1 888 370 6765
My Odyssey
1 888 370 6765
Odysseys Unlimited
Open mobile menu

Exploring Australia & New Zealand

From $10,584
total price from Los Angeles
$9,895 air & land inclusive plus $689 airline taxes and fees
Tour Days
22 days
Tour Membership
12-24 Guests
Post-Tour Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Overview

Small group touring and the Lands Down Under – they add up to a perfect combination as we travel from Australia’s sophisticated Sydney, sacred Uluru (Ayers Rock), and the wondrous Great Barrier Reef to New Zealand’s towering Mount Cook and breathtaking Milford Sound, plus Rotorua, Queenstown, and Auckland.

Tour Details

Exploring Australia & New Zealand

From $10,584

total price from Los Angeles
$9,895 air & land inclusive plus $689 airline taxes and fees

Tour Days
22 days

Tour Membership
12-24 Guests

Optional Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Tour Days
22 days

Tour Membership
12-24 Guests

Optional Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Overview

Small group touring and the Lands Down Under – they add up to a perfect combination as we travel from Australia’s sophisticated Sydney, sacred Uluru (Ayers Rock), and the wondrous Great Barrier Reef to New Zealand’s towering Mount Cook and breathtaking Milford Sound, plus Rotorua, Queenstown, and Auckland.

Small Group Highlights

  • Sydney touring and harbour cruise
  • Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
  • Sunset at Uluru
  • Indigenous dot painting experience
  • Great Barrier Reef excursion
  • Mossman Gorge and Aboriginal Dreamtime experience
  • Mount Cook National Park
  • Milford Sound cruise
  • Geothermal Rotorua
  • Maori cultural encounter

Day-by-Day Itinerary

B
= Breakfast Included
L
= Lunch Included
D
= Dinner Included
1
Depart U.S. for Sydney, Australia
Depart U.S. for Sydney, Australia
2
Depart U.S. for Sydney, Australia
Depart U.S. for Sydney, Australia
3
Arrive Sydney
D
D
Arrive Sydney

We arrive in Sydney this morning and transfer to our hotel, where the day is at leisure to relax and refresh. Tonight, we meet our fellow travelers and Odysseys Tour Director at a briefing followed by a welcome dinner at our hotel.

We arrive in Sydney this morning and transfer to our hotel, where the day is at leisure to relax and refresh. Tonight, we meet our fellow travelers and Odysseys Tour Director at a briefing followed by a welcome dinner at our hotel.

4
Sydney
B
L
B
L
Sydney

Today’s tour of this cosmopolitan city features The Rocks historic neighborhood, Darling Harbour and Mrs. Macquarie’s Point, Rose and Watson’s bays, and popular Bondi Beach. Then we board a catamaran for a lunch cruise around Sydney Harbour.

Today’s tour of this cosmopolitan city features The Rocks historic neighborhood, Darling Harbour and Mrs. Macquarie’s Point, Rose and Watson’s bays, and popular Bondi Beach. Then we board a catamaran for a lunch cruise around Sydney Harbour.

5
Sydney
B
D
B
D
Sydney

This morning we tour the iconic Sydney Opera House then visit Featherdale Wildlife Park, where wombats, dingoes, and koalas reside. Our afternoon is at leisure; we dine tonight at a local restaurant.

This morning we tour the iconic Sydney Opera House then visit Featherdale Wildlife Park, where wombats, dingoes, and koalas reside. Our afternoon is at leisure; we dine tonight at a local restaurant.

6
Sydney/Uluru (Ayers Rock)
B
D
B
D
Sydney/Uluru (Ayers Rock)

We fly today to Australia’s Outback, reaching our hotel in time for lunch on our own. Then we depart for Kata Tjutja National Park, site of the Olga Rocks, the dramatic domed rock formations venerated by Aboriginal peoples. Our tour here features sacred Walpa Gorge, the creek that winds through two of the tallest Olgas. Late this afternoon, we watch the sun set over the massive sandstone monolith of Uluru then dine under the stars at a special Sounds of Silence experience.

