from city to sea today on a full day bucket list exploration of the world’s largest coral reef system in the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set sail on a high-speed catamaran for these tropical waters then explore this underwater wonderland up close donning your mask and fins for a snorkel (equipment provided). You’ll feel like a fish in an aquarium weaving through the rainbow of reefs and fish. Or, choose to stay dry in your semi-submersible, air-conditioned craft with an underwater observatory to have a different view of these tropical species. However you choose to explore, you’ll love learning the insights on the reef the colourful fish and plants that call it home from your local guide. On board you’ll be treated to a buffet lunch and afternoon tea and coffee to soak up the Aussie sun before you cruise back into Cairns.

Day 5: Cairns Free Time

Location: Cairns

Accommodation Name: Hilton Hotel Cairns

Meals Included: Dinner

Today is a free to do as you choose. A great option is the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda, travelling over and through World Heritage rainforest, explore quaint Kuranda village and later board the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway for the return journey (own expense). If you’d prefer to spend the day relaxing by your hotel pool or sitting back at a local café you can do that too! After a big day out or in town, meet up with the group for dinner at Ochre Restaurant and enjoy Australian cuisine featuring the best local produce.

Day 6: Cairns - Sydney

Location: Sydney

Accommodation Name: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney

Following a leisurely start to the morning it’s time to switch the tropical vibes back to city highlights as you fly to Sydney. We hope you have a window seat for the flight - the view over the harbour as you come in to land certainly sparkles. Check into your centrally located hotel and spend the rest of the day and evening exploring as you wish. Ask your Travel Director for sightseeing and dinner suggestions.

Day 7: Sydney

Location: Sydney

Accommodation Name: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney

There are legendary Sydney sights, and then there’s the Sydney Opera House – this dramatic building is the reason the word ‘icon’ was made. Go on a guided tour of the pearly shell-shaped structure, learning about its architecture as well as some of the famous artists who have graced the stages. Then see it from the outside on a sightseeing harbour cruise, also sailing past Circular Quay, Shark Island, jaw-dropping mansions, beaches and parks. Oh, and you’ll get to glide under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Talk about ‘pinch me’ moments. You’ll want to toast your good fortune. Thankfully, we have planned a Be My Guest afternoon of wine tasting at Sydney’s Urban Winery. One of the few places in the city itself that makes wine, this establishment is a great place to get a feel for the stellar local drops that are made in Australia. Cheers to that!

Day 8: Sydney Free Time

Location: Sydney

Accommodation Name: Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney

Meals Included: Dinner

The day is yours to explore at your leisure or book one of our hand crafted selection of optional activities. There are so many sights and experiences to be had in this city and further afield. You might choose to visit the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains, for fresh mountain air and stunning scenery. Or get your adrenaline racing with a thrilling climb up the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This evening you can share your stories of your day with your fellow travellers over dinner.

Day 9: Sydney - Auckland

Location: Auckland

Accommodation Name: Horizon by SkyCity Auckland

All you have to do today is sit back and enjoy the view as you cross the Tasman to embark on your next adventure. Dinner is at The Grill, celebrating Aotearoa's culinary treasures. Expect the finest quality grassfed steaks, from 100% New Zealand owned and operated suppliers, and sustainable line-caught fish.

Day 10: Auckland

Location: Auckland

Accommodation Name: Horizon by SkyCity 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 including Mission Bay, Bastion Point and the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial to New Zealand's first Labour Prime Minister. Admire the sunken pool and landscaped gardens as you’re treated to sweeping views of Waitemata Harbour and the North Shore.

Day 11: Auckland - Rotorua

Location: Rotorua

Accommodation Name: Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Meals Included: Dinner

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. Continue to Rotorua, where tonight you will visit Te Puia's geothermal Valley. Dive into culture and learn about Maori history and culture on this guided experience, which includes a 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.

Day 12: Rotorua - Auckland - Queenstown

Location: Auckland, Queenstown

Accommodation Name: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown

Your destination this morning in Rotorua is the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, where you’ll join a local guide for a tour. Learn about the work being done to save this rare native bird, get up close and see kiwi eggs being incubated, the hatching process, and even newly hatched kiwi chicks at this national leader in kiwi husbandry. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience is not only fun but will give you fascinating insights into New Zealand’s national bird. The feel-good vibes will follow you all the way to Queenstown, the self-proclaimed adventure capital of New Zealand. It makes perfect sense – there are ski fields, white-water river and bridges strapped with bungy cords wherever you turn. And then there’s the dining scene; Queenstown is home to some of the country’s most awarded restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for bulging burgers or lakeside tapas, ask us for recommendations on this leg of your Queenstown New Zealand tour.

