21 DAY DISCOVER NEW ZEALAND & AUSTRALIA
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive Auckland
Upon arrival in Auckland you will be transferred to your downtown accommodation. New Zealand's largest city, blending harbour islands, Polynesian culture and a vibrant city centre; Auckland has been ranked amongst top in the world as a lifestyle city.
Overnight: Auckland
Day 2: Auckland Sightseeing
Experience the best of Auckland today visiting the highlights the inner city offers before heading out to the untamed coastline of the rugged West Coast with deep black beaches and subtropical rainforests. Travel to the Arataki Centre perched high on the ridge of the Waitakere Ranges and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean.
Overnight: Auckland
Day 3: Auckland - Paihia, Bay of Islands
Travel north today to the Bay of Islands, situated on the east coast of the North Island. You will find white sandy beaches, cosy coves and a sea pierced by over 150 islands. The area is also home to very important historic sites including evidence of early Polynesian settlements and European explorers such as Captain Cook. This afternoon you will join a dolphin cruise to the Hole in the Rock.
Overnight: Paihia, Bay of Islands
Day 4: Paihia- Auckland
Your afternoon departure allows you time this morning to explore the picturesque village of Paihia. Your local driver guide will point out scenic highlights as you travel through farmland and past native forests on your return. At the end of your journey, enjoy the spectacular views from the Auckland Harbour Bridge as you arrive in Auckland's central city by night.
Overnight: Auckland
Day 5: Auckland - Waitomo Caves - Rotorua
Travel south through the rich farmland of the Waikato on to Waitomo. After lunch (included) begin your guided tour through the long galleries and lofty chambers of the Caves. Your tour continues with a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto, illuminated by thousands of tiny lights from the glowworms suspended from the cave ceiling. Continue onto Rotorua.
Overnight: Rotorua
Day 6: Rotorua Sightseeing
Enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of Rotorua's top attractions including a visit to Te Puia and the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute where you can view mighty geysers and boiling mud pools. Visit Rainbow Springs, a unique showcase of New Zealand's flora and fauna. Experience the Agrodome Sheep Show. Ride the Skyline Gondola ride to the top of Mt Ngongotaha, buffet lunch is included. This evening see warriors in traditional dress paddle an ancient warrior canoe (waka) down the Wai-o-whiro stream as you experience a traditional Maori Hangi (feast).
Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Dinner
Day 7: Rotorua - Queenstown (flight not included)
With a transfer to the airport you will leave the North Island today and fly south to the four season mountain resort town of Queenstown.
Overnight: Queenstown
Day 8: Queenstown at leisure
Enjoy your day at leisure or join a local activity in this lake and alpine resort offering something for everyone from adventure & adrenaline to boutique wineries and lake cruises.
Overnight: Queenstown
Day 9: Milford Sound Day Tour
Today you will travel on an unforgettable journey from Queenstown into Milford Sound. Located within the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, this region is rich with dense rainforest, lakes and waterfalls cascading from rugged mountain peaks. Board your vessel for a spectacular cruise on New Zealand's most famous waterway, return by coach to Queenstown.
Overnight: Queenstown
Day 10: Queenstown - Mt Cook - Christchurch
Leave Queenstown and travel through the rugged and beautiful landscape of Otago. Cross the Lindis Pass into the Mackenzie Country to visit Mount Cook Village at the base of New Zealand's highest mountain Aoraki / Mount Cook on the shores of Lake Tekapo, before continuing to your destination of Christchurch.
Overnight: Christchurch
Day 11: Christchurch - Melbourne (flight not included)
With a transfer to the airport you will leave New Zealand today to fly to Melbourne, Australia.
Overnight: Melbourne
Day 12: Melbourne City & Phillip Island Penguins
This full day tour will include a guided walk through Melbourne's best arcades, laneways, Queen Victoria Market and Chinatown. Visit Churchill Island to look for unique birdlife and see koalas in their natural habitat at the Koala Conservation Centre. Your highlight today will be witnessing the Penguin Parade on floodlit Summerland Beach from the premium viewing area.
Overnight: Melbourne
Day 13: Melbourne to Uluru (Ayers Rock) (flight not included)
With a transfer to Melbourne Airport you will leave the State of Victoria and fly to Ayers Rock in the Red Centre. This evening dine under a million stars at the award winning Sounds of Silence outdoor restaurant in the middle of a desert.
