15 DAY AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND PANORAMA
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND TRIP
This fully escorted 15 days Australia & New Zealand Panorama visits the city sights of Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, Melbourne, Sydney & Cairns plus the Barrier Reef with options to explore further.
READ MORE >
Start Location: Melbourne
End Location: Auckland
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
- Meet some super cute native Australian animals at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
- Take a walk beneath the famous sails of Sydney Opera House
- Enjoy a special Be My Guest experience at the Aboriginal Tjapukai Cultural Park
- Meet a Bondi Life Saver for a super cool look at Australian beach culture then join them for a traditional Aussie lunch
- In Rotorua, guests experience rich Maori traditions and culture with the Tamaki family and enjoy a delicious tradition Hangi meal cooked in the ground
- Take a boat cruise through spectacular caves to see Waitomo's famous Glow Worms
- Gain insight in to Maori Culture at Whakarewarewa Thermal Village
- Spot a super cute kiwi or two at Rainbow Springs Nature Park
- Discover the hidden gems of Melbourne
- Learn about the importance of agriculture to New Zealand's economy during a hilarious, live-action sheep show
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive Melbourne
Welcome to Melbourne! On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. This evening join your Travel Director for a welcome reception and dinner on board the famous Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. It's a great opportunity to get to know everyone in a unique setting.
Overnight: Melbourne
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Melbourne Sightseeing
Join your Travel Director for a cultural insight. Your city sights tour includes a private walk through Melbourne's famous hidden laneways. You'll discover the city's eclectic little lanes, arcades, café society and fascinating street art. Spend the rest of the day as you choose.
Overnight: Melbourne
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Melbourne - Cairns (flights not included)
This morning you will be transferred to Melbourne Airport for your flight to Cairns, Queensland. On arrival join a private wildlife journey at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures. Enjoy a boat cruise and encounter koalas, wallabies, birds, crocodiles and more! This evening is free for your to choose from the numerous restaurants that Cairns has to offer.
Overnight: Cairns
Day 4: Cairns Sightseeing
Today is a free day to do as you choose. A great option is the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda, be amazed as you travel over and through World Heritage rainforest, explore quaint Kuranda village and later board the Kuranda Scenic Rail for this historic rail journey. 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!
In the evening re-join your travelling companions for a Be My Guest dining experience at Tjapukai Cultural Park. Hear dreamtime stories, witness a high impact dance performance and enjoy dinner with your local host to the sounds of the didgeridoo.
Overnight: Cairns
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Great Barrier Reef
Get ready for an experience of a lifetime "“ board a high speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. You can snorkel and view this natural living wonder up close (equipment provided) or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-submersible craft, just one metre underwater. Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch before you return to Cairns.
Overnight: Cairns
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Cairns - Sydney (flights not included)
This morning you'll fly to Sydney. On arrival there's time to relax or explore before boarding a Captain Cook Sunset Dinner Cruise. Enjoy a two course à la carte meal and the mesmerising views of Sydney at night. You'll pass magnificent waterfront homes, beaches and parklands and all the main harbour attractions including the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Sydney Sightseeing
Kick off this highlight day on a guided tour of Sydney Opera House with a local expert. Later, your destination is famous Bondi Beach, for an iconic Australian experience. You'll be greeted by a local surf lifesaver before lunch at an Aussie institution, the Returned Servicemen's Club, with its views over the Pacific Ocean. Your host will take you on an exclusive tour through Australia's oldest surf lifesaving club for an insight into the history of Bondi and surf lifesaving. Later spend free time exploring or shopping, enjoy an optional experience or maybe just take a stroll along the harbour front.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: Sydney Sightseeing
This morning you'll be transferred to Melbourne Airport for your flight to Cairns, Queensland. On arrival visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, a celebration of the living history of the Indigenous people of the rainforest. Discover the medicinal values of bush tucker and enjoy professional theatre incorporating traditional Aboriginal dance, fire making and storytelling. Join an Indigenous guide for a fun introduction to Aboriginal art and see how Aboriginal culture is expressed in their artwork. Complete your own boomerang dot painting, which you can take home as a souvenir of your experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Sydney - Queenstown (flight not included)
This morning say farewell to Sydney and fly to Queenstown, New Zealand. On arrival explore the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown, before an orientation tour of Queenstown and surrounds. This evening join your Travel Director for dinner at The Boatshed. Set in the restored historic New Zealand Railways Shipping Office and relocated to its lakefront setting in 1936, The Boatshed, with its spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range, is the perfect venue for your exclusive highlight dinner with wine.
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Queenstown Sightseeing
You have a free day to do as you choose in New Zealand's adventure capital. Why not take an optional experience to breathtaking Milford Sound for a cruise on the majestic fiord.
