Grand Australia & New Zealand

Melbourne and the Start of Your Australia Tour

Melbourne, Australia

Tauck's tours to Australia and New Zealand begin at 5:30 PM at The Langham Melbourne. A transfer is included from Melbourne Airport to The Langham Melbourne, where you'll enjoy a river-view room. Welcome to Tauck's grand Australia tour, where friendly g'days greet you from arrival to departure! Join us for a welcome reception and dinner tonight as you meet your traveling mates.

Dinner

THE LANGHAM HOTEL, MELBOURNE

Melbourne’s Victorian Charms

Melbourne, Australia

You’ll see a lot of Melbourne on a sightseeing tour of the city, including a guided walking tour to discover the real city (and its amazing coffee) along its distinctive laneways, the Shrine of Remembrance, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. The rest of the day and evening are yours to spend as you please in Melbourne; enjoy lunch and dinner on your own today.

Breakfast

THE LANGHAM HOTEL, MELBOURNE

Fly to Uluru (Ayers Rock) & the Outback

Ayers Rock, Australia

ake a morning private charter flight to the heart of Australia’s desert Outback, arriving at Ayers Rock (Uluru) for lunch and an overnight stay at Sails in the Desert in the country’s “Red Centre". In the evening, the light of the setting sun bathes the mystical rock with a palette of ever-changing color... and you'll enjoy the natural "show" with canapés and champagne over looking the monolith.

Breakfast, Lunch

SAILS IN THE DESERT HOTEL

From Uluru to a Rainforest Skyrail in Queensland

Ayers Rock, Australia

Aboriginal traditions define life in the Outback, especially at Uluru (Ayers Rock); learn about the "dreamtime" legends associated with this massive monolith on a guided tour this morning.

Kuranda, Australia

Fly via private charter to Cairns in Queensland, gateway to the amazing Great Barrier Reef. Head to the mountain village of Kuranda, where you'll board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, taking you over and through the rainforest canopy.

Mossman, Australia

Continue on to Silky Oaks Lodge, your luxury eco lodge on the Mossman River adjacent to Daintree National Park, to begin a three-night rainforest resort stay.

Breakfast, Dinner

SILKY OAKS LODGE

Cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Spend a full day exploring one of Earth's most incredible "living" sites, the Great Barrier Reef – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only living structure on Earth visible from the moon. You’ll cruise to the Agincourt Reef today, at the edge of Australia’s Continental Shelf. Enjoy unbelievable swimming, snorkeling and marine views with superb underwater visibility. Spend the evening at leisure back at your rainforest lodge.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

SILKY OAKS LODGE

Optional Balloon Ride and a Day at Leisure

Mossman, Australia

Early risers may choose to soar over the Atherton Tablelands on an optional hot air balloon ride* at dawn (an additional charge per person; see pricing details). The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish at your rainforest resort and spa, or explore the area as you please. Enjoy a special themed dinner tonight at the lodge.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

SILKY OAKS LODGE

Crocodile Adventures and on to Sydney

Kuranda, Australia

Learn all about crocodiles at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures; have a meet and greet with a crocodile and blue tongue lizard and snake... visit a private enclosure where you might come across Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Agile Wallabies, Pademelons, Koalas, Wombats and more – you'll also have an opportunity to hold a koala and have your photo taken... attend a tour and feeding presentation... and take an exclusive boat cruise on the lagoon.

Sydney/Australia, Australia

After lunch, fly to Sydney via private charter for a four-night stay in the city’s heart at the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, SYDNEY

Sydney Harbour Cruise & a "Foodie Tour"

Sydney/Australia, Australia

A private cruise on Sydney Harbour – complete with morning tea – is a fabulous way to introduce yourself to this extraordinary city, taking a good look at some of its landmark sites from the water.

Accompanied by an informative, knowledgeable local guide, taste your way through some very cool culinary nooks and crannies on a Sydney “Foodie Tour” focusing on cultures that have emigrated to Sydney over the past decades, presenting their history through food. Check out (and sample) a variety of local eateries including an Italian deli, gelato shop, fish market, a 150-year-old pub (with a craft beer tasting), and a post-WWII pie-cart-turned-café.

