Best of Australia and New Zealand

Best of Australia and New Zealand

45 Views
15 Days From

$9134

Best of Australia and New Zealand

15 Days Starting in Melbourne, Australia and ending in Rotorua, New Zealand

Visiting: Melbourne, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, Queenstown, Auckland, Rotorua

Tour operator:

Indus Travels

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 35

Physical rating:

Easy

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Activities:

Boat/Cruise Excursion

From: $9134

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

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 15-day adventure through Australia and New Zealand with the "Best of Australia and New Zealand" tour. Begin your journey in Melbourne, exploring its vibrant art scene and boutiques, before heading to Sydney to marvel at the iconic Opera House and relax on Bondi Beach. Experience the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef on a catamaran cruise and discover the glowworm-lit Waitomo Caves. In New Zealand, explore Auckland's volcanic landscape, enjoy a barbecue at Walter Peak High Country Farm in Queenstown, and immerse yourself in Maori culture with a hangi buffet dinner at Te Puia in Rotorua. Enjoy superior accommodations, daily buffet breakfasts, and guided tours, all while traveling in air-conditioned modern vehicles and domestic flights.

Highlights

  • Travel to Melbourne, a multicultural city with a bustling art scene and boutiques

  • Discover the Sydney Opera House and marvel over its architectural excellence

  • Drive to Bondi Beach, one of the most famous beach destinations in the world

  • Explore Auckland, a city surrounded by 48 volcanoes and numerous islands

  • Head on a tour of the Waitomo Caves, illuminated by thousands of glow worms

  • Experience the Great Barrier Reef, the largest living thing on earth, on a catamaran cruise

  • Visit Walter Peak High Country Farm in Queenstown and enjoy a fine barbecue at the Colonel's Homestead

  • Witness a cultural performance and enjoy a hangi buffet dinner at Te Puia in Rotorua

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Melbourne (Arrival) (-/-/Dinner With Wine)

Location: Melbourne

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to Australia! Upon arrival at the Melbourne International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure to explore the city at your own pace or relax.


Overnight in Melbourne

Day 2: Melbourne (B/-/-)

Location: Melbourne

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, after breakfast, reach for rainbows in Melbournes eye-popping street art. Follow the lead of a local to discover alleys emblazoned with murals by some of the worlds greatest aerosol artists. Take note of the hidden bars and restaurants you pass – we can help you make a booking for tonight.


Overnight in Melbourne

Day 3: Melbourne – Cairns (By Flight) (B/-/-)

Location: Cairns

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, after breakfast, you will be picked up and transferred to the Melbourne International Airport for your flight to Cairns. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Koalas, birds, wallabies, crocodiles – oh my! They all live side by side at Hartleys Crocodile Adventures in Cairns, as youll discover on a boat cruise youll with a private guide through this wilderness reserve. The Daintree Rainforest here is part of the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics of Queensland, and youll help protect it on a restoration project.
Overnight in Cairns

Day 4: Great Barrier Reef (B/L/-)

Location: Great Barrier Reef

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading out to your tour.The Great Barrier Reef, the largest living thing on earth, never ceases to amaze. Set off on a catamaran to discover a kaleidoscope of colour, which is home to more than 1,500 types of fish, 215 bird species, 3,000 mollusks, six of the seven species of marine turtles in the world, and 30 distinct species of dolphins and whales. Get ready for an experience of a lifetime when you board a high-speed catamaran and cruise to the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Strap on a snorkel and mask to view this marine menagerie up close and personal.


Overnight in Cairns

Day 5: Cairns (B/-/D)

Location: Cairns

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend the day at leisure or pre-book one of the following optional tours.


Overnight in Cairns

Day 6: Cairns — Sydney (By Flight) (B/-/D)

Location: Sydney

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, at the arranged time, you will be picked up and transferred to the Cairns Airport for your flight to Sydney. Upon arrival in Sydney, you will be transferred to the hotel. Tonight, you enjoy a front-row seat on a sunset cruise that takes you bast the Opera House and under the Harbour Bridge. Talk about a mesmerizing way to end a day.


Overnight in Sydney

Day 7: Sydney (B/L/-)

Location: Sydney

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Be prepared to meet the top makers, bakers and brewers in Sydneys inner-west today on a culinary tour that takes you to some of the citys most forward-thinking producers. First stop is Newtown, where the parade of street art and achingly-cool restaurants leads you to Marrickville then Dulwich Hill. Here, youll pop in on Dear Delicious café, where farm-to-table dining is in the spotlight thanks to owner Greg. Enjoy a Be My Guest lunch made the veggies and herbs he grows himself. Around the corner is Batch Brewery where youll meet owner Andrew. Take part in a masterclass and learn how they combine creatively inspired limited release batches with sustainable practices.