Day 13: Milford Sound

Location: Milford Sound

Accommodation Name: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown

Meals Included: Lunch

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 nature cruise, enjoy commentary from your eagle-eyed Naturalist guide, who not only narrates on the immense geological history of the Fiord, but will point out fur seals and dolphins should they choose to come out to play. The cruise includes a delicious picnic lunch.

Day 14: Queenstown Free Time

Location: Queenstown

Accommodation Name: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown

Meals Included: Dinner

Take today’s Queenstown New Zealand tour at your own pace. Like things fast and furious? Feel the wind in your hair on an optional high-octane jet boat ride, perhaps. Or consider an optional glide across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a guided farm tour, including morning or afternoon tea, in a dreamy alpine setting. Wherever you wander, be sure to save space for tonight’s Highlight Dinner at Postmasters Café, a historic Arrowtown cottage replete with picket fence and Instagrammable gardens.

Day 15: Queenstown - Lake Tekapo

Location: Lake Tekapo

Accommodation Name: Peppers Bluewater Resort Lake Tekapo

Today your New Zealand tour takes you to lovely Lake Tekapo travelling to Cromwell on the banks of Lake Dunstan. Visit Mrs. Jones' Fruit Stall to taste of some of the town's juicy stone fruit including apricots, nectarines, peaches, and plums. Is it Michael Schumacher’s Benetton F1 car or the $4.2-million Aston Martin Vulcan that draws crowds to the Highlands Motorsport Museum? During your visit to this extraordinary space you’ll have the chance to become familiar with some of the rarest cars in NZ motorsports history. And you don’t have to be a rev head to appreciate the machines on display – they’re genuinely impressive from every angle. Small wonder many have starred in movies and TV shows over the years. Call in at the quaint, lakeside Church of the Good Shepherd welcomed by its friendly bronze sheepdog statue. Late this evening after dark, you’re treated to a guided stargazing experience in the world-renowned UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. Your expert astronomy guide will highlight stars seen only in the Southern Hemisphere such as The Southern Cross and Centaurus.

Day 16: Lake Tekapo - Christchurch

Location: Christchurch

Accommodation Name: Distinction Christchurch Hotel

Get an early start to watch the sun rise over the lake or sleep in before heading to Christchurch, where community spirit is strong; not only has the city rebuilt since the devastating 2010/11 earthquakes, but is changing the way architects think about design. Case in point the mind-bending Cathedral, made largely of cardboard, and Turanga, the gold-clad central library.

Day 17: Christchurch

Location: Christchurch

Accommodation Name: Distinction Christchurch Hotel

Meals Included: Lunch

Travel north 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 stunning scenery, meet the farm animals & discover what it is like to live off the land on this unique By My Guest experience. Continue to 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 a celebratory Farewell Dinner featuring produce from the Canterbury region.

Day 18: Farewell From Christchurch

Location: Christchurch

It’s hard to say goodbye; so say Haere rā instead.

What's Included

What's Not Included

  • Flights to and from the start/end of your trip

    Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price.

  • Optional experiences

    Optional experiences such as the Scenic Railway journey to Kuranda and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway are not included and are at your own expense.

Mode of Transport

Enjoy included internal-holiday flights from Melbourne to Cairns, Cairns to Sydney, Sydney to Auckland, and Auckland to Queenstown. Return airport to hotel transfers are also included.

Accommodation

Stay in centrally located premium hotels including Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne, Hilton Hotel Cairns, Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney, Horizon by SkyCity Auckland, Millennium Hotel Rotorua, Millennium Hotel Queenstown, Peppers Bluewater Resort Lake Tekapo, and Distinction Christchurch Hotel.

Dining Summary

  • 5 Dinner with Wine (DW)
  • 17 Full Breakfast (B)
  • 3 Lunch (L)
  • 2 Highlight Dinner (HD)
  • 1 Be My Guest Morning Tea (BGM)
  • 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)

Cultural Immersion

  • Maori culture and traditions are celebrated across New Zealand, as you’ll discover at Te Po Maori Experience at Te Puia.

Fitness Requirement

  • Low level of fitness required

Flight information

  • Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price. Day 1 – flights to arrive prior to 12 noon into Melbourne AirportDay 18 – flights to depart anytime from Christchurch Airport Return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers are included Internal-holiday flights IncludedPlease note that prices include land and internal-holiday airfares, which AAT Kings will book in order to fulfil the holiday itinerary: Day 3 – Melbourne to CairnsDay 6 – Cairns to SydneyDay 9 – Sydney to AucklandDay 12 – Auckland to Queenstown

Local Connection

  • From city to country … go on a tour at the Sydney Opera House with a local expert, then learn about life on a farm in the hill country of New Zealand.