We fly today to Australia’s Outback, reaching our hotel in time for lunch on our own. Then we depart for Kata Tjutja National Park, site of the Olga Rocks, the dramatic domed rock formations venerated by Aboriginal peoples. Our tour here features sacred Walpa Gorge, the creek that winds through two of the tallest Olgas. Late this afternoon, we watch the sun set over the massive sandstone monolith of Uluru then dine under the stars at a special Sounds of Silence experience.

7
Uluru (Ayers Rock)
B
D
B
D
Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Early risers have the option to watch the sun rise over Uluru this morning. Then we all spend time here before returning to our hotel for time at leisure. This afternoon we
participate in a traditional Aboriginal dot painting experience where we learn about the Anangu culture and way of life. Late afternoon we return to our hotel, where we dine tonight.

Early risers have the option to watch the sun rise over Uluru this morning. Then we all spend time here before returning to our hotel for time at leisure. This afternoon we
participate in a traditional Aboriginal dot painting experience where we learn about the Anangu culture and way of life. Late afternoon we return to our hotel, where we dine tonight.

8
Uluru/Cairns
B
B
Uluru/Cairns

It’s a travel day as we depart Uluru for tropical Cairns, gateway to Australia’s Far North.

It’s a travel day as we depart Uluru for tropical Cairns, gateway to Australia’s Far North.

9
Cairns/Great Barrier Reef
B
L
B
L
Cairns/Great Barrier Reef

This morning we board a boat for a day-long excursion to the Great Barrier Reef, at 1,200 miles long the world’s largest living organism and richest marine resource. We pull
up at Michaelmas Cay where we can swim, snorkel, or view the reef from a semi-submersible vessel.

This morning we board a boat for a day-long excursion to the Great Barrier Reef, at 1,200 miles long the world’s largest living organism and richest marine resource. We pull
up at Michaelmas Cay where we can swim, snorkel, or view the reef from a semi-submersible vessel.

10
Cairns
B
D
B
D
Cairns

It’s a full day, beginning at Mossman Gorge where we embark on a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk conducted by local Indigenous people. Then we travel to the mountain village of Kuranda, surrounded by the world’s oldest living tropical rainforest, where we have time to explore on our own before we descend via the gondolas of Skyrail.

It’s a full day, beginning at Mossman Gorge where we embark on a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk conducted by local Indigenous people. Then we travel to the mountain village of Kuranda, surrounded by the world’s oldest living tropical rainforest, where we have time to explore on our own before we descend via the gondolas of Skyrail.

11
Cairns/Christchurch, New Zealand
B
B
Cairns/Christchurch, New Zealand

Today we travel via Sydney to Christchurch, New Zealand’s Garden City.

Today we travel via Sydney to Christchurch, New Zealand’s Garden City.

12
Christchurch
B
D
B
D
Christchurch

Our morning city tour features the Botanic Gardens; Cathedral Square, the beating heart of the city and site of Christchurch Cathedral; and the memorial to victims of the 2011 earthquake. This afternoon is at leisure for independent exploration; dinner is at our hotel.

Our morning city tour features the Botanic Gardens; Cathedral Square, the beating heart of the city and site of Christchurch Cathedral; and the memorial to victims of the 2011 earthquake. This afternoon is at leisure for independent exploration; dinner is at our hotel.

13
Christchurch/Mount Cook National Park
B
L
D
B
L
D
Christchurch/Mount Cook National Park

We depart by coach this morning for the journey south to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. En route we stop for lunch and a visit to a local farm before we reach our hotel late this afternoon.

We depart by coach this morning for the journey south to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. En route we stop for lunch and a visit to a local farm before we reach our hotel late this afternoon.

14
Mount Cook
B
D
B
D
Mount Cook

This morning’s tour of alpine Mount Cook Village includes a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center, where we see a 3D planetarium movie about the region. We also visit the Hillary Gallery, commemorating Sir Edmund’s achievements, including the first ascent of Mount Cook’s difficult South Ridge in 1948 (at 12,316 feet, Mount Cook is New Zealand’s tallest mountain). After time in the village for lunch on our own, this afternoon is at leisure to relax amid the breathtaking scenery, hike, or take an optional scenic flight (weather permitting).

