Highlights of Downunder: Australia & New Zealand 09 Sep, 2025

Multi Country Vacations / Australia

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Amazing Experience

Overview

Trip Overview

Special Offer Details

Book this vacation in conjunction with an International Airfare from North America to Australia and save $150. Pricing and Savings based on Low Season Travel January 7 - March 31, 2025

Featuring New Zealand and Australia at their most spectacular, this two week journey lets you explore the geothermal pools of Rotorua, stunning Milford Sound, picturesque Sydney Harbour and the Great Barrier Reef.

New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland seduces visitors with its laid back pace, world class museums, galleries and gardens. Enjoy spectacular city views from your included visit to Mt Eden, as well as historic Parnell Village. You’ll also explore some of the surrounding rainforest, including the black sand beach where ‘The Piano’ was filmed.

The North Island of New Zealand is a geology geek’s paradise. Believed to be over two million years old, the Waitomo Caves are a major draw for visitors fascinated by their large population of glowworms and beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations. You’ll have the chance to explore them on your way to Rotorua, where spouting geysers and boiling mudpools showcase geothermal New Zealand at its best. An included tour of this area includes Rainbow Springs, Te Whakarewarewa thermal reserve and Te Puia Rotorua. Cap off your sightseeing with a traditional Maori concert and Hangi (feast) for a taste of New Zealand’s indigenous culture.

A Mecca for skiers, Queenstown puts you in the heart of the South Island’s mountain landscape. Less active travelers can enjoy an optional scenic helicopter flight, jetboat trip or Gondola ride to take in the sights. An included day trip takes you to Milford Sound, a breathtaking, 16km long fjord carved by glaciers out to the Tasman Sea.

Diverse and historic Sydney greets visitors with its sparkling harbour, iconic Harbour Bridge, and the unforgettable Sydney Opera House. Your included ferry ticket allows you to enjoy all three, including entry to Taronga Zoo, where you can say ‘G’day’ to kangaroos, koalas and other natives as well as many international guests. Your guided tour of The Rocks area offers a fascinating insight into Australia’s convict past, while an afternoon tour takes you to the Botanical Gardens and famous Bondi Beach for a more modern slice of Sydney.

Tropical Cairns offers a dazzling array of wildlife amid lush forest surrounds. You’ll visit the Great Barrier Reef for a close encounter with the abundant sea life of the world’s largest coral reef system. Then climb aboard an amphibious army duck for a trip into Kuranda’s scenic rainforest, where an authentic taste of Aboriginal culture, including a ‘Dreamtime’ walk and the chance to throw a boomerang await.

Highlights

Departures

Daily from Auckland or Cairns.

 

Trip Includes

  • Shared arrival and departure airport transfers in Auckland, Rotorua and Cairns
  • Private arrival and departure airport transfers in Queenstown and Sydney
  • 2 nights first-class accommodation in Auckland
  • 2 nights first-class accommodation in Rotorua
  • 3 nights first-class accommodation in Queenstown
  • 3 nights first-class accommodation in Sydney
  • 3 nights first-class accommodation in Cairns
  • Small group full day Best of Both World tour Auckland (max 21 guests)
  • Shared full day Auckland to Rotorua including Waitomo Caves
  • Shared half day Rotorua Morning tour
  • Shared Journey of Ages Evening Cultural experience in Rotorua
  • Shared full day Milford Sound cruise and coach
  • Shared half day Sydney City Tour
  • Shared half day Sydney Harbour Highlights Tea Cruise
  • Shared full day Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef Cruise
  • Shared full day Kuranda Tour with Train Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Rainforestation
  • 4 lunches, 1 dinner

 

Trip Excludes

  • Travel insurance
  • International, domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
  • Gratuities
  • Optional excursions
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Visa fees, if applicable

Summary

Terms and Conditions

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.

