Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand

Dates, Offers & Prices

The following are Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand tour dates available from Trafalgar. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.

Pricing Type: Double Occupancy

Pricing is per person, based on two people per reservation

Start Date	End Date	Bonus Offers	From Pricing listed is per person, based on double occupancy, and is the least expensive price available on this tour date. Price is for the tour only, unless noted otherwise. Additional items, including but not limited to, airfare, travel insurance, and more, are additional.	Guaranteed? Yes means that that the vendor guarantees that tour date will occur. No means that the vendor does not guarantee the tour will occur on that date, which usually means that the vendor wants a certain amount of reservations on that date in order to confirm it. Of course, the terms and conditions of the vendor do allow for the vendor to cancel guaranteed tour dates for certain reasons (for example, a natural disaster).
Thursday Mar 20, 2025	Sunday Apr 6, 2025	Exclusive Rates on all Trafalgar Tours! Exclusive Rates on all Trafalgar Tours! Book any Trafalgar tour with us and you'll get the best deal possible! Contact us for pricing and availability. Available for new bookings made starting 10/14/20. Subject to expire without advanced notice. Bonus Offers are not combinable, unless noted otherwise. Pricing may already reflect the application of any applicable promotions. Additional restrictions apply. Certain terms and conditions apply to each offer. Additional restrictions apply. We reserve the right to correct errors. No Booking Fees! No Booking Fees! We do not charge booking fees on any Trafalgar tours. You're sure to enjoy more affordable Trafalgar tour packages when booking with us! Contact us for pricing and availability. Available for new bookings made starting 10/14/20. Subject to expire without advanced notice. Bonus Offers are not combinable, unless noted otherwise. Pricing may already reflect the application of any applicable promotions. Additional restrictions apply. Certain terms and conditions apply to each offer. Additional restrictions apply. We reserve the right to correct errors.	$12,209.00 Includes $1,645.00 of included costs • $0: Auckland Airport to Hotel transfer • $0: Sydney Hotel to Airport transfer • $1372.2: Intra Tour Air Contrasts of Australia and New Zeal • $272.8: Intra Tour Air Tax Contrasts of Australia and New	Yes (Departure #20250320)
Thursday Jan 30, 2025	Sunday Feb 16, 2025	Exclusive Rates on all Trafalgar Tours! Exclusive Rates on all Trafalgar Tours! Book any Trafalgar tour with us and you'll get the best deal possible! Contact us for pricing and availability. Available for new bookings made starting 10/14/20. Subject to expire without advanced notice. Bonus Offers are not combinable, unless noted otherwise. Pricing may already reflect the application of any applicable promotions. Additional restrictions apply. Certain terms and conditions apply to each offer. Additional restrictions apply. We reserve the right to correct errors. No Booking Fees! No Booking Fees! We do not charge booking fees on any Trafalgar tours. You're sure to enjoy more affordable Trafalgar tour packages when booking with us! Contact us for pricing and availability. Available for new bookings made starting 10/14/20. Subject to expire without advanced notice. Bonus Offers are not combinable, unless noted otherwise. Pricing may already reflect the application of any applicable promotions. Additional restrictions apply. Certain terms and conditions apply to each offer. Additional restrictions apply. We reserve the right to correct errors.	$12,209.00 Includes $1,645.00 of included costs • $0: Auckland Airport to Hotel transfer • $0: Sydney Hotel to Airport transfer • $1372.2: Intra Tour Air Contrasts of Australia and New Zeal • $272.8: Intra Tour Air Tax Contrasts of Australia and New	Yes (Departure #20250130)
Thursday Mar 6, 2025	Sunday Mar 23, 2025	Exclusive Rates on all Trafalgar Tours! Exclusive Rates on all Trafalgar Tours! Book any Trafalgar tour with us and you'll get the best deal possible! Contact us for pricing and availability. Available for new bookings made starting 10/14/20. Subject to expire without advanced notice. Bonus Offers are not combinable, unless noted otherwise. Pricing may already reflect the application of any applicable promotions. Additional restrictions apply. Certain terms and conditions apply to each offer. Additional restrictions apply. We reserve the right to correct errors. No Booking Fees! No Booking Fees! We do not charge booking fees on any Trafalgar tours. You're sure to enjoy more affordable Trafalgar tour packages when booking with us! Contact us for pricing and availability. Available for new bookings made starting 10/14/20. Subject to expire without advanced notice. Bonus Offers are not combinable, unless noted otherwise. Pricing may already reflect the application of any applicable promotions. Additional restrictions apply. Certain terms and conditions apply to each offer. Additional restrictions apply. We reserve the right to correct errors.	$12,659.30 Includes $1,645.00 of included costs • $0: Auckland Airport to Hotel transfer • $0: Sydney Hotel to Airport transfer • $1372.2: Intra Tour Air Contrasts of Australia and New Zeal • $272.8: Intra Tour Air Tax Contrasts of Australia and New	Yes (Departure #20250306)

