Country
Australia
Duration
18 Days/17 Nights
Travel Type
Escorted Tour
With AAT Kings
A bit city, a bit country; sometimes beachy, sometimes mountainous; in the company of locals and Indigenous guides – this epic Melbourne to Christchurch tour is diverse and dynamic. Traversing the East Coast of Australia, from Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef to Sydney and Melbourne, the tour also uncovers NZ’s North and South islands, where Auckland’s cuisine, Milford Sound’s grandeur and Rotorua’s thermal springs beckon.
Inclusions
17-night accommodation in double occupancy
Return airport transfers
Travel by luxury coach
English speaking experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
28 meals: 17 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 Be My Guest Morning Teas, 7 dinners and 1 farewell dinner
Visits and sightseeing as per itinerary
Exclusions
International/domestic flights and airport taxes – Pre-night in Sydney – Gratuities to hotel personnel, guides, and drivers – Optional excursions – Beverages unless noted in the itinerary – Any other services not specified in the inclusions.
1
DAY 1 MELBOURNE
Meet your fellow adventure-seekers – you’re going to be spending a fair bit of time with them.
Meals : Dinner
Accommodation : Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne, 3* for 2 nights or similar
2
DAY 2 MELBOURNE
Take a deep dive into Melbourne’s art-filled lanes and alleys on a private walking tour. Spot a jazz bar or hidden restaurant you fancy? The afternoon is yours to indulge however you wish.
Meals : Breakfast
3
DAY 3 MELBOURNE - CAIRNS
Things start to heat up in Cairns, the heart of Tropical North Queensland. Jump aboard a cruise at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures to discover some of the wildlife that calls this part of the state home, koalas, wallabies, and crocs among them, before helping protect their habitats by planting trees as part of our Rainforest Restoration project. Talk about a feel-good day.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Hilton Hotel Cairns, 5* for 3 nights or similar
4
DAY 4 CAIRNS - GREAT BARRIER REEF
The Great Barrier Reef deserves its World Heritage listing – it’s one of the most biodiverse marine environments on the planet, home to thousands of species of fish and corals, as well as six of the world’s seven sea turtles. Strap on a snorkel and dive in, or keep your hair dry and take in the drama from an underwater observatory and semi-submersible craft.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
5
DAY 5 CAIRNS
Today is one of decisions: explore the Cairns Esplanade, or head up into the hills on a Scenic Railway journey to Kuranda. You’re surrounded by some of the world’s oldest rainforest as you return to base via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. If that’s not humbling enough, tonight’s dinner at Ochre Restaurant on the waterfront uses native ingredients that the world’s oldest civilisation has consumed for millennia.
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
6
DAY 6 CAIRNS - SYDNEY
We hope you have a window seat for the flight into Sydney - the view over the harbour as you come in to land certainly sparkles. The rest of your day is free for you to acquaint yourself with this magical city. Ask your Travel Director for suggestions.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Sofitel Wentworth Hotel, 5* for 3 nights or similar
7
DAY 7 SYDNEY
Discover one of the great highlights of Sydney, the beautiful Sydney Opera House with a guided tour inside this iconic building, before a Sydney Harbour sightseeing cruise enjoying million dollar views. If there was ever a place that slipped from the pages of a fairy-tale, Wendy’s Secret Garden at Lavender Bay is it. Overlooking Sydney Harbour, this pocket of floral paradise is explained by a local volunteer – did you know this was once unused wasteland? Your visit provides a contribution to the ongoing maintenance of the enchanting garden.
Meals : Breakfast
8
DAY 8 SYDNEY
You could spend weeks exploring Sydney. Months even. But you have today, so get set for a wild ride. Your agenda is completely up to you, but we have more than a few ideas. Perhaps a bird’s-eye perspective of the city on a Sydney BridgeClimb? Maybe a ferry to Manly for fish-and-chips on the beach? This evening, celebrate Sydney at dinner with your travel companions.
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
9
DAY 9 SYDNEY - AUCKLAND
Battle of the harbours: Sydney has one, but Auckland has two. Small wonder it’s known as the ‘City of Sails’.
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation : The Grand by SkyCity, 5* for 2 nights or similar
10
DAY 10 AUCKLAND
Get your Auckland bearings on a city tour, before choosing a precinct to while away the afternoon in. Ask us for dinner tips.
