15 DAY DOWNUNDER HIGHLIGHTS
DOWN UNDER TRAVEL
A two-week introduction to the highlights of Australia and New Zealand.
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Start Location: Melbourne
End Location: Queenstown
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
- Melbourne City Tour
- Melbourne Colonial Tramcar Dinner
- Penguins of Phillip Island
- Tropical North Queensland
- Hartley
- Kuranda Rainforest Tour
- Kuranda Scenic Train
- Tjapukai Cultural Centre
- Great Barrier Reef Cruise
- Captain Cook Sunset Dinner Cruise
- Bondi Beach
- Sydney City Tour
- Blue Mountain Excursion
- Katoomba Scenic Railway
- Auckland City Tour
- Mount Eden
- Waitomo Caves
- Te Puia Thermal Reserve
- Maori Arts and Crafts Centre
- Maori Hangi
- Cultural Performance
- Christchurch City Tour
- Lake Wakatipu
- Fiordland National Park
- Milford Sound Cruise
- Te Anau
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DATES & PRICES
We accept 
Interested in this trip? Contact Us for 2020 dates and prices
Why Take An Anderson Tour?
Seasoned Tour Guides
Get a deeper understanding with storytelling tailored to your interests.
Space To Breathe
We never max out buses even if we use the same size bus as the competition.
All Inclusive
No hidden expenses along the way. Competitors offer activities as an extra - we don't
Our guide training manual is accredited by ACTA/CITC Canadian Educational Standard Inc. Now used as the standard in educational college programs.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 14 nights of accommodation (3-4 star)
- Professional Tour Leader
- Guided sightseeing with local specialist guides
- Transportation on deluxe motorcoach
- Domestic airfare
- 30 meals: 14 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 14 dinners
EXCLUSIONS
- Gratuities to driver (Recommend $3-$4 per person per day)
- Gratuities to guide (Recommend $5-$7 per person per day)
- Items of a personal nature
- Meals not listed
- Attractions not listed
- Credit card payment fees, where applicable
- Airfare — domestic and international (Unless Specified)
- Travel insurance (Strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
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 of 24 persons may join the tour although tours commonly travel with anywhere between 18 to 24 travellers.
However, if the tour is classified as a 'Tour of Distinction, only up to of 18 persons 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. Select departures of many tours are 'Pre- Guaranteed'.
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.
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.
What is your recommended spending amount for non-included meals?
The suggested allowance for non-included meals is $40.00 – $60.00 CAD per day (with tipping).
Can you accommodate passengers with dietary restrictions (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian etc.)?
Yes, but within reason. 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 help with booking airport transfers for you in most locations at a reasonable extra cost. Several tours have airport transfers already included. Please ask for 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. Please inquire for further information and prices.
Can you assist with booking airline flights?
Yes! We can help with booking your flights for you. We do not recommend you book any flights until you receive your booking confirmation from Anderson Vacations including specific confirmation that your tour is 'Guaranteed'. Please be aware that you may be liable for airline cancellation costs should your tour not become guaranteed and your travel dates need to be amended or cancelled.
I am a solo traveler. 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 rooms with another same gender traveller. No Single Supplement payment is charged to you in this case.
Is it possible to book a triple share accommodation?
Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire about this option, as prices and availability varies from tour to tour.
Can we book this tour with our exclusive group?
Anderson Vacations works with many private groups and helps to customize a tour to travellers needs. Please ask us for 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.
Ready? Have More Questions?
Over 25 years offering custom trips and small group tours.
INQUIRE ABOUT THIS TRIP
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
Seasoned Tour Guides
Get a deeper understanding with storytelling tailored to your interests.
Space To Breathe
We never max out buses even if we use the same size bus as the competition.
