Tauck Grand Australia & New Zealand

• TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Tour and 3-course “Dinner with the Warbirds” at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre featuring World War I and II aircraft, owned by Sir Peter Jackson
• Tauck’s exclusive charter flights in Australia and New Zealand mean more sightseeing and less waiting (6 flights in total)
• In Queenstown, take a jet boat ride on the Shotover River rapids at Skippers Canyon followed by helicopter sightseeing
• Farewell cocktail reception and dinner at The Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour

• Full-day eco-cruise to the Agincourt Reef – swim and snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef
•  Visit World Heritage Rainforest with Skyrail
•  Check out a crocodile farm
•  Attend a special dinner that celebrating Aboriginal culture
• “Foodie Tour” of Sydney
• Private morning cruise on Sydney Harbour
• Luncheon cruise on New Zealand’s Marlborough Sounds featuring wine and the delicate green-lipped mussels
• A Maori cultural experience and music concert at the Auckland Museum
• Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted
• 42 meals; gratuities to local guides and drivers, service charges, taxes and porterage

Day 1: Arrive Melbourne

Tour begins: 5:30 PM, The Langham Melbourne. A transfer is included from Melbourne Airport to The Langham Melbourne, where you’ll enjoy a river-view room. Your tour begins with a welcome cocktail reception and dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Discover Melbourne’s Charm

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, with an optional drop off at the Royal Botanic Gardens. The rest of the day and evening are yours to spend as you please in Melbourne; enjoy lunch and dinner as you please.

Day 3: On to Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Take 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 overlooking the monolith.

Day 4: Explore the mysteries of Uluru, then fly to Queensland

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. 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. 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.

Day 5: Cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef

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.

Day 6: Optional balloon ride and a day at leisure

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.

Day 7: Crocodile adventures and on to Sydney

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

Day 8: Sydney Harbour cruise & a “Foodie Tour”

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 100-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. Dinner this evening will be a “dine-around” from your choice of several select local restaurants.

Day 9: Sydney Opera House & the city at leisure

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.

Day 10: G’day to Australia, hello to 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.

Day 11: Wonders of Wellington

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. Touring 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.

Day 12: To Blenheim & the Marlborough Sounds

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. 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. 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.

Day 13: Farm life, a winery lunch & “Dinner with the Warbirds”

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 a Tauck 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.

Day 14: Fly to Te Anau

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. Enjoy lunch at your hotel and spend the rest of the day as you wish.

Day 15: Fiordland National Park & Milford Sound

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.

Day 16: To Queenstown and lunch at a winery

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.

Day 17: Adventures by jet boat & ‘copter in Queenstown

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.

Day 18: Charter flight to Auckland & Maori culture

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.

Day 19: A wine tasting & more on Wahiheke Island, and a farewell evening in Auckland

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!

Day 20: Journey Home

Tour ends: 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.

The Langham, Melbourne

A landmark overlooking the Yarra River, this grand hotel was voted as the top city hotel in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine, who appreciate its legendary service, enviable riverside location and “Blissful Beds.” Guests enjoy exceptional dining experiences and a rejuvenating spa amidst panoramic views of the city and river, where cafés, boutiques and must-see sights are just steps away. Guest rooms are equipped with every comfort, from cable and satellite TV programming and two-line telephones to a well-appointed marble bathroom and a comfortable armchair and ottoman

Silky Oaks Lodge

One of Australia’s premier lodges, Silky Oaks Lodge offers a unique experience in tropical North Queensland from a spectacular location on the Mossman River adjacent to Daintree National Park, within easy access to Cairns, Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef. This luxury eco-lodge is the perfect place from which to explore and appreciate the natural tropical environment.

Contemporary treehouse accommodations, all with individual and personalized touches, are elegantly styled with tropical influences, creating a soothing, relaxed ambience that complements the beautiful rainforest surroundings. Each features elegant tropical interiors with Rosewood and Silky Oak timbers, private bathroom with separate shower and bath, and private balcony with lush rainforest views.

The Lodge’s open-sided Treehouse restaurant, perched high above the surrounding rainforest and river, offers an exquisite, award-winning dining experience. Sit amidst the rainforest canopy and enjoy a refreshing cocktail at the bar, and dine on the freshest Australian fare. Relax and unwind at the Healing Waters Spa, where pure Sodashi treatments impart a sense of wellbeing of spirit and mind.

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.