Duration: 18 Days
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. Day 1
Welcome to Melbourne
Meet your fellow adventure-seekers – you’re going to be spending a fair bit of time with them.
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.
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.
Day 4
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
Day 5
Cairns Free Time
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.
Day 6
Cairns - Sydney
We hope you have a window seat for the flight into Sydney – the view over the harbour as you come into land certainly sparkles. The only perspective more dazzling is from a catamaran. All aboard for a dinner cruise gliding past the Sydney Opera House and under the Harbour Bridge
Day 7
Sydney
Discover one of the great highlights of Sydney, the beautiful Sydney Opera House with a guided tour inside this iconic building. 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. Explore Sydney’s inner west and enjoy a lunch with the locals at the pub. Then drive through Sydney's hip Inner West to Batch Brewery where you will take part in a masterclass and learn how they combine creatively inspired limited release batches with sustainable practices.
Day 8
Sydney Free Time
The day is yours to explore at your leisure or book one of our hand-crafted selection of optional experiences. There are so many sights and activities to be had in this city and further afield. Enjoy your farewell Dinner tonight with your fellow travellers
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’.
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.
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. This evening your dinner is prepared in an earthen hangi at the Mitai Māori Village. It’s an eye-opening (and tasty) introduction to Māori culture.
Day 12
Rotorua - Auckland - Queenstown
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a film star? Today you’ll get a taste of celebrity lifestyle when you sit down to breakfast in the village of Hobbiton, the movie set of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. Take a guided tour past Hobbit Holes and the Mill, and wave to your fans.
Day 13
Milford Sound
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.
Day 14
Queenstown Free Time
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.
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.
Day 16
Lake Tekapo - Christchurch
Ever wondered what life on the land is like? Meet Angie and Stan Taylor, who have farmed this countryside for more years than they care to remember. The stories you’ll hear over lunch...
Day 17
Christchurch
Community spirit is strong in Christchurch; not only has the city rebuilt since the devastating 2011 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.
Day 18
Farewell from Christchurch
It’s hard to say goodbye; so say ‘see you soon’ instead.
- Melbourne Laneways Walking Tour
- Hartleys Boat Cruise Great Barrier Reef Cruise
- Sydney Harbour Cruise
- Be My Guest Experience exploring the Sydney’s vibrant Inner West
- Visit with a volunteer gardener at Wendy’s Secret Garden
- Rainbow Springs and Kiwi Hatchery
- Tamaki Maori Village, Cultural Performance & Dinner
- Hobbiton tour and breakfast
- Milford Sound Nature Cruise
- Postmasters dinner in Arrowtown, Queenstown
- Dark Sky Project – Crater Experience Britten Stables (BMG)
Start Date: 2023-09-28
End Date: 2023-10-15
twin
Adult Price: $14000
Child Price: $12845
twinShare
Adult Price: $14000
triple
Adult Price: $13420
Child Price: $13420
single
Adult Price: $17785
Start Date: 2023-10-12
End Date: 2023-10-29
twin
Adult Price: $14305
Child Price: $13115
twinShare
Adult Price: $14305
triple
Adult Price: $13710
Child Price: $13710
single
Adult Price: $18180
Start Date: 2023-11-09
End Date: 2023-11-26
twin
Adult Price: $14590
Child Price: $13375
twinShare
Adult Price: $14590
triple
Adult Price: $13980
Child Price: $13980
single
Adult Price: $18570
Start Date: 2023-11-30
End Date: 2023-12-17
twin
Adult Price: $14590
Child Price: $13375
twinShare
Adult Price: $14590
triple
Adult Price: $13980
Child Price: $13980
single
Adult Price: $18570
Start Date: 2023-12-28
End Date: 2024-01-14
twin
Adult Price: $14590
Child Price: $13375
twinShare
Adult Price: $14590
triple
Adult Price: $13980
Child Price: $13980
single
Adult Price: $18570
Start Date: 2024-01-18
End Date: 2024-02-04
twin
Adult Price: $14590
Child Price: $13375
twinShare
Adult Price: $14590
triple
Adult Price: $13980
Child Price: $13980
single
Adult Price: $18570
Start Date: 2024-02-01
End Date: 2024-02-18
twin
Adult Price: $14590
Child Price: $13375
twinShare
Adult Price: $14590
triple
Adult Price: $13980
Child Price: $13980
single
Adult Price: $18570
Start Date: 2024-02-08
End Date: 2024-02-25
twin
Adult Price: $14590
Child Price: $13375
twinShare
Adult Price: $14590
triple
Adult Price: $13980
Child Price: $13980
single
Adult Price: $18570
Start Date: 2024-02-15
End Date: 2024-03-03
twin
Adult Price: $14590
Child Price: $13375
twinShare
Adult Price: $14590
triple
Adult Price: $13980
Child Price: $13980
single
Adult Price: $18570
Start Date: 2024-02-22
End Date: 2024-03-10
twin
Adult Price: $14590
Child Price: $13375
twinShare
Adult Price: $14590
triple
Adult Price: $13980
Child Price: $13980
single
Adult Price: $18570
Start Date: 2024-03-07
End Date: 2024-03-24
twin
Adult Price: $14590
Child Price: $13375
twinShare
Adult Price: $14590
triple
Adult Price: $13980
Child Price: $13980
single
Adult Price: $18570
Start Date: 2024-03-14
End Date: 2024-03-31
twin
Adult Price: $14590
Child Price: $13375
twinShare
Adult Price: $14590
triple
Adult Price: $13980
Child Price: $13980
single
Adult Price: $18570