All Inclusive
No hidden expenses along the way. Competitors offer activities as an extra - we don't
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Tour Code
DUHI
15 Day Downunder Highlights
15 days
Created On: 28 Nov 2020
Day 9: Sydney - Auckland, New Zealand
Today we fly to Auckland, located in the northern part of New Zealand; the cosmopolitan city of Auckland is the largest metropolitan area in the country. The geographical location of Auckland is such that it lies between the Hauraki Gulf of the Pacific Ocean to the east, the low Hunua Ranges to the southeast, the Manukau Harbour to the southwest, and the Waitakere Ranges and smaller ranges to the west and northwest. The region is also the site of Auckland Volcanic Field, comprising of around 50 volcanoes. This is perhaps the most vibrant and bustling city in New Zealand. Auckland is also the biggest Polynesian city in the world, a cultural influence reflected in many different aspects of city life.
Overnight: Auckland
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Auckland, New Zealand
This morning we begin our tour of Auckland. Travelling via Auckland's 'Golden Mile', our tour takes us through the university grounds past many of Auckland's historical buildings. We will make a stop at the Parnell Rose Garden before continuing to Parnell Village, the Central Business District, the Mission Bay area, Tamaki Drive, and the Harbour Bridge before our visit to the Auckland Museum. Three expansive levels tell the story of New Zealand's history, from emergence as a nation through the loss and suffering of war, to their uniquely ancient natural history and priceless Maori and Pacific treasures.
Overnight: Auckland
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: Auckland - Rotorua, New Zealand
This morning as we depart from Auckland we will travel to the crest of Mt Eden and enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the city. This dormant volcano, complete with crater, allows us to clearly view Auckland's setting between two harbours. We leave the 'City of Sails' and travel south through the rich farmland of the Waikato region before arriving at the world-famous Waitomo Caves. Here we will experience a guided tour of the underground limestone caverns and glowworm caves. After this unique experience we continue on to Rotorua, an area of abundant geothermal activity. Rotorua is in the middle of what is called the Taupo Volcanic Zone, which runs from northeast to southwest across the North Island. The area has long been a popular spa area and the locals make use of the hot steam that rises to the surface for heating their homes, cooking, and building their own private hot pools. This afternoon we will visit the Te Puia Thermal Reserve and Maori Arts and Crafts Centre. Here we will discover boiling pools of mud and geysers that spout up to 30m. Tonight we will enjoy a Maori Hangi and cultural performance of song and dance.
Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: Rotorua - Christchurch, New Zealand
Today we fly to Christchurch, the "Garden City" located on New Zealand's scenic South Island. Following the 2010-2011 earthquakes, Christchurch has re-emerged as a vibrant, ever-changing city. Re:START is an outdoor retail and café precinct built in fashionably presented shipping containers. Opened in October 2011, the Re:START container mall offers a unique shopping experience, a number of food caravans and a market. We will explore the city by foot, partly on an open top bus, and possibly have time for you to relax in a punt on the Avon River.
Overnight: Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13: Christchurch - Queenstown, New Zealand
A short flight takes us to the jewel of the South island, Queenstown. Queenstown is situated on Lake Wakatipu and location is stunning; the lake is beautiful and the surrounding mountain scenery adds to the overall splendour. At some point in our time in Queenstown we will take a gondola ride to the top of a mountain for a panoramic view of the town. Depending on the timing of todays flight, you may have some free time for an orientation walk upon arrival in Queenstown. Queenstown has a compact and sophisticated downtown area tucked into a picturesque bay on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Dwarfed by the surrounding mountains, there are amazing views from everywhere. You may choose just to relax, wander the streets, and soak up the atmosphere of the region. Or, you may wish to join one of the optional excursions available, such as a lake cruise, wine tour, jet boating, or a local garden tour.
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14: Milford Sound Day Trip
Today, we join a guided tour into Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound. Many stunning photo stops and nature walks are made along the Milford Highway to make sure you get your special photographs of one of the most spectacular places in the world. We will cruise the length of the Milford Sound fiord beneath sheer cliff heading to the Tasman Sea and stop by amazing natural features, towering waterfalls and seal colonies. On occasion dolphins, whales and the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin may be present.
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 15: Depart Queenstown, New Zealand
After breakfast, transfer to airport as your tour through the land Downunder comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast
