Day 1 & 2
Board your transpacific flight and skip a day as you cross the International
Date Line.
Day 3 - Arrival in Auckland New Zealand.
Haere Mai—welcome to New Zealand. Your room is ready for
immediate check-in. Time to freshen up before you experience the excitement and
adventure of this unique harbor city with spectacular views and breathtaking
scenery. This afternoon sightsee in this attractive city known as “City of
Sails,” situated on an isthmus between two magnificent harbors—the Waitemata and
the Manukau. From the top of Mount Eden you have a stunning view of Auckland as
well as Rangitoto Island, the volcanic cone which dominates the inner harbor.
Today’s highlight is a visit to KELLY TARLTON’S ANTARCTIC ENCOUNTER where you
will see colonies of penguins playing in real ice and snow. Then travel beneath
the ocean see a giant stingray and moray eels, and come face to face with the
awesome predators of the deep—sharks, only inches away. This evening your Tour
Director hosts a special Welcome Dinner. (D)
Day 4 - Auckland.
A day at leisure. Why not take an optional excursion to the beautiful Bay of
Islands? It’s a haven for people who enjoy sea activities, uncrowded sandy
beaches, and native forests. Travel across the Auckland Harbour Bridge via the
Hibiscus Coast to Paihia. Visit the historic Waitangi Treaty House, and then
join a cruise to Cape Brett to travel through the famous “Hole in the Rock”
(weather permitting). Your Tour Director has suggestions for other activities.
(B)
Day 5 - Auckland to Waitomo-Rotorua.
Leaving the “City of Sails” travel through the green pastoral region
of Waikato to the famous WAITOMO GLOWWORM CAVES, which has attracted visitors
for over 100 years. Experience a guided tour through the limestone chambers and
passages to see stunning features. Enjoy a silent boat trip through the glowworm
grotto as you glide quietly beneath the lights of thousands of glowworms
suspended from the cave ceiling. In the afternoon continue over the Mamaku
Ranges to Rotorua. On arrival experience TE WHAKAREWAREWA, Rotorua’s most
prominent thermal area with New Zealand’s largest geyser, boiling mud pools and
silica terraces. Enjoy a traditional hangi dinner this evening, followed
by an authentic Maori concert. (B,D)
Day 6 - Rotorua to Queenstown.
This morning visit the AGRODOME to learn more about one of the country’s
major industries—sheep! Then onto RAINBOW SPRINGS, home to rainbow trout and the
flightless kiwi bird in its nocturnal “Kiwi House.” A flight takes you to
Queenstown on the South Island, birthplace of bungee jumping and home base for
discovering every type of adventure sport imaginable. After arriving see the
sights of this popular resort town, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and
surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Southern Alps. This evening why not take
our optional dinner at the top of Bob’s peak on Queenstown’s Skyline Gondola for
breathtaking panoramic views while dining in a relaxed atmosphere? (B)
Day 7 & 8 - Queenstown. Two
full days at leisure for your own discoveries. Perhaps join our optional
excursion to Milford Sound, an awe-inspiring wilderness where glaciers have
carved deep fiords from the mountainous coastline within the World Heritage
Fiordland National Park. Also available is a thrilling ride on a jetboat down
the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers. Your Tour Director has suggestions for other
activities. (B)
Day 9 - Queenstown to Franz Josef.
Magnificent scenery unfolds as you motor across Haast Pass, the main
divide of the Southern Alps. Then along the west coast of the South Island to
Franz Josef. Before dinner at the hotel, take a stroll around this pretty alpine
village, nestled at the base of the Franz Josef Glacier. (B,D)
Day 10 - Franz Josef-TranzAlpine to Christchurch.
For a bird’s-eye perspective of the area, take the optional helicopter
flight over the slow moving ice floe and touch down at the head of the Franz
Josef Glacier (weather permitting). Later drive to Greymouth Railway Station to
board the TranzAlpine train for one of the most spectacular rail journeys in the
world. The route is through the rugged Southern Alps, along deep river gorges
and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. (B)
Day 11 - Christchurch to Melbourne, Australia.
Sightseeing starts with a drive up the winding Summit Road for views
of Lyttleton Harbor, then past Christchurch’s old stone buildings, the charming
Avon River, and acres of green parks. On the way to the airport you have the
option to visit the International Antarctic Centre, designed to give “firsthand”
experience of Antarctica, before your flight across the Tasman Sea to Melbourne,
Australia. (B)
Day 12 - Melbourne
G’day and welcome to Australia. Today’s sightseeing includes
landmarks such as Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance, a tribute to
Australia’s war heroes. Visit beautiful FITZROY GARDENS, and then drive past the
lush Royal Botanical Gardens. You’ll soon discover the different architectural
influences of this city as you see the Victorian Arts Centre and other buildings
of significance. We also stop at one of the country’s leading opal companies to
discover how the beautiful gems are mined and the link between dinosaurs and the
opal while viewing a collection of 120-million-year-old opalized dinosaur bones.
