Explore a host of wonders across Australia and New Zealand—from the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru to Milford Sound; and gain insights into the ancient cultures of Australia's Aboriginal people and the Māori of New Zealand.

Starting at: $11,284 * Price includes special offer * Includes airfare, taxes & all fees Make a Reservation Ask Us A Question or Call 855-330-1542
 Sydney Opera House at night
Sydney Opera House at night
 Australia's Great Barrier Reef
Australia's Great Barrier Reef
 The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef
 Clown fish amid the anemone, the Great Barrier Reef
Clown fish amid the anemone, the Great Barrier Reef
 Tropical fish and coral, the Great Barrier Reef
Tropical fish and coral, the Great Barrier Reef
 A person swimming with a sea turtle, Great Barrier Reef
A person swimming with a sea turtle, Great Barrier Reef
 Sea fans, Great Barrier Reef
Sea fans, Great Barrier Reef
 A colorful starfish found at the Great Barrier Reef
A colorful starfish found at the Great Barrier Reef
 Tropical fish and coral of the Great Barrier Reef
Tropical fish and coral of the Great Barrier Reef
 Daintree River and Rainforest
Daintree River and Rainforest
 Flora in the Daintree Rainforest
Flora in the Daintree Rainforest
 Boardwalks in the Daintree Rainforest
Boardwalks in the Daintree Rainforest
 Australian Azure Kingfisher, Daintree Rainforest
Australian Azure Kingfisher, Daintree Rainforest
 A rare Southern Cassowary in the Daintree Rainforest
A rare Southern Cassowary in the Daintree Rainforest
 Uluru or Ayers Rock
Uluru or Ayers Rock
 The Olgas at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
The Olgas at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
 Sunset over Uluru
Sunset over Uluru
 Night sky in Australia
Night sky in Australia
 Sydney skyline, early evening
Sydney skyline, early evening
 The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney
The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney
 Koala
Koala
 Wallabies
Wallabies
 Looking out over Queenstown. Credit: Chris Sisarich/Tourism New Zealand
Looking out over Queenstown. Credit: Chris Sisarich/Tourism New Zealand
 Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkables
Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkables
 View from Mt. Cook. Credit: Hannah Coles
View from Mt. Cook. Credit: Hannah Coles
 Dramatic Milford Sound with Mitre Peak. Credit: Rob Suisted/Tourism New Zealand
Dramatic Milford Sound with Mitre Peak. Credit: Rob Suisted/Tourism New Zealand
 Wines of New Zealand. Credit: Chris McLennan/Tourism New Zealand
Wines of New Zealand. Credit: Chris McLennan/Tourism New Zealand
 Maori sculpture
Maori sculpture
 Maori woman with traditional tattoos. Credit: James Heremaia/Tourism New Zealand
Maori woman with traditional tattoos. Credit: James Heremaia/Tourism New Zealand
 Traditional Maori greeting, or <i>Hongi</i>. Credit: Chris SisarichTourism New Zealand
Traditional Maori greeting, or Hongi. Credit: Chris SisarichTourism New Zealand
 Maori Haka performance. Credit: James Heremaia/Tourism New Zealand
Maori Haka performance. Credit: James Heremaia/Tourism New Zealand
 Traditional Maori meeting house
Traditional Maori meeting house
 Rotorua's Te Puia. Credit: Eric Lindberg/Tourism New Zealand
Rotorua's Te Puia. Credit: Eric Lindberg/Tourism New Zealand

Splendors of Australia and New Zealand

22 days from $11,284 | includes airfare, taxes and all fees

Explore a host of wonders across Australia and New Zealand—from the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru to Milford Sound; and gain insights into the ancient cultures of Australia's Aboriginal people and the Māori of New Zealand.

or Call 855-330-1542

Tour Details

TOUR BROCHURE

brochure

WHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY

Smithsonian Journeys tours always have unique interesting itineraries and always have a very interesting like-minded set of other traveling companions. The lecture information always help better understand the countries and geology better. 

- Previous Journeys Traveler

This was the very best trip I have ever taken. I will travel with Smithsonian Journeys again and again! Thank you so much. 

- Previous Journeys Traveler

This was the only tour we found that went to every place we wanted to visit in Australia and New Zealand (including the Outback!). 

- Richard S.

JOURNEYS DISPATCHES

See All Journeys Dispatches ››

Accommodations

* Click on hotel name to visit hotel web-site.

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

Sydney, Australia

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is located in the heart of Sydney’s central district, only minutes from the Opera House, Circular Quay, The Rocks, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. The Luxury King rooms reserved for the group are on levels 11 through 15 and overlook the European style Garden Courtyard. They offer either one king or two twin beds, marble bathroom with combined shower and bath, desk, and complimentary broadband Internet.

