DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart the USA
Depart the USA for New Zealand. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey
DAY 2, Thursday - En Route
En route to New Zealand, lose a day traveling over the international dateline
DAY 3, Friday - Arrive in Auckland
On arrival to Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, you will be welcomed by a representative and transferred by private coach to your hotel. En route, enjoy a one hour orientation tour of Auckland city. Upon arrival to the hotel, there will be a welcome drink and briefing with the tour manager. Remainder of the day is at leisure. Stay at the Heritage Auckland Hotel & Towers
Optional: Half Day Wine Tasting on Waiheke (PM)
DAY 4, Saturday - Auckland City Tour
This morning, enjoy a four hour Auckland city tour including a visit to the Auckland Museum, New Zealand's first museum which tells the story of the country, its people and its place in the Pacific. You will also visit the Auckland Skytower, New Zealand's tallest man-made structure that offers breathtaking views of the city and beyond. Return to your hotel to enjoy the reminder of the day at leisure. (B)
Optional: Half Day West Coast Wilderness Experience (PM)
DAY 5, Sunday - Flight to Queenstown
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Queenstown, New Zealand's scenic alpine adventure capital. Upon arrival in Queenstown, transfer to your hotel. En route, enjoy a local sightseeing including a visit to Arthurs Point and to historic Arrowtown where you will discover beautiful Arrowtown's golden history and colonial architecture. Stay 3-nights at the Millenium Hotel. (B, L)
DAY 6, Monday - Full Day in Queenstown
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Queenstown. A resort city surrounded by majestic mountains including a range known as The Remarkable, Queenstown is set along placid and crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, both of which create a stunning backdrop. Enjoy a compact and sophisticated downtown area, with cafes and shopping. You may choose to ride the Skyline Gondola high above Queenstown for stunning panoramic views over the lake and mountain ranges. (B)
Optional: Safari of the Scenes - Skippers Canyon 4WD Adventure
DAY 7, Tuesday - Full Day in Queenstown
Full day at leisure to explore Queenstown independently at your own pace. You may choose to explore Lake Wakatipu via the vintage TSS Earnslaw. Known as the “Lady of the Lake”, it is the only remaining passenger-carrying coal-fired steamship in the southern hemisphere. Ride the Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm, founded in 1860, this working sheep station runs approximately 18,000 Merino and Perendale sheep. Watch sheep weaving and shearing demonstrations, or enjoy a barbecue lunch and evening dining at the historic Colonel's Homestead. (B)
Optional: Full Day Milford Sound Cruise with Lunch
DAY 8, Wednesday - Queenstown to Dunedin
Depart Queenstown and travel through the award winning Gibbston Valley wine region and into the rugged Kawarau Gorge. Continue past the picturesque and historic townships of Cromwell and Clyde and the huge Clyde Dam, to arrive in Alexandra. Continue your journey along the Clutha River and past the multiple orchards that define this area as New Zealand’s fruit bowl, before arriving in the outskirts of Dunedin – located on the east coast and the second largest city in the South island. Stay 2-nights at the Scenic Circle Dunedin City Hotel (B)
DAY 9, Thursday - Dunedin
Enjoy a day in Dunedin, arguably New Zealand's most spectacular city in terms of contrasting landscapes, it is nestled in tree-clad hills at the head of a spectacular harbor. The city flourished during the great 19th century gold rush, and is now the main centre of, and the gateway to, the Otago region. Experience the highlights of Dunedin on a city tour which visits the Dunedin Railway Station, a highly photographed jewel in the country's architectural crown, Baldwin street, the steepest residential street in the world, and Otago University, the country's oldest university. Next, take a tour of Olveston Historic Homestead, built between 1904 and 1906 this fine turn-of-the-century house has lavish furnishings and stunning art collections. (B)
Optional: Otago Peninsula Tour with Wellers Rock Cruise
DAY 10, Friday - Flight to Melbourne
This morning, depart Dunedin and follow the east coast of the South Island north through Oamaru, renowned for its limestone architecture, and the small rural communities of Timaru and Ashburton, before travelling over the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch airport for your flight to Melbourne. Upon arrival in Melbourne, meet your tour manager at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure. Melbourne is the heart of Australia's classic south. The city has compelling appeal in its gardens, history, character and charm. Trams criss-crossing the city offer a leisurely way to appreciate the splendid streetscape. Stay 2-nights in Melbourne at the Citigate Melbourne Hotel (B)
DAY 11, Saturday - Melbourne City Tour
This morning meet your Tour Manager in the hotel lobby to commence a half day sightseeing tour of Melbourne. An insight into Australia's second largest city with a mix of cultures and history from the magnificent gardens, riverside Southbank and Docklands complexes, bayside suburbs with elegant nineteenth-century streetscapes to the designer fashion stores and cafes. Return to your hotel to enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. (B)
Optional: Afternoon/Evening Little Penguin Parade
DAY 12, Sunday - Flight to Sydney
This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Sydney. Upon arrival, board your private coach and commence a panoramic sightseeing tour. Travel east to world famous Bondi Beach and then through historic Paddington with its unique terrace houses to Mrs. Macquarie's Chair and the Royal Botanic Gardens for spectacular views of the harbour and the Sydney Opera House and Harbour bridge. See the historic buildings of Governor Macquarie's time in Macquarie St, Parliament House, St. Mary's Cathedral and the Queen Victoria Building. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure. (B). Stay 3-nights in Sydney at the Menzies Sydney Hotel.
