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ULTIMATE AUSTRALIA NEW
ZEALAND INDEPENDENT PACKAGE |
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Sydney • Ayers Rock • Lizard Island • The Great
Barrier Reef • New Zealand Lodges |
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Experience all the land down
under has to offer on this exciting visit to Australia and New Zealand. See the
sights of cosmopolitan Sydney. Enjoy paradise on the Great Barrier Reef. In
Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, stay at the Sofitel Reef Casino and
enjoy tropical luxury in the heart of Cairns. Travel to the rugged outback and
see magnificent Ayers Rock. Admire the stunning beauty of New Zealand’s
countryside and stay in luxurious lodge estates.
This “Ultimate Australia & New Zealand” vacation
includes accommodations in some of Australia’s most hospitable and luxurious
hotels, resorts and lodges. The charming nature of these elegant accommodations
rivals that of the beautiful landscapes in which they are set.
A perfect blend of planned activity and relaxing
days at leisure ensures this itinerary will suit all tastes. Enjoy activities
like hiking around Ayers Rock and swimming in the waters of the Great Barrier
Reef. Spend a leisurely day as you snorkel or dive at Lizard Island Resort,
located right in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
In New Zealand, your 1 bedroom suite at Hyatt’s
5-Star Residence in Auckland will delight you. Huka Lodge’s international
reputation for fishing and gourmet dining will surpass your expectations.
Wharekauhau Country Estate is beautifully located on 5,000 acres of lush pasture
and ancient rainforests and is a working sheep station. |
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INCLUDED FEATURES: |
| 16 nights of accommodation |
| 3 days deluxe Red Center touring |
| Domestic flight Cairns— Lizard Island |
| Private scenic charter flight Lizard Island— Cairns |
| 16 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners |
| Private car transfers |
| Sydney city highlights |
| Seaplane flight to Cottage Point Inn and lunch |
| 3 days Auto A/C car rental |
| Note: International and domestic airfare not included
(unless otherwise stated). Baggage restriction on Lizard Island—Cairns
flight. |
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DINNING HIGHLIGHTS: |
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A welcome drink with your Tour Director in
Auckland |
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15 Buffet breakfasts |
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1 Lunch |
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1 Lunch while cruising Milford Sound
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1 tropical buffet lunch on the Great Barrier
Reef |
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1 lunch while cruising the Sydney Harbour
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1 three-course dinner in the hotel |
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1 traditional Maori Hangi dinner in Rotorua |
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21 included meals in total (see day by day
itinerary)
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DAY TO DAY ITINERARY: |
Day 1: Welcome to
Sydney
Start your vacation in Australia’s most
spectacular harbor city. Travel by private car to the Shangri-La Hotel
Sydney where you’ll have a breathtaking view overlooking Sydney Harbour.
Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Shangri-La Hotel Sydney, Deluxe Grand Harbour View Room for 3
nights |
Day 2: Sydney
City Sights
You’ll see the historic Rocks area, Macquarie Street, Kings Cross, Sydney
Harbour National Park and the southern beaches. The tour ends at Circular
Quay at noon. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B) |
Day 3: Scenic
Seaplane Flight & Gourmet Lunch
Fly from Rose Bay to one of Sydney’s best kept secrets – The Cottage Point
Inn! This award-winning restaurant offers sumptuous food in a serene
location. A 20-minute seaplane flight whisks you away from the vibrant
City of Sydney to a peaceful, stunning destination. You’ll land at the
restaurant’s jetty where a friendly welcome awaits at The Cottage Point
Inn. Enjoy a three course a-la-carte lunch with ample time to savor both
the food and ambience of such a unique location. Re-board your aircraft
for the return to Sydney with more views to enjoy and a circuit of Sydney
Harbour to culminate an outstanding day! Complimentary hotel pick-up is
included. (B,L) |
Day 4:
Sydney—Alice Springs
Transfer by private car to the airport to connect with your flight to
Alice Springs (flight, own expense). Upon arrival you will be transferred
to your first class hotel.
Ovenight: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs for 1 night (B) |
Day 5: Palm
Valley and Kings Canyon
This morning you’ll be met by your friendly and knowledgeable guide and a
small group of like-minded travelers. Today visit Hermannsburg Historical
Precinct to view Albert Namatjira’s famous watercolor art display. Travel
by 4WD tracks along the oldest riverbed on earth to beautiful Palm Valley
in Finke Gorge National Park containing botanical relicts. Journey onwards
towards Watarrka National Park, featuring the spetacular Kings Canyon.
