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Air Canada Vacations

Magical Australia and New Zealand Express

Overview

Welcome to an unforgettable journey through Australia and New Zealand! These remarkable destinations are renowned for their stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and warm hospitality.

Whether you're drawn to Australia's vibrant cities and diverse ecosystems or New Zealand's breathtaking natural beauty and unique heritage, you're in for an extraordinary adventure.

Embrace the spirit of exploration and get ready to create lasting memories in these two incredible countries.

This itinerary features More Moments activities included with your package. 

12 days | 11 nights

Format

Guided tour

Locations

  • Sydney
  • Melbourne
  • Auckland
  • Rotorua

Inclusions

  • Round-trip flights with arrival in Sydney and departure from Auckland (If flight and tour package option is chosen)
  • Private transfers to and from hotel and airports 
  • Domestic flights from Sydney to Melbourne and Melbourne to Auckland, NZ
  • 11 nights hotel accommodation  
  • Breakfast daily
  • 2 lunch experiences (cafe-style/buffet)
  • Guided day tours and transportation (where indicated)
  • Small group Blue Mountains tour
  • Scenic World entry with cableway, skyway and railway
  • Sydney Zoo entrance
  • Tickets to river cruise
  • Historical and cultural private walking city tour
  • Private walking tour in Melbourne
  • Half-day private city sights Auckland tour
  • Tickets to Kiwi bird experience
  • Tickets Maori traditional concert
  • Rotorua private tour with Hobbiton, Waitomo Glowworm Caves and geothermal mud pools and Geysers tour
  • Great Ocean Road tour
  • Earn and redeem Aeroplan® points

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Sydney

Upon arrival In Syndey, you will be met and chauffeured to your hotel for check in.

Take this opportunity to explore around your hotel area with a visit to Paddy's Market or Chinatown for dinner. Enjoy the day at leisure exploring the city and its laid-back outdoor lifestyle, stunning views, colonial architecture, restaurants and bars.

Day 2

Sydney: Discover Sydney

After breakfast, you will begin your day by meeting your local private expert guide in the hotel lobby at 9:00 a.m. for a tour of Sydney.

You will visit the iconic Sydney Opera House, which showcases Australia's cultural heritage and impresses with its stunning architecture, distinctive of the 20th century. As you walk around the city, you will understand why Sydney is known worldwide not only for its beauty but also for its cultural diversity, history, and excellent infrastructure. Explore the historic region of The Rocks, where the city of Sydney was born. This charming district is famous for its cobblestone streets, cafes, restaurants, craft fairs, art galleries, and an unparalleled bohemian atmosphere, all complemented by great views over the harbour.

Your guide will also provide valuable tips on where to eat, local transport, shopping, and more. Next, we'll visit Darling Harbour, a modern complex from where boat trips depart to explore Sydney Harbour. This lively area is full of attractions, restaurants, and museums. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and end the tour on a high note before returning to your hotel for the night.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 3

Sydney to Blue Mountains

Start your day with an early breakfast and prepare for a memorable trip to the Blue Mountains.

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive through Katoomba, leading to breathtaking views of the iconic Three Sisters rocks from Echo Point. At Scenic World, experience the cableway, skyway, and railway for unparalleled aerial views of the Jamison Valley and Katoomba Falls.

After a lunch break ($), visit Sydney Zoo to see a variety of Australian animals up close.

The day concludes with a relaxing cruise along the Parramatta River, arriving at either Sydney's Darling Harbour or Circular Quay. Return to Sydney.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 4

Sydney

Today offers you the chance to revisit any sites that piqued your interest.

Enjoy a day at your own pace with options such as exploring the Hunter Valley wineries or taking a ferry to Manly to experience the relaxed Northern Beaches lifestyle.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 5

Sydney to Melbourne

After breakfast, check out of your Sydney hotel and take a private transfer to the airport for your flight to Melbourne. Upon arrival in Melbourne, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Once settled, embark on a 3-hour walking tour with a local expert, starting at Federation Square, the city's vibrant cultural hub known for its striking architecture and public spaces. Discover Melbourne’s rich Aboriginal history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture that has earned it the title of one of the world’s most livable cities.

Afterward, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. We recommend a visit to the National Gallery of Victoria, a river cruise, the Eureka Skydeck, or other locations that your private local guide will share with you.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 6

Melbourne Great Ocean Road

Depart from your hotel with a breakfast box available for pick up at 6:30 a.m. to cross the famous Great Ocean Road.

Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. If you're lucky, you might see some kangaroos and hear the singing of beautiful birds native to Australia such as kookaburras, king parrots, yellow robins, and fairy-wrens.

Drive through the picturesque coastal towns of Anglesea, Lorne, and Apollo Bay in southwest Victoria. On the east side of Cape Otway, Apollo Bay is a natural resort town where you can explore its rich rainforests filled with waterfalls, streams, lush vegetation, and exotic wildlife.  

