Day 3  Arrival in Auckland New Zealand. (Sun.)
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 to 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. (Mon.)
Today 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, 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-Waitomo-Rotorua. (Tue.)
Leaving the “City of Sails” travel through the green pastoral region of Waikato to the famous WAITOMO GLOWWORM CAVES, which have 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-Queenstown. (Wed.)
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  Queenstown. (Thu.)
Full day 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 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 8  Queenstown-Christchurch. (Fri.)
Today fly to Christchurch. 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. (B)

Day 9  Christchurch-Sydney, Australia. (Sat.)
Today fly across the Tasman Sea to Sydney. G’day and welcome to Australia. (B)

Day 10  Sydney. (Sun.)
Today explore one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Your sightseeing includes a visit to the SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE for a guided tour of its amazing interior and theaters and to the world famous TARONGA ZOO. Here a local guide will introduce you to Australia’s unique fauna including kangaroos, koalas, wombats, dingoes, echidna and Australian birds. You can even have your photo taken with a koala! A great photo stop at Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, located in the city’s botanical gardens, offering sweeping views of the harbor, Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The balance of the day is free. Perhaps you’d like to take an optional cruise on Sydney Harbour to discover the natural wonder of this bustling waterway. This evening your Tour Director hosts a special dinner at a waterfront restaurant. (B,D)

Day 11  Sydney. (Mon.)
Full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Perhaps join our optional excursion with a drive over the Harbour Bridge and through Sydney’s suburbs to the Hawkesbury River for a relaxing cruise to a 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. (B)

Day 12  Sydney-Cairns. (Tue.)
Today fly to Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. 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. Dinner tonight is at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park—a fascinating portrayal of Aboriginal culture, dance, and folklore. (B,D)

Day 13  Cairns. Green Island, Great Barrier Reef Excursion. (Wed.)
Board a fast catamaran for a cruise to Green Island, one of the many beautiful tropical islands on Australia’s famous Great Barrier Reef. Here you can take a semi submarine to view coral and an array of fish, choose to snorkel, take the glass bottom boat to further experience this natural wonder, or join a naturalist for a guided walk through the island’s cool rain forest. (B)

Day 14  Cairns-Melbourne. (Thu.)
Early risers may wish to start the day with an optional hot-air-balloon ride over the lush tablelands. Later fly to Australia’s second largest city, Melbourne. (B)

Day 15  Melbourne. (Fri.)
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. The rest of the day is for you to explore on your own. 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)