This morning’s tour of alpine Mount Cook Village includes a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center, where we see a 3D planetarium movie about the region. We also visit the Hillary Gallery, commemorating Sir Edmund’s achievements, including the first ascent of Mount Cook’s difficult South Ridge in 1948 (at 12,316 feet, Mount Cook is New Zealand’s tallest mountain). After time in the village for lunch on our own, this afternoon is at leisure to relax amid the breathtaking scenery, hike, or take an optional scenic flight (weather permitting).

15
Mount Cook/Queenstown
B
D
B
D
Mount Cook/Queenstown

We depart this morning for Queenstown, stopping en route in the historic gold mining hamlet of Arrowtown followed by a visit to Kawarau Bridge Bungy, the world’s first bungy jump operation open to the public. Mid-afternoon we reach Queenstown.

We depart this morning for Queenstown, stopping en route in the historic gold mining hamlet of Arrowtown followed by a visit to Kawarau Bridge Bungy, the world’s first bungy jump operation open to the public. Mid-afternoon we reach Queenstown.

16
Milford Sound
B
L
B
L
Milford Sound

Our day-long excursion to Milford Sound includes a nature cruise through the breathtaking fjords. We have lunch on board then later have the opportunity to return to Queenstown on an optional scenic flight (weather permitting).

Our day-long excursion to Milford Sound includes a nature cruise through the breathtaking fjords. We have lunch on board then later have the opportunity to return to Queenstown on an optional scenic flight (weather permitting).

17
Queenstown
B
B
Queenstown

Today is at leisure to enjoy New Zealand’s adventure capital as we wish.

Today is at leisure to enjoy New Zealand’s adventure capital as we wish.

18
Queenstown/Rotorua
B
B
Queenstown/Rotorua

We depart today for the Maori center of Rotorua, with its geysers, bubbling mud pools, and thermal hot springs. Upon arrival, we take a panoramic tour of the city.

We depart today for the Maori center of Rotorua, with its geysers, bubbling mud pools, and thermal hot springs. Upon arrival, we take a panoramic tour of the city.

19
Rotorua
B
D
B
D
Rotorua

This morning we visit Paradise Valley Springs, which showcases New Zealand’s biodiversity with native flora and wildlife, including alpaca, llama, and wallabies. Then we drive to National Kiwi Trust, dedicated to rehabilitating injured kiwis, the national bird. This evening we visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve and Cultural Centre for a traditional hangi dinner and Maori performance.

This morning we visit Paradise Valley Springs, which showcases New Zealand’s biodiversity with native flora and wildlife, including alpaca, llama, and wallabies. Then we drive to National Kiwi Trust, dedicated to rehabilitating injured kiwis, the national bird. This evening we visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve and Cultural Centre for a traditional hangi dinner and Maori performance.

20
Rotorua/Auckland
B
B
Rotorua/Auckland

En route to Auckland, we stop this morning at Ruakuri Caves to see the unique glowworms that illuminate the underground grottoes and caves. We reach Auckland late this afternoon; we’re on our own for dinner tonight.

En route to Auckland, we stop this morning at Ruakuri Caves to see the unique glowworms that illuminate the underground grottoes and caves. We reach Auckland late this afternoon; we’re on our own for dinner tonight.

21
Auckland
B
D
B
D
Auckland

Our half-day tour of this city set atop 48 volcanic hills features glittering Auckland Harbour and the America’s Cup Village. We also visit the War Memorial Museum, with its prized Maori and Pacific Islander collections. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner at our hotel.

Our half-day tour of this city set atop 48 volcanic hills features glittering Auckland Harbour and the America’s Cup Village. We also visit the War Memorial Museum, with its prized Maori and Pacific Islander collections. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner at our hotel.

22
Depart for U.S.
B
B
Depart for U.S.

This afternoon we depart for the airport for the flight to Los Angeles (via Sydney) and our return flights home.

This afternoon we depart for the airport for the flight to Los Angeles (via Sydney) and our return flights home.