Overnight: Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Day 14: Uluru (Ayers Rock) Sunrise & Guided Walk
Rise early to travel to the Uluru sunrise viewing area, to watch the first rays of the sun set Uluru and the Red Centre alight. After sunrise accompany your guide on the Kuniya Base Walk from Kuniya Piti, a sacred site at Uluru. Afterwards walk to the Mutitjulu Waterhole where your guide will indicate the natural features of the landscape, continue to Kantju Gorge. Later visit the Uluru - Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre.
Overnight: Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Day 15: Uluru (Ayers Rock) - Cairns (flight not included)
With a transfer to the airport you will leave this spectacular iconic region and fly into Cairns located on the stunning coast of Northern Queensland.
Overnight: Cairns
Day 16: Kuranda Heritage Day Tour
Enjoy a full day tour to Kuranda. The tour includes Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Kuranda Scenic Rail, lunch, and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
Overnight: Cairns
Day 17: Cairns - Great Barrier Reef - Port Douglas
Travel by catamaran today out to Agincourt Reef, at the very outer edge of the Barrier Reef. Here, special reefs known as -ribbons' run parallel to the Continental Shelf. Adjacent to the Coral Sea trench, these ribbon reefs are recognised as the most pristine eco-systems in the reef's environment. You will enjoy lunch, snorkeling, coral viewing by a semi submersible, underwater observatory and informative talks by a marine biologist. Return to Port Douglas.
Overnight: Port Douglas
Day 18: Port Douglas at leisure
Take a day to relax in this quaint seaside town, or join an optional tour up to Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest.
Overnight: Port Douglas
Day 19: Port Douglas - Cairns - Sydney (flight not included)
Transfer by shuttle to Cairns to connect with your flight to Sydney.
Day 20: Sydney Sightseeing & Cruise
Set on beautiful blue Sydney Harbour, this fast paced city of cosmopolitan character is one of the world's most beautiful places. Enjoy an unforgettable cruise with buffet lunch aboard Captain Cook Cruises while taking in the splendour of Sydney harbour and surrounds. Your tour will cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Manly and the Northern Beaches.
Day 21: Sydney - Package ends
Your package ends with a transfer to Sydney Airport.
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
- 20 nights of accommodation
- Airport transfers
- Transportation
- Sightseeing and attractions as listed
EXCLUSIONS
- Rotorua to Queenstown Flight
- Christchurch to Melbourne Flight
- Melbourne to Uluru Flight
- Uluru to Cairns Flight
- Cairns to Sydney 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.
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Over 25 years offering custom trips and small group tours.
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Tour Code
21NA
21 Day Discover New Zealand & Australia
21 days
Created On: 22 Dec 2024
Inclusions
- 20 nights of accommodation
- Airport transfers
- Transportation
- Sightseeing and attractions as listed
Exclusions
- Rotorua to Queenstown Flight
- Christchurch to Melbourne Flight
- Melbourne to Uluru Flight
- Uluru to Cairns Flight
- Cairns to Sydney 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 Auckland
Upon arrival in Auckland you will be transferred to your downtown accommodation. New Zealand's largest city, blending harbour islands, Polynesian culture and a vibrant city centre; Auckland has been ranked amongst top in the world as a lifestyle city.
Overnight: Auckland
Day 2: Auckland Sightseeing
Experience the best of Auckland today visiting the highlights the inner city offers before heading out to the untamed coastline of the rugged West Coast with deep black beaches and subtropical rainforests. Travel to the Arataki Centre perched high on the ridge of the Waitakere Ranges and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean.
Overnight: Auckland
Day 3: Auckland - Paihia, Bay of Islands
Travel north today to the Bay of Islands, situated on the east coast of the North Island. You will find white sandy beaches, cosy coves and a sea pierced by over 150 islands. The area is also home to very important historic sites including evidence of early Polynesian settlements and European explorers such as Captain Cook. This afternoon you will join a dolphin cruise to the Hole in the Rock.
Overnight: Paihia, Bay of Islands
Day 4: Paihia- Auckland
Your afternoon departure allows you time this morning to explore the picturesque village of Paihia. Your local driver guide will point out scenic highlights as you travel through farmland and past native forests on your return. At the end of your journey, enjoy the spectacular views from the Auckland Harbour Bridge as you arrive in Auckland's central city by night.
Overnight: Auckland
Day 5: Auckland - Waitomo Caves - Rotorua
Travel south through the rich farmland of the Waikato on to Waitomo. After lunch (included) begin your guided tour through the long galleries and lofty chambers of the Caves. Your tour continues with a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto, illuminated by thousands of tiny lights from the glowworms suspended from the cave ceiling. Continue onto Rotorua.
