Day 1 and Day 2: Depart From Home for your Australia New Zealand Tour
Today you board your flight and begin the adventure of a lifetime. Crossing the International Dateline, you skip a day ahead.
Day 3: Arrive Cairns, Australia
Your tour begins today in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Don't forget to look up at the Southern Hemisphere's stars this evening after you join your mates for a welcome dinner. CL. Stay at the Novotel Oasis Cairns Hotel. D
Day 4: Great Barrier Reef
Board a high speed catamaran for an exciting excursion on a Great Barrier Reef cruise. This is an immense series of 2,800 coral reefs which are home to amazingly diverse marine life. From your base on Green Island, you are able to explore the reef in many ways. Enjoy a glass bottom boat ride*, a stroll on the walking trail to take in the rain forest, relax on the beaches, snorkel or just watch the fish and sea turtles swim past from the pier. For a more adventurous encounter with the reef, optional scuba diving and an outer reef tour are also available. Whichever way you choose, you’ll see some of the world’s most fascinating marine and plant life. B, L
Day 5: Cairns
Today visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Center. You’ll see traditional Aboriginal dances, learn about the Aboriginal lifestyle, and even throw a boomerang or play a didgeridoo, a traditional instrument. Browse the renowned art gallery and visit the interpretation center, which houses a collection of interesting artifacts. This afternoon a great experience awaits as you search for crocodiles in their natural habitat during a visit to Hartley's Croc Farm! Boardwalks take you on a path of adventure through rainforests and woodlands to see animals such as wild birds, reptiles and wallabies. While visiting you also have the chance to meet some of the local koalas and have a private talk with a wildlife naturalist to learn more about these cuddly creatures. Then, enjoy an exciting cruise in the lagoon looking for crocodiles before enjoying a delicious Aussie barbecue. B, D
Day 6: Cairns - Sydney
Your morning is at leisure for independent exploration. Later today, fly to the bustling city of Sydney. Stay at the Rydges World Square Hotel. B
Day 7: Sydney
Enjoy a leisurely day to explore Sydney your way. Your Tour Manager will be on hand to offer suggestions. Tonight, experience the best of Sydney. Chat with new friends and take in the sights during a delightful dinner cruise of Sydney Harbour during which you’ll pass by two of Australia’s most famous icons: the renowned Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. B
Day 8: Sydney
This morning enjoy a Sydney sightseeing tour where the English explorer James Cook first weighed anchor in 1770. Highlights of your tour include Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, the Botanic Gardens and the fashionable Paddington suburb. Then, discover one of the world’s most fascinating architectural wonders during a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. Next, enjoy a unique opportunity to learn first-hand how raw opals are transformed from the dark mine shafts to beautiful works of art. This evening is free to explore Sydney’s many famous restaurants! B, D
Day 9: Sydney - Christchurch, New Zealand
You leave Australia behind and fly to New Zealand and the historic city of Christchurch. Upon arrival enjoy a short sightseeing tour of "the most English city outside of England." Highlights include magnificent gardens, the Neo-Gothic Cathedral and the downtown park district. Stay at the Novotel Christchurch Hotel. B
Day 10: Christchurch
This morning visit a Canterbury farmyard where you’ll enjoy a sheep shearing demonstration and see the herding of the farm’s animals! It’s a great opportunity to learn how a New Zealand family farm operates. This afternoon you are free to explore Christchurch independently before a truly special evening. Tonight you are the guest of honor at a private dinner inside the restored Riccarton House mansion. Step back in time and experience a world of Victorian and Edwardian splendor during a guided tour that teaches you the history of the first family of Christchurch. Then, relax in the elegant dining room and enjoy a sumptuous dinner. B, D
Day 11: Christchurch
Today, enjoy a day of exploration on your own in beautiful Christchurch. This English city – the charming international gateway to New Zealand’s South Island – boasts countless cafes and boutiques. Stroll its cobblestone streets and enjoy the many sights that “the Garden City” has to offer. Make yourself right at home this evening when a New Zealand family welcomes you into their home for dinner! This is sure to be an unforgettable evening during which you will make new friends, learn about the customs of the “Kiwi’s” and enjoy a home-cooked meal. B, D
Day 12: Christchurch - Mt. Cook Region - Queenstown
