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.
From $10,984
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.
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Ratings are based on the Hotel & Travel Index, the travel industry standard reference
Day Day Itinerary Hotel Rating |
1-2 1-2 Depart U.S. for Sydney |
3-5 |
6-7 |
8-10 |
11-12 |
13-14 |
15-17 |
18-19 |
20-21 |
22 22 Depart Auckland for U.S. |
| 1 | Depart U.S. for Sydney, Australia Depart U.S. for Sydney, Australia |
| 2 | En Route to Sydney, Australia En Route to Sydney, Australia |
| 3 | Arrive Sydney D D Arrive Sydney Read More 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 Read More Today’s tour of this cosmopolitan city features The Rocks historic neighborhood, Darling Harbour, Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, 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, Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, 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 Read More This morning we tour the iconic Sydney Opera House, and 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, and 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) Read More 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 return to our hotel, where we dine tonight. 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 return to our hotel, where we dine tonight. |
| 7 | Uluru (Ayers Rock) B D B D Uluru (Ayers Rock) Read More 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 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. 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 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. |
| 8 | Uluru/Cairns B B Uluru/Cairns Read More 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 Read More This morning we board a boat for a day-long excursion to the Great Barrier Reef, at 1,400 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 1,400 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 Read More 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 Read More 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 Read More 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 Read More 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 Read More 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 Read More 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 bungee 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 bungee jump operation open to the public. Mid-afternoon we reach Queenstown. |
| 16 | Milford Sound B L B L Milford Sound Read More Our day-long excursion to Milford Sound includes a nature cruise through the breathtaking fjords. We have lunch on board, and then 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, and then have the opportunity to return to Queenstown on an optional scenic flight (weather permitting). |
| 17 | Queenstown B B Queenstown Read More 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 Read More We depart today for the Māori 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 Māori 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 Read More 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 Māori 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 Māori performance. |
| 20 | Rotorua/Auckland B B Rotorua/Auckland Read More 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 Read More 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. Read More This afternoon we transfer to the Auckland airport for our flight to the U.S., where we connect with our return flights home. This afternoon we transfer to the Auckland airport for our flight to the U.S., where we connect with our return flights home. |
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Sydney | 78 | 78 | 76 | 71 | 66 | 64 | 67 | 71 | 74 | 77 |
| Cairns | 83 | 83 | 82 | 79 | 76 | 73 | 77 | 80 | 82 | 83 |
| Queenstown | 71 | 70 | 67 | 60 | 52 | 50 | 56 | 60 | 64 | 69 |
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Sydney | 78 | 78 | 76 | 71 | 66 | 64 | 67 | 71 | 74 | 77 |
| Cairns | 83 | 83 | 82 | 79 | 76 | 73 | 77 | 80 | 82 | 83 |
| Queenstown | 71 | 70 | 67 | 60 | 52 | 50 | 56 | 60 | 64 | 69 |
Enjoy additional time in the sparkling “City of Sails,” at your own pace.
"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
“Sharron was outstanding – very thorough and knowledgeable. She was extremely helpful with free time.”
Pat Torres-Smith & Clay Smith
Centennial, CO
"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
“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
“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
Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
"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
“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
Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
"Dena was OUTSTANDING. She was so informative/knowledgeable and took such good care of us. … She was THE BEST!"
Karen Kendall
Dallas, TX
“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
Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
"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
"This was our 10th trip with Odysseys and we have had many excellent tour directors, but Charles is in a class by himself. He was outstanding."
Edward Hooper
Neenah, WI
Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
"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
“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
“Patricia was fabulous in every way. Helpful, friendly, knowledgeable. She went way above the call of duty.”
Carolyn McClurkan
Bremerton, WA
“We loved Hayley. She went above and beyond what anyone could have expected.”
Monica Moore
Saint Louis, MI
“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
"Dena was OUTSTANDING. She was so informative/knowledgeable and took such good care of us. … She was THE BEST!"
Karen Kendall
Dallas, TX
“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
Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
"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
“Sharron was outstanding – very thorough and knowledgeable. She was extremely helpful with free time.”
Pat Torres-Smith & Clay Smith
Centennial, CO
Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
"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
"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
"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
Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
“Patricia was fabulous in every way. Helpful, friendly, knowledgeable. She went way above the call of duty.”
Carolyn McClurkan
Bremerton, WA
“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
"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
"This was our 10th trip with Odysseys and we have had many excellent tour directors, but Charles is in a class by himself. He was outstanding."
Edward Hooper
Neenah, WI
“We loved Hayley. She went above and beyond what anyone could have expected.”
Monica Moore
Saint Louis, MI
“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 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
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