Overnight in Sydney

Day 8: Sydney (B/-/D)

Location: Sydney

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, start your day in Sydney! If there was ever a place that slipped from the pages of a fairytale, Wendys 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. Dinner tonight is beside Sydney Harbour.


Overnight in Sydney

Day 9: Sydney – Queenstown (By Flight) (B/-/-)

Location: Queenstown

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, at the arranged time, you will be picked up and transferred to the Sydney Airport for your flight to Queenstown. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.


Overnight in Queenstown

Day 10: Queenstown (B/-/D)

Location: Queenstown

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. The first thing you'll notice when flying over New Zealand is how much agriculture there is. You will met a guide who will show you around the sheep farm. Consider the opportunity to feed and pet farm animals, as well as sheep mustering and whip cracking. The only thing more inspirational than the surrounding Remarkables peaks at dusk is the joyful atmosphere greeting you to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where a fine barbecue at the Colonel's Homestead is waiting. Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw.


Overnight in Queenstown

Day 11: Queenstown (B/-/-)

Location: Queenstown

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Spend the day at leisure or pre-book one of the following optional tours.


Overnight in Queenstown

Day 12: Queenstown – Auckland (By Flight) (B/-/-)

Location: Auckland

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

have breakfast at the hotel. After that, at the arranged time, you will be picked up and transferred to the Queenstown Airport for your flight to Auckland. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.


Overnight in Auckland

Day 13: Auckland – Rotorua (B/-/D)

Location: Rotorua

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Today is set to sparkle – quite literally – as thousands of bright green and blue glowworms light up your next destination: the cavernous Ruakuri Cave at Waitomo. From overhead attractions to those below the ground. Tonight, we experience Te Puia's world-famous hāngī buffet dinner. Enjoy spectacular geothermal views while dining on a range of delicious New Zealand flavours. The menu is smartly sophisticated – infusing Māori flavours, with an array of global cuisines and cooking styles. After dinner you will get to enjoy a cultural performance that will take place in their beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. Witness a pōwhiri (traditional welcome), waiata (song), mōteatea (traditional chant) poi and haka. The evening culminates with hot chocolate and steamed pudding surrounded by steam and the geyser terrace bathed in coloured light.


Overnight in Rotorua

Day 14: Rotorua (B/-/D)

Location: Rotorua

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today you will start your day with breakfast at the hotel. New Zealand's adorable and cuddly national bird, the kiwi, is also in risk of extinction. Visit a functional kiwi nursery and hatchery behind the scenes to discover how breeding initiatives are promoting the population's health. The last remaining Mori village in the nation and geothermal reserve Whakarewarewa, which is also home to the famous Pohutu Geyser and the bubbling beauty of mud pools, is where the natural drama achieves its climax.


Overnight in Rotorua

Day 15: Rotorua (Departure) (B/-/-)

Location: Rotorua

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, at the arranged time, you will be picked up and transferred to the Rotorua International Airport for your flight back home.

What's Included

  • 14 nights accommodation

    14 nights accommodation on a twin sharing basis at superior hotels or similar.

  • Daily buffet breakfasts

    Daily buffet breakfasts are included.

  • 01 Lunch at local restaurant

    One lunch at a local restaurant is included.

  • 04 Dinners with Wine

    Four dinners with wine are included.

  • 02 Highlight Dinners

    Two highlight dinners are included.

  • 01 Farewell Dinner

    One farewell dinner is included.

  • 01 Be My Guest Lunch

    One 'Be My Guest' lunch is included.

  • All Arrival and departure airport transfers

    All arrival and departure airport transfers are included.

  • All Transportation in AC modern vehicles

    All transportation in air-conditioned modern vehicles is included.

  • Services of English-speaking guide

    Services of an English-speaking guide during the tours are included.

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What's Not Included

  • Personal expenses

    Items of a personal nature, tips, and gratuities are not included.

  • Visa fees

    Visa fees, if applicable, are not included.

  • Items not mentioned as included

    Items not mentioned as included are excluded.

