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Australia & NZ
Australia
Grand Tour of...
 

Grand Tour of Australia & New Zealand with The Zoomer Travel Club

22 days
Group size0–0 travelers
Reviews

5.0 star rating

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OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsHotels, flights & FAQ

Currently, COVID-19 vaccination is required to participate in this tour.

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Fully Refundable Booking Period

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Australia and New Zealand—a world away.

From the Great Barrier Reef and the rugged Australian Outback to New Zealand’s sheep-dotted plains and cliff-lined fjords, the South Pacific features a lineup of dramatic landscapes. In between outdoor adventures, you’ll discover sophisticated, multicultural cities and an irresistible, carpe diem spirit.

Your tour package includes

  • 19 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 19 breakfasts
  • 1 lunch
  • 6 dinners with beer or wine
  • 1 wine tasting
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Included highlights

  • Uluru
  • Great Barrier Reef
  • Sydney Opera House
  • Glowworm Caves
  • Milford Sound
Read more
Start planning today

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Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
Overnight Flight2 nights
Day 1: Travel day

Cross the International Date Line in flight and “lose” a day.

Day 2: Travel day

Your flight continues to Australia.

Melbourne3 nights
Day 3: Arrival in Melbourne
Included meal: Dinner

Welcome to Melbourne! Gather with your Tour Director and fellow travellers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 4: Sightseeing tour of Melbourne
Included meal: Breakfast

Take a guided tour to discover the city’s beautiful 19th-century architecture, historic landmarks, and sprawling parks.

• Explore Carlton Gardens, home of the Royal Exhibition Building and the Melbourne Museum

• Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Shrine of Remembrance

• Pass the Yarra River, the Sports and Arts Precinct—site of the Australian Open­—and stroll through Queen Victoria Market

Enjoy a free afternoon in Melbourne or add an excursion.

Phillip Island Penguin Parade

From $159 per person

Day 5: Brighton Beach boxes & Chapel Street
Included meal: Breakfast

Visit the iconic Brighton Beach boxes with your Tour Director and enjoy time to photograph the colourful boat sheds that line the beach. Then, take a guided walk down trendy Chapel Street followed by free time to shop and eat lunch.

Alice Springs1 night
Day 6: Flight to Alice Springs
Included meal: Breakfast

Fly to Alice Springs in the Northern Territory to learn about many institutions that date back to the country’s colonial days.

• Stop at Anzac Hill and take in sweeping views of the town and countryside

• Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service, School of Air, and the old Alice Springs Telegraph Station

Uluru Region1 night
Day 7: Sunset at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free morning in Alice Springs or add an excursion.

Then, journey through the desert to Uluru to explore the park on a guided tour.

• View Kata Tjuta, the weathered rock domes also known as the Olgas 

• Watch the sun set over Uluru

Australian Hot Air Balloon Ride

From $299 per person

Great Barrier Reef Region3 nights
Day 8: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Included meal: Breakfast

Return to Uluru, the monolith that’s been worshipped by indigenous Aboriginal tribes for 22,000 years. Then, fly to Cairns, a coastal city in the state of Queensland.

Day 9: The Great Barrier Reef
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a full day at the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system. 

• Head to Cairns Marina to board a boat out into the Coral Sea

• View the coral’s colours from the underwater observatory, glass-bottom boat or semi-submarine—or hop in the water with a snorkel

Day 10: Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
Included meal: Breakfast

At the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, meet your guide who will accompany you through the park. 

• Learn how to make and play a didgeridoo, how to throw a spear, and watch performances that celebrate the culture of the rainforest’s indigenous people 

• Take a scenic ride on the historic Kuranda Train before a leisurely lunch break

• Spend free time exploring the Kuranda Village, discovering treasures at the markets, visiting an Aboriginal art gallery, or hopping on a river cruise

• Ride the Skyrail cable car, soaring high over the canopy of the forest

Sydney3 nights
Day 11: Flight to Sydney
Included meal: Breakfast

Fly to Sydney this morning, then enjoy a free day in the city or add an excursion.

Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise

From $149 per person

Day 12: Sightseeing tour of Sydney
Included meal: Breakfast

Take a guided tour of one of the world’s most pleasant cities.

