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Australia’s Outback to New Zealand’s South Island Escorted Coach Tour

Travel from Sydney, Australia, to Christchurch, New Zealand, and discover the charm of the Land Down Under. From the stunning peaks of the mountains to the serene fjords and the rugged beauty of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Alice Springs, you can experience the diverse and wondrous beauty of Down Under. Embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey filled with unforgettable memories.

Australia’s Outback to New Zealand’s South Island Escorted Coach Tour

DEPARTURE DATE: March 22, 2024
Countries Visited: Australia, New Zealand

OVERVIEW

Venture through the natural splendour of New Zealand's Southern Alps and the stillness of Australia’s rugged Outback. Delve into the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. Take a “Dreamtime tour” in the Outback, introducing you to Aboriginal life and culture. Tour Sydney Opera House with an expert guide. Enjoy a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour. Meet Australia and New Zealand's famous wildlife up-close. Settle in for a 3-night stay in Queenstown. Cruise Milford Sound. From Alice Springs and Uluru (Ayers Rock) to snow-capped peaks and fjords, explore the diverse wonders of the lands Down Under.

Travel Dates & Pricing

TRAVEL DATEPRICETYPE
March 22, 2024from $7,199 CADPer Person

What's Included

  • 17 night escorted coach tour from Sydney, Australia to Christchurch, New Zealand
  • 8 Handpicked Accommodations
  • 28 Meals – 17 breakfast, 2 lunch, 9 dinner
  • 2 Choice on Tour Options
  • Taxes
Must-See Inclusions:
  • Explore the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Discover the origins of the Arrernte Aboriginal people on a "Dreamtime Tour."
  • Explore Kata Tjuta and the base of Ayers Rock (Uluru).
  • Cultural Experiences:
  • Overnight in the majestic Mt. Cook National Park.
  • Take a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House – an architectural wonder.
  • Cruise Milford Sound, taking in the natural beauty that surrounds you.
Culinary Inclusions:
  • Witness Ayers Rock at sunset while you sip champagne.
  • Take in the sights during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour.
  • Dine with a Kiwi family in their home.

Itinerary

DAYDATEPLACE
1Fri Mar 22Sydney, Australia
2Sat Mar 23Sydney, Australia
3Sun Mar 24Sydney, Australia
4Mon Mar 25Cairns, Australia
5Tue Mar 26Cairns, Australia
6Wed Mar 27Cairns, Australia
7Thu Mar 28Alice Springs, Australia
8Fri Mar 29Alice Springs, Australia
9Sat Mar 30Uluru, Australia
10Sun Mar 31Melbourne, Australia
11Mon Apr 1Melbourne, Australia
12Tue Apr 2Queenstown, New Zealand
13Wed Apr 3Queenstown, New Zealand
14Thu Apr 4Queenstown, New Zealand
15Fri Apr 5Mount Cook, New Zealand
16Sat Apr 6Christchurch, New Zealand
17Sun Apr 7Christchurch, New Zealand
18Mon Apr 8Christchurch, New Zealand

Depart Canada on March 20, 2024

Tour starts on March 22, 2024

DAY 1 – Sydney, Australia

Your tour opens in Sydney, perhaps one of the friendliest metropolis in the world. Tonight join your fellow travellers and toast to the start of your adventure down under during dinner in lively Darling Harbour.

DAY 2 – Sydney, Australia

See where English colonists first settled during a city tour of Sydney, featuring Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens, and the fashionable suburb of Darlinghurst. Take an expert-led tour of the Sydney Opera House, poised majestically on Sydney Harbour. Then, have the chance to join a special presentation at the National Opal Collection. In the evening, consider an optional dinner and engaging performance at the famous Opera House.

DAY 3 – Sydney, Australia

Deepen your exploration of Sydney’s many wonders with a day at leisure. Tonight, enjoy scenic vistas of Sydney during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour. Marvel at the magnificent skyline and iconic attractions: the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

DAY 4 – Cairns, Australia

Fly to Cairns, the tropical gateway to one of the world’s most spectacular natural attractions – the Great Barrier Reef (UNESCO). Established as a marine park in 1975, the reef is a haven for thousands of species of sea life, as well as turtles and birds.

DAY 5 – Cairns, Australia

Soak up the tropical atmosphere – the morning is yours. Perhaps you will take an optional tour on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, taking you above the rainforest canopy for a bird’s-eye view of unspoiled nature. This afternoon, visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures to see crocodiles on a nature cruise. Head through rainforests on boardwalks to see animals such as wild birds, reptiles, and wallabies. Visit with a koala and chat with a wildlife naturalist to learn more about these furry creatures.