Mode of Transport

All transportation is provided in air-conditioned modern vehicles, including domestic flights between Melbourne, Cairns, Sydney, Queenstown, and Auckland, as well as a regional flight from Sydney to Queenstown.

Accommodation

Enjoy 14 nights of accommodation on a twin sharing basis at superior hotels or similar, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your journey.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is provided during the tour?

    All transportation is provided in air-conditioned modern vehicles, including domestic flights between Melbourne, Cairns, Sydney, Queenstown, and Auckland, as well as a regional flight from Sydney to Queenstown.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    You will enjoy 14 nights of accommodation on a twin sharing basis at superior hotels or similar, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your journey.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, daily buffet breakfasts, one lunch at a local restaurant, four dinners with wine, two highlight dinners, one farewell dinner, and one 'Be My Guest' lunch are included in the tour package.

  • Will there be a guide during the tour?

    Yes, the services of an English-speaking guide during the tours are included.

  • Are airport transfers included in the tour package?

    Yes, all arrival and departure airport transfers are included in the tour package.

  • What activities are included in the tour?

    The tour includes various activities such as exploring Melbourne's street art, visiting Hartley's Crocodile Adventures in Cairns, a catamaran cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, a sunset cruise in Sydney, a culinary tour in Sydney, a visit to Walter Peak High Country Farm in Queenstown, and a tour of the Waitomo Caves illuminated by glow worms.

  • Are there any optional tours available during the trip?

    Yes, there are optional tours available on certain days, such as Day 5 in Cairns and Day 11 in Queenstown, which you can pre-book.

  • What is the final destination of the tour?

    The final destination of the tour is Rotorua, New Zealand, where you will be transferred to the Rotorua International Airport for your flight back home.

  • Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour package?

    Yes, all entrance fees as per the detailed itinerary are included in the tour package.

  • What is the highlight of the visit to Rotorua?

    In Rotorua, you will witness a cultural performance and enjoy a hāngī buffet dinner at Te Puia, visit a functional kiwi nursery and hatchery, and explore the geothermal reserve Whakarewarewa, home to the famous Pohutu Geyser and mud pools.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.

  • If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?

    You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.

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

    No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.

  • Can I arrange flights via Indus Travels, too?

    In some cases, yes. Indus Travels can provide flights from/to selected departure points in the USA. If you would like a quote inclusive of flights, please let us know and we'll be happy to check the details for you!

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.

Reviews of this operator

Terry Kratz (Google Reviewer)  

Thanks to Indus and Nicko...

13-Sep-2024

Thanks to Indus and Nicko Cruise for a great trip down the Danube. I had not been on a river cruise prior to this and found it a very relaxing way to travel and see some European highlights. The ship was superb. The staff served great meals, were friendly and accommodating. As far as the tours and city visits, they all gave us a reasonable amount of time and insight into the location we were visiting to come away with a sense that we had a good glimpse of the city and were able to spend some free time in the city as well. A special thanks to Dhruv our fearless leader from Indus who was a great organizer. Lastly - nice to meet all of you in our group. terry

Joyce Elyse Baumbach  

The tour organized by Indus Travels ...

16-Dec-2022

The tour organized by Indus Travels was flawless. Hotels, tours, and transportation all impressed me. We had a very relaxing time knowing what was happening at each stage. The scenery and activities were fantastic and did not disappoint. The highlight of the trip was definitely Galapagos Islands.

Indus Travel Reviews
Sirjirick Gibson (Google Reviewer)  

This is my fourth Indus...

20-Aug-2024

This is my fourth Indus trip coming up. I love the way the app works. I love the way the trips are organized and small groupings. I love the accommodations. I love the transportation it’s just top-notch service for individual traveler. I just completed my fourth trip with This and I have already signed up for my up-and-coming fifth trip with Indus travel. Once again, I have to say the service of this is absolutely top-notch service. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to travel and style and comfort. The organization of this is top-notch service from start to finish.. I have to say this sales management and associate team is absolutely amazing which basically allows me to continuously book my trips through end this. My travel life is to travel to as many countries as possible, and it will all be done through excellent job. I would like to give a special thanks to Rachel P. And Ravi., I have been involved with Rachel for the past five years and I will continue to travel within due to the fact that she makes this such a pleasant experience. Great job to her..

Neeraj Nauhwaar (Google Reviewer)  

Booked Mystical Egypt tour with...