What to Bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat Water bottle Warm layers in cooler months Camera

World Class Nature

  • It doesn’t matter how many times you splash about in the Coral Sea, the Great Barrier Reef never fails to impress. There are too many world records being broken here to mention.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of cultural experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes cultural experiences such as learning about Maori culture and traditions at the Te Pa Tu Maori Experience and Te Po Maori Experience at Te Puia. You will also visit the Koorie Heritage Trust Gallery in Melbourne to learn about Koorie peoples, cultures, and communities.

  • Are there any activities related to wildlife conservation during the tour?

    Yes, on Day 3 in Cairns, you will participate in a Rainforest Restoration project by planting trees to help protect the habitats of local wildlife, including koalas, wallabies, and crocodiles.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay in centrally located premium hotels such as Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne, Hilton Hotel Cairns, Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney, Horizon by SkyCity Auckland, Millennium Hotel Rotorua, Millennium Hotel Queenstown, Peppers Bluewater Resort Lake Tekapo, and Distinction Christchurch Hotel.

  • What is the level of physical fitness required for this tour?

    A low level of fitness is required for this tour, making it accessible to most travelers.

  • Are flights included in the tour package?

    Internal-holiday flights are included in the tour package, covering routes from Melbourne to Cairns, Cairns to Sydney, Sydney to Auckland, and Auckland to Queenstown. However, flights to and from the start and end of the trip are not included.

  • What unique experiences are offered in New Zealand during the tour?

    In New Zealand, you will have unique experiences such as visiting a working kiwi nursery and hatchery, enjoying a Maori cultural experience with a hangi dinner, and participating in a Be My Guest morning tea at a working dairy farm in the Waikato district.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    The beauty of taking a holiday with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    It is important to adhere to departure times while on tour for the comfort of everyone on-board, and to make sure no one misses out on the planned experiences. The coach will not be able to wait for you, and in some instances, if you miss a departure time you will need to make your own way to the next destination to re-join the tour.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    AAT Kings operated Guided Holidays have competitive single supplement rates available if you prefer to confirm your own room. Or we can match you to share with a guest of the same gender at no extra cost. If we fail to match you, we will accommodate you in a single room at no extra cost.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Over 100 years

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    We will email your documents to you approximately four weeks before your departure date provided you have completed your pre trip registration using the My Travel Portal. If you’ve booked through a travel agent, your documents will be emailed directly to your agent.

Reviews of this operator

Ann Purcell  

Well worth the money

24-Feb-2023

Absolutely wonderful trip. Tastes of southern Australia. Hotels were good quality. Sightseeing was amazing. Manuela our travel director was lovely. A great trip all round

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Lynda Whittingham  

Particularly loved QUEENSTOWN (jet boat) and plane ride over Mt Cook

18-Feb-2023

Great guide “Dexter” who was pleasant and knowledgeable, skilled and pleasant driver, Aaron, interesting activities, and comfortable hotels in good locations. I have been on organized bus trips in different countries and this company stands out. I would travel with them again. Read less

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Milford Sound , West Coast , Queenstown, Christchurch

22-Feb-2023

The most professional tour group i have ever travelled with. Both tour director (Hope) & driver (Dave) had extensive knowledge of NZ. Highly recommended.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Keith Jones  

Christchurch, Milford Sound and the Franz Joseph Railway journey

02-Mar-2023

Very professional service throughout. Friendly experienced tour guide imparting excellent knowledge and local anecdotes. Friendly professional driver enhanced the overall pleasure. Excellent hotels throughout the holiday.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Allison Cooper  

Wonderful experience, highlight had to be Uluru so spiritual and beautiful

22-Feb-2023

Very professional. Excellent travel director very knowledgeable and a lovely guy. Amazing experience seeing do many great places.

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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Mar 20, 2025 - Apr 06, 2025
$11120

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Apr 10, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025
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Operator discount: -$1422

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Jun 26, 2025 - Jul 13, 2025
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Operator discount: -$1422

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Operator discount: -$1422

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Operator discount: -$1495

Thursday - Sunday

Jan 29, 2026 - Feb 15, 2026
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Operator discount: -$1495

Thursday - Sunday

Mar 05, 2026 - Mar 22, 2026
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Operator discount: -$1495

Thursday - Sunday

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Operator discount: -$1495

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    AAT Kings requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of aat kings charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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