Auckland Airport to Auckland - City Centre

 

Heritage Auckland Hotel

2 Night Stay

Meal Plan: Room Only

The Heritage Auckland is an ideal place to stay for both leisure and business travellers. The hotel is positioned overlooking Waitemata Harbour in the heart of Auckland's business district. The hotel is within walking distance of the city's many attractions, including the Sky Tower Casino, the shops of Queen Street and Auckland city's finest cafes and restaurants. It includes two distinctive accommodation wings, The Hotel (reflects delightful ornate touches carefully preserved from the building's past) and The Tower (offers a more contemporary design). They are connected by a walkway enabling guests to access the range of facilities available. Both have their own entrance and reception areas.

Heritage Auckland Hotel

Let Bush and Beach take you on a day tour to experience the best of Auckland sightseeing. We combine an Auckland city tour in the morning with an afternoon nature tour to the black sand beach and rainforest at Piha - a day of variety and a great introduction to Auckland and New Zealand. Your morning Auckland city tour is designed to explore the history and sights of the city. Discover the Maori history of the city and as see what makes our city a vibrant place to live. Auckland City is built around the beautiful Waitmata harbour and it is known as the "City of Sails". This city tour includes stops at iconic landmarks such as The Auckland Domain, Mount Victoria in Devonport and Westhaven marina. There is also a stop at a cafe by a beautiful beach and lots of photo opportunities all day. Your afternoon eco tour is spent in the Waitakere Ranges. In just 30 minutes you leave behind the bustle of the city and step into the tranquillity of the rainforest. Travel to the Arataki Centre, an information centre built high on the ridge of the Waitakere Ranges. From here you get breathtaking panoramic views across the rainforest to Auckland's two harbours. The visitors centre is also home to some traditional Maori carvings and your guide will talk about them and explain their significance for the area. Continue on to the lush rainforest where you walk the easy tracks among giant tree ferns and view New Zealand’s famous kauri trees and silver ferns. Move on to experience the power of the wild and rugged west coast. Feel the black sand of Piha beach beneath your feet as you stroll along one of the most awe-inspiring beaches the world has to offer. The perfect Auckland day trip. During the afternoon we also include a New Zealand style afternoon tea including biscuits and tea and coffee or juice.

This trip from Auckland to Rotorua includes the Hobbiton movie set tour. Departing from Auckland this is a wonderful way to get to Rotorua and include a magical journey through Middle-earth to the Hobbiton movie set from "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films. Travel south from Auckland over the Bombay Hills to the rich farmland of the Waikato region. Your journey takes you through undulating green hills reminding you that you are approaching the Shire. Your Bush and Beach guide will give you commentary on the way down with insights about the areas you are traveling through and insights to the backgrounds to the movies. On arrival at Shire’s Rest you embark on your Hobbiton movie set tour. This location is the largest "green set" in the world and the only part of the set remaining in New Zealand. You see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge and the party tree. At this stunning location you can take a photo at the gate to Bilbo's house, "Bag End", looking out over the whole set to the hills in the distance. Before your feast in the Party Marquee (which is included in the price) you cross the bridge by the mill to go into the Green Dragon Inn where you can enjoy a complimentary ale, cider or ginger beer. You will also get to walk through a fully themed Hobbit Hole interior. At the end of your Hobbiton movie set tour you will travel on to Rotorua (drop off at selected inner city Rotorua accommodation included).

 

Regent of Rotorua

2 Night Stay

Meal Plan: Room Only

A gem that stands apart from the crowd as Rotorua's most stylish hotel, this luxury boutique hotel in Rotorua city center has been designed with the modern traveler in mind. Prepare to be wowed by an eclectic mix of stylish spaces. Refreshingly original, the Regent marks the epitome of chic, luxury accommodation in the city. Our welcoming team is on hand to ensure that whether you are staying for business or pleasure, overnight or longer, your stay will be memorable and enjoyable. Whether relaxing with a cocktail by our heated pool, soaking in our restorative mineral pool, or picking up a coffee and a muffin to-go, the Regent of Rotorua is the perfect venue.