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11: Queenstown Sightseeing
Make the most of your last day in New Zealand's adventure capital. Perhaps you'll choose to ride a Shotover Jet Boat or take an excursion through skipper's canyon. You might take the time to explore Queenstown on your own, try one of the restaurants while soaking up alpine views.
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12: Queenstown - Rotorua (flight not included)
Fly from Queenstown to Rotorua, the cultural centre of New Zealand. This evening experience the traditional world of Maori in a 200 year old Tawa setting. 'Be My Guest' and share the Powhiri, an ancient ceremony of welcome. Enter the Meeting House and witness a powerful and entertaining cultural performance. This is followed by a Maori Hangi dinner accompanied by local wine and a concert at the Tamaki Family Marae.
Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13: Rotorua Sightseeing
This morning a Maori local expert will accompany you around the Whakarewarewa Living Thermal Village, where you'll gain an appreciation of Maori culture. See New Zealand's biggest geyser, bubbling mud pools and thermal springs. Your next stop is Rainbow Springs Nature Park for a tour with a local expert. You may even spot a kiwi! Then visit the Agrodome Sheep Show, the multi-award winning stage show, for a cultural insight and taste of farm life.
Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14: Rotorua - Auckland (flight not included)
Travel to the Waitomo Caves to see the incredible Glow Worm Grotto and Limestone Caves with a local expert. Later, on arrival in Auckland you'll see the sights on a city tour. This evening join your Travel Director and new-found friends for a farewell dinner at 'Eight' at The Langham. Your personal degustation is prepared for you from the freshest, quality ingredients, including mouth-watering seafood and delicious desserts.
Overnight: Auckland
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 15: Depart Auckland
Your holiday concludes this morning after breakfast. It's time to bid you farewell as we transfer you to Auckland Airport for your onward flight (flights anytime).
Meals: Breakfast
DATES & PRICES
We accept 
Interested in this trip? Contact Us for 2025 dates and prices
Applicable taxes vary depending on travel destination and are not included. Please ask your sales agent what extra taxes will be payable for your tour.
WHY CHOOSE ANDERSON VACATIONS?
Anderson Vacations
Other Companies
Small Group Tours
Travel with a limited number of participants for a personalized journey with a tour leader.Experienced Tour Leaders
Who have gone through intensive vetting and training.(But most contract their tour leaders from Anderson Vacations.)
Canadian Travel Experts
With at least 30 years of experience.Min. 95% Satisfaction Rate
From past guests.Travel to unique places, visit more attractions each day.
Without the distractions of tipping.Activities and excursions included as part of the tour.
(Not as add-ons.)Sustainability
Planting one tree for every passenger that travels with us.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 14 nights of accommodation
- Travel by luxury coach
- Airport transfers
- Sightseeing and attractions as listed
EXCLUSIONS
- Melbourne to Cairns flight
- Cairns to Sydney flight
- Sydney to Queenstown flight
- Queenstown to Rotorua flight
- Rotorua to Auckland flight
- Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
- Taxes as applicable
- Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Drivers
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
Can't find what you're looking for?
Our specialists can take away the stress and create a custom trip tailored to your exact interests and budget.
Get A Custom Quote
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
Custom Trip Plans
You can see what you want, when you want, how you want.
Unique Experiences
Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way.
Freedom To Explore
Time to take in each place with only the tours you want to do.
Tour Questions
What is the maximum number of travellers in a group?
Anderson Vacations specializes in Small Group Fully Escorted tours. If the tour is classified as a ‘Classic Tour’ up to 24 persons may join the tour although tours commonly travel with anywhere between 18 to 24 travellers. If the tour is classified as a 'Tour of Distinction’ only up to 18 persons may join the tour and many 'Tours of Distinction' travel with 12 to 18 travellers.
What are Guaranteed Departures?
After dreaming about travel to an exciting destination, arranging for time off work, booking your flights the last thing you need is for your trip to be cancelled. Anderson vacation's pre-Guaranteed tours take the uncertainty away from planning your travel and give you peace of mind to book our tours. Pre-Guaranteed Tours are group tours that we have already confirmed as certain to travel on the specified date. All 'Guaranteed Tours' will travel except in the event of a natural disaster or a catastrophic event that is beyond our control. They may already have the minimum number of people booked or else are tours that are known to be popular. Only select departures of tours are 'pre-Guaranteed'.
What happens if I book on a tour that is not Guaranteed?
We pride ourselves on providing “a small shared group experience.” In the event that we have fewer than ten participants on a tour we will offer a “small-group surcharge” to ensure that the tour runs as scheduled. This fee, which is up to 15% of the “land” portion of the tour, will be offered to you as an option to continue with the trip. This fee will cover the costs associated with handling a smaller group.