Tour Price Includes

  • Round-trip air transportation from listed cities; all flights within itinerary
  • 19 nights’ accommodations in Deluxe, Superior First Class, and First Class hotels
  • 34 meals: 19 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 11 dinners
  • Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees
  • Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
  • Private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip
  • Luggage handling for one bag per person
  • Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers
  • $100 frequent traveler credit towards your next Odysseys Unlimited tour ($200 after 3 tours; $300 after 10 tours)

Average Daily High by Month (°F )

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Sep Oct Nov Dec
Sydney 78 78 76 71 66 67 71 74 77
Cairns 83 83 82 79 76 77 80 82 83
Queenstown 71 70 67 60 52 56 60 64 69

Average Temperature (°F )

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Sep Oct Nov Dec
Sydney 78 78 76 71 66 67 71 74 77
Cairns 83 83 82 79 76 77 80 82 83
Queenstown 71 70 67 60 52 56 60 64 69

Dates & Prices

Please wait while we retrieve this information.

Post-Tour Extension

Auckland – On Your Own

3 days, 2 nights
From
$345
+ $225 Single Supplement

Auckland – On Your Own

3 days, 2 nights
From
$345
+ $225 Single Supplement

Enjoy additional time in the sparkling “City of Sails,” at your own pace.

Post-Tour Extension Price Includes

  • 2 nights’ accommodations at Grand Millennium Auckland (Superior First Class)
  • 2 meals: 2 breakfasts
  • Transfer to airport

Accommodations

Tour Directors

Tim Reed

"Tim was excellent. Masterful tour director in every way. Consistently upbeat. Great storyteller. Fully knowledgeable. Kept the group together. Indefatigable. Went beyond what could be reasonably expected."

Joseph & Kathy Cardwell
Orlando, FL

Andrew Sandilands

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Peter Ragland

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Charles "Chas" Morris

“In my 16 trips with Odysseys, the tour directors have been outstanding, but Chas stands out as the best of the best! The breadth and depth of his experience and knowledge was amazing.”

Edythe Holubec
Taylor, TX

Dena Kennedy

"Dena was OUTSTANDING. She was so informative/knowledgeable and took such good care of us…She was THE BEST!"

Karen Kendall
Dallas, TX

Elizabeth Tobin

“Elizabeth was outstanding in all areas and obviously worked very hard to give us a wonderful and problem-free experience.  She is what an excellent tour director should be!”

George & Cathy Castille
Baton Rouge, LA

Patricia Fouracres

“Based on our 10+ years of overseas tours, we rate Ms. Fouracres as ‘the best of the best’ because of her capable attention to all tour members.”

Joe & Susan Yea
San Jose, CA

Scott Robertson

“Scott went above and beyond to ensure we had the trip of our dreams. His commentary and shared personal experience of the countries visited greatly added to our enjoyment and knowledge.”

Suzann Stamps
Colleyville, TX

Tessa Clarke

"She’s a gem! Wonderful sense of humor. Got to know everyone and pointed out things of special interest to one or another."

Barbara Bruhn
Chagrin Falls, OH

Hayley Anderson

“We loved Hayley. She went above and beyond what anyone could have expected.”

Monica Moore
Saint Louis, MI

Suzanne Holden

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

John Kennedy

I can’t imagine a more knowledgeable, compassionate, kind human being than John… A combination of his competence and sense of humor kept our group feeling secure and happy.”

Larry & Janet Sheir
Moreland Hills, OH

David Hill

“David was fabulous… He was very knowledgeable, personable, attentive to everyone, and had a good sense of humor.  He kept us on time without being overbearing.”

Andrew Lips
Pittsfield, MA

Sharron Hickman

“Sharron was outstanding – very thorough and knowledgeable. She was extremely helpful with free time.”

Pat Torres-Smith & Clay Smith
Centennial, CO

Patricia Johnston

“Patricia was fabulous in every way. Helpful, friendly, knowledgeable. She went way above the call of duty.”