Regent of Rotorua

Eco Thermal Park Tour

Learn about Rotorua’s huge colourful hot springs, erupting geysers and active boiling mud pools, spectacular volcanoes and lush native forest. Enjoy a pick up from your accommodation then drive through forestry and farmland to New Zealand’s largest boiling mud pool. Your guide shows you a series of colourful hot springs and volcanic features at Wai-O-Tapu. Then see the Lady Knox geyser eruption at 10:15 am. Next, a short drive to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley where your guide explains the Mt. Tarawera eruption which blew open this spectacular, bush covered, geothermal park. This award-winning eco tourism adventure is one you won’t want to miss!

 

Evening Experience - Summer Harvest Celebration at Te Pa Tu The Gathering Place

Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within our forest Pa (village) –blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and forest-formed amphitheatre. Te Pa Tu shares Maori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across 4-hours of celebration and feasting.  These events change with each season of the maramataka, the Maori lunar calendar.    Summer: Tu Te Ra - Across this lunar phase, the sun expresses optimal energy, the days are longer, and light nourishes the natural world. Tu Te Ra celebrates abundant harvest and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Maori warfare and peace.    These can include roasted tuna (native eel), creamy paua (abalone) on rewena (bread) crostini, foraged greens, chunky smoked kahawai, ember warmed kumara and restorative kawakawa tea.   Torch light guides manuhiri (guests) to a lavish but relaxed four course feast. Hangi remains hero but it shares the table with lesser-known Maori delicacies, prepared fusion style. Wagyu pincanha, Watercress chimichurri, taro gratin – even kumara ice-cream - each dish is inspired by or infused with traditional ingredients, stories, or cooking techniques. Whether dining al fresco or in our wharekai (dining room) we celebrate the spirit of hakari (feasting) and of Aotearoa, New Zealand

undefined to Rotorua Airport

 

Queenstown Airport to Queenstown - City Centre

 

Heritage Queenstown

3 Night Stay

Meal Plan: Room Only

The Heritage Queenstown offers enchanting views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkable Mountain Range. A short distance from the town centre, this unique European style lodge is surrounded by native forest in the heart of New Zealand's alpine wonderland. Crafted from centuries old schist and cedar, The Heritage Queenstown is the perfect place to relax in comfortable yet sophisticated surroundings. The Heritage offers a choice of 178 luxury rooms, including traditional deluxe hotel accommodation and spacious 1 or 2 bedroom Suites. Each room is thoughtfully decorated, featuring individual touches which reflect unique high country origins.

Heritage Queenstown

Depart Queenstown by coach and travel to Milford Sound via Te Anau. Upon arrival in Milford Sound, board a leisurely cruise allowing you to take in the natural splendor of this pristine corner of New Zealand. Exploring the length of the fiord, you'll learn about the history of the region and benefit from the knowledge of your specialist nature guide. Experience the cool spray of a waterfall as you move in close to sheer rock faces or watch out for dolphins, seals and, in season, the rare Fiordland crested penguins. The experienced skippers tailor the cruise to take into consideration weather and recent wildlife sightings, ensuring you'll see the best that Milford Sound has to offer on the day. Upon conclusion of the tour you will return to Queenstown by coach.

Queenstown - City Centre to Queenstown Airport

 

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport to Sydney - City Centre

 

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney

3 Night Stay

Meal Plan: Room Only

A beautiful hotel with a stunning 1800's sandstone facade, the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney is an intimate, boutique-style property. Once home to the Fairfax newspaper empire and the prestigious Bank of New South Wales, this accommodation offers a location near Sydney Opera House and major shopping precincts. There is a wide array of upscale facilities, including on-site dining at the recently refurbished restaurant and a modern health club. The staff ensures that your stay at this accommodation in Sydney is both comfortable and unforgettable.