What is the average age of passengers for this tour?
Our tours are suitable for all age demographics. The average age of travelers is typically 45+.
How physically demanding is this tour? Are you able to accommodate people with mobility restrictions/limitations?
Some tours are mainly coach based and may not be physically demanding while others may require walking inclines or on rough surfaces to access interesting locations. Please check with us and your booking agent carefully and discuss your mobility restrictions before completing any tour booking to ensure this style of travel is right for you.
Can you accommodate passengers with dietary restrictions (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian etc.)?
Yes, we do accommodate dietary restrictions (within reason) such as, food allergies, vegan, vegetarian, etc. There are many meals included on our fully escorted tours. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking so we can ensure there are alternative meal choices.
Booking & Flight Questions
Do you arrange airport transfers?
Yes, we can assist you with airport transfers for you in most locations at a reasonable extra cost. Several tours have airport transfers already included. Please contact us for more details.
Can you assist with booking additional accommodation?
Yes, we can certainly assist with booking additional nights of hotel accommodation for you before and after your fully escorted tour. This is available upon request and subject to availability. Please inquire for further information and prices.
How much luggage should I bring?
Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight limit for baggage is 20 kilograms or about 40 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages but there may be places where you will be required to wheel in your bags for quicker access. Be sure to advise our reservations staff if you will be bringing additional items such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair. You may also bring one small soft-sided carry-on bag, which should easily fit into the overhead shelf of a coach. Each person is responsible for his/her own carryon luggage. Remember to check your airline baggage restrictions if you are flying, as they may differ from Anderson Vacations guidelines.
I am a solo traveller. Is there a single surcharge?
There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo travellers can choose to pay a Single Supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share with a co-traveller of the same gender, we have a Twin Share option that is offered for most tours where you share a hotel room with another same gender traveller. In this case, you will not be charged for Single Supplement.
Is it possible to book a triple share accommodation?
Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire or contact us regarding this option, as prices and availability vary from tour to tour.
Can we book this tour with our exclusive group?
Yes, you can! Anderson Vacations works with many private groups and helps to customize a tour to traveller’s needs. Please contact us for more details.
Are gratuities included in the tour cost?
For convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals that are specified in the itinerary are included in the tour price. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 10-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Coach Driver (where appropriate) and Tour Director are entirely at your discretion. We recommend about CDN $5.00 per person, per day, for your Driver and CDN$7.00 per person, per day for your Tour Leader.
TOURS YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
Ready? Have More Questions?
Over 25 years offering custom trips and small group tours.
INQUIRE ABOUT THIS TRIP
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
DOWNLOAD
Tour Code
16AN
15 Day Australia and New Zealand Panorama
15 days
Created On: 30 Dec 2024
Highlights
- Meet some super cute native Australian animals at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
- Take a walk beneath the famous sails of Sydney Opera House
- Enjoy a special Be My Guest experience at the Aboriginal Tjapukai Cultural Park
- Meet a Bondi Life Saver for a super cool look at Australian beach culture then join them for a traditional Aussie lunch
- In Rotorua, guests experience rich Maori traditions and culture with the Tamaki family and enjoy a delicious tradition Hangi meal cooked in the ground
- Take a boat cruise through spectacular caves to see Waitomo's famous Glow Worms
- Gain insight in to Maori Culture at Whakarewarewa Thermal Village
- Spot a super cute kiwi or two at Rainbow Springs Nature Park
- Discover the hidden gems of Melbourne
- Learn about the importance of agriculture to New Zealand's economy during a hilarious, live-action sheep show
Inclusions
- 14 nights of accommodation
- Travel by luxury coach
- Airport transfers
- Sightseeing and attractions as listed
Exclusions
- Melbourne to Cairns flight
- Cairns to Sydney flight
- Sydney to Queenstown flight
- Queenstown to Rotorua flight
- Rotorua to Auckland flight
- Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
- Taxes as applicable
- Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Drivers
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Melbourne
Welcome to Melbourne! On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. This evening join your Travel Director for a welcome reception and dinner on board the famous Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. It's a great opportunity to get to know everyone in a unique setting.
Overnight: Melbourne
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Melbourne Sightseeing
Join your Travel Director for a cultural insight. Your city sights tour includes a private walk through Melbourne's famous hidden laneways. You'll discover the city's eclectic little lanes, arcades, café society and fascinating street art. Spend the rest of the day as you choose.
Overnight: Melbourne
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Melbourne - Cairns (flights not included)
This morning you will be transferred to Melbourne Airport for your flight to Cairns, Queensland. On arrival join a private wildlife journey at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures. Enjoy a boat cruise and encounter koalas, wallabies, birds, crocodiles and more! This evening is free for your to choose from the numerous restaurants that Cairns has to offer.