For a unique dining experience, join an optional outing on board a historic
tramcar restaurant as it winds its way through the streets of Melbourne. Later
this afternoon, the optional excursion to see a penguin parade is highly
recommended. (B)
Day 13 - Melbourne
Full day for you to explore on your own. Perhaps join our optional
tour that takes in the views of Australia’s most breathtaking and unspoiled
coastal scenery on the Great Ocean Road, including unusual rock formations such
as the Twelve Apostles adorning the shoreline. There also are views of
farmlands, surf beaches, and sheer cliff faces. (B)
Day 14 - Melbourne to Alice Springs
Today we fly to the Outback. Here visit the historic OLD TELEGRAPH
STATION to discover how the locals live in this remote area, and the history of
how the early settlers explored the region and developed communication. It’s
onto Anzac Hill, a tribute to Australia and New Zealand’s war heroes. Then visit
the ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE to appreciate how an aerial medical service is
provided to those living in extremely remote cattle stations and reservations. A
highlight of your day is the opportunity to ride a camel, the transport of the
desert, at the CAMEL FARM. For a truly unique Aussie experience, this evening
consider an optional bush night out that features a meal of typical campfire
fare, fascinating tales of the Outback, and Aboriginal folklore. (B)
Day 15 - Alice Springs to Ayers Rock
Early risers may want to start the day with an optional
hot-air-balloon ride over the plains at sunrise. Today experience an Aboriginal
“Dreamtime” tour and learn more about this important native culture from your
own local guide. Later fly farther into the Outback to “The Centre of
Australia.” In the afternoon travel past Uluru (Ayers Rock) to the magnificent
Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a geological splendor of some 30 brilliant monoliths.
There is time for a walk to the Olga Gorge before returning to “Sunset Strip” to
stop for a drink as you witness the changing colors of the Rock. (B)
Day 16 - Ayers Rock to Cairns
This morning your Outback adventure continues as you enjoy a tour
around the base of Uluru, learning of its significance in Aboriginal “Dreamtime”
mythology. For an even more amazing view, perhaps take an optional aircraft ride
for splendid views of Ayers Rock and the surrounding area—a must for
photographers. Later fly to Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of
the seven natural wonders of the world. Tonight, a unique dinner event at
TJAPUKAI ABORIGINAL CULTURAL PARK—a fascinating portrayal of the rainforest
regions of Aboriginal culture, dance, and folklore where the Tjapukai people,
literally translated as “the people of the rainforest,” take you on a journey
that will make you feel like a privileged participant. (B,D)
Day 17 - Cairns
Great Barrier Reef Excursion. After a spectacular drive along the
coastline, reach the resort town of Port Douglas. Board a fast catamaran for a
cruise to the outer edge of Australia’s famous Great Barrier Reef where you will
disembark onto a luxurious three-level pontoon. Enjoy coral viewing from the
UNDERWATER OBSERVATORY or cruise among the coral gardens in a modern SUB-SEA
VIEWER. Snorkeling gear is available and an informative talk by a marine
biologist enhances your reef experience. A smorgasbord lunch is also included. (B,L)
Day 18 - Cairns
A full day at leisure in this tropical paradise. For a truly amazing
rainforest experience, consider our optional trip to Kuranda via the old scenic
rail route. See magnificent scenery, lush rain forests, and twisting waterfalls
from the comfort of a restored, historic mountain train. For the return journey,
you may choose to take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Tonight, to add to your
rainforest experience, why not take our optional dinner in a rain forest by
night, set among flame-lit torches? (B)
Day 19 - Cairns to Sydney
Early risers may wish to start the day with an optional
hot-air-balloon ride over the lush tablelands. Later fly to Australia’s largest
city, Sydney, where your hotel boasts great views over Darling Harbour, located
right at your hotel’s doorstep. (B)
Day 20 - Sydney
Join your fellow travelers this morning as you explore one of the
world’s most beautiful cities. Visit the OPERA HOUSE for a guided tour of its
amazing interior and theaters. A highlight is a stop at the world famous TARONGA
ZOO, where a local guide will introduce you to Australia’s unique fauna
including kangaroos, koalas, wombats, dingoes, echidna and Australian birds.
Travel to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, located in the city’s botanical gardens, for a
great photo opportunity offering sweeping views of the harbor, Sydney Opera
House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. A chance here to learn of some Australian
native flora including the unique Moreton Bay Fig Tree. See some of the city’s
original suburbs and the historic Rocks area, home to Sydney’s original
convicts. For a truly memorable experience, enjoy a wonderful lunch as you
cruise Sydney Harbour. Your sightseeing experience also includes an opportunity
to visit one of the country’s leading opal companies to discover how these
beautiful gems are mined. The balance of the day is free. (B)
Day 21 - Sydney
Full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Perhaps join our
optional excursion with a drive over the Harbour Bridge through Sydney’s suburbs
to the Hawkesbury River for a relaxing cruise to an historic homestead, one of
the earliest trading posts dating back to 1867. Enjoy lunch on the broad veranda
while you learn of the experiences of Australia’s early settlers. You may prefer
an adventure to the Blue Mountains for a wilderness experience, or an excursion
to the Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s leading wine-growing regions. You can
even climb to the top of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge! The choice is yours and your
Tour Director will have suggestions to help you make the most of this exciting
city. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special Farewell Dinner at a
waterfront restaurant overlooking Sydney Harbour, the magnificent Sydney Opera
House, and Sydney Harbour Bridge. (B,D)
Day 22
This morning your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)
EMAIL THIS PAGE
To sort click column headers 