Classic Downunder

Sample itinerary:

Day 1: Depart Canada

Depart today, you will cross the International Dateline and ‘lose’ a day (don’t worry you get it back on your way home).

Day 3: Arrive in Melbourne (Australia)

G’Day and welcome to Australia and to the city of Melbourne, Victoria.  After arrival, the remainder of your day is spent at your leisure. Stay in Melbourne for 4 nights.

Days 4-7: Melbourne, Victoria

Welcome to Melbourne, a city of contrasts, world-famous sporting arenas, historic gardens, historic lanes and arcades and excellent local cuisine. There is much to see and do in this lively city and the surrounding region, you may choose to go to the Great Ocean Road scenic coastal drive, see the Little Penguins return at dusk on Phillip Island, the Mornington Peninsula or the famous Yarra Valley wine region. We have included the following excursion to get you started exploring:

Melbourne city tour – discover the sights and learn about Melbourne’s fascinating history on a small group tour. Visit Federation Square, the MCG and sports precinct, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Albert Park Lake and St Kilda Beach. You can take a stroll in the gardens and visit St Patrick’s Cathedral when permitted. Visit Albert Park, home of the Formula One Australian Grand Prix as well as the inner-city sports precinct, home to the famous MCG and Melbourne Park where the Australian Tennis Open takes place. Your tour finishes at Eureka Tower where you can take the elevator to Eureka Skydeck 88 for 360 degree views of the city, Port Phillip Bay and out to the Dandenong Ranges and the Yarra Valley or take a leisurely Yarra River Cruise (Eureka tower or Yarra cruise optional, additional cost).

Day 7: Melbourne – Cairns

Make your way to the airport for your flight north to Cairns. After arriving in Cairns, the rest of today is free. You will stay in Cairns for 4 nights.

Days 8-10: Cairns

Cairns is the gateway to explore the tropical north Queensland region including World-Heritage areas of the Great Barrier Reef and ancient Daintree Rainforest.  There is much to see and do in the area, we have included the following excursion to get you started:

Great Barrier Reef snorkelling cruise – Spend a day exploring this World-Heritage marvel up close. Snorkelling is one of the best ways to view the incredible underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef! Travel to the pristine outer reef and locations chosen for their water clarity, coral density and overall quality of marine life. Snorkeling equipment is provided with tuition for beginners and easy reef access from large water level platforms. Please note: An Environmental Management Charge (EMC) / Fuel levy of AUD$20 per person  is to be paid on the day of your Great Barrier Reef snorkelling cruise.

Day 11: Cairns – Sydney

Make your way to the airport for your flight south to Sydney. After arriving in Sydney, the balance of your day is at leisure. You will stay in Sydney for 4 nights.

Days 12-14: Sydney, New South Wales

Enjoy a combination of excursions and free time while in Sydney. There is  so much to see and do in this iconic city and beyond in New South Wales! Enjoy a beach day at one of the many beaches from Bronte Beach to Bondi, explore different neighborhoods, take a tour or performance at the incredible Sydney Opera House, explore the wilderness area of the Blue Mountains National Park or the Hunter Valley wine region!  We have included the following two excursions during your stay to get you started exploring:

Historic Heart of Sydney tour – Join a 90 minute walking tour of ‘The Rocks’ precinct to get up close and personal with the living history and heritage of Sydney. This includes lively tales from a colourful past when the area was inhabited by the first convicts in 1788, forever impacting the local Indigenous peoples way of life. See historic storehouses, public and working class cottages.

Sydney Harbour Lunch cruise – Enjoy 3 relaxing hours cruising Sydney Harbour to enjoy lunch, live commentary an excellent city views from the water. Discover secrets of one of the world’s most famous and spectacular natural harbours, including icons such as Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Botanical Gardens and more.

Day 15: Sydney (Australia) – Auckland (New Zealand)

Farewell Australia today and fly to New Zealand. On arrival, make your way to  your Auckland city hotel. The remainder of your day is free to spend as you choose.

Days 16-18: Auckland

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and is known as the ‘City of Sails’.  Surrounded by water, Auckland offers many harbor cruises, ferry trips to nearby small islands like Waiheke and Rangitoto and exploring quiet black-sand beaches. It is also within easy reach of wineries, hiking trails, zip-lining and more. The city’s diverse population includes influences from Maori, European, and Asian cultures that provides a range of great dining experiences around the city.

You have three days to explore Auckland and during your stay we have included the following experiences: All Blacks Experience guided tour – discover the story and feeling the passion behind the All Blacks haka, then test your rugby skills in the interactive zone. We have also included a 48-hour transport pass for an introduction to the city and you may choose to access top attractions (entrance is additional cost) such as Sky Tower, Auckland Art Gallery, Newmarket, Parnell village, the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Bastion Point and SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium.

