15-Day Australia New Zealand Panorama Escorted Tour

Day 1 & to Day 2 Depart USA
We fly over the international date line on our way to Auckland, New Zealand.

Day 3: Arrive Auckland
On arrival in Auckland you will be transferred to your hotel, with a guaranteed early check-in. Later, we'll cruise on Waitemata Harbour, the best way to see the city! This evening enjoy a Welcome Drink and dinner with your Tour Director and fellow travelers. (D). TF. Hotel: Stamford Plaza

Day 4: Auckland - Rotorua (2 nights)
Travel into the Waikato region to the Waitomo Caves to see the incredible Glow Worm Grotto on a guided boat tour. Then we continue on to Rotorua where we'll experience The Realm of Tāne and a traditional Maori Hangi Highlight Dinner accompanied by local wine and a concert. (B)

Day 5: Rotorua
This morning a local Maori guide will accompany us around the Whakarewarewa Village where we'll gain an insight into Maori culture. Our next stop takes us to Rainbow Springs Nature Park, where you'll experience native bush, ferns and trees that grow around the crystal clear mineral water springs. You may even spot a kiwi! Then we visit the Agrodome Sheep Show, the multi-award-winning stage show, for a taste of farm life. You’ll see the art of sheep shearing, sheepdog demonstrations, cow milking, bottle-feeding lambs and an exciting sheep auction. You'll have time to relax in the local geothermal spas. (B)

Day 6: Rotorua - Queenstown (2 nights)
After your morning flight to Queenstown, we'll explore the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown on the Arrow River before an orientation tour of Queenstown and surrounds. See the home of the Bungy Jump at Kawarau Bridge, Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkable Mountain Range. (B) Hotel: Millennium Hotel

Day 7: Queenstown at Leisure
Enjoy leisure time in New Zealand's adventure capital. Why not take a day trip to mystical Milford Sound? You will travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau and its lake then through the rainforest of World Heritage Fiordland National Park, sighting glaciers and mountain ranges. Travel through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel to abundant photo opportunities afforded by the Mirror Lakes, Pop's Lookout, Claudu Valley and the Chasm en route to Milford Sound to board your cruise for an unforgettable experience. Ask your Tour Director for details. (B)

Day 8: Queenstown - Melbourne (2 nights)
This morning we board our flight for Melbourne, Australia. On arrival we are transferred to the hotel. This evening is at leisure to explore this cosmopolitan city. (B). Hotel: Crowne Plaza

Day 9: Melbourne Sightseeing & at Leisure
Our morning sightseeing tour shows us the Royal Botanic Gardens, Queen Victoria Market, the Shrine of Remembrance, Parliament House and much more. Afterwards enjoy time at leisure to perhaps explore further or relax back at the hotel. (B)

Day 10: Melbourne - Cairns (2 nights)
This morning we board our flight to Cairns, Queensland. Visit Rainforestation Nature Park for a 'Be My Guest' lunch. Experience indigenous culture and Australian native wildlife in a World Heritage listed rainforest setting. At the Pamagirri Corroboree we’ll witness a traditional dance performance. Try your hand at boomerang throwing, observe spear-throwing and watch a Pamagirri Guide play the didgeridoo. Visit the Wildlife Park to see native Australian animals including kangaroos, koalas and crocodiles. (B, D) . Hotel: Hilton Hotel

Day 11: Great Barrier Reef
We join a high speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy an informative reef education presentation. See a myriad of coral and tropical fish from the underwater observatory and the semi-submersible craft. There is the opportunity to go snorkeling and view this natural living wonder up close (equipment provided). Enjoy a tropical buffet Highlight Lunch before we return to Cairns. (B, L, D)

Day 12: Cairns - Sydney (3 nights)
It's a late morning flight to Sydney arriving in the afternoon. On our arrival we transfer to the hotel, where the remainder of the day is at leisure; maybe go out and explore this exciting city. Perhaps take a stroll to nearby Darling Harbour or wander down to the historic Rocks district at Circular Quay for a panoramic view of the Sydney Opera House. (B). Hotel: The Grace Hotel

Day 13: Sydney Sightseeing & at Leisure
Our morning sightseeing tour includes views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House from Mrs. Macquarie's Chair. We then join a guided tour of the Opera House, a famous Australian icon. Later, we'll enjoy a luxury cruise on Sydney Harbour which includes a Highlight Lunch on board. Enjoy interesting commentary plus spectacular sights as we cruise by Sydney's prestigious suburbs. (B, L, D)

Day 14: Sydney at Leisure
A full day at leisure in this exciting city. Why not take an excursion to the famous Blue Mountains and see some of Australia's native wildlife at Featherdale Wildlife Park or visit the Hunter Valley, New South Wales' premier wine-growing region? Or perhaps take an interesting trip to Canberra, Australia's capital. We'll gather together this evening for a Farewell Dinner with our Tour Director and new-found friends. (B, D)

Day 15: Sydney - USA
Time to bid farewell as we transfer you to Sydney Airport for your flight home. (B)