DAY 13, Monday - Full Day in Sydney
Full day at leisure to explore Sydney independently . (B)
Optional: Lunch Cruise on Sydney Harbour
Optional: Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
DAY 14, Tuesday - Full Day in Sydney
Full day at leisure to explore Sydney independently. (B)
Optional: Full Day Blue Mountains with Featherdale Wildlife Park
DAY 15, Wednesday - Flight to Cairns
This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairns. The tourist capital of Tropical North Queensland. Set on Trinity Inlet, which was named by Captain James Cook on Trinity Sunday 1770, the city is a must-see for all visitors. The reason is simple. Cairns has so much at its doorstep: the blue waters of the Coral Sea; the riches of the Great Barrier Reef; the flora of the tropical rainforests; the cool inland tablelands and a wealth of offshore islands. Later this afternoon put on your walking shoes and join your Tour Manager for an orientation walk along the waterfront boardwalk towards the city. One of the focal points is the vast saltwater swimming lagoon shaped to the State of Queensland with its dramatic steel fish sculptures and sandy beach. Dotted along the Esplanade and across the street from the boardwalk and park areas is an exciting array of restaurants offering a wide variety of differing cuisines. (B). Stay 3-nights in Cairns at the Mercure Cairns Harbourside Hotel.
DAY 16, Thursday - Green Island Tour
Green Island is a beautiful 6000-year-old coral cay located in the inner Great Barrier Reef Marine Park just 27km from Cairns and a 45 minute journey across the Coral Sea in a high speed catamaran. With its unique reef and rainforest environment, this beautiful island provides the one-stop tropical experience. Green Island is the only coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef with a rainforest growing on it! It is home to 126 native plant species, colorful birdlife, surrounded by magnificent coral gardens and is some 15 hectares (approx 37 acres) in size. Revel in an array of activities or relax and let your day unfold in this tropical paradise. Stroll through magical rainforest, or laze on the white coral sands, or you may take the opportunity to enjoy the well appointed day visitor facilities. (B)
Optional: Upgrade included sightseeing and add an Outer Great Barrier Reef extension
DAY 17, Friday - Full Day in Cairns
Full day at leisure to explore Cairns independently. (B)
Optional: Full Day Kuranda Train & Rainforest Tour
DAY 18, Saturday - Depart for the USA
This morning, transfer to airport by private vehicle for your flight to the USA (B)
Optional Sightseeing Excursions
Half Day Wine Tasting on Waiheke: Why not spend your afternoon combining world-class wine with the beautiful surroundings of Waiheke Island. Following your cruise to Waiheke Island you will be met and taken to picturesque Mudbrick vineyard overlooking the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf where you will enjoy premium wine tasting. Next, you will travel to Ridgeview Estate with breathtaking views across the water to Auckland City and the Coromandel. Your experience extends to a tour of the vineyard as well as tastings and a platter of nibbles. The last vineyard to visit is Te Whau, acclaimed for its restaurant, as well as stunning 360º views and outstanding architecture. Your tour concludes at the ferry terminal for your return ferry back to Auckland, or you may choose to stay on and further explore this beautiful island. $129
Half Day West Coast Wilderness Experience : In just 30 minutes you leave behind the bustle of the city and step into the tranquility of the rainforest of the Waitakere Ranges. Travel to the Arataki Centre perched high on the ridge of the Waitakere Ranges and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Learn about and admire the magnificent traditional Maori carvings. Continue on to the lush rainforest where you can walk the easy bush tracks amongst New Zealand’s famous kauri trees and giant tree ferns. Experience the power of the wild and rugged West Coast. Feel the black sand beneath your feet as you stroll along some of the most awe-inspiring beaches the world has to offer. Hotel pick up and drop off provided. $169
Safari of the Scenes - Skippers Canyon 4WD Adventure: This scenic Skippers Canyon tour is an adventure that follows the rugged and once treacherous Skippers Road. You will travel the road that was hacked by hand into the sheer cliff sides of the Shotover River Valley making this an exciting opportunity. During the tour, you will visit many historic sites such as the Skippers Suspension Bridge and historical township of Skippers. The tour will also visit the restored school house where you will gain a real insight into the local heritage through photos and the histories of life from the early days of this settlement. On the return journey, you will stop at Deep Creek where you can immerse yourself in the customs of the local area by trying your hand at gold panning at one of the richest gold bearing rivers in the world. The tour also offers you a view of some of the Lord of the Rings film locations along Skippers Road which was voted as one of the 25 most scenic roads in the world.$167
Full Day Milford Sound Cruise with lunch: Travel by coach on an unforgettable journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Located within the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, this region is rich with dense rainforest, lakes and waterfalls cascading from rugged mountain peaks. En route to the Milford Sound stop for a morning tea break at Te Anau, the largest lake in the South Island, then pass through the glacier-hewn Eglinton Valley and stop for a photo op at Mirror Lakes. Upon arrival, enjoy a cruise on the fjord, with scenic views of the temperate rainforest, the stunningly renowned Mitre Peak, and Bowen Falls, as well as an array of wildlife such as seals, birds, and occasionally dolphins and penguins. Later this afternoon, travel back to Queenstown and view waterfalls Christie Falls and The Chasm (subject to road and weather conditions) on the way. $249