Traverse the spectacular countryside to New Zealand’s most famous national park, Mt. Cook. Mt. Cook is one of the most impressive mountains in the world. You may choose to view the massive glaciers and extensive snow-covered mountain top terrain on an optional glacier flightseeing tour (weather permitting), or perhaps enjoy the park during a nature walk. Continue to Queenstown and enjoy a stop at a local fruit stand to gain an inside look at the produce of New Zealand. Stay at the Mercure Resort Queenstown. B
Day 13: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
En route to Milford Sound, enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley. You’ll travel through beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. During a Milford Sound cruise enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful Milford Sound and you’ll see why this fjord is one of the most visited sites on the South Island. With rock faces that rise nearly 4,000 feet on either side, the scenery will take your breath away. Following your cruise, you return to Queenstown. You may choose to return via a short optional flight (weather permitting) for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. B, L
Day 14: Queenstown
A leisurely day in Queenstown offers several options to enhance your vacation. Shop or people watch in the village or perhaps take the optional "Safari of the Rings" which takes you through the majestic Remarkable Mountains and the breathtaking Queenstown countryside where the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed. This evening, take in the city of Queenstown from above and soak in the breathtaking views during a gondola ride to dinner at the Skyline Restaurant overlooking Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the mountains. B, D
Day 15: Queenstown - USA. Your escorted Australia New Zealand Tour ends here.
Your tour ends today. You can add a 2-night Fiji stopover here instead of returning straight home. B
Optional Sightseeing Excursions
Hot Air Ballooning Adventure $300
City: Cairns Float over blue gum and paper bark trees and experience the wide open spaces of the Atherton Tablelands/Cairns Highlands in the beautiful early morning light in a hot air balloon. Watch in wonder as the balloons inflate and rise into the sky. Don’t forget your camera to capture dawn’s light on the lush greenery of the mountainous plain. After your 60 minute flight, return to the ground and “tuck into” a hearty “Aussie Style” champagne breakfast featuring a tropical buffet, bacon & eggs, and a glass of champagne to celebrate a remarkable ride! This option requires riding in a basket which does not have an entrance. To enter passengers will need to step up and over into the basket. This option operates on a weather permitting basis only. Please Note: AUD 25.00 insurance levy is not included in the cost of this option and must be paid directly to Hot Air Cairns at time of service. Your transportation is included. Duration: approximately 4 hour(s).
Safari of the Rings $115
City: Queenstown Venture into Middle Earth and see the primeval, mystical landscapes where J.R.R. Tolkein’s powerful trilogy was filmed. The vast panoramas of unspoiled wilderness of New Zealand’s South Island provided the ideal setting to bring these beloved adventures to life and the ideal setting for your day of touring. Trek by 4 x 4 up into the Remarkable Mountains and across the Arrow River. There are no movie sets left, just the stunning pristine vistas that filled the frames. Please Note: Option to cancel is available up until 24 hours before start date of tour. If you choose to cancel within 24 hours of the tour, you will still be liable for payment. Your transportation is included. Duration: approximately 4 hour(s).
Kuranda Skyrail $75
City: Cairns Glide over and into the leafy rainforest canopy on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, the world’s longest gondola cableway. The comfortable, six-person gondola carries you 4½ miles through the rugged beauty of Barron Gorge National Park, part of the Wet Tropics UNESCO World Heritage Area. The gondola dips through the layers of the canopy to bring you deep into the rainforest, stopping at two in-forest viewing platforms along the way. Experience the sights, sounds and scents of this vibrant ecosystem up close. Discover the ways of the Djabugai Aboriginal tribe, whose traditional home is here. See the dramatic Barron gorge and waterfalls. Your transportation is included. Please note a minimum of 15 passengers is required. Duration: approximately 2 hour(s).
Sydney By Bike! $95
City: Sydney Explore one of the world's greatest cities, by bicycle! Sydney residents are increasingly turning to bicycles to help the environment, ease urban congestion and improve their own health. Join the Australians in this movement and gain an insider’s perspective of Sydney on this slow-paced, easy riding tour. Pedal through the historic waterfront neighborhood, The Rocks, and ride over the graceful Harbour Bridge for breathtaking views. This tour has been tailor-made for Collette Vacations and will be sure to leave you with truly personal memories of the unforgettable city of Sydney! Your transportation is included. Please note a minimum of 2 passengers is required. Duration: approximately 2.5 hour(s).
