Highlights of New Zealand and Australia

Highlights of New Zealand and Australia

77 Views
18 Days From

$4357

Highlights of New Zealand and Australia

18 Days Starting in Auckland, New Zealand and ending in Sydney, Australia

Visiting: Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Queenstown, Melbourne, Cairns, Sydney

Tour operator:

Indus Travels

Tour code:

IndTur758

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 2

Physical rating:

EASY

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $4357

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Highlights of New Zealand and Australia" tour, exploring the best of both countries. Begin in Auckland, learning about its volcanic history and marveling at the glow worms in Waitomo Caves. Discover the majestic Aoraki in New Zealand and delve into the cultural richness of Rotorua. Travel to Melbourne, a city brimming with art and culture, before heading to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Conclude your adventure in Sydney, visiting iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach. Enjoy 17 nights of superior accommodation, daily buffet breakfasts, and seamless transportation, including domestic flights.

Highlights

  • Learn about the rich volcanic activity of Auckland, situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire

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

  • Discover Aoraki, the tallest mountain in New Zealand with a height of 3,724 meters

  • Visit Melbourne, a multicultural city with a bustling art scene and shopping boutiques

  • Explore Cairns, the Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the largest reef on the planet

  • Pay a visit to the Sydney Opera House, discover The Rocks, and drive to Bondi Beach

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Auckland (Arrival) (-/-/-)

Location: Auckland

Accommodation Name: hotel

Welcome to New Zealand! Upon arrival at the Auckland International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.




Overnight in Auckland

Day 2: Auckland (B/-/-)

Location: Auckland

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning you will head on a half-day tour of Auckland. Auckland is set on 53 dormant volcanic cones, and it is New Zealand's largest and busiest city. The morning tour is a journey of discovery designed to explore the history and sights as well as see how Aucklanders live and play. This small group tour gives an insight into the Māori history of the area and the legends and stories behind some of the place names. Travel up Queen Street, through Auckland's central business district, past Auckland University to the inner-city park, known as the Domain. Continue through the picturesque suburb of Ponsonby, with its historic buildings before heading over the Harbour Bridge to Auckland's North Shore. Stroll on one of our beautiful white sand beaches, where there is time for a coffee, before continuing up to the summit of Mt Victoria with its stunning panoramic views of Auckland City and historic Devonport. Then travel back over the Harbour Bridge to view Westhaven Marina, one of the largest marinas in the Southern Hemisphere. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure


Overnight in Auckland

Day 3: Auckland – Rotorua - Auckland (B/-/-)

Location: Rotorua

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you will discover the rich cultural heritage of New Zealand along with the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Your tour will also take you to the famous glowworm caves of Waitomo. Depart Auckland in the morning to travel the breathtaking farmlands of the Waikato and King Country regions as you listen to the commentary from your driver guide. Learn about the history of the region as you pass by sites of interest such as Rangiriri, the site of a major battle in the Maori Land Wars in 1863. Your first stop will be in the small town of Waitomo, where you will head on a 45-minute guided tour through the world-famous Waitomo Caves. Travel through these underground limestone caverns, discovered in 1887, and find out how the incredible stalactites, stalagmites, and other fascinating rock formations were formed over a period of 30 million years. Your tour will end with a short yet magical boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto — a subterranean cavern illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms. After that you will visit Rotorua, in the heart of the Central North Island. Visit the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and Te Puia's marae (meeting house) where you will receive a traditional welcome and an invitation to see a Maori cultural performance, where ancient and modern stories will be told through songs, dance, poi, and stick games. You will develop an understanding of this unique culture and history as you are entertained by the talented and charismatic performers. You will be transfered back to Auckland by the end of the tour.


Overnight in Auckland.

* We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and bringing a warm jacket for the Waitomo Glowworm Caves guided tour.

Day 4: Auckland – Christchurch (B/-/-)

Location: Christchurch

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Spend the morning at leisure. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Christchurch. Upon arrival in Christchurch, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or book an optional tour. 


