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 (2 nights)
On arrival in Auckland, you are transferred to your hotel, with a guaranteed early check-in. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore Auckland or relax at your hotel. This evening, we enjoy a Welcome Drink and dinner with our Tour Director and fellow travelers. Dinner).TF. Stamford Plaza (D)
Day 4 - Auckland Sightseeing & at Leisure
A morning cruise on Waitemata Harbour is followed by a sightseeing tour including views from the top of Mount Eden and the War Memorial. Later we stop at the Viaduct Harbour, home to the 2000 America's Cup. Buffet Breakfast)
Day 5 - Auckland - Rotorua
Today we travel into the Waikato region and visit the incredible Waitomo Glow Worm Grotto on a guided boat tour. Then continue on to Rotorua where we visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve to view New Zealand's biggest geyser, bubbling mud pools and thermal springs. Finally we enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi Highlight Dinner accompanied by local wine and a concert.(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner). Millennium Hotel (D)
Day 6 - Rotorua - Christchurch
Our sightseeing includes a visit to beautiful Rainbow Springs and the entertaining Agrodome Sheep Show. This afternoon we fly to Christchurch on the South Island (flights to depart after 12 noon). Buffet Breakfast). Novotel Christchurch (SF)
Day 7 - TranzAlpine - Franz Josef
We board the TranzAlpine train for our journey over the Southern Alps to Arthur's Pass. Travel along the coastal road to Franz Josef Glacier where you'll have an opportunity to enjoy a short walk to view the glacier and perhaps take an optional scenic flight (weather permitting). Buffet Breakfast / Dinner). Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (MF)
Day 8 - Franz Josef - Queenstown (3 nights)
This morning we enjoy a coastal drive with views of the mighty Tasman Sea. Climb over the Haast Pass winding through Mount Aspiring National Park. Then our journey takes us past Lakes Wanaka and Hawea and heads along the Kawarau River through the Kawarau Gorge. Finally we visit the historic village of Arrowtown before we arrive at Queenstown, for our three night stay. Buffet Breakfast). Millennium Hotel (D)
Day 9 - Milford Sound
We drive through the Homer Tunnel stopping at the Chasm, before reaching Milford Sound. Enjoy a spectacular cruise and Highlight Lunch with Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls high above us. Later we return to Queenstown for the night. Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch / Highlight Dinner)
Day 10 - Queenstown at Leisure
A full day to explore action-packed Queenstown at your leisure. Go wild with a jet boat ride or white water rafting or take it easy on a wine or garden tour. Buffet Breakfast)
Day 11 - Mount Cook - Christchurch
Today our journey takes us past Mount Cook National Park. We pass Lake Pukaki and visit Lake Tekapo, stopping at the Church of the Good Shepherd. We drive over the colorful patchwork of the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. This evening enjoy local hospitality with a 'Be My Guest' dinner in a Kiwi home. You are invited into the home of direct descendants from the first ships to arrive in Christchurch in 1850. They will give you a personal tour of their historic home and gardens before serving a delicious 3 course home-cooked dinner complete with canapés and local wine. Buffet Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner). Novotel Christchurch (SF)
Day 12 - Christchurch - Melbourne
This morning we will board our flight to Melbourne, Australia. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Buffet Breakfast). Crowne Plaza (MD)
Day 13 - 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. Buffet Breakfast)
Day 14 - Melbourne - Cairns (2 nights)
We board our flight to the city of Cairns. 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 and watch a Pamagirri Guide play the didgeridoo. Visit the Wildlife Park to see native Australian animals including kangaroos, koalas and crocodiles.(Buffet Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner). Hilton Hotel (D)
Day 15 - Great Barrier Reef
Join a high speed catamaran and cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. See coral and tropical fish from the underwater observatory and semi-submersible craft. There is the opportunity to go snorkeling and view this natural living wonder up close (equipment provided). Enjoy a Highlight Lunch and return to Cairns late afternoon. Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch / Highlight Dinner)
Day 16 - Cairns - Sydney (3 nights)
It's a late morning flight to Sydney, where you'll enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure.(Buffet Breakfast). The Grace Hotel
Day 17 - Sydney Sightseeing & at Leisure
Our sightseeing tour includes views of Sydney Harbour from Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair. We then join a guided tour of the Opera House. Later, we’ll board a luxury cruise on Sydney Harbour which includes a Highlight Lunch. This afternoon you will have the chance to learn about Australia’s national gemstone - the opal. Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch / Highlight Dinner)
Day 18 - Sydney at Leisure
A full day at leisure. Why not take an excursion to the Blue Mountains and see some of Australia’s native wildlife at Featherdale Wildlife Park? We’ll gather together this evening for a Farewell Dinner with our Tour Director and new-found friends. Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)
Day 19 - Sydney - USA
Time to bid farewell as we transfer you to the airport for your flight home. Buffet Breakfast) |