Overnight: Kings Canyon Resort for 1 night (B,L) |
Day 6: Kings
Canyon and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Undertake the Rim Walk through the beehive like domes and oases of
vegetation. Arrive at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and an afternoon tour
to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a very sacred place to the Aboriginal people.
Return to Ayers Rock Resort. This evening, experience the romance of the
desert and sunset behind the domes of Kata Tjuta and Uluru (Ayers Rock),
the didgeridoo’s haunting sound, sumptuous outback fare and the
star-filled heavens. Includes dinner, resident astronomer and wine with
canapés.
Overnight: Ayers Rock Resort, Sails in the Desert, Deluxe Suite for 2
nights (B,L,D) |
Day 7: Uluru
Walk one of the oldest walking tracks on earth as you follow the Ancestral
stories of the creation theories of Uluru on the famous Uluru Walk.
Experience the incredible ecology that this rock hosts and learn why this
National Park is World Heritage listed. Transfer back to your hotel at the
end of this fascinating small group journey through the Red Center. (B,L) |
Day 8: Ayers
Rock—Cairns
Transfer to the airport today and board your flight to Cairns (flight, own
expense). Upon arrival in Cairns, travel by private car to the Sofitel
Reef Casino Cairns. Afternoon at leisure to explore the seaside city of
Cairns. Overnight: Sofitel Reef Casino Cairns, Deluxe Room for 1
night (B) |
Day 9: Arrive
Lizard Island
Travel via private car to the airport and fly to Lizard Island (flight
included), one of the few islands located directly on the Great Barrier
Reef. Enjoy a gourmet dinner at Osprey’s Restaurant.
Overnight: Lizard Island, Anchor Bay Suite for 3 nights (B,D) |
Day 10:
Activities at Lizard Island
Take advantage of all the activities Lizard Island offers. From water
sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing and fishing to land-based
activities such as tennis and hiking, Lizard Island has it all (some
activities own expense). (B,L,D) |
Day 11: R & R at
Lizard Island
Relax and rejuvenate at the Azure Spa, a serene health spa overlooking the
pool, take a gourmet picnic in your very own dinghy to one of the 24 sandy
white beaches or engage in any activity that strikes your fancy. (B,L,D) |
Day 12: Depart
Cairns, Arrive Auckland—New Zealand
Fly to Cairns Airport via a charter flight (included). Then fly to
Brisbane or Sydney and connect with your flight to Auckland, New Zealand
(flights not included). Take a private car transfer from the airport to
your hotel and spend the evening at leisure.
Overnight: Hyatt Residence Auckland, 1 Bedroom Suite for 1 night (B)
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Day 13: Travel to
Huka Lodge
Arrive via private car at Auckland Airport for your short flight to Taupo
(flight not included), then on to Huka Lodge. Spend the evening in this
world-class resort where rustic charm meets luxurious service. Enjoy
drinks and dinner in the main lodge.
Overnight: Huka Lodge, Lodge Room for 2 nights (B,D) |
Day 14: Relax at
Huka Lodge
Spend the day exploring the serene landscape of Huka Lodge. Set amid rich
forest and the Huka Falls, the lodge offers an array of outdoor pursuits.
Enjoy a gourmet dinner in the company of fellow guests or in private on
the riverside terrace. (B,D) |
Day 15: Travel to
Wharekauhau Country Estate
Leave Taupo and fly onward to Wellington (flight not included), pick up
your rental car and drive two hours to Wharekauhau Country Estate.
Experience magnificent ocean views while relaxing in front of your private
fireplace. Overnight: Wharekauhau Country Estate, Cottage Suite for 2
nights (B,D) |
Day 16: Relax at
Wharekauhau Country Estate
Explore the nearby Martinborough wine region, an area of world-renowned
vineyards where you can taste excellent Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. Or
spend the day at leisure enjoying a game of tennis, hiking or horseback
riding. Return to the main house in the evening for a gourmet dinner. (B,D) |
Day 17: Depart
Wharekauhau Country Estate
Return to Wellington Airport for your onward flight. (B) |
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DEPARTURES 2008:
Departures: Tuesday, Friday |
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PRICE: From $9850
per person. Based on double occupancy
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HOTELS:
Sydney Shangri-La, Crown Plaza Alice Springs, Kings Canyon Resort, Sails in the
Desert at Ayers Rock, Sofitel Cairns, Lizard Island, Hyatt Residence Auckland,
Huka Lodge - lodge room, Wharekauhau Country Estate |
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Travel Packages
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