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New Zealand and Australia Discovery Tour

New Zealand and Australia Discovery Tour

A journey of contrasts – fjords to reefs, cities to sacred lands.

Australia
From Auckland to Sydney
unusual-experiences
Tour length: 29 days
When to go? 9 November to 7 December 2026

Small group tour: 10-20 Guests

From the glowworm caves of Waitomo and the rugged peaks of Mount Cook to the Great Barrier Reef and the Red Centre’s ancient landscapes, this tour combines iconic highlights with time for your own discoveries.

Travel from Auckland’s harbour shores to the cultural heart of Rotorua, explore the vibrant cities of Wellington, Melbourne, and Sydney, and experience the striking contrasts of New Zealand’s wild West Coast and Australia’s tropical north. Along the way, enjoy a balance of guided experiences and free time — with options ranging from Maori cultural encounters and whale watching to rainforest journeys and outback adventures.

This journey brings you the essence of both countries: breathtaking nature, rich cultures, and unforgettable moments.

This tour takes place from 9 November to 7 December 2026

Coach Group Australia

Day by Day

Day 1 – Arrival in Auckland

Kia ora! Welcome to New Zealand. Upon arrival, guests are transferred to their centrally located hotel. The afternoon is free to explore the vibrant waterfront or relax after the flight. In the evening, meet your guide and fellow travellers for a casual welcome meeting.
Nesuto Stadium Hotel, Auckland

Day 2 – Auckland – Rotorua (via Waitomo)

Depart Auckland and head south to the magical glowworm-lit caves of Waitomo for a guided boat ride through a glittering underworld. Continue through the lush Waikato region to Rotorua, the heart of Māori culture and geothermal activity.
Included: Waitomo Caves tour
Overnight: Sudima Lake Rotorua

Day 3 – Rotorua

Enjoy a full free day in Rotorua. Optional activities include geothermal park visits (like Wai-O-Tapu), ziplining, or white-water rafting. In the evening, experience a traditional Māori cultural performance and Hangi feast, a powerful introduction to New Zealand’s indigenous heritage.
Included: Mitai Māori Experience (dinner included)
Sudima Lake Rotorua

Day 4 – Rotorua – Wellington (via Napier)

Travel through rolling farmlands and vineyards to the Art Deco town of Napier for a lunch stop before reaching New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, nestled between hills and harbour.
Naumi Studio Hotel, Wellington

Day 5 – Wellington

Morning city orientation walk. The rest of the day is yours to explore: visit the Te Papa National Museum, stroll the waterfront, take the cable car, or browse quirky shops and cafés.
Naumi Studio Hotel, Wellington

Day 6 – Wellington – Blenheim, road to Kaikoura (flight + drive)

Fly to the South Island and travel through Marlborough’s wine region, stopping for a wine tasting, before arriving in the seaside town of Kaikoura.
The White Morph, Kaikoura

Day 7 – Kaikoura – Hanmer Springs

Free morning for optional whale watching or dolphin swimming. Later, travel inland to the alpine town of Hanmer Springs to enjoy its famous thermal pools.
Drifters Inn, Hanmer Springs

Day 8 – Hanmer – Franz Josef

Cross the Southern Alps on one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand. Descend through rainforest to the rugged West Coast and arrive in the glacier town of Franz Josef.
Rainforest Retreat – Studio

Day 9 – Franz Josef

A free day to explore the glacier region. Optional activities include heli-hiking, kayaking, soaking in hot pools, or visiting the West Coast Wildlife Centre.
Rainforest Retreat – Studio

Day 10 – Franz Josef – Queenstown

Drive through Haast Pass, stopping for waterfalls and lakes. Arrive in Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital.
Heartland Hotel, Queenstown

Day 11 – Queenstown

A free day to enjoy the region’s many options: jet boating, bungee jumping, a gondola ride, or simply relaxing by Lake Wakatipu.
Heartland Hotel, Queenstown

Day 12 – Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

A full-day guided journey into Fiordland National Park, including a cruise through the untouched, majestic Doubtful Sound.
Included: Doubtful Sound day cruise
Heartland Hotel, Queenstown

Day 13 – Queenstown – Lake Tekapo (via Mt Cook)

Travel north through Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park for stunning alpine views. Optional short hikes or glacier viewing en route. Continue to the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo.
Godley Hotel, Lake Tekapo

Day 14 – Lake Tekapo – Christchurch

Pass through the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Explore the city’s botanical gardens, earthquake memorials, and creative street art.
Bealey Quarter, Christchurch

Day 15 – Christchurch – Melbourne

Fly across the Tasman to Melbourne. Arrive and settle in, with free time to enjoy the café scene or take a riverside stroll.
Windsor Hotel Melbourne

Day 16 – Melbourne City Tour

Explore Melbourne’s iconic laneways, Queen Victoria Market, the Yarra River, Federation Square, and lush parks on a guided tour.
Windsor Hotel Melbourne

Days 17 & 18 – Free Days in Melbourne

Enjoy two days at your own pace. Optional excursions include the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island Penguin Parade, or a ride on the Puffing Billy steam train.
Windsor Hotel Melbourne

Day 19 – Melbourne – Cairns

Fly to tropical North Queensland. Enjoy free time to explore the Esplanade or relax poolside.
DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns

Day 20 – Great Barrier Reef Adventure

Set sail on a full-day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef. Options include snorkelling, scuba diving, glass-bottom boat rides, or even a helicopter flight.
Included: Full-day reef tour with BBQ seafood lunch at sea
DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns

Day 21 – Free Day / Daintree Rainforest (Optional) / Kuranda (Optional)

A relaxing day to unwind or join an optional tour to the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest tropical forest on Earth, or Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures.Another optional is the scenic railway journey to the rainforest village of Kuranda. Return via the Skyrail cableway, with free time to visit the butterfly sanctuary or Aboriginal cultural centres.
DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns

Day 22 – Cairns – Uluru

Fly to the Red Centre. Visit the base of Uluru at sunset with sparkling wine. Included tonight: “Sounds of Silence” dinner under the stars.
Outback Resort, Uluru

Day 23 – Uluru – Alice Springs

Catch sunrise at Uluru, then travel across the desert to Alice Springs.
DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs

Day 24 – Alice Springs Sightseeing

Visit iconic sites including Simpson’s Gap, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and School of the Air.
DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs

Day 25 – Alice Springs – Sydney

Fly to Sydney. Free afternoon to explore the Harbour or take a ferry to Manly.
Amora Jamison Sydney

Day 26 – Sydney City & Harbour

Morning city tour of The Rocks, Opera House, Circular Quay, and Botanical Gardens. Enjoy a harbour lunch cruise.
Included: Sydney Harbour lunch cruise
Amora Jamison Sydney

Day 27 & 28 – Free Days / Optional Blue Mountains

Free day for shopping, Bondi Beach, or join an optional tour to the Blue Mountains to visit the Three Sisters, Echo Point, and Featherdale Wildlife Park.
Farewell dinner & drinks.
Amora Jamison Sydney

Day 29 – Departure from Sydney

Transfer to the international airport. Farewell and safe journey home!

Please contact us if you would like more information about this tour

Included

3–4 star accommodation with breakfast throughout
All flights within NZ and Australia
Private coach transfers and scenic drives
English-speaking tour guide throughout
Glowworm caves
Maori cultural experience
Doubtful Sound cruise
Great Barrier Reef catamaran tour
Sydney lunch cruise
Entry to national parks and attractions as listed
24/7 travel assistance + welcome pack

Gallery (Click on the images to enlarge)

Map

All destinations can be tailored to your individual needs.

Please contact us for further information.



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