DAY 6 – Cairns, Australia

Board a glass-bottom catamaran and sail to the Low Isles to discover the aquatic realm of the Great Barrier Reef. Spend the day however you please, perhaps choosing from a selection of included activities. Maybe you’ll soak up the sun on a tiny remote island,* located along the outer reef. Or, consider snorkelling in the rolling waves, uncovering a pod of vibrant sea life. You can also meet with a marine biologist or join an expert on a heritage trail walk along the island.

DAY 7 – Alice Springs, Australia

Experience the vast landscapes and tranquility of the Outback. Your flight takes you to Alice Springs, the perfect place to begin exploring this unique land. Tonight, continue your cultural immersion with a memorable bush dinner set against the backdrop of this unique desert environment.

DAY 8 – Alice Springs, Australia

Access the history and culture of the Arrernte Aboriginal people by enjoying a guided walk on their sacred land, followed by a talk with an Aboriginal guide. Gain insight into their cultural history and discover what makes this place so special. This afternoon, discover a more modern side to Outback living when you visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service, a lifeline to thousands across the vast terrain of Central Australia. Later, tour the Old Telegraph Station and Anzac Hill with its excellent views of Alice Springs and the surrounding area.

DAY 9 – Uluru, Australia

Traverse the “Red Centre” and head to Uluru (the Aboriginal name for Ayers Rock) in the heart of the Australian Outback. This huge monolith and the sandstone domes known as Kata Tjuta were created through upheaval and erosion. Tour the base of “the Rock,” learning about its geology and significance to Aboriginal culture. Witness the changing colours of Uluru at sunset accompanied by a champagne toast.

DAY 10 – Melbourne, Australia

Fly to the beautiful Victorian city of Melbourne. Set upon the shores of Port Phillip Bay and the Yarra River, the city exudes a lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

DAY 11 – Melbourne, Australia

Set out on a city tour and see Fitzroy Gardens and Melbourne’s bustling “laneways.” Then, it’s your choice! Enjoy free time to explore on your own -OR- visit the Melbourne Botanical Gardens and Shrine of Remembrance. With an afternoon to yourself, perhaps you will join an optional excursion to Phillip Island, home to the world’s largest colony of Little Penguins, where you’ll see hundreds of these birds waddle out of the sea and cross the beach to their dune burrows.

DAY 12 – Queenstown, New Zealand

Leave Australia behind and fly to Queenstown, New Zealand. One of New Zealand’s most popular towns, Queenstown is nestled against a picturesque bay and snowcapped mountains. Home to ski resorts, hiking trails and an abundance of natural beauty, the city is known as the “Adventure Capital of the World.” Settle into your new home for the next 3 nights.

DAY 13 – Queenstown, New Zealand

Soak in the rugged grandeur of Hollyford Valley as you travel through an ancient beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. Cruise the Milford Sound and see why this fjord is one of the most visited sights on the South Island. Following the cruise, consider returning to Queenstown via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

DAY 14 – Queenstown, New Zealand

Your day is free to experience Queenstown your way. Shop or people-watch in the village, find a unique eatery for lunch, sample some New Zealand wine – the day is yours to enjoy this stunning city.

DAY 15 – Mount Cook, New Zealand

Set off for the 19th-century settlement of Arrowtown, founded in the gold fever. Follow the Kawarau River and cross Lindis Pass before arriving in New Zealand’s most famous national park – Mt. Cook. Savour some free time in this Alpine paradise. You may choose to take a nature walk or simply meditate on the beauty of the Southern Alps.

DAY 16 – Christchurch, New Zealand

Depart for Christchurch this morning and pay a visit to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. A leader in the conservation of New Zealand species, Willowbank offers the chance to view New Zealand’s “Big 5” up close and personal. Later, join a local Kiwi family for a home hosted dinner.

DAY 17 – Christchurch, New Zealand

Devastated by an earthquake in early 2011, see firsthand how the “Garden City” is recreating itself during a sightseeing tour that highlights the city’s magnificent gardens and elegant park district. As the day draws to a close, toast to your adventure down under at a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.

DAY 18 – Christchurch, New Zealand

Your tour comes to a close, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the South Pacific.

Sounds Like Your Kind of Trip?
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