Escorted tours to Australia & New Zealand
Language: English
Currency: Australian Dollar/ New Zealand Dollar
Time Zone: Time zones across Australia and New Zealand range from GMT+8 to GMT+11.
Tipping: In both Australia and New Zealand, tipping is not compulsory however you can leave 10% for exceptional service if you wish, it is becoming more common.
Australia and New Zealand tours are quite simply the jewels of the Pacific and visiting either or both of these countries will without a doubt be the highlight of your travelling itinerary. The luscious scenery of New Zealand combined with the outstanding wilderness of the Australian outback will make this one escorted tour you'll remember for many years to come.
Where else in the world will you find a rock in the middle of nowhere and spend Christmas on the beach in blazing heat? Australia is where it's at and you'll discover this on your escorted tour. Avoid the tourist haunts of cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, head up river until you come across the coastal town of Byron Bay which is famous for its stunning surfing, whale watching and outstanding rural beauty. Go deep into the heart of Australia and tour Alice Springs the home of Aborigines and where on a clear night, you may get a stunning view of The Milky Way. Enjoy a scenic balloon ride as you watch the sun rise above the Springs or saddle up a camel and go trekking through IIparpa Valley. Choose to tour Adelaide in March when a multitude of events and festivals take place. Enjoy a family walk along West Beach, visit the tropical rainforest in the Bicentennial Conservatory or get up close to kangaroos, possums and the platypus at Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary.
Next door to Australia, you'll find its famous neighbour, New Zealand whose landscape is quite literally out of this world. Visit New Zealand on escorted tours and you will be rewarded with peaks and valleys that have stumbled out of a popular movie franchise, the rich culture of the Maori's, more sheep than there are people and an awe-inspiring passion for rugby that will have you doing the 'haka' in your sleep! Experience the vibrancy of the night in Wellington as you tour the local bars and clubs of Cuba Street and Courtenay Place. Marvel at mighty Mount Cook. Chill out in the surfing town of Raglan. Go glacier-walking at the Franz Josef Glacier or take a relaxing stroll around Lake Matheson. Uncover Waitaki Valley on your New Zealand tour of Omarama with its amazing mountainous landscapes and perfect conditions for gliding over the hills. Conclude your holiday in New Zealand with a bit of home from home by visiting Christchurch, known locally as one of the most English cities in the country, that is undergoing an element of transformation where seismic tremors can still be felt!
Holidays to Australia and New Zealand tend to feature; return flights, transportation whilst in the resort, accommodation in good standard hotels, meals and a variety of included or optional excursions so can see the very best sights and visit the most spectacular places that these two fantastic countries can offer.
Things to do
Australia and New Zealand are vast countries to visit providing a host of activities to entertain everyone. Due to the sheer size and multitude of places to visit, you will definitely require a return visit to be able to see it all!
Sydney
Thought by many to be the capital city of Australia, Sydney is a popular destination for everyone who visits Australia. With the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach nearby, this city is a holidaymakers dream. You will find during your stay here that Sydney has a selection of great food, superb culture and really encompasses life in Australia.
Melbourne
Located on the south coast, Melbourne has become a popular destination for those visiting Australia. One of the main draws is the variety of attractions spread around this cultured city from theatres to sports venues, there's something for everyone in Melbourne. Pay a visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens or the Melbourne Museum, where you will find lots to see and do.
Auckland
The largest city in New Zealand, Auckland is a popular stop-off for all who visit this beautiful country.This city has a never-ending list of things to do, places to see and explore from Downtown with its laid back Pacific vibe, to the tranquillity of north Auckland. You will never be bored when exploring this fabulous part of New Zealand.
Wellington
New Zealand's capital city, Wellington should definitely feature high on any traveller's touring itinerary. Located on the coast, Wellington offers lots of attractions including the Museum of New Zealand, Mount Victoria, the Botanic Garden and the Parliament Building to name just a few.
Weather
Thinking of travelling to Australia or New Zealand? Check out the average temperatures for when you plan to visit courtesy of BBC Weather
Tips & Advice
To help you have an enjoyable holiday in Australia and New Zealand take a look at these useful tips and advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO):
Health and Travel Insurance
Prior to leaving the UK it is always wise to check with your GP whether you will need any vaccinations or preventive treatment whilst in Australia or New Zealand.
When visiting New Zealand and Australia, UK nationals should be eligible for medical treatment when travelling on a British Passport.
Despite this, you should ensure that you have the necessary travel insurance to cover your trip, in addition to extra funds which will cover the cost of repatriation.
If you need to dial for an ambulance whilst in New Zealand, simply call 111 or from Australia, dial 000. If you are then transferred to a facility for treatment, you should contact your insurance company immediately.
Crime
When in Australia, crime levels are similar to that of the UK. As always, in tourist destinations you should be more careful with your valuables. Be cautious when out late at night. Keep an eye on your drinks and never let others buy them for you. It is important to bear in mind that alcoholic drinks can be stronger in foreign countries than they are at home.
Levels of Crime in New Zealand tend to be low, however street crime does occur in major towns and cities. It would be wise to always lock valuable items in your hotel safe if possible.
Local Laws and Customs
Drug offences are seen as a serious crime in both Australia and New Zealand so never become involved with drugs in any way.
Entry Requirements
To travel into Australia you will need a visa which can be obtained from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. Whereas, when you visit New Zealand, British Citizens can stay for a period of up to 6 months without having a visa. For entry into Australia, you may have to show proof of funds and in some cases an onward ticket or return ticket. Similarly with New Zealand, you need to show proof you intend to leave such as a return place ticket.
UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETD) are accepted for entry into both countries. However, it would be wise to contact either Embassy before entering Australia and New Zealand to make sure that you have the correct documents prior to travelling.
Both countries are strict on produce being brought into the country, so it is always wise to check on the FCO website for more guidelines before you travel.
Any other nationality looking to visit Australia and New Zealand must contact the local embassy to check visa requirements.
Tourist offices
If you would like more information about visitng Australia or New Zealand you can visit their tourist websites for more information at australia.com or newzealand.com