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Exploring Australia & New Zealand

Fall 2023 – Winter/Spring 2024

From $9,684
total price from Los Angeles
$8,995 air & land inclusive plus $689 airline taxes and fees
Tour Days
22 days
Tour Membership
12-24 Guests
Post-Tour Extension

Overview

Small group touring and the Lands Down Under – they add up to a perfect combination as we travel from Australia’s spectacular Great Barrier Reef and the storied Outback to sophisticated Sydney; from New Zealand’s towering Mt. Cook and breathtaking Milford Sound to high-spirited Queenstown and nautical Auckland.

Tour Details

Exploring Australia & New Zealand

Fall 2023 – Winter/Spring 2024

From $9,684
total price from Los Angeles
$8,995 air & land inclusive plus $689 airline taxes and fees

Tour Days
22 days

Tour Membership
12-24 Guests

Optional Extension

Tour Days
22 days

Tour Membership
12-24 Guests

Optional Extension

Overview

Small group touring and the Lands Down Under – they add up to a perfect combination as we travel from Australia’s spectacular Great Barrier Reef and the storied Outback to sophisticated Sydney; from New Zealand’s towering Mt. Cook and breathtaking Milford Sound to high-spirited Queenstown and nautical Auckland.

Small Group Highlights

  • Ride aboard vintage Kuranda steam train and Skyrail gon­dolas
  • Great Barrier Reef excursion
  • Aboriginal “dreamtime” experience
  • Sunset at Ayers Rock
  • Sydney touring and Harbour cruise
  • Leisure time in Sydney
  • Christchurch touring
  • Two-night stay at Mt. Cook National Park
  • Milford Sound cruise
  • Geothermal Rotorua
  • Māori cultural experience
  • Auckland touring

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Please note: This trip involves full days of sightseeing and significant amounts of walking on stairs and uneven surfaces. You should be in good physical condition to enjoy the tour to its fullest.

The order of your itinerary in the Outback may vary by departure.

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

This afternoon we arrive in Cairns, gateway to Australia’s Far North and the Great Barrier Reef. We transfer to our hotel where tonight we enjoy a briefing and dinner.

This afternoon we arrive in Cairns, gateway to Australia’s Far North and the Great Barrier Reef. We transfer to our hotel where tonight we enjoy a briefing and dinner.

4
Cairns/Kuranda
B
B
Cairns/Kuranda

We take an orientation tour of Cairns then board a historic railway to the mountain village of Kuranda. After time to explore here, we descend via the gondolas of Skyrail. We then return to our hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure.

We take an orientation tour of Cairns then board a historic railway to the mountain village of Kuranda. After time to explore here, we descend via the gondolas of Skyrail. We then return to our hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure.

5
Great Barrier Reef
B
L
B
L
Great Barrier Reef

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

6
Cairns/Alice Springs
B
L
B
L
Cairns/Alice Springs

We take an early morning flight to remote Alice Springs, where upon arrival we venture to Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm for a picnic lunch amid the sheer rock walls. Then we visit the Alice Springs School of the Air, which provides schooling to widely scattered Outback children.

We take an early morning flight to remote Alice Springs, where upon arrival we venture to Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm for a picnic lunch amid the sheer rock walls. Then we visit the Alice Springs School of the Air, which provides schooling to widely scattered Outback children.

7
Alice Springs
B
D
B
D
Alice Springs

This morning we embark on an Aboriginal “dreamtime” tour, where we meet Walpiri tribespeople and learn about their ancient culture. After this First Australians experience, we encounter the acclaimed Royal Flying Doctor Service then visit the Anzac Hill Monument to Australian and New Zealand soldiers. Tonight, we enjoy a traditional Outback Bushman’s Dinner around a campfire.

This morning we embark on an Aboriginal “dreamtime” tour, where we meet Walpiri tribespeople and learn about their ancient culture. After this First Australians experience, we encounter the acclaimed Royal Flying Doctor Service then visit the Anzac Hill Monument to Australian and New Zealand soldiers. Tonight, we enjoy a traditional Outback Bushman’s Dinner around a campfire.

8
Alice Springs/Ayers Rock
B
D
B
D
Alice Springs/Ayers Rock

We reach our Ayers Rock hotel early afternoon. After lunch on our own, we visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is the traditional land of the Anangu Aboriginal peoples and home to the Olgas rock formations and Uluru (Ayers Rock). This evening we watch the sun set over this fabled sandstone monolith that rises to a height of 1,114 feet.

We reach our Ayers Rock hotel early afternoon. After lunch on our own, we visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is the traditional land of the Anangu Aboriginal peoples and home to the Olgas rock formations and Uluru (Ayers Rock). This evening we watch the sun set over this fabled sandstone monolith that rises to a height of 1,114 feet.

9
Ayers Rock/Sydney
B
D
B
D
Ayers Rock/Sydney

This morning we visit the base of Uluru and the interesting museum here. At midday, we fly to Sydney, arriving late afternoon.

This morning we visit the base of Uluru and the interesting museum here. At midday, we fly to Sydney, arriving late afternoon.

10
Sydney
B
L
B
L
Sydney

Today’s tour 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 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.

11
Sydney
B
D
B
D
Sydney

This morning we tour Featherdale Wildlife Park, where wombats, dingos, and koalas reside. Then the afternoon is at leisure; tonight we enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant.