Tour Itinerary

Trafalgar Tour Code 91-1330

View Itinerary Map

Trafalgar Tour Code 91-1330

Day
1
Welcome to Melbourne

Stylish and friendly Melbourne extends a warm welcome to your epic tour (flights to arrive prior to 12pm). You’ll soon see you’re staying right in the heart of the action on the banks of the Yarra River, the perfect springboard for your time in the city. After settling into your hotel, get to know your Travel Director and fellow travellers over a Welcome Reception at The General Assembly restaurant. Perched on the Yarra River’s South Wharf, this modern pub is a great introduction to Melbourne’s cosmopolitan vibe. Relax and tuck into a three-course dinner washing it down with your choice of local wines and 15 beers on tap.
- Meals Included:
- Welcome Reception
Day
2
Uncover Melbourne's Laneways

Delve into the city this morning on a walk with your Travel Director to discover the little lanes, arcades, and café society of stylish Melbourne. View its famous, edgy street art - in the striking contrast to federation buildings and churches that Melbourne is known for - and immerse yourself in the city’s robust coffee aroma, admiring the exquisite Victorian façades lining grand boulevards. After your orientation, you have the rest of the day to get a feel for the city strolling or finding a spot on the Yarra River to grab a drink, taking advantage of the time to do a little souvenir shopping, relaxing back at your hotel, or choosing an Optional Experience such as the popular viewing of the daily sea-to-shore trek of the tiny, adorable penguins on Phillip Island (own expense). This rare wildlife encounter is a fascinating look at the penguins’ life and one you can’t find anywhere else in the world.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Day
3
Cairns, in the Tropics

Get ready for a change of scenery and “locals” today as you fly north to Cairns. Then get right in the action meeting a Local Specialist for a private wildlife encounter at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures on a boat cruise through, where the crocs are the stars of the show popping up from the murky waters or lazing on the bank. Safe in your boat, your local guide will give you the inside scoop on the life and habits of these Cairns’ area locals. Inspired by your introduction to wildlife, you’ll love your next experience helping take part in a Rainforest Restoration project to protect the natural wonder of the nearby Notophyll Vine Forest, an area older than the Amazon. Your helping-hand planting trees supports the protection of this rare type of dry rainforest from development and restores it to its former glory as an important wildlife corridor rich with native birds - a mission you’ll feel good contributing to. Back in town, enjoy your evening on your own visiting the Cairns Night Markets. *If you are departing on an early flight from Melbourne, a boxed breakfast will be provided.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Day
4
View Colourful Coral and Tropical Fish

No matter where you hail from, today is a bucket list experience exploring the tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef as we set sail on a high-speed catamaran - and you have a full day to do it. Kick off the day, then don your mask and fins for a snorkel (equipment provided) exploring this underwater wonderland up close. You’ll think you’re inside an aquarium as you wind your way through the rainbow of reefs and fish. Or, stay dry in your semi-submersible, air-conditioned craft with an underwater observatory to view the tropical species that live in the world’s largest coral reef system. Your local guide shares all their insights on the reef and its ecology. Learn about the colourful fish and plants that call the reef home and why it’s so important to protect this beautiful and fragile ecosystem. Refuel with a tropical buffet lunch and afternoon tea and coffee under the glorious Aussie sunshine before you cruise back into the city, all smiles after an amazing day.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Day
5
Cairns, it's All Yours

