Day 1 - 2 Depart USA
We fly over the international date line on our way to Melbourne, Australia.
Day 3 - Arrive Melbourne (3 nights)
On arrival at Melbourne Airport you are transferred to your hotel. After check-in the rest of the day is free to relax or explore before a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director. Stay at the Crown Plaza Hotel.
Day 4 - Melbourne Sightseeing & at Leisure
Morning sightseeing shows us the Royal Botanic Gardens, Parliament House, the Shrine of Remembrance and more. Later enjoy time at leisure. TF. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 5 - Melbourne at Leisure
A full day at leisure to perhaps see the magnificent rock formations of the Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road or ride the Puffing Billy steam train. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 6 - Melbourne - Alice Springs
We board our morning flight to Alice Springs. On arrival a guided tour shows us the historic Telegraph Station, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and School of the Air. Later take in the view from Anzac Hill Lookout. Tonight we travel out to Ooraminna, a genuine Aussie outback homestead, to enjoy a 'Be My Guest' barbecue dinner with the Hayes family. (Buffet Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner). Stay at the Chifely Alice Spring Resort
Day 7 - Alice Springs - Ayers Rock (2 nights)
We depart early for Ayers Rock, stopping at a camel farm where you can try your hand riding 'a ship of the desert'. This evening savor a complimentary glass of wine while watching the sunset at Ulu?u (Ayers Rock) from the viewing area known as the 'sunset strip'. (Buffet Breakfast). Stay at the Desert Gardens Hotel
Day 8 - Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)
We view sunrise at Ulutu (Ayers Rock). Tour the caves at the base of Ulutu and hear stories of the Aboriginal Dreamtime. Then visit the Ulutu - Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. Later, we travel through the desert plains to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Take a walk through Walpa Gorge and gaze down the central valley of Kata Tjuta. Finally experience a spectacular sunset with complimentary sparkling wine at Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 9 - Ayers Rock - Cairns (3 nights)
This morning is at leisure before our flight to Queensland and the holiday resort of Cairns. This afternoon spend time at the Cairns Wildlife Dome where you’ll encounter unique Australian animals. (Buffet Breakfast). Stay at the Hilton Hotel
Day 10 - Great Barrier Reef
Today we join a high speed catamaran for the most unforgettable day on the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy an informative reef education presentation by a marine naturalist. See the fascinating coral formations and other exotic marine life from the underwater observatory and the semi-submersible craft. After a Highlight Lunch, there's time to relax, snorkel some more or scuba dive (own expense). (Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch / Highlight Dinner)
Day 11 - Cairns at Leisure
Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps take an excursion through the rainforest on the Skyrail Cableway to Kuranda. Or you may wish to visit Cape Tribulation and the spectacular rainforests of the Daintree National Park. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 12 - Cairns - Sydney (3 nights)
We transfer to the airport to board our flight to Sydney, where on arrival we will transfer to our hotel for an evening at leisure. Why not dine out at a restaurant along the waterfront at Circular Quay? (Buffet Breakfast). Stay at the Old Sydney Holiday Inn Hotel.
Day 13 - Sydney Sightseeing & at Leisure
After breakfast, our sightseeing tour will feature stunning views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Next we join a guided tour of the Opera House. Later, we will enjoy a luxury cruise on Sydney Harbour which includes a Highlight Lunch on board. The remainder of your day is at leisure. (Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch / Highlight Dinner)
Day 14 - Sydney at Leisure
Enjoy a full day at leisure. Maybe take a trip to Canberra, Australia's capital or an excursion to the Blue Mountains and Featherdale Wildlife Park. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 15 - Sydney - Auckland (2 nights)
You will board your morning flight to Auckland, New Zealand. On arrival you'll transfer to your hotel. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner). Stay at the Stamford Plaza Hotel
Day 16 - Auckland Sightseeing & at Leisure
Our sightseeing tour includes views from the top of Mt. Eden and the War Memorial. We stop at Viaduct Harbour, home to the 2000 America’s Cup followed by a cruise on Waitemata Harbour, the best way to see the city! (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 17 - Auckland - Rotorua
We join a guided boat tour of the Waitomo Glow Worm Grotto. Then on to Rotorua to visit the Te Puia Thermal Reserve, followed by a Maori Hangi Highlight Dinner accompanied by local wine and a concert. (Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner). Stay at the Milleniumm Hotel
Day 18 - Rotorua - Christchurch
Our sightseeing tour includes a visit to Rainbow Springs Nature Park and the Agrodome Sheep Show. Then we take an afternoon flight to Christchurch (flights to depart after 12 noon). (Buffet Breakfast). Stay at the Novotel Christchurch Hotel
Day 19 - TranzAlpine - Franz Josef
Journey through the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine Train. Continue to Franz Josef Glacier where you'll have an opportunity to enjoy an optional scenic flight (weather permitting). (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner). Stay at the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Hotel.
Day 20 - Franz Josef - Queenstown (3 nights)
Get your camera ready today as we experience some spectacular sights. We drive over the Haast Pass, past Thunder Creek Falls, Lakes Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan. We’ll enjoy the tastes of delicious stone fruit at Cromwell – the stone fruit capital. Next we visit historic gold mining village of Arrowtown on the Arrow River, previously one of the world’s richest rivers, before arriving in adventure capital Queenstown for an orientation tour. (Buffet Breakfast). Stay at the Millennnium Hotel.
Day 21 - Milford Sound
An early start for Milford Sound. You will travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau then through the rainforest of Fiordland National Park, sighting glaciers and mountain ranges. Travel through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel to abundant photo opportunities afforded by the Mirror Lakes, Claudu Valley and the Chasm en route to Milford Sound to board your cruise including a Highlight Lunch. (Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch / Highlight Dinner)
Day 22 - 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 23 - Mount Cook - Christchurch
Today we travel past Mount Cook National Park. Next we visit Lake Tekapo stopping at the Church of the Good Shepherd. We drive over the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch and enjoy a tour of the city. This evening enjoy local hospitality with a delicious 'Be My Guest' dinner with wine in a Kiwi home. (Buffet Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner). Stay at the Novote Christchurch
Day 24 - Christchurch - USA
This morning time to bid farewell as we transfer you to Christchurch Airport to connect with your flight home. (Buffet Breakfast)
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