Meals : Breakfast
11
DAY 11 AUCKLAND - ROTORUA
Cute and cuddly, NZ’s national bird, the Kiwi, is also endangered. Go behind the scenes on a working kiwi nursery and hatchery to learn how breeding programs are helping the population thrive. Tonight, dive deep into Indigenous culture and traditions at Te Pā Tū Māori Experience. Enjoy a forest kai horotai (seasonal canapés) and chef choice aperitif, followed by a seasonal three-course dinner.
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation : Millennium Hotel, 4* for 1 night or similar
12
DAY 12 RORORUA - QUEENSTOWN
You’re invited to an exclusive Be My Guest morning tea at the Red Barn on a working dairy farm in the Waikato district. Expect country banter and have a go at the forgotten art of butter churning.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Millennium Hotel, 4* for 3 nights or similar
13
DAY 13 QUEENSTOWN - MILFORD SOUND - QUEENSTOWN
Sheer cliffs, thundering waterfalls, glaciers and rainforest – if there’s a destination more inspiring than Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, we’re yet to find it. After a cruise here (look out for dolphins and sea lions), we’re sure you’ll agree.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
14
DAY 14 QUEENSTOWN
Sleep in, find a rooftop wine bar for lunch, take a stroll around the lake… wherever you wander, meet your fellow travellers for a Highlight Dinner at 1860s Postmasters Cottage.
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
15
DAY 15 QUEENSTOWN - LAKE TEKAPO
Arrowtown and Cromwell are known for their natural drama; just as enticing is the tasty stone fruit. Take a bite. Arriving at Lake Tekapo, you’re far from anywhere. Which practically guarantees dazzling stargazing in the UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation : Peppers Bluewater Resort, 4* for 1 night or similar
16
DAY 16 LAKE TEKAPO - CHRISTCHURCH
Get an early start to watch the sun rise over the lake or sleep in before heading to Christchurch, where community spirit is strong; not only has the city rebuilt since the devastating 2010/11 earthquakes, but it’s thriving, with architectural innovations like the world’s first church built of cardboard. Take in the sights with an in-the-know local.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Distinction Christchurch Hotel, 4* for 2 nights or similar
17
DAY 17 CHRISTCHURCH
Travel north through rolling countryside to Hurunui Hills, a hill country farm in North Canterbury. Enjoy warm Kiwi hospitality with the Bamford Family, who have been farming at Hurunui since 1884 with six generations focused on producing premium Merino sheep, wool and Angus cattle. Soak up stunning scenery while enjoying morning tea, meet the farm animals & discover what it is like to live off the land on this unique By My Guest experience. Continue to a local vineyard, Waipara Springs Winery, where it’s time to relax a platter-style lunch among the vines. A big day leads to a big evening joining your Travel Director and travel mates for a celebratory Farewell Dinner featuring produce from the Canterbury region.
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
18
DAY 18 FAREWELL FROM CHRISTCHURCH
It’s hard to say goodbye; so say ‘see you soon’ instead.
Meals : Breakfast
HOTEL OPTIONS OR SIMILAR
Melbourne
Crowne Plaza, 4*
Cairns
Hilton Hotel, 5*
Sydney
Sofitel Wentworth Hotel, 5*
Auckland
The Grand by Sky City, 5*
Rotorua
Millennium Hotel, 4*
Queenstown
Millennium Hotel, 4*
Lake Tekapo
Peppers Bluewater Resort, 4*
Christchurch
Distinction Hotel, 4*
|
Rates in CA$, per person, starting from, in double occupancy |
Land Package |
| Departures 2024-2025-2026 | 4* and 5* |
| March 7, 2024 | 12510 |
| April 11, 2024 | 14355 |
| June 27, September 26, 2024 | 14355 13748 |
| October 10, 2024 | 14710 14085 |
| November 7, 2024 | 14970 14332 |
| November 28, 2024 | 14970 13695 |
| January 16, 30, February 6, 13, 20, March 6, 13, 20, 27,2025 | 14970 |
| April 10, May 8, June 26, August 28, September 25, 2025 | 15435 |
| October 9, November 6, 20, 27, December 4, 11, 2025 | 15790 |
| January 8, 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12, 19, March 5, 12, 19, 2026 | 16055 |
| Single room supplement | On request |
**Prices in this document are for information only; they were issued at press time, for the current year. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, they can increase or decrease at any time. Contact your travel agent for the price and promotion of the moment. Prices include the contribution of customers to the Compensation Fund for clients of Quebec travel agents.
Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand – Detailed itinerary
Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand – Detailed itinerary
