24 Days
40 Meals
Leader
CT Rating
Book Early
Join us on our most popular tour of the past three decades!
Designed with leisure in mind, our itinerary features two or three-night stays, allowing for in-depth experiences in these fabulous lands. The tour moves at a comfortable pace while providing a host of special outings and meals.
From the moment of your arrival in Auckland to the dramatic lands of the South Island and through the vast outback, you will find that every detail has been carefully arranged to provide a truly insightful visit of both New Zealand and Australia. Quality hotels, warm friendly people, and a carefully planned itinerary, combine to make this the journey of a lifetime!
Tour Highlights
- 2 nights in Rotorua and Ayers Rock, the Outback 4 nights in Sydney
- 3 nights in Cairns and Queenstown (New Zealand’s premier resort)
- Full day excursion to Milford Sound with lunch
- Full day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef
- Rainforest experience in Kuranda by rail and Skyrail
- Auckland Harbourside Restaurant dinner reception, “Hangi” dinner and Maori show in Rotorua, Cruise and gourmet BBQ dinner at Walter Peak, Bush BBQ lunch in Kuranda, Lunch cruise to Great Barrier Reef, Field of Light dinner in Uluru, and more!
Inclusive Features
- Return airfare to / from Australia and New Zealand plus domestic flights within each country with Air New Zealand and Virgin Airlines
- First class hotels, as indicated or similar
- All sightseeing and entrance fees as described
- 40 meals included as noted in the itinerary (B - 21 breakfasts, L - 7 lunches, D - 12 dinners) plus in flight meals
- Services of your Canadian journey leader and / or expert local driver / guides in each area visited
- All gratuities, surcharges, taxes and fees for included services
- Airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value with purchase of group airfare
- Rooms confirmed for early arrival in Auckland, with 2 nights to enjoy the delights of this city
Itinerary
Tour members from across Canada gather in Vancouver and fly to Auckland, losing a day en route.
Arrive in Auckland early this morning and transfer to our hotel, where our rooms are ready for immediate check-in. Enjoy a leisurely day. This evening we gather for dinner at our hotel.
Grand Millennium (2 nights)
This morning we will be introduced to the delights of New Zealand’s most populous city. Highlights will include the National Museum with its excellent Maori displays, and a visit to the observation deck on the Sky Tower. Enjoy a free afternoon - we suggest a ferry ride to Devonport. This evening we will be treated to a Welcome Reception and dinner at the Harbourside Restaurant.
We follow the Waikato River to the famous Waitomo Caves where we cruise in the Glow Worm Grotto. After some free time for lunch, we continue to Rotorua and our hotel, located moments from the lakefront. Later this evening we enjoy a traditional 'Hangi' dinner in a Maori village complete with a concert of Maori songs and dances.
Novotel Rotorua (2 nights)
This morning we will take in the sheep show at the Agrodome and enjoy the gondola ride to the Skyline Restaurant where we will enjoy a delightful buffet lunch. At the National Kiwi Hatchery, we will see New Zealand’s unique national bird and symbol, the Kiwi. Visit the Te Puia Thermal Reserve to see the mud pools and geysers, and to learn about the life and crafts of the Maori. Balance of the day is at leisure, when you can enjoy the thermal baths or possibly take an optional helicopter ride over the region (approx. NZD 695.00pp).
This morning begin our exploration of the South Island. Our next three nights are in the heart of the South Island enjoying majestic mountain scenery and magical lakes of Queenstown, New Zealand’s resort capital. This evening we cruise across the lake to Walter Peak sheep station on the ss Earnslaw where we enjoy a gourmet BBQ dinner.
Novotel Queenstown (3 nights)
Enjoy a day at leisure. Ride a jet boat on the Shotover River, take the Gondola to Bob’s Peak or stroll by the lake in the beautiful Botanic Gardens.
Travel through the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley to Milford Sound. Enjoy a picnic lunch as we cruise to the sea, past towering Mitre Peak and cascading waterfalls. This afternoon we return to Queenstown by coach, or as an option, you can enjoy a flight back to town (approx. NZD 300.00pp), weather permitting. This evening we can try one of the excellent local restaurants.
Our morning drive will take us through some of the magnificent scenery for which the South Island is known, including a visit to the historic gold mining centre of Arrowtown. Enjoy a midday wine tour and tasting before we continue to Mt. Cook National Park, with free time at the Hermitage for views of the mountains and an optional flight over Mt. Cook (approx. NZD 490.00pp), weather permitting.
Mackenzie Hotel (1 night)
After breakfast at our hotel visit the Chapel of the Good Shepherd with its extraordinary altar. Continue across the rich farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, a city often described as more English than England. We will have a tour of Christchurch, with opportunities to stroll in the wonderful Botanical Gardens.
Crowne Plaza (1 night)
Early this morning we transfer to the airport for our flight across the Tasman Sea to Melbourne. Explore Australia’s second city and financial capital this morning, including the Botanic Gardens, Festival Centre, Captain Cook’s Cottage and traditional residential areas. This evening’s dinner will be at Meat & Wine Co, one of Australia’s favourite steak houses.
Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne (3 nights)
After a free morning, we drive to Phillip Island to see the fairy penguins once they return from a day hunting out at sea. En route we shall visit the Nobbie’s Antarctic Centre and Churchill Island.