07-Dec-2023

Booked Mystical Egypt tour with them visiting Cairo and a 03 Nights Cruise from Luxor to Aswan in May. All services were perfect since the time we arrived at the airport, we were met by a hospitable Indus Representative who helped us with the purchase of local SIM and currency exchange. He was always there in time to assist for transfers. The Amwaj Cruise which we took from Luxor to Aswan was a Gem. We had great guides and all sightseeing worked like a clockwork. We enjoyed visiting Karnak Temples, Temples of Edfu, Kom Ombo and the boat ride to see Phillae Temple. Evening entertainment on cruise were great and engaging. In Cairo and Aswan, we had ample leisure time to explore on own, the Pyramids were impressive and visiting Khan e Khalili was fun. Overall and impressive and enjoyable tour, Thanks to Indus Travels!

Dhruv R (Google Reviewer)  

Recently went on a Rhine...

09-Jun-2023

Recently went on a Rhine River Cruise, a first for me. I must say the experience was exceptional, their tagline says. The group I was with were some of the most fun and interesting set of people I've ever traveled with. The ground transportation arrangements were top notch and comfortable. Variety in menu that we were provided with in the cruise was astounding. I was a bit worried if they'd have much options for me as I'm a vegetarian. But they not only had options, the taste was something I'd savor for foreseeable future. There's a reason Rhine cruises are popular owing to it's serene and picturesque route. Guided tours were very informative and gave us a bit of an insight of German culture. We had good amount of time to explore the towns on our own too. Strasbourg and Cochem were my favorite stops. Luckily the weather worked in our favour and it didn't rain the way it was predicted originally. No one from our group wanted the tour to end. If this trip was any indication, I can't wait to book my next trip with Indus Travels.

Dennis V (Google Reviewer)  

My wife and I travelled...

02-Jul-2024

My wife and I travelled with Indus on the essentials Portugal Spain Switzerland and Italy tour last October and had the time of our lives. The tour was very well planned we visited a lot of the highlights the countries had to offer. The tour went very smoothly with knowledgeable guides and courteous drivers. We would highly recommend travelling with Indus.

Gloria Parra (Google Reviewer)  

Indus Travel runs a highly...

04-Mar-2024

Indus Travel runs a highly professional organization. From customer service to brochures, bookings, tour guides, etc. and the consideration for their customers is superb. This was the first time I had travelled with Indus Travels. We took the Taste of Portugal Tour. Group numbers are small, accommodation comfortable and food excellent. The expert guide who accompanied us was outstanding - passionate, informative, engaging, and entertaining. This company is obviously at the heart of the itinerary planning, and attention to detail is second to none. I would highly recommend this company to anyone wanting a fun, relaxed, educational vacation with fine food - they will deliver! We will never forget this trip and we are already planning for another one to Wonders of Italy, Vienna, Budapest, and Prague.

Olivia  

Best of Italy

16-Nov-2022

Indus Travels did an excellent job planning the trip to Italy. We were on Best of Italy in Oct 2022. The tour was 5 stars all the way. The hotel accommodations were comfortable and clean & guides were top-notch.

Indus Travel Reviews
Kim Eisnor (Google Reviewer)  

We had an absolutely amazing...

12-Sep-2024

We had an absolutely amazing experience on our first ever river boat cruise. The itinerary and ports were incredible, the ship was beautiful, the food was great (especially Mario’s Grill), the excursions were excellent and the staff was lovely. We had such a memorable trip with our group and made lots of memories that will last a lifetime.

DJWalter Capote (Google Reviewer)  

We were looking for a...

07-Oct-2023

We were looking for a customized, small group tour. We took a chance on Indus without knowing much about the company. We just returned from our trip to Greece and are more than highly please and satisfied with our experience. They planned an amazing itinerary, booked amazing hotels, hired knowledgeable tour guides and arranged high quality transportation services. Everyone went above and beyond to please us. We are already planning a trip for next year (2024) and will definitely use Indus to do so.

1 Select your preferred date

Thursday - Thursday

Jan 16, 2025 - Jan 30, 2025
$9187

Thursday - Thursday

Jan 30, 2025 - Feb 13, 2025
$9187

Thursday - Thursday

Feb 13, 2025 - Feb 27, 2025
$9187

Thursday - Thursday

Mar 06, 2025 - Mar 20, 2025
$9134

Thursday - Thursday

Mar 20, 2025 - Apr 03, 2025
$9134

Thursday - Thursday

Mar 27, 2025 - Apr 10, 2025
$9187
Prices last published on 06-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Indus Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of indus travels charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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