Overnight: Cairns
Day 4: Cairns Sightseeing
Today is a free day to do as you choose. A great option is the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda, be amazed as you travel over and through World Heritage rainforest, explore quaint Kuranda village and later board the Kuranda Scenic Rail for this historic rail journey. 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!
In the evening re-join your travelling companions for a Be My Guest dining experience at Tjapukai Cultural Park. Hear dreamtime stories, witness a high impact dance performance and enjoy dinner with your local host to the sounds of the didgeridoo.
Overnight: Cairns
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Great Barrier Reef
Get ready for an experience of a lifetime "“ board a high speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. You can snorkel and view this natural living wonder up close (equipment provided) or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-submersible craft, just one metre underwater. Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch before you return to Cairns.
Overnight: Cairns
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Cairns - Sydney (flights not included)
This morning you'll fly to Sydney. On arrival there's time to relax or explore before boarding a Captain Cook Sunset Dinner Cruise. Enjoy a two course à la carte meal and the mesmerising views of Sydney at night. You'll pass magnificent waterfront homes, beaches and parklands and all the main harbour attractions including the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Sydney Sightseeing
Kick off this highlight day on a guided tour of Sydney Opera House with a local expert. Later, your destination is famous Bondi Beach, for an iconic Australian experience. You'll be greeted by a local surf lifesaver before lunch at an Aussie institution, the Returned Servicemen's Club, with its views over the Pacific Ocean. Your host will take you on an exclusive tour through Australia's oldest surf lifesaving club for an insight into the history of Bondi and surf lifesaving. Later spend free time exploring or shopping, enjoy an optional experience or maybe just take a stroll along the harbour front.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: Sydney Sightseeing
This morning you'll be transferred to Melbourne Airport for your flight to Cairns, Queensland. On arrival visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, a celebration of the living history of the Indigenous people of the rainforest. Discover the medicinal values of bush tucker and enjoy professional theatre incorporating traditional Aboriginal dance, fire making and storytelling. Join an Indigenous guide for a fun introduction to Aboriginal art and see how Aboriginal culture is expressed in their artwork. Complete your own boomerang dot painting, which you can take home as a souvenir of your experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Sydney - Queenstown (flight not included)
This morning say farewell to Sydney and fly to Queenstown, New Zealand. On arrival explore the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown, before an orientation tour of Queenstown and surrounds. This evening join your Travel Director for dinner at The Boatshed. Set in the restored historic New Zealand Railways Shipping Office and relocated to its lakefront setting in 1936, The Boatshed, with its spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range, is the perfect venue for your exclusive highlight dinner with wine.
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Queenstown Sightseeing
You have a free day to do as you choose in New Zealand's adventure capital. Why not take an optional experience to breathtaking Milford Sound for a cruise on the majestic fiord.
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11: Queenstown Sightseeing
Make the most of your last day in New Zealand's adventure capital. Perhaps you'll choose to ride a Shotover Jet Boat or take an excursion through skipper's canyon. You might take the time to explore Queenstown on your own, try one of the restaurants while soaking up alpine views.
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12: Queenstown - Rotorua (flight not included)
Fly from Queenstown to Rotorua, the cultural centre of New Zealand. This evening experience the traditional world of Maori in a 200 year old Tawa setting. 'Be My Guest' and share the Powhiri, an ancient ceremony of welcome. Enter the Meeting House and witness a powerful and entertaining cultural performance. This is followed by a Maori Hangi dinner accompanied by local wine and a concert at the Tamaki Family Marae.
Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13: Rotorua Sightseeing
This morning a Maori local expert will accompany you around the Whakarewarewa Living Thermal Village, where you'll gain an appreciation of Maori culture. See New Zealand's biggest geyser, bubbling mud pools and thermal springs. Your next stop is Rainbow Springs Nature Park for a tour with a local expert. You may even spot a kiwi! Then visit the Agrodome Sheep Show, the multi-award winning stage show, for a cultural insight and taste of farm life.
Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14: Rotorua - Auckland (flight not included)
Travel to the Waitomo Caves to see the incredible Glow Worm Grotto and Limestone Caves with a local expert. Later, on arrival in Auckland you'll see the sights on a city tour. This evening join your Travel Director and new-found friends for a farewell dinner at 'Eight' at The Langham. Your personal degustation is prepared for you from the freshest, quality ingredients, including mouth-watering seafood and delicious desserts.
Overnight: Auckland
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 15: Depart Auckland
Your holiday concludes this morning after breakfast. It's time to bid you farewell as we transfer you to Auckland Airport for your onward flight (flights anytime).
Meals: Breakfast