Our day begins with a steam train excursion through the Blue Dandenong hills, to enjoy the tranquil Australian countryside. After visiting a local wildlife sanctuary to see kangaroos and koalas, we explore the beautiful Yarra Valley. Enjoy a special lunch among the vine covered hills and sample several local wines before returning to Melbourne.
This morning we depart Australia’s Southern Coast and venture to Uluru or Ayers Rock, in the heart of the Outback and the Aborigines’ most sacred site. Enjoy vistas of the Rock before exploring Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) where we will take a walk deep into the gorge to experience the vastness of the landscape. On our way back to the hotel we stop for views of the Kata Tjuta and sand dunes before reaching the cultural centre to learn more about Aborigine history, law, language, and art. This evening we ride camels through the desert with Uluru and Kata Tjuta as our backdrop.
Voyages Sails in the Desert (2 nights)
Enjoy touring the base of this amazing monolith, the Mutitjulu Base Walk, that leads to a special waterhole plus inspiring views at Kantju Gorge. This evening, enjoy the changing colours of Uluru as the sun sets (weather permitting) during our special Field of Light experience which also includes the award winning ’Sounds of Silence’ dinner under the outback sky.
After a leisurely morning, we depart the Outback to the Gold Coast and the wonderful city of Cairns. This evening enjoy a lovely dinner at Dundees Restaurant.
Pacific Hotel (3 nights)
Embark on the catamaran Quicksilver and journey to the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, the largest and most spectacular undersea garden in the world. View the coral and sea life by glass-bottom boat, or better yet, while snorkeling.
After our scenic rail journey to Kuranda through the Barron Gorge, we venture into the rainforest to a wildlife park to see a variety of native fauna and to be entertained by the Pamagirri Aboriginal dancers. Following our bush BBQ lunch, we return to the lowland on the Skyrail with close up views of the rainforest.
Say goodbye to Cairns as we fly south to Sydney. On arrival, we shall transfer directly to our hotel in the city centre.
The Grace Hotel (4 nights)
Enjoy a full day excursion into the beautiful Blue Mountains passing picturesque villages and enjoying spectacular views and waterfalls while hearing about the unique Australian forest species. We visit the quaint village of Leura and skirt around Cliff Drive to Katoomba for views of the magnificent Jamieson Valley and the Three Sisters. Following lunch at a local restaurant, we visit Scenic World for a ride on the Scenic Railway, Skyway or Cableway.
This morning we discover the charms of Sydney, from its historic centre through the posh inner suburbs to the Heads and its famous southern beaches. Enjoy a luncheon harbour cruise, followed by a guided tour of the symbol of Sydney, the iconic Opera House. We can then return to the hotel or visit the Historic Rocks district. Our hotel is ideally located just steps from excellent shopping and the excitement of Darling Harbour. Balance of day at leisure.
Enjoy a completely free day, with options for many excursions or simply to explore on our own. Take a stroll in the Botanic Gardens, discover the excitement of Darling Harbour, or explore the wonderful shops of the Queen Victoria building, just steps from our hotel. This evening we will gather for our farewell dinner at the Harbourfront Restaurant. Consider reserving in advance if a performance at the Opera House is on your bucket list!
All too soon our journey Down Under draws to a close as we catch our flights back across the Pacific. Regaining our lost day, we arrive in Canada today.
Have any questions? Contact Joilyn at jdoucette [at] craigtravel.com or call 1-800-387-8890
Tour Cost in Canadian Dollars Per Person
To reserve your spot on this tour, please complete the enrollment form, indicating the tour you wish to join and your home city, and forward it with your deposit to:
1092 Mount Pleasant Road
Toronto, ON M4P 2M6
416-484-0926 | 1-800-387-8890
Deposit will be $800 per person. Final payment will be due November 7, 2023.
**Members joining from these cities may receive an overnight hotel stay in lieu of home city transfers. *Land only clients join at the hotel in Auckland and leave at the hotel in Sydney. Airfares and air carriers are subject to change and will be confirmed prior to final payment. Airfares from other gateways are available on request. Refer to inclusive features for details. Land only price includes flight segments to and from the Outback and excludes all other flights. Tour price is based on sharing a twin-bedded room at hotels. Prices are based on a minimum 20 members and on rates, taxes and fees effective June 2023 and are subject to change due to factors beyond our control. Group to be escorted with a minimum 20 group members.
Visa Requirements: Travellers will need to apply online for e-visas for New Zealand ($58 NZD) / Australia ($20 AUD). Cost is subject to change. Craig Travel will provide assistance whenever possible.
Insurance is NOT INCLUDED but is highly recommended. Premiums are calculated based on the individual’s age, destination (country), trip length, and trip booking window – please contact our staff to receive a quote. Your coverage starts on the effective date of your confirmation of coverage. Please discuss your insurance coverage prior to booking. Refer to terms and conditions for more details.
Journey Leader
Cathy Semler retired as a High School Principal after devoting 35 years to the teaching profession. She is a seasoned traveller who loves the opportunity to learn from new adventures. Her travel has taken her to places like Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, India, Costa Rica, Ireland and many places in Europe. She enjoys visiting cities like Paris, Amsterdam and London as well as hiking in the mountains and cruising to different countries. Cathy is looking forward to this wonderful adventure to Australia and New Zealand with you.