• Pass Darling Harbour and the Royal Botanic Gardens

• Stop at Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair to take in views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge

• See the Rocks neighbourhood, National Opal Collection, Bondi Beach, and Gap in Watsons Bay

• Step inside the UNESCO-listed Sydney Opera House with a local guide

Day 13: Free day in Sydney
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a full free day in Sydney or add an excursion.

Featherdale Wildlife Park

From $89 per person

Fiordland National Park Region2 nights
Day 14: Flight to the Fiordland National Park Region
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Say goodbye to Australia and fly to Queenstown, New Zealand. Upon arrival, transfer to the town of Te Anau to take in some of the region’s most captivating landscapes.

Day 15: Lake Te Anau cruise, Glowworm Caves & Milford Sound cruise
Included meal: Breakfast

Depart early this morning to see the spectacular scenery in Fiordland National Park. 

• Cruise across Lake Te Anau to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves

• Walk along subterranean boardwalks inside the caves to view glowworms

• Pass through beautiful beech forests and by glittering mirror lakes 

• Climb to the Homer Saddle and drive through Homer Tunnel 

• Sip on a glass of wine as you cruise around Milford Sound, in view of Mitre Peak

Queenstown2 nights
Day 16: Sightseeing tour of Queenstown & Bob’s Peak
Included meal: Breakfast

Pass through some of New Zealand’s most captivating landscapes as you make your way to Queenstown. Then, explore Queenstown with your Tour Director.

Tonight, take the Skyline Queenstown Gondola 1,500 feet up to Bob’s Peak, which offers panoramic views of the landscape below. At the top, watch the sun set as you admire the Remarkables, Walter Peak, and Lake Wakatipu in the distance.

Day 17: Sightseeing tour of Arrowtown
Included meal: Breakfast

Visit Arrowtown, a gold rush settlement, with your Tour Director this morning.

Enjoy free time in Queenstown or add an excursion.

Walter Peak: Lake Cruise & Dinner

From $129 per person

Rotorua2 nights
Day 18: Flight to Rotorua
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Fly to Rotorua, in the heart of the North Island’s Maori country. This evening, enjoy a traditional hāngi feast with your group.

Day 19: Rotorua Region
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend the day exploring the highlights of the Rotorua region. 

• With a local guide leading the way, learn about the region’s indigenous birds at the Kiwi Wildlife Park

• Visit the village of Whakarewarewa, which is home to thermal springs and bubbling hot pools 

• Join a local Whakarewarewa guide to learn about the lifestyle and traditions of the Maori people, who live in harmony with nature in the village 

• Visit Rotorua’s Government Gardens, a public park and site of great historical importance to the local Maori people

Tonight, join a local Kiwi family for a home-hosted dinner of regional specialties.

Auckland2 nights
Day 20: Transfer to Auckland & sightseeing tour
Included meal: Breakfast

Drive from Rotorua to Auckland this morning. Then, get to know Auckland, “The City of Sails,” with your Tour Director in the lead. 

• Take an elevator to the top of the 1,076-foot-high Sky Tower 

• Stop at the city’s harbour and take a short walk to the Auckland Harbour Bridge

Day 21: Waiheke Island
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Board a ferry and settle in for a scenic cruise across the Auckland Harbour to Waiheke Island.

• Learn about the history of the island, the native flora and fauna, and tales of the region from a local guide

• Visit a local boutique vineyard for a wine tasting before continuing to a bustling olive oil mill

Later, celebrate your trip with your group at tonight’s farewell dinner.

Flight Home
Day 22: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

5.0 star rating

Overall rating 5 out of 5

Based on 2 authentic traveler reviews
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    5.0 star rating

    Excellent Adventures in Australia & New Zealand.
    2/20/19 by 1st-time traveler Sharon

    Accommodation and Meals: These were top notch. Hotels are all Four Star or higher. We did have a problem with the A/C units in both Alice Springs and Yalara where they would not shut off. (The temperature was 40 degrees C) We did not complain as they provided extra blankets to keep you cozy at ...

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    Go Ahead Tours replied on 4/11/19

    Dear Sharon, At Go Ahead, we work hard to provide ...

