Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand
Christchurch
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A bit city, a bit country; sometimes beachy, sometimes mountainous; in the company of locals and Indigenous guides – this epic Melbourne to Christchurch tour is diverse and dynamic. Traversing the East Coast of Australia, from Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef to Sydney and Melbourne, the tour also uncovers NZ’s North and South islands, where Auckland’s cuisine, Milford Sound’s grandeur and Rotorua’s thermal springs beckon.
Availability
From 27/06/2024 to 06/04/2025
Departure dates & prices
Dates
Availability
Price
What's included
Highlights.
From city to country … go behind the scenes at the Sydney Opera House with a local expert, then learn about .
• Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide • 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Opera House, Fiordland National Park • Centrally located premium hotels.
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Itinerary
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Day 1 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.
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Day 2 Take a deep dive into Melbourne's art-filled lanes and alleys on a private walking tour. Spot a jazz bar or hidden restaurant you fancy? The afternoon is yours to indulge however you wish.
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Day 3 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, before helping protect their habitats by planting trees as part of our Rainforest Restoration project. Talk about a feel-good day.
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Day 4 The Great Barrier Reef deserves its World Heritage listing - it's one of the most biodiverse marine environments on the planet, home to thousands of species of fish and corals, as well as six of the world's seven sea turtles. Strap on a snorkel and dive in, or keep your hair dry and take in the drama from an underwater observatory and semi-submersible craft.
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Day 5 Today is one of decisions: explore the Cairns Esplanade, or head up into the hills on a Scenic Railway journey to Kuranda. You're surrounded by some of the world's oldest rainforest as you return to base via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. If that's not humbling enough, tonight's dinner at Ochre Restaurant on the waterfront uses native ingredients that the world's oldest civilisation has consumed for millennia.
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Day 6 We hope you have a window seat for the flight into Sydney - the view over the harbour as you come in to land certainly sparkles. The rest of your day is free for you to acquaint yourself with this magical city. Ask your Travel Director for suggestions.
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Day 7 Discover one of the great highlights of Sydney, the beautiful Sydney Opera House with a guided tour inside this iconic building, before a Sydney Harbour sightseeing cruise enjoying million dollar views. If there was ever a place that slipped from the pages of a fairy-tale, Wendy's Secret Garden at Lavender Bay is it. Overlooking Sydney Harbour, this pocket of floral paradise is explained by a local volunteer - did you know this was once unused wasteland? Your visit provides a contribution to the ongoing maintenance of the enchanting garden.
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Day 8 You could spend weeks exploring Sydney. Months even. But you have today, so get set for a wild ride. Your agenda is completely up to you, but we have more than a few ideas. Perhaps a bird's-eye perspective of the city on a Sydney BridgeClimb? Maybe a ferry to Manly for fish-and-chips on the beach? This evening, celebrate Sydney at dinner with your travel companions.
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Day 9 Battle of the harbours: Sydney has one, but Auckland has two. Small wonder it's known as the 'City of Sails'.
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Day 10 Get your Auckland bearings on a city tour, before choosing a precinct to while away the afternoon in. Ask us for dinner tips.
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Day 11 Cute and cuddly, NZ's national bird, the Kiwi, is also endangered. Go behind the scenes on a working kiwi nursery and hatchery to learn how breeding programs are helping the population thrive. Tonight, dive deep into Indigenous culture and traditions at Te P? T? M?ori Experience. Enjoy a forest kai horotai (seasonal canap?s) and chef choice aperitif, followed by a seasonal three-course dinner.
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Day 12 You're invited to an exclusive Be My Guest morning tea at the Red Barn on a working dairy farm in the Waikato district. Expect country banter and have a go at the forgotten art of butter churning. The feel-good vibes that endure 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; 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.
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Day 13 Sheer cliffs, thundering waterfalls, glaciers and rainforest - if there's a destination more inspiring than Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, we're yet to find it. After a cruise here (look out for dolphins and sea lions), we're sure you'll agree.
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Day 14 Sleep in, find a rooftop wine bar for lunch, take a stroll around the lake... wherever you wander, meet your fellow travellers for a Highlight Dinner at 1860s Postmasters Cottage.
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Day 15 Arrowtown and Cromwell are known for their natural drama; just as enticing is the tasty stone fruit. Take a bite. Arriving at Lake Tekapo, you're far from anywhere. Which practically guarantees dazzling stargazing in the UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
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Day 16 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 it's thriving, with architectural innovations like the world's first church built of cardboard. Take in the sights with an in-the-know local.
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Day 17 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 while enjoying morning tea, 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 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.
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Day 18 It's hard to say goodbye; so say 'see you soon' instead.
- Prices quoted valid for sale until 23 May 2024 unless otherwise stated or sold out prior.
- Price is per person and subject to availability. Accommodation (if included) is based on twin share unless otherwise stated.
- Airfare (including internal flights) is not included unless otherwise stated and, if included, is economy class unless otherwise stated.
- Local payments, "trip kittys" or food funds may apply and may be payable direct to the supplier on arrival or to your travel agent prior to your departure. Where applicable, these payments are included in the total price quoted.
- Gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.
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