Soak up the atmosphere of tropical Cairns with a free day to explore the town, head further afield, or relax by your hotel pool. You can also choose to join a popular Optional Experience aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway through a lush forest past gorges, ravines, and waterfalls to Kuranda 'village in the rainforest'. Explore this quaint village of trails, wildlife sanctuaries, shops, and markets within a World Heritage rainforest before returning to the lowlands soaring above the canopy on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Tonight, join the group to trade tales from the day at Ochre Restaurant. With views of the inlet and mountains, watch the boats come in over the Harbour Lights’ boardwalk as you enjoy Australian cuisine featuring the best local produce.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day
6
Fly to Glorious Sydney

You're only six days into your Australia and New Zealand tour and the journey continues leaving the golden beaches of Cairns behind and heading to Sydney, Australia’s largest city, harbour, and fun-loving metropolis. Settle into your centrally located hotel before an afternoon and evening free to explore. Why not soak up the incredible city views on a wander around the Royal Botanic Garden?
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Day
7
Savour the Sights of Sydney

It's the ultimate in Sydney sightseeing today when you join an Opera House Tour with a Local Specialist before exploring the city from another angle - aboard a harbour cruise, sailing past Circular Quay, Shark Island, magnificent homes, beaches, and parkland, and the iconic white sails of the Opera House. Cross the Harbour Bridge, soaking in the beautiful blooms of Wendy’s Secret Garden at Lavender Bay. At this tucked away retreat overlooking Sydney Harbour, meet a local volunteer and learn the story of how the garden was transformed, beginning in 1992 from unused railway land at the foot of founder Wendy’s house into a beautiful, whimsical secret spot. Take a walk around the grounds among the shrubs, herbs, and towering trees lining meandering paths, eyes peeled for the resident parrots, gulls, kookaburras and wagtails. Take a moment to enjoy the serenity of the garden, knowing that your visit, proudly a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, helps by contributing to the ongoing maintenance by volunteer gardeners of this enchanting garden. After a big morning, the rest of the day is yours to check out the sites.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Day
8
Sydney, It's Your Choice

Get your final fix of Sydney by checking out its sights and sounds anyway you want on this free day. But we have more than a few ideas. Perhaps a bird's-eye view of the city on the Sydney BridgeClimb. You might choose to wander further afield on an optional experience to the Blue Mountains. On your last night in town, take one last walk around the harbour before sitting down to dinner, saying a fond farewell to Australia before experiencing a change of scenery on the next leg of your journey in New Zealand. Tonight, celebrate your time in Sydney at a Regional Dinner with your Travel Director.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Regional Dinner
Day
9
Kia Ora Auckland New Zealand

Say a fond hoo roo to Australia on your Australia and New Zealand tour as you board your flight to Auckland. Upon arrival, ease into the warm, welcoming embrace of the City of Sails before meeting your Travel Director for dinner at The Grill and no doubt full of anticipation for your first full day in New Zealand tomorrow.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Welcome Reception
Day
10
Delve into Auckland

This morning, you’ll see how the city earned its name as the ‘City of Sails’ as you jump right in with a city sightseeing tour showcasing the beautiful waterfront of Mission Bay, historic overlook of Bastion Point, and spacious gardens and sunken pool at the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial offering sweeping views of Waitemata Harbour and the North Shore. You’ll pass the Auckland Museum located on the dormant volcano Pukekawa, meaning 'hill of bitter memories' referring to tribal battles fought on the site until 1828. Your afternoon free. Pop into one of their many chocolate cafes for a treat after a full morning of exploring. Or you could join the All Blacks Rugby Optional Experience.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Day
11
Rotorua, the Cultural Hub