Day 19: Auckland – Rotorua

Leave Auckland and travel south through the lush farmland of the Waikato and King Country regions to Rotorua. On the way you will explore Hobbiton Movie Set & Farm for a 2-hour guided tour of the amazing 12-acre movie set. Step into the lush pastures of ‘the Shire’, visit 44 hobbit holes and hear about the making of the movies. Continue south to the geothermal area of Rotorua, passing through the tiny town of Tirau (the corrugated iron sculpture capital of the world) and stunning Fitzgerald Glade. On arrival at your Rotorua hotel, the rest of your day is at your leisure.

Days 20-22: Rotorua

You have three days to explore the Rotorua region, known for its combination of unique geothermal activity, rich Maori culture and outdoor adventures. Rotorua is a great place to experience bubbling mud pools, active geysers, beautiful forests and lakes.  The adventures here include immersing yourself in local culture and outdoor activities such as walking, luge rides, zorbing, ziplining, mountain biking and rafting. There are many ways to experience the geothermal elements from guided cultural introductions to a hot soak in one of the many pools.

We have included the following excursion one day during your stay: Whakarewarewa Village tour – explore an authentic living Māori village, the geothermal wonders of including the famous Pōhutu geyser, boiling mud pools, steam vents and bubbling mud. See historical landmarks and buildings, including an active Marae (meeting grounds and focal point of Maori communities), WWII Memorial Archway, historic churches and tapu (sacred) burial grounds.

Day 23: Rotorua – Queenstown

Today you will head to your final stop in New Zealand in the South Island.  Fly from Auckland to Queenstown.  On arrival make your way to your hotel and the rest of your day is free.

Days 24-26: Queenstown

You have three days to explore Queenstown as you please.  Aside from its stunning lakeside location and picturesque Southern Alps backdrop, Queenstown is renowned as an adventure playground for good reason. From the thrill of jetboating bungy jumping or riding the luge, to back country 4×4 adventures, wine trails and a vintage steamship ride to a high country fare, the options here really are endless.

During your stay in Queenstown, we have included: Scenic Queenstown Gondola ride – take a cable car up 480m to Bob’s Peak.  Here you will enjoy spectacular views of lake Wakatipu, the town, The Remarkables mountain range including Coronet, Walter and Cecil Peaks.

Day 27: Depart Queenstown (New Zealand)

Your kiwi adventure comes to an end today.  Make your way to Queenstown Airport to start your journey home to Canada

Optional Island Extension – Queenstown (New Zealand) – Rarotonga (Cook Islands)

Fly to the Cook Islands.  On arrival in Rarotonga you will be met and transferred to your island accommodation.  The rest of your day is free.

Days 28-31: Rarotonga

You have four days to relax and enjoy island time! Do as much exploring or as little as you please while in Rarotonga. Enjoy beaches, hiking the rugged interior, watching the sun set or visiting the local market on a Saturday. This island is just 32km around and exploring is simple, they have just two buses that travel either clockwise or anti-clockwise! Your accommodation is located on 4-acres of lush tropical gardens and offers just 24 villas on Rarotonga’s sunset coast, across from the Aroa Beach & Marine Reserve. This self-catering property has a pool, communal BBQ and kayaks. Each villa also includes air conditioning, kitchenette and an outdoor patio. During your stay we have also included the following excursions in your package:

Rarotonga island discovery – a quick introduction to the island including historical sites and places of interest, tourist services, activities and attractions including an intro to local Cook Islands Black Pearls. Muri Lagoon Day Cruise Excursion – enjoy a day on the water in a beautiful sheltered lagoon. with clear, shallow water and a glass bottom boat cruise. This natural aquarium has myriads of colourful fish and snorkelling is the ideal way to explore up close. After snorkelling, head to a small island to relax and enjoy a delicious barbeque lunch.

Day 32: Depart Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Your incredible journey comes to an end today.  You will be transferred from your hotel to Rarotonga Airport where your journey home to Canada begins.

Flying Down Under with Air New Zealand

Celebrating 85 years of flying in 2025, award-winning Air New Zealand remains a key part of the experience for Canadians travelling ‘down under’ to New Zealand and also to Australia and the Pacific Islands! from the moment you step onboard you will have a taste of kiwi hospitality, enjoy modern fleet of aircraft, a comfortable onboard experience, a commitment to sustainability plus the extra peace of mind of travelling with an airline known for its strong safety record.

Why not stay longer? Ask one of our down under Destination Specialists about customizing your trip to explore more of Australia and New Zealand.

Browse some of our other great Winter Getaways on Sale, for a limited time only:

Classic Australia Vacation – 2 Weeks, 3 Cities with Flights

Classic New Zealand Vacation – 2 Weeks, 3 Cities with Flights

Downunder Tour Sale, Save up to 15% on Guided Tours

 Tropical Cook Islands Winter Escape – 4 Weeks with Flights

Australia Coastal Escape – 3 Weeks with Flights