Maori Haka performers at Tamaki Maori Village

Natural and Cultural Richness of Australia & New Zealand Tour

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Countries Visited

Australia, New Zealand

Places Visited

Melbourne, Uluru, Cairns, Rotorua...

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Suggested Duration

10 Days

From the dramatic cries of Maori warriors to intricate Aboriginal rock paintings accentuated by red hues of desert sand, the rainbow coral along the Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to emerald vineyards on New Zealand islands, this tour immerses you in culture, indulging in life in Oceana as it is and was. The endless hum of the didgeridoo echoes across the starlit sky. Tramcars crisscross Victorian Melbourne and geysers erupt across Rotorua. The wonders of your customizable cultural tour of New...

Customizable Itinerary

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Trip Highlights

  • Discover the exciting, colorful life of the Great Barrier Reef during a full day cruise to view the only living organism visible from Space
  • Listen to stories of Dreamtime while dining beneath the iridescent starlight of the Red Desert, in view of mystical Uluru
  • Witness the drama of the Haka, the Maori war dance, while enjoying a traditional style dinner and cultural experience
  • Relish the contemporary culture and character of Waiheke Island outside of Auckland, New Zealand
  • Explore the ever-evolving landscape of New Zealand in search of waterfalls and rainforest trees at Waitakere Ranges
  • Revel in cultural immersion in the daily life of Melbourne when wandering the historical lanes populated with cafés, boutiques, and restaurants
  • Learn the art of boomerang throwing and the symbolism of Aboriginal art during private cultural tours across Australia
  • Wander the bubbling landscape and spouting geysers of Te Puia to view mud pools and hot spots that are ingrained in Maori tradition
  • Enjoy dinner on an antique tramcar in Melbourne for a combination of gourmet eating and a scenic tour of the city center

Detailed Description

From the mountains and cobalt waters of New Zealand’s northern island to the desert sands, coral gardens, and antique arcades of Australia, your 10-day tour highlights how the landscape influences culture and the unique charms that has evolved through time. Your journey begins with your arrival in Auckland, New Zealand, the largest city in the country. Your private transfer meets you at the airport and escorts you to a luxurious hotel overlooking the bustling harbor. Set out on an introductory tour of central Auckland with a local guide eager to show you the charming streets, a stunning waterfront, and contemporary lifestyle grown from a rich history.

The next day, you step aboard a fast ferry to Waiheke Island to enjoy a full day wandering the trails and visiting the beaches. You also partake in a fabulous wine tour of the island’s celebrated vineyards before returning to Auckland. Venture into the rainforest of the Waitakere Ranges northwest of Auckland to traverse the multitudinous pathways leading to breathtaking waterfalls and secluded beaches where the inhabitants of Auckland retreat to on the weekends. Afterward, you have a private transfer to the airport for a brief flight to Rotorua, the cultural capital of New Zealand.

After checking into your hotel, you venture along the walking paths of Te Puia to witness the mud pools, geysers, and Maori traditions affected by the thermal activity. In the evening, you partake in a Maori cultural performance, dining on a traditionally cooked dinner and watching the war dance for which the Maori are famous. Then, your private transfer escorts you to the Rotorua Airport for your flight to Melbourne, Australia. You have a quick transfer to a luxurious hotel overlooking the Yarra River before beginning your introductory tour of Australia’s vibrant city abound with contemporary culture. Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens and wander along the Victorian buildings before indulging in a fabulous multi-course dinner in an antique tramcar.

Next, you take to the heart of the city’s lifestyle with a half-day tour exploring the vivacious lanes and alleyways, each promoting a different aspect of Melbourne’s past and present. Your private transfer leads you to Melbourne Airport for your flight to Uluru. After landing at the airstrip, your transfer escorts you to a luxurious desert resort overlooking the famous monolith for which the region is named. Relish a sunset over Uluru and a magnificent dinner beneath the desert stars, accompanied by the enchanting stories of Dreamtime.

Wake up early for a sunrise tour of Uluru to watch the marvelous colors of the desert change. Stroll around the base of the monolith to learn about the history of the first people and witness ancient rock art. Then, depart the Red Centre for northeast Queensland. You arrive at Cairns Airport and have a private transfer to a lavish hotel in view of the east coast. The afternoon takes you along a scenic gondola ride from the coastal plains into the bordering rainforest at the town of Kuranda. Enjoy the charms of the quiet streets and culture-focused boutiques before returning to Cairns for the evening.

You venture across the horizon on a catamaran to reach the edges of the Great Barrier Reef’s Outer Reef. Spend the day snorkeling and learning about the enchanting ecosystem in view of variations of coral and sea life. Your private transfer meets you at the hotel on the final day. If you have time before your flight, you can visit Mossman Gorge for one last tour of the rainforest and insight into the life of the Aboriginal tribes who continue to utilize the landscape. You continue to Cairns Airport for your flight home.

Starting Price

$3,245 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

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4.85 stars based on 822 reviews.

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