Otago Peninsula with Wellers Rock Cruise: This afternoon enjoy a stunning tour to the Otago Peninsula, home to many species of wildlife including seabirds, sea lions, fur seals and penguins. You will travel to New Zealand's only castle, Larnach Castle, which was built in 1871 by William Larnach, a merchant baron and politician. Featuring magnificent architecture and superb craftsmanship and still privately owned, the castle is even more famous for its tragic and scandalous history. You will also have an opportunity to take photos in the Castle grounds before continuing to the Headland and Wellers Rock. Lastly, enjoy a one hour wildlife cruise with an opportunity to view the exciting diversity of wildlife which abounds on spectacular Taiaroa Head, the only mainland nesting place for Northern Royal Albatross in the world and home to New Zealand fur seals. You may also see dolphins, sea lions and a fascinating array of rarely seen ocean birds including other species of albatross, penguins and marine mammals in their natural environment. Return to Dunedin on completion. $99
Afternoon/Evening Little Penguin Parade: This afternoon travel to Phillip Island and visit Australia's most popular wildlife attraction and home to the one of the largest Little Penguin colonies in the world. The Little Penguin is the world's smallest penguin and the Penguin Parade is the best place to experience this natural phenomenon. Every sunset, wild Little Penguins emerge from the sea and waddle across the beach to their sand dune burrows. Experience the parade from the viewing area at the beach and then wander the boardwalks and watch the penguins return to their burrows. $156
Lunch Cruise on Sydney Harbour: Take a two-hour luncheon cruise by catamaran on Sydney Harbour. You'll feast on a seafood buffet while cruising Sydney Harbour in a luxury air-conditioned catamaran - an unforgettable dining experience! You'll see all the sights of Sydney Harbour from the catamaran's extensive decks, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and Fort Denison. The buffet lunch, freshly prepared onboard features hot & cold dishes, a selection of salads, fresh fruit and tea or coffee. $115
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb: Experience the climb of your life! Enjoy an invigorating climb to the top of the world-famous Sydney Harbor Bridge and admire panoramic views of the city and harbor below. A professional team of experienced climbers will escort you to the very top. A complimentary photo of your climb is included.
Please be advised that there are no hotel pick-up or drop-off services included with this tour. Passengers must provide their own transfer to the Bridgeclimb Office at 3 Cumberland Street, just a short 10 minute walk from your hotel. $229
Full Day Blue Mountains with Featherdale Wildlife Park: For wilderness and wildlife, the magnificent Blue Mountains is a must see for any visitor to Sydney. Today's full day tour to the region will give you a chance to see it for yourself. Passing through quaint mountain villages, we access spectacular lookouts and the rugged Australian Bush. View the unique Three Sisters rock formation, and visit Scenicworld where there is the opportunity to ride the vertical railway (the steepest in the world according to Guinness Book of Records) or cableway into the deep canyon. Drive through picturesque Katoomba and the quaint village of Leura before descending the mountains. We visit Featherdale Wildlife Park where you may Cuddle a Koala (Note: Koalas cling to an object which you hold. At no stage are you permitted to hold Koalas directly), feed the kangaroos, view the Fairy Penguins, see the colorful Parrots, Cockatoos and Lorikeets. Walk through the reptile area, the native bird aviaries and see other unique Australian wildlife. Returning to the City in the late afternoon. $139
Full Day Kuranda Train & Rainforest Tour: Today, enjoy a full day tour to the famous Kuranda Rainforest via the Kuranda Scenic Railway. An amazing journey awaits as you travel on one of the world's most scenic rail routes, dipping through hand-hewn tunnels and over bridges spanning spectacular gorges. A stop will be made at Barron Gorge to view the Falls en route to Kuranda Station. Upon arrival, spend time exploring this quaint village before boarding the unusual amphibious Army Duck for a unique view of the Rainforest. Following your ride, join the Dreamtime Walk for an insightful glimpse into the ancient Aboriginal and Islander history of the region. Afterwards, continue to the Rainforest Amphitheater to enjoy a special performance by the Pamagirri Dancers as they perform a range of native dances which reflect the humor and excitement of their culture. Following a delicious BBQ lunch, travel to the Koala & Wildlife Park nearby. During your visit, you'll see crocodiles, koalas, and even have the opportunity to hand-feed the kangaroos and wallabies. From here, the tour takes you to the Kuranda Skyrail Terminal where, upon arrival, you will board the Skyrail and experience views of the Rainforest canopy unlike any you've seen. Along the way you'll stop briefly to take a stroll or a visit to the CSIRO Interpretive Center. Afterwards, continue to Caravonica Lakes where a coach awaits to transfer you back to your hotel. $199/$299
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