Sydney sightseeing continues as you view The Rocks, Kings Cross and other highlights on a city tour; spend the rest of the day exploring as you please. You may enjoy an included dinner tonight (or tomorrow night) at Australian celebrity chef Peter Gilmore's Bennelong restaurant at the Sydney Opera House.

Breakfast, Dinner

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, SYDNEY

Sydney Opera House & the City at Leisure

Sydney/Australia, Australia

One of Australia's most famous iconic sights takes center stage today when you visit the amazing Sydney Opera House on a personally guided tour. Afterwards, return to your hotel; the remainder of the day and evening are yours to spend as you wish in remarkable Sydney.

Breakfast

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, SYDNEY

G’day to Australia, Hello to New Zealand

Wellington/New Zealand, New Zealand

Bid Australia a fond farewell this morning and board a flight across the Tasman Sea, bound for New Zealand! First stop is Wellington, New Zealand’s intimate waterfront capital with an impressive artistic and cultural edge. Accommodations for the next two nights are at the Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay; enjoy a 3-course dinner at the hotel this evening.

Breakfast, Dinner

COPTHORNE HOTEL WELLINGTON ORIENTAL BAY

Wonders of Wellington

Wellington/New Zealand, New Zealand

Discover Wellington on a tour that begins city center with a cable car ride up to the city’s Botanic Garden to see the award-winning rose garden and great views of the city, harbour, and Parliament Buildings. Next up is Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum, where you’ll have a guided orientation to its five floors focusing on the country’s exceptional nature, art, history, the Pacific and Maori culture.

ouring its exhibits is like actually experiencing thousands of years of New Zealand's history in person, as motion simulators and interactive exhibits include you in the journey. Dinner tonight is a "dine-around" from a choice of Wellington restaurants.

Breakfast, Dinner

COPTHORNE HOTEL WELLINGTON ORIENTAL BAY

To Blenheim & the Marlborough Sounds

Wellington/New Zealand, New Zealand

Tauck puts a charter plane at your service today for a flight to Blenheim on New Zealand's South Island, and a two-night stay in the heart of the Marlborough wine country.

Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand

Upon arrival, head off on a visit to the Marlborough Sounds. Besides producing great wine, this region is one of the most beautiful and picturesque areas in the country, and boasts delectable freshly caught seafood, including green-lipped mussels; sample them, along with local wines, on a luncheon cruise that celebrates New Zealand's bounty.

Blenheim, New Zealand

Following your cruise, drive to your home for the next two nights, the 5-star Chateau Marlborough in Blenheim, where you'll enjoy dinner at your leisure this evening.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

CHATEAU MARLBOROUGH

Farm Life, a Winery Lunch & “Dinner with the Warbirds”

Blenheim, New Zealand

A memorable day in the Blenheim area begins with a visit to a working private farm for a sheep shearing demonstration and sheep dog experience; morning tea at the homestead with the farmer and his family; and a walk through their extensive gardens. Continue on to Brancott Winery for a wine tasting and three-course lunch with matching wines at the Brancott Heritage Centre, followed by a stop for a chocolate tasting en route to the hotel for some free time.

Join us this evening for an Exclusive event: a visit to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre – which displays an incredible collection of World War I and II aircraft and memorabilia owned by film director Sir Peter Jackson – for “Dinner with the Warbirds,” featuring a tour of the museum’s “Knights of the Sky” and “Dangerous Skies” exhibitions, and a three-course dinner showcasing seasonal Marlborough produce and a selection of quality Marlborough wines.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

CHATEAU MARLBOROUGH

Fly to Te Anau

Te Anau, New Zealand

Today, depart Blenheim and fly off aboard Tauck's charter to Manapouri (Te Anau) in the magnificent Fiordlands region, for two nights at an ideally located hotel. Dinner at your leisure at the hotel is included tonight.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DISTINCTION TE ANAU HOTEL & VILLAS

Fiordland National Park & Milford Sound

Milford Sound, New Zealand

Take a dramatic drive through the unparalleled scenery of New Zealand's Fiordland National Park, then set off aboard a private boat (with a naturalist onboard) for a scenic nature luncheon cruise among the sheer cliffs and glacier-hewn inlets of beautiful Milford Sound. Enjoy the rest of the day and evening as you please at your hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch

DISTINCTION TE ANAU HOTEL & VILLAS

To Queenstown and Lunch at a Winery

Queenstown, New Zealand

Make your way across more beautiful South Island landscapes to Queenstown, where you'll have lunch at the Amisfield Winery, set in an iconic stone building with gorgeous mountain views and known for its Pinot Noir. Your accommodations at the Sofitel Queenstown exude French-inspired sophistication in the heart of the city.