This morning we tour Featherdale Wildlife Park, where wombats, dingos, and koalas reside. Then the afternoon is at leisure; tonight we enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant.

12
Sydney/Christchurch, New Zealand
B
B
Sydney/Christchurch, New Zealand

After a late morning tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House, this afternoon is free for independent exploration. This evening we board a flight to Christchurch, New Zealand’s “Garden City.”

After a late morning tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House, this afternoon is free for independent exploration. This evening we board a flight to Christchurch, New Zealand’s “Garden City.”

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

This morning’s orientation tour features the Botanic Gardens and Cathedral Square, the beating heart of Christchurch and site of Christchurch Cathedral. Then we board our motorcoach for the journey south to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in the Southern Alps. En route, we stop in the town of Geraldine for lunch and to see sheep dogs and a sheep shearer in action at a local farm. We continue on to Mount Cook, arriving late this afternoon.

This morning’s orientation tour features the Botanic Gardens and Cathedral Square, the beating heart of Christchurch and site of Christchurch Cathedral. Then we board our motorcoach for the journey south to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in the Southern Alps. En route, we stop in the town of Geraldine for lunch and to see sheep dogs and a sheep shearer in action at a local farm. We continue on to Mount Cook, arriving 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, comemorating 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, comemorating 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 historic Arrowtown for lunch on our own followed by a visit to Kawarau Bridge Bungy, the world’s first bungy jump operation open to the public. Mid-afternoon we reach Queenstown, New Zealand’s “adventure capital.” We dine tonight at our hotel.

We depart this morning for Queenstown, stopping en route in historic Arrowtown for lunch on our own followed by a visit to Kawarau Bridge Bungy, the world’s first bungy jump operation open to the public. Mid-afternoon we reach Queenstown, New Zealand’s “adventure capital.” We dine tonight at our hotel.

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
D
B
D
Queenstown/Rotorua

We depart today for the Maori center of Rotorua, with its geysers, bubbling mud pools, and hot thermal springs. Upon arrival, we take a panoramic tour of this city on the shores of Lake Rotorua. This evening we visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve and Cultural Centre for a traditional hangi dinner and Māori performance.

We depart today for the Maori center of Rotorua, with its geysers, bubbling mud pools, and hot thermal springs. Upon arrival, we take a panoramic tour of this city on the shores of Lake Rotorua. This evening we visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve and Cultural Centre for a traditional hangi dinner and Māori performance.

19
Rotorua
B
B
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 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

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 Māori 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 Māori 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, 5 lunches, 10 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
Alice Springs 97 95 90 81 73 81 88 93 96
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
Alice Springs 97 95 90 81 73 81 88 93 96
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
$295
+ $225 Single Supplement

Auckland – On Your Own

3 days, 2 nights
From
$295
+ $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

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

Patricia Johnston

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

Carolyn McClurkan
Bremerton, WA

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

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

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

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

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

Suzanne Holden

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Hayley Anderson

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

Monica Moore
Saint Louis, MI

Allan McKay

“Allan was a wonderful asset.  Totally knowledgeable and experienced.  Had lots of interesting stories that really added depth to the trip.”

Kathryn Fudge
Huntington, NY

Jenny Pullman

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

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

Sharron Hickman

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

Pat Torres-Smith & Clay Smith
Centennial, CO

Tour Directors

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

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

Suzanne Holden

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Patricia Johnston

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

Carolyn McClurkan
Bremerton, WA

Allan McKay

“Allan was a wonderful asset.  Totally knowledgeable and experienced.  Had lots of interesting stories that really added depth to the trip.”

Kathryn Fudge
Huntington, NY

Jenny Pullman

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

Hayley Anderson

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

Monica Moore
Saint Louis, MI

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

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

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

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

Destination Insights

Exploring...

Recommended Books & Films

Exploring...

Guest Photos & Testimonials

This may be the best trip of our lives. We will pick Odysseys every time.
Joan Langenberg & Jack Langenberg II
Punta Gorda, FL
We had a fantastic time!…I think Odysseys offers so much more than other tour companies (so much attention to detail, choosing great hotels, restaurants, sites of interest, etc., and also ensuring their tour directors are top notch).
Nina & Harry Gibson
Rock Hill, SC
I felt the tour was very well planned and carried out and provided a variety of experiences and extra opportunities.
Allen & Lynn Powdrell
Allison Park, PA
It really was our best tour we’ve taken! It was fast paced and fun. Australia and New Zealand are so beautiful!
Bryan & Cary Gillgrass
Sacramento, CA
This may be the best trip of our lives. We will pick Odysseys every time.
Joan Langenberg & Jack Langenberg II
Punta Gorda, FL
We had a fantastic time!…I think Odysseys offers so much more than other tour companies (so much attention to detail, choosing great hotels, restaurants, sites of interest, etc., and also ensuring their tour directors are top notch).
Nina & Harry Gibson
Rock Hill, SC
I felt the tour was very well planned and carried out and provided a variety of experiences and extra opportunities.
Allen & Lynn Powdrell
Allison Park, PA
It really was our best tour we’ve taken! It was fast paced and fun. Australia and New Zealand are so beautiful!
Bryan & Cary Gillgrass
Sacramento, CA
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET

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