International Antarctic Center $40
City: Christchurch Step inside and be transported to the “white continent!” The awesome and magical beauty of Antarctica is recreated with an interactive, fun and exciting experience of the “Great White South.” See the seasons change before your eyes. Feel the chill of winter and watch daylight return as the Antarctic summer approaches. They’ll outfit you to experience the Polar Room, where you’ll find real snow and ice! Explore the snow cave or brave the wind chill machine. Every half hour an Antarctic storm blows through the Polar Room, with lightening, authentic Antarctic storm audio and 25 mile per hour winds! Learn about the Antarctic Treaty, transportation to and from the continent, and the ozone layer and the fascinating wildlife that has adapted to life in this extreme habitat. The Aquarium features amazing creatures found in McMurdo Sound. Ride on a rugged Hagglund vehicle, used to transport people and equipment along the extreme Antarctic terrain. Get up close and personal with the amazing little blue penguin. This is as close to the seventh continent as you can get without going! Your transportation is included. Please note a minimum of 15 passengers is required. Duration: approximately 2.5 hour(s).
Shotover JetBoating $90
City: Queenstown A river cruise in Queenstown, the epi-centre of adventure tourism and home of the Bungee Jump, is definitely a little more than just a boat ride! Zoom through the sheer canyons of the Shotover River on this thrilling adventure. Shotover Jet boats zoom along in mere centimeters of the glacial water which flows down from the Southern Alps, providing an exhilarating, but safe and enjoyable ride for all ages. You may get a little wet, but it is a unique and fun way to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the South Island of New Zealand. No visit to Queenstown is complete without it! Please Note: Weather may be cold and you may get wet during this option. Actual flight time is 30 minutes. Your transportation is included. Duration: approximately 1.5 hour(s).
A Taste of Australia $130
City: Sydney Meet the fascinating denizens of the deep at the largest Aquarium in the Southern Hemisphere. The Sydney Aquarium allows you to experience the enormous diversity of eight unique Australian aquatic environments. Over 12,000 animals are found here, including huge sharks, rays, platypuses, crocs and more! Australia’s marine diversity will astound you – from the weedy sea dragon of the Southern Oceans to the wiggly sea cucumber found in tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Later, dine alfresco at Nick’s Restaurant, a popular spot with locals and tourists alike. Enjoy Nick’s renowned fresh seafood and picturesque waterfront location. Your transportation is included. Please note a minimum of 15 passengers is required. Duration: approximately 5.5 hour(s).
Tjapukai by Night $99
City: Cairns Embrace Australia’s ancient indigenous culture during an evening filled with entertainment, delicious cuisine and storytelling that brings dreamtime legends to life. Enjoy a welcome drink on arrival. Have your face painted to reflect Aboriginal history. Revel in a laid-back, delicious buffet dinner enjoying the camaraderie of your travel companions and locals. Discover Aboriginal traditions and Australian culture through customary dances and music. It’s an unforgettable, cultural evening you can’t miss! Your transportation is included. Please note a minimum of 10 passengers is required. Duration: approximately 4 hour(s).
Queenstown Haka Show $35
City: Queenstown From the first dramatic moments of the "Powhiri," the traditional Maori welcome, you’ll be embraced by the powerful culture of the Maori people at a traditional Haka. Feel the spirit of their proud history celebrated through the music of ancient Maori instruments and songs. Traditional dances are accompanied by the thumping swings of poi balls, flying around the dancers with rhythmic precision. This is a terrific evening of traditional entertainment you won't want to miss! Your transportation is included. Please note a minimum of 10 passengers is required. Duration: approximately 0.5 hour(s).
Christchurch Tramway Dinner $95
City: Christchurch Climb aboard the elegant Tram car and step back to New Zealand’s colonial era. Take your seat on the beautifully restored dining car and indulge in a delicious 4 course dinner accompanied by unlimited drinks. Harken back to a genteel era as you travel in luxury around central Christchurch, seeing the exquisite Cathedral Square, Aquarium of Discovery, Arts Centre, Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, Victoria Square, and New Regent Street. No trip to Christchurch would be complete without dinner aboard this historic tram. Transportation is not included. Please note a minimum of 10 passengers is required. Duration: approximately 2.5 hour(s). |