Breakfast, Lunch

SOFITEL QUEENSTOWN HOTEL AND SPA

Adventures by Jet Boat & 'Copter in Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

Even if you're not all that adventurous, today's thrilling high-speed jet boat ride* through the rapids and narrow gorges of Skippers Canyon on the Shotover River – followed by a helicopter ride* – will both be memorable highlights of Tauck's tours to Australia and New Zealand! Head back down the mountain via Skyline gondola to spend the rest of the day and evening as you wish in Queenstown.

Breakfast

SOFITEL QUEENSTOWN HOTEL AND SPA

Charter Flight to Auckland & Maori Culture

Auckland, New Zealand

Travel via Tauck's private charter flight from Queenstown to Auckland today for a two-night stay, arriving in time for lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy an afternoon visit to the Auckland Museum with a Maori cultural presentation and music concert. Have dinner at your hotel tonight.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

SOFITEL AUCKLAND VIADUCT HARBOUR

Wine Tasting & Lunch on Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island, New Zealand

Depart from Auckland’s Ferry Terminal and head to nearby Waiheke Island, a mecca of farmland, forest and beaches – and vineyards; enjoy some sightseeing and a unique wine tasting and lunch at Mudbrick Vineyard. Ferry back to Auckland for some leisure time. Then join us this evening for a farewell cocktail reception and dinner at your hotel in the heart of the city, a fitting finale to Tauck's ultimate tours to Australia and New Zealand!

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

SOFITEL AUCKLAND VIADUCT HARBOUR

Journey Home

Auckland, New Zealand

Our tours to Australia and New Zealand end in Auckland. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from The Sofitel Auckland at Viaduct Harbour to Auckland Airport. You should allow three hours for check-in at the airport.

Breakfast

• ALL guests must carefully verify the existing identification requirements for their particular travel situation DIRECTLY WITH THEIR LOCAL CONSULATES OR EMBASSIES or with a visa service, as these requirements may change. Guests without proper documentation may be denied entry and will not be entitled to a refund

• 60 days or more before departure: $600.00 per person
• 59-8 days before departure: $1250.00 per person
• 7-1 days before departure: $2000.00 per person
• On departure day and later: 100% of total price
• Any changes or cancellations to airline reservations made through Tauck either before or after departure are subject to the cancellation / change policies of the individual airlines. In n some instances these cancellation / change fees may be up to 100% of the ticket price.
• Cancellation fees may also apply to any additional services, including extra night accommodations, independently supplied services, and optional excursions reserved prior to, during, and after the tour. If flight changes, including, but not limited to, flight cancellations or name changes, are requested after full land and air deposits are received, revision fees, change fees, or airline cancellation fees will apply.
• All cancellations must be received in writing prior to tour departure. The cancellation policy will apply according to the date that the cancellation notification is received. The MINIMUM cancellation penalty is the deposit amount.
• The purchase to trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.

• Land only “from price” is per person based on two people sharing a room together and does not include airfare unless expressly stated.
• All prices are in US Dollars.
• A $600 non-refundable, non-transferable, per-person, per-vacation deposit is required to reserve space for you. Payment of the deposit indicates you have read and accepted all Terms & Conditions. Your booking is not confirmed until the deposit payment is processed and you receive a confirmation invoice.
• Final payment is due 75 days prior to departure. Within the final payment date, payment in full is required at time of booking to reserve space. Reservations (land, cruise, and air) are canceled if final payment is not received by the due date.
• Additional deposits or payments are required for international air added to the start and/or end of your vacation.