Overnight: Rotorua
Day 6: Rotorua Sightseeing
Enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of Rotorua's top attractions including a visit to Te Puia and the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute where you can view mighty geysers and boiling mud pools. Visit Rainbow Springs, a unique showcase of New Zealand's flora and fauna. Experience the Agrodome Sheep Show. Ride the Skyline Gondola ride to the top of Mt Ngongotaha, buffet lunch is included. This evening see warriors in traditional dress paddle an ancient warrior canoe (waka) down the Wai-o-whiro stream as you experience a traditional Maori Hangi (feast).
Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Dinner
Day 7: Rotorua - Queenstown (flight not included)
With a transfer to the airport you will leave the North Island today and fly south to the four season mountain resort town of Queenstown.
Overnight: Queenstown
Day 8: Queenstown at leisure
Enjoy your day at leisure or join a local activity in this lake and alpine resort offering something for everyone from adventure & adrenaline to boutique wineries and lake cruises.
Overnight: Queenstown
Day 9: Milford Sound Day Tour
Today you will travel on an unforgettable journey from Queenstown into Milford Sound. Located within the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, this region is rich with dense rainforest, lakes and waterfalls cascading from rugged mountain peaks. Board your vessel for a spectacular cruise on New Zealand's most famous waterway, return by coach to Queenstown.
Overnight: Queenstown
Day 10: Queenstown - Mt Cook - Christchurch
Leave Queenstown and travel through the rugged and beautiful landscape of Otago. Cross the Lindis Pass into the Mackenzie Country to visit Mount Cook Village at the base of New Zealand's highest mountain Aoraki / Mount Cook on the shores of Lake Tekapo, before continuing to your destination of Christchurch.
Overnight: Christchurch
Day 11: Christchurch - Melbourne (flight not included)
With a transfer to the airport you will leave New Zealand today to fly to Melbourne, Australia.
Overnight: Melbourne
Day 12: Melbourne City & Phillip Island Penguins
This full day tour will include a guided walk through Melbourne's best arcades, laneways, Queen Victoria Market and Chinatown. Visit Churchill Island to look for unique birdlife and see koalas in their natural habitat at the Koala Conservation Centre. Your highlight today will be witnessing the Penguin Parade on floodlit Summerland Beach from the premium viewing area.
Overnight: Melbourne
Day 13: Melbourne to Uluru (Ayers Rock) (flight not included)
With a transfer to Melbourne Airport you will leave the State of Victoria and fly to Ayers Rock in the Red Centre. This evening dine under a million stars at the award winning Sounds of Silence outdoor restaurant in the middle of a desert.
Overnight: Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Day 14: Uluru (Ayers Rock) Sunrise & Guided Walk
Rise early to travel to the Uluru sunrise viewing area, to watch the first rays of the sun set Uluru and the Red Centre alight. After sunrise accompany your guide on the Kuniya Base Walk from Kuniya Piti, a sacred site at Uluru. Afterwards walk to the Mutitjulu Waterhole where your guide will indicate the natural features of the landscape, continue to Kantju Gorge. Later visit the Uluru - Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre.
Overnight: Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Day 15: Uluru (Ayers Rock) - Cairns (flight not included)
With a transfer to the airport you will leave this spectacular iconic region and fly into Cairns located on the stunning coast of Northern Queensland.
Overnight: Cairns
Day 16: Kuranda Heritage Day Tour
Enjoy a full day tour to Kuranda. The tour includes Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Kuranda Scenic Rail, lunch, and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
Overnight: Cairns
Day 17: Cairns - Great Barrier Reef - Port Douglas
Travel by catamaran today out to Agincourt Reef, at the very outer edge of the Barrier Reef. Here, special reefs known as -ribbons' run parallel to the Continental Shelf. Adjacent to the Coral Sea trench, these ribbon reefs are recognised as the most pristine eco-systems in the reef's environment. You will enjoy lunch, snorkeling, coral viewing by a semi submersible, underwater observatory and informative talks by a marine biologist. Return to Port Douglas.
Overnight: Port Douglas
Day 18: Port Douglas at leisure
Take a day to relax in this quaint seaside town, or join an optional tour up to Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest.
Overnight: Port Douglas
Day 19: Port Douglas - Cairns - Sydney (flight not included)
Transfer by shuttle to Cairns to connect with your flight to Sydney.
Day 20: Sydney Sightseeing & Cruise
Set on beautiful blue Sydney Harbour, this fast paced city of cosmopolitan character is one of the world's most beautiful places. Enjoy an unforgettable cruise with buffet lunch aboard Captain Cook Cruises while taking in the splendour of Sydney harbour and surrounds. Your tour will cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Manly and the Northern Beaches.
Day 21: Sydney - Package ends
Your package ends with a transfer to Sydney Airport.