Travel out of the city today through the dramatic landscapes of Waikato on your way to the cultural capital of Rotorua. Your first stop is the tree-lined streets of Cambridge, a town known for its training grounds for thoroughbred racehorses and famous jockeys. Travel out of the city today through the dramatic landscapes of Waikato on your way to the cultural capital of Rotorua. Your first stop is the tree-lined streets of Cambridge, a town known for its training grounds for thoroughbred racehorses and famous jockeys. Your destination this afternoon in Rotorua is the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, where you’ll join a Local Specialist for a tour. Learn about the work being done to save this rare native bird, get up close and see kiwi eggs being incubated, the hatching process, and even newly hatched kiwi chicks at this national leader in kiwi husbandry. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience is not only fun but will give you fascinating insights into New Zealand’s national bird. This evening, journey into the forest to a time of warriors and ancient traditions as you Dive Into Culture at Te Pā Tū Māori Experience. You’ll appreciate learning about the traditions of this fascinating culture through a traditional welcome, before watching and joining in Poi and Haka dances. Top off the evening with forest kai horotai (seasonal canapés) and chef-choice aperitif followed by a seasonal three-course dinner.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Regional Dinner
Day
12
Adventure Capital Queenstown

Go from city to farm life today as you travel to the countryside for a dose of local hospitality at a Be My Guest experience in the Red Barn. Hear the history of this working dairy farm from local Dan, and get a feel for country life as you're invited to roll up your sleeves and make your own butter - butter churners, tiny mason jars and all! Later, sit down to a locally sourced farm to table morning tea prepared by the onsite chef. The feel-good vibes will follow you all the way to Queenstown, the self-proclaimed adventure capital of New Zealand. It makes perfect sense – there are ski fields, white-water river and bridges strapped with bungy cords wherever you turn. And then there’s the dining scene; Queenstown is home to some of the country’s most awarded restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for bulging burgers or lakeside tapas, ask us for recommendations on this leg of your Queenstown New Zealand tour.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Be My Guest
  Being a guest in a local home for a meal prepared with love - enjoying an exchange of conversation and a first-hand look into the local life - was a revolutionary concept for group travel just a decade ago. Enter Be My Guest, Trafalgar’s original local travel experience, born from the idea of enhancing human connections between host (the local) and guest (the traveller).
Day
13
Cruise Milford Sound

Skirt Queenstown’s gleaming Lake Wakatipu, and traverse the Devil’s Staircase to Te Anau, the alpine gateway to World Heritage listed Fiordland National Park. Once you’ve paused to admire the drama at Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat, Hollyford Valley lookout and Cleddau Valley, you’ll begin to understand why Rudyard Kipling called this the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’. Onboard your included nature cruise, enjoy commentary from your eagle-eyed Naturalist guide, who not only narrates on the immense geological history of the Fjord, but will point out fur seals and dolphins should they choose to come out to play. The cruise includes a delicious picnic lunch. After a day of natural beauty, return to Queenstown for a free evening to stay in and wind down or dine at one of the restaurants overlooking Lake Wakatipu.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Day
14
Indulge Yourself in Queenstown

It’s your final day in Queenstown and the world is your oyster. Oenophiles will want to join an Optional Experience touring three premium boutique vineyards in the famous Otago region known for Pinot Noir. Or feel the wind in your hair with an adrenalin filled jet boat ride on the mighty Shotover river. Perhaps take a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm for an authentic Kiwi Farming experience complete with a working sheep dog demonstration and morning or afternoon tea. With more sheep than people in New Zealand, you’ll know this is the real thing! This evening, we take a step back in time with our Travel Director over a Regional Dinner at the Postmasters Cottage built in 1907 in nearby historic Arrowtown. You’ll learn how after the cottage was almost demolished by developers, it was then saved and purchased by the passionate local community and ultimately restored and embellished with verandas and gardens. Lastly, sit down to fresh, local food and wines matched with friendly service that the Kiwis are known for.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Regional Dinner
Day
15
Breathtaking Lake Tekapo