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney

Depart your hotel for an unforgettable Panoramic Sydney half day city sights tour. On tour you will visit the historic Rocks area and hear of early convict history. We continue through the financially focused Central Business District (CBD), and Macquarie Street. Marvel at 18th century sandstone architecture such as NSW Parliament House, Rum Hospital, Hyde Park Barracks and St Mary’s Cathedral. We will continue to Mrs Macquaries Point, to enjoy magnificent views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. We then continue through Sydneys Eastern Suburbs, home to the rich and famous. Travelling along the coves and shores of one of the worlds most impressive harbours, we will take a few stops for photo opportunities, including a panoramic photo of Sydney skyline. You will pass through areas such as Kings Cross, Double Bay, Rose Bay before arriving at Watsons Bay, passengers will have the option a short coastal walk with views of the South Pacific Ocean and the entrance to Sydney harbour. Travel on to famous Bondi Beach where we enjoy a short stop of approximately 30 minutes. Visit the beachfront promenade, put your toes in the sand, enjoy a coffee or cool drink (at own cost). See bronzed Aussie lifesavers and surfers riding the waves of Bondi Re-board your bus and continue on to Tamarama and Bronte beaches before returning to the city via Centennial Park and Paddington, a trendy district with its elegant terrace houses and boutique shops along Oxford Street. Final stop of the day is Darling Harbour. Your tour will end at Darling Harbour or Circular Quay. You will need to make your way back to your hotel.

Begin your day with a sensational morning tea cruise. A unique, Sydney Harbour Highlights two hour cruise experience. Enjoy the company of a small group aboard a 52 foot motor yacht. Your personal captain and host will share the rich history of Sydney Harbour and its foreshore as you take in the sites of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, and the bays and coves of Sydney Harbour. Enjoy a light morning tea with coffee, tea, juice, water, and 5-star service.

Sydney - City Centre to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport

 

Cairns Airport to Cairns - City Centre

 

Pacific Hotel Cairns

3 Night Stay

Meal Plan: Room Only

Located on the Esplanade overlooking Trinity Harbour, Pacific Hotel Cairns offers stunning views from private balconies and easy access to the nearby Reef Fleet Terminal, shopping precinct and Esplanade Lagoon. The modern rooms offer comfortable accommodation for all travellers and if you’re looking for a luxurious upgrade, you can’t go past our Tropical Luxe Room Collection.

Pacific Hotel Cairns

Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef Cruise from Cairns or Northern Beaches Hotels

For an experience of a lifetime, Quicksilver's wave piercing catamarans and friendly crew will take you to a reef at the very edge of Australia's Continental Shelf, to an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and brilliance. Agincourt Reef is a magnificent ribbon reef where you can experience first-hand the magic that is the Great Barrier Reef. Choose to dive (extra cost), snorkel, or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-sub, just one metre underwater. Watch the fish feeding from a unique underwater viewing platform and underwater observatory, or fly in a helicopter over the reef (extra cost). Whichever way you choose; you'll bring home a lifetime of memories from this living natural wonder.

Kuranda Classic Tour with Train Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Rainforestation

The Classic Kuranda Experience includes the main attractions of Kuranda, but gives you more free time to explore Kuranda. You will travel to Kuranda by scenic railway and then spend some free time in the village. Wander through the many shops and local markets, which offer a full range of local handicrafts, souvenirs, and gifts. You will then be transferred to Rainforestation Nature Park, where you will enjoy a delicious Australian BBQ lunch, a guided tour of the rainforest on board an amphibious Army Duck, and the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dance performance, followed by the Dreamtime Walk. You will learn how to throw a boomerang, see a spear-throwing demonstrations, and learn about aboriginal culture. A guided tour of the Koala and Wildlife Park will commence at the Cultural Centre. Your coach will then transfer you to Kuranda Skyrail Terminal for the 7.5 kilometre Skyrail Rainforest Cableway journey down the mountain. Your coach will then return you to your accommodation.

Cairns - City Centre to Cairns Airport

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