Explore Great Otway National Park and learn about this incredible rainforest. Witness towering centuries-old eucalyptus trees, lush ancient ferns, magnificent wetlands, numerous native birds, and many different species of wildlife. Next, we visit the venerable Twelve Apostles and the Gorge of Loch Ard, which was the site of a famous shipwreck. Looking out over the rock-studded ocean, you'll easily understand why it's called the Shipwreck Coast. Learn about the stories of how the road was carved out of woodlands and granite rocks to connect small fishing towns, early settlements, and whaling sites.

Upon returning to Melbourne, stop in the town of Colac for a short break.

Meal(s): Boxed breakfast

Day 7

Melbourne

Enjoy a day of leisure in Melbourne with a variety of exciting options to suit your interests.

Whether you're looking to indulge in a shopping spree, explore scenic vineyards, encounter wildlife, or take a nostalgic train ride, today offers the perfect opportunity to create memorable experiences. Choose from visiting Chadstone Shopping Centre, exploring the Yarra Valley, observing penguins at Phillip Island, or enjoying a historic ride on Puffing Billy. The choice is yours to make this day uniquely yours!

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 8

Melbourne - Auckland

After breakfast at the hotel, check out for your transfer to the airport for your flight to the land of the Great White Cloud! Upon arrival at Auckland International Airport, you will be greeted and embark on a half-day tour of Auckland, the City of Sails.

The tour includes a visit to the Westhaven Marina and a view of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. We will continue driving along Tamaki Drive and visit Bastion Point (also known as the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial). You’ll also drive by the Auckland War Memorial Museum before enjoying spectacular 360-degree views of Auckland from the top of Mt. Eden, Auckland's top attraction. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. 

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 9

Auckland - Rotorua

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and leave Auckland, travelling through the rolling hills of the Waikato region and picturesque farming towns.

Enjoy the beautiful countryside from the comfort of our luxurious vehicle. Located just 10 minutes from the bustling Matamata Township, The Shire's Rest is situated on a private working farm amidst the hills, awaiting your arrival. Your guided tour begins with a drive through the scenic 1,250-acre sheep farm, offering spectacular views of the Kaimai Ranges.

Embark on a full-day scenic tour in our private luxury vehicle from Auckland, visiting New Zealand's two most famous attractions in one day. Experience the Hobbiton movie set, an award-winning attraction known for its role in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies. Explore the intricately crafted Hobbiton set and enjoy a boat cruise on an underground river illuminated by twinkling glowworms. A cafe-style lunch is included.

Meal(s): Breakfast and café-style lunch

Day 10

Rotorua

After breakfast, discover the geothermal marvels of Rotorua in a single day. This day promises a captivating New Zealand cultural experience for everyone.

Immerse yourself in the local culture and landscape with a visit to Te Puia, home to the renowned Pohutu geyser and New Zealand's Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. Explore bubbling mud pools, soaring geysers, and see two native Kiwi birds up close in the Kiwi House and viewing enclosure.

Enjoy a traditional Hangi buffet lunch, infused with indigenous flavours, and experience an authentic Maori concert. Afterward, return to Auckland.  

Meal(s): Breakfast and buffet lunch

Day 11

Auckland

After breakfast, enjoy a day exploring Auckland and its surroundings at your leisure.

Consider a visit to Waiheke Island to experience its renowned wineries, or a trip to Piha Beach to see its stunning volcanic black sands. You might also enjoy a whale-watching cruise or take in panoramic views of the city from the Sky Tower.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 12

Return to Canada

Following breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure. Your private transfer will ensure a smooth and memorable Kiwi farewell as you head home.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Accomodations

Where you'll stay

The hotels listed below are presented as examples for your reference only. Hotel accommodation details will be communicated to you or your travel agent prior to departure.

Location

Hotel

Sydney
Capitol Hotel (or similar)
4
Melbourne
Hotel Grand Chancellor (or similar)
4
Auckland
Hotel Chancellor on Hobson (or similar)
4
Rotorua
The Regent Hotel (or similar)
4

Room details

Type of bed(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 3 people (3 adults, or 2 adults and 1 child)
Unless otherwise specified, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.

Important Information

  • Daily, based on seasonal flights from:

    • November 2024 - March 2025
    • November 2025 - March 2026
  • Not included:

    • Transfers (unless otherwise stated)
    • Optional excursions
    • Porterage fees
    • Any meals/beverages (unless otherwise stated)
    • Airport service charges, personal accident insurance
    • Gratuities
    • Visa requirements
    • Private airport transfers
    • Boat cruises
    • Domestic flights within Australia/New Zealand
    • Transportation
    • The order visited may change due to operational restrictions. The itinerary above is for reference only.
    • Luggage limits on domestic flights
    • Luggage/carry on limits in 4WD touring