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Iconic Australia and New Zealand
Tour Description:
Discover the cultural and natural highlights of New Zealand and Australia on an epic 23-day adventure. Start off on New Zealand’s North Island with a Maori feast in Rotorua; then head south to cruise through majestic, wildlife-rich fjords. Queenstown—the adventure capital of the world—will serve up a healthy dose of adrenaline before we fly to Australia and eat our way through Melbourne on a walking lunch. Go behind the scenes at the Sydney Opera House, and dive in to explore the Great Barrier Reef on a snorkeling excursion. Wrap up your adventure in Queensland by spending an afternoon with members of Australia's Indigenous community.
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Dates & Pricing
| Sunday 08 Dec 24 — Monday 30 Dec 24 | Starting at $13,649 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 15 Dec 24 — Monday 06 Jan 25 | Starting at $13,649 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 22 Dec 24 — Monday 13 Jan 25 | Starting at $13,649 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 29 Dec 24 — Monday 20 Jan 25 | Starting at $13,649 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 05 Jan 25 — Monday 27 Jan 25 | Starting at $13,349 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 12 Jan 25 — Monday 03 Feb 25 | Starting at $13,649 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 19 Jan 25 — Monday 10 Feb 25 | Starting at $13,649 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 26 Jan 25 — Monday 17 Feb 25 | Starting at $13,649 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 09 Feb 25 — Monday 03 Mar 25 | Starting at $13,649 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 16 Feb 25 — Monday 10 Mar 25 | Starting at $13,649 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 23 Feb 25 — Monday 17 Mar 25 | Starting at $13,649 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 09 Mar 25 — Monday 31 Mar 25 | Starting at $13,649 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 16 Mar 25 — Monday 07 Apr 25 | Starting at $13,649 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 23 Mar 25 — Monday 14 Apr 25 | Starting at $13,649 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 06 Apr 25 — Monday 28 Apr 25 | Starting at $12,799 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 20 Apr 25 — Monday 12 May 25 | Starting at $12,799 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 18 May 25 — Monday 09 Jun 25 | Starting at $11,999 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 15 Jun 25 — Monday 07 Jul 25 | Starting at $11,149 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 13 Jul 25 — Monday 04 Aug 25 | Starting at $11,149 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 10 Aug 25 — Monday 01 Sep 25 | Starting at $11,149 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 07 Sep 25 — Monday 29 Sep 25 | Starting at $11,999 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 21 Sep 25 — Monday 13 Oct 25 | Starting at $11,999 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 05 Oct 25 — Monday 27 Oct 25 | Starting at $12,799 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 12 Oct 25 — Monday 03 Nov 25 | Starting at $12,799 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 19 Oct 25 — Monday 10 Nov 25 | Starting at $12,799 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 26 Oct 25 — Monday 17 Nov 25 | Starting at $12,799 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 02 Nov 25 — Monday 24 Nov 25 | Starting at $12,799 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 09 Nov 25 — Monday 01 Dec 25 | Starting at $12,799 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 16 Nov 25 — Monday 08 Dec 25 | Starting at $12,799 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 23 Nov 25 — Monday 15 Dec 25 | Starting at $12,799 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 30 Nov 25 — Monday 22 Dec 25 | Starting at $12,799 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 07 Dec 25 — Monday 29 Dec 25 | Starting at $13,649 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 14 Dec 25 — Monday 05 Jan 26 | Starting at $13,649 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Destination & Sightseeing
ITINERARY
ITINERARYAuckland
Arrive at any time.
Auckland
Take an orientation walk in Auckland, one of the most multicultural cities in the Southern Hemisphere. We’ll then catch a ferry to beautiful Waiheke Island, a haven of world-class vineyards and idyllic beaches. Visit wineries to learn about New Zealand's burgeoning wine industry and the history of viticulture in the country while sampling some of the local blends.
Auckland/Rotorua
Drive to the lakeside town of Rotorua, situated over an active geothermal zone and known for its volcanic features and rich Maori heritage. Stop en route at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm to see thousands of flickering glowworms light up in the dark.
Rotorua
On a full-day excursion, head to the Maori-owned Kohutapu Lodge, our base for exploring New Zealand's indigenous culture. See ancient rock carvings and learn about their spiritual significance to the Maori people, both past and present. Watch as a hangi lunch is prepared the traditional way--buried in an underground pit—and enjoy the resulting feast with your Maori hosts. After lunch, take a walk through the 800-year-old podocarp trees in Whirinaki Rainforest, learning the history of the forest and spotting endemic birds and medicinal plants. Return to Rotorua for an optional evening meal or a well-deserved soak in the hot springs.
Rotorua/Christchurch
Enjoy time at leisure this morning before catching a flight to Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island. Take some time to explore this small city on your own.
Christchurch/Franz Josef
Board the TranzAlpine train—one of the world’s most scenic rail routes—for a breathtaking journey through verdant plains, beech forests, and majestic, misty mountains. After a whistle stop at Arthur’s Pass—the highest pass in the Southern Alps— continue to the end of the line in Greymouth, gateway to the West Coast. Continue on a private vehicle to a rainforest lodge near the town of Franz Josef, our home for the next two nights.