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    5.0 star rating

    Moat amazing trip of my life
    2/20/19 by 1st-time traveler Patricia

    This tour of Australia and New Zealand could not have been better planned. We visited most of the major cities and points of interest. Our tour guide, Ben Powney was helpful and knowledgeable and helped us in so many ways. It was also a pleasure to get away from winter weather for 22 days! We were a...

    Read more +
    Go Ahead Tours replied on 3/18/19

    Dear Patricia, We work hard to create smooth and s...

    Read more +
    Show more reviews

    Hotels, flights & FAQ

    Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

    Hotels

    We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

    Flights

    Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
    Add our airfare package and you'll get:
    • Round-trip flight for your tour
    • Airport transfers at your destination
    • A great price locked in today
    • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
    • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
    • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
    • Find out more about flights

    FAQ

    Print FAQ
    Passport & visa requirements
    • In order to enter Australia and New Zealand, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
    • We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
    • U.S. and Canadian passport holders must purchase an individual visa from the Australian government’s Electronic Travel Authority website eta.immi.gov.au prior to departure.
    • There is no visa required for U.S. and Canadian citizens to enter New Zealand.
    • If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
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    Tour pace
    • You will walk for about 1 hour daily across mostly flat terrain, including paved roads and gravel paths, with few hills.
    • Travellers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
    • You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of boats.
    • If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
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    Transportation & arrival information
    • Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead arrive in Melbourne and depart from Auckland. A Go Ahead representative will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travellers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
    • Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travellers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead. Travellers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead for an additional cost.
    • Flights from Melbourne to Alice Springs, the Uluru region to Cairns, Cairns to Sydney, Sydney to Christchurch, and Queenstown to Rotorua, boat rides to and from the Great Barrier Reef, on Milford Sound, and on Lake Te Anau are included in the price of your tour.
    • All other included transportation is by private motor coach.
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    Baggage allowance
    • Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
    • Contact your airline for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that Go Ahead travellers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
    • One carry-on bag of 45 total inches (length + width + height) is also permitted.
    • Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
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    Clothing & packing tips
    • We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
    • A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
    • You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
    • The Australian sun is very hot. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Bug repellent is also useful, as there can be flies in the Outback at certain times of year.
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    Health
    • There are no major health risks associated with travelling to any of the countries on this tour.
    • At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
    • Take particular care of sun exposure and drink plenty of liquids. If you choose to go swimming, be careful of powerful surf. Make sure to obey signs and lifeguards’ orders, and always swim between the marked flags.
    • Travellers prone to seasickness may want to take special precautions for the boat ride to the Great Barrier Reef.
    • If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
    • If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveller info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
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    Cuisine
    • Australian menus emphasize high-quality steaks and lamb chops, though meat pies are also popular. Regional specialties include shellfish (such as Sydney rock oysters and crabs) and smoked sausages brought to South Australia by German settlers. The national beverage is beer, and a visit to an Aussie pub is a popular pastime, but the country’s wines are also superb.
    • In New Zealand, there are many good local varieties of fish and seafood, excellent lamb, and fresh fruits, including kiwi and passion fruits. For lunch, tea rooms serve savoury meat pies, quiche, and desserts.
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    Electricity & air conditioning
    • Australia and New Zealand operate on the standard 220-240 volts and use Type I plugs with three large, flat pins set on an angle.
    • We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other electrical device without a built-in converter.
    • The majority of the hotels on this tour will have air conditioning.
    • Hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances, but these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
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    Connectivity
    • Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
    • There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
    • Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
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    Time zones
    • You’ll travel through Australian Central Standard Time (14.5 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time) and Australian Eastern Standard Time (15 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time).
    • New Zealand is 17 hours ahead of U.S. EST.
    • When it’s noon in New York, it’s 3am in Melbourne and Sydney, 1:30am in the Uluru region, 2am in Cairns, and 5am in New Zealand.
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    Currency
    • You will use the Australian dollar in Australia and the New Zealand dollar in New Zealand.
    • Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
    • We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
    • You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
    • Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
    • International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
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    Tipping
    • At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
    • We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
    • If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
    • Tips can only be paid in cash.
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    Purchasing excursions on tour
    • Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
    • Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
    • Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
    • Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.
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