Pullman Reef Hotel Casino

Cairns, Australia

Located in the heart of Cairns overlooking Trinity Bay, the 128-room Pullman Reef Casino offers four restaurants and three bars, health club with hot tub, spa, and massage; rooftop swimming pool; and casino. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, wireless Internet access, mini-bar, TV, and phone.



Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour (February 12, 2024 departure only)

Sydney, Australia

Nestled in the heart of vibrant Darling Harbour, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour sits just steps from many shopping and dining options.  The city’s Central Business District is a short walk from the hotel over the historic Pyrmont Bridge, and the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and trendy Circular Quay neighborhood are all easily accessible via ferry.  Hotel amenities include four restaurants/bars, fitness center with sweeping city views, outdoor infinity pool, spa with available treatments (for a fee), laundry and dry-cleaning services (for a fee), and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access.  Air-conditioned guest rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, private bath with hair dryer, tea- and coffee-making facilities, minibar, in-room safe, TV, and phone.

Swissôtel Sydney (January 13 and March 11, 2024 departures only)

Sydney, Australia

Well-located in the central business and shopping districts of Sydney, the Swissôtel Sydney is only minutes from famous Sydney attractions like the Opera House, Circular Quay, The Rocks, and the Royal Botanic Gardens.  Amenities of the hotel include a restaurant and bar, fitness center, outdoor heated pool, laundry services (for a fee), and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access.  Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, minibar, in-room safe, TV, and phone.

DoubleTree by Hilton

Alice Springs, Australia

Adjacent to the Alice Springs Golf Course and a ten-minute walk to “Alice’s” major sights, the 236-room DoubleTree by Hilton offers two restaurants and a bar, gym, tennis courts, sauna and whirlpool, outdoor pool, Internet access, and laundry and dry cleaning services. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, TV, and phone. Please note that while the DoubleTree by Hilton is one of the best in Alice Springs, it may not meet the standards of the other hotels on your tour.

Sails in the Desert

Ayers Rock, Australia

Slip into comfort right in the heart of the central Australian outback at Voyages Sails in the Desert Hotel. Relax in beautifully appointed rooms, enjoy a cocktail in the lovely grounds, or sit back and relax under the magnificent white sails. Named after the soaring white sails that crown its roof, this is Voyages Ayers Rock Resort's premium hotel. The interior décor focuses on Aboriginal heritage and culture, with a gallery in the lobby and significant artwork featured throughout the public areas and in the private rooms. The hotel also features the acclaimed Mulgara Gallery, the lively buffet-style Winkiku Restaurant, tapas-style cuisine by the pool at Rockpool (seasonal), and the award-winning signature restaurant of Voyages Ayers Rock Resort, Kuniya Restaurant. Other hotel amenities an outdoor pool, complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, and laundry and dry cleaning services, while the greater resort complex offers a host of amenities, from three additional swimming pools and two tennis courts to a shopping complex, hair salon, and visitors’ center. A free shuttle bus operates continuously around the property. Spacious air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, coffee- and tea-making facilities, private balcony or verandah, mini-bar, TV, and phone.

Rydges Latimer Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

The only hotel located within Christchurch's cultural and restaurant district, Rydges sits in the heart of the city by the River Avon and offers easy walking access to major sights, shopping, and restaurants. The 208-room hotel offers a restaurant and a bar, and laundry and dry cleaning services. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath, in-room safe, Internet access, mini-bar, TV, and phone.



The Hermitage Hotel

Mt. Cook, New Zealand

Located inside Mt. Cook National Park, the newly refurbished Hermitage Hotel offers a range of options for enjoying the park, from hiking to flight seeing. The hotel, which is part of the Aoraki Mount Cook Village of several hotels, has several restaurants, gift shop featuring native Maori crafts, and laundry facilities. Guest rooms have private bath, coffee- and tea-making facilities, refrigerator, TV, and phone.

Hotel St. Moritz

Queenstown, New Zealand

Set against the stunning backdrop of The Remarkables mountain range and overlooking Lake Wakatipu, Hotel St Moritz reflects the idyllic nature of its surroundings. Elegantly furnished interiors are decorated with inspired works of art. Take in the tranquility of the mountain scenery from outdoor hot tubs, rejuvenate at the gym and sauna, or sample local wine varieties at the Lombardi Dining Room and Bar. 



Regent of Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand

The Regent of Rotorua is an intimate boutique hotel with just over 20 guest rooms located just steps from the Rotorua’s waterfront. Rooms range from spacious and elegant suites to cozy “cutie” rooms, each featuring designer décor and plenty of amenities. The hotel features a heated swimming pool and a mineral pool, a small gym, a lounge and wine bar, outdoor dining and lounging areas, and an award-winning restaurant.