Leave the alpine wonderland of Queenstown for Lake Tekapo, travelling through Arrowtown’s lovingly restored mining cottages, and Cromwell on the banks of Lake Dunstan. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped inside a painting as you see the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd perched on the shores of the lake and built with stones gathered within a five-mile radius. Then the night sky calls as you spend the evening stargazing in the world-renowned UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. Your Local Specialist will show you the famous Southern Cross, Magellanic Cloud, and Milky Way as you gaze up in wonder and get a closer look using a powerful optical telescope. Cap off your adventures in this beautiful part of the world in a Stays With Stories accommodation at Peppers Bluewater Resort overlooking Lake Tekapo. Experience this location known for its bountiful stars strolling the sprawling grounds or from the comfort of your room.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day
16
Christchurch, the Garden City

Get an early start to watch the sun rise over the lake or sleep in before heading north through South Canterbury to Christchurch, a beautiful English city rich in history and thriving after rebuilding itself from a devastating 2011 earthquake. Everywhere you look you can easily see how it’s earned its name, the Garden City. Begin at the Cathedral in Latimer Square, the temporary home of the Christchurch Cathedral, to admire its colourful stained-glass windows and sustainable cardboard construction that gives it the nickname “The Cardboard Cathedral". See the highlights of the city including Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Earthquake Memorial, Bridge of Remembrance, and see the English punting boaters in their striped hats along the Avon River.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Day
17
Meet a Local Farming Family

Travel through rolling countryside to Hurunui Hills, a hill-country farm in North Canterbury. Enjoy warm Kiwi hospitality with the Bamford Family, who have been farming at Hurunui since 1884, with six generations focused on producing premium Merino sheep, wool, and Angus cattle. Soak up the stunning scenery, meet the farm animals, and discover what it is like to live off the land on this unique By My Guest experience. Then visit a local vineyard, Waipara Springs Winery, where it's time to relax with a platter-style lunch among the vines. A big day leads to a big evening, joining your Travel Director and travel mates for with a celebratory Farewell Dinner featuring produce from the Canterbury region.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Be My Guest
  Being a guest in a local home for a meal prepared with love - enjoying an exchange of conversation and a first-hand look into the local life - was a revolutionary concept for group travel just a decade ago. Enter Be My Guest, Trafalgar’s original local travel experience, born from the idea of enhancing human connections between host (the local) and guest (the traveller).
- Farewell Dinner
Day
18
Farewell Christchurch

Your adventure sadly comes to an end this morning. Before your transfer you to the Christchurch Airport, enjoy one last breakfast with your travel mates reflecting on your adventure, food, and wildlife-filled experiences across Australia and New Zealand (flights anytime).
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast

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Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand

Length

18 Days

Starts in

Melbourne / Narrm (Australia)

Ends in

Christchurch (New Zealand)

Available Tour Start Dates

JAN 30, 2025 to MAR 18, 2027 These are the tour start dates for instances of this tour that were available the last time Trafalgar sent us such information. There may be other departures for this tour that are not available (i.e. sold out or cancelled).

Activity Level

No Rating Provided These are tours that the vendor has not electronically communicated an activity level for. Contact us if you would like to know the activity level for any of these tours.

Language

English

Yes

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Visited During Tour

Exclusive Rates on all Trafalgar Tours!

No Booking Fees!

Exclusive Rates on all Trafalgar Tours!

No Booking Fees!

Exclusive Rates on all Trafalgar Tours!

No Booking Fees!

Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand

Trafalgar Tour Code 91-1330

Welcome to Melbourne

Uncover Melbourne's Laneways

Cairns, in the Tropics

View Colourful Coral and Tropical Fish

Cairns, it's All Yours

Fly to Glorious Sydney

Savour the Sights of Sydney

Sydney, It's Your Choice

Kia Ora Auckland New Zealand

Delve into Auckland

Rotorua, the Cultural Hub

Adventure Capital Queenstown

Cruise Milford Sound

Indulge Yourself in Queenstown

Breathtaking Lake Tekapo

Christchurch, the Garden City

Meet a Local Farming Family

Farewell Christchurch

Travelers Notes

Meals Included