Carolyn McClurkan
Bremerton, WA

Charlie Hataraka

"This was our 10th trip with Odysseys and we have had many excellent tour directors, but Charlie is in a class by himself. He was outstanding."

Edward Hooper
Neenah, WI

Allan McKay

"Allan was superb…and has a wonderful sense of humor and a way of making folks feel comfortable. We would go on ANY trip he guides. He works hard to give us the best experience possible."

Paul Weiss
Ann Arbor, MI

Jenny Pullman

"Jenny was on top of all details related to the trip…We especially enjoyed her spirit of adventure and sense of humor. She was kind and inclusive of all in our group, making us a merry band of travelers!"

Jennifer Todd
Indianapolis, IN

Tour Directors

Patricia Fouracres

“Based on our 10+ years of overseas tours, we rate Ms. Fouracres as ‘the best of the best’ because of her capable attention to all tour members.”

Joe & Susan Yea
San Jose, CA

Jenny Pullman

"Jenny was on top of all details related to the trip…We especially enjoyed her spirit of adventure and sense of humor. She was kind and inclusive of all in our group, making us a merry band of travelers!"

Jennifer Todd
Indianapolis, IN

Tim Reed

"Tim was excellent. Masterful tour director in every way. Consistently upbeat. Great storyteller. Fully knowledgeable. Kept the group together. Indefatigable. Went beyond what could be reasonably expected."

Joseph & Kathy Cardwell
Orlando, FL

Elizabeth Tobin

“Elizabeth was outstanding in all areas and obviously worked very hard to give us a wonderful and problem-free experience.  She is what an excellent tour director should be!”

George & Cathy Castille
Baton Rouge, LA

Allan McKay

"Allan was superb…and has a wonderful sense of humor and a way of making folks feel comfortable. We would go on ANY trip he guides. He works hard to give us the best experience possible."

Paul Weiss
Ann Arbor, MI

Charlie Hataraka

"This was our 10th trip with Odysseys and we have had many excellent tour directors, but Charlie is in a class by himself. He was outstanding."

Edward Hooper
Neenah, WI

Andrew Sandilands

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Suzanne Holden

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Peter Ragland

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Scott Robertson

“Scott went above and beyond to ensure we had the trip of our dreams. His commentary and shared personal experience of the countries visited greatly added to our enjoyment and knowledge.”

Suzann Stamps
Colleyville, TX

Sharron Hickman

“Sharron was outstanding – very thorough and knowledgeable. She was extremely helpful with free time.”

Pat Torres-Smith & Clay Smith
Centennial, CO

John Kennedy

I can’t imagine a more knowledgeable, compassionate, kind human being than John… A combination of his competence and sense of humor kept our group feeling secure and happy.”

Larry & Janet Sheir
Moreland Hills, OH

Charles "Chas" Morris

“In my 16 trips with Odysseys, the tour directors have been outstanding, but Chas stands out as the best of the best! The breadth and depth of his experience and knowledge was amazing.”

Edythe Holubec
Taylor, TX

Tessa Clarke

"She’s a gem! Wonderful sense of humor. Got to know everyone and pointed out things of special interest to one or another."

Barbara Bruhn
Chagrin Falls, OH

Patricia Johnston

“Patricia was fabulous in every way. Helpful, friendly, knowledgeable. She went way above the call of duty.”

Carolyn McClurkan
Bremerton, WA

Hayley Anderson

“We loved Hayley. She went above and beyond what anyone could have expected.”

Monica Moore
Saint Louis, MI

Dena Kennedy

"Dena was OUTSTANDING. She was so informative/knowledgeable and took such good care of us…She was THE BEST!"

Karen Kendall
Dallas, TX

David Hill

“David was fabulous… He was very knowledgeable, personable, attentive to everyone, and had a good sense of humor.  He kept us on time without being overbearing.”

Andrew Lips
Pittsfield, MA

Destination Insights

Exploring...

Recommended Books & Films

Exploring...

Guest Photos & Testimonials

Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET

Share your great adventures with us on social media. Tag your pictures with #myodyssey and they may be featured on our website!

Continue
Back to Top
crosschevron-down icon-angle icon-bars icon-times