Grand Millenium Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

Tour Extension

Auckland Post-Program Option  3 Days, 2 Nights

Enjoy the sparkling “City of Sails” at your own pace. Your tour extension price includes:

  • Two (2) nights accommodations at the Grand Millennium Auckland (Superior First Class) 
  • Two (2) breakfasts
  • Transfer to the airport

Grand Millennium Auckland

The Grand Millennium Auckland sits in the heart of Auckland’s central business district, just a few blocks from Waitemata Harbour and a few minutes’ walk to the High Street shopping district and SkyCity casino. The bright, contemporary hotel features a soaring, light-filled lobby area, two restaurants, and a bar; fitness center with indoor pool, steam room, and gym; complimentary Wi-Fi internet access; and laundry and dry cleaning services (for a fee). Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hairdryer, coffee- and tea-making facilities, minibar, TV, and phone.

Activity Level

Expectations: This Classic Land Journey features long touring days, many full-day excursions, and a full and active itinerary with a faster pace and longer distances. Some days include activities with higher intensity and more active choices/options (such as moderate hiking, swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, bicycling, rafting, or kayaking), though another choice may be offered for an alternate skill level. Excursions require standing and walking for extended periods of time over more difficult terrain (muddy/slippery walking or hiking trails, city hills, stairs without handrails, limited or no access to elevators), and walking in city centers where coaches are prohibited. The itinerary features use of local transportation including train, cable car, and boat, as well as several internal plane rides. Some days may require early morning departures and later evening returns. Travelers may be in remote and/or rugged regions, and may be touring at higher altitudes with steep ascents/descents. Leisure time is included throughout the itinerary.

Appropriate for: Travelers who are physically fit, lead active lives, are comfortable participating in long days of activities, and expect some physical exertion. 

Testimonials

WHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY

Smithsonian Journeys tours always have unique interesting itineraries and always have a very interesting like-minded set of other traveling companions. The lecture information always help better understand the countries and geology better. 

- Previous Journeys Traveler

This was the very best trip I have ever taken. I will travel with Smithsonian Journeys again and again! Thank you so much. 

- Previous Journeys Traveler

This was the only tour we found that went to every place we wanted to visit in Australia and New Zealand (including the Outback!). 

- Richard S.
Reading List

Highly Recommended

In a Sunburned Country
By: Bryson, Bill
Eyewitness Australia (Travel Guide)
By: DK Eyewitness
DK Eyewitness New Zealand (Travel Guide)
By: DK Eyewitness
The Original Australians: Story of the Aboriginal People
By: Flood, Josephine

Also Recommended

The Songlines (Penguin Classics)
By: Chatwin, Bruce
The Fatal Shore: The Epic of Australia's Founding
By: Hughes, Robert
A Commonwealth of Thieves: The Improbable Birth of Australia
By: Keneally, Thomas
The Reef: A Passionate History: The Great Barrier Reef from Captain Cook to Climate Change
By: McCalman, Iain
Maori Tattooing (Dover Pictorial Archives)
By: Robley, H. G.
Come On Shore and We Will Kill and Eat You All: A New Zealand Story
By: Thompson, Christina
The Maori: The History and Legacy of New Zealand’s Indigenous People
By: Charles River Editors
The Bone People: A Novel
By: Hulme, Keri
The Bone is Pointed (Inspector Bonaparte Mysteries)
By: Upfield, Arthur W
Australia: the East (Travellers' Wildlife Guides)
By: Beletsky, Les
Wildlife of New Zealand: A Field Guide Fully Revised and Expanded
By: Fitter, Julian
Chasing Kangaroos: A Continent, a Scientist, and a Search for the World's Most Extraordinary Creature
By: Flannery, Tim
History of the World Map by Map
By: DK

*As an Amazon Associate, Smithsonian Journeys earns from qualifying purchases.

Travel Insurance

For the convenience of our travelers, Smithsonian Journeys includes a basic medical expense and evacuation plan through Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand, at no additional charge. This plan provides post-departure Medical and Dental coverage of $250,000 per person and Emergency Assistance and Transportation coverage of $1,000,000 per person (U.S. Residents Only). Note: For full details regarding these coverages please review the following Plan Documents here.

In addition, we recommend that travelers purchase a travel protection plan to help protect their travel investment from unforeseen events such as cancellation due to illness, flight delays due to adverse weather, baggage loss, and more. For your convenience, Smithsonian Journeys offers an optional Travel Protection Plan administered by Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand. For those interested, optional "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage is available for an additional charge. Note: Certain eligibility requirements apply and Cancel for Any Reason coverage is not available to New York residents. For full details regarding this coverage please review the following Plan Documents here.

To learn more about the Travel Protection Plan, you may visit https://www.generalipartner.com/smithsonianjourneys or call the administrator, Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand at (866) 501-3252.

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