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Tar Heel Travel

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From: travel@unc.edu
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Exploring Australia and New Zealand
Feb. 27 - March 20, 2026
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  • Overview
  • Itinerary and Map
  • Pricing Details
  • Conditions
  • Resources

The Lands Down Under and small group touring — limited to 24 travelers — make for a perfect combination on this journey from Australia’s sophisticated Sydney to its storied Outback and Ayers Rock to the Great Barrier Reef; and from New Zealand’s Christchurch to towering Mt. Cook and breathtaking Milford Sound to high-spirited Queenstown and nautical Auckland. The 22-day journey begins in Sydney. Highlights include a catamaran cruise around Sydney Harbour; Featherdale Wildlife Park, where koalas roam; and the iconic Opera House.


Enjoy leisure time to get better acquainted with this fascinating city. Next, fly to Uluru (Ayers Rock). Learn about the local Aboriginal people and their culture during a dot painting experience with an Aboriginal artist and later, watch the sun set over the fabled monolith. In Cairns, visit beautiful Mossman Gorge on a walk led by an Aboriginal guide, enjoy a Skyrail gondola ride, and swim and snorkel at the colossal Great Barrier Reef during a day-long excursion. Discover Christchurch, New Zealand’s “Garden City,” with a two-night stay. Stop at a local farm to see sheepdogs at work, then spend two nights in splendid Mt. Cook National Park.


On a day-long Milford Sound excursion, cruise through the stunning fjords. Explore Queenstown, New Zealand’s “adventure capital.” In geothermal Rotorua, experience Maori culture at a traditional hangi dinner and see kiwis at a nature park. The journey ends with a two-night stay and sightseeing in vibrant Auckland. Enjoy additional time in the sparkling “City of Sails” with an optional 3-day/2-night post-tour extension.

Day 1 and 2 - Depart U.S.Australia and New Zealand Map
Days 3 - 5 - Sydney
Days 6 - 7 - Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Days 8 - 10 - Cairns
Days 11 - 12 - Christchurch, New Zealand
Days 13 - 14 - Mount Cook
Days 15 - 17 - Queenstown
Days 18 - 19 - Rotorua
Days 20 - 21- Auckland
Day 22 - Depart Auckland, New Zealand for U.S.

Base Price: from $12,084* (air and taxes included) per person, based on double occupancy

  • Additional solo supplement of $2,495
  • * Pricing dependent on departure city; Airline fees and taxes subject to change
  • Air upgrades may be available. Contact Odysseys Unlimited directly at (888) 370-6765 for options.

Inclusions:

  • 19 nights accommodations in Deluxe, Superior First Class and First Class hotels.
  • 19 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 11 dinners including a Farewell Dinner.
  • See brochure for full details
  • Tar Heel Travel is a member exclusive perk.
  • There must be one Carolina Alumni member in a room.  Membership is open to anyone.  Learn more.
  • By reserving on this tour, you agree to the terms and conditions specific to this tour which are set by the tour operator. This information can be found in the tour brochure or on the tour operator’s website.
  • The Carolina Alumni Travel Office and tour operator reserve the right to decline or accept a reservation should a person's health, mental condition, physical infirmity or attitude jeopardize the operation of the tour or the rights, welfare, or enjoyment of other participants.  Refunds will be made in accordance with the cancellation policy listed in the tour brochure.