Franz Josef
Discover the natural wonders of the Franz Josef area on your own today. Opt to embark on a walk in the area; soak in natural hot pools surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery; and more.
Franz Josef/Queenstown
Set out towards Queenstown on a drive along the South Island’s magnificent west coast. Stop at tranquil Lake Matheson, where, on a clear day, you can capture a postcard-perfect image of New Zealand’s highest peaks reflected in the water. Continue to Queenstown, pausing for short walks through the rainforest and visits to picturesque waterfalls.
Fiordland National Park Day Trip
Discover the glacially carved wilderness of Fiordland National Park on a cruise. Glide past shimmering waterfalls and towering cliffs, and look out for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and little blue penguins with our naturalist guides. Travel back to shore, head to Queenstown for the night.
Queenstown
After breakfast spend the rest of the day at leisure in this fun-loving lakeside town, known as the adventure capital of the world. Opt to visit a vineyard for a tour, or simply wander around, cafe hopping and sightseeing.
Queenstown
The day is yours to explore Queenstown. Choose to cruise lake Wakatipu on a historic steamer; experience a thrilling jet boat ride; or visit a local winery to sample the region’s award-winning vintages. This evening, enjoy a cable car ride to the top of Bob’s Peak for panoramic vistas of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps and then have dinner together as a group.
Queenstown/Melbourne
Fly from Queenstown to Melbourne, Australia, and enjoy free time in the city.
Melbourne
Embark on a food tour of Melbourne with a local author and culinary storyteller. Home to many thriving immigrant communities, Melbourne has long been considered one of Australia’s gastronomic hubs. On this foodie walk through the city’s famed laneways, we’ll experience a range of flavors and cuisines over lunch at three popular venues. Start with an Asian entree with wine; move on to an Italian restaurant for a main dish accompanied with more wine, and finish off the tour with a gelato dessert at our third stop. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Melbourne
Spend the day exploring vibrant Melbourne. Set out on an optional excursion on the Great Ocean Road, following spectacular sea cliffs along the windswept Southern Ocean. Visit some of the region’s top wineries or wander the city’s narrow cobbled lanes and alleys, discovering quirky cafés and colorful murals.
Melbourne/Uluru
Catch a flight to Uluru, in the heart of the Australian outback. Visit the Cultural Centre of the Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and learn about the beliefs and customs of the Anangu, the area’s traditional Indigenous owners. Cap off the day with a glass of sparkling wine as you witness a crimson sunset over this fabled monolith.
Uluru
Awaken at dawn to witness the sunrise over Uluru and see the famous Field of Light installation. Then delve into a full-day exploration of the ancient, red-hued landscapes of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. After breakfast, make your way to Kata Tjuta, Uluru’s neighboring natural wonder for a morning of exploration. Later set out on a guided walk around the base of the monolith, gaining insight into its sacred significance to the Anangu.
Uluru/Sydney
Enjoy free time on our final morning in the Red Centre. Then pack up and head off to the airport for an afternoon flight to Sydney. Check in to our hotel and opt to join our CEO for a dinner out on the town in one of Sydney's famous neighbourhoods.
Sydney
Take it slow with a leisurely morning, or get up early and join your CEO for a walk around the Rocks area, a waterfront neighborhood that marks the spot of the first European settlement in Australia. It also holds a spiritual significance for the area’s indigenous people. Around midmorning, circle back and meet for a private tour of the Sydney Opera House. This afternoon, step aboard a private catamaran for a sunset sail around Sydney's famous harbor. Tuck into a delicious Australian Barbecue dinner as the sun sets in the background.
Sydney
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore the best of Sydney. Walk the Rocks and stop by Maybe Sammy for a drink, which happens to be one of the best bars in Sydney. Take the ferry to Manly Beach or walk the Bondi Coastal walk and snap some photos. Or, spend a full day exploring the Blue Mountains on an optional excursion.
Sydney/Port Douglas
Fly to Cairns today and travel up the scenic coastal road to Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest tropical rainforest and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Embark on an interpretive walk with an indigenous guide at the lush Mossman Gorge, learning about the traditional ways of life of the region’s Kuku Yalanji people. Continue to the resort town of Port Douglas, our home for the next three nights.
Port Douglas
Explore the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day catamaran tour to the Outer Reef. Immerse yourself in the largest coral reef system in the world, which teems with 1500 species of tropical fish, as well as whales, dolphins and porpoises. Hop into the warm waters off Australia's east coast and experience this marine wonderland for yourself. Lunch will be served onboard. Back in Port Douglas the evening is yours to do as you please.
Port Douglas
Enjoy a free morning in charming Port Douglas. Stroll the town’s boutique-lined streets and idyllic beaches or head to the Sunday markets to browse the stalls. Later in the day, join your fellow travelers for an exclusive cultural experience at Cooya Beach. Meet Indigenous guides for a welcome ceremony, and get acquainted with members of the Kuku Yalanji people. Our CEO will organize an optional farewell dinner to toast your adventures down under.
Port Douglas/Cairns
After one last breakfast in Port Douglas, transfer back to Cairns where our tour ends at the airport mid-morning. Alternatively, extend your stay in Port Douglas.
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