Overnight in Christchurch

Day 5: Christchurch (B/-/-)

Location: Christchurch

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Hop on your coach for a half-day tour of Christchurch. The trip will start by covering the central city highlights including the botanical gardens, the Museum and Art Centre, the Avon River, the Bridge of Remembrance, the city's new pop-up container mall, and many other highlights. As you leave the inner city, the coach will take you to Mona Vale and its historic homestead and gardens. You will travel up to the Sign of the Takahe, a historic building boasting breathtaking views of the city, the Canterbury Plains, and the Southern Alps, and make your way over the Port Hills to the Port of Lyttleton. Travel through the harbour tunnel to the seaside suburb of Sumner and the cave rock before returning to the central city and the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. 


Overnight in Christchurch

Day 6: Christchurch – Queenstown (B/-/-)

Location: Queenstown

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you will board you coach and head to Queenstown. There will be short breaks along the way.


Overnight in Queenstown

Day 7: 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 8: 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 9: Queenstown – Melbourne (B/-/-)

Location: Melbourne

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning you will check out from your hotel, and, at the arranged time, you will be transferred to the Queenstown International Airport for your flight to Melbourne. Upon arrival in Melbourne, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to explore the city at your own pace.


Overnight in Melbourne

Day 10: Melbourne

Location: Melbourne

Accommodation Name: hotel

Welcome to Melbourne, a city known for its charming gardens, vibrant restaurant and café scene, captivating arcades and laneways, and thriving arts culture. Explore the elegance and relaxed atmosphere of this city, which is also home to world-class sporting events like the Australian Open Tennis, Aussie Rules football, Melbourne Cup, and the iconic MCG! Experience the best of Melbournes city sights on our captivating tour. Explore the elegance of Collins Streets Paris end and admire the Old Treasury Buildings and Parliament House. Marvel at the beauty of St. Patricks Cathedral and experience the tranquility both of the cathedral and its surrounding gardens. Sports enthusiasts will be thrilled to see the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) forecourt including the famous Shane Warne statue. Discover the charm of East Melbournes ornate Victorian terraced homes and head northeast to Little Italy, where youll be surrounded by a multitude of restaurants and boutique shops. Marvel at the exquisite architecture of the UNESCO heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building & cross over the Yarra River to reach Southbank before journeying into South Melbourne and cruising along the shores of Port Phillip Bay. 



Stretch your legs & enjoy a photo stop at Luna Park in St Kilda before visiting Melbournes Shrine of Remembrance, where visitors can pay their respects and honour the sacrifices made by Australian soldiers while enjoying extraordinary views. Immerse yourself in nature & relax during a visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens where well visit the Ornamental Lake, home to various water birds and surrounded by stunning botanical displays. Throughout your tour, enjoy Go West Tours unique “Journey Through Time” a curated historic photographs presentation, which is accessible only via the QR code provided by our informative & friendly tour guide. Youll love learning about Melbournes history & having the opportunity to compare the Melbourne of yesteryear with the modern city we explore today


Overnight in Melbourne

Day 11: Melbourne

Location: Melbourne

Accommodation Name: hotel

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




Overnight in Melbourne

Day 12: Melbourne – Cairns

Location: Cairns

Accommodation Name: hotel

This morning 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 via airport shuttle. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.




Overnight in Cairns

Day 13: Cairns

Location: Cairns

Accommodation Name: hotel

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




Overnight in Cairns

Day 14: Cairns

Location: Cairns

Accommodation Name: hotel

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




Overnight in Cairns

Day 15: Cairns – Sydney

Location: Sydney

Accommodation Name: 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, you will be transferred to your hotel via airport shuttle. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. 




Overnight in Sydney

Day 16: Sydney

Location: Sydney

Accommodation Name: hotel

Join a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour by double-decker bus to discover the highlights of Sydney and Bondi Beach. Enjoy unobstructed views and recorded onboard commentary as you travel along two routes to top destinations like Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour, and Bondi Beach. Go in-depth at any given place by simply hopping off the bus to explore. You can experience Sydney and Bondi's most noteworthy attractions at your own pace with your ticket which is valid for 24 hours.


Overnight in Sydney

Day 17: Sydney

Location: Sydney

Accommodation Name: hotel

Spend the day at leisure or pre-book an optional tour.




Overnight in Sydney

Day 18: Sydney (Departure)

Location: Sydney

In the morning, at the arranged time, you will be picked up and transferred to the Sydney International Airport for your flight back home.

What's Included

  • 17 nights accommodation

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

  • Daily buffet breakfast

    Daily buffet breakfast in New Zealand.

  • Airport transfers

    All arrival and departure airport transfers via airport shuttle.

  • Transportation

    All transportation in air-conditioned modern vehicles.

  • English-speaking guide

    Services of an English-speaking guide during the tours.

  • Sightseeing

    All sightseeing as per the detailed itinerary.

  • Entrance fees

    All entrance fees as per the detailed itinerary.

  • Domestic flights in New Zealand

    Domestic flights in New Zealand (Auckland – Christchurch).

  • Domestic flights in Australia

    Domestic flights in Australia (Melbourne – Cairns – Sydney).

  • Regional flight

    Regional flight (Queenstown – Melbourne).

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What's Not Included

  • Personal expenses

    Items of a personal nature, tips, and gratuities.

  • Transfers for land-only passengers

    Arrival and departure transfers for land-only passengers.

  • Unmentioned items

    Items not mentioned as included.

Mode of Transport

All transportation is provided in air-conditioned modern vehicles, including arrival and departure airport transfers via airport shuttle, and domestic flights within New Zealand and Australia.

Accommodation

Enjoy 17 nights of accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at listed superior hotels or similar, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your journey.

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is provided during the tour?

    All transportation is provided in air-conditioned modern vehicles, including arrival and departure airport transfers via airport shuttle, and domestic flights within New Zealand and Australia.

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

    You will enjoy 17 nights of accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at listed superior hotels or similar, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your journey.

  • Is there an English-speaking guide available during the tour?

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

  • 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 should I wear for the Waitomo Glowworm Caves guided tour?

    It is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a warm jacket for the Waitomo Glowworm Caves guided tour.

  • What activities are available in Queenstown during the leisure days?

    You can spend the day at leisure or pre-book one of the optional tours available in Queenstown.

  • What can I expect during the half-day tour of Christchurch?

    The half-day tour of Christchurch covers central city highlights including the botanical gardens, the Museum and Art Centre, the Avon River, the Bridge of Remembrance, and the city's new pop-up container mall. You will also visit Mona Vale, the Sign of the Takahe, the Port of Lyttleton, and the seaside suburb of Sumner.

  • What are some of the highlights of the Melbourne city tour?

    The Melbourne city tour includes exploring Collins Street's Paris end, the Old Treasury Buildings, Parliament House, St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) forecourt, East Melbourne's Victorian terraced homes, Little Italy, the Royal Exhibition Building, Southbank, Port Phillip Bay, Luna Park in St Kilda, the Shrine of Remembrance, and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

  • What is included in the hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour in Sydney?

    The hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour in Sydney includes travel along two routes to top destinations like Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour, and Bondi Beach. You can hop off the bus to explore any given place in-depth and enjoy recorded onboard commentary.

  • 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.

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Wednesday - Saturday

Nov 27, 2024 - Dec 14, 2024
$4567

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Feb 12, 2025 - Mar 01, 2025
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Feb 26, 2025 - Mar 15, 2025
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Wednesday - Saturday

Mar 12, 2025 - Mar 29, 2025
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Mar 26, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025
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May 14, 2025 - May 31, 2025
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May 28, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025
$4357

Wednesday - Saturday

Jun 11, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025
$4409

Wednesday - Saturday

Jun 25, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025
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Wednesday - Saturday

Jul 09, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025
$4567

Wednesday - Saturday

Jul 23, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025
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Wednesday - Saturday

Aug 13, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025
$4567

Wednesday - Saturday

Aug 27, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025
$4514

Wednesday - Saturday

Sep 10, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025
$4462

Wednesday - Saturday

Sep 17, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025
$4567
Prices last published on 20-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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